ME-PBM 2950 Nation Description
Northmen (#2)
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Powers:New Char: Emissaries up to 40 Good commanders and emissaries, fair elsewhere. No artifacts. Another difficult position. Your strength is economic so it should appeal to power gamers, but you first have to overcome your isolated position. Good long-term potential, if you can survive. Coordination with the navies of the Silvan Elves, and communications with the Rhûn Easterlings is a must. |
The Northmen nation is composed of the remnants of the Lake-men and Dale-men of Rhovanion, a decline brought on by the settling of the Dragon Smaug in nearby Erebor (the Lonely Mountain), as well as the influential Dorwinrim residing near the Sea of Rhûn. These peoples share similar cultures since they are all skilled diplomats and merchants, and the Northmen influence a fair share of the mercantile trade in western Middle-earth. In fact, all new Northmen Emissaries can have a starting Emissary rank of up to 40. The Northmen aspire to control vast markets and acquire considerable wealth. Reflective of this, all Northmen market actions - sell and buy orders - receive a 20% gold adjustment.
Although their numbers are not vast, their settlements are generally larger than their neighbors. The Northmen possess adequate and well-provisioned armies which generally consist of more seasoned troops. As a result, all new Northmen recruits start with Training rank of 20. The Northmen also possess a competent navy at the Sea of Rhûn. The naval prowess of the Northmen, although less than in centuries past, is still significant since the Northmen can build ships using only 750 timber each (1/2 the normal cost).
Led by Bard I, the Northmen represent a significant power waiting to be awakened. Northmen Emissaries are created and used to improve and support their settlements, as well as influence or pressure the potential adversaries that surround them - namely the Rhûn Easterlings, the Dog Lord, the Long Rider, and the Dark Lieutenants. However, great care has been taken in avoiding early military encounters with these powers. Wasting valuable resources and wealth before the Northmen position is consolidated could be costly. One additional problem is the split regions of the Northmen realm. This difficulty can perhaps be best managed by considering the deployment of armies within each separate region, or by effective mobilization and use of the Northmen navies.
The economic strength of the Northmen can be used to considerable advantage. Effective utilization of the Northmen market skills has resulted in a build-up of surplus gold reserves. Historically reluctant to show off their wealth, the Northmen have even considered using their gold reserves to secure more economic security by adding to their mithril stores, or by financing the growth of the Northmen military. Also, the Northmen ponder economic support for their neighbors, namely the Dwarves and the Woodmen, in exchange for their protection or their surplus resources.
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