23.06.2011 Oelm (Blue, Swamp, Tazar, Tazar) def Tag (Red, Valeska, Valeska) 2SM4d(3), 136

It generated slow roads, which are usually more beneficial for Castle, but I decided to give it a try, especially since the starting army had full stacks and a developed 2nd level. 22 lizards straight to the gremlins, took the GG crypt, 4 heroes on dragonflies. Next turn, moved the army into the swamp to take the crypt, looking for wood along the way (out of a Wt side habit, I took the gold bonus :( m). Tazar ran around the pillar, as the army was searching for resources and gold. On day 114, I reached the adjacent grass respawn; Tazar was given Offense and offered water — I didn't refuse. It was already clear I'd build a primitive setup: Wyverns + Basilisks in the Stronghold + a Gnoll Hut. I took a Castle secondary hero; on day 117, I set up at the stables. Painted two external dwellings of Gnolls and one of Dragonflies with the horsies, but never found the wood mine.

On day 121, I bought a spell book — lucky break, got Bless, not bad at all. I headed through the pillar to break into the main area. The horsie scouted and spotted a native secondary hero off-road, along with a Dragon Utopia. I decided to go there with Tazar, since the army was too weak for treasure zone, and the path to the secondary went through two Naga Banks and a Hive. On day 122, I broke in — not enough gold for buying out; I took 105 regular Gnolls, 42 Lizards, 4 Wyverns, and Dragonflies. Checked — Naga Bank for 15. Took it, incidentally getting a morale boost from a full stack that for some reason preferred to kill a Wyvern, leaving the Gnolls intact. With the gold, I upgraded them and took another third-tier Naga Bank — easier now, didn't spend mana. That same turn, I entered the Hive and got 6 Wyverns. Meanwhile, the horsies with the Castle army were collecting chests and crypts on the grass. I fought my way to the secondary; along the way, a Dwarf Dwelling for 15. I brought up a group of Dragonflies and Grand Basilisks; with Tazar's Tactics and Expert Water, contact wasn't scary. I painted a Gorgon external dwelling and built them in my home town; by the end of the week, I finally reached the swamp secondary. Immediately built the Mage Guild and restored mana. Now I farm gold with everyone not busy in chains, and trade fully: 220 Gnolls. On day 132, I brought all the meat and upgraded units; Tazar took a Pandora's Box guarded by 100 Griffins — got 20 Basilisks, but no time left to upgrade them. On day 133, a third-tier Dragon Utopia fell, with losses of Basilisks; I got a Fire spell book, an Earth spell book, and a 4-4 Cap. Could have been better. Now I build the upgrade for the cows and head for the opponent.

On day 136, Tazar took the main Castle; after 7 heroes and Town Portal, I moved the entire army to the main swamp, where Valeska appeared, and with a horsie mage, I attacked — 200 Gnolls, 15 Gorgons, 10 Monarchs, 38 Lizards, and bees settled it.

Thanks.