Tomes of Magic are the research books that shape how your empire grows in Age of Wonders 4. Each one is a themed set of spells, units and upgrades that you research with knowledge. Most are tied to one of six affinities, some blend two, and they sit in five tiers from Tier I to Tier V. The higher the tier, the stronger the magic on offer.
Showing 61 of 87 items.
Tier
Tier I
Tome of Abjuration
Adds wards and protective magic to help keep armies safe.
- Affinities
- Order +1; Astral +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- City Wards (Sustained City Spell); Mage Armor (Unit Enchantment); Abjurer Glyphs (Unit Enchantment); Abjure Violence (Debuff Spell); Curse Reversal (Buff Spell); Conjure Abjurer Pylon (Combat Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Glyph Tower
- Available In
- Secrets of the Archmages
Tome of Alchemy
Uses tinctures and ranged support to apply harmful effects and manage them on allies.
- Affinities
- Materium +1; Nature +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Material Refinery (City Structure); Fumigation (Siege Project); Antimagic Tincture (Buff Spell); Afflictor (Unit); Disperse Afflicting Miasma (Debuff Spell); Mysterious Tonic (Unit Enchantment)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Alchemist's Lab
- Available In
- Empires & Ashes
Tome of Beasts
Summons and strengthens Animals that fight well beside one another.
- Affinities
- Nature +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Call of the Wild (Buff Spell); Wildspeaker (Unit); Call Wild Animal (Summon Spell); Animal Kinship (Minor Race Transformation); Mark as Prey (Debuff Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Wildlife Sanctuary
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Cryomancy
Deals Frost damage and freezes enemies.
- Affinities
- Shadow +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Blizzard (Enemy Army Spell); Summon Lesser Snow Spirit (Summon Spell); Frost Blades (Unit Enchantment); White Witch (Unit); Ice Coffin (Damage Spell); Frost Arrows (Unit Enchantment)
- Starting Province Improvements
- School of Cryomancy
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Discipline
Improves attacks and helps units cleanse harmful effects.
- Affinities
- Materium +1; Order +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Focus Aim (Unit Enchantment); Empowered Strikes (Unit Enchantment); Inner Mastery (Minor Race Transformation); Mantra of Purification (Healing Spell); Monk (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Monastery
- Available In
- Ways of War
Tome of Enchantment
Improves units with enchantments and adds physical damage.
- Affinities
- Materium +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Awakened Tools (City Spell); Sundering Blades (Unit Enchantment); Purging Arrows (Unit Enchantment); Summon Copper Golem (Summon Spell); Spell-Tempered Shields (Unit Enchantment)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Runecarver's Camp
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Evocation
Provides affordable offensive spells for early battles.
- Affinities
- Astral +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Lightning Torrent (Enemy Army Spell); Evoker (Unit); Lightning Focus (Unit Enchantment); Summon Lesser Storm Spirit (Summon Spell); Lightning Blades (Unit Enchantment); Fulmination (Damage Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Channeling Tower
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Evolution
Nurtures young primal forces into stronger allies.
- Affinities
- Nature +1; Chaos +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Draconic Vitality (Minor Race Transformation); Summon Wyvern Fledgling (Summon Spell); Youthful Rejuvenation (Healing/Buff Spell); Rapid Evolution Enchantment (Unit Enchantment); Slither Hatchling (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Dragon Dawn
Tome of Faith
Heals and supports armies through the Faithful.
- Affinities
- Order +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Army Heal (Friendly Army Spell); Faithful Whispers (Sustained City Spell); Convent (City Structure); Staves of Mending (Unit Enchantment); Summon Lesser Light Spirit (Summon Spell); Wrath of the Faithful (Combat Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Abbey
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Gluttony
Turns infernal hunger into tougher units and strength gained from defeated foes.
- Affinities
- Chaos +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Corrupt Pact (Sustained World Spell); Infernal Jaws (Damage Spell); Demonic Hunger (Minor Race Transformation); Illusory Feast (Debuff Spell); Summon Gluttonous Imp (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Hungering Maw
- Available In
- Secrets of the Archmages
Tome of Necromancy
Starts a Soul economy and raises expendable Undead forces.
- Affinities
- Shadow +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Skeleton Reanimation (Empire Bonus); Soul Collection (Sustained World Spell); Necrotic Imbuement (Unit Enchantment); Necromancer (Unit); Rotting Explosion (Damage/Debuff Spell); Necrotize (Damage/Debuff Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Soulwell
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Pyromancy
Builds around Fire damage and the Burning effect.
