The Last Days of the Third Age is a mod for the original Mount & Blade based on The Lord of the Rings lore. It was ported on Warband because it was one of the most popular mods for the original game.

The mod can be found here: https://www.moddb.com/mods/the-last-days/downloads

You can find the manual which will help you with installation on the same link.

In TLD, you can play as several races.

Human, Elf, Dwarf, Orc, Uruk-Hai.

Yes, you can be Orc, isn't that amazing? Hold onto your chairs, it's just the beginning!

There are many factions in TLD. But there is only one War. Good guys versus Bad guys. Nothing between.

GOOD FACTIONS:

1. Gondor - The last defence between western lands and Mordor, ruled by Steward Denethor in the kingdom capital - Minas Tirith.

2. Rohan - Kingdom of horse Lords, ruled by King Theoden, lord of the Golden Hall of Meduzeld.

3. Dwarves - ruled by King under the Mountain Dain, lord of Erebor, set up under the Lonely Mountain.

4. Mirkwood Elves - forest Elves ruled by King Thranduil, lord of Thranduil Halls

5. Elves of Lothlorien - Elves living in protected forests of Lorien, ruled by Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel.

6. Elves of Imladris - High Elves of Rivendell, ruled by Lord Elrond. (they didn't make Rivendell in game, which really sucks doesn't it? :P)

7. Kingdom of Dale - prosperous kingdom set up near Erebor, Ruled by King Bard, lord of Dale.

8. Beornings - mystical people, who can transform into wild animals if wanted. (not in game :P)

EVIL FACTIONS:

1. Mordor - ruled by Sauron, who is incapacited in game since he is only the Eye. His marionete is Mouth of Sauron.

2. Dol Guldur - Part of Mordor empire, ruled by Master Fulnir, servant of Barad-Dur.

3. Isengard - Uruks bearing the White Hand of Saruman, powerfull wizard who reign from Tower of Orthanc.

4. Harad - one of the kingdoms of men from the East who fight for Sauron.

5. Khand

6. Rhun - Easterlings tribes fighting for Sauron.

7. Moria - before great kingdom of Dwarves, now pit for hordes of goblins.

8. Mount Gundabad - home of great Gundabad orcs (not so big in game though).

9. Corsairs - Mercenary pirates from the South, serving Sauron.

This mod isn't just usual mod if you know what I mean. It adds so much more.

RANKS:

-This mod adds ranks. As you develop your character and do more quests, you get rank points. As you get more rank points, you level up your rank. But this only works with one faction at the time. If you want to level up your rank in other factions, you have to do quests and fights for them too.
-Ranks are important because you can recruit better troops when your rank is higher. Also you get more resource points and you can get some rewards from faction leaders.

RESOURCES:

-There is a bit difference between money in this game and money in original M&B. Here you have to gather resource points for every faction separately. For example, if you are on Mordor territory, you will get Mordor resource points from trading and if you are on Isengard territory, you will get Isengard resource points.
-This can be handy if you like to mix army types, because you pay wages for Mordor troops with Mordor money and for Isengard troops with Isengard money.

INFLUENCE:

-Beside rank points, you get influence points by doing quests. You can spend influence points to ask for rewards from faction leaders or to give orders to lords.

SIEGES:

-Sieges are different in this mod. You can't initiate sieges nor capture castles (except few that Mordor can take from Gondor). Castles are automatically destroyed after sieges except for few examples that I mentioned.
-Factions will siege cities if their faction strenght is lowered below some point (usually 3000 points) You can contribute to lowering faction points by defeating enemy parties.
-The higher faction strenght is, the more troops will that faction have (patrols, war parties, caravans, etc.)
EDIT: It seems that some fans made it possible to siege by yourself under certain circumstances. First of all you need 10.000 resource points with your own faction. Beside that, you apparently need to be rank 15 with your faction and to have a lot of influence in order to initiate siege.

Many thanks to connormacaulay who posted this in the comments!

Also, on some forums they say that when you do siege something, you get demoted aka lose certain amount of rank and influence points.

