User:Csaros/Pumpkin Patch

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Pumpkin Patch is a mod for Horn of the Abyss Horn of the Abyss, intended to bring balance and QoL changes to the game. The changes are meant to be beautiful, balanced, bold, brilliant, benign and to sometimes benefit from a touch of buffoonery. One of the key drives for the design of the mod was increasing the variety of gampelay elements present when playing optimally. Naturally, as a result, game balance was one of the primary aims.


If you encounter an issue, please re-download the mod first (~55 MB) and re-install it. If the issue persists, contact me on the Talk page or on Discord.


Pumpkin Patch can be played using the online lobby. However, playing ranked games with it, for now, is not allowed by the HD lobby rules, and may result in bans or penalties. Starting from 1.4.3, an anti-cheat measure has been implemented, which ensures players can only play multiplayer using Pumpkin Patch if they have the same gameplay features enabled (but ignoring skins).


Current Version

Download Pumpkin Patch Installer

Alternative download link: Pumpkin Patch 1.7.3 on Mediafire.

The current version of the mod is 1.4.7 for HotA 1.7.3.

If the installer doesn't work for you, because Windows Defender sometimes blocks exe-type files, or because you're drive C:/ is system-only, you can download an alternative version using mediafire or google drive.

If the Windows Defender keeps on registering a false positive, open the Windows Defender notification (don't "Dismiss" it), open "Protection History", press the most recent threat (make sure the "Affected items" is the Pumpkin Patch) and choose Actions -> Allow.


Changelog

The mod is subject to change and updates with further tuning of the balance changes are released regularly. If you have any suggestions as to balance or want to playtest the upcoming changes, feel free to message me on my Talk page or join the Pumpkin Patch Discord server.

Known Issues

Devil's and Arch Devil's skill, which reduces enemy Luck, doesn't decrease the chance of random skills applying. A solution to the issue is being actively investigated.

Alternative Versions

Version 1.3.8 is available here.

Installation

If you want to be able to quickly switch between Pumpkin Patch and regular HotA, it is recommended to create a copy of your heroes 3 folder.

To install the mod, simply open the installer. The mod should be able to tell whether you are using a Polish version or not, and update accordingly. It is recommended to manually uninstall the previous version, if you want the mod to make an automatic backup - otherwise, the automatic backup may be faulty.

If you're using the file labelled "Manual Install", place all files in your game directory. If you want to use the Polish version, you need to copy the files from the folder "Polish" into your game directory. It is recommended to install the mod only after uninstalling the old version.

To uninstall the mod, simply replace all files with the contents of the backup zip archive created by the mod, or use the uninstaller.

Main Features

  • New Launcher, HexSwapper, which you can use to edit your game. Simply double-click it to open it.
  • Balance tweaks, including spell balance
  • Improvements to Inferno's demon farming strategy
  • Quality of life
  • New combination artifact: ( Armageddon's Blade Armageddon's Blade)
  • New heroes: Athe, Gwenneth, Winstan, Archibald, and Zenith.


List of changes

Core Gameplay


Towns & Buildings


Creatures


Heroes


Secondary Skills
  • Archery: Bonus Damage 10/25/50% → 20/35/50%
  • Expert Ballistics: Shoots twice → shoots thrice
  • Eagle Eye: Pre-combat learning chance 10/20/30% → 20/35/50%
  • Expert First Aid: Bonus Health 15% → 20%
  • Learning: Bonus Experience 20/40/60% → 10/20/30%
    • Specialty bonus per level 5% → 20%
  • Navigation: Bonus Movement 50/100/150% → 50/75/100%


Spells


Artifacts


Optional Features


Adventure Map


Miscellaneous

New Portraits

  • Gwenneth
    Gwenneth
  • Winstan
    Winstan
  • Archibald Ironfist
    Archibald Ironfist
  • Zenith
    Zenith
  • Kastore
    Kastore
  • King Nicholas Gryphonheart (Lich)
    King Nicholas Gryphonheart (Lich)
  • Resurectra
    Resurectra

List of changes

Balance

Secondary Skills

  • Learning XP gain increase reduced to 10/20/30% (from 20/40/60%).
    • Learning specialty now provides a 20% bonus per level.
  • Eagle Eye's chance of learning spells prior to combat increased to 20/35/50% (from 10/20/30%).
  • Ballistics shoots three times on the Expert level, trivializing siege combat at the cost of a skill slot.
  • Expert First Aid increases HP of units by 20%.

Game Mechanics

  • Starting bonus: gold Gold now grants 1000-1500 gold Gold.
  • Experience is now a function of AI Value / 12 instead of HP; hero combat provides +12.5%, sieges another 12.5% extra XP. This feature can be turned off in the HexSwapper.
  • Luck, in addition to its standard effect, now affects the chance of random on-hit attacks (such as Stone Gaze, Aging, etc.). Each point of luck corresponds to 1⁄4 of relative difference.
  • The chance for creature banks to be of size 1/2/3/4 was changed to 15%/35%/35%/15% (from 30%/30%/30%/10%).