- Affinities
- Chaos +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Fiery Imbuement (Unit Enchantment); Ignite (Damage/Debuff Spell); Immolate (Damage Spell); Summon Lesser Magma Spirit (Summon Spell); Pyromancer (Unit); Searing Blades (Unit Enchantment)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Ritual Pyre
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Rock
Pairs sturdy defenses with powerful physical attacks.
- Affinities
- Materium +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Obsidian Weapons (Unit Enchantment); Earthkin (Minor Race Transformation); Summon Lesser Stone Spirit (Summon Spell); Stone Skin (Buff Spell); Gargoyle (Unit); Rock Blast (Damage Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Central Quarry
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Roots
Immobilizes enemies and heals allies with nature magic.
- Affinities
- Nature +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Blight Blades (Unit Enchantment); Vine Prison (Combat Summon Spell); Poison Arrows (Unit Enchantment); Healing Roots (Healing/Buff Spell); Summon Entwined Thrall (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Herbalist
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of the Blood Rite
Uses blood rites to hurt enemies and strengthen friendly units.
- Affinities
- Chaos +1; Shadow +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Flesh Carved Runes (Minor Race Transformation); Rite of Bloodletting (Damage/Debuff Spell); Sanguine Focus (Unit Enchantment); Blood Cultist (Unit); Blood Drinking Blades (Unit Enchantment); Rite of Life Leeching (Buff Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Blood Altar
- Available In
- Thrones of Blood
Tome of the Horde
Swamps enemies with summoned and improved low-tier units.
- Affinities
- Chaos +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Unleash the War Hounds (Siege Project); Blaze of the Horde (Damage Spell); Summon Irregulars (Summon Spell); Spawnkin (Minor Race Transformation); Fury of the Horde (Buff Spell); Houndmaster (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Mob Camp
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of the Sprite
Uses Fey magic to support allies, confuse enemies, and bring small spirits into battle.
- Affinities
- Astral +1; Nature +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Catnap (Friendly Army Spell); Captivating Lights (Debuff Spell); Fairy Dust (Unit Enchantment); Fey Bond (Unit Enchantment); Summon Sprite (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Fey Woods
- Available In
- Secrets of the Archmages
Tome of the Tentacle
Brings tentacled creatures and mutations that pin enemies in place.
- Affinities
- Shadow +1; Astral +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Retaliating Growths (Buff Spell); Tendril Labyrinth (City Structure); Constricting Focus (Unit Enchantment); Conjure Tentacle (Combat Summon Spell); Constrictor (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Eldritch Realms
Tome of the Warband
Builds strong armies and helps units grow through the ranks.
- Affinities
- Chaos +1; Materium +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Commander's Call (Healing/Buff Spell); Bred for War (Minor Race Transformation); Mentorship (Empire Bonus); Training Regimen (City Spell); Lieutenant (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Rise from Ruin
Tome of Warding
Protects units from damage and punishes attackers.
- Affinities
- Astral +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Magical Wards (Minor Race Transformation); Static Shield (Buff Spell); Summon Phantasm Warrior (Summon Spell); Staves of Warding (Unit Enchantment); Mark of Invulnerability (Buff Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Zeal
Rallies zealous troops and condemns enemies.
- Affinities
- Order +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Available from the start.
- Research Unlocks
- Legion of Zeal (Unit Enchantment); Inspiring Chant (Buff Spell); Fanatical Workforce (City Spell); Condemnation (Damage/Debuff Spell); Summon Zealot (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Circle of Zealotry
- Available In
- Base Game
Tier
Tier II
Tome of Artificing
Adds siege tools, crafted weapons, and Golems.
- Affinities
- Materium +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Artisan Fortification (City Structure); Siege Magic (Unit Enchantment); Iron Golem (Unit); Artisan Armaments (Unit Enchantment); Construct Bolt Repeaters (Siege Project)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Golem Mine
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Burning Passion
Empowers units with demonic fury, charms enemies, and spreads fire.
