Misty Mountains Speculations and Questions

[AulëTheSmith]

Hello Guys 
In this period i have definely more time to concentrate myself on projects, so that i have completed one of the unfinished one, regarding Smaug The Terrible.
Several months ago i have published a very raw version, and i always want to complete it. Consider, before reading, that i've leave aside the evergreen issue of how Smaug should look like in Edain, because it is a very subjective idea looking at the discussions here in the forum. Personally i would like to see him more or less like this:

But let us not consider the design for now, so here's my work:

SMAUG THE GOLDEN

Hi guys, here is my "ideal" concept of Smaug, as i would always had liked it.
Beside the very concept there are also some ideas about a possible central spell for MM, and how it is conneceted to Smaug, dragons and the other main creaturs of the faction.
I decided to focus the attention to the three fundamental aspect of the mighty dragon :
-   He’s a very powerful weapon
-   He’s greedy
-   He’s very smart

The core of my concept.

Initially the Greatest Calamity of Middle Earth will have a weakness against arrows while flying, but with an increasing of the armor at level five. Following the lore and films Smaug has an impenetrable armor, it is practically impossible to fear him with normal weapons. Since this interpretation would be unbalance in game, it is impossible to implementi it as it is.
Anyhow, the player must have (at least) more chances to survive against rains of arrows. Therefore i decided for that increasing of armor at level five. 
The dragon will have two different animation in flight and on the ground like in 3.8.1 (Drogoth+Summoned dragon).
As for the fire related abilities: i don’t think fireball and fireflies fits very well with a dragon.  These type of attack are more related to wizard, which are able to create such particular form of fire attack using magic. In particular we have these two abilities just implemented via Gandalf (Dwarves) and Saruman . I will explain better all the details below in the skill-set.

SMAUG GAME IMPLEMENTATION

At the beginning of the game Smaug will be available in the Dragon Lair, with the following summoning system, depending on the level of the structure:

Level 1: "Small Treasure": at the cost of 500 resources you can temporary summon Smaug for 2 minutes.

Level 2: "Great Treasure": at the cost of 1000 resources you can temporary summon Smaug for 4 minutes.

Level 3: "Immense Treasure": at the cost of 1500 resources you can temporary summon Smaug for 6 minutes.

If the Dragon Lair is destroyed during the summoning time, it will drop on the ground the corresponding offer you paid for Smaug.
In both the three versions Smaug will be temporary available at level 5 with a limited skill-set of three abilities. With this implementation the player can exploit the power (at least a part of it) at the beginning of the game. With this temporary version you can pick up the ring making Smaug a permantent and powerful hero. I didn't think about the ring-version yet.
You can use how many times you want the three offer, with a proportional in time cool-down once they are used.
The values and time-interval involved can change of course.

The full version of Smaug will be available only buying the spell described below. I'm not 100% sure it worth more than 7 points (in this case it would be placed in the third row), this issue has to be discussed more deeply. As always i want your opinion . Take in consideration that my version is inevitably linked with the removing
of the Dragon Strike spell, since the animation it is just present in Smaug's skill-set presented below. For this reason the spell i have conceived could be alternatively placed in the last row as a long-term 10 points power, with the right balance adjustments, in contrast to the quick and terrible summon of the Balrog of the right side.
 

"Treasure Of The Golden One"

This spell fills a Dragon Lair with the treasure of the Golden One (in game the treasure will be graphically visible around the Lair), Smaug is now recruitable at the cost of 3000 resources.
All the greedy dragons are inevitably attracted by such a big amount of Gold: non-flying fire-Drakes are recruited faster, and a new special elitè unit of dragon is recruitable at level 3, at the cost of 2000-2500 resources (limited to three, i'm still thinking about the characteristic of such unit).
If the dragon Lair is destroyed, a big amount of resources are left on the ground. For that reason it's very importan to protect it in a proper way. This last drawback also resable well the atmosphere of the movies, in which every race is actracted by the treasure and try to possess it. 
As for the temporary version, smaug can pick up the ring.

