Greetings, wizards,

a small hot fix has been released:

• FIX Crash resulting from units stacked one on top of the other during a battle, which in turn was a result of battle map data cached by request from invisible unit before walls were setup (it allowed units to plan a path through walls, but stopping before entering them, in some cases one on top of one another)
  
• FIX Crash when targeting enchantments of other wizards in case that wizard was not encountered yet (ie to dispel world enchantment of an unknown wizard)

Thank you

Greetings, wizards!


Please see the patch notes below for the details:

Legend:
FIX - Fixed an issue. MOD - Modified

MOD Tweak to some roaming armies allowing them to join endangered towns in some cases
MOD Improvements to AI behaviour forbidding it to send armies to POIs (points of interest that are not war related) without considering current danger to the town that army is to be taken from (These should address the AI ‘runaway issue’ reported by players)

FIX Lag resulting from screen refresh calls linked to Build Queue (Town screen and/or Build Queue Popup)
FIX Lag resulting from screen refresh calls on Spell Casting screen
FIX Negative Gold rewards when taking/razing cities
FIX Issue with generic event references not being cleared between runs (i.e. new game/load game) resulting in them being reevaluated possibly multiple times at the end of the turn for no reason and/or incompatibility issues if some runs used DLC while others did not.
FIX Rare crash resulting from adventures unable to handle "No Lairs" setting
FIX Festivities event corrected
FIX Meteor Storm spell error corrected

Thank you

Greetings, wizards!

We are pleased to announce a new update. Please see the patch notes below for the details:

• Diplomacy/AI - improvements to both diplomacy and general AI behaviours
  
• Visual improvements to water combat - rafts for units without swim
  
• Breakdown of a town's production incomes
  
• Ability to queue items that require prerequisites (in construction manager)
  
• UI button to show resource icons on map

The AI Improvements include:

- Changes to AI ability to traverse water including fixes to transport settlers targeting oversea locations
- Treaty evaluation improved and relying on relationship as gain from the treaty is beneficial regardless of the situation
- Visual Feedback within treaty requests helping the player decide when they are ready to ask for the Treaty
- Visual Feedback within conversation after diplomatic actions resulted in relationship change.
- Visual Feedback within diplomatic trade to the relationship as a result of a trade and changes to the trade evaluation. Including Fear and Relationship influencing trade acceptance, and potential of an acceptance of a tribute or unfavourable trade.
- Changes to city defences, towns should have sensible armies defence appropriate to AIs current production ability.
- Fixed AI danger rank estimation for towns which used incorrect scale and was either in peace mode or panic mode without ability to manage intermediate stages
- Fixed AI relationship change on one side only, which could result on later override from the other side and loss of data (negative or positive change that was initially applied)
- Changes to an AI war trigger level opening more space for diplomatic efforts (Note, Master AI will still be extremely aggressive from the start, but you will be able to bribe them for a while).
- Changes to an AI treaty offer levels opening more space for player initiative (Ai is willing to accept treaty earlier, but have smaller chance to offer treaty on their own)
- Visual improvements to show the current status of a relationship with the AI. Those include a relationship metre in trade window and visual aids on the diplomacy screen (glowing eyes, text coloured to match the eyes)
- Making the Spell of Mastery more attractive for the AI to cast and research
- Improved AI city defences
- Improved AI’s ability to manage their units

General fixes and improvements:
FIX Defeated wizards no longer own nodes they melded (nodes turn neutral)
FIX Black Channelling cannot be cast on Chaos Channelled units
FIX Difficulty settings not being correctly loaded between games (this should also fix the problem with town distance being 4 even if the player changed it to 5 in a new game)
FIX Wasteful frame end call from doomstack which fails to happen in some cases (minimal performance tweak in late games)
FIX Ruins spawned after cities destroyed by neutral groups showed a location marker but shouldn't
FIX Trait enchantments on captured towns, after taking town enchantments from seamaster or power for people is delated.
FIX AI trying to dispel worthless targets - AI do not try to dispel non battle enchantments any more
FIX Tweak battle HUD death animation
FIX Death units in battle won't update MPs anymore
FIX Death units under mind control effect won't change side anymore
FIX Miners Guild no longer mines fish and the such...
FIX Landing armies unable to do that directly on target
FIX A crash when switching pages on race selection screen, if there was more than 1 page of races present
FIX Sorting units to be build in cities using their estimated power instead of the cost (ie to avoid building armies of settlers or engineers which happened in some cases)
FIX Road path building to avoid water bodies
FIX Crash when AI was trying to estimate the best craftable defender but the city had no defenders available to build

MOD AI characters more in line with their database definitions (less randomization)

Thank you

Master of Magic enthusiasts,

Brace yourselves for a magical double whammy as we unleash not only the highly anticipated Scourge of the Sea DLC but also a fantastic free update that promises to elevate your gaming experience to unprecedented heights.