Buildings

  • Mystic Pond cost has been reduced to 5 ore Ore and 1500 gold Gold. It produces 3-6 of a random rare resource each week (instead of 1-4).
  • Fountain of Fortune cost decreased to 4 crystals Crystal (by 6) and 1000 gold Gold (by 1000)
  • Enchanted Spring cost changed to 5 ore Ore, 5 crystals Crystal and 2000 gold Gold, instead of 10 crystals Crystal and 2000 gold Gold
  • Unicorn Glade's price reduced by 5 gems; Upg. Unicorn Glade's price increased by 5 wood and 5 ore.
  • Mana Vortex cost increased to 5 of each rare resource GemCrystalSulfurMercury (by 5) and 1000 gold Gold
  • Portal of Summoning cost increased to 5 ore Ore, 5 wood Wood and 5000 gold Gold (by 2500 gold and 5 wood).
  • Manticore Lair cost was reduced to 3000 gold Gold, 5 wood Wood and 5 ore Ore
  • Dwellings of the base elementals now cost 2000 gold and 5 wood / ore for the base dwelling, and the same amount + 4 of a rare resource corresponding to their element for the upgrade (identical to the prices in the Magic University).

War Machines

Heroes

I lifted the magic schools ban for the few might classes that had it. While they could learn the skills from Witch Huts, they couldn't use Universities. Now that the Magic University is more expensive, I think it makes sense to let them learn that Fire Magic for its Berserk or Water Magic for the Water Walk.

Moreover, with magic schools re-balanced, there is no longer a point in HotA heroes having their magic schools odds skewed against Air and Water and towards Earth - therefore I altered them to a more reasonable, lore-friendly division.

  • Heretics start with primary statistics of 1/0/2/2 instead of 1/1/2/1 in order to cast their own spells.
  • Captain's magic school chances changed to Air 4, Earth 3, Fire 1, Water 3 (instead of Air 3, Earth 4, Fire 2, Water 2)
  • Navigator’s magic school chances: Air 7, Earth 4, Fire 2, Water 9 (instead of Air 6, Earth 5, Fire 2, Water 9)
  • Artificer’s magic school chances: Air 4, Fire 4, Earth 3, Water 3 (instead of Air 3, Fire 4, Earth 4, Water 3). Their chance of obtaining Learning and Intelligence have both been increased, while the chance to obtain Ballistics has been slightly decreased.

Leena is considered to be one of the best secondary heroes on poor maps, as level 3 Leena can bring your kingdom 1350 gold; this is equivalent to a level 7 Lord Haart. I made the two heroes now equally viable supports.

  • LeenaLeenaLeenaLeena Leena the Captain specialty changed to Estates (instead of +350 gold).

Inteus's specialty does not work on his own units, as all elementals are immune to Bloodlust, and Phoenixes are immune to Fire Magic.

Starting Armies

I increased the starting amount of Gargoyles solely to buff Piquedram, a generally undesired hero.

Moreover, Conflux heroes now start with the creatures their specialize in:

  • Ignissa starts with 2 stacks of 3-5 Fire Elementals.
  • Thunar starts with 2 stacks of 3-5 Earth Elementals.
  • Labetha, Grindan and Erdamon start with 1 stack of 3-5 Earth Elementals instead of Air Elementals.
  • Fiur, Luna and Ignatius start with 1 stack of 3-5 Fire Elementals instead of Water Elementals.
  • Monere and Kalt start with a standard Conflux army (Air Elementals and Water Elementals).

Creatures - Tweaks

  • ZealotZealot Zealots can cast Advanced  Bless, up to 3 times per combat, for 6 rounds each.
  • ArchangelArchangel Archangel's speed reduced to 17 (by 1)
  • Dendroid SoldierDendroid Soldier Dendroid Soldier's HP increased by 5.
  • Obsidian GargoyleObsidian Gargoyle Obsidian Gargoyle's damage increased to 2-4.
  • ZombieZombie Zombie Disease ability reduces both Attack and Defense by 4 (instead of 2 each).
  • MedusaMedusa Medusas have 8 shots.
  • Medusa QueenMedusa Queen Medusa Queens have 12 shots.
  • ScorpicoreScorpicore Scorpicore cost reduced by 50, damage increased to 16-20 (instead of 14-20).
  • OrcOrc Orc and Orc ChieftainOrc Chieftain Orc Chieftain now have no melee penalty.
  • LizardmanLizardman Lizardman and Lizard WarriorLizard Warrior Lizard Warrior have their Attack and Defense skills swapped.
  • Chaos HydraChaos Hydra Chaos Hydra's speed increased to 8 (by 1).
  • EnchanterEnchanter Enchanters cannot cast Slow or Haste, but they can cast Curse and Fortune. The chance for each spell is equal. Their growth has been increased to 3, and level reduced to 5th.
  • Gold GolemGold Golem Gold Golems and Diamond GolemDiamond Golem Diamond Golems have both been downgraded by 1 level (to levels 4 and 5), and their growth has been increased by 1.