PERMANENT DEATH!:

You can choose in TLD menu (camp screen) some gameplay tweaks. Amongst all, there is perma death option, for you or every other lord. It adds some weight to the game, but it is really funny when you beat some commander for the 15th time and he finally dies in battle then you can destroy his tomb :D

FORMATIONS:
Your troops won't charge as soon as they spawn, like in original M&B. They will form formation (infantry shieldwall or ranks, archers in front, cavalry on the right side). You can change formations by clicking some buttons, shortcuts are explained in manual you can download from moddb.

There are many new things in this mod, these are, let's say, the most important.

I've already explained basics of these three. As you rank up, you can get better rewards. Here's the list of rewards for every faction:

Evil Factions

Mordor
Rank 0: Worm
Rank 1: Snaga
Rank 2: Backstabber of Gorgoroth
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Sentry of Cirit Ungol
Orc Brew, +1 to Athletics
Rank 4: Slavedriver of Udun
Heavy Mordor Sinister Warhorse, Armor:63 Speed:35 Maneuver:34 Charge:44 Hit Points:160 Requires Riding:4 Reward for Humans Only
Rank 5: Despoiler of Durthang
Huge Warg, Armor:45 Speed:35 Maneuver:62 Charge:62 Hit Points:180 Requires Riding:5 Reward for Uruks Only
Rank 6: Watchman of Morannon
Masters Whip, +1 to Trainer Recruits Tribal Orcs
Rank 7: Captain of Minas Morgul
Lordly Mordor Captain Armor, +46 Body Armor +24 Leg Armor Weight:30.0
Rank 8: Commander of Barad-Dur
Nazgul Sword, 2H Swing:50p Thrust:45p Speed:120 Reach:120 Weight 3.0 Bonus against Shields, Requires Strength:18
Rank 9: Scourge of Mankind
Wicked Helm, +50 Head Armor Weight:2.5 +1 to Ironflesh +1 to Prisoner Management +1 to Charisma when equipped

Dol Guldur
Rank 0: Worm
Rank 1: Snaga
Rank 2: Backstabber of Gorgoroth
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Sentry of Cirit Ungol
Orc Brew, +1 to Athletics
Rank 4: Slavedriver of Udun
Balanced Mordor Banner, 2H Swing:23b Thrust:23b Speed:93 Reach:120 Weight:3.0 Cannot be used while mounted
Rank 5: Despoiler of Durthang
No reward
Rank 6: Watchman of Morannon
No reward
Rank 7: Captain of Minas Morgul
Masters Whip, +1 to Trainer Recruits Tribal Orcs
Rank 8: Commander of Barad-Dur
Spider, Armor:30 Speed:50 Maneuver:75 Charge:25 Hit Points:60 Requires Riding:3 Reward for Orcs Only
Rank 9: Scourge of Mankind
Wicked Helm, +50 Head Armor Weight:2.5 +1 to Ironflesh +1 to Prisoner Management +1 to Charisma when equipped

Umbar
Rank 0: Landlubber
Rank 1: Deck Hand
Rank 2: Sailor
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Harpooner
Maps of Middle Earth, +1 to Pathfinding
Rank 4: Throatcutter
Poisoned Throwing Daggers, Damage:50c Speed:110 Max Ammo:10 Weight:3.5
Rank 5: Plunderer
Tough Corsair Raider Helm, +32 Head Armor Weight:2.0
Rank 6: Sailmaster
Finwarisil, +1 to Agility
Rank 7: Captain of Umbar
Masterwork Umbar Pike, Polearm (no shield), Swing:21b Thrust:31p Speed:82 Reach:191 Requires Strength: 16 Cannot use while mounted
Rank 8: Commander of the Fleet:
Lordly Corsair Heavy Raider Armor, +28 Body Armor + 14 Leg Armor Weight:21.0
Rank 9: Grand Admiral of the Seas:
Trident of Sea Fury, Polearm (no shield), Swing:25c Thrust:35p Speed :94 Reach:166 Requires Strength:12 Cannot use while mounted

