I wanted to upload this map made by me and my friend - Damaslaus. (the starting picture is dated, we changed names but forgot to change picture).

The map is a strategy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Silmarillion' - the First Age of the World (with LotR being the Third). The map is similar in gameplay to 'Battle for Middle Earth', 'Ringwars' and 'War of the Jewels' so if you played these maps you will know how to play this one.

Few important notes about the map:
- It is based almost entirely on heroes - there are exceptions like Sindar and Dwarves whose heroes are more of a compliment to army, but teams like Noldor and Sons of Feanor are all about their heroes. These heroes are strong (especially on higher levels) but do not revive - if you lose a hero you lose him for the rest of the game. They are often accompanied by 'demi-heroes' - unique units with special abilities that do not revive either. All of this adds extra micro to the map, as you have to prevent your heroes from dying and at the same time try to kill enemy heroes (this is the hardest with players who have large hero groups, like Gondolin (Blue) and Nargothrond (Teal)).

- Units are not as important as heroes but are not obsolete. Units spawn every 2,5 minutes next to your main cities (spawns are delayed a little for some players to prevent lag). Their number and quality improves with time automatically. Units are mainly a meatshield for heroes though it may sometimes be worth to micro them (especially early game when they are more of a factor). For example a stunned hero surrounded with high dps units is almost for sure a dead hero.

- Due to points above the map is rather hard and unfriendly to noobs (the main problem of these types of maps) but when you get a group of people who know how to play this map may be extremely fun and challenging. Hope you will like it ^^.

Few last tips on how to play - at start group your heroes and demi-heroes to group 1 (hero group) and the units to other groups (preferably having groups of melee, groups of ranged and groups of cavalry for easier micro). During the battle micro your heroes and do not let them get surrounded by enemy. Use their abilities (hotkeys are important here) and kill enemy heroes. Don't fight if you are going to lose. Always know where your heroes are and keep them together. Win by making all enemy players leave or kill all their spawns.
The map is protected and optimalized (to reduce size).

All constructive criticism is welcome.

Keywords:
Quendi, Age of Quendi, LotR, First Age, Silmarillion, Silmarills