Undead vs Unliving: Difference between revisions

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'''Once-living'''
'''Undead / once-living'''


Skeletons, zombies, wights, vampires, liches, black knights, dread knights, bone dragons, and ghost dragons.
Mummies, skeletons, zombies, wights, vampires, liches, black knights, dread knights, bone dragons, and ghost dragons.


* Undead
* Undead
* Animated by unholy magic (Necromancy/Animate Dead)
* '''''Animated by unholy magic (necromancy/animate dead)'''''
* Unaffected by Resurrection/Sacrifice
* '''''Unaffected by resurrection/sacrifice'''''
* Unaffected by death cloud of liches
* Unaffected by death cloud of liches
* Unaffected by morale
* Unaffected by morale
* Unaffected by the Elixir of Life
* Unaffected by mind spells
* Unaffected by the elixir of life
* Can't be drained by [[Vampires]]


'''Never-living'''
'''Unliving / non-living / never-living'''


Elementals, golems, gargoyles, and crystal dragons.
Elementals, golems, mechanicals and gargoyles.


* Non-living/unliving
* Non-living/unliving
* Non-undead
* Non-undead
* Animated by neutral magics using never-living materials
* Animated by neutral magic or physically constructed from never-living materials/elements
* Unaffected by Resurrection/Sacrifice
* '''''Unaffected by resurrection/sacrifice'''''
* Unaffected by unholy magic (Necromancy/Animate Dead)
* '''''Unaffected by unholy magic (necromancy/animate dead)'''''
* Unaffected by death cloud of liches (Either crystal dragons should not have been set as affected, or all never-living creatures should have been affected)
* '''''Affected by repairing (only physically constructed mechanicals)'''''
* Unaffected by morale (Either gargoyles and crystal dragons should not have been set as affected, or all never-living creatures should have been affected)
* Unaffected by death cloud of liches
* Unaffected by the Elixir of Life
* Unaffected by morale (except gargoyles)
* Unaffected by mind spells (except gargoyles)
* Unaffected by the elixir of life
* Can't be drained by [[Vampires]]


'''Living'''
'''Living / only-ever-living-but-possibly-resurrected-or-brought-back-through-sacrificial-rites'''


All creatures not listed above.
All creatures not listed above.


* Non-undead
* Non-undead
* Brought back to life by good/evil magic (Resurrection/Sacrifice)
* '''''Brought back to life by good/evil magic (resurrection/sacrifice)'''''
* Unaffected by unholy magic (Necromancy/Animate Dead)
* '''''Unaffected by unholy magic (necromancy/animate dead)'''''
* Affected by death cloud of liches
* Affected by death cloud of liches
* Affected by morale
* Affected by morale
* Affected by the Elixir of Life
* Affected by the elixir of life
* '''Can''' be drained by vampires


<br>
<br>


= Notes =
= Notes =
[[Death Knight|Death knights]], [[Necromancy|skeletons]], and [[Vampire and Vampire Lord|vampires]] are all described as being '''resurrected'''. This seems to be an oversight in the manual. It could have been written that they were animated through '''unholy magic''' or '''unholy resurrection''' or just necromancy.


[[Talk:Elixir of Life#Death Knights|Death knights]], [[Talk:Elixir of Life#Necromancy|skeletons]], and [[Talk:Elixir of Life#Vampires & Vampire Lords|vampires]] are all described as being '''resurrected'''. This is an error in the manual. It should have been written that they were animated through '''Unholy Magic''' or '''Unholy Resurrection''' or just Necromancy.
[[Stone Gargoyle and Obsidian Gargoyle|Gargoyles]], [[Stone Golem and Iron Golem|go]][[Gold Golem|le]][[Diamond Golem|ms]], [[Walking Dead and Zombie|zombies]], and [[Water Elemental and Ice Elemental|elementals]] are all described as being '''animated''' by magic.
 
[[Talk:Elixir of Life#Stone_.26_Obsidian_Gargoyles|Gargoyles]], [[Talk:Elixir of Life#Stone & Iron Golems|gol]][[Talk:Elixir of Life#Gold & Diamond Golems|ems]], [[Talk:Elixir of Life#Walking Dead & Zombies|zombies]], and [[Talk:Elixir of Life#Water Elementals|elementals]] are all described as being '''animated''' by magic.


[[Talk:Elixir of Life#Crystal Dragons|Crystal dragons]] are described as being '''brought to life through magical means'''. The manual also states that they are often '''created''' by wizards for the crystal they shed. The quest objective of the Dragon Slayer campaign is defeating a "Crystal Golem Dragon". In the video they state that they have succeeded in creating a dragon golem out of the finest crystal.
[[Crystal Dragon|Crystal dragons]] are described as being '''brought to life through magical means'''. The manual also states that they are often '''created''' by wizards for the crystal they shed. The quest objective of the dragon slayer campaign is defeating a "crystal golem dragon". In the video they state that they have succeeded in creating a dragon golem out of the finest crystal. Despite these references to the crystal dragons as golems, as far as the game mechanics are concerned they are considered to be living creatures.


