Istari Acolyte

* Portrait
* In Game

"When the Ithryn Luin settled in the far reaches of Middle-earth, they took on sages and wisemen that sought to array themselves against the sinister tendrils of evil that grasped at the hearts of many of the Easterlings, teaching them subtle magics to kindle the flame of resistance to the Dark Lord's influence."
—Age of the Ring team

When Morinehtar and Rómestámo the Blue first settled in the far reaches of Middle-earth, they slowly but steadily developed a reputation for being powerful, wise, and noble Wizards who inspired others to fight against the dark influence of Sauron. This drew several sages and wisemen to the Blue Wizards, who sought out knowledge and power to more actively fight against the darkness that threatened the East. While the Blue Wizards were somewhat wary of teaching them too much knowledge, lest they risk violating the limitations placed upon them as Istari, they nonetheless consented to teach these acolytes subtle forms of magic and spellcraft that would help them to kindle resistance in their communities against Sauron's influence and prevent them from being corrupted.

The Istari Acolyte are special support units for the Adventure: Dorwinion subfaction of the Woodland Realm. They are recruitable from a level 2 Kinn-lai Garrison and are limited to a maximum of 5.

## Abilities

Acolytes do not have a standard damaging attack. Instead, they can target units from a distance to decrease their damage by 15% and buildings to decrease their armor 15%.

**Dark Premonitions** - Modifier Type: Leadership. Nearby Elves of the Kinn-lai gain +33% crush armour and resistance to fear and terror. Passive ability.

**Blessing of Aldaron (R)** - Costs 200 to unlock. Can be cast on friendly units to replenish one falled unit per battalion. Left click icon then left click on target area.

**Warding Stones (T)** - Costs 200 to unlock. Places a temporary circle of Warding Stones. Friendly units within the circle receive +33% armor. Left click icon then left click on target area.

**Disciple of Ithryn Luin (C)** - Costs 500 to unlock. Target enemy building takes heavy damage. Left click icon then left click on target.

**Potion of Potency (V)** - Costs 800 to unlock. Modifier Type: Spell. Targeted hero is partially healed and gains +25% armour for 30 seconds. Stacks with Leadership and Spells. Left click icon then left click on target hero.

## Strategy

Istari Acolytes can be game changing for the Adventure: Dorwinion subfaction if properly micromanaged, serving a special single support units analogous to the Druids of the Oaken Order for the Woodland Realm faction. They are vulnerable to all unit attacks but if protected by allied units, they can significantly enhance the Dorwinion army's potential. If the player has multiple Acolytes, it is possible to provide multiple heals which can be used to rescue units and heroes from death. Most of the spells and abilities for the Istari Acolytes are the same as the ones for the Druid of the Oaken Order. However, **Disciple of Ithryn Luin** is unique to the Istari Acolytes and allows the Acolyte to deal heavy damage to target structures, giving Dorwinion a ranged siege option that it otherwise lacks.