User Guide

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The Etherlords program group will be created in the Start menu of your computer. It includes links to
launch the Etherlords game, read the “Readme” file containing the latest game information, to uninstall
the program, and to visit Etherlords online (www.etherlords.com).
Uninstalling the game
To uninstall the game, choose Uninstall from the Etherlords program group in the Start menu.
Launching the game
After installation, start the game either by clicking on the Start button in the Autorun program menu or
by choosing the Etherlords program link from the Windows Start menu.
Game Rules – Basic Gameplay
This section describes main rules of the game pertaining to the campaign storyline and individual
missions. Duel mode and Multiplayer games are described later in separate chapters.
Etherlords gameplay is divided into a strategic mode and a tactical (combat) mode. The strategic mode
unfolds on the Territory Map whereas the tactical mode is played out on a separate Combat Screen. In
both modes, gameplay is turn-based.
The Territory Map:
Each mission opens with a brief description of your goals. You are then transferred to the Territory
map. The strategic part of the game occurs on this adventure screen, including exploring the terrain,
gathering resources, capturing structures, and shopping for spells and runes you’ll need for combat.
After giving orders to your heroes, you end your turn by clicking the hourglass icon in the lower right-
hand corner of the screen.
Each game turn on the Territory map corresponds to one day. During a single turn, you can hire new
heroes and make or dissolve alliances with other races. Through the use of special global spells, you
can erect forts, attack enemy castles, defend your own castle, and challenge enemies in direct combat.
Enemies are also displayed on the Territory map. Enemies can either be heroes controlled by a
competing race or neutral monsters living in the territory. Monsters usually guard access to various
resources. When your hero enters combat, a warning sounds and you enter the Combat Screen.
The Combat Screen:
The tactical part of the game consists of “one-on-one” combat with your hero fighting an enemy in the
battle arena. The two main combatants have no direct contact; instead, they cast various spells and
summon creatures to do the actual fighting.
During a combat round, each side takes turns casting spells, managing resources, and defending against
attacks. At the beginning of its attack phase, each side receives a random selection of spells from its
Spellbook. The characters then selects and casts spells, either to summon creatures, weaken the
enemy, or strengthen their own side. Summoned creatures are sent to attack the enemy spellcaster,
who attempts to block the attack with his own creatures during his defense phase. Combatants
alternate attack and defense phases until one or both sides have been destroyed.