Heroes 3 wiki - User contributions [en]

Kobold and Kobold Foreman

2026-01-12T17:15:11Z

Darkdill:

{{inhota}}{{BulwarkCreaturesNew}}
{{Creature/Kobold}}
{{Creature/Kobold Foreman}}

'''Kobolds''' and '''Kobold Foremen''' are the level 1 creatures of [[Bulwark]]. They can be recruited from the [[Colliery]].

{{clear|left}}
== Dwellings & Portraits ==
{{DwellingPortraitNoExp
| dwelling = Colliery
| creature1 = Kobold
| creature2 = Kobold Foreman
}}
{{clear|left}}
== Heroes with a specialty ==
* {{H|Kynr|Chieftain}}

== Sounds ==
{{CreatureSounds|Kobold}}
{{CreatureSounds|Kobold Foreman}}
{{SoundClickInfo}}

{{user commentary|
They have mediocre stats, but generate 1 gold per day, meaning a Kobold will compensate his cost after 40 days (or 60 for a Kobold Foreman). It's better to not upgrade them for a while (unless you can find a [[Hill Fort]] to do it for free), and recruit them as a town garrison and workers. Even a little money may mean a lot on resource-poor maps. In the very early game, Kobolds can work as decent meat shields due to their impressive health for a tier 1, but their very low speed makes them undesirable once better creatures are available.
}}{{end of user commentary}}

{{creature 'see also'}}
* [[Comparison of Level 1 Creatures]]

{{Resource generator navigational box}}

[[Category:Creatures]]
__NOTOC__

Behemoth and Ancient Behemoth

2025-09-26T15:16:30Z

Darkdill:

{{StrongholdCreaturesNew}}
{{Creature/Behemoth}}
{{Creature/Ancient Behemoth}}

'''Behemoths and Ancient Behemoths''' are the level 7 creatures of [[Stronghold]]. They are recruited from the [[Behemoth Lair]]. On the [[adventure map]], their external dwelling is instead called the Behemoth Crag.

''"The attack of these giant creatures is so overwhelming it reduces their target's ability to mount further defenses. The attack of the behemoth reduces target defense value by 40%. Ancient behemoth attacks reduce it by 80%."{{-}}[[Restoration of Erathia Manual Page 111|RoE manual]]''
{{clear|left}}
== Dwellings & Portraits ==
{{DwellingPortrait
| dwelling = Behemoth Crag
| creature1 = Behemoth
| creature2 = Ancient Behemoth
}}
{{clear|left}}
== Heroes with a [[Specialty#Creature_specialties|specialty]] ==
* {{H|Kilgor|Barbarian}} {{withmaped}} (fixed-stat specialty)

== Trivia ==
An early concept for the Behemoth was the [[Lobstrosity]].

== Appearance ==
A Behemoth appears at the beginning of the [[Razor Claw]] scenario from the [[Festival of Life]] campaign in {{ab}}.

{{video|AB CD-Heroes3-DATA-Heroes3 vid-H3ABfl1-smk-H3ABfl1|550px}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="250px">
Ancient Behemoth render.gif| Model by [[Tracy Iwata]]
</gallery>

{{user commentary|
The defense is reduced only for the Behemoth's attack, and is returned to normal immediately after that.

The Behemoths deal incredibly high melee damage thanks to their special ability. They seem resilient having 160-300 [[Health]], but are quite fragile due to very low (for a 7th level unit) [[Defense]], thus being "glass cannon" unit that both hits hard and gets hit hard in return.

30-50 damage range means they are good targets for [[Bless]] and [[Curse]] [[spells]].

Being quite slow walkers, [[Haste]], [[Teleport]] and [[Prayer]] are great buffs to cast on Behemoths. Conversely [[Slow]] combined with ranged troops works well when fighting them.

The best defense against Behemoths is keeping them out of melee. They hit hard, but also take a lot of damage themselves that is only mitigated by their high [[Health]], so use [[Slow]], ranged troops, [[Blind]] or [[Berserk]] while you deal with other stacks. [[Berserk]] is easily the biggest threat for a hero with Behemoths as their relatively slow speed for a 7th level unit means they won't usually get their turn before being turned against their owner. If you're worried about your Behemoths being affected by mind spells, [[Anti-Magic]] can protect them from it as long as you have at least Advanced [[Earth Magic]].

Their own [[Attack]] is very low. Reducing it with spells like [[Weakness]] so their attack value doesn't exceed opposing unit's [[Defense]] as much as it normally would takes away a lot of their damage potential. Increasing Attack usually isn't as high priority as increasing their damage and speed, as it is compared to only 60%/20% of opposing stack's Defense.

Behemoths also have very low [[Defense]]. When using them, consider patching this vulnerability with [[Shield]] or [[Stone Skin]] [[spells]] or [[Armorer]]. When fighting them, exploit it - they can dish out damage very well, but aren't as great in taking it.

In melee, do not use [[Stone Skin]] against Behemoths as they ignore most of the bonus defense anyway. Use [[Shield]] spell instead, as it's not defense buff but flat damage taken reduction, and it greatly reduces Behemoths' killing power. [[Fire Shield]] is good defensive buff too, as it reflects part of damage dealt before mitigations, and Behemoths deal very high melee damage.

Because [[Defense]] works only partially against Behemoths, don't use Defend command in melee against them, as it sacrifices your stack's turn and possible attack for a very small defense bonus that will be mostly ignored anyway.

Use "sacrificial" expendable stacks to take counterattacks instead of your more valuable units, so the hard hitters can live longer and keep dealing damage to Behemoths. Thus casting [[Counterstrike]] on Behemoths is something to consider when fighting several melee stacks.

Damage-increasing spells also work well, as Behemoths take a lot of damage themselves. [[Bless]], [[Bloodlust]], [[Precision]], [[Prayer]], [[Slayer]] are all viable buffs for your army when fighting Behemoths. [[Frenzy]] is a somewhat special case - normally it's double-edged sword, increasing [[Attack]] at the cost of [[Defense]], but in melee against Behemoths your stacks have only a fraction of their normal Defense, so this spell is less risky when fighting them.