In all three manuals, the word '''non-undead''' is only used twice and only in the Restoration of Erathia manual. It is used to describe creatures that can be [[Talk:Elixir of Life#Sacrifice|'''sacrificed''']] as well as creatures that are damaged by the death cloud of [[Talk:Elixir of Life#Liches & Power Liches|Liches]]. The manual fails to mention that elementals, golems, and gargoyles are also immune to the death cloud. (Also, either crystal dragons should have been immune to the death cloud as well, or none of these creatures should have been immune).
In all three manuals, the word '''non-undead''' is only used twice and only in the Restoration of Erathia manual. It is used to describe creatures that can be [[sacrifice|'''sacrificed''']] as well as creatures that are damaged by the death cloud of [[Lich and Power Lich|liches]]. The manual fails to mention that elementals, golems, and gargoyles are also immune to the death cloud.


The word '''living''' is only used in the Restoration of Erathia manual and it is only used once. It is used to describe creatures that lose [[Talk:Elixir of Life#Morale|morale]] when in the same army as '''undead''' creatures. The manual fails to mention gargoyles and crystal dragons, both of which also lose morale when in an army with '''undead''' creatures. The Elixir of Life plainly states that it does not affect '''non-living''' (or '''undead''') creatures. I have tested in-game, and the Elixir of Life does not affect gargoyles or crystal dragons other than the basic increase in health provided by the lesser artifacts in the set. If the game designers meant for gargoyles and crystal dragons to actually be affected by morale, I think they would have written them in here as exceptions. Instead I believe gargoyles and crystal dragons, based on their '''method of creation''', were meant to be, like golems and elementals, '''unaffected by morale'''.
The word '''living''' is only used in the Restoration of Erathia manual and it is only used once. It is used to describe creatures that lose [[morale]] when in the same army as '''undead''' creatures. The manual fails to mention gargoyles, which also lose morale when in an army with '''undead''' creatures. The elixir of life plainly states that it does not affect '''non-living''' (or '''undead''') creatures. The elixir of life does not affect gargoyles other than the basic increase in health provided by the lesser artifacts in the set.


The words '''unliving''', '''un-living''', '''nonliving''', and '''non-living''' are not referenced in either the Restoration of Erathia manual, or the Armageddon's Blade manual.
The words '''unliving''', '''un-living''', '''nonliving''', and '''non-living''' are not referenced in either the Restoration of Erathia manual, or the Armageddon's Blade manual.


The same is true in the Shadow of Death manual, except for a single reference to '''non-living''' when describing creatures '''unaffected by the [[Talk:Elixir of Life#Elixir of Life|Elixir of Life]]'''. It also implies that '''non-living''' refers to a creature group that is distinct from the '''undead'''. The in-game description for the Elixir of Life replaces the word '''non-living''' with '''unliving''', which is also the only place I've even seen the word '''unliving'''. Without a comprehensive study, it is difficult for players to see the difference between this group of creatures and the '''undead'''.
The same is true in the Shadow of Death manual, except for a single reference to '''non-living''' when describing creatures '''unaffected by the {{l|Elixir of Life}}'''. It also implies that '''non-living''' refers to a creature group that is distinct from the '''undead'''. The in-game description for the elixir of life replaces the word '''non-living''' with '''unliving''', which is also the only place the word '''unliving''' is ever seen.


= From the Restoration of Erathia manual =
= From the Restoration of Erathia manual =
== Hero Types ==
== Hero Types ==
=== Alchemist ===
=== Alchemist ===
Alchemists are skilled in physical and chemical magic, particularly so in the building and
Alchemists are skilled in physical and chemical magic, particularly so in the building and
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learners of military skills as well. Their armor is composed of rare metal alloys created through their skill
learners of military skills as well. Their armor is composed of rare metal alloys created through their skill
in alchemy.
in alchemy.


=== Death Knights ===
=== Death Knights ===
Death Knights are knights '''resurrected''' as liches. While they maintain their former
Death Knights are knights '''resurrected''' as liches. While they maintain their former
martial learnings, their new forms open them more freely to the learning of magic.
martial learnings, their new forms open them more freely to the learning of magic.


=== Necromancer ===
=== Necromancer ===
Necromancers are magic users seduced by the easy power of death magic. The price of
Necromancers are magic users seduced by the easy power of death magic. The price of
their art is its practice slowly drains life from its wielders—eventually '''transforming''' them into liches.
their art is its practice slowly drains life from its wielders—eventually '''transforming''' them into liches.


== Skills ==
== Skills ==
=== Necromancy ===
=== Necromancy ===
When the hero wins in battle, a portion of the opposition killed is '''resurrected'''
When the hero wins in battle, a portion of the opposition killed is '''resurrected'''
as skeletons and added to the hero’s army.
as skeletons and added to the hero’s army.
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Advanced 20% of enemy creatures killed are '''resurrected'''.
Advanced 20% of enemy creatures killed are '''resurrected'''.
Expert 30% of enemy creatures killed are '''resurrected'''.
Expert 30% of enemy creatures killed are '''resurrected'''.


=== Morale ===
=== Morale ===
Each army has a morale rating which acts as a bonus to the individual morale of its troops. Troops in an
Each army has a morale rating which acts as a bonus to the individual morale of its troops. Troops in an
army with positive morale have a chance for a second action during their action phase. Troops with
army with positive morale have a chance for a second action during their action phase. Troops with
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Various creatures, spells, hero skills, town buildings, adventure sites, and artifacts can permanently, or
Various creatures, spells, hero skills, town buildings, adventure sites, and artifacts can permanently, or
temporarily affect morale.
temporarily affect morale.


