Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic Shadow Sickness, portals and map layers
Prepare the units that will cross into the Shadow World.
Edition covered
The standalone 2003 Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic game. Pictures show Shadow Magic, including its scenario selection and Shadow World. The original Age of Wonders, The Wizards Throne and later sequels have different rules and rosters.
Inspect protection before using a portal
The Shadow World weakens units that lack the relevant protection. Shadow Walking prevents Shadow Sickness, so check each intended traveler rather than assuming a strong surface army will remain strong underground or beyond a portal.
| Layer or connector | Role | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Main world geography | Scout roads, cities and resource sites |
| Underground | Separate subterranean routes | Watch chokepoints and movement restrictions |
| Shadow World | Otherworldly layer | Check Shadow Sickness protection |
| Underground entrance | Links surface and underground | Secure both ends |
| Shadow portal | Links into the Shadow World | Prepare protected units and a retreat route |
Plan around three map layers
Scenarios can use the surface, underground and Shadow World. Entrances and portals are strategic bottlenecks; control the crossing and scout the destination before transferring the entire army.
| Check | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow Walking | Verify ability or enchantment | Prevents the sickness penalty |
| Mana upkeep | Budget existing enchantments | Protection must remain sustainable |
| Scouting | Reveal the destination | Avoids a blind entry into hostile stacks |
| Portal defense | Leave a rear guard | Preserves reinforcements |
| Wizard domain | Check spell reach | Determines available magical support |
Keep the portal route open
An invasion force can lose its retreat or reinforcement path if an enemy takes the connecting area. Garrison the entry and leave enough movement to avoid arriving beside a superior stack.
Read scenario-specific objectives
Not every scenario uses every layer, and some portals or destinations are scripted. Follow the mission briefing when a route appears closed rather than assuming the random-map rules apply.
Not every scenario uses every layer, and some portals or destinations are scripted. Follow the mission briefing when a route appears closed rather than assuming the random-map rules apply.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Original publisher manual appendix | www.scribd.com |
| Shadow Magic strategy reference | gamefaqs.gamespot.com |