The Academy creatures of Heroes of Might & Magic V

Gremlin: (upgrade: Master Gremlin)

Gremlins are small creatures that bear demonic blood. Unlike the Orcs, they stayed faithful to their masters. They are very weak, and therefore serve as shooters on the battlefield. They use a magical weapon that throws small bombs on the enemy.

Stone Gargoyle: (upgrade: Obsidian Gargoyle)

The Stone Gargoyles are magically animated statues. These statues were crafted in the ancient times to guard secluded temples in the barren regions in the south of Ashan. When the mages discovered these temples they detected primitive protective charms on these statues that allowed them to animate the Gargoyles easily. These creatures are quite fast and extremely resistant. Because they are also immune to lightning, they make for very efficient defensive troops.

Iron Golem: (upgrade: Steel Golem)

Golems are mechanical statues that have been magically animated by the mages. Like the gargoyles, they are extremely resistant due to their inorganic constitution. Unfortunately they are also very, very slow. To compensate this, the mages cast protective spells on them making them more resistant to magical attacks. On top of that all golems are not submitted to morale and they are totally immune to some spells due to their mechanical condition.

Mage: (upgrade: Arch Mage)

The Mages are the rulers of the academy society. In combat they will not enter the battle unless they are forced to. Most mages are old men. They are very slow and weak, but of course they are very gifted in magic. They will fire pure magical energy blasts that will hurt any creature in the way – including friendly ones. On top of that all mages master several spells.

Djinn: (upgrade: Djinn Sultan)

The Djinns are ancient elemental spirits that the mages summon for help on the battlefield, magically binding them to their person. Once a Djinn is bound to another soul, it cannot retreat, and will protect his host until all his vital energy is consumed. Djinns are both gifted in offence and defence, they are the fastest Academy units and usually master basic spells. They are very versatile troops and can be used efficiently in any strategy.

Rakshasa Rani: (upgrade: Rakshasa Raja)

Rakshasas are the ancient rulers of the spirit world, once worshipped by an ancient southern civilization that disappeared ages ago. Thirsty for revenge, these creatures have been rediscovered by mage travellers who – after many unsuccessful attempts – managed to summon and control them efficiently. These creatures are extremely powerful and also very versatile. They master the art of melee combat, and the enemy won’t retaliate to their attacks.

Colossus: (upgrade: Titan)

The Colossuses are the ultimate creation a mage can dream to achieve. They are created using the same basic method as golems, but at a much larger scale. On top of that their “soul” is far from being basic, as they host the souls of legendary heroes who in this form can return to combat. This unwavering will makes them immune to mind control, assuring the mages of their total indefectible loyalty.

Heroes of Might & Magic V is due for release on PC in early 2006.