ARMIES OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS

Designer’s Commentary, August 2023

The following commentary is intended to complement A note on the Allies Matrix: We have had a few questions
the Armies of The Lord of the Rings. It is presented as a series asking us about the levels of alliance presented in the Allies
of questions and answers; the questions are based on ones Matrix; ‘should this army be Historical with this one?’, or
that have been asked by players, and the answers are pro- ‘why isn’t X Historical Allies with Y?’.
vided by the rules writing team and explain how the rules
are intended to be used. The commentaries help provide When we developed the Allies Matrix we spent a lot of time
a default setting for your games, but players should always working out timelines, deciding what timelines each Army
feel free to discuss the rules before a game, and change List represents, and cross referencing these to give the final
things as they see fit if they both want to do so (changes Allies Matrix.
like this are usually referred to as ‘house rules’).
Historical Allies represent those that actually fought together,
Our commentaries are updated regularly; when changes not just co-existed. So, for example, the reason that The
are made any changes from the previous version will be Fellowship are not Historical Allies with the Dead of
highlighted in magenta. Where the stated update has a Dunharrow is simply because the Fellowship had been broken
note, e.g. ‘Regional update’, this means it has had a local before the Dead were recruited by Aragorn, and so they did
update, only in that language, to clarify a translation issue not fight alongside each other.
or other minor correction.
Convenient Allies are those that did co-exist, but did not fight
These questions have been gathered from many sources. together (even though they could have in theory). The reason
We are always happy to consider more questions, so please that Angmar and Mordor are not Convenient Allies is that
send any queries to: the Angmar list represents the rule of the Witch-king, whilst
Mordor represents Sauron’s armies after he leaves Dol Guldur
middle-earthfaq@gwplc.com and returns to Mordor. These two timelines do not cross, and
so they are Impossible Allies.
Q: If Frodo Baggins is alive, the Fellowship Army Bonus states
that they never count as being Broken. How does this affect Hopefully this will give you some sense of what we were looking
scenarios that award Victory Points for an opponent’s force being at when devising the Allies Matrix. We are confident that all
Broken? (p.8) of the alliances presented are how they should be. If you are
A: Whilst Frodo is alive, the Fellowship will not be still thinking ‘but I cannot do this scene from the films/books
considered to be Broken and so will not give away Victory with the Allies Matrix!’ then fear not; there may be something
Points for being Broken. slightly different coming soon that will solve your dilemma!
Q: Can Samwise Gamgee use his Let him go or I’ll have you,
A note on Man-sized models: A Man-sized model is anything
Longshanks! special rule to declare a free Heroic Combat if he is
that is roughly the size of a Man or smaller. This includes, but
already in the same combat as Frodo? (p.9)
is not limited to, Men, Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, Orcs, Uruk-
A: No.
hai and Goblins. This will also include Men that are slightly
bigger than other Men, such as Beorn when he is in Man-
Q: Can Merry and Pippin use Bill the Pony’s Second Breakfast
form; after all, he is still a Man!
special rule to recover a point of Might that they spent from
Boromir’s store, and if so does it go to Merry/Pippin, or back to Q: Does Gandalf require Line of Sight and In The Way rolls
Boromir if it is recovered? (p.10) when using the fireworks from his cart? (p.11)
A: No. Models can only recover their own Might. A: Gandalf does require Line of Sight, however, he does not
need to make In The Way rolls.
Q: Can Meriadoc Brandybuck or Peregrin Took use their “For
the Shire!” special rule to spend Might points from an enemy Q: If Boromir uses the Horn of Gondor and one of the models
Boromir of Gondor in range? (p.10) he is engaged in a Fight with has a special rule that allows them
A: No! to automatically pass Courage tests, does this take precedence
even if the model has a lower Courage value than other models
in the same Fight? (p.12)
A: Yes.
Q: Legolas Greenleaf’s Deadly Shot special rule states that if he and no other’s!” mean that he will be the leader even though
fires a single arrow then he will always hit on a 2+, and that the Hero of Legend is from a higher Heroic Tier? (p.35)
this cannot be modified in any way. Can this 2+ be modified by A: Yes, Denethor will be the leader.
