Firefly Studios have just catapulted Stronghold Crusader 2: The Emperor & The Hermit DLC onto Steam. Available now with a 33% launch week discount, the next expansion for the castle sim series adds seven single-player missions, two AI opponents, new castle designs, achievements and coat of arms designs:
Following on from the "Invasions" update, which added Sandbox sieges and an easy AI mode for the modern laid-back gamer, The Emperor & The Hermit introduces spiritual successors to The Emperor and The Abbot from the original Stronghold Crusader. Playable in skirmish mode and multiplayer The Emperor and The Hermit are leaders driven by religious fervour and an insatiable desire to "cleanse" their enemies. Backed by zealots who follow their cause without question, said cleansing typically ends in virtual bloodshed.
New Missions
After years of isolated reverence the Hermit has been driven blind by his self-righteous claim to sacred authority. Now he commands legions of assassins, ensuring his enemies see no more of his approaching armies than he does! From further afield comes the Emperor, an elderly man who will rest at nothing to expand his holy kingdom using the vast armies at his command. Cunning tactics and battle hardened wits will be needed to fight through the seven missions and unique maps found in the new The Emperor & The Hermit Skirmish Trail, our most challenging trail yet!
New AI Opponents
The Emperor
Originally from Germany, The Emperor was once a high-profile religious figure revered worldwide. Excommunicated from the Church and disgraced in the eyes of his former followers, The Emperor now leads a splinter group of fanatics who believe him chosen by God to guide them in the holy land. Having abandoned any sense of religious obligation to his fellow man, The Emperor will stop at nothing to reclaim his former power and authority.
The Hermit
Subject to a heavily religious upbringing in lands that are now being used as a battleground, The Hermit is negatively disposed toward the invading Crusader hordes. The Hermit is a departure for Stronghold with no preordained authority, royal lineage, military background or house to act as a status symbol. What he does control is an army of religious zealots, equally angry about the invasion and out for Crusader blood as their leader. For these men the idea of following The Hermit in his counter-crusade against Richard is a most noble cause.
Stronghold Crusader 2: The Emperor & The Hermit DLC is available now on Steam for the promotional price of $4.01 / £2.67 / €3.34:
