The Gods
Gods played a major role in the life of the Ancient Greeks. Zeus (king of the gods) ruled on Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. It was important to the Ancient Greeks to please the gods, otherwise they might punish the population with overwhelming natural feats. It is therefore natural that the gods play a major role in Grepolis.
Basics
"When one side goes against the enemy with the gods' gift of stronger morale, then their adversaries, as a rule, cannot withstand them." - Xenophon
In Grepolis there are four gods, Zeus, Poseidon, Hera and Athena. Each god can enact four different divine powers and call upon two unique mythical units.
In the temple you can select which god you would like to worship. Each city can worship different gods, however each city can only worship one god at a time. The higher the level of your Temple, the more favour you earn from your chosen god. You can spend this favour to enact divine powers or call upon mythical units.
What god is right for your city depends on your situation. It is therefore quite useful to change the god you worship many times throughout the game. Do this wisely, for when you switch gods you lose all your favour as well as mythical units and divine powers from your previous god.
Zeus
As ruler of heaven and earth, Zeus was regarded by the ancient Greeks as the most powerful of all gods. He ascended to the throne of Olympus when he killed his father Kronos in a mighty battle.
In Grepolis Zeus can call upon the mythical Minotaur and Manticore. The Minotaur - half man, half bull - is a strong defense unit. By contrast the Manticore - half man, half lion - is a strong and fast offensive unit.
Zeus is known for his aggression, so his divine powers favour the offence. With Zeus' lightning you can destroy an enemy building or crush their army. With enough favour you can also call upon Zeus to strengthen your naval forces or send down a chariot to aid your army.
Divine Forces
- Divine Signs: The selected city receives a chariot.
- Bolt: Damages a random enemy building.
- Fair Wind: The naval forces fight 10% stronger.
- Zeus' Rage: Destroys 10-30% of the enemy's land units.
Mythical Units
Poseidon
Poseidon is Zeus' brother. He rules over the sea in the depths of his Crystal Palace. Greek sailors sacrificed horses in his honour as to obtain safe passage. Poseidon is best known for his hatred of Odysseus who blinded Poseidon's son, the Cyclops Polyphemus.
In Grepolis Poseidon can call upon the mythical Cyclops and Hydra. The Cyclops - a one eyed giant - is a strong all round unit however is extremely vulnerable to sharp attacks, similar to when Odysseus used a spear to blind Polyphemus. The Hydra - a nine headed giant serpent - is the only mythical creature of the sea. It is superior to all ships but far more expensive.
Poseidon is known for his powers over the sea, so his divine powers favour naval combat. Poseidon can conjure storms to destroy enemy fleets or earthquakes on the sea bed to tear down enemy walls. However Poseidon also has a friendly side, often providing you with usable drift wood and enticing your sailors to work faster in the Harbour.
Divine Forces
- Kingly Gift: The city receives 800 wood.
- Call of the Ocean: All recruits added to the construction queue in the next twelve hours will have their construction time halved. This does not affect existing troops in the queue.
- Earthquake: The city wall loses 1-3 levels.
- Sea Storm: Destroys 10-30% of the enemy's battleships.
Mythical Units
Hera
Hera is both the wife and sister of Zeus, not an uncommon relationship in Greek mythology. She is the goddess of marriage and childbirth, often referred to as the goddess of families. Here was also known to have a strong link with nature.
In Grepolis Hera can call upon the mythical Harpy and Medusa. The Harpy - half eagle, half woman - is the second fastest unit, as in Greek mythology Harpies travelled with the wind. This speed advantage is useful for offence, however they are quite poor in defense. The Medusa - a winged monster with snake hair - was said to have the power to turn men to stone. In Grepolis the Medusa is a powerful all round unit.
Hera is known for her power over emotions, so her divine powers favour encourage your people. When Hera holds her wedding party she receives resources for your people. She can also reach the heart of your people, making them either work faster or increase the population growth in the Barracks. Hera can also help you when danger strikes, attacking warriors will feel homesick and lose some of their fighting power.
Divine Powers
- Wedding: The city receives 125 wood, 200 stone and 200 silver coins.
- Happiness: Increases the wood, stone and silver production by 50% for 12 hours.
- Population Growth: All recruits added to the construction queue in the next twelve hours will have their construction time halved. This does not affect existing troops in the queue.
- Desire: The attacking troops fight 10% weaker.
Mythical Units
Athena
Athena is Zeus' daughter. She is the namesake and patron goddess for the city of Athens, nicknamed "The Invincible" and "The Indefatigable". In Greek mythology Athena is the goddess of war tactics and strategy, famous for fighting with the Greeks in the Trojan War.
In Grepolis Athena can call upon the mythical Centaur and Pegasus. The Centaur - half man, half horse - is a fast defensive unit, armed with a bow and arrow. Pegasus - a winged horse - is the child of Poseidon and Medusa. In Grepolis Pegasus is the fastest unit with a strong defensive ability.
If you are looking for a god to protect you from enemy earthquakes and lightning, Athena is just for you. With City Protection, your city cannot be affected by divine forces from other gods for 12 hours. Athena can also help scout enemy attacking parties before they arrive, and as a patron goddess can inspire 5 units to join your army. Athena can also help you in battle, by inspiring your army with heroism they fight 10% stronger.
Divine Forces
- Patroness: The city receives 5 random units.
- Wisdom: You receive an espionage report about an enemy incoming.
- City Protection: The city can't be affected by any divine forces for 12 hours.
- Heroic Power: Land units become 10% stronger in the next battle.