== Spells ==
== Spells ==
=== Destroy Undead ===
=== Destroy Undead ===
Basic Effect All '''undead''' creature troops receive ((Power x 10) +10) damage.
Basic Effect All '''undead''' creature troops receive ((Power x 10) +10) damage.
Advanced Effect All '''undead''' creature troops receive ((Power x 10) +20) damage.
Advanced Effect All '''undead''' creature troops receive ((Power x 10) +20) damage.
Expert Effect All '''undead''' creature troops receive ((Power x 10) + 50) damage.
Expert Effect All '''undead''' creature troops receive ((Power x 10) + 50) damage.


=== Death Ripple ===
=== Death Ripple ===
Basic Effect All creatures (except '''undead''') troops take ((Power x 5) + 10) damage.
Basic Effect All creatures (except '''undead''') troops take ((Power x 5) + 10) damage.
Advanced Effect All creatures (except '''undead''') troops take ((Power x 5) + 20) damage.
Advanced Effect All creatures (except '''undead''') troops take ((Power x 5) + 20) damage.
Expert Effect All creatures (except '''undead''') troops take ((Power x 5) + 30) damage.
Expert Effect All creatures (except '''undead''') troops take ((Power x 5) + 30) damage.


=== Animate Dead ===
=== Animate Dead ===
Basic Effect '''Reanimates''' ((Power x 50) + 30) health points worth of killed '''undead'''
Basic Effect '''Reanimates''' ((Power x 50) + 30) health points worth of killed '''undead'''
creatures in target, allied troop.
creatures in target, allied troop.
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Expert Effect '''Reanimates''' ((Power x 50) + 160) health points worth of killed '''undead'''
Expert Effect '''Reanimates''' ((Power x 50) + 160) health points worth of killed '''undead'''
creatures in target, allied troop.
creatures in target, allied troop.


=== Resurrection ===
=== Resurrection ===
Basic Effect Target, allied troop with dead creatures has ((Power x 50) + 40) health
Basic Effect Target, allied troop with dead creatures has ((Power x 50) + 40) health
worth of creatures restored to life for the duration of the current battle.
worth of creatures restored to life for the duration of the current battle.
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Expert Effect Same as Advanced Effect, except that ((Power x 50 + 160) health worth
Expert Effect Same as Advanced Effect, except that ((Power x 50 + 160) health worth
of creatures are restored.
of creatures are restored.


=== Sacrifice ===
=== Sacrifice ===
Basic Effect Target, '''non-undead''' troop is '''sacrificed''' (destroyed). Then another target
Basic Effect Target, '''non-undead''' troop is '''sacrificed''' (destroyed). Then another target
dead troop has ((Power + Destroyed Troop’s Creature Base Health + 3)
dead troop has ((Power + Destroyed Troop’s Creature Base Health + 3)
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((Power + Destroyed Troop’s Creature Base Health + 10) x # of
((Power + Destroyed Troop’s Creature Base Health + 10) x # of
Creatures '''Sacrificed''').
Creatures '''Sacrificed''').


=== Summon Air Elemental ===
=== Summon Air Elemental ===
Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) air elementals appears on the side of the casting
Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) air elementals appears on the side of the casting
player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned.
player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned.
Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) air elementals are summoned.
Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) air elementals are summoned.
Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) air elementals are summoned.
Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) air elementals are summoned.


=== Summon Earth Elemental ===
=== Summon Earth Elemental ===
Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) Earth Elementals appears on the side of the
Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) Earth Elementals appears on the side of the
casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned.
casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned.
Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) earth elementals are summoned.
Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) earth elementals are summoned.
Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) earth elementals are summoned.
Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) earth elementals are summoned.


=== Summon Fire Elemental ===
=== Summon Fire Elemental ===
Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) fire elementals appears on the side of the
Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) fire elementals appears on the side of the
casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned.
casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned.
Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) fire elementals are summoned.
Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) fire elementals are summoned.
Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) fire elementals are summoned.
Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) fire elementals are summoned.


=== Summon Water Elemental ===
=== Summon Water Elemental ===
Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) water elementals appears on the side of the
Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) water elementals appears on the side of the
casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned.
casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned.
Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) water elementals are summoned.
Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) water elementals are summoned.
Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) water elementals are summoned.
Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) water elementals are summoned.


== Creatures ==
== Creatures ==
=== Angels & Archangels ===
=== Angels & Archangels ===
With their great offensive and defensive
With their great offensive and defensive
power and flying ability, angels and
power and flying ability, angels and
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'''resurrect''' dead allied troops once per
'''resurrect''' dead allied troops once per
combat.
combat.


=== Pit Fiends & Pit Lords ===
=== Pit Fiends & Pit Lords ===
Pit fiends and pit lords attack with
Pit fiends and pit lords attack with
tormenting whip blows. Once per
tormenting whip blows. Once per
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cannot be higher than the number of
cannot be higher than the number of
pit lords performing the '''resurrection'''.
pit lords performing the '''resurrection'''.


=== Skeletons & Skeleton Warriors ===
=== Skeletons & Skeleton Warriors ===
While skeletons and skeleton warriors are
While skeletons and skeleton warriors are
average foot soldiers individually, it is
average foot soldiers individually, it is
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other creature types can be '''converted''' into
other creature types can be '''converted''' into
them at Necropolis skeleton transformers.
them at Necropolis skeleton transformers.


