The Ark
 

Does anyone know exactly what The Ark effect does?

I used it for the first time and it seemed like it affected some of the units on the battlefield each time but that friendly sacreds was immune. The enemies sacreds seemed to be affected but I'm not sure. It also seemed like there might be a MR-check.

Affected units got diseased or blinded. Possibly getting other afflictions as well? Is there any damage or fatigue as well?

The Ark also claim to spread dominion. Is it an ordinary temple check?

Re: The Ark
 

All sacreds are immune (enemy + own).

The Afflictions are blind and disease, no others seen. In addition it can also does damage (no fatigue).

It spread dominions. I think its like 2-4 possible (possible because it depends on you starting dominion) templechecks. I'm not 100% sure about the number of TCs but not above 4 and not below 2.

Re: The Ark
 

Hmmm. Does the Shroud protect you?

Re: The Ark
 

No, with shroud you're blessed but still not sacred.

Re: The Ark
 

calmon:

Nope, you are wrong. Shroud is enough. You can get an SC, put shroud on him and carry Ark safely. Also other commanders with Ark will be safe.
And afaik only your sacred/blessed troops are immune, enemy sacreds should suffer [and description tells you that].

Re: The Ark
 

Right Zeldor, enemy sacred troops are affected by the ark. I just did a short test.

But shroud really doesn't help. I'm not 100% sure the ark bearer is always protected but an ark bearer + another commander (low MR to test) and shroud will end up by his death sooner or later. I did some quick tests to check.

The text from shroud says: "The wearer is always blessed, even if he is not sacred". It doesn't says that it give sacred status to a unit!

Re: The Ark
 

So there is a MR-check?

Really enemy sacreds and shroud of the battle saints bearers are affected? Seems quite unthematic to me. I love the item but I thought it had those thematically nice limits. Well, thanks for clarifying it :)

Re: The Ark
 

calmon:

I have used shroud wearing guys with Ark many many many times in MP and they have been in many veeery long battles and didn't get affected even once, so I am 99% certain that shroud is working.

Re: The Ark
 

Zeldor i did a test with a normal commander + ark + shroud and he was blinded very fast. So it doesn't help.

Maybe you put the ark on commanders with a high MR which should help but you always risk the ark afflictions/damage.

Re: The Ark
 

Ark? Only MR/eyeless and looks like it doesn`t work on lifeless beings (mechanical men, iron dragons etc.), but it needs check
I think, Ark is more useful like some kind of mobile hidden powerful priest. Combo "stealthy priest + holy sword + Ark + some kind of deadly enchantment" works very good :D

Re: The Ark
 

Mmh, I think something like that is too expensive and worthy to be put just on a random stealthy priest who risks to be spotted just by a high PD and killed. :D I think some Artifact able to attack an entire enemy army at once should really stay on big battlefields :) Just my opinion of course

Re: The Ark
 

calmon:

Hmm... good to know then. I guess I was really lucky then, or it is mr negates easily, as I never had any insane MR on my Ark carriers.

Re: The Ark
 

Tifone, and what I must do when I play Ernor, Oni or smth like that? I cannot use Ark correctly - looks like it damages all undead/demons on battlefield
My way - cast Dark Skies or another evil enchantment, and send spy or assasin (with good equipment like winged shoes and combat order "retreat") deep in enemy territory

Re: The Ark
 

A spy discovered in enemy territory and retreating AFAIK he dies very often, not being able to reach a friendly province. So you could use a spy like this near friendly provinces but it would look like a waste to me, you could just raise a temple nearby ^_^ For the "deep in enemy territory" part, AFAIK the effect of Dark Skies happens just in your dominion.

The Ermor/Oni point I don't understand ^_^ Having a large army of udneads and demons isn't the most probable thing to happen with many nations... and if the Ark damages your troops, it's obviously a wrong occasion to use it - like everything else in the game, you use this item and tactic in the right moment and occasion. If my armies are just undeads and demons, I wouldn't even bother forging the Ark if not to keep my enemies hands away from it ^_^

Re: The Ark
 

And what about AI Agr tactics not to buy PD? Even Mighty and Impy buy more, than 50 points very rarely (right word?) - and for assurance of success I can scan path of my scout/stealthy preacher with Astral Window spell or Orb