{{ :nations:flags:ea_therodos.png|}}
====== EA Therodos, Telkhine Spectre ======
===== Lore =====
Therodos was once a kingdom of sages and craftsmen ruled by the Telkhines. When the Telkhines declared themselves god-kings, their kingdom was visited by divine judgement that plunged their island homes into the sea. Now, what remains of the living toil away alongside spectres of their former kinsmen, who were barred from entering the underworld and have not yet fully grasped their incorporeal condition. The more powerful remaining mages, the Hekaterides and Daktyloi, are brothers and sisters of one ilk; and while the Daktyloi toiled away on crafts the Hekaterides flowered in dance, and gave birth to the satyr race.
Many of the units in this nation's lineup are adapted from Greek myths surrounding the crafter daimones who protected an infant Zeus from his father Cronos. The story of a race plunged underwater as part of divine retribution is also reminiscent of the flood after the end of the war with the giants in Ovid. The nation's [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telchines|Telkhines]] are also of Greek myth, and just like in myth they mixed water from the Styx with sulfur to create a terrible poison.
Therodos shares an era with the other remnant of the Telkhine's empire: [[berytos ea | Berytos, The Phoenix Empire]].
===== Overview =====
Therodos is an underwater amphibious nation whose dominion kills population and generates units. The units generated in this way (termed freespawn) are a mix of ethereal ghosts with spectral weapons, a very small number of which are sacred. Therodos' recruitable units and commanders are fairly limited in variety but include berserkers (Kourete), good commanders (Melia), powerful {{:misc:magic:nature.png?15&nolink|}}Nature and {{:misc:magic:water.png?15&nolink|}}Water mages (Hekateride), and versatile crafters (Daktyl), all of which are sacred. Other unit options include the conjuration of Telkhine at Conjuration 8, as well as regional Mediterranean summons.
Therodos has an easy time expanding early with its troops, owing largely to their etherealness. However, it can take a few turns to get an expansion force out and the troop composition that is offered up by their dominion's popkill is out of the player's control. Dealing with other players can be an area where Therodos struggles, either after expansion is finished or due to someone else's early aggression. There are a few spells and tactics they deploy effectively, but their versatility falls off when dealing with certain kinds of opponents, notably high morale or poison-resistant foes, or anything with plentiful weapons.
Gold is a constant concern for Therodos. A fort is required in a province in order for ethereal units to spawn there, which means Therodos wants to scramble for income early and get the funds for a few forts before their dominion kills too much of the population. Recruiting mages until the lategame also requires gold, but their dominion largely prohibits growing an economy. It is sometimes preferable for Therodos to keep high-income provinces free of their own dominion, allowing the enemy's dominion to fill in instead, in order to maintain an income from there. Acquiring new territory is another source of income, but it comes with its own vicissitudes.
===== National Features =====
^ Special Race Attributes ^ Military ^ Magic Access ^ Priests ^ Buildings ^
| Spectral Humans\\ Powerful Magic Beings\\ Neutral Temperature | Spectral hoplites\\ Spectral skirmishers\\ Sacred berserkers | {{path>N4}} (Rare 5)\\ {{path>E3}} (Rare 4)\\ {{path>W3}} (Rare 4)\\ {{path>A2}} (Rare 2)\\ {{path>D1}} (Rare 2)\\ {{path>F1}} (Rare 2) | {{path>H2}} Cap-only\\ {{path>H1}} in Coastal Forts | {{:misc:gui:Castle.png?30&nolink}} Advanced [[fort|Forts]] (Castle)\\ Can build Underwater Forts |
//The magic paths listed above do not include paths obtained through summons or low-percent randoms.//
*Mercenaries are 25% more expensive.
==== Capital Special Sites ====
^ Telkhinis ^
| {{:sites:sites_0033.png?nolink }} Enables recruitment of: ??Melia??, ??Hekateride??, ??Daktyl??, ??Kourete??\\ Generates {{gems>1W1A3E1D}} per turn. |
=== Freespawn ===
As mentioned earlier, Therodos' dominion kills population to generate ethereal units in forts. Death scales increase the number of units generated. Forts also prevent the complete depletion of population.
The rate at which dominion kills population is not completely clear, but Dom4 wiki says it is 1% of the population per candle. So that growth 3 only goes 0.6 of the way to cancelling out a single candle.
It is worth noting a few things about the ethereal units.
* They have a protection of 0, meaning that anything that makes its way past their etherealness (which is 25% of mundane attacks) will inflict serious or lethal damage.
* One exception is the Spectral Hoplite unit, which while still having 0 protection, carries a shield. This shield is treated as mundane and anything that this unit blocks will be treated as a hit against 15 protection.
* All of these units have Spectral weapons, which prompt the targets they hit for a MR check for half damage. This reduces the spectral freespawn's damage output against all units to some degree.
