Denethor

* Portrait
* Ingame

* Melee
* Ranged

"'Or why should I sit here in my tower and think, and watch, and wait, spending even my sons? For I can still wield a brand.'
He stood up and cast open his long black cloak, and behold! he was clad in mail beneath, and girt with a long sword, great-hilted in a sheath of black and silver."
—The Return of the King, "The Siege of Gondor"

**Denethor II** was the twenty-sixth Ruling Steward of Gondor and father of the War of the Ring heroes Boromir and Faramir.

Denethor is a ranged hero but doesn't use any weapons. Instead, he uses his authority as steward to summon two men of his guard to the target area with each of his "attacks". These remain on the field for **ten** seconds and automatically attack nearby enemies. Thus, Denethor plays differently from any other hero (except his Arnor counterpart, Malbeth) and acts more like a general than a warrior. Only if he's forced into melee combat will he draw his own weapon to defend himself in an emergency.

## Stances

 **Speed Stance -** Denethor's attack speed increases by +30% but his attack range is lowered by -50%. Enemies are not automatically attacked.

 **Default Stance -** With each attack Denethor summons 5 Fountain Guardians next to the targeted enemy which remain there for 10 seconds. In close range combat Denethor fights with his sword. Enemies in a medium range are attacked automatically.

 **Range Stance -** Denethor's range of attack increases by +50% but his attack speed lowers by -30%. Enemies in sight are automatically attacked.

## Abilities

 **Level 1: Clairvoyant Stone -** Denethor reveals a big part of the map around him for 30 seconds and gains two levels. When used at level 7, Denethor will gain three levels. Denethor does not gain experience form killed enemies or ally abilities. Left click on the icon to activate.

 **Level 3: Emergency Mobilization -** For 1 minutes and 30 seconds, Gondor Soldiers, Gondor Pikemen, Gondor Archers are recruited for half the cost and half the time, but cannot be upgraded and cannot use formations. Left click on the icon to activate.

 **Level 5: Tax Abatement -** Target building instantly produces the income for the next three minutes but doesn't produce anything else for the next four minutes. Left click on the icon then left click on the target Farm or Town House.

 **Level 7: Blinded Attack Order -** For 30 seconds, allied units in the target area deal +50% damage but don't gain any experience. Left click on the icon then left click on the target area.

 **Level 10: Captain of the Steward -** Denethor now summons twice as many guards to the battlefield. Additionally, there is a 33% chance of summoning a Captain to the field who grants +15% attack and armor to nearby allied units. The Captain remains on the field for 30 seconds. *Passive Ability.*

## Strategy

Denethor is, in a sense, more of a supportive hero for your economy in the late game, as he helps you save money on nearly everything the more he looks into the palantir. After the first look, he will be able to give you instant resources from any of your economic buildings, for when you absolutely need resources immediately. As he keeps gazing into the palantir, he will soon allow you to train soldiers at a cheaper price (at the cost of their abilities and upgrades). His ultimate ability doubles his attack capabilities and gives the chance to summon a leadership-granting captain for a short time. It is quite important to note that even though it may not be obvious Denethor can still attack once garrisoned into a tower. He is really strong when he is in a tower because he has a great range and will always summon units because he cannot be forced into melee combat when garrisoned. If one is trying to make a big push it might be profitable to use all his abilities in conjunction with each other, though they might have consequences later on.