Direct damage [[spells]] work well on unupgraded Behemoths due to their low [[Health]]. Ancient Behemoths boasting 300 HP might be better dealt with using your army.

An Ancient Behemoth is among the few recruitable level 7 creatures that can defeat an [[Angel and Archangel|Archangel]] in one-on-one combat, another example being the [[Sea Serpent and Haspid|Haspid]] from [[Horn of the Abyss]] expansion. (A [[Giant and Titan|Titan]] can also defeat an Archangel one-on-one by defending 4 times and then attacking).

=== Analysis of the special ability ===
They ignore 40%/80% of the opponents defense. Depending on their attack value to the opponents defense Value, there are two scenarios:
* Scenario I: The Behemoths have more attack than the defending creature's defense (then, every attack the Behemoths have more than the defending creatures defense increases their damage by 5%)
* Scenario II: The Behemoths have less attack than the defending creature's defense (then, every defense the defending creature has more then the Behemoths attack decreases the damage taken by 2.5%)

Below, you see how much this is for some attack/defense values. As can be seen, this ability is becomes more and more useful in the late-game. Increase your hero's attack as much as possible for maximum effect.

Note that the maximal difference between an attacker's attack and the defender's defense is capped (see [[Damage#Attack-Defense_difference_–_variables_I1_and_R1|damage]] calculation). If the attacker has more than 60 more attack, it is capped at 60 (translates to a 300% damage increase). If the defender has more than 28 more defense, the difference is capped at 28 (translates to 70% less damage).
}}{{end of user commentary}}

{{creature 'see also'}}
* [[Comparison of Level 7 Creatures]]
* [[Behemoth and Ancient Behemoth/table]]

[[Category: Creatures]]
__NOTOC__

Earth Elemental and Magma Elemental

2025-07-28T17:18:35Z

Darkdill:

{{ConfluxCreaturesNew}}{{CreatureNew
| name = Earth Elemental
| faction = Conflux
| attack = 10
| defense = 10
| shots =
| damage = 4–8
| health = 40
| speed = 4
| move = Ground
| size = 1
| growth = 4
| aivalue = 330
| fightvalue = 415
| goldcost = 400
| resource =
| rescost =
| abilities = {{gl|Elemental}}. {{gl|Spell immunity|Immune}} to {{gl|Armageddon}}, {{gl|Lightning Bolt}}, {{gl|Chain Lightning}}, and {{gl|Titan's Lightning Bolt}}. {{gl|Vulnerability|Vulnerable}} to {{gl|Meteor Shower}}. 200% Base Damage to {{gl|Air Elemental and Storm Elemental|Air Elementals and Storm Elementals}}.
}}{{CreatureNew
| name = Magma Elemental
| faction = Conflux
| attack = {{gt|11}}
| defense = {{gt|11}}
| shots =
| damage = {{gt|6–10}}
| health = 40
| speed = {{gt|6}}
| move = Ground
| size = 1
| growth = 4
| aivalue = 490
| fightvalue = 490
| goldcost = 500
| resource =
| rescost =
| abilities = {{gl|Elemental}}. {{gl|Spell immunity|Immune}} to {{gl|Armageddon}}, {{gl|Lightning Bolt}}, {{gl|Chain Lightning}}, and {{gl|Titan's Lightning Bolt}}. {{gl|Vulnerability|Vulnerable}} to {{gl|Meteor Shower}}. 200% Base Damage to {{gl|Air Elemental and Storm Elemental|Air Elementals and Storm Elementals}}. {{gl|Spellcaster}}: {{gl|Protection from Earth}}.
}}

'''Earth Elementals and Magma Elementals''' are the level 5 [[creature]]s of [[Conflux]]. They are recruited from the [[Conflux creature dwellings|Altar of Earth]], or the [[Earth Elemental Conflux]] and [[Elemental Conflux]] on the [[adventure map]]. Earth Elementals can also be summoned with the [[Summon Earth Elemental]] spell. They are creatures summoned from the [[Plane of Earth|Elemental Plane of Earth]].

''"Earth Elementals are forces of Earth Magic. They take no damage from [[Mind spells|Mind]], [[Lightning Bolt]], [[Chain Lightning]], and [[Armageddon|Firestorm]] spells. They take double damage from [[Meteor Shower|Meteor Storm]] attacks. From a source deep beneath the world's surface, roam the Magma Elementals. Slightly stronger than their earthen counter-parts, Magma Elementals can also [[Spellcaster|cast]] the spell [[Protection from Earth]]."{{-}}[[Armageddon's Blade Manual Page 16|AB manual]]''
{{clear|left}}
== Dwellings & Portraits ==
{{DwellingPortrait2
| dwelling = Altar of Earth
| dwelling2 = Earth Elemental Conflux
| dwelling3 = Elemental Conflux
| creature1 = Earth Elemental
| creature2 = Magma Elemental
}}
{{clear|left}}
== Heroes with a [[Specialty#Creature specialties|specialty]] ==
* {{H|Thunar|Planeswalker}} (fixed-stat specialty)
* {{H|Erdamon|Planeswalker}} (fixed-stat specialty)

== Special Abilities ==
* Earth and Magma Elementals: +100% to basic damage to {{Cnu|Air Elemental|Storm Elemental}}.
* Magma Elementals: Can cast {{Sn|Protection from Earth}} at advanced level at 6 power, 3 times per battle.

== {{roe}} ==
In {{roe}}{{-}}{{withroe}} Earth Elementals are level 5 [[Neutral creature]]s. They are recruited from [[Elemental Conflux]] or [[Earth Elemental Conflux]].

[[File:Earth Elemental portrait (RoE).png]]

=={{hota}}==
* Magma Elementals' level bug is fixed.
* The in-game descriptions for both Earth and Magma Elementals are updated.
* The [[Elemental Conflux]] now increases the growth of all four basic elementals by 1.

== Bugs ==
Though '''Magma Elementals''' are level 5 units, the game considers them as level 3 in creature level-based calculations and "Random Monster 3" object in the [[Map Editor]] (''fixed in [[Horn of the Abyss]]{{-wh}}'').