Ruhn
Rank 0: Plainsman of Ruhn
Rank 1: Serf of Ruhn
Rank 2: Warrior of Ruhn
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Bull Warrior of Ruhn
Garlic, Weight:3.0 +1 to Wound Treatment
Rank 4: Shieldbearer of Ruhn
Tough Ruhn Chieftain Helm, +49 to Head Armor Weight:3.5
Rank 5: Swordbearer of Ruhn
Balanced Rhun Sword, 1H Swing:35c Speed:95 Reach:89 Weight:2.8
Rank 6: Horsemaster of Ruhn
Middle Earth Herbarium, Weight:3.0 +1 to Wound Treatment
Rank 7: Warlord of Ruhn
Masterwork Ruhn Great Sword, 2H Swing:45c Thrust:36p Speed:95 Reach:101 Weight:3.0
Rank 8: Chief of the Steppe Clans
Lordly Ruhn Noble Armor, +36 to Body Armor +23 to Leg Armor Weight:24.0
Rank 9: Khamûl's Right Hand
Champion Ruhn Heavy Horse, Armor:35 Speed:36 Maneuver:34 Charge:27 Hit Points:160 Requires Riding:6 Reward for Humans Only

Harad
Rank 0: Initiate of the Tribe
Rank 1: Adult of the Tribe
Rank 2: Warrior of the Tribe
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Lionslayer
Maps of Middle Earth, +1 to Pathfinding
Rank 4: Snakecharmer
Masterwork Eagle Guard Bow, Damage:36c Accuracy:99 Speed:96 Weight:1.3 Cannot be used while mounted
Rank 5: Mumakil Handler
Evil Torque, +1 to Power Strike
Rank 6: Black Snake Guard
Tulcarisil, +1 to Strength
Rank 7: Captain of Harondor
Sword of the Great Serpent, 2H Swing:50p Thrust:45p Speed:120 Reach:120 Weight:3.0 Requiers Strength:18 Bonus against shields +1 to Power Strike when equipped
Rank 8: General of the Great Desert
Lordly Lion Guard Armor +8 Head Armor +36 Body Armor +14 Leg Armor Weight:20.0
Rank 9: The Golden Serpent
Harad Totem +1 to First Aid +1 to Surgery

Khand
Rank 0: Plainsman of Khand
Rank 1: Serf of Khand
Rank 2: Warrior of Khand
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Hawk Warrior of Khand
Smith's Hammer, +1 to Weapon Mastery
Rank 4: Shieldbearer of Khand
Balanced Khand Voulge, Polearm (No shield) Swing:41c Thrust:24p Speed:91 Reach:126 Weight:4.5 Cannot be used while mounted
Rank 5: Swordbearer of Khand
Evil Torque, +1 to Power Strike
Rank 6: Horsemaster of Khand
Tulcarisil, +1 to Strength
Rank 7: Warlord of the Variags
Lordly Khand Heavy Lamellar, +36 to Body Armor +18 to Leg Armor Weight:25.0
Rank 8: Chief of the Variag Clans
Champion Easterling Warhorse, Armor:46 Speed:38 Maneuver:36 Charge:37 Hit Points:135 Requires Riding:6 Reward for Humans Only
Rank 9: Legendary Conqueror
Khand Sacrificial Knife, +1 to Leadership +1 to Charisma

Isengard
Rank 0: Rat
Rank 1: Snaga
Rank 2: Crankturner
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Treeburner
Orc Brew, +1 to Athletics
Rank 4: Wargfeeder
Isengard Crebain, +3 to Spotting Weight:5.0
Rank 5: Ironsmelter
Huge Warg, Armor:45 Speed:35 Maneuver:62 Charge:62 Hit Points:180 Requires Riding:5 Reward for Uruks Only
Rank 6: Forgemaster
Evil Torque, +1 to Power Strike
Rank 7: Captain of Orthanc
Silmarillion, +1 to Leadership Weight:3.0
Rank 8: Commander of Legions
Lordly Uruk-Hai General Armor, +44 to Body Armor +23 to Leg Armor Weight 30.0 +1 to Charisma when equipped
Rank 9: White Right Hand of the Wizard
Mine, +1 to Tactics +2 to Engineering Weight:5.0

