 The story of the game takes place between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings . The players control Talion , a ranger who was killed by the Black Hand of Sauron . Talion 's spirit merged with the wraith of the Elf Lord Celebrimbor , and together they try to avenge the death of their loved ones . Players can engage in melee combat , and utilize some of the wraith abilities to fight against enemies . The game uses the Nemesis System , which allows the artificial intelligence of non @-@ playable characters to remember the death of the game 's protagonist and react accordingly . 