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200px">
Earthelem.jpg| Earth Elemental
Magma-elemental-sketch.jpg| Magma Elemental concept
</gallery>

{{user commentary|
Earth Elementals are one of the worst elementals, since they are incredibly slow and also expensive. Though they will win on melee 1v1 against other elementals, for their cost they are not as good. Also, they have significantly lower growth, with just 4 per week compared to the water's 6 - meaning the Earth Elementals actually produce ''less'' weekly HP. They can neither attack ranged, fly, or have other useful abilities. In fact, they struggle even against level 3 creatures with equal weekly growths.

On the other hand one very notable property is their resistance to [[Armageddon]] (along with [[Fire Elementals]]), making them useful for [[Dragogeddon]] tactics. Another pretty notable property is their resistance to Lightning and Chain Lightning. If enemy heroes forget to research Ice Bolt, Meteor Shower, or Implosion (for the last two, Magma Elementals can still cast Protection from Earth), then these guys will not be able to take much single target spell damage. Overall, this is the elemental with the best resistances.
----
Magma Elementals have the same weaknesses as their unupgraded counterparts (even with high individual HP for elementals, they have low defense for a level 5 creature: Compare their 11 Def vs the 16 Def of [[Mighty Gorgon]]s). Though it is notable that although they are weak to [[Meteor Shower]], their [[Protection from Earth]] cast spell does offer a defense against Meteor Shower itself. The most important stat upgrade is +2 speed (from 4 to 6).

The Protection from Earth spell was buffed in HotA, resulting in an indirect small boost to the utility of Magma Elementals.
----
Earth Elementals are basically only suited for garrison defense and Armageddon tactics, while Magma Elementals may find a place in your army but only if you have a lot of gold to recruit/upgrade them. If you can recruit more Storm or Ice Elementals you will be better off with them instead, much as like with Psychic and Magic Elementals. All in all they are a low priority unit.
----
There is something of note however: Earth Elemental specialty is actually good. The +5 damage means that they deal at least 50% more damage than normal, turning them into decent units along with the atk and def bonus. However, take into account this specialty is fixed (doesn't scale with hero level), so it's more important in the early game. Do note that this type of specialty sadly doesn't upgrade the speed of the creature. Both Earth Elemental specialists ([[Thunar]] and [[Erdamon]]) are identical, starting with Tactics and basic Estates. While Estates will be mostly useless for a main hero, Tactics is key to positioning your slow Earth and Magma elementals forward or in other advantageous positions when the battle starts. If you choose these heroes, your priority will be getting as many earth/magma elementals as early as possible and use their upgraded damage to clear enemies. Still, sadly, even with near +100% minimum damage from the specialty (Earth goes from 4 to 9, Magma from 6 to 11), unsupported Earth Elementals barely can go toe to toe with other level 5 units due to their still overall low stats.

}}{{end of user commentary}}

{{creature 'see also'}}
* [[Comparison of Level 5 Creatures]]

[[Category:Creatures]]
[[Category:Elementals]]
__NOTOC__

Sorcery

2025-06-21T16:54:21Z

Darkdill:

{{Secondary skills}}
{{Secondary skill
| B_effect = causes a hero's spells to inflict an additional {{swh|10%|5%}} damage in combat.
| A_effect = causes a hero's spells to inflict an additional {{gt|{{swh|20%|10%}}}} damage in combat.
| E_effect = causes a hero's spells to inflict an additional {{gt|{{swh|30%|15%}}}} damage in combat.
}}

Sorcery also boosts damage spells cast by creatures under the hero's control:
* {{Cn|Thunderbird}}s
* {{Cn|Faerie Dragon}}s

'''Heroes with Sorcery as a starting skill:'''
* {{H2|Alagar|Druid}}
* {{H2|Josephine|Alchemist}}
* {{H2|Solmyr|Wizard}}
* {{H2|Ziph|Artificer}}{{-wh}}

'''Heroes with {{PAGENAME}} as a specialty and a starting skill''' ''(5% bonus per level to the skill)''''':'''
* {{H2|Gird|Battle Mage}}
* {{H2|Malekith|Warlock}}
* {{H2|Sandro|Necromancer}}
* {{H2|Styg|Witch}}
* {{H2|Zydar|Heretic}}
* {{H2|Spint|Navigator}}{{-wh}}

== Chance to get ==
{{Secondary skill chance explanation}}
{{ZET SEC SKILL CHANCE TABLE| 1 (lowest)| 5| 2| 6| 3| 8| 3| 6| 4| 6| 2|10 (highest)| 1 (lowest)| 6| 1 (lowest)| 8| 1 (lowest)| 8| 2| 6| 2| 7}}

{{user commentary|
For a magically-oriented hero, Sorcery is a good supporting skill. It makes little effect on basic level and/or with low [[spell power]], but on expert level Sorcery does a good job for a strong magician. It's a good idea to start with a hero whose [[specialty]] is Sorcery; for example, [[Malekith]] is possibly the best hero for [[Dragogeddon]] since he is basing in [[Dungeon]] and therefore [[Armageddon]] and [[Black Dragon]]s are both at his service. However, if a hero is more a warrior than a magician, and will probably never get superior spell power and [[knowledge]], possibly it's better to concentrate on something else, as e.g. [[Wisdom]] and [[Earth Magic]] are more universal.

Sorcery is among mediocre secondary skills. The fact is that creatures cause significant part of the damage during combat, and enhancing spells like [[Bless]] can easily cause more damage than most of the spells causing damage. Perhaps the only exceptions are [[Armageddon]] and [[Implosion]]. In other words, it is more lucrative to spend the combat round's spell to enhance the troops than to cause damage to enemy creatures. The consequence is that [[Air Magic|Air]], [[Fire Magic|Fire]], [[Earth Magic|Earth]] and [[Water Magic]] secondary skills - that similarly enhance the effect of spells - become more preferable than Sorcery.