Moria
Rank 0: Maggot
Rank 1: Snaga
Rank 2: Tunnel Rat
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Cave Forager
Orc Brew, +1 to to Athletics
Rank 4: Plunderer of the Mines
Tough Moria Orc Shield, Hit Points:393 Resistance:5 Size:40 Speed:96 Weight:3.0
Rank 5: Despoiler of the Halls
Huge Warg, Armor:45 Speed:35 Maneuver:62 Charge:62 Hit Points:180 Requires Riding:5 Reward for Uruks Only
Rank 6: Dwarfbane
Finwarisil, +1 to Agility
Rank 7: Goblin Warlord
Masterwork Orc Double Handed Axe, 2H Swing 45c Speed:91 Reach:84 Bonus against shields, Can't be used to block, Cannot be used while mounted
Rank 8: Goblin Chief
Lordly Moria Orc Heavy Mail, +29 Body Armor +17 Leg Armor Weight:24.0 Can only be used by Orcs
Rank 9: Terror from the Deep
Moria Poisoned Arrows, Damage:11 Max Ammo:40 Weight:3.0

Gundabad
Rank 0: Turd
Rank 1: Snaga
Rank 2: Tunnel Rat
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Cave Forager
Orc Brew, +1 to Athletics
Rank 4: Plunderer of the Hills
Gundabad Flying Axes, Damage:46c Speed 103 Max Ammo:5 Bonus against shields
Rank 5: Despoiler of the Mountains
Huge Warg, Armor:45 Speed:35 Maneuver:62 Charge:62 Hit Points:180 Requires Riding:5 Reward for Uruks Only
Rank 6: Dwarfbane
Masters Whip, +1 to Trainer Recruits Tribal Orcs
Rank 7: Wargrider Warlord
Lordly Wargrider Helm, +31 Head Armor Weight:1.5 Less wargs upkeep when equipped
Rank 8: Great Goblin
Lordly Gundabad Orc Heavy Armor, +26 Body Armor +14 Leg Armor Weight:24.0 Can only be used by Orcs
Rank 9: Pillager of the North
Tough Angmar Shield, Hit Points:1683 Resistance:24 Size:40 Speed:96 Weight:4.0

Dunland
Rank 0: Pup
Rank 1: Dog
Rank 2: Wardog
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Wolf
Garlic, +1 to Wound Treatment
Rank 4: Strong Wolf
Tough Dunnish Shield Hit Points:583 Resistance:7 Size:90 Speed:82 Weight:2.0
Rank 5: Dire Wolf
Evil Torque, +1 to Power Strike
Rank 6: Great Wolf
Balanced Dunnish Pike, Polearm Swing:19b Thrust:29p Speed:88 Reach:205 Weight:3.0 Cannot be used while mounted
Rank 7: Wolfpack Leader
Lordly Dun Tall War Helm, +41 to Head Armor Weight:3.0
Rank 8: Chief of the Clans
Lordly Dun Chief Armor, +8 to Head Armor +31 to Body Armor +19 to Leg Armor Weight:26.0
Rank 9: Freca's Avenger
Masterwork Dunland Chieftain Sword, 1H Swing:38c Thrust:29p Speed:141 Reach:98 Weight:1.3 Less Dunnish upkeed when equipped

Good Factions

Gondor
Rank 0: Commoner of Gondor
Rank 1: Soldier of Gondor
Rank 2: Sergeant of Gondor
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Knight of Gondor
Athelas Plant, +1 to First Aid
Rank 4: Tower Guard of Gondor
Lordly Gondor Hunter, Armor:27 Speed:40 Maneuver:36 Charge:18 Hit Points:255 Requires Riding:3
Rank 5: Citadel Knight of Gondor
Tough Tower Knight Armor, +49 to Body Armor +19 to Leg Armor Weight:25.0
Rank 6: Steward's Guard of Gondor
Tulcarisil, +1 to Strength
Rank 7: Captain of Gondor
Silmarillion, +1 to Leadership Weight:3.0
Rank 8: Champion of Gondor
Sword of Westernesse, 1H Swing:40p Thrust:30p Speed:130 Reach:100 Weight:1.3 Requires Strength:15 Bonus against shields +1 to Power Strike when equipped
Rank 9: Hero of Gondor
Horn of Gondor, +1 Leadership +1 Charisma +3 troop rallies