The permanent version of Smaug will have the following abilites:

Possible initial statistic values :
-   recriutment cost : 3000.
-   Initial HP : 12000.
-   Population cost: 30 (like other heroes).
-   Initial melee attack value: 350.
-   Type of melee attack: AOE.
Basic attack like fellbeast and eagles.

Smaug skill-set in flight

Rank 1 : "Landing" – as usual.

Rank 1: “Incinerate” – the power is no more at level 10 and so nerfed, it will be something more effective against unit, as a first mass-slayer area of effect ability, like for example is wizard blast for Gandalf and Saruman. The animation of course will remain the same of Drogoth. Personally i think Smaug deserves some more devasting power for the last level.

Rank 3:  “Roar of the Beast” – the fearsome roar of the Golden one makes the enemy flee in terror.

Rank 5: “Impenetrable amour (passive)” – quoting Tolkien, “my armor is like tenfold shields”. Smaug permanently gains +50% armour against arrows.

Rank 7: “Wings like an hurricane” – Smaug uses his massive wings to create an air blast that knock back units in a wide radius dealing also medium damage.

Rank 10: “I’m fire, I’m death” – like we seen in the scenes of BOTFA during the attack of Lake Town, Smaug sets fire on the ground while flying, burning everything in a hell of fire. The crucial point of this last ability is the animation. The most fitting to resamble what we have seen in the movie, is the Dragon Strike attack. Supposing the power will be removed of the spellbook of MM of course. Just imagine this beautiful animation given to Smaug:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTynrCcWYS0

Smaug skill-set on the ground

Now the basic melee attack of Smaug is fire as in 3.8.1. Being on the ground, he will be weaker to revenge-damage of the pikes and hero-killers.
 
Rank 1 : “Flying “– as usual.

Rank 1: "Dragon Breath": a fire attack very effective against gates. Smaug’s Firebreath opens Gates and even burns garrisoned units. I simply copied the one presented so far by the team but i make it active and not passive. Same animation of the basic fire attack. Also the flames of Firedrakes from vanilla game are very good but probably is difficut to adapt such animation to a bigger model like the one of Smaug.

Rank 3:  “Roar of the Beast” – same as in flight.

Rank 5: “Dragon Sickness (passive)” – The desire of gold and treasures makes Smaug very greedy. ALL the productive buildings (both enemies and allies) in a wide area around Smaug get -30% of production.

Rank 7: “My Claws are Spears” – Smaug uses his legs and claws to smash the enemy units. For 30 seconds he can trample the masses swatting all on his path (just think about the amazing scenes in which he enters into Erebor). It affects also cavalry-type units.

Rank 10: “Hypnotic Gaze” – also this ability is something presented by the ET years ago. I don’t know what exactly  means this ability (there’s no description). My interpretation is something related to the evil face of Smaug and his serpentine and powerful voice: the effect of his gaze and voice immobilizes enemy heroes and weaken them. (the particular scene in which his words penetrate the mind of Bilbo that takes off the ring ). This last ability if rewoked well (mine is very raw) could capture his character as evil,smart and speaking dragon.

I need to know what do you think  . I would like to see my concept inserted in a more specific thread when the time of MM will come, in order to discuss it more properly without interfere with other topics. I therefore trust the many-skilled Walküre for this task   

[Bowshot 999]

I Realy like your Conzept.
the awesome pictures and the Powers are amazing.

I hope i see it in the Game as like you made it

[Fredius]

I can only say one word: I agree! (wait, those are two words). I love this whole concept of him, and I especially like the "Dragon Sickness" power a lot, showing that he did not agree to be an ally for nothing.

As for some critique; I feel like there will be a slight problem with the resources that are spawned when the Dragon Lair gets destroyed: if it gives a huge amount of resources, the player would just build the lair and then manually destroy it, take the money, and rebuild it again. So if this system were be able to be implemented, then I would just have it spawn the same amount of resources as a creep Dragon Lair.

