The context given by the in-game cinematics is more than adequate. In fact, as a relative newbie myself, I found that I enjoyed the game way more before I tried to understand the backstory. It's a plot-driven game with seriously complicated lore, but there's no need to delve into the events of the previous installments if you're new to the series. I hadn't just guided his conquest - I had created everything about him. More than any moment in the game's epic story, Caseus Maximus' success thrilled me. He could see the gates to the Astral Sea opening, waiting to take him to the ethereal realm of the Godir. As his army finished off the remaining enemy soldiers, Maximus looked up into the sky. The maneuver was successful: His superior positioning made it impossible for the enemy Elves to parry his devastating magical attacks. Mounted on his trusty unicorn steed, Caseus Maximus rounded the hill to flank the opposing army.

Working quickly, the Mystic Trash leader summoned a pillar of lightning onto some Elven archers, severely crippling them and damaging two adjacent enemy units. More importantly, Caseus Maximus needed to triumph to ascend and become a Godir, the deities that rule over the realm of mortals. It was a risky battle for their ever-expanding empire, but they needed to capture the last remaining stronghold of their Elven rivals.

Enchanted rat-like warriors of the Mystic Trash nation faltered, looking to their leader for encouragement. The mighty hero Caseus Maximus surveyed the battlefield.

It's been over a decade since a new Age of Wonders release.

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