In {{hota}}{{-wh}} (v. 1.7.2) Advanced and Expert Sorcery are stronger, making the skill more viable and making specialists in the skill such as Malekith more dangerous once they've leveled up.
}}{{end of user commentary}}

{{secondary skill 'see also'}}

[[Category: Secondary skills]]
__NOTOC__

Learning

2025-06-21T16:51:40Z

Darkdill:

{{Secondary skills}}
{{Secondary skill
| B_effect = increases the hero’s earned experience points by {{swh|20%|5%}}. {{showwithhota|Also grants an additional level upon learning the skill{{-wh}}.}}
| A_effect = increases the hero’s earned experience points by {{gt|{{swh|40%|10%}}}}. {{showwithhota|Also grants a {{gt|2nd}} additional level upon learning the skill{{-wh}}.}}
| E_effect = increases the hero’s earned experience points by {{gt|{{swh|60%|15%}}}}. {{showwithhota|Also grants a {{gt|3rd}} additional level upon learning the skill{{-wh}}.}}
}}
{{showwithhota|In {{hota}} v1.7.3, Learning cannot be offered again if the level-up was awarded via picking Learning (unless it remains one of the only two unmaxed skill slots.)}}

'''Heroes with Learning as a starting skill:'''
* {{H2|Loynis|Cleric}}
* {{H2|Calid|Heretic}}
* {{H2|Moandor|Death Knight}}
* {{H2|Xsi|Necromancer}}
* {{H2|Darkstorn|Warlock}}
* {{H2|Merist|Witch}}
* {{H2|Kalt|Planeswalker}}
* {{H2|Victoria|Artificer}}{{-wh}}

'''Heroes with {{PAGENAME}} as a specialty and a starting skill''' ''(5% bonus per level to the skill)''''':'''
* {{H2|Kinkeria|Witch}}{{-wh}}

In [[Horn of the Abyss]], these heroes also start with 1000 [[Experience]] (the level-up is resolved upon next experience gain).{{-wh}}

== Chance to get ==
{{Secondary skill chance explanation}}
{{ZET SEC SKILL CHANCE TABLE| 4| 4| 4| 4|10 (highest)| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 8| 4| 2 (lowest){{-wh}}| 4| 4| 4}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150px">
Brian-kemper-learn.jpg| Art by [[Brian Kemper]] (pre-release) (note the colored candles in front of the book)
</gallery>

{{user commentary|
Skills like Learning, [[Eagle Eye]], and [[Mysticism]] aren't loved very much by the majority of players. They aren't bad themselves, but the number of secondary skills is limited, while some of them are just vital, and absence of e.g. [[Wisdom]] or [[Earth Magic]] makes a hero significantly weaker, especially in the endgame. However, for a hero who is not a "number one", is rarely involved into major battles, and has a task chiefly to collect resources and summon troops, Learning is a good skill. He or she will rush between levels faster than usually, and will increase [[primary skill]]s rather quick, which is important for unexpected battles (e.g. when a town is sieged and the main hero is far away, ability to throw a powerful [[Magic Arrow]] or to accumulate 30-40 [[spell point]]s does a good job). {{hota}}{{-wh}}'s [[Kinkeria]] may be used as the main hero, as she will get experience very fast, soon becoming really strong.

A major flaw of Learning is that experience points increase is very slow, while range between experience points needed for every new level is increasing throughout the game. If a hero were to have expert level of Learning from the beginning of the game, when the hero reaches 230,000 experience points, a hero without the skill would have achieved 200,000 points. This would mean that the first hero is on level 26 and the second on level 25, which is only a one-level difference.

In {{hota}}{{-wh}} (v. 1.7.2) the bonuses have been drastically increased and it now grants an additional level upon learning/advancing the skill, meaning the hero with it will very quickly become strong, though still at the cost of sacrificing a skill slot.
Note however, that the instant level-up also increases experience requirement, so the advantage will still be represented mostly by extra Primary skills and [[Specialty]] bonus + allowing quicker access to quests requiring you to reach a certain level, rather than learning Secondary skills quicker.
}}{{end of user commentary}}

{{secondary skill 'see also'}}

[[Category: Secondary skills]]

Dendroid Guard and Dendroid Soldier

2025-06-08T20:24:32Z

Darkdill:

{{RampartCreaturesNew}}{{CreatureNew
| name = Dendroid Guard
| faction = Rampart
| attack = 9
| defense = 12
| shots =
| damage = 10–14
| health = 55
| speed = 3
| move = Ground
| size = 1
| growth = 3 {{gl|Dendroid Saplings|(+2)}}
| aivalue = 517
| fightvalue = 690
| goldcost = 350
| resource =
| rescost =
| abilities = {{gl|Binding|Binds}} enemies in place.
}}{{CreatureNew
| name = Dendroid Soldier
| faction = Rampart
| attack = 9
| defense = 12
| shots =
| damage = 10–14
| health = {{gt|65}}
| speed = {{gt|4}}
| move = Ground
| size = 1
| growth = 3 {{gl|Dendroid Saplings|(+2)}}
| aivalue = 803
| fightvalue = 765
| goldcost = 425
| resource =
| rescost =
| abilities = {{gl|Binding|Binds}} enemies in place.
}}

'''Dendroid Guards and Dendroid Soldiers''' are the level 5 creatures of [[Rampart]]. They are recruited from the [[Rampart creature dwellings|Dendroid Arches]]. Building the [[Dendroid Saplings]] increases Dendroids' growth by 2 per week.

''"Slow and powerful dendroids bash their opponents with their wooden limbs. Those attacked by dendroids are snared in tangling roots and bound in place until the dendroids move or are killed."{{-}}[[Restoration of Erathia Manual Page 106|RoE manual]]''
{{clear|left}}
== Dwellings & Portraits ==
{{DwellingPortrait
| dwelling = Dendroid Arches
| creature1 = Dendroid Guard
| creature2 = Dendroid Soldier
}}
{{clear|left}}
== Heroes with a [[Specialty#Creature_specialties|specialty]] ==
* {{H|Ryland|Ranger}}

== Special Ability: Binding ==
Dendroids' attacks cause an enemy to be bound to the ground, unable to move until the stack of Dendroids that entangled them moves or perishes, though the effect can also be removed with [[Dispel]] or [[Teleport]] spells.