- Affinities
- Chaos +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Thrill of Combat (Buff Spell); Fiery Heart (Minor Race Transformation); Strength Sapping Imbuement (Unit Enchantment); Blazing Aura (Unit Enchantment); Conjure Orb of Desire (Combat Summon Spell); Temptress (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- House of Passion
- Available In
- Secrets of the Archmages
Tome of Fertility
Supports empire growth with Food and heals units in battle.
- Affinities
- Nature +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Staves of Life (Unit Enchantment); Restore the Land (Terraforming Spell); Blossom of Life (Buff Spell); Temple of Fertility (City Structure); Summon Nymph (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Bountiful Fields
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Fey Mists
Uses enchanted mists to protect and strengthen units.
- Affinities
- Nature +1; Astral +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Feytouched (Minor Race Transformation); Lingering Mists (World Spell); Fey Embrace (Buff Spell); Staves of Mist (Unit Enchantment); Summon Mistling (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Feywater Pond
- Available In
- Primal Fury
Tome of Glades
Creates forests and uses them to heal and protect.
- Affinities
- Nature +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Aspect of the Root (Unit Enchantment); Animate Flora (Combat Summon Spell); Summon Entwined Protector (Summon Spell); Leafskin (Minor Race Transformation); Glade Runner (Unit); Create Forest (Terraforming Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Sacred Meadow
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Mayhem
Displaces enemies at random and spreads Misfortune.
- Affinities
- Chaos +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Incite Revolution (World Spell); Sow Confusion (Siege Project); Curse of Misfortune (Debuff Spell); Summon Gremlin (Summon Spell); Mark of Misfortune (Unit Enchantment)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Revelry
Rewards risk-taking with stronger morale and faster experience.
- Affinities
- Chaos +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Reveler's Heart (Minor Race Transformation); Revels of Blood (Siege Project); Bloodfury Weapons (Unit Enchantment); Revels of Carnage (Friendly Army Spell); Skald (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Carnival of Flesh
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Scrying
Extends vision, reveals hidden enemies, and marks targets.
- Affinities
- Astral +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Tower of True Sight (City Structure); Guided Projectiles (Unit Enchantment); Summon Watcher (Summon Spell); Mental Mark (Debuff Spell); Scry Enemy (Enemy Army Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Shades
Conceals attacks, blinds enemies, and exposes their weak points.
- Affinities
- Materium +1; Shadow +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Living Shadows (Minor Race Transformation); Shade Network (City Structure); Rending Shadows (Damage/Debuff Spell); Shadow Weapons (Unit Enchantment); Shade (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Ways of War
Tome of Souls
Raises advanced Undead and improves their Soul supply, healing, and buffs.
- Affinities
- Shadow +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Soulbinders (Unit Enchantment); Bone Horror Reanimation (Empire Bonus); Soul Overflow (Buff Spell); Feast of Souls (Friendly Army Spell); Summon Banshee (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Summoning
Calls, controls, and improves Magic Origin units.
- Affinities
- Astral +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Summon Astral Serpent (Summon Spell); Arcane Supercharge (Buff Spell); Conjure Astral Keeper (Combat Summon Spell); Arcane Restoration (Healing Spell); Arcane Bond (Debuff Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Summoning Well
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of the Beacon
Turns the Faithful's radiance into attacks and support.
- Affinities
- Order +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Mighty Meek (Unit Enchantment); Summon Blessed Soul (Summon Spell); Covenant of the Faith (Sustained City Spell); Chaplain (Unit); Conjure Divine Beacon (Combat Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of the Construct
Commands synchronized construct armies that march down enemy forces.
- Affinities
- Materium +1; Order +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Linked Minds (Minor Race Transformation); Cascading Command: Reposition (Buff Spell); Compounding Defense (Unit Enchantment); Cascading Command: Defend (Buff Spell); Bronze Golem (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Worker Construct Nexus
- Available In
- Empires & Ashes
Tome of the Doomherald
Weakens enemy morale and takes advantage when it falls.
- Affinities
- Shadow +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Joy Siphoners (Minor Race Transformation); Prelude of Doom (Enemy Army Spell); Cruel Weaponry (Unit Enchantment); Summon Corrupt Soul (Summon Spell); Cause Despair (Debuff Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Doomdepth Trench
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of the Dungeon Depths
Builds an underground dungeon with useful structures, clay soldiers, and traps.
