August brings with it the much-anticipated release of the latest FAQ and Designer’s Commentary for the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game. We had the privilege to sit down with Jay Clare, the esteemed head loremaster of Middle-earth, to gain insights into the changes this update brings.
Jay Clare enthusiastically shares, “The second biannual FAQ update is here! With Middle-earth events flourishing globally and players engaging passionately with their beloved armies, our Middle-earth team has been meticulously observing results and rules discussions.”
The heart of this update lies in preserving the thematic essence of Middle-earth while ensuring game balance. Jay highlights two particular adjustments that have been made to enrich players’ experience.
1. Assault on Lothlórien The Assault on Lothlórien Legendary Legion, a prominent contender on top tables, sometimes veered away from its intended theme. To rectify this, two key rules have been introduced. Muzgúr, the commanding presence of the force, is now mandated as the army’s leader. Additionally, the balance between Orcs and Goblins is reestablished, requiring an equal representation of both forces in the list.
2. Master of Lake-town A surge in low-points Warriors with cheap Heroes allied with formidable figures posed a challenge. For the Army of Lake-town, where significant Heroes often assumed leadership, a new rule was devised. “Who would have the nerve to question my authority?” now designates the Master of Lake-town as the leader, even across Heroic Tiers. This change aims to rekindle thematic fidelity.
Other impactful adjustments have been made. Addressing the issue of flying creatures and In The Way rolls, the rules have been refined to ensure fairness. Furthermore, lists that were performing slightly above expectations have been rebalanced. Isengard Assault Ballistae will now re-roll only 1s To Hit and Scatter, not any result. The Beornings, on the other hand, see their Great Resilience roll upgraded from a 5+ to a natural 6.
The Middle-earth team is confident that these nuanced adjustments, alongside others present in this month’s Designer’s Commentary, will contribute to elevated gaming experiences. Fans can eagerly anticipate the next update scheduled for February 2024.
Explore the latest FAQ and Designer’s Commentary updates by visiting the FAQs page and downloading the complimentary PDF updates tailored to your Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game edition of choice. As the Middle-earth journey continues to evolve, these updates ensure both thematic integrity and engaging gameplay.
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