[[Anti-Magic]] does not protect units from being bound by this ability.

In [[Shadow of Death]] (and until version 1.3.3 of [[Horn of the Abyss]]), the ability is bugged when used on [[Harpy and Harpy Hag|Harpies]] attacking with their [[Harpy and Harpy Hag#Special ability strike and return|strike and return]] ability. After the Dendroids retaliate, the Harpies are be bound to the original hex that they attacked from and will remain bound even if the Dendroid stack moves or dies.

== Official Renders ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
Dendroid render.gif
Dendroid render (alt).jpg
</gallery>

{{Fanopinion|
With even lower speed than the [[Dwarf and Battle Dwarf|dwarves]], the dendroid guard and soldier are almost exclusively considered to be garrison units, because they will slow down any hero on the adventure map. However, it should be noted that they bear health almost equal to a level 6 [[Wyvern and Wyvern Monarch|wyvern]], damage is not entirely bad (though they have very low Attack skill), and also have good defense and ability. Most of all, they are the cheapest level 5 monster and the only one with a horde building, making them as affordable and numerous as level 4 monsters but stronger and tougher. In terms of weekly hit points, Dendroid Soldiers are second only to certain upgraded level 7 monsters ([[Giant and Titan|Titan]], [[Red Dragon and Black Dragon|Black Dragon]], [[Behemoth and Ancient Behemoth|Ancient Behemoth]], [[Firebird and Phoenix|Phoenix]], [[Sea Serpent and Haspid|Haspid]]).

During a defensive siege in which a section of the wall has been destroyed, the Dendroids' binding ability can be utilized by binding an opponent's creature to the moat. The creature will therefore not only take 70-90 dmg per turn, but also block the entrance into the castle, rendering other non-flying units stuck outside the walls.

[[Berserk]] works very well on Dendroids, since they will not only attack their fellow units, but bind them.
}}

{{creature 'see also'}}
* [[Comparison of Level 5 Creatures]]

[[Category: Creatures]]
__NOTOC__

Sandworm and Olgoi-Khorkhoi

2025-02-24T16:31:03Z

Darkdill:

{{inhota}}{{Factory creatures}}
{{CreatureNew
| name = Sandworm
| faction = Factory
| attack = 13
| defense = 12
| shots =
| damage = 12–16
| health = 50
| speed = 8
| move = Burrowing
| size = 2
| growth = 3
| aivalue = 991
| fightvalue = 793
| goldcost = 575
| resource =
| rescost =
| abilities = Moves underground. {{gl|Immunity|Immune}} to {{gl|Blind}} and {{gl|Petrifying attack|Stone Gaze}}.
}}{{CreatureNew
| name = Olgoi-Khorkhoi
| faction = Factory
| attack = {{gt|15}}
| defense = 12
| shots =
| damage = 12–16
| health = {{gt|60}}
| speed = {{gt|10}}
| move = Burrowing
| size = 2
| growth = 3
| aivalue = 1220
| fightvalue = 894
| goldcost = 650
| resource =
| rescost =
| abilities = Moves underground. {{gl|Immunity|Immune}} to {{gl|Blind}} and {{gl|Petrifying attack|Stone Gaze}}. Devours corpses for additional strikes.
}}

'''Sandworms and Olgoi-Khorkhois''' are the level 5 creatures of [[Factory]]. They are recruited from the [[Catacombs]].

''"Even when tamed, Sandworms still are obligate carnivores, and their second distinctive feature that appears in the upgraded version of the unit is a vivid display of their bloodthirsty nature. If an Olgoi-Khorkhoi moves to a hex occupied by a corpse, then, when emerging from the ground, it will devour this corpse and get an extra strike when attacking in the next round; such strikes can stack, too. It is also possible to eat a corpse and attack all in one turn, if the corpse is positioned right next to the target."{{-}}[http://heroescommunity.com/viewthread.php3?TID=39830&PID=1533805#focus HotA Heroes Community post.]''

{{DwellingPortraitNoExp
| dwelling = Catacombs
| creature1 = Sandworm
| creature2 = Olgoi-Khorkhoi
}}

== Heroes with a [[Specialty#Creature_specialties|specialty]] ==
* {{H|Agar|Artificer}}

== Special abilities==
====Immune to [[blind]] and [[petrification]]====
Like [[Troglodyte]]s, Sandworms and Olgoi-Khorkhois are immune to vision-based abilities.

====Burrowing====
Burrowing is a special movement type. In most cases, it is functionally identical to [[Flying]]. However, on certain battlefields - namely combat on a [[Boat]], [[Airship]] or on [[Magic Clouds]] - Sandworms and Olgoi-Khorkhois cannot burrow. In this case, they instead act like regular walking creatures, although they suffer no [[speed]] penalty.

====Devour Corpses====
[[File:Devour.png]] Olgoi-Khorkhois can be ordered to devour any [[Corpse (combat)|corpse]] ([[Undead]]/[[Unliving]] included) on the battlefield in range of regular movement instead of a regular attack/move, receiving a bonus strike on their next attack after this and preventing the devoured corpse from being interacted with (for [[Resurrection]] or [[Summon demons]]). Olgoi-Khorkhoi can stack up an unlimited number of additional strikes. After a normal Olgoi-Khorkhois' attack, if the target is still alive it retaliates (if possible), and then bonus strikes start (spending them one by one). If target dies soon enough leftover of bonus strikes stays unspent.

Olgoi-Khorkhoi can also devour corpses during their attack, as long as the hex they attack from (the one closer to the enemy, where the front of their body moves to during the attack animation) contains at least one corpse. Olghoi-Khorkhois can use up their new strikes on the same turn they received them.

Olgoi-Khorkhois' multiple retaliations (with [[Counterstrike]]) don't spend bonus strikes.

It is possible to devour multiple corpses at once if they happen to stack on one hex. The mouse hover interface will show how many corpses will be devoured on that specific hex.

If the Olgoi-Khorkhois die, the bonus strikes count does not reset. If the stack is Resurrected, all accumulated bonus strikes will still be available.