Rohan
Rank 0: Ceorl, Commoner of Rohan
Rank 1: Thain, Servant of Rohan
Rank 2: Léod, Freeman of Rohan
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Rohir, Rider of Rohan
Maps of Middle Earth, +1 to Pathfinding
Rank 4: Scyldbora, Shieldbearer of Rohan
On the Fall of Gondolin, +1 to Tactics
Rank 5: Swéordbora, Swordbearer of Rohan
Balanced Rohan Lance with Horse Banner, Polearm Thrust:38p Speed:93 Reach:217 Weight:3.0
Rank 6: Frumgar, First Spear of Rohan
Sword of Eorl, 1H Swing:40p Thrust:30p Speed:120 Reach:92 Requires Strength:12 Bonus againt shields
Rank 7: Bealdoraed, Master Adviser of Rohan
Saddle of Thengel, +1 to Riding Skill
Rank 8: Eorl, Nobleman of Rohan
Tough Rohan Royal Armor, +48 to Body Armor +19 to Leg Armor Weight:20.0 Requires Strength:15
Rank 9: Haleth, Hero of Rohan
Mearh Stallion, Armor:60 Speed:45 Maneuver:40 Charge:40 Hit Points:180 Requires Riding:2

Lothlorien
Rank 0: Sador, Faithful to Lorien
Rank 1: Tauron, Forester of Lorien
Rank 2: Mifaron, Grey Hunter of Lorien
Lembas, +30 to Party Morale Weight:1.5 Food Units:30
Rank 3: Thindirith, Grey Guard of Lorien
Athelas Plant, +1 to First Aid
Rank 4: Thangyl, Shieldbearer of Lorien
Elven Amulet, +1 to Power Draw
Rank 5: Maglagyl, Swordbearer of Lorien
Elven Cloak, +1 to Wildcraft
(Old reward)Noldorin Bow, Damage:36p Accuracy:99 Speed:83 Weight:1.5 Requires Power Draw:3
Rank 6: Tiribrannon, Warden of Lorien
Silmarillion, +1 to Leadership Weight:3.0
Rank 7: Glaurchir, Grandmaster of Lorien
Masterwork Galadhrim Sword, 2h/1H Swing:38c Thrust:38p Speed:126 Reach:103 Weight:2.5
Rank 8: Galadhîr, Radiant Lord of Lorien
Lordly Lorien Royal Armor, +51 to Body Armor +23 to Leg Armor Weight:19.0
Rank 9: Thalion, Hero of Lorien
Light of Galadriel, +1 to Persuasion +1 to Leadership

Imladris
Rank 0: Háno, Brother of Imladris
Rank 1: Macar, Warrior of Imladris
Rank 2: Macar, Warrior of Imladris
Lembas, +30 to Party Morale Weight:1.5 Food Units:30
Rank 3: Luinëcollo, Blue Cloak of Imladris
Athelas Plant, +1 to First Aid
Rank 4: Turmacolindo, Shieldbearer of Imladris
Elven Amulet, +1 to Power Draw
Rank 5: Langocolindo, Swordbearer of Imladris
Miruvor Flask, +1 to Athlethics
Rank 6: Aráto, Champion of Imladris
Finwarisil, +1 to Agility
Rank 7: Hesto, Captain of Imladris
Champion Imladris Steed, Armor:46 Speed:40 Maneuver:38 Charge:32 Hit Points:135 Requires Riding:6
Rank 8: Runando, Redeemer of Imladris
Arathorn's Sword, 2H/1H Swing:40p Thrust:30p Speed:110 Reach:120 Weight:2.0 Requires Strength:15 Bonus agaist shields
Rank 9: Callo, Hero of Imladris
Rivendell Decorated Armor, +2 to Head Armor +50 to Body Armor +20 to Leg Armor Weight:12.0 Requires Strength:15

