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I've been contemplating starting a smallish Mordor (I think) force. I would like to know more about the game before I buy, and noone near me plays (yet ), so I have come here to ask for the assistance of my fellow Dakkites. One of the driving things behind this game for me are the Nazgul (especially the Tainted and the Undying). So, here are my questions:

1. What size is a small game of the Strategy Battle Game? What size is a standard (like 1500 for 40k) game? I'm especially interested in the number of minis required and the time needed.

2. At what scale games can you include heros like the Nazgul? Is the game built that they are needed for the very smallest of game? Or are they like special characters in 40k, only coming out at the highest levels? I'd hate to get into the game to realize my favorite models are unusable most of the time.

3. What books are necessary? Aside from the hardcover rulebook, what sourcebooks would I need? Are the rules for the Tainted and the Undying in the Mordor sourcebook?

4. I understand that you can ally evil with evil in the game, are there any restrictions on that?

5. What would be a good starting purchase? Aside from the main rules plus a sourcebook?

Thanks in advance for your help.

1. Games can be of any size, but the smallest is 3 (1 hero plus two guys.) Most games I've played top out at about 50. But you can go bigger. Time needed? 40 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the number of dudes?
2.Heroes can be used at any scale of games you can fit their points cost in. The Nazgul can be made cheaper or more expensive depending on how much of Sauron's power they have, so they can scale to the game.
3. You need the main rulebook, probably legions of middle earth (which has army lists for all factions and good scenarios) and the relevant sourcebook. I think Tainted and Undying are in the Shadow in the East supplement, but I'm not sure. You should check. Most basic troops are in the rulebook anyway. And you can use the two nazgul as basic nazgul until you get the sourcebook.
4. Evil can ally with evil, yep, with some restrictions which are in the Legions book. Nazgul can ally with any faction.
5. What plastic infantry do you like for evil? 1 box of them would be the best bet, and maybe some cavalry or a big troll or something.

The standard point size for LOTR is around 500 points.
If i were you i'd buy a box of morannon orcs, gothmog foot and mounted and a box of wargs. That is is your collecting mordor.

Da Boss has covered everything else