Scourge of the Seas - Unleash the Depths:

Dive into an enchanting adventure with new races, wizards, and heroes, exploring the mystical seas of Arcanus. The Scourgers, once fearsome orcs turned spectral pirates, are ready to bring mayhem and conquest to your gameplay. Discover new lands, face monstrous bosses, and harness the power of the sea with unique buildings and units.

Buy Now:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2689110/Master_of_Magic_Scourge_of_the_Seas/

And That's Not All! A completely free upgrade will be coming alongside the DLC:

In conjunction with the DLC, a complimentary update will be released.

It will include:

• Engaging water combat visuals - rafts for units without swim
  
• Breakdown of a town's production incomes
  
• In construction manager, Ability to queue items that require prerequisites
  
• UI button to show resource icons on map
  
• Diplomatic and AI improvements such as:

1. Improved AI city defenses and how to manage units
   
2. Spell of Mastery will be more attractive for AI to use
   
3. Implement visual feedback within treaty requests and conversations after diplomatic actions. Also, integrate diplomatic trade into the relationship, reflecting the impact of a trade and changes to the trade evaluation. Furthermore, consider Fear and Relationship as factors influencing trade acceptance, affecting the potential acceptance of a tribute or an unfavorable trade. Added visual improvements to depict the current status of a relationship with the AI.
   
4. Fixed AI town danger rank estimation scale even in peace or panic mode issues and AI relationship changes to prevent unilateral overrides and data loss.
   
5. A Few Changes to AI: traverse water including fixes to transport settlers targeting oversea locations; now towns should have sensible armies defense appropriate to AIs current production ability. AI will be open for more diplomatic efforts and less war trigger
   
6. Improving Treaty evaluation and relying on relationship as gain from the treaty is beneficial regardless of the situation

Don’t miss it! DasTactic will be playing the game on SlitherineTV Twitch Channel Today at 4:30 PM UK time.

The scale of the improvements that we have done to implement and create the new DLC for the game means that older save games will no longer work.

But don’t worry, there is a solution!

You can use the legacy Steam Branch to play those save games. To access the legacy branch, right click Master of Magic in your steam library list, select Properties, then select Betas. In the Beta Participation section, choose "legacy - v1.06.45' in the drop down menu. This will install the legacy build that will allow you to continue with your save games.



To celebrate the launch, the entire Master of Magic saga is now on sale at a discount of up to 50% off from until February 12th
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1623070/Master_of_Magic/

As the Supreme Hive Queen, her destiny takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her latent magical abilities and sets her sights on becoming a formidable Wizard.

Xar’xla's reign over millions of klackons was already written in the stars, but her magical potential elevated her destiny to new heights. Fueled by the power of the master hive, Xar’xla embarked on a daring quest to join the ranks of the supreme Wizards in the great contest.

We are one, so shall you be when we are victoriousAs the source of Xar’xla's strength, the master hive empowers her magical endeavors, making her a force to be reckoned with. The hive's influence extends far and wide, aiding Xar’xla in her quest for magical supremacy.

Xar’xla's vision transcends traditional rule; she aspires to gather other arcane users as her royal hive. With the conviction that unity will lead to victory, she seeks to bring fellow Wizards under her command, forming a collective force that will shape the fate of the magical realms.

Xar’xla views resistance to her rule as a mere nuisance, a minor inconvenience on her path to domination. The hive mind she commands ensures unwavering loyalty from her klackon subjects, leaving little room for those who dare oppose her.

This chilling proclamation from Queen Xar’xla encapsulates her unwavering determination and the unity she envisions. As she rises to power, she brings forth a vision of a collective triumph where individuality fades in the face of a greater, shared destiny.

Queen Xar’xla, the Supreme Hive Queen, introduces a unique blend of hive governance and magical ambition to the Master of Magic universe. Her journey from hive ruler to arcane sovereign adds a new layer of complexity to the great contest. As she seeks to unite arcane users under her banner, players will navigate a path filled with mystical challenges, loyalty tests, and the inexorable march towards a shared destiny. Brace yourselves for the rise of Queen Xar’xla, a force that transcends the boundaries of traditional rulership and magical prowess in Master of Magic: Scourge of the Sea.

Traits:
Hive Master: establishes a link with the klackon collective, enhancing efficiency and providing game-changing bonuses. Additionally, this trait enables the Wizard to commence the game with the hero Ph’ym The Philomath.

Books:
Death
Nature

In the mystical realms of Master of Magic, Queen Xar’xla's indomitable spirit and magical prowess shall shape an era where the boundaries of tradition and power are redefined. Embrace the impending rise of a force that will forever alter the destiny of the enchanted realms.

