War Drakes of Rhûn: Venomous Beasts of the East

The forces of Evil in Middle-earth are expanding with the introduction of two formidable additions: the War Drakes of Rhûn and the Corsairs of Umbar Ballista.

These units not only enhance the tactical options for players but also deepen the lore and diversity of the game.

The War Drakes of Rhûn are a rare and fearsome sight, even in the eastern territories of Middle-earth. Highly esteemed by the Easterlings, particularly the Dragon Cult, these stocky, venomous lizards are symbols of status and power. In battle, their Slow-acting Venom gradually debilitates enemies, reducing their Fight Value and Attacks by 1 for the remainder of the game upon being wounded.

These creatures are crafted from Forge World resin and are sold in packs of two, each featuring two head options for customization. Their rules will be detailed in the forthcoming “Armies of Middle-earth” supplement, a comprehensive 192-page hardback that expands unit options and army-building possibilities

Corsairs of Umbar Ballista: Maritime Might on Land

The Corsairs of Umbar, notorious for their coastal raids on Gondor, are reinforcing their ranks with a new artillery piece: the Corsair Ballista. This wicked light artillery, manned by a crew of three, has been adapted from shipboard use to land-based warfare. It boasts a Strength 8 attack and features special rules such as Direct Shot, Piercing Shot, and Bladed Bolts, making it a formidable addition to the Corsair arsenal.

The Corsair Ballista is also a Forge World resin model, including four single-pose miniatures. Its rules can be found in “The Armies of The Lord of the Rings” supplement, ensuring seamless integration into existing Corsair forces.

In addition to the Ballista, several classic Corsair miniatures are returning, including the Lords of Umbar (Dalamyr, Fleetmaster of Umbar, and two Hasharin), the Bo’sun, Captain, and Crossbowmen. These returning figures provide players with a wealth of options to customize and expand their Corsair armies.

Strategic Implications and Gameplay Dynamics

The introduction of the War Drakes of Rhûn and the Corsair Ballista significantly enhances the strategic depth of the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game.

• War Drakes of Rhûn: Their ability to debilitate enemy units over time makes them ideal for softening up key targets before a decisive assault. Their presence on the battlefield can force opponents to reconsider their formations and engagement strategies.
• Corsair Ballista: This artillery piece provides the Corsairs with much-needed ranged support, allowing them to threaten enemy units from a distance. Its special rules make it particularly effective against tightly packed formations and heavily armored foes.

These additions not only diversify the tactical options available to players but also enrich the narrative possibilities within the game, offering new scenarios and challenges that reflect the evolving conflicts of Middle-earth.

Conclusion

The War Drakes of Rhûn and the Corsairs of Umbar Ballista are exciting additions to the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game, offering players new tactical tools and narrative opportunities. Whether you’re looking to expand your Easterling forces with venomous beasts or bolster your Corsair ranks with formidable artillery, these units provide fresh avenues for gameplay and storytelling. Keep an eye out for their release in the upcoming supplements to bring these formidable forces to your tabletop battles.

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