In an attempt to empirically value the Elemental Demons (i.e., Frost Fiend, Storm Demon, Demon Knight, and Devil), I created an Arco mod that gives it Blood magic. Specifically, it changes the Mystic to a Blood-2 Element-2, with the Element chosen randomly. I also switched the Priestess's Nature pick to Blood (to give a relatively cheap Blood hunter).
The results were quite gratifying. Due to still having Astrologers (see below), I researched to Construction-4 (for the SDR), then Conjuration-5 (for Acashic), and then blitzed Blood. I was quite lucky in that I had a Library in each of two adjoining provinces, but by turn 20 certainly, I was producing one of each type of Elemental Demon per turn, and generally seeing a slight increase in Blood Slaves on top of that.
For balance's sake, I really do think that the Astrologer and Heart Companion should be removed (basically, lose the Tower). Perhaps they should receive 1 of each type of Elemental gem, plus a Blood slave each turn. That puts them QUITE close to Mictlan, and CERTAINLY better troops, but they lose access to both Astral and Nature magic. I'll have to do more tests.
Another issue is that they have no way to innately increase their Blood magic (meaning, no national level-3 Blood mage, nor chance of one). If they choose to use their Pretender for this (as I did), Arco has a VERY poor selection of Pretenders to use for Blood magic.
Finally, an issue about the Prince of Death. I think, with the changes to the VQ, that the PoD is going to emerge as a new contender for her crown. While he's neither ethereal nor immortal, he has twice the base hit points, a much better Fear effect, a good base protection, a much less base cost (100 points goes a long way), and no superfluous magic (I've never heard of anyone using a SC VQ for her Blood magic).
Anyway, just some thoughts. If anyone is interested in the mod, please LMK.
Scott
[ June 11, 2004, 18:41: Message edited by: Bayushi Tasogare ]
PoD vs. VQ vs. Liches (was: Blood Arco mod)
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