“Believe not that in the land of Gondor the blood of Númenor is spent, nor all its pride and dignity forgotten. By our valour the wild folk of the East are still restrained, and the terror of Morgul kept at bay; and thus alone are peace and freedom maintained in the lands behind us, bulwark of the West. But if the passages of the River should be won, what then?” - Gondor’s strength and problem
Campaign Features
Beacons of Gondor
Light the Beacons of Gondor and recieve aid from Rohan
Denethor’s Madness
Keep Denethor’s encroaching madness at bay by maintaining stability and ensuring his sons survive
Reunited Kingdom
Follow the lures of Faramir’s dream and send him on an epic journey to Rivendell and find Aragorn to return lordship of Gondor to the true king
Control Dol Amroth (V3)
Play as both Gondor and Dol Amroth or entrust the control of your fief to Lord Imrahil and his men. Alternatively, annex Dol Amroth completely.
These are truly formidable troops whose task it is to guard the Captains of Gondor. Wearing the best Gondorian plate armour and wielding expertly crafted swords, these elite troops fear little on the battlefield and make fearsome opponents. Loyal and disciplined, they gladly carry the banner of Gondor across the face of Middle-earth.
Anfalas, or Langstrand as it's referred to by the people of Gondor, is a coastal region that lies between the rivers Lefnui and Morthond, south of Pinnath Gelin. The history of this land is ancient, bearing the boots of the first Numenoreans that would eventually come to populate the rest of Gondor and it's further frontiers. What was once a bustling coastline of trade and activity has now been reduced to a daily struggle for survival and hope. The Corsairs of Umbar and it's allies mount constant raids on the towns and villages of Anfalas, attacking with such swiftness they give the swarthy men of the coast little time for reprise or defence. With Gondor stretched so thin, Lord Golasgil has little resources to effectively govern his domain and so the protection of the people falls largely to themselves.
The strandguard are the first line of defence against Corsair raids are often much hardier and battle-ready than the herdsmen from further North and as such, they are expected to serve in the Lord's household guard.
Anfalas, or Langstrand as it's referred to by the people of Gondor, is a coastal region that lies between the rivers Lefnui and Morthond, south of Pinnath Gelin. The history of this land is ancient, bearing the boots of the first Numenoreans that would eventually come to populate the rest of Gondor and it's further frontiers. What was once a bustling coastline of trade and activity has now been reduced to a daily struggle for survival and hope. The Corsairs of Umbar and it's allies mount constant raids on the towns and villages of Anfalas, attacking with such swiftness they give the swarthy men of the coast little time for reprise or defence. With Gondor stretched so thin, Lord Golasgil has little resources to effectively govern his domain and so the protection of the people falls largely to themselves.
The farmers and labourers arm themselves with what swords they can find, donning thin cloth tabards with a faded symbol of their once great kingdom. The few too weak to don a sword instead learn to utilize the sling, slung with sharp rocks and stones washed up on the shore many centuries ago. Burnt by the sun, sea air in their nostrils, hope in their hearts and a sling by their side, they stand ready.
Blackroot Vale is a fertile valley situated on the southern side of the White Mountains. Its lush grassland sustained by the Blackroot River is home to many men who acknowledge Gondor's banner as their own. Though the Gondorians of Blackroot Vale are a rustic people far from the more civilized coastlines of Dol Amroth and Pelargir or the high walls of Minas Tirith, they are known across the land as skilled bowmen and are a welcome addition to Gondor's armies. Living so close to the slopes of the White Mountains these archers are used to difficult terrain and due to their life style are quite self-sufficient being able to craft their own arrows and maintain their bows while living off the land and surviving by hunting. As the drums of war begin to echo across the White Mountains the people of Blackroot Vale are wary and are making themselves battle-ready for Gondor shall soon have need of them.