{{user commentary|
The name "Olgoi-Khorkoi" is taken after the Mongolian death worm.

Statistically, both Sandworms and Olgoi-Khorkoi are among the best of Level 5 creatures. Of all non-upgraded, faction-bound creatures, Sandworms have the second-highest attack together with [[Rocs]] (after [[Minotaurs]]) and third highest defence after [[Pit Fiends]] and [[Gorgons]]. Both damage range and and HP are above average. Sandworms are also the fastest non-upgraded level 5 unit with speed of 8. Their biggest issue is their rather high cost, as the same amount of gold can also buy [[Minotaur Kings]], which are statistically better and equally fast.

Upgrading to Olgoi-Khorkoi increases attack and speed by +2 and HP by +10. Olgoi-Khorkoi have the highest attack skill together with Minotaur Kings and are third fastest Level 5 unit after [[Thunderbirds]] and [[Master Genies]]. Their health equals with Rocs and Thunderbirds, and is only shadowed by [[Dendroid Soldiers]], [[Gorgon and Mighty Gorgon|Gorgons and Mighty Gorgons]]. Their high cost remains issue, as Olgoi-Khorkoi are the third most expensive Level 5 unit after [[Pit Lords]] and Thunderbirds. Their defence remains only average compared to other upgraded peers.

Their specialities are very good. Both have unique moving style "burrowing", which technically makes them flying units (as long as the combat does not take place within a [[boat]], [[airship]] or a magical terrain, such as [[Cursed Ground]]) and share a similar immunity to [[Blind]] and [[Petrify]] as [[Troglodyte and Infernal Troglodyte|Troglodytes]] do. Olgoi-Khorkoi also have an ability to devour any corpse on battlefield, giving it extra strikes for each devoured corpse. This can also be used to counter against an enemy who tends to use [[Resurrection]]. Be careful, as you may also devour your own troops, thus preventing them from being resurrected any longer! Olgoi-Khorkoi delivers as much attacks as possible or needed to kill a troop when attacking: try drawing retaliation from a target by using another troop before unleashing Olgoi-Khorkoi to bombard the unfortunate target with its several attacks.
}}{{end of user commentary}}

== Official Renders ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
Sandworm render.png
Olgoi-Khorkhoi render.png
</gallery>

{{creature 'see also'}}
* [[Comparison of Level 5 Creatures]]

[[Category: Creatures]]
__NOTOC__

Sandworm and Olgoi-Khorkhoi

2025-02-24T16:25:40Z

Darkdill: Piece of trivia

{{inhota}}{{Factory creatures}}
{{CreatureNew
| name = Sandworm
| faction = Factory
| attack = 13
| defense = 12
| shots =
| damage = 12–16
| health = 50
| speed = 8
| move = Burrowing
| size = 2
| growth = 3
| aivalue = 991
| fightvalue = 793
| goldcost = 575
| resource =
| rescost =
| abilities = Moves underground. {{gl|Immunity|Immune}} to {{gl|Blind}} and {{gl|Petrifying attack|Stone Gaze}}.
}}{{CreatureNew
| name = Olgoi-Khorkhoi
| faction = Factory
| attack = {{gt|15}}
| defense = 12
| shots =
| damage = 12–16
| health = {{gt|60}}
| speed = {{gt|10}}
| move = Burrowing
| size = 2
| growth = 3
| aivalue = 1220
| fightvalue = 894
| goldcost = 650
| resource =
| rescost =
| abilities = Moves underground. {{gl|Immunity|Immune}} to {{gl|Blind}} and {{gl|Petrifying attack|Stone Gaze}}. Devours corpses for additional strikes.
}}

'''Sandworms and Olgoi-Khorkhois''' are the level 5 creatures of [[Factory]]. They are recruited from the [[Catacombs]].

''"Even when tamed, Sandworms still are obligate carnivores, and their second distinctive feature that appears in the upgraded version of the unit is a vivid display of their bloodthirsty nature. If an Olgoi-Khorkhoi moves to a hex occupied by a corpse, then, when emerging from the ground, it will devour this corpse and get an extra strike when attacking in the next round; such strikes can stack, too. It is also possible to eat a corpse and attack all in one turn, if the corpse is positioned right next to the target."{{-}}[http://heroescommunity.com/viewthread.php3?TID=39830&PID=1533805#focus HotA Heroes Community post.]''

{{DwellingPortraitNoExp
| dwelling = Catacombs
| creature1 = Sandworm
| creature2 = Olgoi-Khorkhoi
}}

== Heroes with a [[Specialty#Creature_specialties|specialty]] ==
* {{H|Agar|Artificer}}

== Special abilities==
====Immune to [[blind]] and [[petrification]]====
Like [[Troglodyte]]s, Sandworms and Olgoi-Khorkhois are immune to vision-based abilities.

====Burrowing====
Burrowing is a special movement type. In most cases, it is functionally identical to [[Flying]]. However, on certain battlefields - namely combat on a [[Boat]], [[Airship]] or on [[Magic Clouds]] - Sandworms and Olgoi-Khorkhois cannot burrow. In this case, they instead act like regular walking creatures, although they suffer no [[speed]] penalty.

====Devour Corpses====
[[File:Devour.png]] Olgoi-Khorkhois can be ordered to devour any [[Corpse (combat)|corpse]] ([[Undead]]/[[Unliving]] included) on the battlefield in range of regular movement instead of a regular attack/move, receiving a bonus strike on their next attack after this and preventing the devoured corpse from being interacted with (for [[Resurrection]] or [[Summon demons]]). Olgoi-Khorkhoi can stack up an unlimited number of additional strikes. After a normal Olgoi-Khorkhois' attack, if the target is still alive it retaliates (if possible), and then bonus strikes start (spending them one by one). If target dies soon enough leftover of bonus strikes stays unspent.

Olgoi-Khorkhoi can also devour corpses during their attack, as long as the hex they attack from (the one closer to the enemy, where the front of their body moves to during the attack animation) contains at least one corpse. Olghoi-Khorkhois can use up their new strikes on the same turn they received them.