=== Walking Dead & Zombies ===
=== Walking Dead & Zombies ===
Walking Dead and Zombies are
Walking Dead and Zombies are
magically '''animated''' corpses. Zombies
magically '''animated''' corpses. Zombies
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ratings reduced by two for a period of
ratings reduced by two for a period of
three rounds.
three rounds.


=== Wights & Wraiths ===
=== Wights & Wraiths ===
Wights and wraiths are life destroying
Wights and wraiths are life destroying
spirits damaging their opponents by
spirits damaging their opponents by
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turn are drained from an enemy
turn are drained from an enemy
spellcaster’s spell pool.
spellcaster’s spell pool.


=== Vampires & Vampire Lords ===
=== Vampires & Vampire Lords ===
The attacks of vampires and vampire
The attacks of vampires and vampire
lords cannot be retaliated against.
lords cannot be retaliated against.
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replenishing health equal to the
replenishing health equal to the
amount of damage they inflict on others.
amount of damage they inflict on others.


=== Liches & Power Liches ===
=== Liches & Power Liches ===
Liches attack at range with a death
Liches attack at range with a death
cloud, which always causes damage in
cloud, which always causes damage in
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themselves less efficiently with blows
themselves less efficiently with blows
from their scepters.
from their scepters.


=== Black Knights & Dread Knights ===
=== Black Knights & Dread Knights ===
Knights have a 20% chance of cursing
Knights have a 20% chance of cursing
opponents they strike. Cursed creatures
opponents they strike. Cursed creatures
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also have a 20% chance of inflicting
also have a 20% chance of inflicting
double damage death blows.
double damage death blows.


=== Bone and Ghost Dragons ===
=== Bone and Ghost Dragons ===
Bone and ghost dragons are raised from
Bone and ghost dragons are raised from
dragon corpses. Both of these
dragon corpses. Both of these
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troops have the hit points of all their
troops have the hit points of all their
members halved.
members halved.


=== Stone & Obsidian Gargoyles ===
=== Stone & Obsidian Gargoyles ===
Stone and obsidian gargoyles are
Stone and obsidian gargoyles are
demon-form statues '''animated''' for use
demon-form statues '''animated''' for use
as troops. They attack with raking
as troops. They attack with raking
claws.
claws.


=== Stone & Iron Golems ===
=== Stone & Iron Golems ===
Stone and iron golems are built and
Stone and iron golems are built and
'''animated''' through a process involving
'''animated''' through a process involving
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attacks, while iron golems take only a
attacks, while iron golems take only a
quarter of such damage.
quarter of such damage.


== Neutral Creatures ==
== Neutral Creatures ==
These creatures are not associated with any particular town type but may be found wandering the lands
These creatures are not associated with any particular town type but may be found wandering the lands
of Erathia. All elementals and golems have neutral morale and immunity to poison. Some locations found
of Erathia. All elementals and golems have neutral morale and immunity to poison. Some locations found
on the Adventure Map may offer these creatures up for recruitment.
on the Adventure Map may offer these creatures up for recruitment.


=== Gold & Diamond Golems ===
=== Gold & Diamond Golems ===
Like the stone and iron golems found in Tower towns, diamond and gold golems are highly crafted statues
Like the stone and iron golems found in Tower towns, diamond and gold golems are highly crafted statues
'''animated''' through magic. Spells have only a 15% chance of affecting gold golems and a mere 5%
'''animated''' through magic. Spells have only a 15% chance of affecting gold golems and a mere 5%
chance of affecting a diamond golem.
chance of affecting a diamond golem.


=== Elementals ===
=== Elementals ===
Air elementals are powered by the same forces as
Air elementals are powered by the same forces as
Air Magic. They are immune to the Blind and
Air Magic. They are immune to the Blind and
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spells, but take double damage from Firewall,
spells, but take double damage from Firewall,
Combustion, Fireblast, and Fireshield attacks.
Combustion, Fireblast, and Fireshield attacks.


= From the Armageddon's Blade manual =
= From the Armageddon's Blade manual =


== Conflux Towns ==
== Conflux Towns ==
A Conflux is home to the Elementalist and Planeswalker. Composed primarily of elemental creatures,
A Conflux is home to the Elementalist and Planeswalker. Composed primarily of elemental creatures,
the Conflux also offers home to the Sprites and the elusive Phoenix. What makes Conflux towns
the Conflux also offers home to the Sprites and the elusive Phoenix. What makes Conflux towns
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strategic strength or weakness of the town. Regardless, all agree it takes an astute commander to
strategic strength or weakness of the town. Regardless, all agree it takes an astute commander to
effectively lead a Conflux army. All elementals have neutral morale and immunity to poison.
effectively lead a Conflux army. All elementals have neutral morale and immunity to poison.


=== Air Elementals ===
=== Air Elementals ===
Air Elementals are powered by the same
Air Elementals are powered by the same
forces as Air Magic. They are immune
forces as Air Magic. They are immune
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They also have the additional ability to
They also have the additional ability to
cast the spell Protection from Air.
cast the spell Protection from Air.


=== Water Elementals ===
=== Water Elementals ===
Water Magic '''animates''' the Water Elemental.
Water Magic '''animates''' the Water Elemental.
These creatures are immune to Mind, Ice
These creatures are immune to Mind, Ice
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they have the ability to cast the spell
they have the ability to cast the spell
Protection from Water.
Protection from Water.


