SANCTUARY HEROES

"Akasha is the Commander of the sacred isle where the Mother Namtaru is held captive. He is married to Yume, high-priestess of Shalassa, the Dragon of Water. She is the feather to his steel – a woman whose heart he won in a formal way, and whom he has since given himself to completely. Deeply bound to his duties, Akasha is responsible and courageous, but he became corrupted by the spiritual poison seeping though the Mother Namtaru's prison. His sanity gave way completely when Yume gave birth to a stillborn child. In spite of his wife's attempts to bring him back to reason, he remains possessed by the Mother Namtaru, who drives him to sacrifice his own people to her insatiable hunger..."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the Speed of allied Kenshis and Kenseis by 1 and their Attack and Defense skills by 20% for every 6 levels (rounded up).

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Offense

• Basic Armorer

SPELLS:

• N/A

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 1 Kenshi

"Atlas was born and raised on the island of Hashima, in one of the many Human villages belonging to the Lotus Empire. His impressive size earned him the nickname "the mountain". Atlas was prepared to live a peaceful life as the town's carpenter, until one fateful day, when the Daimyo Hitokage stopped in the village. During the festivities held in honor of the Snake-Lord, Atlas defeated the Daimyo's personal champion in a contest of hand-to-hand combat. Hitokage was amused and impressed by the natural talents displayed by Atlas, and offered to take the Human with him to train in the art of combat. While he has regularly impressed the Nagas with his skills on the battlefield or the wrestler ring, Atlas equally gained their respect for his craftamanship as a master-builder, sculptor and artisan."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases kingdom's crystal production by 1 per day.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Armorer

• Basic Estates

SPELLS:

• N/A

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Once a vassal of Lord Okane, Changbo refused to swear allegiance to his new daimyo, Hiroshi. That day he became two men. Pirate and brigand to those within earshot of the daimyo's soldiers. Hero and defender to those same folk when speaking with hushed voices in private. A Ronin who who puts his strict moral code above all other considerations, Chango can easily gave up wealth, power or status in his quest to protect the weak from the whims of the strong."

SPECIALTY:

• Receives a 5% per level bonus to Armorer skill percentage.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Armorer

• Basic Pathfinding

SPELLS:

• N/A

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Lord Hiroshi, a daimyo of the Eternal Empress, is a powerful member of the Naga ruling class. A devoted agent of Shalassa's will, he has nevertheless become somewhat jaded over time, and no longer feels the surge of adrenaline any challenges to his honor would have provoked. His calm, unruffled demeanor is often mistaken for apathy, but Hiroshi's warrior spirit, now tainted with bitterness, is still to be found in his barbed words. He enjoys mocking all and sundry, but reserves his most cutting remarks for those who pose a threat to his authority."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases Tactics placement area by 2.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Advanced Tactics

SPELLS:

• N/A

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Hitomi was born the only daughter of an incredibly gifted blacksmith in a reclusive and secluded mountain village of the Pearl Empire. In spite of this isolation, the smith's reputation quickly spread both above and below the waters. Hitomi was present on the day the legendary Daimyo Manowa placed an order for a particular quartet of swords. The four-armed Naga War Master desired weapons that would function just as well underwater as above. Hitomi and her father worked for seven years forging, testing and enchanting their steel in every extreme condition imaginable. Manowa was delighted and paid for the masterworks with four cups of pearls. However, he returned a year later and drove two of the swords through the blacksmith's heart, killing him instantly. He had lost a battle with pirates and claimed that the swords were useless above the waves. Hitomi pulled the weapons from her father's breathless chest and challenged a dozen of Manowa's finest warriors to successive duels, besting them all. With proof of the weapons' superiority demonstrated, Manowa made reparation for his error and cut off two of his fingers, presenting them to Hitomi. It is said she wears them on a necklace to this very day."