Legolas’ Final Count, 42 special rule if Gimli has killed more
enemies than Legolas? (p.13) Q: If a Rohan Cavalry model charges into combat, and is
A: No, Deadly Shot cannot be modified. subsequently charged by another Cavalry model, does it still
benefit from the Army Bonus and gain the +1 Strength as it
Q: Legolas Greenleaf’s Deadly Shot special rule states that if he charged? (p.60)
fires a single arrow then he will always hit on a 2+, and that A: Yes. The model still charged.
it cannot be modified in any way. Can this be modified by a
Crebain’s Cloud of Birds special rule? (p.13) Q: Can Grimbold upgrade any Warriors from the Rohan army
A: No, Deadly Shot cannot be modified. list to be Helmingas, or just the Warrior of Rohan profile?
(p.65)
Q: If Gimli son of Glóin is fielded as part of the same army as A: Just the Warrior of Rohan profile.
Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood, does Gimli still benefit
from his ‘I myself am sitting pretty on 43’ special rule? (p.13) Q: As a King’s Huntsman always passes an In The Way roll on
A: No. a 2+ when they target a Cavalry model, does the 2+ mean they
will hit the rider, or their choice of rider or mount? (p.66)
Q: Legolas Greenleaf’s Deadly Shot special rule states that if he A: When a King’s Huntsman shoots at a Cavalry model
fires a single arrow then he will always hit on a 2+, and that they must declare whether they are targeting the horse or
this cannot be modified in any way. Can this 2+ be modified by the rider. If they hit the Cavalry model, they will hit the
the Shadow Lord’s Pall of Darkness special rule? (p.13 & 137) targeted part of that model on a 2+.
A: No, Deadly Shot cannot be modified.
Q: Glorfindel’s Armour of Gondolin states that he cannot be
Q: If Legolas uses his Deadly Shot special rule to hit any target targeted by Brutal Power Attacks. How does this work with
on a 2+ and then rolls a 1, can he use a point of Might to turn Brutal Power Attacks that do not target a model? (p.75)
the 1 into a 2 and therefore hit? (p.13) A: Brutal Power Attacks, such as Barge or Sauron’s
A: Yes. Unstoppable, do not target any models and so Glorfindel
will still be affected. In the case of an Ent’s Bludgeon
Q: Can Gandalf the White use Shadowfax’s Will points in order Brutal Power Attack, Glorfindel may not be selected as the
to Cast Magical Powers? (p.34) bludgeon, but may still be hit by it.
A: No.
Q: Do models that join another army list due to a Hero
Q: Can Gandalf the White use Shadowfax’s Will points in order allowing them to (such as Gildor Inglorion being able to include
to Resist Magical Powers? (p.34) Wood Elf Warriors in his warband) gain the keywords of that
A: That will depend on the Magical Power being used. If army list? (p.79)
the Magical Power specifically targets either the rider or the A: No.
mount (such as Black Dart) then only the part that is being
targeted may use their Will points. If the Magical Power Q: Can a model be moved out of combat by a Wood Elf
targets the whole model (such as Command/Compel) then Sentinel’s Eldamar Madrigal or a Dead Marsh Spectre’s A Fell
Will points can be used from either Gandalf, Shadowfax, Light is in Them special rules? (p.89 & p.132)
or a combination of both. However, Gandalf may never A: No.
use his Might points to improve a D6 rolled as one of
Shadowfax’s Will points. Q: Can a Wood Elf Sentinel’s Eldamar Madrigal special rule
be used to make an enemy model Charge if the model they are
Q: Can Shadowfax be chosen as a Hero to protect/target in Charging doesn’t have a Control Zone? (p.89)
Scenarios where this is applicable (such as Assassination or Fog A: No.
of War)? (p.34)
A: No, as Shadowfax doesn’t have the Hero keyword. Q: Does the Fangorn Army Bonus mean that Ent models cannot
be knocked Prone? (p.90)
Q: If Denethor fails his Courage test for his Broken Mind A: No, Ent models can still be knocked Prone as normal,
special rule, is he considered to be an enemy model until the end with the exception of the Call Winds, Nature’s Wrath,
of the turn? (p.35) Wrath of Bruinen and Sorcerous Blast Magical Powers.
A: No. He will still count as a friendly model, even if he is
having a moment of madness! Q: If they are taken as an upgrade for Treebeard, do Merry &
Pippin count towards your force’s Break Point? (p.91)
Q: If Denethor fails his Courage test for his Broken Mind A: Yes.
special rule, and is then targeted by an enemy model’s Magical
Power, who chooses whether Denethor can attempt to resist; Q: If they are taken as an upgrade for Treebeard, can Merry and
Denethor’s controlling player or the opposing player? (p.35) Pippin be bought an Elven cloak? (p.91)
A: Denethor’s controlling player, not the opposing player. A: No.

