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from-life-comes-death [2020/11/12 19:59]
naaira [Default research path] 		from-life-comes-death [2021/04/18 15:42]
joste [2; LA Arco doesn't need help expanding - its elephants can handle that]
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 I'd argue that it easily does so, and lets LA Arco play fundamentally different to its earlier cousin. This argument comes from three provocative statements:  I'd argue that it easily does so, and lets LA Arco play fundamentally different to its earlier cousin. This argument comes from three provocative statements: 
-  - +
   - LA Arco is the best user of Nature gems in the Late Age.    - LA Arco is the best user of Nature gems in the Late Age. 
   - LA Arco loses nothing by rushing ??Mother Oak??.    - LA Arco loses nothing by rushing ??Mother Oak??. 
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 ==== 1; You may be thinking I'm crazy for thinking that Arco is better at using Nature gems than Pangaea. ==== ==== 1; You may be thinking I'm crazy for thinking that Arco is better at using Nature gems than Pangaea. ====
 **And you'd be right. ** \\ **And you'd be right. ** \\
-However Arco cheats. Arco has a 200g ??Panageis?? mage with a 'carcass collector' ability which is not mentioned in the Dom5 Mod Inspector. This ability lets the mage turn {{gems>3N}} into {{gems>3D}} a turn. This lets us reliably convert nature gems into the best gem type in the game, to power Death's amazing summons. More on this later.  +However, Arco cheats. Arco has a 200g ??Panageis?? mage with a {{abilities:carcass_collector.png?nolink}}'[[carcass collector]]' ability which is not mentioned in the Dom5 Mod Inspector. This ability lets the mage turn {{gems>3N}} into {{gems>3D}} a turn. This lets us reliably convert nature gems into the best gem type in the game, to power Death's amazing summons. More on this later. 
- +
--- +
 ==== 2; LA Arco doesn't need help expanding - its elephants can handle that ==== ==== 2; LA Arco doesn't need help expanding - its elephants can handle that ====
 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie-gLg65B4s) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie-gLg65B4s)
  
-However those elephants have low magic resistance and morale, which other players can exploit (with fear effects before you get key buffs, and ??Soul Slay??/??Paralyze?? a bit later). This means that relying solely on them to fight off early rushes is unwise, and there is a window of relative vulnerability before Arco's communions can cast the really powerful spells (Summon Elementals, Maws of the Earth, Soul Slay, etc). +However those elephants have low magic resistance and morale, which other players can exploit (with fear effects before you get key buffs, and ??Soul Slay??/??Paralyze?? a bit later). This means that relying solely on them to fight off early rushes is unwise, and there is a window of relative vulnerability before Arco's communions can cast the really powerful spells (Summon Elementals, ??Maws of the Earth??, Soul Slay, etc). 
  
 If we take a dormant SC pretender, we can cover this brief window of vulnerability before our communions are online.  If we take a dormant SC pretender, we can cover this brief window of vulnerability before our communions are online. 
-Similarly, Arco can be a bit dependent on its communions, since it lacks recruitable thugs and its troops can have trouble breaking through high protection. It does have a good end game strategy in communions, but more flexibility would be great (LA Arco lacks SCs, high level death, astral or blood access). So a pretender to cover that would be good. +Similarly, Arco can be a bit dependent on its communions, since it lacks recruitable thugs and its troops can have trouble breaking through high protection. It does have a good end game strategy in communions, but more flexibility would be great (LA Arco lacks SCs, high-level death, astral or blood access). So a pretender to cover that would be good. 
  
-One option to give Arco a second late game strategy is to take Death on the pretender. This lets us summon Bane Lords, Wights and Wraith Lords (immortal casters who can moonlight as thugs).+One option to give Arco a second late-game strategy is to take Death on the pretender. This lets us summon ??Bane Lord??s, ??Wight??s, and ??Wraith Lord??s ([[immortal]] casters who can moonlight as thugs).
  
