Wardens of Arthedain

* Portrait
* In Game
* Upgraded
* Spear Wall

"The Wardens of Arthedain patrolled the roads of Arthedain in times of peace and war, serving their King faithfully as protectors of his subjects."
—Age of the Ring team

The Wardens of Arthedain were the primary defenders of the lands of Arthedain, using their spears and shields to protect the citizenry of Arthedain with all of their skill and valor. As the evil forces coming out of Angmar grew ever stronger, the Wardens of Arthedain would turn their spears upon the forces of Evil, risking their lives to fight against the darkness encroaching upon their lands with valor worthy of Arnor until their last breath.

The Wardens of Arthedain are the primary Pikemen unit for the Adventure: Arthedain subfaction based on Gondor. They are recruited from a Level 1 Fornost Garrison and can also be summoned by Arvedui's Royal Camp.

## Abilities and Formations

**Spear Wall Formation (W)** - The units form a Spear Wall. Units lose 40% speed, gain resistance to knockback, decelerate crush, and gain +33% armour. Left click to activate

**Blood of Númenor (R)** - Modifier Type: Debuff and Spell. When activated, nearby enemy units lose -33% armour for 30 seconds.

At Level 2, Wardens of Arthedain passively heal out of combat.

At Level 3, Wardens of Arthedain become passively immune to fear and terror.

At Level 5, nearby allied units gain +25% armour when activated. Left click to activate.

## Upgrades

**Steel Cuirasses (T)** - When equipped, significantly reduces the damage taken. Research upgrade at Arnorian Armoury to enable this equipment. Cost: 300

**Tempered Blades (C)** - When equipped, increases the damage done by melee weapons. Research upgrade at Arnorian Armoury to enable this equipment. Cost: 300

**Banners of the Seven Stars (V)** - When equipped, increases this battalion to level 2. Can only be equipped at level 1. Research upgrade at Arnorian Armoury to enable this equipment. Cost: 100

## Strategy

The Wardens of Arthedain are the primary Pikemen unit for the Adventure: Arthedain subfaction. They have slightly less health than the Linhir Spearmen but have armor equivalent to that of the Anórien Spearmen which can be further upgraded. Their **Spear Wall Formation** will make it much harder for them to be killed but also makes them much slower and bunches them up so they're more vulnerable to AOE strikes. This formation can provide further damage and armour buffs if **Martial Prowess** is purchased at Malbeth's Study. They can also be supported by the **Blades of Westernesse** upgrade in Malbeth's Study, which allows them to deal magic damage and bonus damage to undead even before their standard upgrades are taken into account. What makes the Wardens of Arthedain truly unique compared to other Pikemen is their **Blood of Númenor** ability, which provides a -33% armour debuff to enemies at base and gains further benefits as the Wardens level up, including passive healing, immunity to fear and terror, and a +25% armour buff to allies at level 5. It is recommended to use experience-increasing abilities on the Wardens to make the most out of their potential. Otherwise, the standard strengths and weaknesses of Pikemen in general apply to the Wardens of Arthedain, and they should be utilized with those strengths and weaknesses in mind.