Also I honestly am not a fan of the spellbook power that unlocks Smaug. It feels kinda weird to have to spend a whole spellbook power on him, and THEN still have to buy him for 3000 resources. I would personally just have him be a permanent hero through the Ring, that would make his Ring mechanic even more unique.

All in all, great proposal !

[AulëTheSmith]

Thank you guys, i'm glad you like the general ideas of the concept 

As for some critique; I feel like there will be a slight problem with the resources that are spawned when the Dragon Lair gets destroyed: if it gives a huge amount of resources, the player would just build the lair and then manually destroy it, take the money, and rebuild it again. So if this system were be able to be implemented, then I would just have it spawn the same amount of resources as a creep Dragon Lair.

That could be a problem. The best would be that the opponent who destroy the building directly gains the resurces, without the leaving of some treasure chest or similar object.
Don't know if it is possible to create a proper code for such system . Anyhow i found the general idea of a real treasure very fitting, because ti resable the spirt of BOTFA as i wrote.

Also I honestly am not a fan of the spellbook power that unlocks Smaug. It feels kinda weird to have to spend a whole spellbook power on him, and THEN still have to buy him for 3000 resources. I would personally just have him be a permanent hero through the Ring, that would make his Ring mechanic even more unique

As i read in the old articles, the team want to make Smaug recruitable without the necessity of the One Ring. Smaug with the ring would be only a more improved version of it, both speaking about powers and drawbacks (greedy for example).
I think is reasonable to make him more ring-independent, because as i know in multiplayer matches usually the ring-heroes are not used. Would be a pity if the player cannot exploit the full-power of Smaug in multiplayer matches. That's why i insert the spellbook possibility. if it worth an entire spell i cannot say. I also thought about a possible central spell of MM with a 5-6 of cost, that generally improves caves (dragon,trolls,etc) with some upgrades. In this perspective, the unlocking of Smaug could be included in such spell (without any other influence on the dragons), avoiding the waste of a total spell only for him. A central spell that is the gathering of the complete power of the horrid beasts, which are the very soul of the faction
The fact that the player need to also unlock some spell to have access to smaug, goes towards balance, since he will be over the average with respect to other heroes.
I'm open to other suggestion that are an alternative to my via-spellbook option . For now i deem it a balanced and fitting idea.
Feel free to propose

[Walküre]

Many thanks to you, gentle Aulë. Seldom do I not behold and sense your ever-burning passion whenever I go through your thoughtful concepts. And, speaking about those bonds you mentioned on ModDB and the great care one pours into it, your proposals simply exemplify your noble endeavour for what you deem valuable in the game. Accept these words of praise of mine and to my response hearken: I am more than happy to give you consent (as if you need it) for the opening of a new thread, which is to be guided by nothing else but your personal judgement. I thus entrust to you the task; were you to doubt, don't hesitate to ask for counsel. I shall leave my comment at a later time

[AulëTheSmith]

Many thanks to you, gentle Aulë. Seldom do I not behold and sense your ever-burning passion whenever I go through your thoughtful concepts. And, speaking about those bonds you mentioned on ModDB and the great care one pours into it, your proposals simply exemplify your noble endeavour for what you deem valuable in the game. Accept these words of praise of mine and to my response hearken: I am more than happy to give you consent (as if you need it) for the opening of a new thread, which is to be guided by nothing else but your personal judgement. I thus entrust to you the task; were you to doubt, don't hesitate to ask for counsel. I shall leave my comment at a later time

Thank you very much for you kind words wise and gentle moderator.   I would certainly be honored of such task when the time will come. I think Smaug deserve his own thread in the future section "Goblin suggestions". He'll be the only great dragon in game after all.
Speaking about bonds: beside writing what I like and what I would like to see in this beautiful mod, I hope my works are one the Sparks who still ignite the fire of passion and knowledge in this forum. The forum need to be alive especially in harder times

