The Blade Masters of Rivendell (Sindarin: Maechir Imladris) are the starting unit and special swordsmen battalion of Imladris which excels at clearing large numbers of weak enemies. As of the 4.5.5 update, they are able to be recruited from a level 1 Imladris Barracks, switching spots with the Rivendell Swordsmen. While they have the same cost and stats, they also deal minor splash damage, making the Blade Masters very valuable against spam factions.
Abilities[]
Firstborn Blade Masters: The Blade Masters inflict small area-of-effect damage near their targets. This damage does not affect Elite units, Heroic units, or Heroes. (Passive ability)
Focused Assault: Requires Advanced Military Studies (from the Library). For 30 seconds, the Weapon Masters deal increased damage against enemies without heavy armor.
Upgrades[]
The Blademasters have access to the following upgrades:
Banner Carrier - This upgrade can only be given to a level 1 battalion and will promote it to level 2. At level 2 the battalion can regenerate units when out of combat. Cost: 200.
Heavy Armor - Increases the armor, hit points and damage resistance of the unit to ranged damage. Changes the unit's armor set to EdainInfantryHeavyArmor. Cost: 300
| EdainInfantryHeavyArmor | |
|---|---|
| DEFAULT | 100% |
| SLASH | 100% |
| PIERCE | 65% |
| CAVALRY_RANGED | 135% |
| SPECIALIST | 65% |
| CRUSH | 135% |
| CAVALRY | 135% |
| SIEGE | 100% |
| FLAME | 100% |
| FROST | 100% |
| MAGIC | 100% |
| HERO | 150% |
| HERO_RANGED | 150% |
| STRUCTURAL | 150% |
| CHOP | 100% |
| URUK | 150% |
| WATER | 135% |
| FlankedPenalty | 25% |
Magic Blades - Increases the damage of this battalion and provides a damage bonus against other infantry (swordsmen, pikemen, archers, etc...). Cost: 300
Eregion Blades - After the Forged Blades (Magic Blades) upgrade has been purchased by the battalion, this additional upgrade becomes available once the Basic Blacksmithing Studies has been researched from the Library. The Eregion Blades are lighter and more efficient, granting the battalion a +25% higher attack speed. Cost: 200
Strategy[]
The Blade Masters of Rivendell have situational usage depending on the factions the Imladris player fights against. Blade Masters are best used against factions that heavily spam units, e.g. Mordor, Rohan, and Angmar (during their early phase). To further aid them in combat they have the ability "Focused Assault" which makes them deal increased damage against enemies without heavy armor. While these units are powerful against lots of enemies, one must remember that they are not invincible, especially against overwhelming numbers or against enemy hordes combined with strong support troops or hero units. It is advisable to support your Blade Masters with ranged units such as Rivendell Archers, Lindon Guardians, or Dunedain Rangers to improve their survivability.
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