SPECIALTY:

• Receives a 5% per level bonus to Offense skill percentage.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Advanced Offense

SPELLS:

• N/A

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Kenage was raised by sharks, or so the legend goes. This brilliant military strategist gained his reputation when sent on a mission to investigate problems on a southern island, provided with nothing but a detachment of Shark Guards. The "problem" turned out to be an Orc invasion, yet Kenage made rather short work of it by swimming up to their camp under cover of nightfall and capturing their Shaman. He served the Eternal Empress as a professor of wartime strategy for two decades in the prestigious Nariya Military Dojo, before establishing his own Dojo on a ship. Today, he sails the Jade Ocean and beyond in search of skirmishes and wars, which he asserts can teach more to his students than a thousand lessons on parchment. A loyal detachment of Wanizame accompanies him always and would die for their Master, who they claim can breathe underwater."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the Speed of allied Shark Guards and Wanizame by 1 and their Attack and Defense skills by 10% for every level (rounded up).

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Armorer

• Basic Tactics

SPELLS:

• N/A

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 12—24 Shark Guards

"A general serving Lord Hiroshi, Mukao has made his forte military intelligence, and always seems to be one step ahead of the enemy, much to the delight of his daimyo. How he gains such good intelligence is not known, but he is suspected of having a vast network of undercover spies thoughout the island of Hashima – that or he is league with powerful divinatory magic. His latest assignment has seen him tasked with keeping watch over Irina, daughter of Duke Slava of Griffin and wife of Duke Gerhart of Wolf, a duty that he seems happy to undertake. "Know you enemy's mind and you need not know his sword" is his motto."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the scouting range by 1 for every 6 levels of the hero.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Scouting

• Basic Offense

SPELLS:

• N/A

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Born into a community of pirates, Tsuan was given command of her own vessel at a very young age, and she amassed quite a bit of booty by robbing merchant vessels from the Seven Cities on their way to the Jade Ocean. Her destiny took an eventful turn when her ship was eaten by a giant sea monster and she awoke a thousand leagues below the ocean in the vast palace of a Naga Daimyo. Tsuan was appreciative to be alive, but realized quickly that she was a prisoner. After five years of captivity, during which she learned more than any human before her about the vast and rich complexities of Naga underwater culture, she was awarded her freedom and given an island by the Daimyo, with which she could do as she pleased."

SPECIALTY:

• Receives a 5% per level bonus to Logistics skill percentage.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Logistics

• Basic Estates

SPELLS:

• N/A

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Chiyoko more than anyone lives in interesting times. Born in the eastern Free City of Foster’s Reach, the call of Shalassa, the Dragon of Water, reached her at a young age, forcing her to abandon everything she knew in order to take up residence on the Naga island of Hashima. A respecter of the natural flow of the world, Chiyoko rose swiftly in the ranks of the Naga priesthood. She is recognized by her daimyo, Lord Hiroshi, as a useful, pliant bridge between Nagas and Humans."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the Speed of allied Coral Priestesses and Pearl Priestesses by 1 and their Attack and Defense skills by 20% for every 3 levels (rounded up).

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Wisdom

• Basic Leadership

SPELLS:

• Mirth

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"The Matsuno tribe of fishermen and pearl divers holds the belief that when good men and women die, they return as Nagas. Every seven years, they organize a diving and swimming competition, and the winner is awarded a great honor: they are offered to the Nagas as tribute, to serve in the land temples dedicated to the Dragon Goddess of Water, Shalassa. Jun was born a Matsuno and he won this adulation. In spite of Jun's quiet manner and sparse use of words, he was found to be an exceptionally potent diplomat, and is utilised by the Nagas for affairs concerning Human and Orc populations in the island realms of the Jade Ocean. As a man of few words, it is said that he can intimate a man's desires simply by peering into the water in his eyes. He is also an expert on determining the value of gems, pearls, and magical items, though he is suspected of divining this information from behind the eyes of those with whom he negotiates."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the chance of wandering creatures joining your army by 1% for every 3 hero levels.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Wisdom

• Basic Diplomacy

SPELLS:

