Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The view of the entire terrain project, facing from the left-front. You can see that
there are three towers along the walls, a gateway at the corner, a light house at the back to the right,
buildings behind the walls, and docks behind them. Note that the Haradrim nomads have camped out outside
the walls! The Haradrim tents are not part of this piece, they were just added for scale purposes.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Another view of the entire project, this time from the right side. Again you can see the
towers, the walls, the lighthouse, the buildings and the docks. You can also see the
postern gate. Please note that the line between the green matt and the greay matt is
supposed to be where the land stops and the ocean starts.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Umbar has many visitors. Here a servant of Sauron arrives to attend with the lords of
of the city. The gate and gatway itself was designed to look like the prow of a ship,
although many say that it looks more like a gaping mouth with intent to swallow anyone
who enters. This particular gate replaced the original one which had fallen into ruin.
It was a gift from Mordor when the city openly claimed allegience to the Dark Lord.
Little did the lords of the city realize that although it was strong and filled with
magics, it was also controlled by the minions of Sauron...
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Tolkien said somewhere along the line that the Numenorean blood within the city eventually faded into and merged with the
Haradrim. Many believe however that the city is ruled by two lords, one being the captain of the ships and one being
a Haradrim lord of the lands. In any case it is highly likely that in the Third age near the time of the War of the
Ring the walls would have been defended by the Haradrim. Here we see them on the walls above the main gate.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
A close-up view of one of the tower doors on the wall above the gateway. In total there are 11 of these doors. Three
for each tower (there are three towers), and two for the postern gate as seen above and which we will see more
of later. All of the painting around the doors is done free-hand.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
A view of the gateway from the left. The gateway itself was designed to resemble the prow of a ship. Unfortunately
the sons of Castamir were not as knowledgable about wars upon land, and so the gate, because it is on a corner, forms
a kind of salient that is difficult to defend from the two flanking towers. This actually worked for the line of Castimir
however when the city was retaken from Gondor during the third age, as this is the first gate that fell to the Haradrim
attacks.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Lords of men, such as Suladan and his nomadic people often visit Umbar during the wet seasons. Note the ramp leading
the gate is also supposed to add to gate's design as the prow of the ship. It is designed to be in the pattern of water
breaking against the prow of the ship. Also, Because the ramp can be ascended from both left and right, the error of
having a gate on a corner is partly reduced, as attacking the gate is very difficult and the towers, although they
cannot defend the gate itself, can defend the ramps.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Suladan and his enoutage are granted access to the city. Certainly he is a lord worthy of entry! But also the lords
of the city demand their taxes!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
But what is this? As Suladan's entourage enters through the main gate, an old grey traveller seems to be attempting
to gain access through the postern gate! Be careful of the patrol on the walls old greybeard! Note how the postern
gate is situated up some narrow stairs, and as such would be very difficult to attack, especially if the gate were
protected from the wall above.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
As Suladan and his entourage enter through the gate, the city opens up infront of them. Even to the eyes of a king
such as Suladan, the size and granduer of the city amazes and awes. Note the white stone walkway. This was specially
crafted by the sons of Castamir using stones that were raided from the docks at Palargir. They make the shape of a
ship whose prow is formed by the gate. The symbol there, made using the whitest stones, is that of the Castamirian
line claiming the crown in Umbar (the symbol of Umbar encircled by seven stars and topped with the crown).