* Spectral javelins and bows can be fired underwater.
* These undead are not mindless and are susceptible to morale damage.
{{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_hoplite.png?nolink|}}{{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_peltast.png?nolink}}{{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_archer.png?nolink}}{{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_peltast.png?nolink}}{{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_peltast.png?nolink}}
=== Morale penalty ===
Non-undead units controlled by Therodos suffer a -1 morale penalty their dominion instead of receiving a +1 bonus. This is a national trait which is not negated by being a disciple and is not shared with disciple nations should Therodos be the pretender.
===== National Units =====
Therodos has a limited recruitable troop lineup to begin with, and this is further constrained by fort location.
* Underwater forts that are not the capital have only Melia as national recruits.
* Land forts with no connection to a water province have no national recruitment at all.
Coastal forts (land forts that have a connection to a water province) allow the recruitment of the national mage Kabeiroi as well as a slew of average human units. In addition, every coastal fort can recruit Korybantes, sacred berserker troops very similar to the cap-only Kourete without being amphibious.
==== Commanders ====
^ Image ^ Unit Name ^ Special Attributes ^ Comments ^
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:melia.png?nolink}} | **??Melia??**\\ {{gold}} 160\\ {{resources}} 21\\ {{recpoints}} 2\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital and Coastal Fort Only | {{path>N1H1R9,100%AWE}}\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:awe.png?15&nolink}} [[Awe]] (+3)\\ {{:abilities:inspirational.png?15&nolink}} [[Inspirational]] (+1)\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?15&nolink}} [[Supply Bonus]] (+20)\\ {{:abilities:reduces_unrest.png?15&nolink}} [[Reduces Unrest]] (2/month)\\ {{:abilities:poor_amphibian.png?15&nolink}} [[Poor Amphibian]]\\ {{:abilities:magic_being.png?15&nolink}} [[Magic Being]]\\ {{:abilities:recuperation.png?15&nolink}} [[Recuperation]]\\ [[Female]] | The Melia is a very multipurpose commander. It is a capable thug, leader (of normal, magic and undead troops) and minor priest. The {{misc:magic:water.png?14&nolink}}water randoms are especially notable as thugs, since they can make use of the potent physmoss combo (??Liquid Body??/??Temper Flesh?? + ??Mossbody??) and be very difficult to kill with a few other point-buffs. |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:daktyl.png?nolink}} | **??Daktyl??**\\ {{gold}} 240\\ {{resources}} 2\\ {{recpoints}} 4\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital Only | {{path>A1W1E2R15,100%FAWED,10%FAWED}}\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:master_smith.png?15&nolink}} [[Master Smith]] (1)\\ {{:abilities:magic_being.png?15&nolink}} [[Magic Being]]\\ {{:abilities:amphibious.png?15&nolink}} [[Amphibious]] | Daktyls provide good {{:misc:magic:earth.png?14&nolink|}}earth access along with the {{:abilities:master_smith.png?15&nolink|}} Master Smith trait, which allows them to craft higher-path items than they normally could. They are Therodos' only native {{:misc:magic:fire.png?14&nolink|}}fire and {{:misc:magic:death.png?14&nolink|}}death access, the latter being important for some of the nation's summonable researchers and units. As with any minimum {{path>E2}} mage, they are useful for the powerful earth buffs. |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:hekateride.png?nolink}} | **??Hekateride??**\\ {{gold}} 270\\ {{resources}} 1\\ {{recpoints}} 4\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital Only | {{path>W2N3H2R17,100%AWEN,10%AWEN}}\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?15&nolink}} [[Poison Resistant]] (+5)\\ {{:abilities:awe.png?15&nolink}} [[Awe]] (+6)\\ {{:abilities:inspirational.png?15&nolink}} [[Inspirational]] (+2)\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?15&nolink}} [[Supply Bonus]] (+50)\\ {{:abilities:reduces_unrest.png?15&nolink}} [[Reduces Unrest]] (3/month)\\ {{:abilities:amphibious.png?15&nolink}} [[Amphibious]]\\ {{:abilities:magic_being.png?15&nolink}} [[Magic Being]]\\ {{:abilities:recuperation.png?15&nolink}} [[Recuperation]]\\ [[Female]] | This big cap-only mage provides Therodos' highest {{misc:magic:water.png?14&nolink}}water and {{misc:magic:nature.png?14&nolink}}nature access. This is particularly significant for ??Foul Vapors??, which synergizes wonderfully with Therodos' undead, poison-resistant troops. |
The following commanders can only be recruited in coastal forts.