Olgoi-Khorkhois' multiple retaliations (with [[Counterstrike]]) don't spend bonus strikes.

It is possible to devour multiple corpses at once if they happen to stack on one hex. The mouse hover interface will show how many corpses will be devoured on that specific hex.

If the Olgoi-Khorkhois die, the bonus strikes count does not reset. If the stack is Resurrected, all accumulated bonus strikes will still be available.

{{user commentary|
The name "Olgoi-Khorkoi" is taken after the Mongolian death worm.

Statistically, both Sandworms and Olgoi-Khorkoi are among the best of Level 5 creatures. Of all non-upgraded, faction-bound creatures, Sandworms have the highest attack together with [[Rocs]] and third highest defence after [[Pit Fiends]] and [[Gorgons]]. Both damage range and and HP are above average. Sandworms are also the fastest non-upgraded level 5 unit with speed of 8. Their biggest issue is their rather high cost, as the same amount of gold can also buy [[Minotaur Kings]], which are statistically better and equally fast.

Upgrading to Olgoi-Khorkoi increases attack and speed by +2 and HP by +10. Olgoi-Khorkoi have the highest attack skill together with Minotaur Kings and are third fastest Level 5 unit after [[Thunderbirds]] and [[Master Genies]]. Their health equals with Rocs and Thunderbirds, and is only shadowed by [[Dendroid Soldiers]], [[Gorgon and Mighty Gorgon|Gorgons and Mighty Gorgons]]. Their high cost remains issue, as Olgoi-Khorkoi are the third most expensive Level 5 unit after [[Pit Lords]] and Thunderbirds. Their defence remains only average compared to other upgraded peers.

Their specialities are very good. Both have unique moving style "burrowing", which technically makes them flying units (as long as the combat does not take place within a [[boat]], [[airship]] or a magical terrain, such as [[Cursed Ground]]) and share a similar immunity to [[Blind]] and [[Petrify]] as [[Troglodyte and Infernal Troglodyte|Troglodytes]] do. Olgoi-Khorkoi also have an ability to devour any corpse on battlefield, giving it extra strikes for each devoured corpse. This can also be used to counter against an enemy who tends to use [[Resurrection]]. Be careful, as you may also devour your own troops, thus preventing them from being resurrected any longer! Olgoi-Khorkoi delivers as much attacks as possible or needed to kill a troop when attacking: try drawing retaliation from a target by using another troop before unleashing Olgoi-Khorkoi to bombard the unfortunate target with its several attacks.
}}{{end of user commentary}}

== Official Renders ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
Sandworm render.png
Olgoi-Khorkhoi render.png
</gallery>

{{creature 'see also'}}
* [[Comparison of Level 5 Creatures]]

[[Category: Creatures]]
__NOTOC__

Halfling

2024-01-03T19:24:31Z

Darkdill: Grammar

{{About|This article refers to the neutral creature. For the level 1 creature of Factory, see [[Halfling and Halfling Grenadier|Halfling (Factory)]].}}
{{Neutral creatures}}{{Creature
| AI_Value = 75
| Growth = 15
| Name = Halfling
| Attack = 4
| Defense = 2
| Damage = 1–3
| Health = 4
| Speed = 5
| Shots = 24
| Cost = 40
| Special = • [[Ranged attack]] • Always have +1 [[luck]]
| Onlyone =
}}

{{Cram|Thatched Hut|Halfling|no_upg=|no_dwelling=}}
'''Halflings''' are level 1 [[neutral creature]]s recruited from the [[Thatched Hut]].

''"Armed with sling and stone, halflings have found a harsh existence in [[Antagarich|Antagrich]]. Driven from their homes by the [[Kreegan]]s, halflings have been scattered to the winds. These noble fighters take refuge in the earth and have an uncanny sense of luck."{{-}}[[Armageddon's Blade Manual Page 18|AB manual]]''
<div style="clear:left;"></div>

Their cost is 40 {{Gold}}, but they are free when recruited from a Thatched Hut. The price only matters if they appear at a [[Refugee Camp]].

== Special Ability: Positive Luck ==
The positive luck ability of halflings can be affected by [[Hourglass of the Evil Hour]] or [[Cursed Ground]] magical terrain only. Their luck cannot be decreased below +1 by any other luck modifier (including luck-decreasing artifacts and [[Fields of Glory]] magical terrain in {{hota}}{{-wh}}).

Halflings are unable to get luck unless being commanded by a hero, like all the other [[neutral creatures]], despite the game saying that they have +1 luck (fixed in {{hota}}{{-wh}}).

== Appearance ==
Halflings were added in {{ab}} so there are no Halflings or [[Thatched Hut]]s in {{roe}}.

=={{hota}}==
Halflings are the [[Halfling and Halfling Grenadier|level 1 base unit]] of [[Factory]] and no longer belong to the neutral faction. Accordingly, their native terrain is changed to Wasteland.

In versions prior to 1.7.0, the shadow of Halfling's adventure map image was fixed and Halfling's big portrait was changed:

[[File:Halfling (HotA) (adventure map).gif]]

[[File:Halfling_portrait.gif]]{{-}}[[File:ArrowL-R.gif]]{{-}}[[File:Halfling_portrait_(HotA).gif]]

{{user commentary|
Halflings are one of the best tier 1 creatures in the game, particularly early on. Compared to [[Master Gremlin]]s, Halflings have 2 less Defense and one fewer weekly growth, but are otherwise equal to or better than them in all categories. A stack of Halflings will typically beat a stack of any other tier 1 creature in a 1 on 1 fight, thanks to their ranged advantage. Plus, they are free to recruit aside from some extra movement points to pick them up. Capture any [[Thatched Hut]]s you see early, since a stack of Halflings will greatly help with clearing the map out. Halflings are particularly good for [[Necropolis]], which does not have an early shooter.

Strategically, Halflings are similar to Master Gremlins. Try to keep them protected with your other units, since they die quickly and their numbers are precious. [[Bless]] and [[Curse]] have an even more extreme impact on their effectiveness due to their relatively large 1-3 damage spread.

