My electronic notes on this (I paraphrased my SBG LoME scenarios for quick reference when I used to play more often) say this:

*The Artifact* The prize must be dug out of the soil before it can be carried off. A model in base contact with the artifact counter at the end of the Fight phase may attempt to free it. Roll D6. On a 4+ the artifact has been freed. Only one model may attempt this each turn. Once it has been unearthed, a Man-sized model may pick up the artifact by moving into base contact with it on the Move phase ( see p72 of the One Ring rules for details on carrying light items ).

That should be very close to the LoME wording. Based on that any model in base contact can attempt to dig it up, but once unearthed it needs to be picked up by a Man-sized model (determined by base size). I don't believe the normal rules for carrying light items exclude Cavalry models from doing it. So if my notes are accurate you can use Suladan (or another Hero) to dig up the artifact while mounted, then have a grunt (Serpent Raider that was with him and dismounted for example) pick it up and give it to him. Next turn, gallop away.

I think I recall something about monster-sized models being off the list that can carry small objects but that may not be the case in the rules and may have just been for a specific scenario.

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Wait ye the finish! The fight is not yours.
Beowulf

http://TacticsInMiniature.com

An Aussie tournement report has a mounted Saruman riding away with the prize that was dug up by orcs.

http://www.wargamerau.com/forum/index.p ... ntry878063

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"make me lunch... worthy of Mordor"

Yeah and all humans make mistakes even at tournaments.

And is this army for a dutch tournament? Also 500 points and the same tournaments.

I personally take corairs as a frondline they are just to good not to take and they are plastic. Also I would swap out Suladan and take amdur and a haradrim captain. the fight 6 is really important in contest of champions, because there are much elf players.

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"There are only 4 things you need in life: Lasagna, beer, a girlfriend and of course a gondor army."

Much elf players? Of course! They believe elves are the best. But it depends on your strategy, your choses and of course the dices...

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I am a ranger of the north.