Pythium speculation
 

Since Pythium is my favorite nation I wonder how does it make the transition to dom-III.

In dominions II pythium is described as a splinter nation of Ermor, and that the split happened before the catastrophe that had hit Ermor. Also in dominions II there is an additional pythium theme - "serpent cult", supposedly created after the fall of Ermor.

It would seem likely that, if the two current themes are relatively unchanged, either pythium will not exist in the first era or that there will be a new "theme" for it. In addition it seems likely that base pythium will be available at the mid era and serpent cult at the late era.

So...
Will pythium exist in the first era?
Will the current "themes" be changed?
How would they map wrt to the eras?
Will the backgrouns story regarding Ermor and Pythium be expanded/adapted for Dom-III?

Re: Pythium speculation
 

I thought it was mentioned in a dev diary that a new nation of Sauromatia replaces Pythium in Early era.
Oh, I think it was also mentioned when one of the devs answered a "What's your favourite nation?" thread. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif That was evil, EVIL I say. It's a good thing they are so good at making games that we don't care.

Besides that, I think you already answered those question. Of course, if you are fond of their combination of mages, those kind of combinations might be found in other nations. Access to easy Communion, good Astral and some Elemental magic shouldn't be that hard to come by.

Re: Pythium speculation
 

I got a gut feeling Saurotomania will be a lot like Serpent Cult Pythium.

Re: Pythium speculation
 

Saurotomania. LOL. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Its SAUROMATIA. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Re: Pythium speculation
 

Gah, these words are so hard. ;O;

Re: Pythium speculation
 

I bet it will have T-Rexes! I'm not entirely sure which geological time period corresponds to "early", but if Illwinter wants to nab the crucial 5-year-old male niche, they'd better go Jurrasic.

Re: Pythium speculation
 

Illwinter will also get Chrono Trigger credibility for that.

Re: Pythium speculation
 

Thanks for coming with the answer.

BTW, which other nations have easy access to communion?

Re: Pythium speculation
 

As easy as Pythium? None. However, all Arcoscephalian mages have Astral, R'lyeh has Star Children (the assasins), anyone who has found independent Shamans has access to 110 gp communion slaves, arguably Marignon (F2S1 Witch Hunters, but with S2 being the highest they are vulnerable to Magic Duel). Abysia has 150gp Warlock Apprentices, but you usually don't want to recruit one over Warlocks, both being limited to the same province.

I'm not sure if Tien Chi Masters of the Way have S1?1 H2 or W1?1 H2, but if they have Astral, that's one.
Iron Woods Jotunheim has Vaetti Hags. They have sorcery random, so one of S, D, N or B. The S ones are good slaves, B ones can hunt for virgins, N ones summon Vinemen, D ones can Reanimate and lead those undead giants. They are very cheap, so even with only 1/4 being communion slave, you probably have enough for communion.

Re: Pythium speculation
 

Anyone wondering what might happen with Ermor as well? Given the new "New Faith" Ermor, where does Ashen Empire and Soul Gate fit in? I know pop-killing themes are unpopular, but they are so different in style that it would be a shame if they were cut. Plus, I'd like to see more use of Unholy mages, so maybe their themes "leak" into other nations....