- Affinities
- Materium +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Raiders of the Deep (Unit Enchantment); Dungeon Hazard (Enemy Army Spell); Silent Barracks (Special Province Improvement); Clay Forge (Special Province Improvement); Underground Vault (Special Province Improvement)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Dungeoneering Conclave
- Available In
- Giant Kings
Tome of the Inquisition
Condemns opponents and limits how far they can move.
- Affinities
- Order +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Summon Lightbringer (Summon Spell); Burden of Guilt (Enemy Army Spell); Inquisitor's Mark (Unit Enchantment); Tribunal (City Structure); Mass Condemnation (Damage/Debuff Spell); Inquisitor (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Tithe Collector
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of the Sand Stalkers
Spreads desert terrain, blinds enemies, and summons a desert guardian.
- Affinities
- Materium +1; Nature +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Scorpion Venom Weapons (Unit Enchantment); Sandstorm (Debuff Spell); Dunestalkers (Minor Race Transformation); Desertification (Terraforming Spell); Summon Sand Scorpion (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Grand Bazaar
- Available In
- Rise from Ruin
Tome of Virtue
Makes a righteous army harder to stop as battles wear on.
- Affinities
- Order +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- House of Charity (City Structure); Heroic Stand (Buff Spell); Virtuous Spirit (Minor Race Transformation); Summon Vigil (Summon Spell); Paladin (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Archon Prophecy
Tome of Winds
Uses wind magic to speed up allies and disrupt enemies.
- Affinities
- Materium +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 2 Tomes.
- Research Unlocks
- Summon Wind Rager (Summon Spell); Favorable Winds (Friendly Army Spell); Dust Storm (Debuff Spell); Seeker Arrows (Unit Enchantment); Abducting Cyclone (Debuff Spell); Zephyr Archer (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tier
Tier III
Tome of Amplification
Improves mages and strengthens spellcasting.
- Affinities
- Astral +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Amplify Minds (Sustained City Spell); Astral Blood (Minor Race Transformation); Chain Lightning (Damage/Debuff Spell); Conjure Amplification Pylon (Combat Summon Spell); Amplifying Imbuement (Unit Enchantment)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Resonance Fields
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Corruption
Uses umbral magic to turn enemy strengths against them.
- Affinities
- Shadow +1; Astral +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Throne of Insidious Whispers (City Structure); Corrupted Boon (Buff/Debuff Spell); Treacherous Reflection (Combat Summon Spell); Umbral Incursion (World Spell); Summon Umbral Mistress (Summon Spell); Gloom Strider (Major Race Transformation)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Eldritch Realms
Tome of Cycles
Uses life and death magic to hinder enemies and heal allies.
- Affinities
- Nature +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Blooming Imbuement (Unit Enchantment); Cycle of Seasons (Sustained City Spell); Parting Gifts (Combat Enchantment); Diffuse Health (Damage/Healing Spell); Druid of the Cycle (Unit); Blades of Decay (Unit Enchantment)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Devastation
Uses siege warfare and heavy damage to take cities.
- Affinities
- Chaos +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Flame Volley (Damage/Debuff Spell); Monstrous Rebirth (Buff Spell); Focus of Devastation (Unit Enchantment); Flameburst Weapons (Unit Enchantment); Warbreed (Unit); Construct Devastator Spheres (Siege Project)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Dragons
Draws on dragon power and lets their fire empower the people.
- Affinities
- Nature +1; Chaos +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Dragon Infusion (Empire Bonus); Draconian Transformation (Major Race Transformation); Dragon Attack (Siege Project); Purifying Flame (Healing Spell); Dragonstrike Infusion (Unit Enchantment); Call young Dragon (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Wyvern Eyrie
- Available In
- Dragon Dawn
Tome of Geomancy
Adapts army damage and defenses to the land beneath them.
- Affinities
- Materium +1; Astral +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Resonant Weapons (Unit Enchantment); Hall of Geomantic Resonance (City Structure); Summon Elemental (Summon Spell); Geomantic Crystallization (Major Race Transformation); Geomancer (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Giant Kings
Tome of Pandemonium
Inflicts random harmful effects and hits afflicted enemies harder.
- Affinities
- Chaos +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Vessels of Chaos (Minor Race Transformation); Havoc Magic (Unit Enchantment); Summon Chaos Eater (Summon Spell); Infectious Insanity (Debuff Spell); Mass Hysteria (Debuff Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Prophecies
Uses omens to disrupt attacks and predict enemy losses.