As with all neutral creatures however, the growth rate of Halflings cannot be increased, which causes them to fall behind town creatures into the midgame. They also have fairly low health, making them easy to pick off with spells, divers, or higher-level shooters.
}}{{end of user commentary}}

{{creature 'see also'|up=* [[Neutral creature]]}}
* [[Comparison of Level 1 Creatures]]
* [[Comparison of Ranged Creatures]]

[[Category: Creatures]]

Pixie and Sprite

2024-01-03T19:22:59Z

Darkdill: Grammar

{{Conflux creatures}}{{Creature
| AI_Value = 55
| Growth = 20 [[Garden of Life|(+10)]]
| Name = Pixie
| Attack = 2
| Defense = 2
| Damage = 1–2
| Health = 3
| Speed = 7
| Movement = [[Flying]]
| No_shots =
| Cost = 25
| No_spec =
| U_AI_Value = 95
| U_name = Sprite
| U_damage = 1–'''3'''
| U_speed = '''9'''
| No_ushots =
| U_cost = 30
| U_special = • '''No enemy [[retaliation]]'''
}}

{{Cram|Magic Lantern|Pixie|Sprite|no_dwelling=|pad=7px 15px 3px 1px}}
'''Pixies and Sprites''' are the level 1 [[creature]]s of [[Conflux]]. They are recruited from the [[conflux creature dwellings|Magic Lantern]].

''"Within the land of [[Antagarich]], Pixies and Sprites have found a home within the walls of the Conflux. These [[flying]] creatures are usually found in large numbers and possess great [[speed|quickness]]. Sprites strike so quickly, they prevent their enemies from [[Retaliation|counterstriking]]."{{-}}[[Armageddon's Blade Manual Page 14|AB manual]]''

Building the [[Garden of Life]] increases [[Pixie and Sprite]] growth by 10 per week.

== {{hota}} ==
*The portraits of Pixie and Sprite got minor [[Creature_portraits#HotA_creature_portrait_fixes|changes]].

{{user commentary|
According to Jennifer Bullard's development documents, they joined the [[Rampart]] armies after the [[Dwarves]] joined [[Bracada]] and the [[Centaur|Centaurs]] started complaining about 'tree-hugging wimpy druids' and left too. It should be also mentioned that the [[Conflux]] was disbanded at that time, having fulfilled its scope given by the [[Ancients]], which was to get rid of the [[Kreegan|Kreegans]] on [[Antagarich]], the Pixies/Sprites and [[Phoenix|Phoenixes]] not wanting to return to the [[Elemental Planes]].
----
* [https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/03496/cah-03496.html A Guide to the Jennifer Bullard Papers, 1999-2003]
* [https://www.celestialheavens.com/homam-iv/jennifer-bullard-lost-manuscript-files?showall{{=}}&start{{=}}3 Jennifer Bullard - Lost manuscript files (Celestial Heavens)]
----
Pixies and sprites are useful first level creatures. Despite their very low health and defense, Sprites are the fastest first level creatures in the game, and their ability to strike without retaliation is very important. They can be a key attacker in early battles for the conflux until [[Ice Elemental]]s and [[Storm Elemental]]s join the ranks.

=== Toughness ===
Both Pixies and Sprites have the smallest health and defense value for a faction-aligned creature, the [[Halfling]] and the [[Goblin]] sharing the same defense as them. However, their trump card is the no retaliation ability and their speed, which helps them not take hits, if using a wait-attack-retreat tactic (as in flying away from the enemy).

=== Offense ===
While the Pixies have only 1-2 damage, the Sprites have 1-3 damage. Considering their very high growth (50 with [[Castle (structure)|Castle]] and [[Garden of Life]]), no retaliation ability and high speed, they can be an offensively strong troop, which is the reason why Sprites are considered to be one of the best level 1 units, together with their cheapness.

=== Efficiency and cost ===
The base dwelling requires 3 of each ore {{o}} and wood {{w}}, together with 300 gold {{g}}. The upgrade of the dwelling is 1000 gold {{g}}, which means you will be able to recruit the Sprites from the 1st or 2nd day for a very low price. However, in {{hota}}, the upgraded dwelling requires both the [[Mage Guild]] level 1 and [[Garden of Life]] to be built for balance reasons, making it more expensive to build and taking longer to acquire.

They are also the cheapest town-aligned creatures, only the Sprites having the same cost as the regular [[Gremlin]].

=== Tactics ===
Pixies should be upgraded to Sprites as soon as possible, since Pixies don't have the ability of disallowing retaliation, therefore being almost useless in a battle. The main tactic for Sprites is to wait in the first turn, attack at the end and retreat next turn. This allows them to retain numbers while dealing much damage, at least in the early game. They can also be used as a decoy against relatively slow units to allow the [[Storm Elemental|Storm Elementals]] and/or [[Ice Elemental|Ice Elementals]] to finish them by ranged attacks. Due to low hit points, Sprites are easily [[Resurrection|resurrected]], and rising hundreds of slain Sprites suddenly in the end of the battle may help you a lot, causing major troubles to the enemy.

Against Sprites, you should prioritize killing them if they come in really big numbers or are a threat to your shooters, especially in the early game. However, once having received a full attack from a decent enemy troop, this unit perishes easily, its numbers going down faster than you would expect. If their numbers are low, you should instead concentrate on other threats, like [[Storm Elemental|Storm Elementals]], for example. Sometimes AI plays with Pixies which makes a battle freebie, since prior to their upgrade, Pixies are unsuitable for anything. Possibly the only situation in which you aren't obliged to turn them into Sprites is when you play for [[Necropolis]] and get Pixies, as [[Skeleton Transformer]] turns both units into [[Skeleton]]s.

===Skill bonuses ===
They don't benefit from skills too much, since they are low-level troops, but [[Tactics]] could be used to give them a broader range, being useful later on too for the slow [[Earth Elemental and Magma Elemental|Earth and Magma Elementals]].
}}{{end of user commentary}}

{{creature 'see also'}}
* [[Comparison of Level 1 Creatures]]

[[Category: Creatures]]
__NOTOC__