Q: If a force contains Denethor and a Hero of Legend from

another army list, does Denethor’s “The rule of Gondor is mine,
Q: Whilst mounted on Treebeard, can Merry & Pippin still Q: How exactly do Dwarf Ballistae work when they target a
throw stones if Treebeard is Engaged in combat? (p.91) Battlefield target? (p.105)
A: Yes. A: Follow the steps below:
• Roll To Hit and Scatter as normal.
Q: When Merry & Pippin throw stones when mounted on • If the Scatter hits a combat, roll to see which model in
Treebeard, where is the distance measured from? (p.91) the combat is hit in the same way as a shooting attack.
A: From Treebeard’s base. • Make any In The Way rolls that are required.
• Once you have worked out which model is hit, they
Q: Whilst mounted on Treebeard, can Merry & Pippin be suffer a Strength 9 hit. If the hit model was in a fight
targeted individually by Magical Powers or special rules? (p.91) then all models in the fight will also suffer a Strength 9
A: Yes, though any Magical Powers or special rules that hit, and be knocked Prone if they have a Strength of 5
target the entire model will still also affect Treebeard, who or lower (Strength 6 or higher models will still suffer the
can then attempt to Resist as normal (if applicable). Strength 9 hit but will not be knocked Prone).
• If the model that was hit has a Strength of 5 or lower,
Q: Are models that are being used as the bludgeon during the they are then flung D6" directly away from the Ballista
Bludgeon Brutal Power Attack still considered to be in base (even if already slain).
contact with any models they were in base contact with before • The flung model will stop if it hits terrain or a model
the Brutal Power Attack took place? (p.91) with a Strength of 6 or higher. The flung model, and the
A: No. terrain/Strength 6 model will then both suffer a Strength
6 hit.
Q: If Flói Stonehand uses his Loremaster special rule to negate • Any model with a Strength of 5 or lower that is passed
the Blades of the Dead special rule from an enemy model, can over by the flung model will be knocked Prone and then
that model still make strikes? If so, can they then use Special suffer a Strength 6 hit.
Strikes? (p.98)
A: Yes to both. Q: If a model that is hit by the initial shot from a Ballista is
killed, are they still flung back or are they removed immediately?
Q: Can Flói Stonehand use his Loremaster special rule to negate (p105 & 179)
Gûlavhar’s Strength of Body, Strength of Will special rule? A: The slain model is still flung backwards and will still hit
(p.98 & p.127) models in their path when flung back.
A: No.
Q: If an enemy model begins its move already in the Control
Q: When Flói Stonehand negates the effects of a piece of Zone of Tom Bombadil or Goldberry, are they allowed to Charge
wargear, is it only the Active or Passive benefits that are negated, them as they have started their move already in the Control
or all benefits associated with that wargear? (p.98) Zone? (p.108-109)
A: Just the Active or Passive benefits. This will not make A: No. A model that starts its move in the Control Zone
Andúril stop counting as a sword for example. of Tom Bombadil or Goldberry can only choose to forego
their move and remain where they are, or to finish their
Q: Can Flói Stonehand use his Loremaster special rule to negate move outside of their Control Zone ensuring that they
special rules that are not listed as either Active or Passive, such moved no closer to Tom Bombadil/Goldberry whilst
as those found in a Legendary Legion or a War Beast model’s within their Control Zone.
ability to Trample? (p.98)
A: No. Flói can only use his Loremaster ability to negate a Q: Do Tom Bombadil and Goldberry have to take a Courage test
special rule that is listed as either Active or Passive. in order to Charge an Invisible model? (p.108 & 109)
A: No, they may Charge an Invisible model without having
Q: If Mardin is supporting an Iron Shield, does he get +2 when to take a Courage test.
rolling To Wound Monster models – +1 for Torozûl and +1 for a
Foe Spear supporting an Iron Shield? (p.98 & 104) Q: Can a War Beast or Chariot that ignores Control Zones
A: Yes. when moving, move into the Control Zone of Tom Bombadil or
Goldberry and therefore into base contact with them? If so, what
Q: Can a Shieldbearer use its In Defence of the King special happens? (p.108-109)
rule to declare a free Heroic Combat if they are already in the A: Yes, a War Beast or Chariot can move into Tom’s or
same combat as the Dwarf Hero they are protecting? (p.102) Goldberry’s Control Zone and even into base contact with
A: No. them. When this happens, Tom or Goldberry do not take
any hits from the War Beast or Chariot and the War Beast
or Chariot will stop moving, though they will be engaged
in combat. Remember, though, that Tom and Goldberry
will automatically win any fight they are involved in, so
there is no risk of them being crushed by a rampaging
Mûmak or run over by a Chariot!
Q: If Sauron has three or more Wounds remaining, the Barad- Q: Can a Shade still use its Chill Aura special rule if it is
dûr Army Bonus states that the force does not count as being Transfixed or Paralysed? (p.128)
Broken. How does this affect scenarios that award Victory Points A: Yes, as it is a Passive ability even though it needs to be
for an opponent’s force being Broken? (p.112) activated at the start of the Fight phase.
A: Whilst Sauron has three or more Wounds remaining, a
Barad-dûr force will not be considered to be Broken and so Q: Can a Dead Marsh Spectre force an enemy model to make
will not give away Victory Points for being Broken. a Jump, Climb, Leap or Swim test using their A Fell Light is in
Them special rule? (p.132)
Q: If Sauron is hit by a Magical Power or ranged attack that A: They may not make an enemy model make a Jump,
causes multiple Wounds, and he is on his last Wound, does he take Climb or Leap test. However, if they make a model move
a The One Ring test for each Wound suffered, or only a single test into a water feature that would cause a Swim test, this will
as the rules for The One Ring state that he only takes a test each be taken as normal.
time he loses his last Wound during the Fight phase? (p.113)
A: He will only take a single test in these situations. This is Q: Can a Dead Marsh Spectre’s A Fell Light is in Them special
treated in the same way as Fate in that a single saved roll rule be used to make an enemy model Charge if the model they
will negate all Wounds caused by attacks that do multiple are Charging doesn’t have a Control Zone? (p.132)
Wounds. A: No.

