Dungeon in Olden Era is presented as the Alvar Pact: an alliance of red-skinned dark elves and creatures often considered monsters. The developers describe Dungeon in two words — power and outcasts. In Jadame, this theme is expressed through diplomacy, trade influence, and military treaties. Dungeon is one of three familiar Factions (along with Temple and Necropolis), governed by the Triumvirate of Alvar. Each unit of the faction has two types of attack, and the faction emphasizes stealth and versatility. Source: Devlog #8.
Faction Skill
Triumvirate's Strength is a unique skill for Dungeon heroes. Once per round, a hero can activate one of three Expert Stances in battle; these provide bonuses to various characteristics for the entire round. At the start of a new round, the stance can be changed. The skill is intended to give Dungeon heroes momentum in the early game against challenging opponents.
Creature Combat Styles
Dungeon creatures receive combat styles that function as abilities in battle. They provide significant effects to normal attacks but come with a cost, such as a damage penalty. The devlog provides examples: troglodytes can use Long Reach with a 50% damage penalty, and medusae can turn a ranged attack into AoE, which is potentially beneficial against grouped squads.
Why there are no Beholders/Evil Eyes
The developers explain the absence of Beholders/Evil Eyes through lore: according to Heroes III and Might and Magic VI-VII, they were created by Warlock Agar, who had not yet been born during the events of Olden Era. Their role as ranged fighters without a melee penalty is filled by dark elven Infiltrators and Dancers.
Origin of the Alvar Pact
The Pact is named after the city of Alvar, founded by dark elves as a refuge for outcasts who chose pragmatism, a sedentary lifestyle, trade, and magical paths that were considered dark among the First Elves. Over time, Alvar became one of the most important centers of political and cultural power in Jadame, and the Alvarian Merchant Guild trades goods and knowledge across almost the entire continent.
Three Sides of the Triumvirate
- Caspair Silvertongue — Patriarch, Spymaster of the Merchant Guild, and one of the leaders of the Pact, representing dark elves and the Merchant Guild.
- Amelchia — Dragonqueen from Garrote Gorge, ruling several Stygianscales dragon flights.
- Balthazar the Second — Herdmaster of the Ravage Roaming minotaurs and heir to the founder of Balthazar Lair.
Winter Armistice
According to a lore letter, the Alvar Pact and Merchant Guild recently achieved the signing of the Winter Armistice. It was proposed by the Triumvirate; the agreement halted military actions between several major powers on the continent and opened the way to resolving the current crisis.