About my concept I will wait your answer impatiently
Speaking about the spellbook and balance, with some care, I would dare to make this comparison: as for the transformation Sauron-Gorthaur available at the last row, in the same way also a spell (whatever row provided that it balanced) of the final fulfilling of Smaug's power would be fitting. Both Sauron and Smaug are powerful hero in their own way, for this reason the player have to wait more to complete them. The spellbook alternative is in fact, in both the cases, an alternative to the ring as a tool to reach the mentioned path towards power. And being the ring less used in multiplayer, I would say the spellbook it is a valid alternative

[Fredius]

As i read in the old articles, the team want to make Smaug recruitable without the necessity of the One Ring. Smaug with the ring would be only a more improved version of it, both speaking about powers and drawbacks (greedy for example).
I think is reasonable to make him more ring-independent, because as i know in multiplayer matches usually the ring-heroes are not used. Would be a pity if the player cannot exploit the full-power of Smaug in multiplayer matches.

That is exactly the unique feature of the Ring Hero mechanic; to get heroes that you otherwise can't recruit through normal means . Not having a fully recruitable Smaug without the Ring Hero mechanic is indeed a pity, but the same can be said about Sauron's Dark Lord form, or the Fellowship of the Ring battalion unit.

The Misty Mountains articles are very dated by the way, they were made way before a lot of huge changes of this mod. So by now anything could happen.

I also thought about a possible central spell of MM with a 5-6 of cost, that generally improves caves (dragon,trolls,etc) with some upgrades. In this perspective, the unlocking of Smaug could be included in such spell (without any other influence on the dragons), avoiding the waste of a total spell only for him. A central spell that is the gathering of the complete power of the horrid beasts, which are the very soul of the faction
The fact that the player need to also unlock some spell to have access to smaug, goes towards balance, since he will be over the average with respect to other heroes. 

I find this a good solution. If the team wants to make him a permanent recruitable hero without the Ring Hero mechanic, then this is the idea that I agree on. You have my vote anyway .

[AulëTheSmith]

I find this a good solution. If the team wants to make him a permanent recruitable hero without the Ring Hero mechanic, then this is the idea that I agree on. You have my vote anyway .

I think the idea worth to be inserted as an alternative. In fact it was my initial idea before the creation of the stand-alone power  i shall put it in my concept.
As for the ring, just few quick ideas:

- the whispers of the ring makes Smaug even more greedy: the "Dragon Sickness" becomes "Immeasurable Greediness" and now the debuff on buildings is -50%.
His desire make him even more cruel and "blind" about anything around him:  the Smaug's melee attack and elemetal damage (fire) are increased, but now also strikes allies if they're on his path.

- "Impenetrable Armor" now becomes "The golden armor": the ring reward smaug with a golden armor which covers all his body (from level 5 on, when you unlock the power, this will be visible graphically on his texture). The armour is increased to +100% against  arrows.

This last idea i've read somewhere on moddb and like it very much very fitting imo.

[Walküre]

Well, I fall short of words in the expression of my first impression regarding the concept: it is simply bloody brilliant and marvellous!

I literally fancy almost everything that your suggestion entails, Aulë of many skills. I must first congratulate you for the daunting efforts you poured in such structured proposal; it's clearly evident and visible from any passage of the construction. Also, it was certainly not a very obvious thing that something valuable would be the outcome of our thorough discussions. And it was really a very insightful and in-depth debate, yet hard and cause of fatigues. However, you have triumphed over difficulties, gentle Aulë, and the result of your striving is honourably sound. No doubts or second thoughts about that.

