The update is progressing, though slower than I'd like.
Nice to hear. BTW before the update is there any chance we could send the fleet back to Arda to pick up more refugees? Naval defense is kinda pointless as if an enemy attacks by shore we can simply retreat to the Vale's mountains, and besides we can raise a new fleet while the old fleet is gone. Besides, if the fleet goes back it can ship back considerable numbers of civilians, who may have unique skillsets, and more importantly soldiers. We could also ship back valuable tomes and weapons which may prove advantageous in potential future conflicts. (mithril helms anyone?)
The main fleet could go to Dol Amroth where most of the population and the Swan Knights are, but perhaps 1-2 ships could also go to the Grey Havens and rescue any remaining refugees in Eriador, while a small detachment could go raid Umbar for their ships just before we head back. If the raid is successful we have additional ships to carry people and supplies in, if it fails the worst case is that we lose the detachment while the main fleet isn't affected.
Edit:
-The fleet should be sent ASAP. Last game it seems ME was overwhelmed suddenly, lets get more people out before that happens. In addition to humanitarian reasons its strategically valuable to have more people.
-Perhaps ask the Gondorians to start a massive shipbuilding program if they haven't already, by this point the free peoples should either be fighting to buy time or building ships. That fleet should leave when Mordor launches its final attack, perhaps leave a few volunteers behind to guide it.
-Any way to get Erebor and Dale's populations out to the south? Might be a hard but still...
