asterlings are amongst the most fanatical followers of the Dark Lord and the best equipped of all the warriors at his command. Unlike the rabble of Orcs that spew forth from the Black Gate, the armies of the East are well-trained and disciplined warriors that will fight fiercely for Sauron, who they view as a vengeful deity. As children they are schooled in the art of war, and their womenfolk fight alongside the men as equals - in Rhûn all are prepared to fight for the Dark Lord. Trained to fight in deadly phalanxes, their spears form a hedge of sharpened blades that is virtually