Q: If the rider from atop a Warg, Fell Warg, or similar is Q: Is the Great Beast of Gorgoroth a Battlefield Target or a Siege
slain, and the mount passes its Courage test to remain on the Target? (p.146)
battlefield, does it keep the Cavalry keyword even though it is A: As it has the Monster keyword and is not mentioned in
no longer a Cavalry model? (p.120) the list of Siege Targets, it is a Battlefield Target. Its Howdah
A: No, as it is no longer a Cavalry model. is also a Battlefield Target.

Q: When the rider of a Warg Rider is slain and the Warg passes Q: If the Balrog or Watcher in the Water hits a War Beast,
its Courage test to stay on the board, does the Warg retain the its Howdah, or a model riding in the Howdah with their Fiery
Mordor or Angmar keyword (depending on what list it was Lash or Tentacles special rule respectively, what happens? (p.151
taken from)? (p.120 & 131) & p.159)
A: Yes. A: If the War Beast or Howdah is hit then it will suffer
the hit as normal, but will not be moved into base contact
Q: If Gûlavhar is already wounded and slays an enemy model with the Balrog or Watcher in the Water. A model in the
in combat before making all his Strikes, does he regain Wounds Howdah will be moved as described in the rules for the
and therefore Attacks immediately, and can therefore use them Fiery Lash or Tentacles.
in the same combat? (p.127)
A: No. Gûlavhar will only gain Wounds by slaying models Q: If the Balrog or Watcher in the Water hits a Cavalry model
at the end of a combat he is involved in. with their Fiery Lash or Tentacles special rule respectively, is the
whole model dragged into the fight or just the part that was hit?
Q: If Gûlavhar suffers any Wounds whilst making Attacks (p.151 & 159)
(such as from Haldir’s One Final Blow special rule, or Sharku’s A: Both rules state the model, so it will be the whole
Riding Dagger) which results in its Wounds being reduced, will model.
its Attacks be reduced before making any more Strikes? (p.127)
A: If Gûlavhar is making its Strikes all in one go then this Q: If the Balrog suffers multiple Wounds from attacks that
will have no effect on the number of Attacks Gûlavhar would normally kill it outright, will it take half its total number
makes. However, if Gûlavhar makes its Strikes individually of wounds from each successful attack or half in total as per its
and has its Wounds reduced before it has finished making Demon of the Ancient World special rule? (p.151)
all its Strikes then its Attacks will immediately be reduced. A: It will take half from each, so it will take two attacks
This may result in Gûlavhar having to immediately stop with the ability to kill the Balrog outright to do so.
making Strikes.
Q: If the Balrog or the Watcher in the Water hits a model with
Q: Gûlavhar’s Strength of Body, Strength of Will special rule their Fiery Lash or Tentacles special rule respectively, and by
states that his Attacks and Courage are equal to his remaining dragging them into combat by the shortest possible route would
Wounds. How does this interact with special rules that increase also put the dragged model into base contact with another
or decrease a model’s Courage value (such as Harbinger of Evil friendly model, will that friendly model also count as being in
or a war horn) or Magical Powers that permanently affect a combat with the dragged model? (p.151 & 159)
model’s Courage value (such as Drain Courage)? (p.127) A: Yes.
A: Gûlavhar will still be affected by special rules that increase
or decrease his Courage value as normal. In these instances, Q: Can the Watcher in the Water displace models so that they
work out what Gûlavhar’s Courage value would be (equal are forced off the edge of a cliff? (p.159)
to his remaining Wounds) and then apply the modifier of A: Yes, the model will take falling damage as normal.
the special rule in question; so, if Gûlavhar had his full 4
Wounds remaining, and was affected by the Harbinger of Q: Can the Watcher in the Water displace models so that they
Evil special rule, his Courage value would be 3. Gûlavhar are forced off the edge of the board? (p.159)
cannot be affected by Magical Powers that permanently A: No.
affect his Courage value (such as Drain Courage).
Q: Can the Watcher in the Water shoot models it is Engaged in Q: There are some models in the Isengard army list that do not
combat with? (p.159) have the Isengard keyword, such as the Orcs and Dunlendings.
A: Yes. Additionally, the Watcher will not need to take an Does this means they do not benefit from the Isengard Army