Master of Magic: Scourge of the Seas is coming on February 8th:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2689110/Master_of_Magic_Scourge_of_the_Seas/

A completely free upgrade will be coming alongside the DLC

This update features enhanced water combat visuals, the addition of rafts for non-swimming units, a breakdown of a town's production incomes, the ability to queue items with prerequisites in the construction manager, a UI button for displaying resource icons on the map, and various improvements to diplomatic and AI aspects.


The scale of the improvements that we have done to implement and create the new DLC for the game means that older save games will no longer work.

But don’t worry, there is a solution!

You can use the legacy Steam Branch to play those save games. To access the legacy branch, right click Master of Magic in your steam library list, select Properties, then select Betas. In the Beta Participation section, choose "legacy - v1.06.45' in the drop down menu. This will install the legacy build that will allow you to continue with your save games.

Attention all Master of Magic players!

The new update and DLC for the game arriving on the 8th of February offers an exciting range of important improvements to the base game. Due to the scale of the improvements, old game saves will sadly NOT work.

If you do not want to start a new game when the update hits, you can either block the update until you are ready, or follow the steps below.

You can use the legacy Steam Branch to play those save games. To access the legacy branch, right click Master of Magic in your steam library list, select Properties, then select Betas. In the Beta Participation section, choose "legacy - v1.08.27' in the drop down menu.

This will install the legacy build that will allow you to continue with your save games.

Thank you for your attention

Brace yourselves for a tidal wave of excitement as we introduce three sensational heroes in the latest expansion Master of Magic: Scourge of the Seas. Each hero is a legend in their own right, bringing a surge of individuality, power, and a touch of mischief to the magical realm.

Ph’ym the Philomath - The Hive's Rebel Caster

Meet Ph’ym, the klackon caster hero on a mission to prove that individuality doesn't equate to weakness. Once a loyal hive member, Ph’ym's pursuit of wisdom transformed him into an extraordinary individual. Recognizing his strength and resolve, his queen granted him freedom, acknowledging the hive's growth through unique experiences. While he still prefers serving his queen, Ph’ym is open to aiding any Wizard willing to expand his horizons.

Big Berta - The Cannon-Wielding Wraith-Orc Captain

Enter Big Berta, the mighty wraith-orc pirate captain with a penchant for cannon balls and a cursed gift. A hefty orc woman with unmatched strength, she embraces the wraith-orc curse, enhancing her power. Renowned for commanding numerous ship crews, she's now a sought-after mercenary in search of challenges and fun. Big Berta sails under any Wizard's flag, as long as the pay is good and the adventure promises excitement.

Slithers the Sea Scourge - The Lizardman Wave Warrior

Behold Slithers, the dual-wielding lizardman warrior trained to hunt sea-fearing foes. Mounted on a creature enchanted by ancient oceanic magic, she carries her entire army onto water, earning her the title of Sea Scourge. With a mission to chase down pirates and vanquish all who oppose her, Slithers becomes a loyal mercenary for Wizards she deems worthy or those who meet her fee.

Master of Magic: Scourge of the Seas is coming on February 8th:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2689110/Master_of_Magic_Scourge_of_the_Seas/




A completely free upgrade will be coming alongside the DLC

This update features enhanced water combat visuals, the addition of rafts for non-swimming units, a breakdown of a town's production incomes, the ability to queue items with prerequisites in the construction manager, a UI button for displaying resource icons on the map, and various improvements to diplomatic and AI aspects.

In his youth, Gayn served as a seasoned mercenary on numerous ships, battling the perils of the seas alongside his trusted friend, Horatio, a gnoll officer. Their bond grew stronger as they faced the horrors of a cursed pirate attack together. However, destiny had different plans for them, leading them down the path of becoming powerful Wizards.

A new and formidable character emerges, ready to conquer the seas and defend against the forces that threaten the aquatic realms

When faced with the true threat of the Wizards, Gayn realized that mere mortal efforts were not enough to protect the seas.He elevated himself to a new level of power, determined to be the guardian the waters needed. The friendship forged in the face of adversity with Horatio remains a crucial part of Gayn's journey. However, as both claim the mantle of Wizard, they are faced with the possibility of becoming adversaries. Gayn, guided by the ways of nature and the sea, accepts the inevitability that the strongest will rise to the top.

Traits:

Gayn comes with unique traits that make him a force to be reckoned with on the seas:

Sea Master: The trait bestows additional movement points to all units under Gayn's command capable of swimming, and he can build an experienced fleet of ships at a discount. Navigating the vast oceans becomes a breeze, making conquering the seas a true adventure.

