With announcements for the new edition of MESBG, War of the Rohirrim and Hunt for Gollum on the horizon, and Rings of Power Season 2 out today, lets crack on with some more Lord of the Rings themed silli(marillion)ness for our hobby focus.
Brett’s painted Uruk-hai Army for the Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game is a striking and cohesive force, characterized by the brutal and intimidating appearance of the Uruk-hai, as seen in “The Lord of the Rings.” The army features expertly painted miniatures, capturing the dark, rugged armor and ferocious expressions of the Uruk-hai warriors. The units include a mix of infantry, berserkers, and captains of the white hand of Saruman, as well as Curumo himself. Brett’s work emphasizes the menacing nature of these formidable foes, making them both visually impressive and tactically imposing on the battlefield.
In Valinor, Curumo was one of the Maiar who served Aulë, the Vala associated with crafting and smithing. This background in craftsmanship gave Saruman a deep knowledge of the physical world, which would later contribute to his expertise in mechanics and his obsession with power. When he arrived in Middle-earth, he took on the name Saruman (Saruman the White) and became the leader of the White Council, a group formed to counter the threat of Sauron.
Over time, Saruman became increasingly obsessed with the power of Sauron and the One Ring. His pride grew, and he began to study Sauron’s ways, hoping to surpass him. Saruman’s knowledge of the Dark Lord’s methods led him to believe that he could control the power of the Ring for himself. He secretly built an army of Uruk-hai and fortified Isengard, the stronghold given to him by the rulers of Gondor, turning it into a fortress of war.
Saruman’s fall was marked by his betrayal of the White Council. He became a puppet of Sauron, though he deluded himself into thinking he could eventually overthrow him. Saruman allied with Sauron, sought to destroy Rohan, and capture the One Ring. He used his persuasive voice and cunning to manipulate others, including King Théoden of Rohan, whom he ensnared with dark magic.
However, Saruman’s plans began to unravel. His army was defeated at the Battle of Helm’s Deep, and the Ents, ancient tree-like beings of Fangorn Forest, destroyed Isengard. Saruman was trapped in Orthanc, the tower within Isengard, by the Ents, and his power was broken. Gandalf the White, now the leader of the Istari, stripped Saruman of his rank and staff, leaving him powerless and disgraced.
After the fall of Sauron, Saruman, bitter and vengeful, went to the Shire, where he attempted to establish a petty tyranny. But the hobbits, led by Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, overthrew him in the “Scouring of the Shire.” In the end, Saruman met his death at the hands of his former servant, Gríma Wormtongue, who slit his throat in a fit of rage. His spirit was rejected by the West, where he had once served, and he faded into nothingness, marking the tragic end of a once-great Maia who fell to the lure of power and pride.
But enough talk, I know what you’re all thinking… WHY IS THE TROLL ON A RECTANGLE!? Apologies for any brain-related upset, but the answer is simply that Brett also wanted to dual-use this army for Oathmark, and while he could purchase Renedra movement trays from our very store to turn those circles into squares, he could do no such thing with the mighty Troll. Tbh, I heard he hates magnets, and dogs….
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