=== Fire Elementals ===
=== Fire Elementals ===
Fire Elementals are burning spirits of
Fire Elementals are burning spirits of
Fire Magic. They are immune to all
Fire Magic. They are immune to all
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the ability to fly and can also cast the
the ability to fly and can also cast the
spell Protection from Fire.
spell Protection from Fire.


=== Earth Elementals ===
=== Earth Elementals ===
Earth Elementals are forces of Earth Magic.
Earth Elementals are forces of Earth Magic.
They take no damage from Mind, Lightning
They take no damage from Mind, Lightning
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Magma Elementals can also cast the
Magma Elementals can also cast the
spell Protection from Earth.
spell Protection from Earth.


=== Psychic Elementals ===
=== Psychic Elementals ===
Psychic Elementals are the physical evidence
Psychic Elementals are the physical evidence
of what many consider the fifth element:
of what many consider the fifth element:
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sixth element: magic. Magic Elementals are
sixth element: magic. Magic Elementals are
also immune to all forms of magic.
also immune to all forms of magic.


=== Firebirds & Phoenixes ===
=== Firebirds & Phoenixes ===
Firebirds are worldly manifestations
Firebirds are worldly manifestations
of creatures from the elemental plane
of creatures from the elemental plane
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number from the ashes of its own
number from the ashes of its own
demise.
demise.


= From the Shadow of Death manual =
= From the Shadow of Death manual =
== Creatures ==
== Creatures ==
=== Storm Elementals ===
=== Storm Elementals ===
Storm Elementals are the more
Storm Elementals are the more
powerful cousins to the Air
powerful cousins to the Air
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Lightning spells, and can cast
Lightning spells, and can cast
the spell Protection from Air.
the spell Protection from Air.


=== Ice Elementals ===
=== Ice Elementals ===
Because their form is more solid
Because their form is more solid
than the Water Elemental, Ice
than the Water Elemental, Ice
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They can also cast the spell
They can also cast the spell
Protection from Water.
Protection from Water.


=== Energy Elementals ===
=== Energy Elementals ===
As the more powerful versions of
As the more powerful versions of
the Fire Elementals they are
the Fire Elementals they are
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and can cast the spell Protection
and can cast the spell Protection
from Fire.
from Fire.


=== Magma Elementals ===
=== Magma Elementals ===
From a source deep beneath the
From a source deep beneath the
world's surface, roam the Magma
world's surface, roam the Magma
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Magma Elementals can also cast
Magma Elementals can also cast
the spell Protection from Earth.
the spell Protection from Earth.


=== Psychic Elementals ===
=== Psychic Elementals ===
Psychic Elementals are the
Psychic Elementals are the
physical creation and evidence
physical creation and evidence
of what many consider the fifth
of what many consider the fifth
element: thought. These creatures
element: thought. These creatures
a re immune to mind spells, and
are immune to mind spells, and
their attacks overpower the
their attacks overpower the
minds of all those surrounding
minds of all those surrounding
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attack rarely are capable of a
attack rarely are capable of a
retaliatory strike.
retaliatory strike.


=== Magic Elementals ===
=== Magic Elementals ===
Magic Elementals are a
Magic Elementals are a
product of the sixth element:
product of the sixth element:
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are also immune to all forms
are also immune to all forms
of magic.
of magic.


=== Firebirds ===
=== Firebirds ===
Firebirds are worldly
Firebirds are worldly
manifestations of creatures
manifestations of creatures
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and immune to spells of
and immune to spells of
the same nature.
the same nature.


=== Phoenixes ===
=== Phoenixes ===
Phoenixes, the more powerful
Phoenixes, the more powerful
incarnation of the Firebird,
incarnation of the Firebird,
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numbers from the ashes of
numbers from the ashes of
their own demise.
their own demise.


=== Crystal Dragons ===
=== Crystal Dragons ===
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also '''create''' these creatures for the
also '''create''' these creatures for the
crystal they shed.
crystal they shed.


== Artifacts ==
== Artifacts ==
=== Cloak of the Undead King ===
=== Cloak of the Undead King ===
30% of battlefield dead are
30% of battlefield dead are
'''resurrected''' as Skeletons. If hero
'''resurrected''' as Skeletons. If hero
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determines what type is
determines what type is
'''resurrected'''. Basic: Zombies. Advanced: Wights. Expert: Liches.
'''resurrected'''. Basic: Zombies. Advanced: Wights. Expert: Liches.


==== Elixir of Life ====
==== Elixir of Life ====
All creatures get a 25% health
All creatures get a 25% health
bonus and gain the regeneration
bonus and gain the regeneration

Latest revision as of 18:56, 1 October 2024

Undead / once-living

Mummies, skeletons, zombies, wights, vampires, liches, black knights, dread knights, bone dragons, and ghost dragons.

  • Undead
  • Animated by unholy magic (necromancy/animate dead)
  • Unaffected by resurrection/sacrifice
  • Unaffected by death cloud of liches
  • Unaffected by morale
  • Unaffected by mind spells
  • Unaffected by the elixir of life
  • Can't be drained by Vampires

Unliving / non-living / never-living

Elementals, golems, mechanicals and gargoyles.