Sea Hunter: Gayn provides significant bonuses to his troops during water-based combat. When at sea, his entire army gains the ability to swim, and their battle attributes are heightened, turning Gayn into a fearsome adversary on the waves.

Books:
Death
Nature

Gayn's love for the seas goes beyond mere protection—he relishes the thrill of hunting pirates and dangerous sea creatures. His title of Sea Hunter is well-earned, as he prowls the oceans, ensuring that any threat to the aquatic realms is swiftly dealt with.

Gayn, the Sea Hunter, adds a new dimension to the Master of Magic universe, bringing a unique blend of adventure, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of protecting the seas.
Prepare to dive deep into the heart of the seas with Gayn, the guardian of the aquatic realms.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2689110/Master_of_Magic_Scourge_of_the_Seas/


A completely free upgrade will be coming alongside the DLC

This update features enhanced water combat visuals, the addition of rafts for non-swimming units, a breakdown of a town's production incomes, the ability to queue items with prerequisites in the construction manager, a UI button for displaying resource icons on the map, and various improvements to diplomatic and AI aspects.

Horatio's tale begins on the turbulent seas, where he served as a soldier on a ship alongside his steadfast companion, Gayn. Their dreams of becoming sea mercenaries were shattered when a malevolent Wizard led cursed pirates to attack their vessel. Despite their superior fleet, the Wizard's dark magic turned their crew into undead minions, leaving Horatio and Gayn as the sole survivors.

Horatio's journey from a disciplined soldier to a powerful Wizard unfolds in the mystical realms of Life and Chaos.Swearing an oath to rise above the darkness that claimed their comrades, the two brothers in arms embarked on a quest to master the arcane. Though aware that their paths might one day diverge, they forged ahead, determined to become Wizards and claim the title of the Master of Magic. Their shared purpose led them to relentlessly hunt down pirates and sea monsters, cleansing the seas of chaos.

Horatio's realization that the games played by other Wizards left him at a disadvantage fueled his pursuit of high magic. As he claimed mastery over the seas, he ascended to the rank of the Sea Tamer. His disciplined background as a soldier blended seamlessly with his newfound magical prowess, shaping him into a master tactician on both land and sea.

Magic and Traits

Traits:

Tactician: allowing him to command his troops with unparalleled efficiency. This strategic advantage provides extra movement points in combat, offering a significant edge against slower adversaries. Horatio's ability to outmaneuver his foes makes him a formidable force on the battlefield. Horatio also always catches his enemies off guard, ensuring that he initiates every battle. This advantage is especially potent for a Wizard leading a strong, ranged army. Horatio's ability to control the flow of battle from the outset makes him a cunning and unpredictable adversary.

Sea Master: Horatio's influence extends beyond the land, as he bestows additional movement points on all units capable of swimming, and he can build an experienced fleet of ships at a discount, solidifying his reputation as a true master of the seas.

Books:
Life
Chaos

Sir Horatio, the Sea Tamer, stands as a testament to the fusion of military precision and magical mastery. His journey from a humble soldier to a formidable Wizard is a captivating tale of resilience and determination.

As he strives to prove that his discipline and training will elevate him to the rank of Master, players can embark on their own adventures with Horatio, shaping the destiny of the realms in the ongoing saga of Master of Magic: Scourge of the Sea.


Wishlist now:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2689110/Master_of_Magic_Scourge_of_the_Seas/



In conjunction with the DLC, a complimentary update will be released.

It will include:

• Engaging water combat visuals - rafts for units without swim
  
• Breakdown of a town's production incomes
  
• In construction manager, Ability to queue items that require prerequisites
  
• UI button to show resource icons on map
  
• Diplomatic and AI improvements such as:

1. Improved AI city defenses and how to manage units
   
2. Spell of Mastery will be more attractive for AI to use
   
3. Implement visual feedback within treaty requests and conversations after diplomatic actions. Also, integrate diplomatic trade into the relationship, reflecting the impact of a trade and changes to the trade evaluation. Furthermore, consider Fear and Relationship as factors influencing trade acceptance, affecting the potential acceptance of a tribute or an unfavorable trade. Added visual improvements to depict the current status of a relationship with the AI.
   
4. Fixed AI town danger rank estimation scale even in peace or panic mode issues and AI relationship changes to prevent unilateral overrides and data loss.
   
5. A Few Changes to AI: traverse water including fixes to transport settlers targeting oversea locations; now towns should have sensible armies defense appropriate to AIs current production ability. AI will be open for more diplomatic efforts and less war trigger
   
6. Improving Treaty evaluation and relying on relationship as gain from the treaty is beneficial regardless of the situation

Furthermore, general fixes and improvements have been implemented.