In The Way roll to see if it hits itself. Bonus? (p.166)
A: Correct. The Orcs (being from Mordor) and the
Q: Can the Watcher in the Water target mounts directly with its Dunlendings (being from Dunland) are not from Isengard,
Tentacles shooting attack? (p.159) and as such do not have the Isengard keyword, and
A: Yes. therefore do not benefit from the Isengard Army Bonus.

Q: If the Watcher in the Water suffers any Wounds whilst Q: The Isengard Army Bonus states that models with the
making Attacks (such as from Haldir’s One Final Blow special Isengard keyword do not take Courage tests for being Broken
rule, or Sharku’s Riding Dagger) which results in its Wounds until they have suffered 66% casualties. How does this affect
being reduced to 3 or less, will its Attacks be reduced to 3 before Scenarios that award Victory Points for an opponent’s force
making any more Strikes? (p.159) being Broken? (p.166)
A: If the Watcher in the Water is making its Strikes all in A: Although models benefiting from the Army Bonuses do
one go then this will have no effect on the number of not take Courage tests for being Broken, the army itself is
Attacks the Watcher in the Water makes. However, if the still Broken and will award Victory Points as normal.
Watcher in the Water makes its Strikes individually and
has its Wounds reduced to 3 or less before it has finished Q: If a model within 6” of Gríma Wormtongue declares a
making all its Strikes then its Attacks will immediately Heroic Action without spending Might (such as through the
be reduced to 3. This may result in the Watcher in the use of the Master of Battle (X+) or a special rule in their
Water having to immediately stop making Strikes as it will profile), how many Might do they have to spend due to Gríma’s
already have made 3 (or more). Wormtongue special rule? (p.168)
A: None as no Might points are being spent to declare the
Q: Can the Watcher in the Water use Might to increase its Heroic Action.
roll to arrive on the board for its From the Deep special rule?
(p.159) Q: If an Isengard army is Broken, but has not yet suffered 66%
A: No. casualties, then models with the Isengard keyword do not
take Courage tests for being Broken, but those without do as
Q: Can the Watcher in the Water still use its Tentacles special per the Army Bonus. In this situation, can an Isengard Hero
rule if it has moved over half its Move allowance that turn? still make a Courage test for being Broken in order to use their
(p.159) Stand Fast! special rule to allow Warrior models without the
A: Yes, though it will still suffer the -1 penalty for moving Isengard keyword to stay and fight? (p.166)
and shooting. A: Yes, however, should they fail their Courage test they will
still be removed as a casualty, so be careful when opting to
Q: Can models finish their move on top of a Moria Goblin make these Courage tests!
Drum? (p.161)
A: No, but they may attempt to jump over it. Q: Do Uruk-hai Scouts that are upgraded to be Mauhúr’s
Marauders still gain the Woodland Creature special rule from
Q: Bat Swarms (and other flying models) now have a Move the Isengard Army Bonus? (p.166)
allowance of 3". Why is this? (p.163) A: Yes, they are still Uruk-hai Scouts after all.
A: The Fly special rule is what gives these models their 12"
move; this is to give them a Move allowance for when they Q: Do Uruk-hai Drummers gain the Woodland Creature special
walk should you ever need it. rule from the Isengard Army Bonus? (p.166)
A: Yes.
Q: If a Bat Swarm that is under the effects of the Channelled
version of the Shroud of Shadows Magical Power is Engaged in Q: If an enemy model charges Gríma and wins the fight, can
a fight, do the models they are Engaged with halve their Fight they strike his horse if Gríma is mounted? (p.168)
value twice (once for Blinding Swarm and once for the Magical A: No.
Power) or just once? (p.163)
A: They will only halve their Fight value once (rounding Q: If an enemy model Commands Gríma to Charge an
down). enemy model, will this cause Gríma to have revealed his true
allegiance? (p.168)
Q: How many models does a Warg Marauder count as for the A: No, as this Charge was not voluntary.
purpose of building an army and Bow Limit? (p.164)
A: Like all Cavalry models, it will count as a single model. Q: If Gríma Wormtongue is charged by a model riding a War
As it is armed with an Orc bow it will also count as a Camel, does he still suffer a Strength 4 hit from their Impaler
model towards your Bow Limit. special rule even if he has not been revealed yet? (p.168)
A: Yes.

