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 offense. 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: The production of the Harbour is increased by 100% for 12 hours.
- 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.