  • Non-living/unliving
  • Non-undead
  • Animated by neutral magic or physically constructed from never-living materials/elements
  • Unaffected by resurrection/sacrifice
  • Unaffected by unholy magic (necromancy/animate dead)
  • Affected by repairing (only physically constructed mechanicals)
  • Unaffected by death cloud of liches
  • Unaffected by morale (except gargoyles)
  • Unaffected by mind spells (except gargoyles)
  • Unaffected by the elixir of life
  • Can't be drained by Vampires

Living / only-ever-living-but-possibly-resurrected-or-brought-back-through-sacrificial-rites

All creatures not listed above.

  • Non-undead
  • Brought back to life by good/evil magic (resurrection/sacrifice)
  • Unaffected by unholy magic (necromancy/animate dead)
  • Affected by death cloud of liches
  • Affected by morale
  • Affected by the elixir of life
  • Can be drained by vampires


Notes[edit | hide | hide all]

Death knights, skeletons, and vampires are all described as being resurrected. This seems to be an oversight in the manual. It could have been written that they were animated through unholy magic or unholy resurrection or just necromancy.

Gargoyles, golems, zombies, and elementals are all described as being animated by magic.

Crystal dragons are described as being brought to life through magical means. The manual also states that they are often created by wizards for the crystal they shed. The quest objective of the dragon slayer campaign is defeating a "crystal golem dragon". In the video they state that they have succeeded in creating a dragon golem out of the finest crystal. Despite these references to the crystal dragons as golems, as far as the game mechanics are concerned they are considered to be living creatures.

In all three manuals, the word non-undead is only used twice and only in the Restoration of Erathia manual. It is used to describe creatures that can be sacrificed as well as creatures that are damaged by the death cloud of liches. The manual fails to mention that elementals, golems, and gargoyles are also immune to the death cloud.

The word living is only used in the Restoration of Erathia manual and it is only used once. It is used to describe creatures that lose morale when in the same army as undead creatures. The manual fails to mention gargoyles, which also lose morale when in an army with undead creatures. The elixir of life plainly states that it does not affect non-living (or undead) creatures. The elixir of life does not affect gargoyles other than the basic increase in health provided by the lesser artifacts in the set.

The words unliving, un-living, nonliving, and non-living are not referenced in either the Restoration of Erathia manual, or the Armageddon's Blade manual.

The same is true in the Shadow of Death manual, except for a single reference to non-living when describing creatures unaffected by the elixir of life. It also implies that non-living refers to a creature group that is distinct from the undead. The in-game description for the elixir of life replaces the word non-living with unliving, which is also the only place the word unliving is ever seen.

From the Restoration of Erathia manual[edit | hide]

Hero Types[edit | hide]

Alchemist[edit | hide]

Alchemists are skilled in physical and chemical magic, particularly so in the building and animation of golems. Working their craft builds muscular strength, which makes Alchemists ready learners of military skills as well. Their armor is composed of rare metal alloys created through their skill in alchemy.

Death Knights[edit | hide]

Death Knights are knights resurrected as liches. While they maintain their former martial learnings, their new forms open them more freely to the learning of magic.

Necromancer[edit | hide]

Necromancers are magic users seduced by the easy power of death magic. The price of their art is its practice slowly drains life from its wielders—eventually transforming them into liches.

Skills[edit | hide]

Necromancy[edit | hide]

When the hero wins in battle, a portion of the opposition killed is resurrected as skeletons and added to the hero’s army.

Basic 10% of enemy creatures killed are resurrected. Advanced 20% of enemy creatures killed are resurrected. Expert 30% of enemy creatures killed are resurrected.

Morale[edit | hide]

Each army has a morale rating which acts as a bonus to the individual morale of its troops. Troops in an army with positive morale have a chance for a second action during their action phase. Troops with negative morale have a chance of freezing each round. The morale rating for an army is normally zero but is affected thusly:

-1 if undead creatures are mixed with living creatures
+1 if all creatures are of the same town type (except Necropolis)
-1 for each town type mixed beyond two town types

Undead creatures and elementals have a morale of zero, independent of their army’s morale rating. Various creatures, spells, hero skills, town buildings, adventure sites, and artifacts can permanently, or temporarily affect morale.

Spells[edit | hide]

Destroy Undead[edit | hide]

Basic Effect All undead creature troops receive ((Power x 10) +10) damage. Advanced Effect All undead creature troops receive ((Power x 10) +20) damage. Expert Effect All undead creature troops receive ((Power x 10) + 50) damage.

Death Ripple[edit | hide]

Basic Effect All creatures (except undead) troops take ((Power x 5) + 10) damage. Advanced Effect All creatures (except undead) troops take ((Power x 5) + 20) damage. Expert Effect All creatures (except undead) troops take ((Power x 5) + 30) damage.

Animate Dead[edit | hide]

Basic Effect Reanimates ((Power x 50) + 30) health points worth of killed undead creatures in target, allied troop. Advanced Effect Reanimates ((Power x 50) + 60) health points worth of killed undead creatures in target, allied troop. Expert Effect Reanimates ((Power x 50) + 160) health points worth of killed undead creatures in target, allied troop.

Resurrection[edit | hide]

Basic Effect Target, allied troop with dead creatures has ((Power x 50) + 40) health worth of creatures restored to life for the duration of the current battle. Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that ((Power x 50) +80) health worth of creatures are restored permanently. Expert Effect Same as Advanced Effect, except that ((Power x 50 + 160) health worth of creatures are restored.