Q: Once his force is Broken, can Uglúk use his Head Taker
special rule to pass any Courage test, or just one for being
Broken? (p.169)
A: Just the Courage test for being Broken.
Q: Once his force is Broken, can Uglúk use his Head Taker Q: Does the Golden King of Abrakhân’s Riches Beyond Renown
special rule to pass a Courage test, even if he is benefiting from special rule decrease an enemy model’s Courage value for the
the Isengard Army Bonus and the army has not yet suffered duration of the turn or the remainder of the game? (p.192)
66% casualties, in order to allow friendly Warrior models to A: The duration of the turn.
benefit from his Stand Fast!? (p.169)
A: No. Uglúk can only use Head Taker to pass a Courage Q: If a War Mûmak of Harad (or any other War Beast for that
test he would normally have to take for being Broken. matter) suffers the effects of Set Ablaze, are the Howdah and
the Crew also Set Ablaze? (p.194)
Q: If Sharku suffers a Wound, but then saves it by passing his A: No. A War Beast, its Howdah, and its crew, are all
Fate roll, does he get to make a strike against the enemy model considered to be separate for the purposes of the Set
for his Riding Dagger special rule? (p.170) Ablaze special rule.
A: No.
Q: Can the options for a War Mûmak of Harad be shattered by
Q: Does an Uruk-hai Berserker benefit from their Impervious to the Shatter Magical Power? (p.194)
Bow-fire special rule against throwing weapons? (p.176) A: No.
A: Yes, throwing weapons are still shooting attacks.
Q: How are models that cannot normally be directly affected
Q: When a bomb is dropped, can it be dropped only touching by Magical Powers that would prevent them from moving (such
one of the bomb carriers, or must it be dropped touching both? as Smaug or the Mumâk) affected by Special Rules that would
(p.178) make them suffer the effects of the Paralyse Magical Power, but
A: When the bomb is dropped, it must be placed touching that technically aren’t Magical Powers (such as a Mirkwood
both of the bomb carriers. The only exception is if one Spider’s Spider Web or Shelob’s Caught in a Web Brutal Power
of the bomb carriers is slain, in which case the bomb is Attack)? (p. 194)
dropped touching the remaining bomb carrier, as close to A: Models that cannot be prevented from moving (such as
where the slain bomb carrier was. Smaug or a Mûmak) will be unaffected by Special Rules
that make them suffer the effects of the Paralyse Magical
Q: Can a Demolition Charge be placed overlapping a model’s Power.
base? (p.178)
A: No. Q: Can models other than the Mûmak War Leader or a Mahûd
Beastmaster be placed on the forked section outside of the
Q: Does a single successful Fate roll prevent all Wounds suffered Howdah? (p.194)
from an Isengard Demolition Charge, or just one? (p.178) A: No, any other models that are riding the Mûmak must
A: Just one Wound per successful Fate roll. be placed within the Howdah.

