Eldritch Realms DLC Overview and Strategy

Aug 22, 2024

Age of Wonders 4 - Eldritch Realms DLC Overview

Introduction

  • Sponsored by Paradox, Early Access provided.
  • Overview of new content from the Eldritch Realms DLC.

New Features

  • New Leader Type: Eldritch Sovereign.
  • New Map: The Umbrella Abyss.
  • New Forms: New form traits, units, and the Umbrell dwelling.
  • New Happening System: Introduces world events, like "Toll of Seasons".
  • Free Mystic Update: Includes tweaks and rebalancing, especially for the Mystic culture.

Gameplay Strategy

  • Theme: Eldritch Sovereign invading a peaceful realm to bring chaos.
  • Past test game lasted 27 turns; familiar with early/mid-game but not late game.
  • Realm Creation:
    • Selected Pangaea for ocean gameplay.
    • Added Umbrella Abyss and Undead inhabitants.
  • Happening System:
    • "Toll of Seasons" event can cause significant damage; increases difficulty.

Realm Settings

  • Players: Six
  • Map: Large relative size for exploration and conflict.
  • Players set to very hard except for two Druids (hard).

Faction Creation

  • Eldritch Sovereign with unique traits.
  • New Forms: Sirons and Insectoids.
  • Traits:
    • Arcane Focus for magic damage.
    • Overwhelm tactics for increased crit chance.
  • Chose Mystic culture with potential.

Magic and Spells

  • Magic Schools Explained:
    • Attunement: Star Blades for spell bonus.
    • Summoning: Strengthens magic units when friendly spells are cast.
    • Potential: Shadow affinity and overcharge mechanics.
  • Chose Potential School for overcharging spells and benefits from casting.

Society Traits

  • Selected Undisciples:
    • Evil alignment with new province improvement.
    • Gloom terrain becomes beneficial.
  • Selected Powerful Evokers: Increases casting points and ranks for battle mages.

Ruler Customization

  • Selected Hollow King as the ruler's title.
  • Customization options for appearance and equipment.

Gameplay Mechanics

  • Summoning and unit management has been tweaked.
  • Changes to unit leveling for maintaining tier units.
  • Now requires town halls for cultural unit tiers.

Early Game Strategy

  • Focus on exploration, unit creation, and resource gathering.
  • Plan to rush free cities and manage world threat level.
  • Engage in battles to gain XP and resources.

Final Notes

  • Intends to create a powerful army to invade other factions.
  • Anticipates conflict with nearby factions and Druids.
  • Excited about the potential of the Eldritch Sovereign and new strategies.