Age of Wonders 4, which has been on my wishlist for a while, is currently on sale on the PlayStation store, so I finally took the plunge.
My first impression is that it’s basically Fantasy–Civilization. And, much like, Civilization I’m finding that it has less of a learning curve and more of a learning running-straight-into-a-brick-wall. That being said, I’m finding it fairly straightforward to just type “Age of Wonders 4 How I do [X]?” to get a grasp on things…
The biggest difference I’ve identified between Age of Wonders and Civilization is that your faction’s leader is actually a playable in-game unit, rather than just an abstraction and avatar of your faction as a whole.
The way I’ve learned to help myself ease into games like this is set up a game where I’m on a team with multiple allies against a single opponent, so I have a bit of a cushion – and somebody to heroically hit behind.
And, since that current team is basically three hot witch-queens, I was inspired to have a scene of Tenebella and three witch-queens.
All of which is to say, I guess Ereth from The Sword’s 2010 Science Fantasy concept alum Warp Riders isn’t the only one about to meet Three Witches…
And let me just quickly note that header image isn’t a good representation of the three witches in question, but I was in a bit of a hurry puttingg this post together.
© J.B. Norman — Published by Emona Literary Services™
“Daughter,” says Rhadamanthus the Grim from beneath a crown of iron and behind a mask of obsidian.
“Father,” replies Tenebella.
“As the heir to Castle Ansangaar and command of the Ansangaarian hordes, it is my utmost concern that you develop your arcane talents to their fullest potential,” Rhadamanthus says.
“Naturally,” Tenebella answers.
“And,” Rhadamanthus continues, “as a… ahem Girl-Dad, it is also my concern that you grow up learning that as a strong, independent woman, you are capable of achieving anything you put your mind.”
Tenebella stares quizzically at her father.
“As such, while it has been my privilege and pride to be your mentor and your teacher in the arts of both spellcraft and statecraft, I am not unaware that you may benefit from having several female role models and mentors in your life.”
He pauses, perhaps for dramatic effect…
“Thus, I have enrolled you in the Pan-Realmgardian Program for the Mentorship of Young Women of Magical Inclinations,” Rhadamanthus saays.
Tenebella’s jaw drops.
“You got me into the P.R.P.f.t.M.oY.W.o.M.I?” she exclaims. “The P.R.P.f.t.M.oY.W.o.M.I? Thank you, Father!”
If only, Tenebella reflects, the abbreviation weren’t so clumsy…
Rhadamanthus blushes behind his mask, coughs bashfully into his elbow and feels a warm sense of pride he has not felt since he single-handedly slew the Sevenfold Dragon-Beast of Mount Eptaschimatikos.
“I want only the best for you, Daughter.”
He clears his throat and regains his usual regal, imposing bearing.
“You shall personally receive the mentorship of Photia the Flashing Flame, Ebul the Winter Chill, and the Pallia Shadow-Shroud. They will teach you everything you may need to know both about growing in your magic skills, and in making your way in a man’s world. They await you in the tower.”
“Thank you, Father!” Tenebella cries.
She hugs her father and then goes racing off for the tower.
Photia the Flashing Flame, Ebul the Winter Chill, and the Pallia Shadow-Shroud are three of the most powerful magic users to emerge in Realmgard since at least the end of the Fourth Thaumatic Age – and even then, the three of them are at least equal to many of the ancient mages.
Learning the elemental magic of Fire, Ice, and Shadow from three such undeniable mistresses of the magic arts has Tenebella positively giddy. Under their tutelage, Tenebella feels like she could usher in a Fifth Thaumatic Age in Realmgard!
“Be careful on the tower steps, m’lady!” Captain Ratsumies calls after. “For they are steep and treacherous!”
Tenebella bursts into the tower and stands before the three powerful sorceresses.
“I am here!” she declares, panting and doubled over from her run up to the tower. “Teach me!”
“Hmm,” the red-haired, red-eyed, bronze-skinned woman who could only be Photia the Flashing Flame says thoughtfully. “She’s shorter than I expected.”
“And younger,” the one dressed in an ermine coat says. “Are you sure she’s even old enough for the mentorship program.”
The pale woman in night-dark clothes shrugs. “Well, Rhaddy is giving us unrestricted access to his library and his treasure trove. For that, I’m willing to make an exception or two.”
Once again, stand by for more Realmgard every day in June.
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