Let us now, in the words of Saruman, examine what we have knowledge of: one of the stringent topics of the debate was the implementation of Smaug in a way that was worthy of the renowned smart mechanics of the Edain Mod. Not only should the very hero be included in the game via unique systems, but he needs be given more prominence in equal terms, were we to widen our sight and gaze until we consider the whole faction. This was not a very easy of a task, surely; Smaug does not partake in the common logic of the three realms (pardon the generalisation with the word realms), being him a solitary creature which prefers to act on his own and which is not much in tune with the idea of obedience either. A lone and deadly force of nature which is definitely used to lonesomeness. Therefore, in accordance with the insights that were thitherto presented to all, I really like how the concept evolved, revolving around the themes of greed, earned allegiance through tributes of gold and the special character of Smaug himself. Given the iconic importance and pervasiveness of any Edain feature, this proposal lives up to the aforementioned standards, because it devises something that complies with the lore, with the tone of the cinematographic adaptation and with that consistency at the root of faction mechanics (so that the feature is made relevant and significant for players, which is the most important goal we could set ourselves on). In conclusion, the conceptual characterisation would fare greatly, methinks. If it's possible to make it work, I feel we have eventually found a very proper solution for our needs. Although I am generally quite sceptical about tying a hero to the spellbook in such a manner, if not when it comes to exceptional cases (Sauron), I deem the concept necessary; simply said. Smaug boasts too much importance in the faction as a character and general iconic figure. Holistically, this is the system which hitherto fulfils our theories and speculations.

On a secondary note, but not lesser, I have very much appreciated that all sorts of available elements have been brought to the general attention, trying to provide in advance everything one may provide (advices, pictures, animations and so on), while leaving very little in the obscurity of doubts. Well done, indeed! I must particularly state my love for the art which has been proposed. The icons were thoughtfully conceived and that art just gives us those bits of the Hobbit trilogy that we are all fond of. Details do have their relevance! If the concept gets approved, I really hope that these images will be used for the purpose. And abilities I like too, of course. They encompass pretty much all sides of Smaug, without risking to be boring, redundant or mere replicas of the vanilla. Specifically, beside the references to the actual Hobbit, the hypnotising gaze retains the legacy of dragons in Arda and reminds us of the Elder Times of history, when the World used to have a different fashion, when foul foes would tread the ways of Middle-earth and when the immortal shires in which naught perishes were still part of the common world. The first dragons emerged from the pits of Angband during the wars between the Eldar and Morgoth, terrorising Elves, Men and Dwarves; their origin was unknown and they were equally said to have ghoulish capabilities. They appeared under a serpent-like guise and had magical powers as well, as many other demons and fell spirits in those years of agony. It is in fact reported that Glaurung, the most malicious and terrible of the Urulóki (the fire-breathing Worms of Morgoth, which are none else than the first wingless dragons) had the power to cast hypnotising spells with his wicked eyes. Moreover, Smaug is also portrayed as the deadly weapon he ought to be, for Winged Dragons appear in tales only at the last hour, amidst the utter mayhem of the War of Wrath; just to provide some facts, the arrival of such fleet of mighty beasts had even caused the Host of Valinor to retreat. The armies of Valinórë, led in battle by Eönwë, chief of the Maiar of Aman and herald of Manwë, Ancient King of Arda! As you may see, the antique lore of the past always manages to make some forays in the modernity of the Third Age. These are prime themes in the entirety of Tolkien's writings. Similarly to how we have suggested Narya being returned to Gandalf and Círdan being endowed with more lore-accurate features, connected with the ancient lore of the broad seas (Ulmo and Ossë).

Now, lest I be lost in the meanders of my narration, let us get to technicalities. Usually, new faction boards are opened after the release of said new factions. Thinking about the recent suggestions on Rivendell's spells, I truly believe that it would be wiser to start showcasing the concept at the present time, as we have enough time to leave feedback on it and perhaps polish some aspects which might need be polished. The Misty Mountains are probably still far on the horizon, yet time must be used wisely. Thus, I say this: the sooner, the better. So, dear Aulë, you have my authorisation to open an own thread in the General Suggestions. Everything is more or less finalised; nevertheless, prior to that, it would be wonderful if you managed to correct a couple of typos in the post and add Smaug's Ring form, comprising icons, abilities and the following suggestion (if you wish to include it). Speaking of which, what if Smaug were characterised by golden-toned textures, once he picks the One Ring up? An akin case to Saruman of Many Colours. We would thus have Smaug the Golden. Coming to the ending sentence: many thanks, Aulë, again. I do think that yours is a proposal worthy of being implemented

[AulëTheSmith]

Well, I fall short of words in the expression of my first impression regarding the concept: it is simply bloody brilliant and marvellous!

