"Your way to the mainland is blocked by the Archipelago fo the Ancients, a series of four large islands, each held by a different lord. The opposition must all be subdued, and they are better led this time. Boats are a necessity- use them wisely."
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Map size: medium Win condition: defeat all opposition Defeat condition: be defeated |
Knight location: South island Barbarian location: West island Sorceress location: North island Warlock location: West island |
This map has a standard goal of defeating everyone else; don't let it happen to you! There are four large islands surrounding a small island with a Dragon city on it. There's a stone lith on each large island, connecting them together. However, they are a little out of the way, but you can still make use of them; the alternative is going by boat, which takes more time. Be aware that each time you step into a stone lith, it sends you randomly to one of the other three liths elsewhere. You may need to exit and reenter multiple times before you get to where you're going.
One key to this map is that everybody starts with their own island, with more than enough resources to fully build up their castles. Additionally, there are two extra towns on each island, and they always match the starting castle on each island. Use this to your advantage, to bolster your own troops with those from other castles. Because this map is, at the beginning, a search for resources, you will do most of your fighting later.
Here's a dirty little trick you can use. If you don't want enemy heroes coming through the stone lith onto your island, send another extra hero through the lith first. Keep sending that hero through until he winds up back on your island. Don't move him from the lith space, just leave him there. This effectively prevents enemy heroes from using the stone lith to reach your island.
Another important tip: if you're not the Warlock, eliminate him as soon as you possibly can. The reason for this is that the map can take a while to beat, and that's all the Warlock needs to bring Dragons into the picture. Therefore, beat him quickly, and you won't have to worry about dealing with them. Another broader piece of advice if you're playing the Knight or Barbarian, work on removing the Sorceresses and Warlocks first; once they gain their 6th level troops and spells from completed mage guilds, they will dominate the map.
"The Archipelago of the Ancients has been subdued and added to your domain. On the horizon lies a vast, unexplored-and hostile-continent."