Third Age Total War: Divide and Conquer - A Guide to the Most Powerful and Unique Units in the Game
If you are a fan of Lord of the Rings and strategy games, you might have heard of Third Age Total War, a mod for Medieval II: Total War that recreates the epic battles of Middle-earth. But did you know that there is a submod for Third Age Total War that adds even more content, factions, units, events, and features? It's called Divide and Conquer, and it's the biggest Third Age Total War submod of all time.
Divide and Conquer has been an ongoing project for 10 years now, and it currently has 26 playable factions, each with their own unique units, culture, and gameplay style. Whether you want to fight for the forces of good or evil, you will find plenty of options and challenges in this submod. In this article, we will focus on some of the most powerful and unique units in Divide and Conquer, and how to use them effectively in your campaigns.
Shadow of Mordor
The Dark Lord Sauron commands the largest and most diverse army in Middle-earth, with orcs, trolls, wargs, haradrim, easterlings, and even men under his banner. His elite units are fearsome and deadly, capable of breaking the morale of any enemy.
Some of the most notable units in Shadow of Mordor are:
- Olog-hai: These are the strongest and most intelligent trolls in Middle-earth, bred by Sauron himself. They are heavily armored and armed with huge maces that can crush any foe. They are also immune to sunlight, unlike other trolls. They are very expensive and slow to recruit, but they are worth every coin.
- Black Uruks: These are the best orc infantry in the game, superior to regular uruks in every aspect. They are well-equipped with black armor and weapons, and they have high morale and discipline. They can hold their own against any enemy infantry, even elite ones.
- Nazgûl: These are the nine Ringwraiths, Sauron's most loyal and powerful servants. They are mounted on black horses or fell beasts, and they wield swords or maces that can cause fear and terror among their enemies. They also have a special ability called "The Black Breath", which lowers the morale and combat effectiveness of nearby enemy units. They are very hard to kill, as they can only be wounded by certain weapons.
Kingdom of Gondor
The Kingdom of Gondor is the last bastion of men in the west, defending against the onslaught of Mordor and its allies. Gondor has a professional and well-trained army, with a mix of infantry, cavalry, archers, and siege weapons. Gondor also has some unique units that reflect its rich history and culture.
Some of the most notable units in Kingdom of Gondor are:
- Fountain Guard: These are the elite guards of the White Tower of Minas Tirith, where the Fountain Court is located. They wear white cloaks and helmets with wings, and they carry long pikes that can form a defensive wall against enemy cavalry. They also have silver shields that can deflect arrows. They are very loyal and brave, and they will fight to the death for their king.
- Citadel Guard: These are the elite archers of Gondor, stationed at the Citadel of Minas Tirith. They wear black armor and helmets with feathers, and they carry longbows that can shoot farther and more accurately than regular bows. They also have swords for close combat. They are very skilled and versatile, and they can provide fire support or hold their ground against enemy infantry.
- Soldiers of Dol Amroth: These are the knights of Dol Amroth, a principality in southern Gondor ruled by Prince Imrahil. They wear blue armor and helmets with swan crests, and they ride white horses that are faster and more agile than regular horses. They also carry lances that can charge through enemy lines with devastating force. They are very noble and courageous, and they will inspire nearby allies with their presence.
Dwarves of Khazad-dûm
The Dwarves of Khazad-dûm are one of the three dwarven factions in Divide and Conquer, along with Erebor & Iron Hills
and Ered Luin. They seek to reclaim their ancient homeland of Moria from the orcs that infest it. They have a strong economy based on mining and trade,
and they have a formidable army composed mostly of heavy infantry.
Some of the most notable units in Dwarves of Khazad-dûm are:
- Zigil-nâd Guards: These are the elite guards of Khazad-dûm's royal family,
descended from Durin's Folk. They wear silver armor
and helmets with horns,
and they carry axes that can cleave through any armor.
They also have shields that can protect them from arrows.
They are very loyal
and proud,
and they will never retreat
or surrender.
- Sons of Durin: These are the elite warriors
of Khazad-dûm,
named after Durin,
the first king
of Moria.
They wear golden armor
and helmets with crowns,
and they carry hammers
that can smash any skull.
They also have crossbows
that can shoot bolts
with great force.
They are very skilled
and fearless,
and they will charge
into any battle
with a war cry.
- Dwarven Ballista: This is a siege weapon
unique to Khazad-dûm,
designed by their engineers.
It is a large crossbow
mounted on a wooden platform,
that can shoot huge bolts
with incredible range
and accuracy.
It can pierce through multiple enemies
with one shot,
or even bring down walls
and towers.
It is very powerful
and reliable,
but it requires time
and space
to set up
and reload.
High Elves
The High Elves are the oldest and wisest of the elven factions in Divide and Conquer, along with Woodland Realm and Lothlórien. They are the descendants of the Noldor, who came to Middle-earth from Valinor in ancient times. They have a small but elite army, with excellent archers, swordsmen, and cavalry. They also have some unique units that reflect their high culture and magic.
Some of the most notable units in High Elves are:
- Noldorin Nobles: These are the lords and princes of the High Elves, who lead their armies into battle. They wear shining armor and helmets with jewels, and they ride white horses that are swift and graceful. They also carry lances that can pierce any armor, and swords that can cut any flesh. They are very noble and wise, and they will boost the morale of nearby allies with their aura.
