With Defence of the North almost upon us, we decided to catch up with Warhammer Studio designer Jay Clare to learn more about what went into this latest supplement for the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game.
Warhammer Community: So, how did Defence of the North come about?
Jay Clare: We’re always looking for fresh avenues to explore when creating a new supplement, and the events in the north during the time of the War of the Ring are something we’ve never really touched upon before. It is a setting I’ve always wanted to work on – the battles between Erebor and Dale and the Easterlings in particular are exciting, and play an important role in the story that we don’t get to see in the films. We wanted to take the opportunity to bring that to the tabletop for the first time.
WarCom: Is it just the Battle of Dale that this supplement focuses on, then?
Jay: Not at all! Defence of the North covers all aspects of the Dark Lord’s wars on the northern realms. Of course, there is the Easterling assault on Erebor and Dale, but Sauron also sends his Orc armies to attack the Elven kingdoms of Mirkwood and Lothlórien. His grand plan is to have the Easterlings take Erebor, one of his forces defeat the Elves of Mirkwood, and then have everything converge on Lothlórien to crush Galadriel’s armies.
The supplement goes into detail on all of these events, and even provides three linked campaigns (one for each region) in which players can fight through the whole story. The result of one campaign will even have an effect on the others.
WarCom: Sounds like there are plenty of Narrative Scenarios. Do you have any particular favourites?
Jay: There are quite a few that I am very fond of – the Plains of Erebor, Gollum’s Escape and Siege of Erebor Scenarios immediately spring to mind. Though if I had to pick just one, it would be Burning of Mirkwood – it’s such a unique Scenario, with the Elves desperately trying to protect five ancient trees and the Orcs determined to set them ablaze. It provides a different experience for players, and that’s what I like about a lot of the Narrative Scenarios in the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game.
WarCom: Of all the new profiles, which would you say is your favourite?
Jay: That’s a tough one! I think it has to be the Dragon Emperor of Rhûn. He was such a complex character to write rules for, given that he is riding his spectacular Royal Palanquin, but I do love a challenge! Getting those rules right took some time, but that’s what made writing his rules so fulfilling. A lot of testing went into the Dragon Emperor, and I’m really proud of how he turned out.
WarCom: Do you have a favourite of the new Legendary Legions?
Jay: It’s a toss-up between the Host of the Dragon Emperor and the Beornings. Both are a lot of fun to play with and have plenty of tricks up their sleeves!
The Host of the Dragon Emperor is great for getting loads of heavily-armoured Easterlings onto the table alongside all of the new characters. It also allows the Heroes to fight at their full potential so you can really get the most out of them. On the other hand, the Beornings let me put two bears and a bunch of burly woodsmen onto the battlefield and get stuck right in with the enemy! Who doesn’t love the sound of that?
I’m planning on taking them to some future events, so watch this space!
WarCom: What are you most proud of in Defence of the North?
Jay: I think it’s the improvements to the Easterlings army list. Easterlings have always been a popular faction, but haven't had any new units for a long time. Defence of the North changes that, and breathes new life into the army with a slew of new Heroes and Warriors.* I’m really proud of how we’ve been able to develop them as a whole.
Thanks, Jay! Defence of the North is available soon, so why not muster your own force of Easterlings, Elves, Warriors of Dale, or whatever else takes your fancy in preparation for the new supplement?
* The forces of Evil aren’t alone in getting fancy new reinforcements – check out the magnificent new commanders and deadly war machines on the war for Dale.