Mirkwood Elves
Rank 0: Sador, Faithful to Greenwood
Rank 1: Tauron, Forester of Greenwood
Rank 2: Hirfaron, Master Hunter of Greenwood
Lembas, +30 to Party Morale Weight:1.5 Food Units:30
Rank 3: Calendirith, Green Guard of Greenwood
Athelas Plant, +1 to First Aid
Rank 4: Thangyl, Shieldbearer of Greenwood
Elven Amulet, +1 to Power Draw
Rank 5: Maglagyl, Swordbearer of Greenwood
On the Fall of Gondolin, +1 to Tactics
Rank 6: Tiribrannon, Warden of Greenwood
Finwarisil, +1 to Agility
Rank 7: Pengherdir, Bowmaster of Greenwood
Mirkwood Banner, 2H Swing:25b Thrust:40p Speed:101 Reach:120 Weight:3.0 Cannot be used while mounted
Rank 8: Armagor, Royal Swordsman of Greenwood
Royal Woodelf Armor, +3 to Head Armor +50 to Body Armor +16 to Leg Armor Weight:20.0
Rank 9: Thalion, Hero of Greenwood
Greenwood Relic Sword, 2H Swing:50p Thrust:45p Speed:120 Reach:120 Weight:3.0 Requires Strength:18 Bonus against shields

Beornings
Rank 0: Forest Cub
Rank 1: Forest Tracker
Rank 2: Forest Hunter
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Forest Ranger
Athelas Plant, +1 to First Aid
Rank 4: Forest Shieldbearer
Tough Hunting Gloves +7 to Body Armor +1 to Power Draw when equipped
Rank 5: Forest Axebearer
Tough Woodmen Shield Hit Points:633 Resistance:13 Size:60 Speed:116 Weight:3.0
Rank 6: Forest Bear
Middle Earth Herbarium, Weight:3.0 +1 to Wound Treatment
Rank 7: Forest Great Bear
Masterwork Woodman's Staff, Polearm Swing:25b Thrust:25b Speed:105 Reach:104 Weight:2.0
Rank 8: Forest Giant
Lordly Beorning Chieftain's Tunic, +30 to Body Armor +21 to Body Armor Weight:18.0 Less Beorning upkeep when equipped
Rank 9: Hero of the Forests
Bear Axe, Polearm (No shield) Swing:65c Speed:110 Reach:71 Weight:6.0 Bonus against shields Cannot be used while mounted

Dale
Rank 0: Commoner of Dale
Rank 1: Freeman of Dale
Rank 2: Soldier of Dale
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Boatman of Dale
Garlic, Weight:3.0 +1 to Wound Treatment
Rank 4: Shieldbearer of Dale
Spirited Dale Warhorse, Armor:45 Speed:37 Maneuver:35 Charge:24 Hit Points:135 Requires Riding:4
Rank 5: Swordbearer of Dale
On the Fall of Gondolin, +1 to Tactics
Rank 6: Barding, Archer of Dale
Middle Earth Herbarium, Weight:3.0 +1 to Wound Treatment
Rank 7: Captain of Dale
Masterwork Marchwarden Sword, 1H Swing:46c Thrust:29p Speed:99 Reach:95 Weight:1.3
Rank 8: Lake Master of Dale
Lordly Esgaroth Noble Gorget, +10 to Head Armor +44 to Body Armor +21 to Leg Armor Weight:22.0
Rank 9: Hero of Dale
Bow of Bard, Damage:32p Accuracy:99 Speed:95 Weight:1.5 Requires Power Draw:5

Erebor
Rank 0: Dwarven Greenbeard
Rank 1: Dwarven Miner
Rank 2: Dwarven Warrior
Cooking Cauldron, +20 to Party Morale Weight:3.0
Rank 3: Dwarven Longbeard
Smith's Hammer, +1 to Weapon Mastery
Rank 4: Dwarven Axe
Mithril Dwarwen Shield, Hit points:800 Resistance:28 Size:60 Speed:82 Weight:3.0
Rank 5: Dwarven Master Axe
On the Fall of Gondolin, +1 to Tactics
Rank 6: Dwarven Greybeard
Tulcarisil, +1 to Strength
Rank 7: Dwarven Captain
Lordly Dwarwen Scale over Mail, +8 to Head Armor +46 to Body Armor +19 to Leg Armor Weight:18.0 Can Only be used by Dwarfs
Rank 8: Dwarven Chief
Dwarf Sharp Axe, Polearm (No shield) Swing:55p Speed:83 Reach:102 Weight:6.0 Bonus against shields Cannot be used while mounted
Rank 9: Hero of the Halls
Lordly Dwarf King Helm, +56 to Head Armor Weight:2.0

If you new to the mod, you should play as Good. It is a lot easier because some of the good factions items are just overpowered.

