- The shrine dominates the very center of a vast battlefield covered in rusty pieces of armor and the bones of fallen warriors, it's pretty grim, but kind of romantic. Despite its name, the Monument of Peace doesn't look peaceful. In fact, It's a long Kinet sword chained to the ground with lightning.

- With what?

- Geez, Nadehart, with lightning of course, it's a magic relic. What did you expect, rusty chains?

- That wouldn't be as stylish would it?

- The shrine strives to quell any hostilities, it needs tranquility. That's why every odd turn it casts a Timidity spell, making heroes pay one Ether for every attacking creature of their own. Moreover, it casts a Thirsty Creatures spell every even turn - that's when each friendly creature requires one ether at the beginning of its turn.

- I don't get it, what's so cool about it? Unless you rely on sorcery and enchantments.

- That's just it darling, sorcery rules here.

- Sounds fabulous! What's next?

- The next one is the Temple of Frost. It was the first magical relic built within the borders of our Kinet lands. It's a true masterpiece of Kinet sculpture.

- Why is that?

- The shrine is a shimmering crystal cage that holds a living blizzard within - a post-epochal rendition of those cute little Christmas baubles that you shake up to get the snow to fly around in.

- Oh darling - that's just incredible!

- Yes, you're right. The blizzard is always trying to break free from the binding spell and causes an Ice Storm every other turn during combat. The Storm rests all creatures and deprives heroes from relying too heavily on creature spells and their attacking force. - Holy Ether! I should revise my spell deck before it's too late.

- Don't get so pessimistic, my dear. You'll understand later that the Aviaks may prove useful sometimes.

- I hope the next relic affects creatures in some other way.

- It does.

- This shrine is an Aviak sculpture, a sacred place for these magnificent creatures. All Aviaks get agitated within it's aura. They receive +2 to strength and gain restless ability which makes them attack immediately after being summoned.

- Sounds useful, I hope our viewers will appreciate this one as well.

- Well, Nadehart, don't tell me you didn't like the others. I wasted five Chaots and one Synthet with their help. You sure need to revise your deck, if it makes you so anxious.

- No, no, Elisant. They're all just grand - I just hate it when my favorite creatures fall out of fashion!

- These new times require versatile tactics and a bit of flair!

- Thank you, Elisant. Is anything else you could tell our viewers?

- Yes, prepare to wage war this season in style!

- Hello, Jottir, what would you like to tell our watchers about the ongoing celebrations and all the latest buzz surrounding the ancient shrines?

- Well, hm, ahh...

- Ok, let's put it another way. What's with the great stone idols you guys appear to be desecrating?

- Ahhh, Idols, Those ain't idols, those are just some rock statues. They sure give off a nice glow don't they? We've been havin' a grand 'ol time desecrat... uhh, drinkin ale kegs and roastin' up some mutton over the bonfire.

- I see. So, Jottar, what's so special about the ether they seem to emit, does it bring any side effects?

- Nah! we don't have no hangovers in the morn' even when we drink a lot!

- You mean to say that there is nothing more special about them then the fact that they appear to be a remedy for hangovers?

- Ok, you got me. They have a strong effect on our magic abilities and some kinds of spells.

- Please, Jottar, tell us more.

- All right. About a fortnight ago my friends and I noticed that the statues nearby our village came "alive". They didn't move, mind you. They started to give off some powerful Red Ether - if you know what I mean.

The Wolf one draws lots of its ilk. You get Night and Shadow wolves banded into large packs around it sometimes. It was something else.

- You said the shrines affect spells, could you give us more details Jottir?

- I reckon so. See when you're fightin' either a Night or a Shadow wolf comes by your side, and they're downright bloodthirsty! It seems to happen about every second turn of yours, if you are within reach of the statue's aura, of course.

- That's amazing. What else.

Wicked new menaces have cast a shadow across our lands - witness the recent belligerence of the neighboring races and the shadow-like warriors that they now use to weaken us and encroach upon our borders. Esteemed councilmen and women - these are truly dark and strange times, but there may be a shaft of light that can break through this descending gloom. After sitting for ages like lifeless statues, the ancient shrines have come back to life. They began to emit powerful auras of energy that affect their surroundings and all who draw near. Each of them has distinct advantages for our warriors and we have begun to study how they can be used to benefit our great people. I humbly submit my latest report to you, may the Ether of Vitality strengthen you!

Treants Luck

We set out first to examine the great shrine fashioned as a Treant to observe its effects. We summoned different treant creatures which immediately confirmed our theories. All treants that were summoned with the shrine's aural radius received a +1 bonus to their strength as well as to their health. This sacred spot should be of great importance to us in the coming battles.