Rivendell Library

"In all the days of the Third Age, after the fall of Gil-galad, Master Elrond abode in Imladris, and he gathered there many Elves, and other folk of wisdom and power from among all the kindreds of Middle-earth, and he preserved through many lives of Men the memory of all that had been fair; and the house of Elrond was a refuge for the weary and the oppressed, and a treasury of good counsel and wise lore."
—Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, The Silmarilion

Throughout the Third Age, Elrond kept accounts of the history of Middle-earth in his home. These accounts were often written by many different authors, each with their own style. However, they all had their own wisdom for those patient enough to read them.

The Rivendell Library is a support structure for the Rivendell faction. It has many bonuses that are available to improve the faction.

## Function

The Rivendell Library will allow the following upgrades to be bought:

**Elvish Medicine: A Compendium (W)** - Authored by Elrond himself, this book is essential material for those willing to learn the art of healing. Allows Bree-Land, Dúnedain, and Hobbit units to heal when outside of combat. Cost: 800

**The Lay of Leithian (E)** - The classic story of love between an Elf maiden and a mortal man. Translated into the common tongue by Bilbo Baggins. Unlocks the Grey Company to be purchased from the Dúnedain Gathering, and Anduril from the Rivendell Forge. Cost: 1000

**Reverence of Yavanna (R)** - Documentation of various rites and songs concerning the Vala Yavanna, collected and edited by the lady Celebrian. Increases Orchard production by 15%. Cost:1500

**Practical Application of Fëanorian Smithing (T)** - This exhaustive treatise on Noldorin smithing techniques was authored by Celebrimbor. Permanently reduces cost of upgrades by 20%. Cost: 1300

**Reflections upon the Battle of Dagorlad (S)** - A collection of writings on the Battle of Dagorlad. Timelines, battleplans and poetry, gathered by Valandil, son of Isildur. Allows for an additional battalion of Laurëthelyn to be recruited from the Dormitory. Cost: 2000

**A Sleepless Malice: Reflections on the Nature of Evil (D)** - A passionate appeal to watchfulness and warning against inertia in times of apparent peace, written by King Thranduil. Stations Noldorin Guards at Orchards and Forges. Cost: 1000

## Strategy

The Rivendell Library is incredibly useful for letting Rivendell reach the late game thanks to the available upgrades. **A Sleepless Malice: Reflections on the Nature of Evil** is useful for improving the defense of the player's base and controlling the map. The Library can be used to obtain an additional battalion of Veterans of the Last Alliance as well as a battalion of the Grey Company, allowing the player to have two extra heroic units as part of their army. The Library can also improve your army by allowing your units to heal outside combat as well as allowing Anduril to be bought, improving Aragorn's stats in the process to make him an even more powerful hero. Lastly, the Library can improve the faction's economy, first by improving the resource production of Orchards and secondly by reducing the cost of upgrades.