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
An inside view of the entire cityscape. Note that on the bottom left of the image it appears that old greybeard
made it through the postern gate just as Suladan entered the castle from the main gate!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Mithrandir enters the back door of the cafe/restaurant to avoid the watchful eyes of the chieftain that
ascends the stairs! What a nice cafe it is as well! It even has a roof-top patio!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Inside the cafe (note the roof is removable) Gandalf finds tables with delicious food to eat! Perfect
after a long journey from the north! Please see below for more detail of the tables included with the
restaurant / cafe.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Suladan excitedly takes in the scene within the city. After living in the desert for the past few months
the bright colours and hustle and bustle of the city are a welcome site! There are fruit vendors, sweet
shops, and bakeries... So much more abundance than even Suladan the King is used to! See below for more
detail of the shops and their accessories.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
While strolling through the city streets Suladan contemplates getting a hair cut at the local barber shop
while a cat checks him out from the roof (that cat is fixed to the model). Suladan decides to forget the
hair cut as it would mean finally taking off that helmet... See below for more detail shots of the buildings
in the city.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
After strolling through the city, Suladan takes a stroll down the docks. A beautiful day for a stroll
along the pier! The corsair ship sits menacingly in the docks, its crew gone into the city to trade
their booty for the vices of pirates...
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
After visiting the dock, Suladan tries to gain entry into one of the towers... As he approaches the door
a gigantic hand comes out of nowhere and removes the entire back wall of the tower! All three towers
have removable backs to allow players and miniatures to get inside there. I posted pictures of only one
as they are all pretty much the same (if you would like to see all of the tower walls removed I can
provide images).
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Inside the tower we see that there are two floors. The main floor is primarily a storage area for
the army. Typically it would house weapons and warmachines, but it has been known to house all
kinds of goodies including food and spirits! The second floor is not accessible from the main
floor to help the defenders of the tower. If the gate were to fall, a single tower may still
hope to hold out until support can arrive. The second floor has two doors that can access the
walls (one on either side), a ladder to access the hatch at the top of the tower, and a bench
to rest on after a long day defending against a siege!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Time to take a walk along the walls and towers of the city. Here we see the longest wall on the
model along with the two towers that protect it. To the right is the city itself and the
buildings Suladan just strolled by. Again, note the Haradrim camp outside the city wall.
It isn't part of this piece, but there to show scale.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
This is the tower furthest from the gate. Currently it is being guarded by a Haradrim Mumak
Chieftain. Although the chieftain gave up the Mumak reigns, it is still nice to be up high!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Here is a close up of the top of the tower and the hatchway. There are three hatchways
(one for each tower), all pretty much identical and all painted free hand.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The gray traveler finishes his meal and heads up to one of the gateway towers for some sight seeing!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Next we head along the wall toward the harbour where we see the light house. This light house
is used to help guide ships into the docks. It also serves as a great place to defend the
port with flaming missile weapons when the city is attacked.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
There is just enough room around the base of the light house for a patrol too keep an eye
out on the harbour to make sure no enemies of Sauron attempt to gain access to the city
from the sea.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Like the rest of the roofs in the city, the light house roof comes off.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The floor of the lighthouse bears the symbol of Umbar facing out to the sea. Again, this
structure is a great place to defend the docks from.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The cafe building as seen above is removable to allow for ease of play. Also, when the third
wall of Umbar was first built the sons of Castamir forbid anyone from dwelling there. It wasn't
until later, when the Castamirian line was all but swallowed by Haradrim blood that dwellings
and shops were built. So, having removable buildings allows the model to span time periods.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The entire building block on this side of the city is actually modelled on one base for ease
of use. It also comes out with ease!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The soldiers stand dumbfounded... Where did all the buildings go? The inside of the city
with all of the shops and buildings removed.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Often vendors will crowd the entrances to cities with their items for sale.
With that in mind I made this fruit stand. It is set up at the gates for
weary travellers to be able to get something fresh after a long journey!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
This is the cafe that Gandalf entered earlier. The awning betrays the
onwer's nomadic Haradrim roots. As cafes are typically small, they
often 'spill out' into the street; during busy periods cafe owners
will often set up tables on the streets of the city. The tables are
all removable, see below for more details on those. Note the top
of the building is off in this picture.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The side view of the cafe. It shows that the owner is more worried
about making food than keeping the building in good repair.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
This is the back door that Gandalf went through to escape the eyes
of the Haradrim Chieftain. Note the roof has been put on in this shot.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Here is the detail of the food tables. Clock wise from the top
left we have an empty (but dirty) plate and coffee cup (mmm, arabic coffee!),
a jumbo falafel sandwich (a pita wrap similar to a donair or shawarma),
and a bowl of baba ghanouj or hummous with sliced pita on a plate for dipping!
