The Evolution of the Dungeon Faction in Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era

The Dungeon, or Warlock, faction has long been a fan favorite in *Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era*, seamlessly woven into the game's narrative. Our exploration of Jadame introduced creatures intrinsically linked to the Dungeon faction, each possessing its own domain on the continent. This rich foundation allowed developers to create a faction steeped in tradition yet brimming with fresh ideas.

Image: steampowered.com

If we had to distill the Dungeon faction's essence across the series into two words, they would be "power" and "outcasts." Revisiting Enroth allows us to redefine these formidable warlocks. Inspired by the lore of Jadame (particularly *Might and Magic VIII: The Alvaric Pact*), we see a reimagining of the Dungeon faction. Once perceived as monsters, they now forge alliances with red-skinned dark elves, historically ostracized for their pragmatic approach. Through diplomacy, trade, and strategic alliances, they achieve unprecedented strength—a stark contrast to earlier iterations of the faction.

Throughout the *Heroes* series, skilled warlocks and commanding leaders have been staples of playable cities. Each installment presented them differently:

• In *Heroes I* and *Heroes II*, servants of Lord Alamar and King Archibald sought power, uniting like-minded creatures under their banners.
• In *Heroes III*, Nighon's warlords believed strength justified dominance, ruling from underground tunnels and dreaming of conquering Antagarich.
• In *Heroes IV*, chaotic sorcerers and thieves inhabited Axeoth's swamps, rallying rogues to claim territory in the burgeoning world.
• In *Heroes V-VII*, Ashan's dark elves partnered with the Dragon-Goddess Malassa and the underworld, creating a complex narrative of intrigue.