Conflux

AI and Fight Values

Due to other changes:

  • Dendroid SoldierDendroid Soldier Dendroid Soldier 853, 803 (since their HP was increased)
  • Obsidian GargoyleObsidian Gargoyle Obsidian Gargoyle 216, 170 (since their damage range was increased)
  • ZombieZombie Zombie - 130, 160 (since their special ability has been improved)
  • Horned DemonHorned Demon Horned Demon - 516, 496 (since their special ability has been improved)
  • MedusaMedusa Medusa - 520, 379 (since their special ability has been improved)
  • Medusa QueenMedusa Queen Medusa Queen - 580, 423 (since their special ability has been improved)
  • ThunderbirdThunderbird Thunderbird - 1111, 869 (since their special ability has been improved)
  • BasiliskBasilisk Basilisk - 554, 506 (since their special ability has been improved)
  • Greater BasiliskGreater Basilisk Greater Basilisk - 718, 561 (since their special ability has been improved)
  • Rust DragonRust Dragon Rust Dragon - 26697, 24271 (since their special ability has been improved)
  • Azure DragonAzure Dragon Azure Dragon - 80816, 57723 (since their special ability has been improved)
  • FangarmFangarm Fangarm - 1463, 1463 (since their special ability and stats have been improved)
  • EnchanterEnchanter Enchanter - 968, 805 (since their special ability and stats have been changed)
  • Halfling GrenadierHalfling Grenadier Halfling Grenadier 90, 75 (since their damage has been reduced)
  • JuggernautJuggernaut Juggernaut - 6625, 5521 (since their stats have been increased)

Based on their existing stats and abilities:

Factory

  • Halfling (Factory)Halfling (Factory) Halfling (Factory) shots reduced to 12 (from 24), Attack reduced to 2 (by 2).
  • Halfling GrenadierHalfling Grenadier Halfling Grenadier shots reduced to 16 (by 8), damage reduced to 1-3 (from 2-3). Price reduced to 60 gold.
  • GunslingerGunslinger Gunslinger and Bounty HunterBounty Hunter Bounty Hunter HP increased to 50 (by 5), Defense reduced by 1, shots increased by 8 (to 24 and 32, respectively).
  • JuggernautJuggernaut Juggernaut Attack and Defense increased by 5 (from 23 to 28), speed increased to 8 (by 1), cost increased from 3,500 to 4,000.
  • Upg. Gantry cost increased to 20 ore (by 10) and 20 000 gold Gold (by 5000).

Inferno

Inferno is known to be the weakest faction. I decided to buff it primarily by improving demon farming through increasing the amount of demons an Inferno player can obtain for the same amount of money, per week. Horned demons were slightly redesigned - they are now a significant upgrade, but have a much higher cost - both in the sulphur, which is needed for multiple Inferno buildings early on, as well as in gold Gold. Jousting bonus was chosen for the Horned demons for its fitting theme, the fact that Horned Demons were the only upgraded level 4 unit without a special ability and creation of a new strategic depth in the decision to upgrade or not to upgrade demons.

  • ImpImp Imp growth increased to 18 (by 3), horde growth to 9 (by 1). Price reduced by 10.
  • FamiliarFamiliar Familiar "Magic Channel" ability now gives 33% (rounded down) of enemies' spent spell points.
  • Hell HoundHell Hound Hell Hound growth increased to 6 (by 1).
  • Horned DemonHorned Demon Horned Demon now have a new ability: "Jousting Bonus (50%)". Their HP has been reduced to 35, and the cost has been increased to 350 Gold.
  • Upg. Demon Gate cost increased by 4 Sulfur sulphur and 1000 gold Gold
  • Upg. Hell Hole cost decreased by 1 Sulfur sulphur and 1 Mercury mercury.

Interference

  • Magic classes can now learn Interference, with the exact odds as the ones they had for Resistance before. This means that Wizards, Artificers, Warlocks and Elementalists can't learn it.
  • Witches can now learn Resistance and Interference (1/112 each). Their Eagle Eye chance was reduced from 10 to 9 to make them slightly weaker in return ;)

