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In Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars, our goal was to create compelling gameplay that is authentic to Chinese mythology. Last time, we explored the Chinese Myth units inspired by the Four Perils, a collection of warped and malevolent beings. Now let’s jump into more about the Four Auspicious Beasts, noble guardians associated with the elements.
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Immortal Pillars is available for pre-order now on Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox! Coming March 4th!
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Baihu
Baihu is the first of the Four Auspicious Beasts, available in the Heroic Age to followers of Rushou.
Tigers are native to China so it’s not surprising that they would feature prominently in Chinese mythology. Baihu, also known as the ‘white tiger,’ is the second tiger-inspired Myth unit in Immortal Pillars. While the Qiongqi is a flying tiger, Baihu appears more conventional, but has his own unique aspects.
In Chinese mythology, Baihu is associated with the direction of the west, the color white, metal, and autumn. He symbolizes loyalty and righteousness, and oversees honorable battles. In legends, Baihu appears as a bringer of justice, punishing evil and promoting goodness and order.
In Immortal Pillars, Baihu is a powerful melee Myth unit comparable to the Greek Nemean Lion, but with additional attack and faster movement speed. This twin-tailed feline’s special ability is called Sweeping Maul. When activated, Baihu leaps toward an enemy, immobilizing it and dealing a series of rapid attacks. In addition, other enemy units near the Baihu’s landing zone are thrown aside. This makes Baihu a potent disrupter of enemy formations. It is wise to open an attack with one or more Baihu, then follow up with Rushou’s potent human units reinforced with Divine Judgement and Gilded Shields. These two technologies benefit Rushou’s infantry.
Xuanwu
Xuanwu is the second of the Four Auspicious Beasts, available in the Mythic Age. As a water unit, it is available to all Chinese gods.
Xuanwu knows the power of friendship: it is not one but two units, joined together and inseparable. Xuanwu is a giant black tortoise intertwined with a slithering snake that has hitched a ride on its shell. Together, the two reptiles form a potent partnership.
In Chinese mythology, Xuanwu is associated with the north, winter, and the element water. Due to the tortoise’s long lifespan and the serpent’s regular shedding of its skin, Xuanwu is a symbol of longevity. With its high armor and hit points, Xuanwu will be one of the longest-living units in Immortal Pillars.
As well as being two inseparable reptiles, Xuanwu is unique in another way: it is an amphibious unit, capable of crossing both land and water. This dual role makes Xuanwu one of the most potent Myth units in the game, strong against both land units and ships. The Xuanwu is most at home in water, however, and moves much more quickly across the depths than it does on land.
Xuanwu’s special ability comes from its snake half. Venomous Spit is a ranged blast of venom that continues to damage its victim over time. Capable of moving on both land and water, well-armored, and with a melee attack and ranged special ability, Xuanwu is one of the most versatile units in Immortal Pillars.
If only every unit were two powerful units joined together! Imagine a Minotaur who rides Pegasus or Anubites jumping off the backs of Scarabs. One can dream. With Xuanwu in Immortal Pillars, you don’t have to.
Qinglong
Qinglong is the third of the Four Auspicious Beasts, available in the Mythic Age to followers of Gonggong.
Dragons are a persistent symbol of Chinese culture. Unlike European dragons who were feared and respected, but generally considered ill-omens, Chinese dragons were associated with emperors, prosperity, and good luck. In Chinese mythology, there are many dragons, each associated with different elements. Dragons are also recognized as one of the animals in the Chinese zodiac. There are two dragons in Immortal Pillars, Qinglong and Yinglong.
The Qinglong, or ‘Azure Dragon,’ is the guardian of the east and is associated with spring and the element wood. Along with Baihu, Qinglong is considered one of the main protector creatures. Because spring symbolizes the beginning of a new year, Qinglong is also associated with good fortune and prosperity.
In Immortal Pillars, Qinglong is a serpentine flying dragon who floats over the battlefield. It gracefully twists and turns its body when idle. When attacking, it shoots bursts of water that damage units. Its special ability unleashes a torrent of water damaging all units in the target area. While nothing in Chinese mythology indicates this, I’d like to think of Qinglong as a bit of a germophobe. Qinglong is just a little too eager to make sure everyone gets a shower.
Being a flying unit, Qinglong is vulnerable only to ranged units. It can fly over obstacles and attack from unexpected directions, though its slender body makes it not the sturdiest of Myth units.
Zhuque
Zhuque is the fourth of the Four Auspicious Beasts, available in the Mythic Age to followers of Zhurong.
In Chinese mythology, Zhuque is a fiery bird associated with the south, summer, the color red, and fire. In legends, it is also a symbol for the sun. Zhuque is also known as the ‘Vermillion Bird.’ Vermillion is a reddish-orange color similar to the color of a tomato. A flaming tomato of death and destruction.
At first glance, Zhuque may resemble the Egyptian Phoenix, a similarly fiery bird. Zhuque is distinguishable, however, by its long neck, glowing white eyes, and distinctive three tails. While the Phoenix rains fire down on its enemies, the Zhuque has the patience of an ancient sage. It takes its time to gather spiritual fire with its wings and then casts a fiery whirlwind below, scorching enemies and knocking them away. It pays to take one’s time.
As a protector like the other Auspicious Beasts, Zhuque has a special ability that supports friendly units. When cast, it temporarily shields itself and nearby friendly units with a fiery shield, boosting armor values. Zhurong also provides Zhuque with the Song of Midsummer technology. When researched, it grants Zhuque an additional special ability called Healing Descent. When cast, Zhuque descends to the ground, curls its wings closed and heals rapidly. The Phoenix must die to resurrect; Zhuque doesn’t plan to die… ever.
These abilities and its devastating flying attack make Zhuque one of the most powerful Myth units in the game in the hands of a skilled player.
There are many other Myth units introduced in Immortal Pillars inspired by Chinese mythology. If you haven’t already seen our breakdown of the Four Perils, be sure to check it out here: The Four Perils of the Immortal Pillars. You can try out Baihu, Xuanwu, Qinglong, Zhuque, or each of the Four Perils in Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars available March 4th.
Pre-Order Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars Now!
Immortal Pillars is now available for pre-order on Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox – releasing March 4th!
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