Sorry for the late answer Walküre, I have no words to express my gratitude for all the support: thank you very much ! I sincerely didn't expect such a success of my concept. As always your judgement goes very deeply into the most important elements of the concept. For example i didn't know so much the lore about the breathing worms and they hypnotic gaze. Now i understand well why the team had such idea years ago.

Moreover, also in the movies, the power of Smaug is not only phisical, he's clearly very sharp, cunning, and smart. The best example is the one i wrote, when his powerful voice penetrates the mind of bilbo.

The spellbook implementation was a gamble for the reasons you stated: temporary summons apart, is not easy to tie an hero to the spellbook, unless he's foundamental for the faction (Sauron, Theoden). I think smaug is such an iconic figure that he deserves such a place.

You honored me with your words! Seriously! Considering also that i'm quite new here since i made the account only on April!
I shall open and guide the new thread in the general suggestions!! I'm sorry if there are some typing mistakes, sometimes i write and reread not very carefully!
I need only some time to finalize the ring-function, which is important as well, including also the ideas i just conceived.

One last question: which one of the two via-spellbook implementation do you like the most? The stand-alone or an including in the central spell? The last one is probably most compact, and avoid the use of an entire power only for him (considering also new spellbooks having one less spell with respect to the old ones). But the first one could be much more iconic if it includes, together with Smaug, other minor fire breathing dragons. Of course both are sticked to the gold-desire content  . 

Again: thank you very much for you kind words. I've not received so much positive feedback 'till now, not even for Durin VII (which is in the more difficult field of the dwarves discussion ). I will complete the remaining parts with all the passion i have!! 

[Shadowlord]

At the beginning of the game Smaug will be available in the Dragon Lair, with the following summoning system, depending on the level of the structure:

Level 1: "Small Treasure": at the cost of 500 resources you can temporary summon Smaug for 2 minutes.

Level 2: "Great Treasure": at the cost of 1000 resources you can temporary summon Smaug for 4 minutes.

Level 3: "Immense Treasure": at the cost of 1500 resources you can temporary summon Smaug for 6 minutes.

I really like the ideas you have behind Smaug, however like many others I do have a problem with the tribute system.

Although its a cool idea to get a powerful late game unit like Smaug early, I feel that makes the Dragon's lair as a building very boring and linear in a stragetic sense.

You could have the Dragon's Lair serve as a way to give the Misty Mountains faction unit upgrades, with the Smaug summoning mechanic as an additional bonus. But from what I can see its too punishing to spend gold to summon Smaug when you can just build the lair and wait until he can be permanently recruited so you can save the gold you would normally spend just to summon him.

Note: Thematic wise it might be better if the dragon's lair offered economic upgrades instead of unit upgrades as well to fit the whole Dragon's greed theme as well.

Here's an idea I have for the tribute system. What you could do is have Smaug level up each time you summon it, the more gold you spend the faster he gains experience. So you are encouraged to invest in Smaug early. Of course you can add a cooldown timer so players can't abuse the mechanic. By the time you buy Smaug as a permanent hero he will be near max level.

One last thing, I am not a big fan of his Dragon Sickness ability because it buffs enemy buildings. Personally I think it would make more sense if it was just a copy of the Hillman's pillage ability where Smaug gains resources from attacking enemy buildings to symbolize his desire for taking the wealth of others.

What do you think?

[Walküre]

One last question: which one of the two via-spellbook implementation do you like the most? The stand-alone or an including in the central spell? The last one is probably most compact, and avoid the use of an entire power only for him (considering also new spellbooks having one less spell with respect to the old ones). But the first one could be much more iconic if it includes, together with Smaug, other minor fire breathing dragons. Of course both are sticked to the gold-desire content  .