Chosen men, handpicked by Lord Boromir himself to join him on the field of battle. Wearing the best Gondorian plate armour and wielding expertly crafted swords, these elite troops fear little on the battlefield and make fearsome opponents. Loyal and disciplined, they carry the banner of their Steward, and their lord Boromir across the face of Middle-earth.
Ithilien Rangers are amongst the hardiest men in Gondor. Those who survive the challenges of the Rangers of Ithilien may eventually join the ranks of the Elite Rangers. These seasoned veterans operate covertly, protecting Gondor's borders from the shadows. Directly reporting to the ranger captain, the best of Ithilien are a threat to all Gondor's enemies, whether by the bow or the sword.
The Guards of the Citadel, sometimes referred to as the Guards of the Tower of Gondor, were the warriors responsible for guarding the upmost level of Minas Tirith, especially the courtyard that held the fountain and the White Tree of Gondor, and gave way the thronehall.They served as personal bodyguards to the Kings of Gondor, and later to the Stewards of Gondor until King Aragorn II Elessar's coronation. However, with Gondor surrounded on all fronts by new enemies and with old allies facing threats of their own, the Citadel Guard's expertise was neded sorely on the frontlines. As such, the Guard were sent forth to recruit from all of Gondor's towns and cities and to select only the finest soldiers to join them. What was once a ceremonial Guard of the King and his home is now Gondor's most elite fighting force.
The Princedom of Dol Amroth is famous for its Swan Knights and it is often overlooked that such great and noble men came from the lower ranks. Among them are the Men at Arms that march into battle at side of their lords. They are diverse lot, among their ranks one can find young soldiers willing to prove themselves, lesser nobles that cannot afford their own equipment and training, old veterans or faithful servants. In battle the Men at Arms of Dol Amroth fight with sword and shield. In such case they are good infantry unit fit for heavy figthing. REQUIRES TARNOST, LINHIR, TOLFALAS, METHRAST, DOL AMROTH OR EDHELLOND
Gondorian troops who guard the Fountain and the White Tree. They are not allowed to talk when on duty and they wear silk masks to remind visitors and themselves of the absolute silence. They are the finest of Gondor picked from the best of best and led by the Steward's son.
Although these archers are not as skilled as Elves, nor do they wield the fabled hollow steel bow of the Númenóreans, they should still be a force to reckon with. The strength and stature of these archers means they can shoot a Longbow with ease, even if they’re clad in full plate armour. The armour means they need a longer time to reload their great bows and are slow to move, but they will stand their ground in melee combat. Armed with a sword and trained as Gondorian Infantry, they fear few enemies and are expected to fend off most attacking infantry.
Gondor has always had a long and proud military tradition. However, most Gondorians prefer to fight their enemies on foot, rather than mounted. Over the centuries, Gondor has usually entrusted the task of providing cavalry to its vassals and allies. The Knights of Gondor are talented horse riders, but most of all, these are men who are capable of controlling the offspring of the mearas, a breed of intelligent horses imported from Rohan. The mearas are known to be hard to control if there is no connection between the horse and the rider, a bond that is usually developed since childhood. For this reason, it is rare to see Knights of the Realm of Gondor in battle. However, once they arrive into the field they will crush enemies of Gondor with lance and sword.
The Realm of Gondor has fought numerous wars against numerous enemies. Their Lords are very experienced in the arts of war and fighting, and the citizens of Gondor are all expected to earn their keep when the horn of Gondor sounds. Most of the brave men of Gondor are trained as regular infantry, armed with a solid metal shield and a steel longsword. For centuries, the kingdom of Gondor has relied on the strong traditions of these heavy infantry. When the storm clouds begin to gather once again at the end of the Third Age, most of the Gondorian Infantry eagerly anticipate the opportunity of serving their country with arms in their hands. Armoured with full plate mail, they are the backbone of the Gondorian Army.