I recommend you to play as Elf. Elves are, in my opinion, the easiest race to play with. Their archers mostly kill nearly everything before they even get to you. And if they do, you have solid infantry to protect you. And they aren't pressured by any faction at the beginning.

I like Dwarves the most, but they are kinda harder to play with because you must fight without horse.

For example, playing Elves of Lothlorien is rather easy. At start, there is no war, war starts when you reach level 8. So there aren't any enemy to bother you. Do some quests, level up and when war starts, you will mostly fight against Moria and Mt. Gundabad, and they are easy to beat. As you eliminate those factions it will get harder and harder to fight, because there comes Isengard and Mordor eventually. The trick about Mordor is that if you fight on their starting ground (area on the right side of the Anduin river, everything from the Argonath to the right) Your troops will be randomly attacked by Nazguls on fellbeasts. You can't see them, but you can hear them screaming. Your troops will start panicking and stop fighting for few seconds. They can easily wipe out half of your army if you don't win quickly. I believe that if you have higher intelligence, you are able to resist Nazguls scream.

Playing as Gondor or Rohan can be difficult at start, because they are heavily attacked by Mordor and Isengard. Also, Isengard is foe to be feared. Their armies can easily beat Rohan cavalry, because Uruks move in shield wall formation, and they have deadly armours. Orcs are, on the other hand, easy to kill, but as I said, they have Nazguls help.

Playing as Dwarves and Dale is similar. They mostly work together. At the beginning, they are fighting against Rhun, which is pretty easy, considering that Rhun is mostly based on light cavalry and infantry without armour.

If you fight Harad, be extremely carefull, they have really good army, especially Eagle Guards and Lion Guards.

Playing as evil character can be really hard. I don't have much experience in it. I started playing as Mordor Orc few days ago. At first it is nightmare. No good weapon, no money, no food, you have to run from everything that comes after you.

Then it becomes easier. You can have lots of orcs. For every orc you take, you get 2/3rd more party size. So you can have 100 in no time. But they are weak as hell. I charged Prince Imrahils party of 16 men with my 70 and barely won that. Because I had only upgraded orcs. And he had Tower Guard Swordsmen, really hard.

Also, be carefull when you win a big battle. You will probably end up with few soldiers, which makes you easy prey for deserters. It can be pain in the a*s. Especially if that deserts are Eatle Guards.

In sieges NEVER charge with first wave, you will die instantly. Orc armours and weapons are s*it compared to good factions weapons.

That is, until you get your rewards from faction leaders. Then you will destroy everthing on your path. I believe most people play orcs because of the spider you get from Dol Guldur leader. Pretty powerfull mount.

So, conclusion for this part is: stay away from fights at the beginning, gather ranks and inluence, take equipment from rewards, and you can always kill some elves to take their shields if you disabled realistic stuff in the mod options (you can disable the option so you could pick up the loot from good faction's casualties).

Traits are also new addition to this game. You get traits randomly, by doing everything harder than normally.

For example, I destroyed few burial grounds and got trait "Despoiler". It gives me 2 influence with Mordor a week.
There are many traits, just google it.
I like Berseker trait, it allows you to heal yourself once per battle.

This is the list of all known traits, thanks to billycamp, who posted the link to forum thread and Merlkir, who wrote all of them.

Elf friend
You have become highly esteemed by the Elves and they now regard you as a trusted ally. The cost to recruit elves has been reduced and you may now attempt to give orders to elven armi.

Steward's Blessing
You have become highly esteemed by the Steward Denethor and your status has risen among the men of Gondor as a result. The cost to recruit Gondorians has been reduced and you may now attempt to give orders to Gondorian armies.