As you may have surely read in the articles that were published until the present moment, the point of central spells is that they are supposed to embody pivotal themes of each faction. A subject underlying all aspects of the faction, together with a pervasive effect on the game itself and significant references to the lore. Namely, this is exactly the logic that spells as His Deadliest Servants, Wizard's Tower or Théoden Liberated and for the other cases equally. Furthermore, I can assure you that the same principle applies to Lothlórien, Angmar and Imladris; I hope that the related articles will be out soon.

That said, Smaug being featured as the central spell of his faction might be a sound choice. In the perspective of that pervasiveness I previously mentioned, Smaug is indeed the best candidate for such an important post. He's the prime hero of the Misty Mountains and represents well the nature of those whom he serves, if we can use this expression. Being the faction the most Hobbit-based in the game, I guess that the dragon boasting that kind of prominence just follows as a consequence. Henceforth, I favour a central spell based and fashioned on the greatest of the calamities, as tales narrate.

[AulëTheSmith]

Note: Thematic wise it might be better if the dragon's lair offered economic upgrades instead of unit upgrades as well to fit the whole Dragon's greed theme as well.

I don't find economy upgrades so fitting for dragon lair personally, dragons helping your economy is kinda weird because it is the antithesis of the definition of greediness 
Filling the structure with a more abundant treasure could instead justify an increase of speed production of the fire-drakes, because they are "attracted" by the treasure.
The role of upgrades builiding will be probably fullfilled by the treasure cave

One last thing, I am not a big fan of his Dragon Sickness ability because it buffs enemy buildings. Personally I think it would make more sense if it was just a copy of the Hillman's pillage ability where Smaug gains resources from attacking enemy buildings to symbolize his desire for taking the wealth of others.
What do you think?

If it was a similar ability as pillage, you could earn resurces via Smaug. It is again the exact thing i want to avoid, in order to better rapresent him as selfish character: he doesn't share a single coin with anyone. I think the passive ability i conceived it is good. Smaug basically doesn't care about enemy/allies: he steals resources wherever he goes.

Here's an idea I have for the tribute system. What you could do is have Smaug level up each time you summon it, the more gold you spend the faster he gains experience. So you are encouraged to invest in Smaug early. Of course you can add a cooldown timer so players can't abuse the mechanic. By the time you buy Smaug as a permanent hero he will be near max level.

That's an interesting idea because, as you said, it could encourage the player to use Smaug early I'll think about it.

As you may have surely read in the articles that were published until the present moment, the point of central spells is that they are supposed to embody pivotal themes of each faction.

A pivotal theme common to any creature of MM could be the despoiling and pludering of treasures, in which Smaug of course is the best rapresentative. It is also the main reason why Goblins are the archenemy of the Dwarves  . I'll try to figure out something more general on this theme, starting from the current spell i crafted 

[Walküre]

Correct. I too was thinking about raiding and pillaging. Deprivation and infestation of spoils of war or ruins; Moria and its design convey properly this exact theme: an infesting force that lives (survives) off the spoils of its past enemies. At the end of the day, this is the very characterisation of most Goblins, and of those shown in FOTR. Smaug follows in the footsteps of this canon: he wrought total havoc in the halls of the Lonely Mountain, he conquered the realm, his enemies were utterly destroyed or forced into miserable fleeing and the dragon thus began to prey on the spoils of whom he had vanquished.

At the present state, I deem it the most reasonable choice. A central spell, without mentioning further the foremost prominence of Smaug in the Hobbit trilogy, as prime character and figure.

[dkbluewizard]

Aule this has been BY FAR the best MM idea yet man! Great Job! I personally agree with everything you proposed and it is very canonical. I agree somewhat with Fredius that 3000 and a power spell seems like a lot, but given his destructive power, I think it is needed. All in all, I AGREE with your concept for what it is worth.

I would like to see Smaug somehow become a permanent hero and I think your idea addresses this. So I think we should go with that as that makes perfect sense. Again, phenomenal job!