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Illuria (Warlords, SSG)

"Greetings, Warlord!"

The idea behind this scenario was to make a faithful recreation of the flavour and playstyle of the Illuria scenario of the first Warlords (TM) game by SSG, which can be considered one of the all-time classics of fantasy TBS games and was one of the inspirational sources behind the AoW series.

Basic information on the scenario:
> Extra large map
> 80 cities
> No underground
> 8 playable sides:
- Sirians (Human Theocrat)
- Storm Giants (Goblin Warlord)
- Gray Dwarves (Dwarf Dreadnought)
- Orcs of Kor (Orc Warlord)
- Elvallie (Elf Archdruid)
- Selentines (Human Sorcerer)
- Horse Lords (Human Warlord)
- Lord Bane (Orc Rogue)


There are some notable pecularities regarding the gameplay and map setup which are due to my objective to recreate the flow of the original Warlords game.

Most important and noticeable changes are:

> All cities are pre-built and have therefore an individual touch and differing strategic values. City upgrading is restricted to wall upgrades only. The scenario is thus focussed heavily on strategic warfare, the empire building aspect is reduced to a minimum, just like in the original Warlords game. No can-do-it-all metropolises everywhere around mid/endgame.

> Population increasing city buildings have been omitted completely with the objective in mind to have the cities sizes stay at their respective start size level throughout the game as long as possible. The cities in the original Warlords game didn't grow at all (just like in AoW1). Some of the factions are able to make their cities grow nonetheless using spells but the effect is more or less negligible.

> No more than 4 additional heroes besides your leader, just like in the original Warlords game.

> Each side starts with the diplomatic status "at war" with all others and with all independent cities. Expansion by absorbing cities is therefore fast, usually takes only 1 turn, and diplomacy is more or less a non-factor. This is an all-out war free for all scenario.

> The scenario should be played with the following settings for the best experience
- "new settlements OFF"
- "map exploration OFF"
- "city growth set to minimum"


Overall, the original Warlord game (and the whole series) was loads of fun and many a night was spent outmanoeuvering, outwitting and outproducing your friends or the AI.
If this scenario makes it possible to relive or newly discover these enjoyable battles for Illuria, I have achieved my objective.

Have fun conquering the lands of Illuria!

Comments and feedback welcome.

"Farewell, Warlord, we shall meet again!"