Dominions 3: The Awakening/Nations/Pythium



Pythium exists as a splinter empire of Ermor only in the Middle Era, after the fall of the New Faith and before the coming of the Ashen Empire. Some signs of the earlier Sauromatian tribes remain. Pythium was the very first nation designed for Dominions, and was viewed as a benchmark for what constitutes a strong, well-rounded nation. In Dominions II, Pythium was a highly regarded nation, with numerous strong points and few weaknesses. In Dominions 3, Pythium has been weakened by the increased cost of buildings and the old age mechanic.

National features
Pythium is a human nation loosely modelled on the Byzantine Empire. The mainstay of its military is heavy infantry, mostly equipped with tower shields and javelins. The only long range missile troops used are decidely inferior slingers. It has access to gladiators and battle vestals, both somewhat useful vareties of light infantry. Horses are not used, but lizard-riding cavalry is available. Finally, it can recruit terrifying, regenerating, poison-spewing hydras.

Pythium's basic commanders include the basic centurion, the much better legatis legionis and the emerald lord. There is a commander version of the serpent cavalry, the serpent lord. Assassins can be recruited. Poison immune hydra tamers are available, although not particularly useful.

Mage-priests provide the backbone of Pythium's magical forces. The theurg is an extremely cost effective mage-priest, with 2 astral, 1 water, 1 air and 2 holy for only 150 gold. The arch theurg is an extremely potent high-level caster, with 3 astral, 2 air, 1 water, 1 random and 3 holy, although at 380 gold, they are expensive. The theurg acolyte and the battle deacon are weak and probably not worth buying.

One of Pythium's main selling points is its ability to recruit theurg communicants, a cheap sacred commander that automatically casts the communion slave spell, lending their power to anyone casting communion master.

Units

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Commanders

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National Summons

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