Q: When a Demolition Charge detonates, do you measure from Q: Does the Sigils of Defiance option for the War Mûmak of
the centre of the charge or from the edges of the charge? (p.178) Harad affect the Mûmak as well? (p.195)
A: Measure from the edges of the Demolition Charge. A: Yes.

Q: Do models that do not technically charge, such as a Q: Can Mahûd Warrior models benefit from their Warrior
Khandish Chariot, need to take a Courage test if they wish to Pride Army Bonus if there is a friendly Mûmak War Leader on
try to run over a terrifying model? (p.189) Royal War Mûmak, a friendly War Mûmak of Far Harad, or
A: No. a friendly War Mûmak of Harad with the Mahûd Beastmaster
upgrade, in combat within 6” of them? (p.200)
Q: Can models that do not technically charge, such as a A: Yes. Although the Mahûd Hero isn’t technically in
Khandish Chariot, still try to run over enemy models if they are combat themselves, riding a Mûmak that is in combat is
part of a Heroic March? (p.189) still pretty inspiring!
A: Yes.
Q: If a model on a War Camel kills a model it charges with the
Q: If a model riding a Khandish Chariot is involved in a Impaler rule and then charges another model, will it inflict a
successful Heroic Combat, can it use its Chariot Charge in the Strength 4 hit on this model too? (p.203)
ensuing movement? (p.189) A: Yes.
A: Yes.
Q: If a model on a War Camel charges an enemy model across a
Q: Can a Khandish Chariot be knocked Prone via the Bash barrier, do they still cause a Strength 4 hit against the enemy as
special strike? (p.189) per the Impaler special rule? (p.203)
A: Yes. A: No. Cavalry models gain no benefits when charging a
model defending a barrier.
Q: Is the Golden King of Abrakhân’s two-handed weapon a
sword? (p.192) Q: If a model with the Impaler special rule charges a Cavalry
A: Yes. model and kills the mount on the charge, will it now gain
the Cavalry Charge bonuses as it is now fighting against an
Q: Can the Golden King of Abrakhân be supported by a model Infantry model? (p.203)
armed with a spear or pike that are on a 25mm base? (p.192) A: No, as the model initially charged a Cavalry model.
A: No.
Q: Can a Corsair Reaver within 6" of a Corsair Bo’sun choose
to automatically fail its Courage test for its Mindless Killers
special rule? (p.207)
A: Yes.

Q: Can a Corsair Reaver activate their Mindless Killers special

rule if they move as part of a Heroic Combat? Also, if a Corsair
Reaver activates their Mindless Killers special rule in the Move
phase, do they still benefit from it if they then move as part of a
Heroic Combat in the same turn? (p.207)
A: Yes to both questions.

Q: If a model with a pavise is hit by an impact hit, such as from

a War Beast, Chariot, or a model with the Impaler rule, does it
still gain the Defence bonus from the pavise? (p.207)
A: Yes.