Combat Spells

  •  Slow: Mana cost increased to 12/11 (by 6). AI value: 8/8/16/24
  •  Cure: Base healing increased to 10/10/20/50 (from 10/10/20/30). No longer removes Hypnosis, and no longer affects War Machines.
  •  Protection from Water: Mana cost reduced to 4/3 (by 1)
  •  Protection from Fire: Mana 7/6
  •  Quicksand spawns 6/6/7/8 mines (instead of 4/4/6/8)
  •  Protection from Air: Mana cost increased to 11/9 (by 4)
  •  Fortune: Mana cost reduced by 3.
  •  Remove Obstacle: Mana cost reduced to 3/1 (by 4)
  •  Magic Arrow's base damage increased to 10/10/20/50 (from 10/10/20/30)
  •  Blind: Mana cost increased to 20/'18 (by 10)
  •  Ice Bolt: Base damage increased to 15/15/30/60 (from 10/10/20/50)
  •  Weakness: Mana cost reduced to 6/4 (by 2). The effect was increased to 4/4/8/8.
  •  Fire Wall: Mana cost increased to 10/8 (by 2); base damage decreased to 10/10/20/30 (from 10/10/20/50), damage multiplier increased to 20 x power (by 5).
  •  Animate Dead: Animated HP reduced to 30/30/60/120 (instead of 30/30/60/160)
  •  Hypnotize: HP threshold multiplier: 40 x power. The duration is now 3 turns, regardless of Spell Power. AI value: 50/50/75/100.
    • As a result, FangarmFangarm Fangarms have been altered: Atk 14 (increased by 4), Def 10 (reduced by 2), HP 80 (increased by 30), Dmg 10-14 (increased by 2), growth 2 (reduced by 1), cost 800 (increased by 200). They are now a level 6 unit and 5-12 of them spawn when randomly generated.
  •  Fireball: Damage increased to 20/20/40/80 + 15 x power (from 10/10/20/50 + 10 x power)
  •  Misfortune: Mana cost reduced by 6.
  •  Land Mine spawns 6/6/7/8 mines (instead of 4/4/6/8). Damage scaling increased to 15 x power (from 10 x power).
  •  Frost Ring: Increased the damage base to 25/25/50/100 (from 15/15/30/60). AI value increased to 15
  •  Mirth: Mana cost reduced by 6.
  •  Anti-Magic: No longer removes negative effects from the target.
  •  Meteor Shower: Mana cost increased to 20/16 (by 4).
  •  Sorrow: Mana cost reduced by 8.
  •  Counterstrike: Mana cost reduced to 8/4 (by 12). 1/1/3/3 extra counterstrikes. AI value: 10/10/15/15.
  •  Armageddon: Damage: 30/30/60/120 + 40 x SP -> 20/20/40/80 + 40 x SP
  •  Slayer: Damage bonus increased to 16. It is now a mass spell at expert.
    • As a result, CoroniusCoroniusCoronius Coronius the Druid's Slayer specialty now only increases attack by additional 10/10/8/8/6/6/4 (it is identical to Zubin’s specialty).
  •  Fire Shield: 20/20/25/25% damage reflection. AI value: 10/10/15/20. It is now a mass spell at expert
  •  Inferno: Mana cost increased to 20/16 (by 4). Damage increased to 25/25/50/100 + 15 x power from 20/20/40/80 + 10 x power. AI value: 30.
  •  Frenzy doubles Attack, instead of Adding Defense to Attack (but still reduces Defense to 0).
  •  Berserk's mana cost was increased to 24 / 20 (by 4).
  •  Clone's mana cost has been changed to 28 / 24 / 16 / 12 (scaling the same way as the Teleport spell)
  •  Prayer no longer affects the Undead, just like  Bless
  •  Implosion: Mana cost 35 / 30 (by 5)
  •  Magic Mirror has a 50/50/75/75% chance to block an incoming spell. Applies to all allies when used with Expert Air Magic.
  •  Fly: Mana cost reduced by 5.
  •  Sacrifice resurrects (SP + 3/3/6/12 + health) x #Creatures

Adventure Map Spells

  •  Town Portal: Mana cost increased to 24/20/20/20 (by 4). Belongs now to all Magic Schools. Movement cost increased by 200.
  •  Dimension Door: Belongs to all schools of magic now. Limited to once / once / once / twice per day (instead of 1/2/3/4 times a day). Mana cost increased to 35/30 (by 10). Movement cost increased by 200.
  •  Disguise: Mana cost reduced to 3/1 (by 1). It now belongs to all magic schools, to avoid giving the enemy information on your secondary skills when using Disguise.
  •  Visions: It is now a School of Water Magic's spell.

Movement

  • Altered the movement table, so that now the movement on the adventure map for armies with units of speed 10 is 1950, and each point of speed below that corresponds to 50 movement points per day.
  • Navigation increases movement on water by 50/75/100%, instead of 50/100/150%.

Boldness

New Artifacts

  • Armageddon's BladeArmageddon's Blade is now a new combination artifact, comprised of Shield of the Damned, Sword of Hellfire, Breastplate of Brimstone and the Hellstorm Helmet.
  • Ring of the MagiRing of the Magi is no longer a combination artifact. It's instead a re-designed Major class artifact, with a cost of 5000 gold, which reduces spell cost of all spells by 2 (similar to how Mage's special ability works). Its image has been updated.

New Heroes

Gwenneth (Cleric)

Gwenneth always preferred studying with her siblings over anything else. When the news of King Nicolas Gryphonheart's post-mortem re-awakening reached her, she decided to switch the focus of her studies to the undead.

Gwenneth is a Cleric with Scholar specialty: "When updating spellbooks with other heroes, the hero can learn and teach spells of one level higher than normal." She starts with Wisdom, Scholar and the Destroy Undead spell. She replaces Sanya by default.

Winstan (Alchemist)

First known for his brilliant writing, Winstan's political career quickly advanced, leading him to the coveted position of a bracadian ambassador in Erathia. He predicted the Kreegan attack, an event later known as the Liberation Wars. All because of his uncanny ability to see the world for what it is. Some say this is why his troops never miss their mark.

