Dungeon Faction's Evolution in Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era

The Dungeon faction, often referred to as the Warlocks' faction, has consistently captured the hearts of fans in the Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era. Our initial foray into the continent of Jadame unveiled creatures intrinsically linked to the Dungeon faction, each possessing their own unique domains. This allowed developers to construct a faction that is both steeped in tradition and brimming with fresh concepts.

Image: steampowered.com

If we were to encapsulate the essence of the Dungeon faction throughout the series in just two words, "power" and "outcasts" would be apt. Returning to the world of Enroth gives us the opportunity to redefine these formidable warlocks, drawing inspiration from the rich lore of Jadame, particularly through Might and Magic VIII: The Alvaric Pact, which reimagines the Dungeon faction.

Creatures once viewed as mere monsters now form alliances with red-skinned dark elves, who have been historically marginalized due to their pragmatic approaches. Together, they bolster their strength through diplomacy, trade, and strategic pacts—a marked departure from the faction's earlier iterations.

Across the Heroes series, the presence of skilled warlocks and commanding leaders has been a constant feature of playable cities. Each game has portrayed them in unique ways:

• In Heroes I and Heroes II, the servants of Lord Alamar and King Archibald pursued power, rallying like-minded creatures beneath their banners.
• In Heroes III, Nighon's warlords adhered to the principle that strength justifies dominance, ruling from subterranean tunnels and harboring ambitions of conquering Antagarich.
• In Heroes IV, chaotic sorcerers and thieves thrived in Axeoth's swamps, rallying rogues to stake their claim in the emerging world.
• In parts five through seven, Ashan's dark elves allied with the Dragon-Goddess Malassa and the underworld, crafting a narrative rich in intrigue.