Hello all
I've always been interested in WOTR, but only recently have I gathered forces large enough to play it (or hopefully large enough). I have several armies that would probably make for small lists. For Mordor I have roughly 170 infantry, 10 cavalry and several monsters, a little less for minas tirith, fallen realms is about 90 infantry, 2 mumakil, and a few chariots.
My question is, if I am going to start playing with a friend who is starting as well, what size battles should we start with? Should we start with smaller formations with less companies, or simplify the rules at first? What do you thing would be best?
Thanks for any advice
Nick

Start small and learn the rules - where do you live, there might be other WotR players nearby

_________________
Leonardis
Army blog:Http://www.thewarofthering.blogspot.co.uk/

My first game was at 500pts, which was fine for learning the mechanics, but I would go for 800. Allows for 1-2 of extra formations and a couple extra non-epic heroes.

_________________
solentwargamers.co.uk Solent Wargamers Club in Portsmouth, UK

My recommendation is to start off with 500 points of infantry and cavalry and make sure you have a formation of archers. This way you can learn all the different phases. Infantry formations are best at 4 COs each for common formations and 3 COs each for cavalry. Include a captian or two on each side so you see how heroic actions work.

The next time you play, go for 750 points and include an epic hero on each side, one that does not use magic.

Then the next time you play, go for 1,000 points and use an epic hero with magic such as a Ringwraith and Gandalf the Grey.

You should work up to 1,500 points with a monster or two on each side. Trolls for evil and an ent for good. You then would want to add a flying monster such as a Great Eagle and a Ringwraith on Fell Beast.

If you decide on a good army, remember you need allies to defeat the forces of evil. No matter if you decide on Gondor, Rohan, Elves or Dwarves, you need allies from the Forgotten Kingdoms list. Saruman, the White, Gandalf, Radagast, Great Eagles and Ents will be able to counter Ringwraiths, trolls, and fell beasts.

Thanks a lot for the replies, would the game work better to start off with, with a few normal sized formations (3-4COs) or more very small formations (1-2 COs)?
Thanks again for all the help
Nick

Depends on the size of the opposing armies. If only 500 points, you can start off with 2 company infantry formations. But they won't last long. Common infantry formations need a least 3-4 companies to absorb hits. If not, your hero in the command company will die quickly because of the Hope is Lost rule where the formation is instantly removed as soon as the final company in reduced to half strength.

Cavalry need to be at least 3 companies for the same reason with fewer models in each company.

Thanks a lot for that, it might be a while before we can play our first games. Perhaps having fragile small companies will be good, allowing us to get more games in and get used to the basic game mechanics. We would have to bring them up to a proper size to bring in monstersthough. Thanks for all the help. I'm sure that i'll be needing some more advice before long

Cheers

Nick