King's Man
You have become highly esteemed by King Theoden of Rohan and your status has risen among the men of Rohan as a result. The cost to recruit Rohirrim men has been reduced and you may now attempt to give orders to the armies of the Riddermark.

Barbarian Champion
You have become highly esteemed by the barbarian tribes serving Sauron as a result of your impressive displays in the arena. You may now recruit barbarians at reduced cost.

Blessed
You sense that you have been blessed by powers from beyond the sea, and perhaps further away still. You do not know why this has happened or what it may mean but you are certain that it is so.

Reverent
You have acquired a reputation for reverence and wisdom. Men and Elves are more likely to listen to your counsel.

Merciful
You have aquired a reputation for merciful treatment towards the evil men who serve the Enemy. Many of the hardened men who serve you are conflicted by your behavior and suffer a morale penalty. Among the wise, however, your mercy is seen as evidence of high character and you recieve an influence bonus.

Bravery
You have aquired a reputation for bravery in the face of great danger. Your courage is spoken of in both quiet taverns and the halls of the wise. Your deeds inspire your men and they recieve a weekly morale bonus.

Oathkeeper
You have sworn grim oaths and lived to see them fulfilled. Subsequently you have aquired a reputation as a man of his word. You receive a weekly influence bonus.

Oathbreaker
You have sworn grim oaths and failed to see them through to their conclusion. Subsequently you have aquired a reputation as a man whose passion outstrips his prowess. You receive a weekly influence penalty.

Orc Pit Champion
You have become renowned as a brutal warrior who was able to survive the cruelest of the orcish fighting contests. Such strength is both respected and feared by your black hearted followers and they now receive a weekly morale bonus.

Despoiler
You have aquired a reputation for leaving behind wanton destruction wherever you travel. Such behavior is valued by the dark powers you serve and your receive a weekly influence bonus.

Accursed
You sense that you have drawn the ire of powers beyond the sea. Your followers sense this doom as well and fear being around you. They receive a weekly morale penalty.

Stealthy
You have developed uncanny skill in the art of stealthy infiltration. You receive a bonus to your stealth rating when undertaking such missions.

Berserker
After many battles where you eschewed the use of armor your ferocious will has become like iron. In battles where you are gravely wounded you will receive a health bonus once per battle. This will not restore you to full strength but may keep you going long after others would have succumbed to their wounds.

Infantry Captain
You have developed uncanny skill in the command of infantry troops. Due to rigorous and specialized training such troops will receive a small health boost, once per battle.

Archery Captain
You have developed uncanny skill in the command of missile troops. Due to rigorous and specialized training such troops will receive a small health boost, once per battle.

Cavalry Captain
You have developed uncanny skill in the command of mounted troops. Due to rigorous and specialized training such troops will receive a small health boost, once per battle.

Command Voice
Your experience with commanding men in the field has lent you an air of authority. The influence cost to give orders to armies in the field has been reduced.

Foe Hammer
Having slain many of the great captains of the enemy you find that you have earned a reputation as a fearsome warrior. Troops under your command now receive a weekly morale bonus. Your experiences have also honed your skill in battle.

Battle Scars
You have suffered horrific wounds during your many campaigns yet you still live to tell the tale. Your scarred and knotted flesh now conspires with hard experience to increase your resistance to injury. While others may find your appearance somewhat shocking your followers consider it an affirmation of your battle experience. They subsequently receive a weekly morale bonus.

Fell Beast
Your hide is riven with the knotted scars of countless battles and your evil will is likewise hard and unyielding. Even by the standards of orc, uruk and troll-kind you are judged a fell and dangerous beast. Those who serve you cry your name in joy when you take to the field. You are an avatar of war itself and there is little you fear.


These are not spoilers, but something that you need to know and should be put into documentation:
- Inf/Arch/Cav Captain
- reward: healing once per battle, press H to heal up to 20% HP for all your inf/arch/cav troops on the field
- Berserker
- reward: heal yourself once per battle for up to 20% HP by pressing H

I hope this guide will help you to better understand mechanics of TLD.

I also want to thank all the people who supported my old guide. To be honest, this will probably make me play the mod once more, so I might edit this guide after I finish that playthrough.

Respectfully,
Diamond63