^ Image ^ Unit Name ^ Special Attributes ^ Comments ^
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:therodian_scout.png?nolink}} | **??Therodian Scout??**\\ {{gold}} 25\\ {{resources}} 3\\ {{recpoints}} 1 | {{:abilities:stealth.png?15&nolink}} [[Stealthy]] (+55)\\ {{:abilities:mountain_survival.png?15&nolink}} [[Mountain Survival]] \\ {{:abilities:forest_survival.png?15&nolink}} [[Forest Survival]] | Slightly stealthier than a generic scout. |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:therodian_commander.png?nolink}} | **??Therodian Commander??**\\ {{gold}} 40\\ {{resources}} 31\\ {{recpoints}} 1 | | At 60 leadership, the Therodian Commander is incapable of leading troops in formation, meaning there is little to recommend it as a commander over indies or Meliai. |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:kabeiros.png?nolink}} | **??Kabeiros??**\\ {{gold}} 125\\ {{resources}} 7\\ {{recpoints}} 2 | {{path>E1R9,100%FAWE}}\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resource_bonus.png?15&nolink}} [[Resource Bonus]] (5)\\ {{:abilities:forge_bonus.png?15&nolink}} [[Forge Bonus]] (1)\\ {{:abilities:cause_unrest.png?15&nolink}} [[Cause Unrest]] (1/month) | The Kabeiros' low paths makes its combat power somewhat unreliable. However, it is a much more gold-efficient researcher than the Melia and comes with a forge bonus to pair with its solid forging paths. It can potentially also help pay for the resources of Therodos' coastal troops. |
==== Units ====
^ Image ^ Unit Name ^ Special Attributes ^ Comments ^
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:kourete.png?nolink}} | **??Kourete??**\\ {{gold}} 28\\ {{resources}} 23\\ {{recpoints}} 36\\ {{:misc:gui:fortress.png?20&nolink}} Capital Only | {{:abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ Size when Sailing: 2\\ {{:abilities:bad_formation_fighter.png?15&nolink}} [[Bad Formation Fighter]] (-2)\\ {{:abilities:berserker.png?15&nolink}} [[Berserk when Blessed]] (3)\\ {{:abilities:poor_amphibian.png?15&nolink}} [[Poor Amphibian]]\\ {{:abilities:magic_being.png?15&nolink}} [[Magic Being]]\\ | Sacred dancing warriors that are Therodos' only recruitable unit from the capital. Their mixture of abilities results in some interesting strategic and tactical implications. Since they are magic beings, they can only be led by magic leaders, meaning Kourete ferries need to be more specifically planned. When blessed, they will immediately charge forward due to going berserk, which may cause them to separate from the rest of your army and engage the opponent piecemeal if blessed in small groups at a time. Finally, being bad formation fighters makes them less efficient to buff and makes their tankiness somewhat lower than what might be expected. |
The following units can only be recruited in coastal forts.
^ Image ^ Unit Name ^ Special Attributes ^ Comments ^
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:therodian_archer.png?nolink}} | **??Therodian Archer??**\\ {{gold}} 10\\ {{resources}} 7\\ {{recpoints}} 9 | | Very similar to ordinary indie archers. |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:therodian_peltast.png?nolink}} | **??Therodian Peltast??**\\ {{gold}} 10\\ {{resources}} 5\\ {{recpoints}} 9 | | Cheap, militia-level troops with a javelin. Will die in droves to a stiff breeze. |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:therodian_hoplite.png?nolink}} | **??Therodian Hoplite??**\\ {{gold}} 10\\ {{resources}} 31\\ {{recpoints}} 9 | | Notably not a formation fighter, unlike other hoplites. Heavily armored but otherwise unremarkable, suffering from the same issue as other hoplites of not doing much damage on their own. |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:korybant.png?nolink}} | **??Korybant??**\\ {{gold}} 20\\ {{resources}} 23\\ {{recpoints}} 23 | {{:abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ Size when Sailing: 2\\ {{:abilities:bad_formation_fighter.png?15&nolink}} [[Bad Formation Fighter]] (-2)\\ {{:abilities:berserker.png?15&nolink}} [[Berserk when Blessed]] (1) | Differs from its Kourete cousin in several ways; it is //not// [[amphibious]] nor a [[magic being]] (so no requirement for magic leadership), has a lower berserk value, and have slightly higher prot. Otherwise, the same considerations apply. |
==== Heroes ====
Therodos has several enormously powerful heroes due to being the legacy of the Telkhines themselves.
