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Level 8: Continental Divide
For those dedicated Populous fans, you may realise that this is a slightly modified version of the level in the Populous demo game. The basic plot is the same and our main danger here are firewarriors! In order to get through this level, defence is our main issue.

Begin by building two guard towers at the front of the settlement and build the important training buildings near the reincarnation site, training two preachers to occupy the guard towers. Convert a few wildmen to get the process going quickly. Soon enough, the enemy will come walking along but with the preachers already positioned, there will be no problem. Once these people have been converted, move them away as they will interfere with the preaching should another band of enemies head this way.

Thankfully with this level we have quite a bit of space, and woodstocks too. But as always, try not to build over trees. Set down around eight to ten huts and begin charging swarm and lightning. With the spare braves that you may have, or the converted, train them all and place them in huts to create your mana.

For extra security, place another two guard towers on the eastern side just in case a band of enemies decide to try that route. Station two preachers there.

Always keep your Shaman stationed at the front entrance in case of attack and try to blast away the firewarriors as soon as you can. When you can, charge a landbridge spell and site another guard tower for your Shaman on one of the hills so she has a wider range. Get a band of warriors to patrol the insides.

While you allow your settlement to grow, send a small band of your followers to pray at the stone heads around the world. The nearest stone head contains three magical shield spells which will protect your followers from enemy Shaman attacks. Be alert at all times because the Dakini are sure to attack you. Should they be attacked, leave them to their fate and send off another group. I know it sounds a little cruel but by the time to get backup there, most of your troops (if not all) will be lost.

The farthest stone head contains the tornado spell. The best way of getting to this is by lowering a section of the western wall of your settlement. Send you little band off to the stone head and send your Shaman off to get the plan of the firewarrior hut.

Take out the nearest firewarrior who is guarding the Vault of Knowledge with a blast that should send him into the sea. Also watch out for the customary warrior attack. When you have the plans, head back and get building and training as soon as you can. In terms of ratio, I usually double the amount of firewarriors to normal warriors as they are so handy in pushing back enemy lines.

When you have a few trained, get them to stand up with your Shaman on top of the hill. They will have a better range here and clear off any enemies that head your way.

At this point, your settlement should be reaching its peak. Once you have all the stone head spells on you, send your Shaman in to attack, keeping the army behind her for a second launch. Cast tornado on the training huts and watch as they do their damage. Also, try and get rid of the Dakini Shaman in her guard tower as soon as you can before sending your troops in. In that way, they won't have to deal with swarms!

With the training huts (hopefully) gone, send four or five warriors off to each of the houses, your Shaman keeping a close eye on any enemy preachers that may try to turn them against you. Keep a band of firewarriors near to the Shaman for added protection and then finish off.

Estimated time for completion: 40 minutes