Fourth Age: Total War Update - The Wains of Rhûn

**Apoc** · 05-25-2006, 16:01

Continuing the signature unit theme, we bring you

The Wains of Rhûn

The Easterlings' chariots represent the two extremes of their army. The first wains are used by the chieftans and warlords (Noblemen would be pushing the definition somewhat) of Rhûn to carry them into battle in as imposing and impressive way as possible, the better to instill fear in the enemy and admiration in their own men. The second are used by the farmers and smiths of the land to carry them to new lands of prosperity and plenty, or so they hope. These wagons replace warriors for wives and axes for cooking pots and are far less of a spectacle on the battlefield.

The Chieftan's Wains go to battle decked in the shields of warriors from all areas of Rhûn, displaying to their followers that they have the best interests of the entire Easterling people in mind. The shields are also a warning to any foe from within or without- this leader has the support of all the Eastern lands. Not that foes facing down the Easterling chieftans need much by way of a warning. The rows of vicious spikes that line the front of the wain and the cruel scythed blades that grin from their wheel demonstrate clearly enough that these men have no mind for negotiations. Not, at least, until they've finished conquering and pillaging and you're in no position to refuse anything.

Every civilisation in The Fourth Age: Total War has a settler unit, which they use to populate newly conquered cities and territories. The Easterlings, however, have access to a unique kind of settler unit: horse-drawn wains. They lend the peasantry who use them many advantages over their footsore opposite numbers. Speed is the obvious upside - a horse-drawn wagon will allow for a much faster and easier journey, especially when a man is accompanied by his wife and children. They are also significantly better off should they be attacked, despite their reluctance to fight and inexperience of warfare. There are not many soldiers who would relish the chance of facing down a team of maddened horses dragging a half ton box and a man defending his family and his life...

In most cases, however, the settlers are no more willing to fight than their would-be opponents and find that their superior speed is of great convinience.

Again, those of you who are so enraptured by the Wainriders that you want to spread their joy can do so with these signatures.

...Or this wallpaper.

- The Fourth Age Team.

**Burns** · 05-27-2006, 18:21

Nice. Very Easterlingish.

**Ciaran** · 05-28-2006, 12:37

Good to see this mod´s still up and running. By the way, considering this mod covers the time after Sauron was overthrown, is there going to be an orcish faction? I don´t think I´ve seen anything about those so far.

**Dol Guldur** · 05-28-2006, 14:10

It occured to us some time ago now that the Orkish, Dwarven and Elven factions would be the ones not only requiring the greatest amount of conversion but also the greatest amount of skill in creating the models, animations, etc. So we decided to leave them until last (though some bits have been worked on) as we hone our abilities.

The Mod is indeed still up and running, though still another 5 months to the 2-year mark - that's four turns! ;)

June should see our first campaign public release.

Thanks for your interest and support.