Usually wielding 8 foot spears, these troops support Gondor's main infantry and are often placed on the flanks of a formation to protect against cavalry assaults. Similarly equipped as their sword-wielding kinsmen, they wear plate armour, with the symbolic White Tree embossed on the breast-plate. Provided with a heavy oak shield reinforced with steel, they are well defended from arrow fire and close combat. These competent troops won't think twice before laying down their lives in the protection of The White City.
Only the bravest and strongest of Gondor's men get the honour of joining the Guards of Osgiliath after it was rebuild. These are the Elite soldiers of the Kingdom of Gondor, always ready to defend and die for their beloved city of Osgiliath. When called upon the battlefield they wear full plate of the highest quality, silver blue-coloured armour and a night-black cloak.
After the Dark Lord Sauron returned to Mordor, the fair region of Ithilien was abandoned by its inhabitants. The Stewards of Gondor created the Rangers of Ithilien for both scouting and ambushing purposes. These brave men are mostly descendants from people who lived in the green lands of Ithilien before it was deserted. Masters of hiding in forests, they are perfect for hit and run tactics or ambushing. They wield their powerful longbows with great accuracy and have swords for close combat. Armoured mostly with camouflaged leather, they can’t be trusted to hold their ground against heavily armed forces.
Gondor has always had a long and proud military tradition. However, most Gondorians prefer to fight their enemies on foot, rather than mounted. Over the centuries, Gondor has usually entrusted the task of providing cavalry to its vassals and allies. The Knights of Gondor are talented horse riders, but most of all, these are men who are capable of controlling the offspring of the mearas, a breed of intelligent horses imported from Rohan. The mearas are known to be hard to control if there is no connection between the horse and the rider, a bond that is usually developed since childhood. For this reason, it is rare to see Knights of the Realm of Gondor in battle. However, once they arrive into the field they will crush enemies of Gondor with lance and sword.
REQUIRES CAIR ANDROS, MINAS TIRITH, WEST OSGILIATH OR CARATHAN
Lamedon, divided many times by the waters of the rivers Ciril and Ringlo, sits in the shadow of the great White Mountains of Gondor. In the summer, secluded and separated from the ongoing war, the people here enjoy relative peace compared to the many that border them. They spend their time tending to their flocks and idling by the streams and tributaries that flow down from the mountains. This peace does not last all year long however, as when winter comes, the ground is covered in a thick layer of snow and strong, icy winds tear through the sparsely populated towns and villages. All manner of beasts, birds and other nameless things descend out of the mountains in search of food and rather than foolishly risking their lives warding off these creatures alone, the men of Lamedon divide themselves into small groups or clans, usually led by a chosen "champion" and take the fight North. Adorned proudly in thick leather and gambeson, passed down from their forefathers, the Clansmen arm themselves with shields and maces, knowing that this is not a task of glory but one of duty and importance. There are some however, who have greater ambitions. Ambitions of war. Ambitions of slaying more than just mountain beasts. These "Champions", as they are known amongst the Lamedon people, are those brave (or foolish) enough to cast down their shields and opt instead for a larger, more traditional two-handed claymore or sword. They live or die by their swordsmanship and as such, have garnered quite a reputation amongst the rank and file of Gondor's armies. Woe unto thee who do not recognize these men for what they truly are, for by the time the tartan is slung, it is likely too late..
Lamedon is one of the most populated fiefdoms of Gondor and so it is no surprise that the people of this region hold the defence of their nation in high regard. Despite having a high population, the region is very hilly and is divided into sections by two key rivers; the Ciril and Ringló. Due to the highland nature of their home, many inhabitants live in tight-nit 'clan' like communities that act as satellite settlements surrounding Ethring and Calembel. These clans have developed quite a distinct subculture so when the forces of Lamedon are called to honour, the result is battalions of hardy men marching to war in their clans' distinctive garb. The clansmen eschew heavy armour in favour of freedom of movement; which is no bad thing owing to the maces and shields that these warriors favour in battle! They rely on surprise and swiftness in battle to outmaneuver more heavily armoured and slow-footed foes before crushing helm and head with fierce blows with their bludgeoning maces.
