Welcome back to ‘The Road Goes Ever On and On’ – the monthly blog covering all things Middle-earth. This month we’ll be investigating the details of last month’s teaser, while there’s another pictorial clue at the end of the article…
Last week’s glimpse of an upcoming miniature for the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game was an Arnor banner… yet something seemed a bit off with the holes and tattered edges.
If you’re thinking that this hardly makes it fit to be flown by the armies of Arnor themselves, you’d be right. This banner is slung over the shoulders of Nazthák, a conniving Orc captain who now uses it as a cloak.
Nazthák has been in the service of Angmar ever since the Witch-king came to the northern lands, rising through the ranks thanks to his exceptional cunning and a knack for self-preservation. A scavenger by nature, Nazthák has made a habit of scrounging what he can from the bodies of the fallen to aid him in battle, which is how he got his grubby mitts on the banner he now wears as a grim reminder of the threat that constantly looms over the northern lands.
Nazthák’s statline resembles that of almost any other Angmar Orc Captain – albeit with a tasty 3 Might Points – however, he only starts the game with a dagger. Whilst that may seem like a major downside, Nazthák’s Scavenge special rule allows him to cherry pick the best wargear from those he slays in battle.
This is perhaps one of the most unique special rules in the game, granting Nazthák access to all manner of wargear options depending on who he is facing. He can use a shield, a bow, an Elven weapon, or even a banner or war horn should he kill the right enemy – and may discard any wargear at will should he find something better. It also means he can gain unique items of wargear from legendary Heroes, giving him the potential to wield the likes of Andúril, the Oakenshield, Herugrim, or even the Arkenstone! Just remember that in order to carry such items, Nazthák needs to actually kill their bearer in combat – a rather tall order in most cases, but certainly not impossible!
Finally, as a natural survivor, Nazthák also has access to Heroic Defence, which gives him a far better chance of escaping death’s clutches and slinking off into the shadows once again.
What’s Next?
Nazthák will be available later in the year, but what about this month’s teaser? Well, take a look below…
What could this be, and who would have wargear quite like that? Well, you’ll just have to check back in next month’s ‘The Road Goes Ever On and On…’ blog to find out!