Earlier this year at Ardacon, the Middle-earth team revealed that the next supplement after Fall of the Necromancer would be Defence of the North – a narrative expansion set during the latter years of the Third Age and the War of the Ring. Well, following a seminar at the Battles in Middle-earth event at Warhammer World, we can now show you even more about this upcoming addition.
Prepare to enter a new theatre of war as you battle for the survival of Erebor, Dale, and the woodland realms of the Elves.
Where’s it Set?
Even as the
marshalled his armies to march on Gondor and sack the White City, he sent forth more of his legions to lay ruin to the strongholds of the Free Peoples in the north, including Erebor, Dale, Thranduil’s Halls, and even Lothlórien. Sauron’s plans may have been thwarted once before at the Battle of Five Armies, but this time he sent forth a vast host of the finest troops at his disposal – the
– and unleashed another enormous horde of
from the fortress of Dol Guldur in Mirkwood.
Led by the Dragon Emperor of Rhûn himself, the Easterlings laid siege to Erebor. After many days of fighting, the alliance of Dwarves and Men eventually triumphed, but their success came at a terrible price, including the death of their respective kings, Daín II Ironfoot and Brand.
Meanwhile, the Woodland Realm of Thranduil and the Golden Wood of Lothlórien came under heavy attack from countless Orcs, Spiders, Wargs, and other foul creatures that had grown strong in the fell dungeons of Dol Guldur. They were ultimately defeated by the armies of Thranduil and Celeborn, though the Elves too paid dearly for their victory.
What’s in it?
The supplement itself follows the now-familiar format for the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game’s narrative expansions, including:
– New profiles for the heroes and villains that fought for the fate of the North
– Updated army lists that incorporate the new profiles
– A whopping 22 Narrative Play Scenarios that allow you to reenact the battles fought in the northern theatre
– A campaign system linking each Narrative Play Scenario together
– Six Legendary Legions that enable you to field bespoke armies inspired by the narrative
Here are two of the new Heroes available to the forces of Evil – Razgûsh and Muzgúr.
Razgûsh is Sauron’s war leader in the north, and commands the armies marching forth from Dol Guldur. Razgûsh is a veteran of many wars against the Elves, and holds a bitter hatred for their kind. What’s more, he’s slain more than his fair share with his fearsome mace, Bone-breaker.
Muzgúr, meanwhile, is no mere Orc Shaman. The source of his power is shrouded in mystery, and his debilitating sorcery sets him apart from others of his kind. More disturbing still is that he’s able to feed on death to fuel his dark magic. Creepy.
Here’s one final treat, courtesy of the Middle-earth team – in their seminar, they showed a silhouetted image of one of the new miniatures that will be accompanying Defence of the North…
Can you guess what it is? Give us your best theories – and what you’re looking forward to most in the upcoming supplement – on the Warhammer Official Facebook page, and sign up to our newsletter to hear about its release date first.