High Pass

* Loading Screen
* Map Layout

"Orcs again multiply in secret and occupy many deep places (especially those anciently made by the Dwarves) in the Misty Mountains. They do this so stealthily that none are aware of it, until they have great forces hidden and are ready to bar all the passes from Eriador into Anduin's vales, according to the plan of their master in Dol Guldur."
—The Peoples of Middle-earth, History of Middle-earth

Glorfindel and Glóin set out to combat Sauron's invasion in the North. Their first task is to clear out the High Pass in the Misty Mountains to allow for movement across the great mountain range.

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

## Guide

**New Objective - Establish a base in High Pass. Build an Orchard.**

The player begins the mission with Glorfindel, Glóin, three battalions of Rivendell Guardsmen, two builders and a Rivendell Conservatorium. This will be the player's first experience of free-build base building in this campaign and the level serves as a tutorial for how it works, with the first few missions helping the player understand what the various buildings do.

**New Objective - Build a Dormitory. Build a Dunedain Gathering. Build a Battle Tower. Build a Tower expansion at the Fortress. Train Rivendell Archers and Dúnedain Outriders.**

 The next few objectives will all come one after the other and will all concern base building. The Rivendell Dormitory will be used to gain access to melee infantry and archers. The Dúnedain Gathering can be used to access cavalry. The towers are used for base defence. Lastly, the player can recruit archers and cavalry from their recruitment buildings to assist in the rest of the level. Note that the player must level up the Dormitory to gain access to the Archers.

The player is also able to build other structures including a Bree-land Encampment for cheaper units, a Well to heal your troops and a Heroic Statue to make your units stronger.

**New Objective -** **Destroy the Goblin Camp and drive them from the Pass**

The above objective will apply for the rest of the mission. Once the player feels comfortable with their army, they can begin to explore north. They will come across a few Moria Orc Screechers, some Goblin Lairs and a Moria Orc Cave although the Rivendell elves and Dúnedain can make short work of these forces. A few Goblins will be sent to attack your base although they can be easily dealt with.

**Bonus Objective - Destroy all Goblin Tunnels.**

There are three Goblin Tunnels throughout the map. The first is in the south-east of the map while the second is in the north-west. The last is in north-east with the rest of the Goblin base and so will likely be left till last. All the tunnels are defended by Moria Orcs and other buildings, although this is nothing your forces cannot handle. If necessary, Glóin can use Shake Foundations to instantly destroy the buildings.

**Bonus Objective - Kill all Mountain Giants**

As the player progresses north, they will come across a Mountain Giant that will break an ice pillar, blocking the path and forcing the player to find another route. The Giants themselves can be killed by your heroes (especially with Glorfindel's high single target damage) although your archers and Rivendell Glaivesmen can also deal high damage.

**New Objective - Rescue Haldir**

A cinematic will be shown of Haldir being surrounded by Moria Orcs and the player must rescue him. There isn't any rush to rescue him as there is not timer, allowing the player to fight off the Goblin and Giant forces on the path to Haldir. A couple of battalions of Dúnedain Outriders can be enough to fight off the Moria Orcs attacking Haldir. Once in his vicinity, the player will gain control of Haldir and some Lórien elves.

**Bonus Objective - Destroy all Troll Lairs**

The Troll Lairs are scattered across the map like the Mountain Giants and Goblin Tunnels, although the last one is within the Goblin's base. They may be defended by a few Moria orcs.

Once the player feels that they are prepared and they have explored the rest of the map, they can assault the Goblin base in the North-east of the map. While the Moria Orcs aren't too much trouble, the towers scattered throughout the base can cause your army some trouble. Fortunately, Glóin can deal high damage to the towers to wipe them out. The base contains a few Mountain-orc Slashers but they can be easily dealt with.

**New Objective - Kill the Watcher in the Water**

As the player progresses through the Goblin base, the Watcher in the Water will arrive to attack your army. Any attempt to attack with melee troops will lead to high losses and any heroes that approach will be thrown back by the Watcher's attacks. The player must therefore use Haldir and their ranged troops to deal damage from afar. Once the Watcher has been killed, the player can destroy the last of the Goblin buildings. Once this is done, the mission is won.