^ Image ^ Unit Name ^ Special Attributes ^ Comments ^
| {{nations:ea:therodos:kabeiride.png?nolink}} | **??Axiocersa - Kabeiride??** | {{path>W2N3H1R15}}\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:awe.png?15&nolink}} [[Awe]] (+4)\\ {{:abilities:inspirational.png?15&nolink}} [[Inspirational]] (+1)\\ {{:abilities:sailing.png?15&nolink}} [[Sailing]] (Max size 2)\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?15&nolink}} [[Supply Bonus]] (+40)\\ {{:abilities:reduces_unrest.png?15&nolink}} [[Reduces Unrest]] (5/month)\\ {{:abilities:poor_amphibian.png?15&nolink}} [[Poor Amphibian]]\\ {{:abilities:magic_being.png?15&nolink}} [[Magic Being]]\\ {{:abilities:recuperation.png?15&nolink}} [[Recuperation]]\\ [[Female]] | |
| {{nations:ea:therodos:telkhine.png}} | **??Dexithea - Telkhine#2878??**\\ Minimum hero arrival turn: 25 | {{path>A5W4E3N3H3R35}}\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_cold.png?15&nolink}} [[Cold Resistance]] (5)\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?15&nolink}} [[Poison Resistance]] (20)\\ {{:abilities:resist_shock.png?15&nolink}} [[Shock Resistance]] (22)\\ {{:abilities:healer.png?15&nolink}} [[Healer]] (2)\\ {{:abilities:fear.png?15&nolink}} [[Fear]] (5)\\ {{:abilities:sailing.png?15&nolink}} [[Sailing]] (Max size 4)\\ Pathboost: +1{{misc:magic:air.png?14&nolink}} +1{{misc:magic:water.png?14&nolink}}\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?15&nolink}} [[Supply Bonus]] (30)\\ {{:abilities:shapechanger.png?15&nolink}} [[Shapechanger]] ⇔ ??Dexithea - Telkhine#2877?? \\ {{:abilities:master_smith.png?15&nolink}} [[Master Smith]] (1) (second shape only)\\ {{:abilities:amphibious.png?15&nolink}} [[Amphibious]]\\ [[Female]] | |
| {{nations:ea:therodos:telkhine.png}} | **??Lysagora - Telkhine#2880??**\\ Minimum hero arrival turn: 25 | {{path>A4W4E3D2N2H2R35}}\\ {{:abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]]\\ {{:abilities:resist_cold.png?15&nolink}} [[Cold Resistance]] (5)\\ {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?15&nolink}} [[Poison Resistance]] (15)\\ {{:abilities:resist_shock.png?15&nolink}} [[Shock Resistance]] (20)\\ {{:abilities:healer.png?15&nolink}} [[Healer]] (1)\\ {{:abilities:fear.png?15&nolink}} [[Fear]] (7)\\ {{:abilities:sailing.png?15&nolink}} [[Sailing]] (Max size 4)\\ Pathboost: +1{{misc:magic:air.png?14&nolink}} +1{{misc:magic:water.png?14&nolink}}\\ {{:abilities:supply_bonus.png?15&nolink}} [[Supply Bonus]] (20)\\ {{:abilities:shapechanger.png?15&nolink}} [[Shapechanger]] ⇔ ??Lysagora - Telkhine#2879?? \\ {{:abilities:master_smith.png?15&nolink}} [[Master Smith]] (1) (second shape only)\\ {{:abilities:amphibious.png?15&nolink}} [[Amphibious]]\\ [[Female]] | |
==== Freespawn ====
They all share these special attributes:
{{abilities:resist_cold.png?20&nolink}} [[Resist Cold]] (15) \\ {{abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink}} [[Resist Poison]] (25) \\ {{abilities:spirit_sight.png?20&nolink}} [[Spirit Sight]]
{{abilities:undead.png?20&nolink}} [[Undead]] \\ {{abilities:ethereal.png?20&nolink}} [[Ethereal]] \\ {{abilities:floating.png?20&nolink}} [[Floating]]
{{abilities:amphibious.png?20&nolink}} [[Amphibious]] \\ {{abilities:need_not_eat.png?20&nolink}} [[Need not Eat]] \\ {{abilities:salt_vulnerability.png?20&nolink}} [[Salt Vulnerability]] (1)
^ Image ^ Name ^ Additional Attributes ^ Comments ^
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_archer.png?nolink}} | **??Spectral Archer??** | | spectral Bow |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_peltast.png?nolink}} | **??Spectral Peltast??** | | spectral javelin |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_Hoplite.png?nolink}} | **??Spectral Hoplite??** | {{abilities:formation_fighter.png?15&nolink}} [[Formation Fighter]] (2) | |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_Kourete.png?nolink}} | **??Spectral Kourete??** | {{abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]] \\ {{abilities:bad_formation_fighter.png?15&nolink}} [[Bad Formation Fighter]] (2) \\ Berserk when Blessed | |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_commander.png?nolink}} | **??Spectral Commander??** | {{abilities:formation_fighter.png?15&nolink}} [[Formation Fighter]] (2) | |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:ephor.png?nolink}} | **??Ephor#2845??** | {{path>H1}}\\ {{abilities:sacred.png?15&nolink}} [[Sacred]] | May also be summoned with ??Call Ephor??. |
| {{:nations:ea:therodos:spectral_philosopher.png?nolink}} | **??Spectral Philosopher??** | {{path>R10}}\\ {{:abilities:philosopher.png?15&nolink}} [[Philosopher]] (2) | May also be summoned with ??Call Spectral Philosopher??. |
===Freespawn Mechanics===
//Freespawn mechanics courtesy of [[user:loggy:freespawn|Loggy's Freespawn Reverse Engineering Notes]].//
Therodos' freespawn is generated only in **forted provinces under Therodian dominion**. The number of freespawn attempts in an eligible province in a given turn is determined as follows:
==== Number of Freespawn Attempts ====
$\text{Freespawn Attempts} = \frac{\text{Candles}+\text{Death Scales}+\text{Random Number 0-2 Inclusive}}{3}$ \\ \\ $\text{Result rounds down. If freespawn attempts < 1, nothing happens.}$
In an eligible province with 5 candles and {{misc:scales:death.png?14&nolink}}3, 2-3 spawn attempts will occur per turn. With the maximum of 10 candles and {{misc:scales:death.png?14&nolink}}3, 4-5 spawn attempts will occur per turn instead.