Sacrifice[edit | hide]

Basic Effect Target, non-undead troop is sacrificed (destroyed). Then another target dead troop has ((Power + Destroyed Troop’s Creature Base Health + 3) x # of Creatures Sacrificed) in health total of creatures returned to life. Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that health total of creatures resurrected is ((Power + Destroyed Troop’s Creature Base Health + 6) x # of Creatures Sacrificed). Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that health total of creatures resurrected is ((Power + Destroyed Troop’s Creature Base Health + 10) x # of Creatures Sacrificed).

Summon Air Elemental[edit | hide]

Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) air elementals appears on the side of the casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned. Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) air elementals are summoned. Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) air elementals are summoned.

Summon Earth Elemental[edit | hide]

Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) Earth Elementals appears on the side of the casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned. Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) earth elementals are summoned. Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) earth elementals are summoned.

Summon Fire Elemental[edit | hide]

Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) fire elementals appears on the side of the casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned. Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) fire elementals are summoned. Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) fire elementals are summoned.

Summon Water Elemental[edit | hide]

Basic Effect A troop containing (Power x 2) water elementals appears on the side of the casting player. Only one type of elemental can be summoned. Advanced Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 3) water elementals are summoned. Expert Effect Same as Basic Effect, except that (Power x 4) water elementals are summoned.

Creatures[edit | hide]

Angels & Archangels[edit | hide]

With their great offensive and defensive power and flying ability, angels and archangels are among the mightiest creatures in the game. Both do 150% damage when attacking devils. Additionally, the archangel is able to resurrect dead allied troops once per combat.

Pit Fiends & Pit Lords[edit | hide]

Pit fiends and pit lords attack with tormenting whip blows. Once per combat, pit lords are able to resurrect dead allied troops as demons in place of another action. The number raised cannot be higher than the number of pit lords performing the resurrection.

Skeletons & Skeleton Warriors[edit | hide]

While skeletons and skeleton warriors are average foot soldiers individually, it is possible to build massively populated troops of them. They are numerously produced, are the main creature produced by the Necromancy secondary skill, and other creature types can be converted into them at Necropolis skeleton transformers.

Walking Dead & Zombies[edit | hide]

Walking Dead and Zombies are magically animated corpses. Zombies have a 20% chance to cause disease in creatures they attack. Diseased creatures have their attack and defense ratings reduced by two for a period of three rounds.

Wights & Wraiths[edit | hide]

Wights and wraiths are life destroying spirits damaging their opponents by draining life. The first wight or wraith in each troop regenerates all lost damage at the beginning of each combat round. While wraiths appear on the battlefield, two spell points per turn are drained from an enemy spellcaster’s spell pool.

Vampires & Vampire Lords[edit | hide]

The attacks of vampires and vampire lords cannot be retaliated against. Vampire Lords are able to resurrect members of their own troops by replenishing health equal to the amount of damage they inflict on others.

Liches & Power Liches[edit | hide]

Liches attack at range with a death cloud, which always causes damage in the target hex and also attacks all non-undead creatures in adjacent hexes. At close range they defend themselves less efficiently with blows from their scepters.

Black Knights & Dread Knights[edit | hide]

Knights have a 20% chance of cursing opponents they strike. Cursed creatures inflict only minimum damage in their own attacks. Dread knights’ attacks also have a 20% chance of inflicting double damage death blows.

Bone and Ghost Dragons[edit | hide]

Bone and ghost dragons are raised from dragon corpses. Both of these creatures have a ferocious biting attack and lower the morale of enemy units by one when they appear on the battlefield. Ghost Dragon attacks have a 20% chance of aging their targets. Aged troops have the hit points of all their members halved.

Stone & Obsidian Gargoyles[edit | hide]

Stone and obsidian gargoyles are demon-form statues animated for use as troops. They attack with raking claws.

Stone & Iron Golems[edit | hide]

Stone and iron golems are built and animated through a process involving both precise craftsmanship and complex magic. Though slow, they are strong and durable combatants. Stone golems take half damage from spell attacks, while iron golems take only a quarter of such damage.

Neutral Creatures[edit | hide]

These creatures are not associated with any particular town type but may be found wandering the lands of Erathia. All elementals and golems have neutral morale and immunity to poison. Some locations found on the Adventure Map may offer these creatures up for recruitment.

Gold & Diamond Golems[edit | hide]

Like the stone and iron golems found in Tower towns, diamond and gold golems are highly crafted statues animated through magic. Spells have only a 15% chance of affecting gold golems and a mere 5% chance of affecting a diamond golem.

Elementals[edit | hide]

Air elementals are powered by the same forces as Air Magic. They are immune to the Blind and Meteor Shower spells. They take double damage from Firestorm, Lightning Bolt, and Chain Lightning.

Earth elementals are forces of Earth Magic. They take no damage from Lightning Bolt, Chain Lightning, and Firestorm spells. They take double damage from Meteor Storm attacks.

Fire elementals are burning spirits of Fire Magic. They are immune to all Fire School spells, but they take double damage from Ice Ray and Frost Ring attacks.

Water Magic animates the water elemental. These creatures are Immune to Ice Ray and Frost Ring spells, but take double damage from Firewall, Combustion, Fireblast, and Fireshield attacks.