-However we can do better than that. If we take {{path>D5}} on the pretender we can boost all the way up to {{path>D7}} with items, which lets us cast ??Tartarian Gate?? for {{gems>10D}}. This summons a ??Tartarian??. Tartarians are amazingly stated giants who would be top quality SCs/mages, apart from them being units and overwhelmed by afflictions. {{path>N4}} lets us cast ??Gift of Reason?? for {{gems>20N}} gems, which turns them into commanders. The next step is to cast the nature global ??Gift of Health??. Sadly our healers don't work on undead, though a Recuperation bless and ??Shroud of the Battle Saint?? would. ??Legion of Wights?? is also a solid use of death gems in the late game.+However, we can do better than that. If we take {{path>D5}} on the pretender we can boost all the way up to {{path>D7}} with items, which lets us cast ??Tartarian Gate?? for {{gems>10D}}. This summons a ??Tartarian??. Tartarians are amazingly stated giants who would be top quality SCs/mages, apart from them being units and overwhelmed by afflictions. {{path>N4}} lets us cast ??Gift of Reason?? for {{gems>20N}} gems, which turns them into commanders. The next step is to cast the nature global ??Gift of Health??. Sadly our healers don't work on undead, though a Recuperation bless and ??Shroud of the Battle Saint?? would. ??Legion of Wights?? is also a solid use of death gems in the late game.
  
-So if we take a dormant SC with {{path>D5}} and {{path>N4}}+, we cover our weaknesses in the early game and late game, and get access to usable thugs in the mid game. That dormant pretender can also cast ??Mother Oak??. A dormant ??Mother of Monsters?? (Dominion 5, {{path>D5N5B3}}) would let you take 4 scales. A ??Titan of Spring?? (Dom 5 {{path>D5N5}}) would let you take 6 scales. +So if we take a dormant SC with {{path>D5}} and {{path>N4}}+, we cover our weaknesses in the early game and late game, and get access to usable thugs in the mid-game. That dormant pretender can also cast ??Mother Oak??. A dormant ??Mother of Monsters?? (Dominion 5, {{path>D5N5B3}}) would let you take 4 scales. A ??Titan of the Spring?? (Dom 5 {{path>D5N5}}) would let you take 6 scales. 
  
 Suggested early research is Thaumaturgy 2 (Communions, ??Mind Burn??), Construction 2 (SC items), then Alt 5 (??Swarm??, ??Maws of the Earth??). Suggested early research is Thaumaturgy 2 (Communions, ??Mind Burn??), Construction 2 (SC items), then Alt 5 (??Swarm??, ??Maws of the Earth??).
  
-Interestingly, you can also cast Mother Oak without this pretender. Get a {{path>W1N1}} ??Sibyl??, add a ??Robe of the Sea?? and a ??Water Bracelet??, summon a ??Naiad??, then finally add a ??Moonvine Bracelet?? and ??Thistle mace??. However that needs Construction 6 and Conjuration 5. You'll get most of the {{gems>W}} gems for this from nation-specific events. Late game you can also funnel gems from Mother Oak into ??Well of Misery??, for more free gems. If people are willing to trade {{gems>N}} and {{gems>D}} gems 1:1, then your carcass collector ability is less useful. However it still gives flexibility and a backup. If nothing else, you can spend your time trading your other gems for Death gems. +Interestingly, you can also cast Mother Oak without this pretender. Get a {{path>W1N1}} ??Sibyl??, add a ??Robe of the Sea?? and a ??Water Bracelet??, summon a ??Naiad??, then finally add a ??Moonvine Bracelet?? and ??Thistle Mace??. However, that needs Construction 6 and Conjuration 5. You'll get most of the {{gems>W}} gems for this from nation-specific events. Late game you can also funnel gems from ??Mother Oak?? into ??Well of Misery??, for more free gems. If people are willing to trade {{gems>N}} and {{gems>D}} gems 1:1, then your carcass collector ability is less useful. However, it still gives flexibility and a backup. If nothing else, you can spend your time trading your other gems for Death gems.
- +
- --- +
 ==== 3; Nature gems are rare in the Late Age ==== ==== 3; Nature gems are rare in the Late Age ====
  
