24 replies to this topic

[Jsmooth13]

He has a point, Elves never ride steeds into battle.

[Bard]

Never is such an inappropriate word. They rode into battle numerous times in the First Age. They also rode in the Third Age, led by Glorfindel against Angmar. Though at both these times the riders were of Noldorin origin and "Amroth's Knights" were probably of Sindarin/Nandorin/Silvan origin. Nonetheless it is highly debatable that the other divisions of elves did not ride into battle.

By the way, no where is it stated that the elves "prefered not to use horses in battle, because they didn't want to harm any animal".

Edited by Elostirion, 11 April 2006 - 09:43 AM.

[Azrael]

Owned

It's amazing, Elostirion, you're knowledge of Tolkien's works justs shuts up anyone who gets it wrong

[Artifice]

How is every topic turned into a LOTR facts competition?

[Celeglin]

Back on the "Elves being cavalry oriented" issue... Having more than one cavalry-type unit does not necessarily mean they can have more cavalry in their army: it just means they can have some more variety. Furthermore, Rohan can still have a stronger cavalry army as the Rohirrim cost less command points than their Elven counterparts, plus 5 cavalry heroes, summonable Royal Guard from two of them, and then Rohirric archers. Though yes, aside from the Royal Guards, the Riders of Rivendell and Amroth's Knights are the strongest cavalry battalions out there, you most certainly couldn't have an army focused around them. Neither Arwen nor Glorfindel offer leadership to them, and Galadriel and Elrond can't keep up with them. Rohirrim, on the other hand, get leadership from Theoden, Eomer, and Gamling.

Bleh.. As I foresee this question coming up, I'll address it now: yes, the Elven units are all very powerful. The Riders and Knights are at the top of the cavalry charts. Spearmen of the Havens can beat any other melee infantry battalion. Galadhrim Warriors are the most powerful infantry battalion in the game. Even Mirkwood Scouts can be incredibly effective (especially in their new Ambush formation) so long as you can keep them from getting hit. As I've said before, the problem is getting them out there: the time it takes to earn the resources and the time it takes to produce these units makes playing as them not as much a cakewalk as you'd think. Losing a battalion is a very heavy blow, so seige weapons, enemy heroes, and spell book powers are all large threats. Losing a level 2 Elven Barracks means having to rebuild the barracks (600) and recruiting Spearmen until the structure levels up (usually takes 2-4 (600 per)) before you can purchase more Galadhrim.

Edited by Celeglin, 12 April 2006 - 12:21 PM.