Another newbie with questions

[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by Vynd:
1) Can I capture provinces through dominion alone? In other words, if my rating gets high enough will they just join my nation?

No.

Or is military conquest the only way to take territory?

I've been told that wishing for "provinces" gives you a couple more. There are also a few nations (Ermor, Pangaea, maybe others) that can invade others' territories thru random events, but it's quite rare.

2) The manual says that Water mages can travel underwater, and take some troops with them. How do I determine how many a given Water mage can "carry"?

Hmm, IIRC it depends on the size of the units the mages bring with them. Something like 1 human-sized critter per level of water magic. Can't remember how much is needed for an elephant, probably 4 or 5.

3) How do I tell if a creature is Magic and requires a special commander? I'm playing as Pythium and I thought the Hydras might be magic until I tested it out.

There's a special icon for that (small fairy, just like undead beings have a skull icon). Try a game with R'lyeh and check the units in the recruitment screen.

4) How do I view and/or alter the victory conditions for a game?

View: hit escape in the main screen, pick 'View game settings'

Alter: you can't do that after the game has been created.