Winstan specializes in Precision. He starts with Mysticism, Archery and the Precision spell (from his specialty). He replaces Thane by default.

Athe (Heretic)

Athe is a half-sister to Xeron. Unlike her brother, she's repulsed by brute force. Instead, she prefers to use magic and wits to achieve her aims. She clearly took after their mother, for she is said to have a silver tongue - even the bravest of heroes will yield to her will, only to find themselves begging for her mercy.

Athe is a diplomacy specialist. Her specialty works just like Melchior's. Athe starts with Advanced Diplomacy (from her specialty and her race - succubi). Her starting spell is Visions. She replaces Olema by default.

Archibald (Warlock)

As a result of a series of suspicious deaths among the royal seers, Archibald Ironfist reclaimed the throne of Enroth from his brother, Roland. However, his rule was short-lived; Roland usurped the throne and encased Archibald in marble. With the aid of a group of brave adventurers, Archibald was freed and later assumed the throne of Deyja, following the (second) death of Nicolas Gryphonheart.

Archibald is a Tactics specialist: "Increases the range of Tactics skill by 2. When comparing Tactics skill level with the enemy hero, the hero has Tactics skill at one level greater than normal." Archibald starts with Wisdom (as all Warlocks do) and Tactics (because of his specialty). His starting spell is  Curse.

Benefaction

Artifacts

Artifact Class Changes

Combination Artifacts

Heroes

Might heroes with Scholar now start with a spellbook and a spell

  • RashkaRashkaRashkaRashka Rashka starts with a spellbook and the Protection from Fire spell.
  • OctaviaOctaviaOctaviaOctavia Octavia starts with a spellbook and the Curse spell.
  • SyncaSyncaSyncaSynca Synca starts with a spellbook and the Haste spell.
  • MurdochMurdochMurdochMurdoch Murdoch replaces TancredTancredTancredTancred Tancred by default.
  • New portraits available in the map editor:
    • Gwenneth
    • Winstan
    • Archibald Ironfist
    • Kastore
    • King Nicholas Gryphonheart (Lich)
    • Resurectra

Creatures

Reduced Randomness

  • Master GenieMaster Genie Master Genies can no longer cast  Anti-Magic. Their AI was improved since 1.3.8 - now they take into account what spells can reasonably affect the creature, and may refuse to cast if no spells can be reasonably used on the unit.
  • ZombieZombie Disease, MedusaMedusa Medusa QueenMedusa Queen BasiliskBasilisk Greater BasiliskGreater Basilisk Petrify, Rust DragonRust Dragon Acid Breath, ThunderbirdThunderbird Lightning Strike, and MummyMummy Black KnightBlack Knight Dread KnightDread Knight Curse have a ¼ (25%) chance to apply.
  • Wyvern MonarchWyvern Monarch Sea SerpentSea Serpent HaspidHaspid Poison has ⅓ (33%) chance to apply (increased from 30%)
  • Azure DragonAzure Dragon  Fear now has ⅛ (12.5%) chance to apply (instead of 10%).

Morale and Native Terrain

For the purposes of morale and native terrain:

Fixes

  • Added a mention to the description of Conjuring artifacts that they no longer belong to a set.
  • Fixed the incorrect stat progression of wizards past level 10: 30/20/20/30 replaced for the correct 20/20/30/30
  • Fixed “Loins of the legion” being referred to as “Hips” in the map editor
  • Fixed the typo in Jeddite’s Biography.
  • Bloodlust: It is now considered a Mind spell. Ogre magi’s bloodlust counts as a level 1 spell.
  • Moats mention they deal damage
  • Poison renamed to Venom (and Poisonous to Venomous).

Variety

  • MelodiaMelodiaMelodiaMelodia Melodia's specialty changed to Luck specialty - gains permanent +2 Luck.
  • TivaTivaTiva Tiva starts with  Haste.
  • KaltKaltKalt Kalt specializes in Learning
  • ErdamonErdamonErdamon Erdamon specializes in Armorer, starts with Armorer and Estates
  • IgnissaIgnissaIgnissaIgnissa Ignissa starts with Advanced Offense
  • FiurFiurFiur Fiur specializes in Ballista, starts with Artillery and Offense.
  • MonereMonereMonere Monere specializes in Logistics, starts with Logistics and Interference
  • GelareGelareGelare Gelare specialty changed to Ice Bolt specialty
  • SharpshooterSharpshooter Sharpshooters and EnchanterEnchanter Enchanters can appear in Refugee Camps, but MummyMummy Mummies cannot.