For each spawn attempt:
* Overall, there is a 95% chance of generating units, with commanders spawning in only 5% of freespawn attempts.
* 42.2% exploding 1d4 ??Spectral Hoplite??s
* 21.1% exploding 1d4 ??Spectral Archer??s
* 21.1% exploding 1d4 ??Spectral Peltast??s
* 10.5% 1 ??Spectral Kourete??. If the province does not have a temple built in it, the Kourete is replaced with exploding 1d4 ??Spectral Hoplite??s.
* 2.50% 1 ??Spectral Commander??
* 1.25% 1 ??Ephor??
* 1.25% 1 ??Spectral Philosopher??
++++ Detailed Mechanics|
* first it checks to see if you have candles, if you don't it does nothing
* then it checks something else I don't understand, if you don't have that it does nothing
* then it checks for a fort in the province, if there isn't one it does nothing
* then it checks something else I don't understand, if you don't have that it does nothing
* then it does (candles + [random number 0-2 incl] + death scale)
* then it divides this number by 3 and rounds down
* if that number is less than 1, it does nothing
* This number is the number of spawn attempts.
For each spawn attempt:
* Pick a random number 0-8.
* If you rolled 8 and there is no temple in the province, set this to 0 instead.
* Roll another random number 0-99. If it is less than 5, set the previous number to a random number 0-3 + 10
* Spawn units based on the first number in this section:
* 0-3 incl: 1d4 exploding ??Spectral Hoplite??s
* 4 or 5: 1d4 exploding ??Spectral Archer??s
* 6 or 7: 1d4 exploding ??Spectral Peltast??s
* 8: 1 ??Spectral Kourete??
* 9: do nothing (note: this number cannot actually be generated given the function above)
* 10 or 11: 1 ??Spectral Commander??
* 12: 1 ??Ephor#2845??
* 13: 1 ??Spectral Philosopher??
++++
===== Magic =====
==== Magic Access ====
{{:misc:magic:nature.png?nolink}} {{:misc:magic:water.png?nolink}} {{:misc:magic:earth.png?nolink}} {{:misc:magic:air.png?nolink}} {{:misc:magic:fire.png?nolink}} {{:misc:magic:death.png?nolink}}
Despite its ghosts, Therodos is //not// a Death nation: Death is actually its rarest path. Therodos is also not a Communion nation, completely lacking Astral and Blood, so you should understand what you have available to you.
**Nature** is unusually strong with Therodos's ??Hekateride??s and their ??Melia?? daughters; all of your usable underwater Commanders have {{path>N1}}, while you can pay 2.375x the price for a guaranteed {{path>N3}} who might have {{path>N4}}. In my experience, hoping for that one-in-four chance in the short term is folly, but you'll //eventually// get one; unfortuantely, the nation doesn't start out with {{:misc:magic:naturegem.png?nolink}} income, and Nature is somewhat-limited without {{:misc:magic:naturegem.png?nolink}}, even at {{path>N4}} and //especially// with Undead troops. Assuming you go the Enchantment route and don't get absolutely screwed with site-searching, you can meme [[atlantis-ea|Atlantis]] and [[r-lyeh-ea|R'lyeh]] with ??Foul Vapors?? from even your {{path>N3}}'s, while your {{path>N4}}'s can (if you're also doing Construction for boosters) reap the benefits of **{{path>N6}}** with ??Gift of Health??. If you choose to go the Alteration route instead, you can apply ??Barkskin?? to your Protection-less Ghosts in vast quantities (??Mass Protection??, ??Wooden Warriors?? even without {{:misc:magic:naturegem.png?nolink}}), and you won't have to worry about the Vulnerability to Fire (if you stay underwater), unless Atlantis gets miffed enough to try using ??Boil??.