From the Armageddon's Blade manual[edit | hide]

Conflux Towns[edit | hide]

A Conflux is home to the Elementalist and Planeswalker. Composed primarily of elemental creatures, the Conflux also offers home to the Sprites and the elusive Phoenix. What makes Conflux towns unique is their emphasis on creatures of mid-range power. Generals continue to debate if this is the strategic strength or weakness of the town. Regardless, all agree it takes an astute commander to effectively lead a Conflux army. All elementals have neutral morale and immunity to poison.

Air Elementals[edit | hide]

Air Elementals are powered by the same forces as Air Magic. They are immune to Mind and Meteor Shower spells. They take double damage from Firestorm, Lightning Bolt and Chain Lightning spells. Storm Elementals wield lightning as their primary attack. They also have the additional ability to cast the spell Protection from Air.

Water Elementals[edit | hide]

Water Magic animates the Water Elemental. These creatures are immune to Mind, Ice Ray and Frost Ring spells, but take double damage from Fire Wall, Inferno, Fireball, and Fire Shield spells. Because their form is more solid, Ice Elementals have the ability to throw deadly ice tridents. Additionally, they have the ability to cast the spell Protection from Water.

Fire Elementals[edit | hide]

Fire Elementals are burning spirits of Fire Magic. They are immune to all Mind and Fire School spells, but take double damage from Ice Ray and Frost Ring attacks. Energy Elementals gain the ability to fly and can also cast the spell Protection from Fire.

Earth Elementals[edit | hide]

Earth Elementals are forces of Earth Magic. They take no damage from Mind, Lightning Bolt, Chain Lightning, and Firestorm spells. They take double damage from Meteor Storm attacks. From a source deep beneath the world's surface, roam the Magma Elementals. Slightly stronger than their earthen counterparts, Magma Elementals can also cast the spell Protection from Earth.

Psychic Elementals[edit | hide]

Psychic Elementals are the physical evidence of what many consider the fifth element: thought. These creatures are immune to Mind spells. Their attacks overpower the minds of all those surrounding them, causing enough pain to kill. Enemies enduring such an attack rarely are capable of a retaliatory strike. Magic Elementals are a product of the sixth element: magic. Magic Elementals are also immune to all forms of magic.

Firebirds & Phoenixes[edit | hide]

Firebirds are worldly manifestations of creatures from the elemental plane of fire. These magnificent beasts are as quick as fire itself and immune to spells of the same nature. Phoenixes, the more powerful incarnation of the Firebird, can resurrect some of its number from the ashes of its own demise.

From the Shadow of Death manual[edit | hide]

Creatures[edit | hide]

Storm Elementals[edit | hide]

Storm Elementals are the more powerful cousins to the Air Elementals and fire lightning bolts as their primary attack. They are immune to Blind and Meteor Shower spells, take double damage from Fireball, Lightning Bolt and Chain Lightning spells, and can cast the spell Protection from Air.

Ice Elementals[edit | hide]

Because their form is more solid than the Water Elemental, Ice Elementals have the ability to throw deadly ice tridents. These creatures are immune to Ice Ray and Frost Ring spells, but take double damage from Fire Wall , Inferno, Fireball and Fire shield. They can also cast the spell Protection from Water.

Energy Elementals[edit | hide]

As the more powerful versions of the Fire Elementals they are immune to all Fire School spells, but take double damage from Ice Ray and Frost Ring. The Energy Elemental gains the ability to fly and can cast the spell Protection from Fire.

Magma Elementals[edit | hide]

From a source deep beneath the world's surface, roam the Magma Elementals. Magma Elementals take no damage from Lightning Bolt, Chain Lightning, and Firestorm spells, but take double damage from Meteor Storm attacks. Slightly stronger than their earthen counterparts, Magma Elementals can also cast the spell Protection from Earth.

Psychic Elementals[edit | hide]

Psychic Elementals are the physical creation and evidence of what many consider the fifth element: thought. These creatures are immune to mind spells, and their attacks overpower the minds of all those surrounding them, causing enough pain to kill. Enemies enduring such an attack rarely are capable of a retaliatory strike.

Magic Elementals[edit | hide]

Magic Elementals are a product of the sixth element: magic. Though their attack is less mysterious than the Psychic Elemental, it is more powerful. Magic Elementals are also immune to all forms of magic.

Firebirds[edit | hide]

Firebirds are worldly manifestations of creatures from the elemental plane of fire. These magnificent beasts are as quick as fire itself and immune to spells of the same nature.

Phoenixes[edit | hide]

Phoenixes, the more powerful incarnation of the Firebird, can resurrect some of their numbers from the ashes of their own demise.

Crystal Dragons[edit | hide]

Made entirely from red crystal and brought to life through magical means, the Crystal Dragon is literally semitransparent, lit from the center by its magical heart. Used frequently as a training tool for young dragon slayers, many wizards also create these creatures for the crystal they shed.

Artifacts[edit | hide]

Cloak of the Undead King[edit | hide]

30% of battlefield dead are resurrected as Skeletons. If hero already has the Necromancy skill then the percentages are added to the skill and the level of skill determines what type is resurrected. Basic: Zombies. Advanced: Wights. Expert: Liches.

Elixir of Life[edit | hide]

All creatures get a 25% health bonus and gain the regeneration ability. Does not work on Undead or non-living creatures.