Master of Magic/Main screen

This page describes the game's main game screen, the function of each part and the menu items found there. The Main game screen is divided into the main map screen, the top menu button and the right side info panel. Please refer to the images below.

Main Map Screen
This is where you view your empire and move your troops. The main map screen shows a section of the total world man and you can recenter the screen by right clicking anywhere. Right clicking on a unit or unit stack (up to 9 units in the same map square) will select it and allow you to give orders, such as move, patrol (hold position) or build (if a settler or engineer). Right clicking on a city will take you to the city screen.

Info Panel
The info panel gives you information about your empire. At the top is the minimap. Clicking anywhere on the minimap will recenter your main map screen to that location. Below the minimap is your treasury and mana bank, which tell you how much gold and mana you have currently available. The next thee boxes tell you your gold income, food surplus and mana production, respectively. At the bottom is the next turn button.

Unit Orders
If a unit is selected, the income sections and next turn button will be replaced with a stack info and unit orders section. The units in the active stack will be displayed on the right. Here you can select units for orders. Only selected units will follow the orders given. A selected unit will have a coloured border. If you're having trouble selecting a unit, check if the unit has finished its turn, either by using all its movement or by giving it the order "done". A unit which has ended its turn cannot be selected until the next turn. The only exception is if the unit has standing order (e.g. move to position X). In such a case, you can cancel the orders, even if the unit has already moved. The "build" order can only be given to settlers or engineers, who will then build outposts or roads, respectively.

Up to nine units can be stacked in the same square. Stack information also includes health bars, remaining movement and type of movement (walking, flying, etc.)

Menu Buttons
The menu buttons give you access to various functions and information.

Game
Clicking this button allows you to save and load games, as well as quitting to the start screen.

Spells
This button brings up your spell book, allowing you to view the spells you have available and select one for casting. If you are currently casting a spell, it also shows how much mana is yet required for the spell to finish.

Armies
This button brings up your army view screen. Here you may view the armies you have, where they are located and how much you pay in upkeep for them. You can also view your heroes and, by clicking the Items button, transfer items between them.

Cities
This button gives you a list of your cities and displays information on them, such as where they are located and what they are producing. Clicking on any city will take you to its city screen.

Magic
The Magic screen has two functions: First, it allows you to alter how you distribute your power as well as giving you information on your wizard's skill level and what spells you are currently casting. Second, it functions as a diplomacy screen, showing any rival wizards you have contact with, what spells they are casting (if you know), their diplomatic status and what enchantments are in effect. By clicking a rival wizard's portrait, you may talk to them, negotiating treaties or exchanging spells.

Info
The Info button opens a drop down menu, allowing you to choose from several options. These options can also be selected by pressing the relevant Function keys (F1 to F9).


 * Surveyor - Gives information on terrain
 * Cartographer - Shows you a map of the whole world, as you know it, including position and ownership of cities.
 * Apprentice - Shows you your spell book; what spells you have and which you can research.
 * Historian - Shows a graph charting the relative power of each wizard over the span of the game.
 * Astrologer - Shows a comparison of the Army Strength, magic Power and Spell Research of each wizard.
 * Chancellor - Brings up all messages from the start of this turn, so you can review them again.
 * Tax Collector - Allows you to set the tax rate for your cities.
 * Grand Vizier - A Governor function, which lets the computer control what your cities build.
 * Mirror - Gives you information on yourself, such as spell books, abilities, fame and heroes.

Plane
This button shifts your view from one plane to the other. If a unit is selected when you click this button, the unit is shifted to the other plane, if it's possible for it to do so.