- Affinities
- Order +1; Astral +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Prescient Circlets (Unit Enchantment); Fateful Imbuement (Unit Enchantment); Foresee Downfall (Siege Project); Battle Divination (Combat Enchantment); Oracle (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Temple of the Prophet
- Available In
- Archon Prophecy
Tome of Sanctuary
Heals units and reinforces their defenses.
- Affinities
- Order +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Summon Light Spirit (Summon Spell); Healing Spires (City Structure); Keeper's Mark (Unit Enchantment); Salvation (Healing/Buff Spell); Consecrated Domain (Sustained City Spell); Anointed People (Minor Race Transformation)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Sanctuary
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Subjugation
Weakens rival cities and helps bring them under your rule.
- Affinities
- Order +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Baron's Palace (City Structure); Final Ultimatum (Combat Spell); Subjugating Raid (Siege Project); Intimidating Aura (Unit Enchantment); Subjugator (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Teleportation
Moves units across the battlefield with spatial magic.
- Affinities
- Astral +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Astral Trade Relay (City Structure); Phasing Enchantment (Unit Enchantment); Emergency Teleportation (Healing Spell); Summon Phase Beast (Summon Spell); Mass Recall (World Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Chrono Gate
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Terramancy
Uses earth magic for physical damage and to slow enemy movement.
- Affinities
- Materium +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Ley Line Focus (Unit Enchantment); Summon Rock Giant (Summon Spell); Tremor Ritual (Siege Project); Earth Shatter (Terraforming Spell); Seismic Shock (Damage/Debuff Spell); Crushing Earth (Damage/Debuff Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Excavated Ley Line
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of the Cleansing Flame
Punishes the Condemned and blesses the Faithful with sacred fire.
- Affinities
- Order +1; Chaos +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Temple of the Pyre (City Structure); Consecrating Firestorm (World Spell); Pyre Templar (Unit); Pureflame Staves (Unit Enchantment); Zealous Ignition (Buff/Debuff Spell); Flame Blessed Champions (Unit Enchantment)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Pyreshrine
- Available In
- Eldritch Realms
Tome of the Cold Dark
Spreads Arctic terrain and empowers units that fight in it.
- Affinities
- Shadow +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Flash Freeze (Terraforming Spell); Marching Winter (Terraforming Spell); Veil of Darkness (Friendly Army Spell); Frostling Transformation (Minor Race Transformation); Summon Snow Spirit (Summon Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Frostspire
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of the Dreadnought
Uses heavy machines and artillery to break enemy armies.
- Affinities
- Materium +1; Chaos +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Destabilized Mana Core (Damage/Debuff Spell); Warding Metals (Unit Enchantment); Construct Great Bombard (Siege Project); Tuning Kits (Unit Enchantment); Pinning Barrage (Damage/Debuff Spell); Ironclad (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- War Foundry
- Available In
- Empires & Ashes
Tome of the Great Transformation
Turns the people into Undead and reshapes the realm for them.
- Affinities
- Shadow +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Bone Dragon Reanimation (Empire Bonus); Desecrate Structure (World Spell); Domain of Death (Sustained City Spell); Necrotic Spires (City Structure); Fetid Legion (Unit Enchantment); Wightborn (Major Race Transformation)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of the Warlord
Pairs powerful warriors with infernal allies for conquest.
- Affinities
- Chaos +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Gladiatorial Pit (City Structure); Might of the Battlefield (Buff Spell); Conqueror's Edict (Siege Project); Relentless Might (Unit Enchantment); Summon War Golem (Summon Spell); Warlord (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- War Forge
- Available In
- Rise from Ruin
Tome of the Weaver
Immobilizes enemies and makes them fear the battlefield.
- Affinities
- Nature +1; Shadow +1
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Spider's Embrace (Major Race Transformation); Conjure Weaver Spiders (Combat Summon Spell); Dreadful Bind (Debuff Spell); Dread Hunters (Unit Enchantment); Priest of the Weave (Unit)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Spider's Nest
- Available In
- Secrets of the Archmages
Tome of Torment
Turns pain into power and makes enemies suffer for their actions.
- Affinities
- Shadow +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Lens of Anguish (City Structure); Agonize (Damage/Debuff Spell); Tormenting Imbuement (Unit Enchantment); Pain Bringer (Unit); Painbound (Minor Race Transformation)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Basilica of Lamentation
- Available In
- Thrones of Blood
Tome of Transmutation
Changes matter with mana to support allies, hinder enemies, and reshape the economy.