If you don't know what the food is, pelase do a google search and see if
my models match up to the real thing! They are all done using greenstuff!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The sweet shop is the next shop in line. This is the first shop we will
see that is attached to the large building block. Note the sign detail
and the detail of the sweets on platters out infront of the shop. That
picture on the sign is of a piece of Pistachio Baklava. The sweets on
the platters are also baklava. If you haven't heard of baklava, do
a google search and then find an arabic sweet shop and get some, it is
delicious!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
After the cafe and the sweet shop, Gandalf checks out the bakery. Like all
of the buildings in Umbar, the roof comes off. The rack of bread is based
on images of bakeries in the old city of Jerusalem (do a google image search
on jerusalem bakery to compare my sculpts). On there we have loafs, pita and
the large donut shaped bagel-like loafs.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Gandalf loves the smell of baking bread, so he checks out the bakery set up
inside. Lo and behold the oven is blazing and bread is baking!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Here is the up-close detail of the bread rack and the oven. They are all on
removable bases for ease of play.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Unlike Suladan, Gandalf definitely needs a hair cut. The sign on the barber
shop is the (hopefully) universal sign for barbers world wide... Note the
cat on the roof too!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
While Gandalf is getting his hair and beard trimmed, Suladan goes to the
local money lender for a loan... But like all banks nowadays, it is closed
for the day already! Its only mid afternoon! Note the sign on the bank
is made of brass and is very spiffy! A cut above the wooden signs on the
bakery and the sweet shop.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The next day Suladan returns to the money lender... Inside he contemplates
signing the loan contract...
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The banker's desk is also on a removable base for ease of play. Note that
the writing quill, the contract, and the coins and sack are all green stuff
and freehand painted.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Now that the loan is all squared away, Suladan heads over to the jewelry
shop to spend his newly acquired money. Note that the sign on this
shop is nice, but obviously the jeweler isn't quite as rich as the
money lender...
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Suladan enters and checks out the fine selection of Gondorian jewelry
that just came off the pirate ships in the docks!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
The jewelry cabinet has a removable glass top. Here is a picture with
the top on...
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
... and here is a picture with the top off. Note that all of those
pieces are sculpted from green stuff.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Last but certainly not least is the rat catcher's shop. Surely
you didn't think that such a city would be complete without one?
Much to the chagrin of the jeweler, the rat catcher didn't bother
to get a professional sign made... A dead rat stuck to the wall
with a nail was enough I suppose. Note that that dead rat is also
sculpted from green stuff.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Suladan is on the lookout for some rat traps to keep his palatial
tent free of vermin, and so he moseys inside the shop. What's this?
Something alive in a cage in the shop! The desk (including the cage) and stool
are modeled on a removable base for ease of play as well.
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Of all the things the rat catcher has cought, this one specimen was so
unusual that it was kept alive. A sort of mascott for the rat catcher's
business... But what could be in there?
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Fortunately for us, the top of the cage comes off to reveal a ferret!
Many forms of vermin come off the ships at the docks!
Posted: March 29, 2006 - Manufacturer: Scratch built by Neldoreth
Well, that's it. Thanks for visiting Umbar, hope to see you again soon!
Posted: March 29, 2006
Here is some detail of a tower door in Umbar
This jewelry case is certainly a nice addition to any city!
Fresh fruit is abundant in Umbar. Here a haradrim chieftain purchases some pomegranites and bananas
The smell of fresh baked bread wafts through the streets of the ancient city.
Here are some the of extra bits to add detail to the city of umbar.
Note that they are crafted using balsa, thin card, miliput, and green stuff.
