Celduin

* Loading Screen
* Map Layout

"At the same time as the great armies besieged Minas Tirith a host of the allies of Sauron that had long threatened the borders of King Brand crossed the River Carnen, and Brand was driven back to Dale."
—Appendix B, The Return of the King

As Glorfindel and Glóin fought in Eriador, the forces of Sauron were attacking the Kingdoms of Erebor and Dale in the east. The first attacks came to the towns along the River Running. Caught by surprise, the kings of these realms were forced to gather their forces and fight their way towards the Mountain.

This mission is the sixth mission of the War in the North Campaign. It is recommended that the level is played as Erebor.

## Guide

**New Objective - Fight your way to the docks**

**Bonus Objective - Dáin must survive**

The player begins the battle with a small force of Erebor Warriors led by King Dáin, King Brand and Thorin III Stonehelm. They must fight their way towards the docks, rescuing any allied forces they can find. Your own forces can buy melee weapon upgrades from the beginning of the mission. Begin by advancing towards the north. There will be a few orc units in your path that can be easily fought and the player will be rewarded by additional Erebor Warriors and Lake Town Watchmen. An Olog-Hai will also attack the player. Use your Watchmen and Brand to kill it. Continue towards the east. In the north-east of the map, additional Erebor Warriors and a battalion of Barding Longbowmen are under attack from Orc Archers, Corsairs of Umbar and a Fellbeast. Fight these forces off, using the Longbowmen and Brand to fight the Fellbeast. It is recommended that the player do all they can to keep these archers alive as, while the player will have the opportunity to recruit Erebor Archers later in the mission, the Longbowmen are still stronger.

Continue to proceed south from here. The player can rescue more Watchmen who will be attacked by a large force of orcs, upgraded Corsairs, Haradrim Archers and trolls. Make good use of any buffs you have to help your troops here, using your ranged forces to focus on the troll. Once these forces are defeated, there are a pair of Erebor Pikemen further south under attack. This force will also have a Catapult with them which can cause trouble for the slow dwarves. The Pikemen are upgraded and level 5 so it is definitely worth saving them.

**Bonus Objective - Capture all inns and outposts**

Further south, the player will be able to capture some buildings and collect some treasure in the south-east of the map. While this is useful, it is best to prioritise advancing south as there are Erebor Warriors and Erebor Archers under attack. After this battle, there is some time for the player's army to recover. Both Dáin and Brand have abilities to grant experience, allowing high leveled battalions to replenish units, and the Inn can allow recruitment of Dorwinion Legionnaires for additional pikemen.

Once ready, the player can proceed west to find three more Erebor Warriors, additional buildings for capturing (including a Shipwright), a Well, a Dale Garrison and a Hall of Warriors. It is recommended that the player build up their force here with additional archers and pikemen. There is also some treasure in the south-west of the docks.

**New Objective - Cross the shallows**

**New Objective - Repel the Mumakil assault**

As the player attacks further west, the map will open up and the dwarven force will come under attack from multiple sides. This force is small at first with a few Corsairs, a Catapult and a Mûmak. However, it will become a lot tougher as your force advances further into the shallows. There will be more of all units as well as orcs and Haradrim Archers attacking from different angles. The player should prioritise using the archers and Brand to target the Mûmakil and using melee to prevent catapults from reaching the docks. Dáin's **The Red Axe** can be used to heavily boost your own forces alongside spellbook buffs, heals and the Men of Dale Summon. If the Wyrm attacks, use ranged forces to bring it down as it can deal heavy area of effect damage to melee forces and high damage to heroes. If needed, use the Well at the docks to replenish your forces.

**New Objective - Destroy the Mordor Fortress**

Towards the end of the shallows, there are more Mordor forces to fight against, including a Mountain Troll. Fighting through these will reveal a few of their buildings which can be destroyed, including an Easterling Encampment and a Troll Cage. It is best that the player does not attack too far south until they are ready, so that they can avoid triggering a Fellbeast attack. The player can also explore further north to find a Wight Lair, a Signal Fire and a Dwarven Mine containing a battalion of upgraded Erebor Warriors.

When ready the player can then attack further south to finish off Mordor's forces. This base is well defended with a pair of Nazgûl, a Fellbeast, Corsairs, Haradrim, Easterling Phalanx and Olog-Hai, along with towers and the fortress itself. Use all your buffs to give yourself the edge. Your ranged units can target the Monsters while the pikemen and melee heroes can fight the Nazgûl. Once the units are defeated, the buildings can be easily destroyed to win the mission.