Dwarven Mine

* Level 1
* Level 2
* Level 3

"The wealth of Moria was not in gold and jewels, the toys of the Dwarves; nor in iron, their servant. Such things they found here, it is true, especially iron; but they did not need to delve for them: all things that they desired they could obtain in traffic. For here alone in the world was found Moria-silver, or true-silver as some have called it: mithril is the Elvish name."
—Gandalf

The Dwarves were born in the earth and their homes were deep underground. They were known for their mines in mineral rich lands such as Moria or the Ered Luin. From these mines, the dwarves became some of the wealthiest in Middle-earth. However, the treasures they obtained often attracted trouble as other peoples desired these riches. This was the case with Erebor as the riches first attracted Smaug the Terrible and later on caused conflict between Thorin Oakenshield and the forces of Lake-town and the Woodland Realm.

The Dwarven Mine is one of Erebor's resource structures, available to both the standard faction as well as its Adventure subfactions. The amount of resources will depend on the building placement. It will also allow access to the tunnel network and can support nearby Vault Wardens.

## Upgrades

This building will earn experience by gaining resources. It can also use the following defensive upgrade.

**Tunnel Collapse Upgrade (W)** - Allows the Dwarven Mine to damage and stun attacking enemies but reduces production by 50% for 60 seconds. Cost: 150

## Function

The Mine will periodically produce a maximum of +25 resources depending on location relative to other resource structures. This value will increase as the Mine levels up. At level 3, it will shoot arrows at nearby enemies. The Mine will also increase the command point limit by 50.

#### Abilities

The Dwarven Mine is able to be garrisoned by up to 5 units or heroes. Units garrisoned in a Dwarven Mine enter a tunnel network which connects all Mines built by the player on the map, allowing them to exit from any Mine at will.

**Tunnel Collapse (W)** - Damages and stuns attacking enemies but reduces production by 50% for 60 seconds. Requires Tunnel Collapse Upgrade.

**Close Quarters Specialists** - Modifier Type: Leadership. Vault Wardens gain +25% damage and +50% armour when near allied Dwarven Mines and earn experience +50% faster. Stacks with buffs and spells. Passive ability

## Strategy

The Mine is Erebor's cheapest resource structure and therefore a core aspect of the faction. The placement of the Mine will heavily affect the amount of resources that the mine produces. This will then affect how quickly it levels up. It is vital that the Mines be defended from enemy attacks as they are a key target for harassment due to their value. Dwarven Mines are unique due to their tunnel network system, allowing the slow dwarven units to move quickly across the map. The Mines also have a unique defensive upgrade with the **Tunnel Collapse**. This can delay enemy forces to allow for reinforcements to arrive, although it will reduce resource production. The Mine can also be used to support nearby Vault Wardens and make them more stronger as a defensive force.