1 - Rivendell

Objective: Bring Glorfindel and his elves to Rivendell.

The good campaign begins at the outskirts of Rivendell. Your initial units include the hero Glorfindel and some Lorien Warriors; you’re positioned in the southwest corner of the map. Select your units and proceed east. Group your forces as you see wish but it’s useful to place Glorfindel in his own group and the warriors in a secondary group so you can lead with your hero.

As stated, keep Glorfindel in the lead; his hero status means he’s powerful enough to handle the opposition, at least in this particular mission. Plus it’s wise to start leveling him up to increase his power and abilities. Glorfindel can be used on foot or mounted.

As you continue east, you’ll encounter groups of goblin warriors and archers. Send Glorfindel in first and assist with your Lorien Warriors. You’ll encounter other warriors under attack by goblin forces. After aiding your allies, add the remaining Lorien Warriors to your battle group.

The largest battle so far takes place at the bridge near the eastern edge of the map. As before, lead with Glorfindel then move in your other warriors. Now would be a good time to utilize Glorfindel’s Blade of Purity ability, which increases his damage and armor. Upon eliminating the goblin threat, cross the bridge and receive additional objectives.

Objective: Warn Elrond of the approaching goblin army.

Find Elrond and Gloin on the northern edge of Rivendell. Approach him to complete the objective.

Enter Rivendell and move toward the northern edge of the map. There you will find Elrond and Gloin. Move Glorfindel to Elrond to complete the objective.

Objective: Defend Rivendell from attack.

Bonus Objectives: Train a battalion of Lorien Warriors from your barracks. Gloin must reach level 2.

Now would be a good time to consider which good campaign powers you want to begin with. You have enough points to acquire one of four powers now. Increase your points through combat; you can only reach certain point plateaus in each mission (to prevent you from acquiring something like Earthquake by the third mission!). Of your initial choices, Elven Gifts is a solid selection because it increases hero damage +50%. You’ll want to utilize your heroes heavily always but even more so in these early missions to level them up quickly.

Elven Wood creates lush terrain, which increases ally armor +50% and debuffs present enemies by eliminating their leadership bonuses. Drop Elven Wood on a large battle to assist your forces but battles can move and don’t always last long so it can be a quickly used power. Enshrouding Mist works in a similar fashion; though decreases enemy armor and damage instead of improving your own. And Heal is self-explanatory. Acquire Heal later in the campaign when you have more expensive units and more powerful heroes where the use of Heal could change the tide of a huge, important battle.

You can now add both Elrond and Gloin to your battle group (have them join Glorfindel). Locate the Elven Barracks southeast of Elrond’s location and begin training Lorien Warriors to add to your second battle group. Position troops toward the western side of Rivendell to prepare for the goblin attacks.

A reinforcement army of Lorien Archers arrives from the west. Place the archers in a new battle group and continue to add additional troops using the Elven Barracks. You’re told the Eagles have spotted more approaching goblin forces and are going to lend aid.

The next wave of goblin forces contains Cave Trolls and a Mountain Giant. Focus archer fire and your hero attacks (use special attacks if they’ve regenerated) on these tougher foes. Activate Gloin’s slam attack against a tightly packed group of goblins for big damage as well as Glorfindel’s Blade of Purity power during large battles. After the battle, Arwen arrives with a reinforcement group of Rivendell Lancers. Add them to your melee battle group or use them in a fourth group of units and use them to flank enemy groups that are currently engaged with your heroes or warriors.

Objective: Destroy the goblin base to the south.

When the Eagles arrive, it’s over for the goblins.

Intercept goblin forces approaching from the bridge. Work your way across the bridge; you’ll receive the Eagle reinforcements once you’ve penetrated the maps southern section where the goblins have set up their base. Locate the goblins at work to the west and utilize your new winged allies to crush the goblin structures.

Expect groups of goblin warriors and archers to intercept your forces. Charge the goblin archers with lancers and counter the goblin warriors with your own warriors and the Lorien Archers. Don’t forget your powers or your hero special abilities. Continue to lead with your heroes if you require additional experience to make their plateau level; if they’ve suffered heavy damage, retreat your heroes out of the battle.

When you spot the Mountain Giant, task your heroes immediately on the imposing enemy and call in the Eagles as well. Destroy all goblin structures to trigger the arrival of the Wyrm. Use the Eagles against the Wyrm; defeat the beast to complete the mission.