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 Arco can afford to send out several ??Orphic Mystic??s (100g, {{path>N1}} mages with other paths) early to site-search, since it doesn't need priests to lead sacreds and has good researchers. There are 6 nations which can send out better site-searchers, but only Pythium and Pangaea have significant default gem income and better site-searchers ( Pythium (265g, {{path>N2}}), Pangaea (255g, {{path>N3}}, slow to recruit)). FYI the other good site-searchers are Tien Chi (220g, {{path>N2}}), Gath (195g, {{path>N2}}), Mictlan (125g, {{path>N2}}) and Xibalba (145g, {{path>N2}}). There are several other nations which might race you to Mother Oak of course.  Arco can afford to send out several ??Orphic Mystic??s (100g, {{path>N1}} mages with other paths) early to site-search, since it doesn't need priests to lead sacreds and has good researchers. There are 6 nations which can send out better site-searchers, but only Pythium and Pangaea have significant default gem income and better site-searchers ( Pythium (265g, {{path>N2}}), Pangaea (255g, {{path>N3}}, slow to recruit)). FYI the other good site-searchers are Tien Chi (220g, {{path>N2}}), Gath (195g, {{path>N2}}), Mictlan (125g, {{path>N2}}) and Xibalba (145g, {{path>N2}}). There are several other nations which might race you to Mother Oak of course. 
  
 +
 +==== TLDR ==== 
 <WRAP box round> <WRAP box round>
-**TLDR**  
   * LA Arco is weak after enemies have elephant counters, and before it has working communions.    * LA Arco is weak after enemies have elephant counters, and before it has working communions. 
   * It would also like a bit more flexibility in the mid/late game.    * It would also like a bit more flexibility in the mid/late game. 
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-====== Suggested Pretender and Scales ======+===== Suggested Pretender and Scales =====
 <WRAP column half> <WRAP column half>
 <WRAP box round centeralign> <WRAP box round centeralign>
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-====== In game tactics ======+===== In game tactics =====
  
 We’ve seen a high level view of this strategy, but what about the details? We’ve seen a high level view of this strategy, but what about the details?
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-====== Default research path ======+===== Default research path =====
  
 Start with **Thaumaturgy 1** for your communions, then look at your neighbours. You may need to research a spell to counter a neighbour looking to rush you in the first year.  Start with **Thaumaturgy 1** for your communions, then look at your neighbours. You may need to research a spell to counter a neighbour looking to rush you in the first year. 
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 While they all have great options for you, rushing important research targets is key. You can always go back for ??Soul Slay?? or ??Mind Hunt??.  While they all have great options for you, rushing important research targets is key. You can always go back for ??Soul Slay?? or ??Mind Hunt??. 
  
-====== Appendix of Arco Tricks ======  +===== Appendix of Arco Tricks =====
  
-Point buffing (Alt4): Choose a solid basic troop, such as Heart Companions, Hoplites or Agema Companions. Mix with roughly 1 Mystic for every 4 ‘squares’ of your troops. Cast Body Ethereal on everything. Mix in Iron Warriors and any other buffs you have. Profit. 
  
 +**Point buffing (Alt4):** Choose a solid basic troop, such as Heart Companions, Hoplites or Agema Companions. Mix with roughly 1 Mystic for every 4 ‘squares’ of your troops. Cast Body Ethereal on everything. Mix in Iron Warriors and any other buffs you have. Profit.
  
-Elephant Surprise (Alt5 Thaum4): Hide a group of elephants a province or two away from your main army. Move them up when your enemy tries to start a fight. Buff the elephants with key buffs (Body Ethereal, Iron Warriors, Rage of the Cornered Rat) and charge. 
-Works very well if you can break into Air, for -ArmySize items and Gift of Flight. 
  
 +**Elephant Surprise (Alt5 Thaum4):** Hide a group of elephants a province or two away from your main army. Move them up when your enemy tries to start a fight. Buff the elephants with key buffs (Body Ethereal, Iron Warriors, Rage of the Cornered Rat) and charge. Works very well if you can break into Air, for -ArmySize items and Gift of Flight.
  
