Total War: Wainriders is a full-conversion & fully modfoldered modification for Rome: Total War - Alexander. Inspired solely by the written works of J.R.R. Tolkien, it seeks to reflect both the spirit and lore of Middle-earth as Tolkien saw it. Total War: Wainriders is being built by the Fourth Age Total War team on the excellent foundations of the Dominion of Men mod for Barbarian Invasion, but completely reworked to take full advantage of all the features of Alexander. It will feature fully overhauled factions, an updated campaign map, and new mechanics and gameplay systems all designed to effectively transport the setting of the main campaign to T.A. 1864 and tell the story of the great conflicts of Middle-earth at that time.
For half a century, the Lords of Umbar have been exiles – exiled even from their place of exile, the great haven of Umbar. It was to Umbar that the sons of Castamir fled after their father was slain by Eldacar at the head of an army out of the wild North. And after the Kin-strife, it was to Umbar that the enemies of the King of Gondor would flock – Corsairs, Southrons, and those of Dunedanic blood who would not bow to the descendants of Eldacar.
Here the Lordship of Umbar grew, independent of Gondor’s crown: mighty in ships, ruler of the coasts, challenging the strength of the Kings. Here men remember with pride the coming of the great fleet of Ar-Pharazon the Golden, the humiliation of Sauron, and the mastery of the Numenoreans. If any place can call itself seat of the power of Men in Middle-earth, it is Umbar.
The Lordship has been bereft of its stronghold and refuge for fifty years, ever since the assault of King Telumehtar, who stormed Umbar and destroyed the last descendants of Castamir. Ever since, the remnants of the Lordship have clung to the coasts and hinterlands, nursing their strength, biding their time.
And now Gondor is weak. Now come rumours of a power rising in the East, strong enough to destroy the Northmen and throw back the hosts of Gondor – strong enough even to slay its king in battle, as has not been done for centuries. Now may be the moment to seize the haven, rebuild the fleets, and make Umbar the pride of Men once more.