**Water** is a staple of all Underwater nations, and Therodos is no exception; however, Therodos has the weakest and least-efficient Water Magic of the five Underwater nations. Disregarding summons, its depth is tied with [[oceania-ea|Oceania's]] (though Therodos has better Water depth than Oceania on land), but its access is quite limited outside of its capital. ??Hekateride??s are the "big" casters once again here, all of them having {{path>W2}} and a quarter of them having {{path>W3}}. Unlike the major Underwater Water powers (Atlantis, R'lyeh, and [[pelagia-ea|Pelagia]]), Therodos can't exactly churn out ??Water Elemental#408??s to dominate the seas, since its ??Hekateride??s are slow-to-recruit and capital-only while its ??Melia??i don't consistently have even {{path>W1}}. Water has other underwater functions that you only need a mage or two for, however; Alteration has ??Wave Warriors?? and ??Prison of Sedna?? (as well as ??Liquid Body?? and ??Encase in Ice?? for amateurs), while Enchantment has ??Friendly Currents?? and ??Water Ward??. With Construction boosters, you can boost your Hekaterides to {{path>W4}}/**{{path>W5}}**.
**Earth** is the specialty of the ??Daktyl??oi, as well as your coastal mages. All of your dwarves have {{path>E2}}, and one-in-**five** of them have {{path>E3}}. Since all dwarves can make and wear ??Earth Boots??, you are guaranteed {{path>E3}} for at least them; only one-in-four of your coastal ??Kabeiros?? jerks will have {{path>E2}} innately, but that's not the end of the world. Typically, Earth's earliest power-boost comes from getting ??Legions of Steel?? in the Construction school; while you're encouraged to get deep into that school for your dwarves to have more shiny things to make, Legions of Steel is ineffective on your ghosts (who lack physical armor), and your earliest //useful// power-bump is actually in Enchantment via ??Strength of Giants??. Alteration (while it takes a little longer to bear fruit) is one of the best-known schools for Earth, and for good reason; ??Maws of the Earth??, ??Earth Gem Alchemy??, and ??Marble Warriors?? are all quite useful, especially ??Earth Gem Alchemy?? for making up for your laughbable income. You can even juice your **{{path>E4}}** dwarves ({{path>E3}}'s wearing boots) to cast ??Army of Gold?? or ??Army of Lead??.
**Air** is a ??Telkhine?? path, and not exactly a Daktyloi or Hekateride one, though all of your dwarves will have {{path>A1}} with a one-in-five chance of **{{path>A2}}**. This is //just below// what you need for forging Air boosters, unfortunately, but it adds some elemental variety to your magic. Atlantis's ??Iron Warriors?? won't like an ??Orb Lightning?? or two messing them up, for example. One-in-250 Daktyloi have {{path>A3}} and can (and should) craft the Air boosters.
**Fire** is a lot more limited than Air, since your dwarves aren't guaranteed a level (and since you start underwater). One-in-four ??Kabeiros?? guys will have **{{path>F1}}**, versus one-in-five of your ??Daktyl??oi. Fortunately, you can still hammer //other// underwater Barkskin-exploiters with ??Geyser??, you can convert {{:misc:magic:firegem.png?nolink}} directly into money with ??Distill Gold??, and your Fire-dwarves who wear Water-boosters can exploit the game's lack of Acid Resistance on land. Should you luck into a {{path>F1D1}} dwarf (these guys make up one-in-250 of the world's Daktyloi), you can (and probably //should//) craft a ??Skull of Fire?? or two, just so you can cast ??Phoenix Power?? in battle and ??Boil?? unsuspecting foes.
That leaves **Death**, which appears on one-in-five of your Daktyloi as a mere {{path>D1}}. Fortunately, your Daktyloi are Master Smiths and only //need// {{path>D1}}, since they can craft a ??Skull Staff?? to reach **{{path>D2}}**. Your Staff-wielding dwarves will provide everything you really need from the dark path: ??Wight??s and ??Bane??s from Conjuration, ??Enfeeble?? and ??Soul Vortex?? from Alteration, and the dreaded ??Horde of Skeletons?? from Enchantment.
If you want the extra paths from Telkhines (they deepen your access regardless of their {{path>100%FAWED}} random), your cheapest setup option is to spend 30 {{:misc:magic:airgem.png?nolink}} to empower a {{path>W3A1}} Hekateride up to {{path>W3A2}}, and then fill the missing Water levels with a ??Robe of the Sea?? and a ??Water Bracelet??.
