ME-PBM 2950 Nation Description Silvan Elves (#5) Thranduil, Lord of Northern Mirkwood Powers: New Char: Good chance of stealth Training: 25 Morale: Lose 1-2 during force march (2-5 w/out food) Skills: Ships at 1/3 timber cost Special: A hidden population center Terrain: Best forest; Worst swamp, mountains Climate: Mild 102-100-97-110-97-95-95 Armies: about 500 foot troops Morale: 40-60 Navies: Yes Characters: Total challenge ranks - about 330 Good commanders and mages, excellent stealth. Five artifacts. This can be a fun position with a lot of potential. You have secure holdings and Radagast is a frequent guest. But you have to depend on the hidden nature of your unfortified cities for protection. If the Dragon Lord gets (or borrows) a good mage with 'reveal population center' then you may have troubles. However, a coordinated attack with the Woodmen, Northmen, and Sinda Elves can make Mirkwood free of the Dragon Lord's influence. The nation of the Silvan Elves consists mostly of the Nandor (Wood-elves) who are led by their Sinda brethren. The Sinda Lord Thranduil effectively leads the disperse forces of the Wood-elves resident in northern Mirkwood and in Taur Romen. The armies of the Silvan Elves are not numerous but they are effective, possessing fine-quality weapons and superb leaders. These forces exhibit the normal Elvish traits and are quite adept at moving and fighting in their natural terrain - the forest. Also, the experienced Wood-elf troops only lose 1-2 Morale points for a Forced March (2-5 points without food). Furthermore, new Wood-elf recruits start with a Training rank of 25. The Silvan Elves possess a keen interest in ancient artifacts and lore. Also, their skilled Mages and deft Agents help keep the Nandor well-informed about their surroundings and their neighbor's activities. Their Elvish nature frequently helps the Wood-elves move and operate quietly and without being observed. These qualities are exhibited in new Wood-elf characters because they have a good chance of possessing a natural Stealth rank. Although their settlements are scattered (having a harbor as far away as the Sea of Rhûn), some are well hidden and all are well protected. Furthermore, the Wood-elves traditionally are excellent mariners. This mastery is reflected by the ability of the Silvan Elves to build ships using 500 timber each (1/3 the normal cost). However, the Silvan Elves face a number of difficult concerns. Although they possess skilled characters, much of their strength lies in operating in secret. Overt character use could undermine their greater strength. Also, use of those characters dictates that careful preparation be made before any mission. Good characters are hard to replace. However, too much caution could prove disastrous to the Free Peoples. Another concern is expense versus income. In order to effect optimal use of their population centers, they must use them as bases for military operations upon their enemies. However, to do so risks the hidden nature of their capital and could expose it, and all of Mirkwood, to risk. Additionally, the dispersed nature of the Nandor places them in real and potential conflict with a number of powerful nations. The Witch-king, the Dragon Lord, and the Long Rider, are known enemies that border on Wood-elf lands. Also, the Rhûn Easterlings, represent potential enemies. Although the Silvan Elves are a strong nation, with considerable potential, caution must be shown in order to avoid finding their forces and holding under attack from too many directions at once. Home - 1650 - 2950 - Fourth Age - Nations - Map - Samples - Download - FAQ - Prices - Email