Adventure Map Objects

  • Sirens provide 1 XP per 4 AI value of a lost creature.
  • Mansion reward changed to 4000 / 6000 / 8000 / 10000 gold Gold, Major class artifact and 3/5/7/9 of each rare resource CrystalMercurySulfurGem.
  • Ivory Towers provide 4/6/8/12 EnchanterEnchanter Enchanters. They are guarded by 30 / 45 / 60 / 90 Archmagi.
  • Added new versions of Pirate Caverns, Ruins, Crypts, Gardens of Revelation, Ivory Tower and Hill Forts to the map editor and RMG.
  • Pirate Caverns, Ruins, Crypts, Gardens of Revelation, Ivory Towers and Hill Forts can now spawn on any terrain in the RMG.
  • Added objects from the Unused content into the map editor.
  • Added 8 various 1-tile impassable obstacles that the function as Pandora Boxes, and thus can be set to appear (or not), depending on the difficulty level. This should allow for more creative mazes, where the path taken depends on the map difficulty.
  • Added 8 various quest guards that look like obstacles.
  • Added 2 pumpkins, courtesy of VMaiko.
  • Added 3 bridges, each of which functions as a 2-way portal. Placing the bridges next to one another allows for a seamless connection between two islands, without impeding naval movement.
  • Added a water-only treasure chest, which functions just like normal treasure chests.

Game Mechanics

  • Easy AI looks for the Grail after finding every single obelisk, instead of never:
  • AI looks for the Grail after finding 1/8 obelisks on Expert and Impossible
  • The limit of heroes present on the map before AI refuses to hire new heroes has been increased to 32 / 45 / 60 / 80 / 80, based on the difficulty level.
  • The limit of heroes each AI player can hire has been increased to 3 / 4 / 6 / 8 / 8, based on the difficulty level.

UI

  • Opening a Pandora box no longer shows the prompt "Are you sure you want to open the box?".
  • Left - clicking a Town Hall lets you build in the town! Right - clicking shows level of the Town Hall, as before.
  • Double clicking a map calls advanced options instead of starting the map.
  • Tavern only provides map rumors; if no map rumors are customized, it only provides random rumors.
  • Removed Tactics explanation screen at the beginning of every battle.

Maps

  • Updated gender requirements for heroes in Battle of the Sexes (and its Allies version), matching the new heroes as well.
  • Added a remastered version of the first Restoration of Erathia campaign, Long Live the Queen

Beauty

Conventional Consistency

  • Cover of Darkness's cost increased to 4 sulphur and 1000 gold Gold, matching the Brimstone Stormclouds, Fountain of Fortune, etc.
  • Archery now increases ranged unit damage by 20/35/50% (matching Intelligence, Learning, Eagle Eye, etc.)

Design Consistency

  • CieleCieleCiele Ciele has a standard lvl 1 spell specialty
  • LunaLunaLuna Luna has a standard lvl 2 spell specialty
  • Magic classes can now learn Interference, with the exact odds as the ones they had for Resistance before. This means that Wizards, Artificers, Warlocks and Elementalists can't learn it.
  • XeronXeronXeronXeron Xeron, FrederickFrederickFrederickFrederick Frederick and TarkTarkTarkTark Tark start with standard armies (for their specialties).
  • TavinTavinTavinTavin Tavin starts with Basic Luck, Basic Offense, instead of Scouting and Offense - making Luck a Halfling's racial skill.
  • Mutare DrakeMutare DrakeMutare DrakeMutare Drake Mutare Drake starts without a spellbook, as she is a might hero without Scholar.
  • Ghost DragonGhost Dragon  Aging is no longer considered a 5th level spell (and thus cannot be resisted by Black Dragons)
  • Necropolis can learn  Cure now (5%).  Bloodlust chance reduced (to 0%)
  •  Death Ripple doesn’t affect unliving.

Verbosity

  • Extended Mutare Drake's bio.
With her uncanny talent for commanding dragons on the field of combat, many have noticed Mutare's quick rise among the current overlords of Nighon. After drinking the Vial of Dragon's Blood, she became a sentient dragon.  Some wonder if her transformation foretells the coming of the Dragon Father.

Buffoonery

  • The brilliant writing of Foolhardy Waywardness will forever remain seen in random signs and ocean bottles.
  • Added a few secrets and riddles to the text of various rumors, random ocean bottles, etc. Suffice it to say, they lead to a greater treasure than any amount of gold can bring. The first person to figure out the secrets and send me a solution will receive a special prize.
  • Pyramids are now guarded by 60 Gold GolemGold Golem Gold Golems (2 stacks) and 30 MummyMummy Mummiies (army-based stack), instead of 40 Gold and 20 Diamond golems.
  • Stone GolemStone Golem Stone Golems, Iron GolemIron Golem Iron Golems, Stone GargoyleStone Gargoyle Stone Gargoyles, and Obsidian GargoyleObsidian Gargoyle Obsidian Gargoyles are immune to Stone Gaze.
  • ElmoreElmoreElmoreElmore Elmore the Captain (Navigation specialist) is now a Navigator. His starting spell is Protection from Air.

Optional Features and Skins

Using HexSwapper.exe, you can alter your game by simply clicking a button in the beautiful UI designed by Aphra.

  • HexSwapper's Skins menu (1st page)
    HexSwapper's Skins menu (1st page)
  • HexSwapper's Gameplay menu
    HexSwapper's Gameplay menu


Lift magic skill restrictions

When this change is active, Overlords, Barbarians and Mercenaries can learn Water Magic, but the odds are very low (1/112). Beastmasters and Rangers can now learn Fire Magic. Odds are very low (1/112). 1 point of Wisdom chance removed from the appropriate classes.


