Erebor (Dominion of Sauron)

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"Then about a year ago a messenger came to Dáin, but not from Moria - from Mordor: a horseman in the night...We needed not the fell voice of the messenger to warn us that his words held both menace and deceit; for we knew already that the power that has re-entered Mordor has not changed, and ever it betrayed us of old. Twice the messenger has returned, and has gone unanswered. The third and last time, so he says, is soon to come, before the ending of the year."
—Glóin

As the War of the Ring continued in the south, Sauron sent his forces to besiege the Kingdoms of Erebor and Dale. For this purpose, he sent his greatest warriors: the Easterlings of Rhûn. By wiping out his opposition here, Sauron would have full command of all the lands east of the Misty Mountains, as well as the mountain fortress of Erebor in his control. Only the armies of King Dáin and King Brand stood in his way.

Erebor is the seventh mission of the Dominion of Sauron campaign. It is recommended that this mission is played as Mordor.

## Guide

**New Objective - Destroy the buildings of Dale**

The player begins in the south-west corner of the map with a force of three battalions Variags of Khand, a battalion of Easterling Kataphrakts and five Catapults. In front of this force are a group of builders guarded by Barding Longbowmen. These builders will drop a large amount of treasure when they are killed but this is difficult as they will move away once the player moves closer and additional units will arrive to protect them. Use a combination of powers and cavalry to take out as many as you can. The city of Dale itself can be destroyed with each building leaving treasure. Use your units to protect the catapults from counter attacks as the siege destroys the buildings. The city also contains towers that have been garrisoned with enemy archers. These can be a large danger to your units so use the catapults to quickly bring them down before progressing further through the map. The city also contains an inn from which Corsairs of Umbar can be recruited.

**Bonus Objective - Build a fortress**

As more of the city is destroyed, four allied builders will arrive. Use them to set up a base with which to build up an army. It is recommended that this base is heavily defended as it will come under attack. Continue attacking the city of Dale to fund the construction. Khamûl, the Mouth of Sauron and a Nazgûl will also arrive to assist your army. The center of Dale contains a force of human units led by King Brand. This force may be difficult to deal with, especially as the Lake Town Watchmen will deal heavy damage to mounted units, and so it would be best to building up and upgraded force. The Easterling Encampment will be the main recruitment building although a Great Siege Works is also available.

**New Objective - Destroy the Throne of Erebor**

**Bonus Objective - Kill King Dáin**

The player can then begin the assault on the fortress itself. There are multiple ways that this can be done. There are three entrances: the main gate in the center and the two side gates at the north-west and south-east. Each of these will be heavily defended with the main gate being the toughest. If the player chooses this path, they will need to have a large amount of siege to break down the gate. The enemy will also attempt to counter attack before the player can break through. This can be in the form of a Dwarven Mangonel or using an Undermine with upgraded Erebor units. The fortress is filled with dwarven units and buildings that must be fought through, however, the main target is the throne in the north-east.

Once the fortress has been entered, the player will be warned of a dwarven counter attack coming from the Iron Hills. This will come from the south-west in the form of Dwalin and an army from the Iron Hills, including both Iron Hills Riders and Battlewagons. Make sure that there are some units defending your base at this time, with Easterling Phalanx to deal with enemy cavalry. Gate Watcher expansions can be useful to help repel the enemy armies. Dwalin is a powerful hero and can deal heavy damage to your armies, but can be dealt with easily by your heroes.

The throne itself will be defended by a large, upgraded Dwarven army led by King Dáin and Thorin III Stonehelm. The chokepoints of the fortress can be used to your advantage here as your infantry can hold the dwarves in a position while your catapults and archers can deal heavy damage. Focus on attacking the heroes as this will deprive the army of a strong leadership. The debuffs from Mordor's heroes can also be used to even the odds. The player can then destroy the throne itself and end the mission.