I'm currently releasing the first playable version of Age of Strife into the world. As I'm doing this I thought it would be a good idea to provide a little bit of further information what the current download contains and what I'm planning for the future.
Changes from BFME:
The primary change in Age of Strife are the factions, none of the original factions are present and instead players can choose from several new ones, there are currently two, Kelreich and Suvia, but more will be added later.
There are also a few minor new gameplay features, the most obvious of which being the Army Focus system, whereupon a player may choose from several different army focuses depending on their faction, each with slightly different advantages and a different primary hero.
Later on there will also be new maps designed with the Age of Strife world specifically in mind, as it is the existing maps have been updated to have map creeps from the Age of Strife world rather than the Lord of the Rings world.
Currently Playable Factions:
Kelreich:
Formed from smaller warring provinces that were eventually unified under the banner of the people of Kel, Kelreich is the largest single empire in the Age of Strife world, though each of its constituent provinces remain easily distinguishable. The people of Kelreich are diverse, as are their beliefs and ideals, they are however united in the desire to protect their kingdom from any and all aggressors.
In game terms Kelreich can achieve unrivaled production and can get significantly stronger defences than most factions, they also have a variety of infantry to choose from but are more limited in other areas, having only one cavalry option, one siege weapon and monsters available only through the spell book.
Suvia:
Suvia is unique in that its people refuse to worship any of the four major gods, Mantyer, Benir, Karaza and Marthol. They believe in relying on their own ingenuity, courage and determination rather than begging the gods, an approach which has led them to produce some of the worlds most accomplished warriors and magicians and driven them to become the most technologically advanced empire in Age of Strife.
In game terms Suvia is an elite army, its units are more expensive but generally better than other similar units. The army is also flexible, depending on their army focus a Suvian player can choose from a good range of units of all kinds, particularly when it comes to monsters thanks to the golem foundry.
Future Updates:
I'm uncertain of the exact timeframe for the next update, as I am going to be working on some other things as well. Should I receive feedback about any notable problems with the mod then I will try to release a fixed version of the mod quickly, if such problems do not arise then the next update will be to add the next faction, The Order of Mantyer, religious zealots in the service of the god of order.
