This is one of my favorite maps to play on. While I do admit I am good at this map, I know I am not the best player.  Many folks will find flaws in the strategy given here. Others will not agree with what I have written.  This was mainly written to help folks that either want to learn how to play this map better or just want to look at other strategies than they are currently using.  New players to the game will also enjoy this as they can understand why someone is moving units toward a certain spot.  If you are teaming up with someone, then this can also help out a little with coordination movements and tactics.   I understand that I cannot point out every variation or cover all aspects of every tangent.  This strategy is meant to be seen as a guideline only.  Be flexible with it.  Learn from your mistakes (and your enemies mistakes). And as always have fun!

Unlike the Fir'Bolg, the soulless can move over any terrain.  This is a big plus.  But unlike any other unit, if they are hit with a missile attack (an arrow or spear) it will pass thru their body and continue on its path. This is a very important point.

Soulless are the key to this map. If you can take out your enemies soulless, then he is severely restricted to which paths he can take.  If you lose your soulless, then your army must run from your enemies soulless, as they can perch on the rocks and make spaghetti out of your troops all day long.

Many folks have asked me how my soulless 'always hit'.  Well, they don't.  When attacking soulless, you want to aim at any soulless that are grouped together. And aim at the one furthest behind. This has 2 advantages.  You can still miss your intended target and hit another by accident.  You can also hit your target, and there is a good chance that you will also clip the soulless in front of your intended target (getting 2 hits for 1). Also, high ground makes the range farther. If you can get in 2 shots before your enemy can get in his first shot, then you are that closer to winning the skirmish. If you understand how to properly use soulless against other soulless then you are well on your way to winning at this map or at least not getting crushed like a grape.

You have the hill, so keep it.  You want to deny the 5 (or 3) spot from gaining ground toward the center with your dorf(s).  If you can manage that, then he will have to move toward number 4 (most common) or number 2 player.  If he insists on charging the hill, you have your dorf, knights, and soulless all set to take care of him.

Your biggest threat is the 2nd and 4th spot so keep an eye on them. You should already have a hold on one of the entrances to the pit which is worth its weight in gold if you need to make your way from the edge to the center.

Keep an eye on the 5th or 3rd spot. Send a scout so you know if they have moved toward 2 or 4. If you get caught offguard then your smushed toast.

If the 2nd or 4th spots get trigger happy and try to pick of your dorf, be sure to move your thrall in front to protect the dorf. Move your soulless over to make him run away. If he doesn't move then you should win the soulless battle because of the height advantage.

Glance at the other players when you have a second.  Keep an eye on the their strength (hit F7) so you know who to guard against in the final minute.

If the number 5 player has not moved toward 2 or 4 then you know he's gonna rush up when the clock hits that last minute. If player 2 has set up at the base of the hill, then watch to see where he charges up to. Try to send a knight over to see what player 3 is up to. Don't be afraid to move your soulless around to attack player 2 or 4 if they make a mistake in their unit placement or movement

    The Final Minute (sudden death)

You should have your knights and thrall already set to a preset quick key (alt/command + #). Your soulless are now mainly used to pick off either enemy soulless that might be trying to stick your men or you might want to attack enemy melee.

Manuever your dorf to either side (not behind) your knights and thrall (you don't want your dorf to toss grenades on you, do ya?).

If nobody has started to contest the flag and there are 10 seconds left, pick whoever is closest and charge him.  If nobody can get to the flag in time, then you win.

However, most likely, someone will contest the flag and your speakers will bellow out 'sudden death'.  If possible, move your troops within range to grab the flag if it needs to be contested quickly. 

When two folks start to fight it out, try to sandwich whoever is strongest if possible. If you think you might get sandwiched, you can try to run down the center of the pit and hope that the two folks that tried to squish you duke it out (you can always hope at any rate).   It works something like this...

Before After

Remember, think. If you try to follow this strategy to the letter and get your ass kicked, then you are not really following this strategy. This is meant as only a guideline. If in the first 3 minutes for example, every player is headed toward you, don't be afraid to leave the center and probe for another way back.  You can't win if you are crushed.

    How to Beat This Strategy

I feel that starting in this position is the BEST of all 5.  If you are going up against someone that has the hill and know's what they are doing then good luck.  Here are some tips though.

• Watch his soulless. If possible attack his soulless when he is involved with another player.
  
  
• If you are being blocked (starting in either 3 or 5) send scouts to 2 and 4 so you know which way is safer to go.
  
  
• Keep an eye on F7
  
  
• I you start in 2 or 4, try to pick of his dorf if possible.  If he moves his soulless to attack,  retreat to a better place for a counter-attack if he continues to chase.