It borders seven regions and can potentially trade with all of them provided you either own the surrounding regions or obtain a trade agreement with a faction owning some of these regions. It is a key city and you will definitely need it later on in the game. Use your general from Grasgard and siege the fortress of Araw. It is turn two and you will soon experience your first battle as Dale. Enough of turn 1, press end turn and prepare yourself for the second turn. Not only will that give you a heads up on what the rebel army contains, but it also gives your spy some experience and sometimes it gives your factionleader 1+ in command when using spies. Mercenaries are rare in Middle Earth and most of them are heavy infantry or heavy cavalry so be sure to buy them if you can afford it! Before you end your turn, you might want to use your spy to check out the rebel army. I move all the men from Grasgard towards Araw and recruit the mercenaries. Recruit units in all cities, you will need more reinforcements following King Bard later. I also move all units from Riverrun to meet King Bards army as the army closes in on Araw. I first move King Bard and all of his men south along with all the men from Esgaroth towards Araw. It may come in handy later on in the game if Rhun is closing in on you and you are in desperate need of more men.

In Riverrun I suggest you build a town watch as you still have a decent amount of money left in your treasury.

You also need to be careful about spending too much of your treasury in the beginning if your campaign, you will need money for your troops. I prefer starting with markets as their constructiontime is much lower than when constructing roads. Build markets or roads in Dale, Grasgard and Esgaroth to begin with. Economy is the first factor you need to take into account when playing Dale. A fantastic general capable of defeating the mightiest of enemies. You start with only 4 regions, but no worries. If you wish me to play on to show you more guidance then just ask for it and I will try to find some time for it. I have played the Dale campaign three times and two times captured half of the Middle Earth so I want to give you my knowledge about Dale and its first turns. My favourite faction in Third Age Total War is Dale and I have heard several people are having difficulties playing it and that is why I have decided to create a Dale Guide for those of you who have given up on the faction or just have yet to experience its campaign.

Third age total war mordor strategy