Age of Wonders Shadow Magic

[Sir Slash]

Hey Bob48. I'm doing the 3rd Elf mission now after taking a little break from the game. I had a hell of a time with mission 2 as well. If it's the one I think, with the river to the left of the starting city, I kept moving down the river securing the area south of it before reaching the bridge across it. If you hold the bridge, then the orcs can't cross the river to attack you. After cleaning-up below the river, I moved across and to the left is the first orc city. After I built a large force, about 4 full 8-unit armies, the orcs abandoned the city and fled north. They later abandoned all their cities, only finally standing at the last one. Use fast units or flying units to scout enemy territory and grab resources, the orcs will have to send units to recapture them, weakening their cities defense. Also remember you can Raze a resource if you can't hold it to keep the enemy from regaining it. After the orcs, start looking for the Dwarves to the nort. They'll ally with you. Elves can build the Secret Glade that hides your cities from enemies.

[bob48]

Thanks Sir Slash, I'll give that a try. Its been driving me mad  ;)

[bob48]

You were spot on with your advice, Sir Slash. I did it that way and have just finished turn 80 and most of the map is mine.

Thank You! :)

[Sir Slash]

Great Bob. Those damned orcs are tough. The big finale is in the Spirit World. No need to go there until last.

[bob48]

Citys and mines rebuilt, a heathy bank balance, loads of troops and just  a couple of small pockets of resistance to finish off - then I assume its those big Dwarven Doors to the bad place?

[Sir Slash]

That'd spoil the surprise. Way off to the north, above the Dwarf doors, is a Frostling city. They'll join you and have some excellent high-tier units.

[bob48]

Wonderful - I've got a few scout units covering that road until my main force moves up. Sounds like its going to be fun.

[FarAway Sooner]

Dryads (Nymphs?) and their "Seduce" ability is a great cure for the Lvl 2 Orc brawlers.  Nothing like having a L1 unit that can neutralize an L2 unit of the enemy.

If, that is, he doesn't make his Resistance roll...   ???

[Sir Slash]

Agree totally. Some of the orc units seduced by my nymphs stayed with me through the rest of the campaign. But some later turned back hostile and attacked my forces. Nymphs also are great for scouting using their ability to walk on or across water where enemy units can't reach them. In combat, the Druid's Entangle ability will work almost every time and they can also walk on water.

[bob48]

Keep the tips coming guys - I'm making notes  ;)