• Fortune

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Calling herself a princess, Kalindra boasts that she can trace her ancestry back to the lost Shantiri civilization. But then again, so too can most of the denizens of southern Ashan in one way or another. Her golden skin and ebony hair, not to mention her taste in luxurious clothes and jewels, have rendered her quite the attraction in the courts of the lords of the Free Cities. Against all odds, it was her extravagant way of life that brought her to the attention of a priestess of Shalassa, who instantly understood that this noble-blooded lady was in fact marked by the Dragon Goddess of Water. It tested the venerable snake-lady's untold patience to convince Kalindra to come to the temple and become a disciple, but she eventually succeeded. In truth, the young woman had finally grown tired of the vanity of her life and felt ready at last to start a new life of asceticism."

SPECIALTY:

• Casts Deep Freeze with damage increased by 10% for every N hero levels, where N is the level of the target creature.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Wisdom

• Basic Water Magic

SPELLS:

• Deep Freeze

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Katsue is head-priestess of the temple of Banteki Reef. Long years of contemplative study have made her a cautious, patient individual who often counsels restrain and reflection when other urge action. Deeply committed to fortifying the pillars of Naga society - devotion to Shalassa, the Dragon of Water, respect to the Elders – Katsue places honour and duty above all other callings, and as such can make for a humourless, stick-in-the-mud companion."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the Speed of allied Spring Spirits and Mizu-kamis by 1 and their Attack and Defense skills by 20% for every 4 levels (rounded up).

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Wisdom

• Basic Intelligence

SPELLS:

• Cure

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 2—3 Spring Spirits

• 2—3 Spring Spirits

"The beautiful Mei-Lien was educated by the finest of courtesans in the art of entertaining the dignitaries of the Naga Empire. Mei-Lien's beauty, poise, and clever wit have been remarked upon by numerous leaders, including a powerful Naga Daimyo who sought to avail of her presence as frequently as was respectfully possible. The Daimyo's attention nearly cost Mei-Lien her life, as she was accused of his assassination by poison. Escaping to a Pearl Priestess temple, she accepted the interrogation of the sacred water and was found innocent of the crime. The trying ritual, which opened her mind and memories to an audience of judges, nearly killed the young woman, and she fell into a deep sleep which reportedly lasted a full year. When Mei-Lien awoke, she had received a blessing from Shalassa, the Dragon of Water: the power to interpret dreams. There are those that say the Eternal Empress herself has consulted Mei-Lien, and a few who claim she has become the monarch's most powerful spy."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the Speed of allied Snow Maidens and Yuki-onnas by 1 and their Attack and Defense skills by 20% for every 5 levels (rounded up).

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Wisdom

• Basic Sorcery

SPELLS:

• Ice Bolt

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 2—3 Snow Maidens

"Once, Oshiro was a powerful daimyo of the Naga Empire. During the imperial expeditions of the "Autumn Wind", Oshiro was charged with recovering a Tear of Asha. After discovering the precious relic, he decided to use it himself to overthrow the Eternal Empress and become the new Emperor. But he failed and was forced into hiding. In order to get his people to safety, he made a pact with a Kirin. As Oshiro rode the Kirin, a mystical mist shrouded his people, hiding them from the Empress' wrath and allowing them to leave Hashima unscathed. As per the custom, the Kirin, having fulfilled his part of the deal, requested Oshiro's life. But the daimyo, fearful of death, refused. Instead, he used the power of Tear of Asha to shield himself from the Kirin's wrath. The magical enchantment of the Tear of Asha set a precarious equilibrium between the Kirin and Oshiro. But as Oshiro was able to use this borrowed time to meditate on his fate, the choices he made and the meaning of life, the Kirin has descended into a vengeful madness."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the Speed of allied Kirins and Sacred Kirins by 1 and their Attack and Defense skills by 20% for every 7 levels (rounded up).