Luck and Morale limit expanded

Increases the cap on the Luck bonus from the skill, artifacts, buildings and adventure map bonuses to +3/4/5. The calculations remain linear; for example, At +4 morale, the chance for an extra turn are 16.7%.

By default, this setting is set to 4, to increase the relevance of [[Luck (skill)] and Leadership.


Refuse unwanted secondary skills

If you receive a level-up, and don't want to take either of the offered skills, simply accept the hero level-up window (by clicking the Accept button, Space or Enter) without choosing any of the options. Your hero will not receive any of the unwanted skills then.

By default, this setting is on.


Experience depends on AI value

In the Pumpkin Patch, by default, experience scales with AI value / 16, and is increased by 12.5% for hero combat, and another 12.5% for sieges. This makes experience match the difficulty of the fight. As a result, on random maps, guards of the same types of objects will provide the same amount of experience, regardless of their level, or whether they are defensive or offensive units.


Griffin Tower without Barracks

Removes the requirement of building Blacksmith and Barracks to access the Griffin Tower. The Griffin Tower will, however, still require the Guardhouse.


Gwenneth available by default

Replaces Sanya with Gwenenth by default on random maps.


Winstan available by default

Replaces Thane with Winstan by default on random maps.


Athe available by default

Replaces Olema with Athe by default on random maps.


Archibald available by default

Replaces Jeddite with Archibald by default on random maps.


Zenith replaces Straker

Zenith, a Mummy specialist from the desert on the surface of Nighon, replaces Straker. Zenith can upgrade Walking Dead and Zombies into Mummies. This setting is turned off by default.


Cloak of the Undead King raises Wraiths instead of Liches

Turned on by default, this option makes the Cloak of the Undead King raise WraithWraith Wraiths instead of LichLich Liches, .


Balanced old Hill Fort

With this option enabled, old Hill Fort upgrades units at a higher price: level 1 for 100%, level 2 for 125%, 3 - 150%, 4 - 200%, 5 - 250%, 6 - 300%, 7 - 400%.


Familiars can fly

Lets Familiars fly. Increases the cost of Familiars by 10.


Chaos Hydras can regenerate

Gives Chaos Hydras the Regeneration ability. Reduces the effect of Regeneration to 25 HP per turn, increases the price of Chaos Hydras to 4000 gold and reduces their speed to 7.


Unique starting armies

Alters the starting armies of all heroes with unit specialties, to start with units they specialize in. Does not affect level 7 specialists such as Xeron or Kilgor.


Primary skills increase at a constant rate

Removes the primary skill increase changing once the hero reaches level 10.


Magic Rebalance

This option, designed by Koneser Zawartości, alters the level and mana cost of almost all spells with the intent of making spells be more balanced among each other, not across schools of magic or in comparison to hero classes.

Spell changes

Adventure Map spells:

  • Summon Boat is now a level 3 spell and costs 8/7/7/7 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Scuttle Boat is now a level 1 spell.
  • Visions is now a level 1 spell.
  • Disguise is now a level 1 spell and costs 3/2/2/2 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • (!) Fly now costs 16/12/12/12 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • (!) Dimension Door is now a Fire magic school spell. AI value increased to 30/30/150/150.
  • (!) Town Portal is now Water, Earth and Air magic school spell and costs 25/20/28/28 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. AI value increased to 30/30/150/150.

