Day one: my priest sets to explore and, surprise, sitting in the open right nearby is a nice shiny shield! A good omen.

We are finding lots of production resources to speed construction of our town. A powerful group of infidels nearby could be a problem.

A day spent picking up nearby resources. A tower allows us a better view.

A new hero has joined us today. The infidels are fleeing our lands, and now we are obliged to chase them. Unfortunately they are leading us away from the targets we were interested in.

Another day consolidating available resources. A small city comes into view, and we send troops in that direction to investigate.

Sorry, I need a resend.

Managed to defeat the infidels. The reward wasn't great, but they led us to a human outpost.

Our cause is just, and the dwarf town joins our empire!

The humans joined us, and told us of neighbours to the east.

Our hero... already lost... this bodes ill

Conquered a Tigran village and started exploring the desert.

A short battle, and the windmill is ours.

Continuing to explore.

Exploration continues.

Got a look around from a tower. Nothing terribly exciting within view.

Mana from heaven!

More exploration.

Again, exploration.

Discovered a new village but can't afford to hire them.

A day spent consolidating our forces for battle with a minor threat.

Discovered two new settlements today, as well as an opposing wizard.

Victory, and the resources are ours.

Hired one settlement today. The other we may have to take by force.

A pitched battle with some losses, but the rewards--new and unusual troops--lessens the pain.

Exploring today.

A hero offers his services, but, as badly needed as he is, our low coffers force us to decline.

Our emmissary was attacked and killed, so we are now unable to negotiate for a nearby village. Sending our army instead.

Finally, with enough gold to hire the elven hero, an emissary reaches him and persuades him to join our cause.

Exploring enemy territory today.

More exploring, moving into more dangerous territory now.

A group of low level independents somehow killed a hero and a powerful escort today. Elsewhere, we have decided to get a good look at our enemy's territory.

Gathering my hero with some companions so that he is less vulnerable than his predecessor.

We have recruited some units in far off lands, giving us a foothold in enemy territory.

Aha--an enemy approaches.

Recruited a new outpost today and spotted another.

btw, have you registered yourself on the Wizard's Ladder yet?

Ah... believe I have done that... will check. Thanks for the reminder.

Yes, have done.

Did you send a new turn since my last post above? Haven't received it yet.

For some reason, even though we have neutral relations with the Archons and I have the Peacekeeper skill, our Archon hero rebelled against us. He was not willing to return to our service and we were forced to slay him to recover our wand.