-Foul Vapor Traps (Ench5): Get an Orphic Mystic with N2W1 or N1W1S1 (Water Sybils work too). 
-Cast Foul Vapors and multiple Poison Wards to save your army. Watch as your enemy dies. 
  
 +**Foul Vapor Traps (Ench5):** Get an Orphic Mystic with {{path>N2W1}} or {{path>N1W1S1}} (Water Sybils work too). Cast Foul Vapors and multiple Poison Wards to save your army. Watch as your enemy dies.
  
-Mass army buffing (Alt7 Ench3 Const7): Marble Warriors. Mass Protection. Strength of Giants. Weapons of Sharpness. Legions of Steel. All spells with large AOEs, perfect for buffing your end-game armies. If you can break into air, Mass Flight is amazing. 
  
 +**Mass army buffing (Alt7 Ench3 Const7):** Marble Warriors. Mass Protection. Strength of Giants. Weapons of Sharpness. Legions of Steel. All spells with large AOEs, perfect for buffing your end-game armies. If you can break into air, Mass Flight is amazing.
  
-Elemental spam (Conj5): Slightly over half of your Mystics will have any particular elemental path. 
-See what types of armies your enemy is using, then bring out a communion full of the relevant mages to spam an elemental which counters it. (Spamming skellies? Throw out multiple fire elementals. Heavy infantry? Buffed earth elementals. Heavy thugs/SCs? Consider water elementals). 
  
 +**Elemental spam (Conj5):** Slightly over half of your Mystics will have any particular elemental path. See what types of armies your enemy is using, then bring out a communion full of the relevant mages to spam an elemental which counters it. (Spamming skellies? Throw out multiple fire elementals. Heavy infantry? Buffed earth elementals. Heavy thugs/SCs? Consider water elementals).
  
-Mind hunting (Evoc6 Thaum5 Const6): Get a Sibyl with S3. Add a Starshine Skullcap and a Neokoros. Spam remote soul-slays with no risk of permanent harm. This can be done at Const4 with a Crystal Coin if you are happy sending 30S gems on promoting a S1E2 Mystic to S2E2. 
  
 +**Mind hunting (Evoc6 Thaum5 Const6):** Get a Sibyl with {{path>S3}}. Add a ??Starshine Skullcap?? and a Neokoros. Spam remote Soul Slays with no risk of permanent harm. This can be done at Const4 with a ??Crystal Coin?? if you are happy spending {{gems>30S}} gems on promoting a {{path>S1E2}} Mystic to {{path>S2E2}}.
  
-Gem economy (Alt5 with pretender. Alt5 Conj5 Const6 without a pretender): Use Orphic Mystics early to site search for nature gems. Rush up the Alteration tree to Alt5, then cast Mother Oak with your pretender. Optionally, turn N gems into D gems with your Panagris mages (and consider Well of Misery in the end game). +**Gem economy (Alt5 with pretender. Alt5 Conj5 Const6 without a pretender):** Use Orphic Mystics early to site search for nature gems. Rush up the Alteration tree to Alt5, then cast Mother Oak with your pretender. Optionally, turn {{gems>N}} gems into {{gems>D}} gems with your Panagris mages (and consider Well of Misery in the end game). 
-Interestingly, you can also cast Mother Oak without a pretender. Get a 1W1N Sibyl, add a water robe and bracelet, summon a Naiad, then finally add a moonvine bracelet and thistle mace. However that needs Construction 6 and Conjuration 5+Interestingly, you can also cast Mother Oak without a pretender. Get a {{path>W1N1}} Sibyl, add a water robe and bracelet, summon a Naiad, then finally add a moonvine bracelet and thistle mace. However that needs Construction 6 and Conjuration 5
  
-Raiding methods: +**Raiding methods:** 
-Swarm casting Orphic Mystics. +  * Swarm casting Orphic Mystics. 
-2 Elemental casting Mystics. +  * 2 Elemental casting Mystics. 
-10 Hoplites.+  * 10 Hoplites.
  
 {{tag>Guides}} {{tag>Guides}}
from-life-comes-death.txt · Last modified: 2021/04/18 22:42 by joste

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