By the way, Therodos has a virtually-unique opportunity to take advantage of the hidden paths on "Greek" summons; they possess both the prerequisite paths for ??Gift of Reason?? **and** the prerequisite paths for summoning ??Ker??es (both with boosters), allowing you to uncover **{{path>B1}}**, and uncovering **{{path>S1}}** from the ??Lampad??es is just an empowerment in Death (a mere 30 extra {{:misc:magic:deathgem.png?nolink}}) away. Granted, you're probably not going to find much use for Blood with your tainted tax base, while getting Astral this way is a bit of a novelty as well.
==== National Spells ====
**??Call Spectral Philosopher??** Conj0 {{path>D1}} for {{gems>11D}} ({{:nations:ea:therodos:Spectral_Philosopher.png?nolink}} ??Spectral Philosopher??x1). These ghostly commanders have no magic paths but a base {{:abilities:adept_researcher.png?20&nolink|}}research value of 10.
**??Call Ephor??** Conj0 {{path>D1}} for {{gems>7D}} ({{:nations:ea:therodos:ephor.png?nolink}} ??Ephor??x1). These ghostly priests can perform the Call Spectres action to yield more of Therodos' freespawn ghosts.
**??Summon Telkhine??** Conj8 {{path>W5A2}} for 69 {{gems>W}} ( {{:nations:ea:berytos:Telkhine.png?nolink}} ??Telkhine#2873?? {{:nations:ea:berytos:Telkhine_2.png?nolink}} ??Telkhine#2874??x1). Telkhines are very powerful magi with diverse paths, which can be difficult to obtain due to the spell's path requirement. A Hekateride that randoms {{:misc:magic:air.png?20&nolink|}} air still requires 1{{:misc:magic:air.png?20&nolink|}} and 2{{:misc:magic:water.png?20&nolink|}} to be able to cast the spell. The Telkhine is {{:abilities:amphibious.png?20&nolink|}} amphibious and has the {{:abilities:sailing.png?20&nolink|}} sailing ability, which can offer Therodos mobility across the coastlines they wish to control. Two features that represent the curse placed upon the Telkhine are their {{:abilities:reaper.png?20&nolink|}} reaper trait, which kills 5% of the population they are in each month, and the ??Telkhine Malediction?? spell that they automatically cast at the start of each battle. This spell behaves exactly like ??Foul Vapors??. As a mage, the Telkhine possesses baseline paths of {{path>F2W4A4E2D2,100%FWAED}}, which when the random path is applied, is usually the highest base value in any of those paths that Therodos can achieve, barring rare randoms and empowerment. Additionally, when it {{:abilities:shapechanger.png?20&nolink|}} shapechanges into its human form, it gains the {{:abilities:master_smith.png?20&nolink|}} master smith (1) ability, allowing it to forge items even one level higher than their paths (at the cost of -1{{:misc:magic:air.png?20&nolink|}} and -1{{:misc:magic:water.png?20&nolink|}}). This can open up many path boosters not previously accessible and allow Therodos to continue climbing in effective path levels. The human form also possesses hand slots that the demon shape does not, and a better leadership and morale value. The demon shape, meanwhile, emits a {{:abilities:fear.png?20&nolink|}} fear aura.
=== Regional Summons ===
**??Procession of the Underworld??** Conjuration 5, {{path>D3}} {{gems>13D}}, (summon 12x {{:nations:ea:arcoscephale:lampad.png?nolink}} ??Lampad??). is an unarmored torch-bearer of the underworld with limited {{:abilities:invulnerability.png?20&nolink|}} invulnerability, {{:abilities:recuperation.png?20&nolink|}} recuperation, and {{:abilities:patrol_bonus.png?20&nolink|}} patrol bonus. Their torch grants them an area of effect 1 attack that can also apply {{:abilities:decay.png?20&nolink|}} decay. While these are units, the spells ??Gift of Reason?? and ??Divine Name?? can make them into commanders, whereupon they become {{path>S1D2N1}} mages.
**??Summon Hound of Twilight??** Conjuration 5, {{path>E2D1}} {{gems>4E}}, (summon a {{:nations:ea:arcoscephale:hound_of_twilight.png?nolink}} ??Hound of Twilight??). is a ritual that summons a single large two-headed dog that has a snake for a tail, at the cost of 4{{gems>E}}. The ??Hound of Twilight?? has moderate protection but a fair amount of HP. Along with its {{:abilities:patrol_bonus.png?20&nolink|}} patrol bonus, the hound has in-combat uses by providing a {{:abilities:fear.png?20&nolink|}} fear aura and resisting poison. It has three attacks: two hound bites which deal extra paralyzing damage to undead, and a strongly poisonous snake tail bite.