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Wisdom

• Basic Fire Magic

SPELLS:

• Frenzy

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Yugen was trained to be a dancer in Nariya's imperial company, the Silk Waves. This all-Human troupe of over a hundred men and women performs twice a year, when the Eternal Empress leaves her immense palace beneath the oceans to visit her island provinces above the waters. The prestigious company was decimated by assassins for reasons that are still unkown. Yugen was one of only three survivors, and he became a priest of Shalassa to thank the Dragon Goddess of Water for his miraculous escape. The Eternal Empress still asks the surviving trio to perform for her once a year; these spectacles mark the only occasions Yugen still dances in public. It is said that his dance is so melancholic that even the Dragon Eels cry when he performs."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the damage of Water Magic spells by 15 per level.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Water Magic

• Basic Sorcery

SPELLS:

• Frost Ring

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"An orphan raised at the White Temple of the Nagas, Yume's potential for spiritual matters didn't go unnoticed, and by an early age she was installed as Head Priestess of the sacred isle where the Mother Namtaru is held captive. Mystical and meditative, Yume's quiet holy appearance belies a fierce, steely heart that doesn't take kindly to liars or cravens. Expecting to devote herself only to her duty, the blossoming of her love for Akasha took her by surprise. Her usual serenity was recently broken by the gradual awakening of the Mother Namtaru, resulting in a spiritual corruption that made all pregnant Naga women on the island give birth to stillborn children – including Yume. Another consequence was Akasha's madness and his turning against his own people. Now Yume may be the only hope for her husband's salvation."

SPECIALTY:

• Receives a bonus of 75 extra movement points at sea per level.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Navigation

• Basic Water Magic

SPELLS:

• Summon Boat

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses

"Zhaoyu comes from the eastern islands of the Jade Ocean, and is of peculiar descent: His father Sheng was a human merchant, but his mother was a Naga. Desperately in love with the snake-woman despite their being of different species, Sheng challenged his beloved's father to obtain the right to marry her. Tragically, Sheng was killed during the duel. Heartbroken, the Naga woman gave her life to Shalassa in exchange for the resurrection of her Human lover. The Dragon-Goddess of Water accepted her offering but, deeply moved by the selflessness of her love, Shalassa asked Asha to reincarnate them both as Human babies. It took twenty years and many more adventures to reunite the two lovers, but Zhaoyu was eventually born as testament to their devotion."

SPECIALTY:

• Increases the Speed of allied Kappas and Kappa Shoyas by 1 and their Attack and Defense skills by 20% for every 2 levels (rounded up).

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Wisdom

• Basic Scholar

SPELLS:

• Clone

ARMY:

• 4—6 Kappas

• 4—6 Kappas

• 4—6 Kappas

"Sewing, music, poetry. Irina, the eldest daughter of Duke Slava and Duchess Cate of Griffin, couldn’t care less about these traditional female pursuits. Instead, together with her rough-and-tumble half-brother, Sandor, Irina enjoyed the broadest of possible educations, even convincing the Orc Kraal, master-of-arms of House Griffin, to teach her the ways of the wild and the art of warfare. Feisty and headstrong, Irina’s already limited tolerance for her assigned role in Imperial society was broken the day she was forcibly betrothed to Gerhart, the odious Duke of Wolf. On her wedding night, he attacked her violently and she in turn wounded him grievously. Imprisoned in the Wolf’s fetid dungeons, Irina was determined to die rather than apologize to the tyrant. But she was freed by Sandor, and they both escaped to the south-eastern islands of the Jade Ocean. Stranded in the heart of Naga territory, Irina finds herself a stranger in a strange land, but with the means to get her revenge on Gerhart and the Holy Emperor himself."

SPECIALTY:

• Creatures in the hero's army always have +1 minimum Morale and are immune to Fear.

SECONDARY SKILLS:

• Basic Light Magic

• Basic Water Magic

SPELLS:

• Bless

ARMY:

• 12—24 Shark Guards

• 4—6 Kappas

• 3—5 Coral Priestesses