User Guide

INTRODUCTION
Excerpt from "The Encyclopedia Historica" by Isaec Norton
THE HISTORY OF CHEDIAN
The history of Chedian is rough at best, especially prior to the Great
Cataclysm. Its original settlers were the Half–Orcs, who did not keep
many records because most of their traditions were oral. Unfortunately,
after the Great Cataclysm, most of their oral traditions were forgotten.
With the introduction of new races, much has changed.
A Brief Note About Time
Time is measured in years After Cataclysm (AC) or years Before
Cataclysm (BC), which is the number of years before or since Verhoffin
cast the spell that destroyed the old Ursanian Empire.
Dia Clan Era (
~
500–0 BC)
An Ursanian Empire expeditionary force first discovered Cheh’dian
around 500 BC. There are a few brief records from this time
documenting some skirmishes with a group of Half–Orcs in a northerly
region known as Chadianne. Presumably, this was a misspelling of the
Half–Orcish word "Cheh’dian" meaning "Land of the Dia Clan". This
misspelling took, however, and evolved to the name we know today as
Chedian. Sadly, the traditions and histories of the Chedian Half–Orc
settlers have been lost in time due to the deaths of the storytellers in the
Great Cataclysm.
The Great Cataclysm (0 BC)
Before 0 BC, Rysh, the continent Chedian lies upon, was a very
different place. The Ursanian Empire’s hold on the continent was
nearly complete. Their area of influence was large, and their
ambitions larger. During this period in the Ursanian Empire, its
emperors were plagued by suspicion and mistrust. Immediately prior to
200 BC, in a remote province near the centre of the Ursanian Empire,
a previously unknown sorcerer appeared and constructed a large tower.
He used the name Verhoffin, and claimed the tower as a sovereign
province independent of the Ursanian Empire. Emperor Ralfor and his
successors mounted several unsuccessful campaigns against Verhoffin.
Introduction ✦ 12
WHAT’S NEW ABOUT MIGHT
AND MAGIC IX
Might and Magic veterans are going to immediately notice the amazing
improvements and innovative features in this new installment of the
award–winning series.
• For the first time ever, players will be presented with a breathtaking truly
3D environment. Might and Magic IX utilises a brand new 3D engine,
completely immersing you in the most realistic Might and Magic
world yet!
• The new conversation system in Might and Magic IX causes the
conversations to adjust to events that you have taken part in. NPCs
now react accordingly, and the storyline evolves as your party
progresses.
• While the new engine is 3D, players should not try to just blaze
through the game as if it were a first–person shooter. This is because,
while there are fewer enemies and wandering creatures than before,
they are now much smarter. Moreover, this time they know you’re
coming and they won’t let you just run by. What's the secret to
making a difference? Remember, Turn–based Combat was invented
for a reason, and in Might and Magic IX, it has a purpose.
• Players are going to enjoy the all–new spellcasting system, which uses
spells much like other skills. In previous versions, spells belonged to
one specific spell school. Now, casting a Heal spell requires an
Elemental skill and Light skill. All magic users can learn the basics of
healing. Only the higher level Light Masters and Grandmasters are
the ones who wield it with the best results.
11 ✦ What’s New
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