For as long as the men of Harad have been trying to cross into Gondor, there have been men to stop them. The Lebennin Marines have been some of the most ardent opposition to the Haradrim, and are often the first and last line of defense in the region of Lebennin. For years, they have made sacrifices in order to protect the rest of Gondor from war, and for all this time, they have managed to hold their ground. Though they are not the most capable of soldiers, they can at least be counted as professional soldiers. The nearly constant raids of Lebennin by the Haradrim and the Corsairs of Umbar is the main reason for the relatively high quality of the Lebennin Marines. Many of them are veterans who have survived ordeals most professional soldiers have yet to even dream of. Once they hear the call of war, the Marines will gather their javelins and spears, prepared to staunchly defend their lands once more.
Lossarnach, flowered vales and fertile land of the White Mountains, brings fierce warriors to Gondor's forces. Warriors who are slightly swarthier and shorter than other men in Gondor come bearing great battle-axes and are well-armoured. They are a great unit for shock attacks and for bloody close combat.
The Lossarnach Household Guard are the personal guard of the lord of this fiefdom. Bearing great battle-axes to the field of battle and well-armoured in the finest plate and mail that Lossarnach has to offer. They stand ready at all times to protect their lords and will never retreat from a fight.
With the Morgul Vale cleansed of the foul taint of the Úlari and their servants the Tower of the Moon once again stands ready to protect Gondor from the shadow. Stationed at Minas Ithil are the newly formed Guardians. Recruited from the ranks of veterans that have fought against the hosts of the dark lord, these men have taken a vow to stand vigilant against the shadow and to protect the Tower of the Moon for the awaited return of the king. Armed and armoured with the very best gear from Gondor’s armouries, these soldiers fight in highly disciplined ranks of heavy swordsmen. Proudly wearing tabards that show the new symbol of Minas Ithil – the moon and tree, and ready to lay down their lives in the defence of Gondor; these men will fight to the very end. With the defence of the newly named Minas Ithil an absolute priority, these men have been known to fight under the banner of other forces of good in order to protect the Vale.
For years, Osgilliath has been one of the main battlefields in the war between Gondor and Mordor. However, through the efforts of Gondor's men-at-arms, the city has been held. Adapting to combat in the harsh conditions of Osgilliath is a difficult task, and the cost to both sides has been terrible. Still, those Gondorians who survive the ordeals of Osgilliath are prepared for harsh conditions. Throughout their trials, the soldiers who fight in Osgilliath have learned to fight using multiple methods. They are equipped with bows, but unlike most other archers, they are also very capable melee fighters. Furthermore, Osgilliath Veterans have already seen the very worst Mordor has to offer. They will not even flinch in the face of near suicidal odds, because their lives have been an almost constant cycle of battles against innumerable enemies. While the skills of these men are incredible, it should be noted that they are not invincible, and that they are few in number. The loss of them can be just as catastrophic as constantly holding them in reserve. Without sacrifice, there can be no victory: such is the nature of the conflict these men have become used to.
The fiefdom of Pinnath Gelin, the Green Hills, is a peaceful and pleasant region of Gondor, sheltered from both the threat of Mordor to the east and the frequent raids of the Corsairs of Umbar to the south. But this peace will soon come to it’s end, for Sauron is once again gathering his forces and prepares to cover all in his shadow.
The soldiers of Pinnath Gelin are known to be courageous men, skilled with the use of the spear and the sword, and determined to protect their beautiful home, and Gondor, with all they have. The cavalry of Pinnath Gelin in particular are some of the finest mounted warriors of Gondor, outside of the Swan Knights of the Prince of Dol Amroth. Armoured in fine chainmail, and proudly wearing the green tabbards of their home, they will ride out against Gondor’s enemies and fight with skill and fervour.