**??Bind Keres??** Conjuration 6, {{path>D2}} {{gems>12D}}, (summon 3x {{:nations:ea:arcoscephale:ker.png?nolink}} ??Ker??). are {{:abilities:demon.png?20&nolink|}} demons that have a slew of abilities to their name, being {{:abilities:ethereal.png?20&nolink|}} ethereal, {{:abilities:flying.png?20&nolink|}} flying, {{:abilities:invisible.png?20&nolink|}} invisible, and causing {{:abilities:fear.png?20&nolink|}} fear, to name a few of their advantages. Conversely they come with mediocre HP and protection that is only slightly mitigated by a decent defense score. When targeted by ??Gift of Reason?? or ??Divine Name??, they become {{path>D1B1}} mages, which can allow a nation with {{:misc:magic:death.png?20&nolink|}} death access and either {{:misc:magic:nature.png?20&nolink|}} or {{:misc:magic:astral.png?20&nolink|}} for the afore-mentioned spells to break into {{:misc:magic:blood.png?20&nolink|}} blood.
**??Sow Dragon Teeth??** Enchantment 6, {{path>E2}} {{gems>1E}}, (summon 10x {{:nations:ea:arcoscephale:spartae.png?nolink}} ??Spartae?? during Combat). has qualities in common with longdead, such as {{:abilities:resist_pierce.png?20&nolink|}} pierce resistance, {{:abilities:poor_amphibian.png?20&nolink|}} poor amphibian, {{:abilities:inanimate.png?20&nolink|}} inanimate, {{:abilities:resist_cold.png?20&nolink|}} cold resistance and {{:abilities:resist_poison.png?20&nolink|}} poison resistance, and {{:abilities:spirit_sight.png?20&nolink|}} spirit sight. However, the Spartoi are not undead but {{:abilities:magic_being.png?20&nolink|}} magic beings. Well-armored and armed with magic spears, they can prove sturdy line holders with their {{:abilities:formation_fighter.png?20&nolink|}} formation fighter trait.
**??Forge Brass Bull??** Construction 7, {{path>F3E3}} {{gems>30F}}, (summon a {{:nations:ea:arcoscephale:khalkotauros.png?nolink}} ??Khalkotauros??). It is a tough {{:abilities:trample.png?20&nolink|}} trampling unit with a minimum of 15 in all resistances, as well as all physical resistances, and fairly high protection. Despite all these strong points, its price tag, required research level, and its average Magic Resistance score are prices to weigh carefully when thinking of fielding these. Of note besides the basic attributes, the bull is {{:abilities:inanimate.png?20&nolink|}} inanimate and thus has an encumbrance score of 0, meaning that it does not accrue fatigue while trampling or attacking. It also has a {{:abilities:heat_aura.png?20&nolink|}} heat aura and a fire breath weapon that can respectively fatigue and damage enemies not resistant to fire.
====Notable Generic Magic====
//Discuss the top few generic spells that most increase a nation's combat power or synergize with national strategies. These will generally be early-to-mid game spells since individual spells matter much more during those periods of the game. Some examples are ??Foul Vapors?? for [[c-tis-ma | MA C'tis]], ??Horde of Skeletons?? + ??Sabbath Master??/??Sabbath Slave?? for the [[niefelheim-ea | Niefelheim]] line of nations, ??Mother Oak?? for the [[pangaea | Pangaeas]], ??Wailing Winds?? access, etc. For broader advice on magic use, consider linking to [[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2023973143 | Not-Lola's Basic Magic Use Guide]].//
//This is also a good place to point out notable magic weaknesses, such as a lack of nature access making a nation vulnerable to Foul Vapors.//
====Magic Items====
Therodos' Daktyloi have broad but shallow magic path access. With the {{:abilities:master_smith.png?15&nolink|}} Master Smith trait, they add one effective level to each magic path for the purposes of crafting. This allows potential access to several magic path boosters, or other desired items. Notably, all Daktyloi have at least {{path>E2}} which allows reliable access to Dwarven Hammers. The nation's coastal recruitment magi, the Kabeiroi, have even more shallow path access, but have the {{:abilities:forge_bonus.png?15&nolink|}} Forge Bonus (1) trait, which reduces the gem cost of anything they make by 1. Paired with Dwarven hammers, this can reduce the cost of items that can be made with the Kabeiroi's paths by 3 gems. Path boosting items can increase the variety of items that these magi can make.
Crafting in {{:misc:magic:nature.png?15&nolink|}}Nature and some of its crosspaths is also possible via the Hekaterides.
=====Strategy=====
====Power Curve====
//This is probably the most difficult section to get consensus for. Describe how strong the nation is during expansion, the early, mid and late game, and what makes it strong/weak at each of those points. This should give readers an idea of where the weaknesses of a nation lie (if they have not been shown already) and when to take advantage of a nation's strengths.//
====Expansion Strategies====
//List some example expansion strategies here. If a strong bless or pretender is required then leave the specifics for the pretender section.//
====Example Pretender Builds====
//List some example pretender builds. Try to use the following format to keep authorship and pretender design rationale clear.//
=====See More=====
youtube of someone discussing the nation \\
guide page on steam??\\
forum thread or AAR
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