- Lindon Guardians: These are the elite guards of Lindon, the westernmost realm of the High Elves, where their king Gil-galad resides. They wear blue cloaks and helmets with stars, and they carry long spears that can form a defensive formation against enemy cavalry. They also have bows that can shoot arrows with great accuracy and range. They are very loyal and brave, and they will fight to the last man for their king.
- Mithlond Sentries: These are the elite archers of Mithlond, the Grey Havens, where many High Elves depart from Middle-earth to Valinor. They wear grey cloaks and helmets with wings, and they carry longbows that can shoot farther and more accurately than any other bow in the game. They also have swords for close combat. They are very skilled and experienced, and they can rain death upon their enemies from afar.
Dominion of Isengard
The Dominion of Isengard is one of the main antagonists in Divide and Conquer, along with Mordor and Dol Guldur. It is ruled by Saruman, a fallen wizard who seeks to create a new order in Middle-earth under his command. He has a large and diverse army, with orcs, uruks, wargs, dunlendings, trolls, and even men under his banner. He also has some unique units that reflect his industrial and magical power.
Some of the most notable units in Dominion of Isengard are:
- Uruk-hai Berserkers: These are the most savage and bloodthirsty of Saruman's uruks, who have been enhanced by his experiments. They wear no armor except for a metal helmet with spikes, and they carry huge axes that can hack through any enemy. They also have a special ability called "Berserk Rage", which makes them faster and stronger, but also more vulnerable to damage. They are very dangerous and unpredictable, and they will charge into any battle with a frenzy.
- Uruk-hai Crossbowmen: These are the best crossbowmen in the game, superior to regular crossbowmen in every aspect. They wear black armor and helmets with eye slits, and they carry crossbows that can shoot bolts with great force and speed. They also have daggers for close combat. They are very well-trained and disciplined, and they can provide fire support or hold their ground against enemy infantry.
- Saruman's Bodyguard: This is the personal guard of Saruman, who accompanies him on the battlefield. They wear white robes and helmets with horns, and they carry staffs that can cast spells that can harm or hinder their enemies. They also have swords for close combat. They are very loyal and powerful, and they will protect their master at all costs.
Vale of Dorwinion
The Vale of Dorwinion is one of the most unique and diverse factions in Divide and Conquer, along with Clans of Enedwaith and Ar-Adûnâim. It is a kingdom of men and elves, who live in harmony and prosperity in the fertile lands between the Sea of Rhûn and the Forest of Mirkwood. They have a strong economy based on agriculture and trade, and they have a balanced army, with good infantry, cavalry, and archers. They also have some unique units that reflect their culture and history.
Some of the most notable units in Vale of Dorwinion are:
- Paladins of the Vintner-Court: These are the elite cavalry of Dorwinion, who serve as the personal guard of the king. They wear purple cloaks and helmets with feathers, and they ride black horses that are fast and sturdy. They also carry lances that can charge through enemy lines with great force, and swords that can cut through any flesh. They are very noble and loyal, and they will fight with honor and courage for their king.
- Knights of the Vintner-Court: These are the elite infantry of Dorwinion, who serve as the backbone of the army. They wear purple armor and helmets with crests, and they carry shields that can protect them from arrows. They also carry axes that can hack through any armor, and spears that can form a defensive formation against enemy cavalry. They are very well-trained and disciplined, and they will fight with skill and determination for their king.
- Avari Archers: These are the elite archers of Dorwinion, who are descended from the Avari, the elves who refused to go to Valinor in ancient times. They wear green cloaks and helmets with leaves, and they carry bows that can shoot arrows with great accuracy and range. They also have daggers for close combat. They are very skilled and experienced, and they will rain death upon their enemies from afar.
Woodland Realm
The Woodland Realm is one of the three elven factions in Divide and Conquer, along with High Elves and Lothlórien. It is ruled by Thranduil, the king of the Silvan elves, who dwell in the northern part of Mirkwood. They have a secretive and isolationist nature, preferring to stay away from the troubles of Middle-earth. They have a fast and agile army, with excellent archers, swordsmen, and cavalry. They also have some unique units that reflect their affinity with nature and animals.
Some of the most notable units in Woodland Realm are:
- Mirkwood Rangers: These are the elite scouts of the Woodland Realm, who patrol the dark depths of Mirkwood. They wear brown cloaks and helmets with antlers, and they carry bows that can shoot arrows with great accuracy and speed. They also have swords for close combat. They are very stealthy and cunning, and they can ambush their enemies from hidden positions.
- Mirkwood Swordmasters: These are the elite swordsmen of the Woodland Realm, who excel in melee combat. They wear green armor and helmets with feathers, and they carry swords that can cut through any flesh. They also have shields that can deflect arrows. They are very swift and graceful, and they can dodge or parry enemy attacks with ease.
- Mirkwood Royal Guard: These are the elite cavalry of the Woodland Realm, who serve as the personal guard of Thranduil. They wear green cloaks and helmets with crowns, and they ride elven horses that are faster and more agile than regular horses. They also carry lances that can pierce any armor, and bows that can shoot arrows with great force. They are very noble and loyal, and they will protect their king at all costs.
Conclusion
Third Age Total War: Divide and Conquer is a submod that offers a rich and immersive experience of Middle-earth for any strategy game fan. It has 26 factions, each with their own unique units, culture, and gameplay style. It also has a large and detailed map, numerous scripted events, custom battlemaps, and hand-picked music. Whether you want to play as the forces of good or evil, you will find plenty of options and challenges in this submod. If you want to download and install Divide and Conquer, you can find the links and instructions on their official website or Discord server. We hope you enjoyed this article, and we wish you good luck and have fun in your campaigns!
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