The Fiefdom of Pinnath Gelin, the Greenhills is located far to the west in Gondor, bording the river Lfnui in the west and the Morthond in the east. The lords and nobles of Pinnath Gelin have long held the western border safe and have thus relied on the mounted soldiers to quickly move around this vast and open landscape. These men however are tasked with the defence of the old border forts towards the wilderness of Enedwaith and often find themselves defending against savage raids. Armed with axes and shields these men are trained and equipped to hold the walls and if necessary, even repair them.
The fiefdom of Pinnath Gelin, the Green Hills, is a peaceful and pleasant region of Gondor, sheltered from both the threat of Mordor to the east and the frequent raids of the Corsairs of Umbar to the south. But this peace will soon come to it’s end, for Sauron is once again gathering his forces and prepares to cover all in his shadow.
The soldiers of Pinnath Gelin are known to be courageous men, skilled with the use of the spear and the sword, and determined to protect their beautiful home, and Gondor, with all they have. The cavalry of Pinnath Gelin in particular are some of the finest mounted warriors of Gondor, outside of the Swan Knights of the Prince of Dol Amroth. Armoured in fine chainmail, and proudly wearing the green tabbards of their home, they will ride out against Gondor’s enemies and fight with skill and fervour.
While the Ringló people are largely scattered around the chillflood and it's tributataries, it's largest settlement, Ethring, is home to the Lord of this small fiefdom. Given the small size of this fief, finding enough men for the Lord's personal bodyguard can often be difficult and so unlike other larger fiefs, the Ringló House Guards are comprised mainly of volunteers and those who have served Gondor in the great wars.
The Ringló Vale, a large winding valley named after the river that snakes through it's steep hills, is home to the Ringló people. These people, scattered across the mountainside in small towns and villages are known across Gondor for their proficiency with the pike. A naturally suited weapon to the narrow passes and fords of this region, they are an invaluble asset to any Gondorian commander, especially in defensive battles and those against large cavalry forces.
Just as it is the Steward of Gondor's task to safeguard Gondor until the return of the king, it is the Steward's Guards task to safeguard him. Bearing some of the finely crafted armour by Men in Middle-earth, shields bearing the Seal of the Steward and swords crafted by Gondor's finest swordsmiths, this elite guard guarantees the safety of the Steward both on and off the battlefield at all times.
Gondorian guardsmen are levied territorial troops whose main purpose is to defend the far flung outposts of their homeland. They operate under the control of local lords and assist in defending their home regions until the more advanced troops can be mustered. Though usually found in the less advanced territories of Gondor, they are prepared to defend any city during the absence of better trained and equipped troops. Technically, they can also be used to bolster the numbers of any active army. However, generals should note that these men are citizens first, and soldiers second; they will be overwhelmed by most regular army troops.
Consisting of volunteers who wish to do their part in Gondor's defence, these militiamen are pretty well motivated and equipped, which somewhat compensates for their rudimentary training. They are prime candidates for police duties and deterring small groups of raiders. A good commander may be able to use them in more serious engagements as they can prove to be quite effective in a defending position with their well-timed volleys.
The White Company was the personal bodyguard of the Prince of Ithilien. These men formed from the most loyal rangers of Captain Faramir's forces, soldiers who fought with the young captain since the first days of the war, having fought many battles and reclaimed the fiefdom of Ithilien. These men have proven their worth and have been assigned as the guard of this newly founded Prince.
The counter-weight Trebuchet is an evolution of the man-powered catapults. It was introduced by the Gondorian army as an effective siege and defence engine capable of lobbing large wall-crushing boulders. The Trebuchet is also able to fling such things as burning missiles and rotten animal remains to devastate enemy units.
These artillery pieces resemble giant crossbows on a simple wheeled carriage. They can hurl javelins with great accuracy, and the power of these machines means that their bolts can pierce any armour.
Constructed of wood and capable of flinging stones large enough to crush a man's head, the catapult is a common sight on the battlefields of Middle-earth.