- Affinities
- Materium +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Steel Skin (Minor Race Transformation); Transmuter (Unit); Melt Armor (Damage/Debuff Spell); Transmute Resources (Sustained City Spell); Adaptive Armor (Unit Enchantment)
- Starting Province Improvements
- Transmutation Circle
- Available In
- Base Game
Tome of Vigor
Strengthens armies with wild beasts, Animal buffs, and extra health.
- Affinities
- Nature +2
- Unlock Requirements
- Research 4 Tomes and have 3 points across the tome's affinities.
- Research Unlocks
- Totem of the Wild (Combat Summon Spell); Empowered Beasts (Unit Enchantment); Supergrowth (Minor Race Transformation); Call Greater Animal (Summon Spell); Unleash Beast (Buff Spell)
- Starting Province Improvements
- -
- Available In
- Base Game
What Are Tomes of Magic in Age of Wonders 4?
Tomes of Magic are the game's main magic research books. Each one is named for its theme, such as Roots, Beasts or Souls, and bundles spells, units and upgrades around that theme. Because tomes supply your faction's spells and military power, the ones you pick decide a lot about how your army fights and what magic it can use.
How Tomes of Magic Work During a Game
You research the skills inside your tomes by spending knowledge. Your research choices come from a shared pool that holds general techs, culture techs and the skills in the tomes you already own. As you go, you can add another tome to that pool, and you can take tomes from any affinity and mix them freely.
How to Get and Spend Knowledge on Tomes of Magic
Knowledge builds up over the course of a game, and it is the resource you spend to research the skills inside your tomes. The cost of a skill rises with the number of tomes you have already picked, so a skill in a tome you add later costs more than one in an earlier tome. That makes each new pick a real trade-off, since it raises the price of what comes after. Choose with care rather than grabbing everything at once.
How Affinities Shape Your Tomes of Magic
Affinities are the six cosmic powers that tomes draw on: Astral, Chaos, Materium, Nature, Order and Shadow. Most tomes are tied to one of them, and some blend two, such as Alchemy, which combines Materium and Nature. The Tome of the Cosmos draws on all six at once. Sticking to one affinity keeps your picks focused, while spreading across several gives you a wider mix of spells and units, so the right path depends on the kind of empire you want to run.
How to Unlock Higher Tiers of Tomes of Magic
Tier I tomes are open from the start. Tier II unlocks once you own two tomes, Tier III needs four, Tier IV needs six and Tier V needs eight. Tier III also needs three affinity points in the affinity of the tome you want, and the tiers above it need affinity points too.
Those counts include tomes from any tier, so you do not have to work through the tiers in order. The affinity points, though, have to match the tome you want, so the mix of your picks still matters.
Which Tomes of Magic Matter Most
Tier V tomes sit at the top, so that is where the strongest magic lives. The Tome of the Archmage, the Tome of the Creator and the Tome of the Eternal Lord are common standout picks, with the God Emperor and the Goddess of Nature also rated highly. Rankings shift with balance patches, and only one Tier V tome can be unlocked in a game, so weigh that choice against the affinity your empire already leans toward.
How Tomes of Magic Change Your Race
Tomes also unlock transformations, which change how your species looks and what it can do. Minor transformations appear early, and major ones arrive from Tier IV onward. You can use as many minor transformations as you like, but a species can carry only one major transformation, and some transformations cancel each other out. Since that major slot is limited, it pays to think about your playstyle before you pick one.
FAQ
What is the difference between Tomes of Magic and the Empire Tree?
Tomes of Magic supply spells, units and upgrades for your faction, while the Empire Tree gives economic and social bonuses. The Empire Tree has a branch for each affinity plus a general branch, and your affinities decide which of those branches you can draw skills from.
Do expansions add their own Tomes of Magic?
Yes. Empires & Ashes adds Alchemy, Construct, Dreadnought and Severing, Primal Fury adds Fey Mists and Stormborne, and Giant Kings adds the Tome of the Dungeon Depths and the Tome of Geomancy. The Crystal Pact is a culture-level tome, so it sits outside the five tiers.
Does picking tomes change how other factions see you?
Yes. Taking tomes from different affinities shifts your affinity, and that changes how other factions and free cities see you.