Q: The Allies Matrix in the rules manual lists the Fellowship as

Historical Allies with the Dead of Dunharrow, whilst the Allies
Matrix in the Armies of The Lord of the Rings lists them as
Convenient Allies. Which one is correct? (p.238)
A: They are Convenient Allies. After all, the Fellowship has
been broken by the time Aragorn recruits the Army of the
Dead!
 Official Errata, August 2023
The following errata correct errors in the Armies of The Lord Page 78 – Círdan
of the Rings. The errata are updated regularly; when changes Change Círdan’s Heroic Tier to Minor Hero.
are made any changes from the previous version will be
highlighted in magenta. Where the update has a note, e.g. Page 80 – High Elf Stormcaller
‘Regional update’, this means it has had a local update, Change the High Elf Stormcaller’s Powers of Nature special
only in that language, to clarify a translation issue or other rule from Active to Passive.
minor correction.
Page 85 – Haldir
Change Haldir’s Heroic Tier to Hero of Valour.
Errata
Page 33 – Aragorn, King Elessar
Page 87 – Galadhrim Knight – Wargear
Add the following to Aragorn’s profile:
Replace Elven-made sword with Elven-made hand-and-a-
Aragorn, King Elessar may not be included in the same
half sword.
force as Boromir, Captain of the White Tower; Boromir of
Gondor or Denethor, Steward of Gondor.
Page 100 – Dwarf King
Change the Dwarf King’s Heroic Tier to Hero of Valour.
Page 40 – King of Men
Change the King of Men’s Heroic Tier to Hero of Valour.
Page 107 – Drár – Wargear
Add axe to Drár’s wargear.
Page 45 – Gondor Avenger Bolt Thrower – Crew
Change the number of crew from two to three.
Page 123 – Mordor War Catapult – Area Effect
Change the special rule to read:
Page 52 – The Dead of Dunharrow – Army Bonus
If a Catapult scores a hit against a Battlefield target, all
Change the second sentence to read:
models within 2" of the target suffer one Strength 5 hit
Additionally, warbands from this army list that contain
and are knocked Prone (this additional hit does not kill a
between 8 and 12 models do not need a Hero to be the
target outright).
Captain of the warband.
Page 128 – Shade – Chill Aura
Page 64 – Gamling – Royal Standard of Rohan
Change from Passive to Active.
Change the second sentence to read:
Additionally, a single Rohan Hero model within 3" of the Page 128 – Shade – Chill Aura
Royal Standard of Rohan at the start of the turn, that has Replace the Shade’s Chill Aura special rule with the
no Might remaining, may automatically add 1 point of following:
Might to their store. At the start of the Fight phase, before Heroic Actions are
declared, a Shade may spend a point of Will to activate
Page 73 – Gil-galad, High King of the Elves
this ability. All models (both friend and foe) within 6" of
Add the following line to the restrictions for using Gil-galad: one or more Shades that have activated this ability suffer
If your force contains Gil-galad, then every alliance will be a -1 penalty to its Duel roll. This is cumulative with other
Impossible Allies with the following exceptions: Númenor such penalties, such as for wielding a two-handed weapon.
will still be Historical Allies, and Lothlórien, Fangorn, and Friendly Angmar models are not affected by this special
the Misty Mountains will still be Convenient Allies. rule.
Page 74 – Elrond, Master of Rivendell – Vilya
Page 141 – Gothmog, Lieutenant of Sauron – Wargear
Change Elrond, Master of Rivendell’s Vilya special rule Replace sword with mace or sword.
from Active to Passive.
Page 148 – Black Guard of Barad-dûr – Options
Page 74 – Elrond, Master of Rivendell – Foresight of the
Change to the following:
Eldar Exchange shield for banner – 25 points
Change the second sentence to read:
During the Priority phase, after the dice has been rolled, Page 164 – Warg Marauder
so long as he is alive and on the battlefield, Elrond may Add the Cave Dweller special rule to the Moria Goblin
choose to alter the controlling player’s dice roll. Riders.
Page 76 – Arwen
Page 178 – Uruk-hai Demolition Team, Detonation Table
Change Arwen’s Heroic Tier to Minor Hero. Change the Dud entry to read the following:
Dud. The charge has been damaged in some way and will
Page 76 – Arwen
not detonate yet – roll again next turn and add +1 to the roll.
Add the following to Arwen’s profile:
Arwen may be included in a Fellowship army as part of the
Fellowship army list, so long as it also includes Aragorn –
Strider.
Page 178 – Demolition Charges – Detonating the Charge Page 182 – Easterling Dragon Knight – Knights of the
Add the following after the second sentence: Dragon Cult
A model may only attempt to detonate the charge if Change to read:
the resulting explosion would affect at least two enemy Dragon Knights may only include Easterling models with
models, or an enemy Siege target; meaning there must the Black Dragon upgrade or Dragon Cult Acolytes in their
be at least two enemy models within 2" of the charge to warband.
detonate it.
Page 189 – Khandish Chariot
Page 179 – Isengard Assault Ballista – Piercing Shot Change the Khandish Chariot’s Defensive Bulwark special
Add the following sentence: rule from Active to Passive.
An Isengard Assault Ballista has a range of 6”-48”.
Page 191 – Haradrim King
Page 180 – The Easterlings Army Bonus Change the Haradrim King’s Heroic Tier to Hero of Valour.
Add the following line to the end of the Army Bonus:
If there is an Easterling contingent as part of an army that Page 201 – Mahûd King
contains an alliance, this Army Bonus is only in effect if 25% Change the Mahûd King’s Heroic Tier to Hero of Valour.
or more of the total models in the army have the Easterling
keyword.

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