Combat spells 

Spells currently at level 1:
  • Fire Shield - now costs 4/3/3/3 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Prot. from Air, Fire, Water, Earth - now cost 3/2/2/2 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Dispel - now costs 3/2/2/2 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Magic Mirror - now costs 4/3/3/3 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. It gives 40/40/60/80 percent chances to reflect enemy's spell. AI value decreased to 3/3/4/4.
  • Mirth - now costs 3/2/2/4 for no skill/beg/adv/exp, giving +2/+2/+3/+3 morale.
  • Fortune - now costs 2/1/1/2 for no skill/beg/adv/exp, giving +2/+2/+3/+3 luck.
  • Misfortune - now costs 3/2/2/3 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Lowers luck by 2/2/3/3.
  • Counterstrike - now costs 2/1/1/1 for no skill/beg/adv/exp, giving additional 2/2/3/3 counterattacks.
  • Remove Obstacle - now costs 6/4/4/4 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
Spells currently at level 2:
  • Cure - now and costs 5/4/4/5 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Heals 7 HP per SP (plus old skill bonuses).
  • Quicksand - now costs 6/5/5/5 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Summons 6/6/8/10 sand patches.
  • Land Mine - now costs 6/5/5/5 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Summons 6/6/7/8 mines.
  • Force Field - now costs 8/7/7/7 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Earthquake - now costs 5/4/4/4 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • (!) Magic Arrow - now costs 6/5/5/4 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Shield - now costs 5/4/4/7 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Sorrow - now costs 4/3/3/6 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Lowers morale by 2/2/3/3.
  • Death Ripple - now costs 7/5/5/5 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Sacrifice - now costs 8/6/6/6 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Bless - now costs 5/4/4/6 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Curse - now costs 5/4/4/6 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Bloodlust - now costs 5/4/4/5 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Grants +4/+4/+6/+6 attack points.
  • Precision - now costs 5/4/4/4 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Grants +4/+4/+6/+6 attack points.
  • Weakness - now costs 5/4/4/6 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Lowers attack by 4/4/6/6.
  • Stone Skin - now costs 5/4/4/5 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Grants +4/+4/+6/+6 defense points.
  • Disrupting Ray - now costs 6/5/5/5 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Lowers defense by 4/4/5/6.
  • Slayer - now costs 6/4/4/4 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
Spells currently at level 3:
  • (!) Haste - now costs 6/4/4/8 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • (!) Slow - now costs 6/5/5/10 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Frenzy - now costs 10/8/8/8 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Forgetfulness - now costs 7/5/5/9 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Blind - now costs 9/7/7/7 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Teleport - now costs 9/7/5/3 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • (!) Ice Bolt.
  • (!) Lightning Bolt - now costs 9/7/7/7 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Fireball - now costs 10/8/8/8 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Fire Wall.
  • Air Shield - now costs 5/4/4/7 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Destroy Undead - now costs 13/10/10/10 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
Spells currently at level 4:
  • (!) Frost Ring - now costs 14/12/12/12 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Deals 18 points of Dmg per SP (plus original skill bonuses). AI value increased to 18/18/18/18.
  • (!) Inferno - now costs 18/16/16/16 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Deals 18 points of Dmg per SP (plus original skill bonuses).
  • Armageddon - now costs 22/18/18/18 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Prayer - now costs 8/6/6/10 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Berserk - now costs 18/16/16/16 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Hypnotize - now costs 18/15/15/15 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. Takes control of creatures with (30 x SP + original skill bonuses) HP. AI value decreased to 15/15/25/50.
  • Clone - now costs 18/15/15/15 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Fire Elemental - now costs 23/20/16/16 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. AI value decreased to 40/50/60/70.
  • Earth Elemental - now costs 24/21/17/17 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. AI value decreased to 40/50/60/70.
  • Water Elemental - now costs 22/19/19/19 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. AI value decreased to 40/50/60/70.
  • Air Elemental - now costs 22/19/19/19 for no skill/beg/adv/exp. AI value decreased to 40/50/60/70.
Spells currently at level 5:
  • (!) Resurrection - now costs 22/20/20/20 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • (!) Animate Dead - now costs 24/20/20/20 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • (!) Meteor Shower - now costs 20/17/17/17 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Implosion - now costs 28/24/24/24 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Chain Lightning - now costs 22/19/19/19 for no skill/beg/adv/exp.
  • Titan's Lighting Bolt - now deals 60 per SP + 0 damage. AI value increased to 150/150/150/150.

Buildings: Cost of 1 level mage guild was changed to 3 Wood, 3 Ore, 500 gold. Cost of 2 level mage guild was changed to 5 Wood, 5 Ore, 1 Crystal, 1 Sulfur, 1 Gem, 1 Mercury, 2000 gold. Cost of 3 level mage guild was changed to 5 Wood, 5 Ore, 4 Crystal, 4 Sulfur, 4 Gem, 4 Mercury, 2000 gold. Cost of resource silo was changed to 5 Ore, 500 gold.


Static spell specialties

Replaces all spell specialties with a static 25% bonus, except for Cure and Magic Arrow specialties, which instead provide a static 50% bonus.


Unpredictable Genies

Genies can cast all positive spells, as well as  Clone,  Resurrection and  Implosion on their allies. Moreover, all of their spells are always random and ignore any targeting requirements, such as Resurrection only being cast on the living. This setting is only recommended as a gimmick for a fun playthrough.


1 hero only

Forbids the AI from hiring more than 1 hero; increases the default scouting radius by 2, and allows heroes with basic view air to see enemy heroes.

Gallery

Thanks

  • HotA Crew - for the incredible HotA mod, for including my ideas into your actual game, and for adding my beloved Murdoch to All In. I love your work. Please treat this mod as a sign of appreciation, a post on Ideas and Suggestions and as an application to the HotA Crew.
  • The Wiki team - for this amazing website
  • DoR team - for the incredible support of my project and the kind words! I can't wait for DoR release!
  • void_17 – well done with the IDB, thanks for the help
  • Aphra - you've done more than I could ever repay for
  • Ponczek, krzyspasztecik12, guest_273 - for ideas and suggestions; look, I've incorporated a whole bunch of stuff you've asked me for!
  • Melkor, Eldrin - for ideas and suggestions.

Credits

HotA - HotA Crew

HD MOD - baratorch

Pumpkin patch - CsArOs → CsArOs

Art - Aphra → Phasma

See Also:

Visit the Pumpkin Patch Discord server

You can leave feedback via the feedback form.

A YouTube playlist with videos all about the Pumpkin Patch: YouTube - CsArOs

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