The Demeter God Pack has already introduced an excellent upright werewolf model and transformation mechanic through Pan’s Lykaon. That system would be a perfect foundation for an authentic Norse unit that has been conspicuously missing from the faction:
The Úlfheðinn
- Úlfheðinn — singular
- Úlfheðnar — plural
The Úlfheðnar were the wolf-warriors of the Norse and wider Germanic martial tradition, commonly associated with wolf skins, battle-fury, and identification with the wolf. They form a natural counterpart to the bear-associated Berserkir.
Rather than inventing a generic “Norse Werewolf,” Age of Mythology: Retold could use an actual historical and mythological tradition whose name, appearance, and combat identity already fit the Norse faction perfectly.
Core concept
Add the Úlfheðinn as a Norse warrior-builder who can transform into an upright wolf-warrior using a Norse adaptation of the existing Lykaon system.
Many of the necessary components already exist:
- The Lykaon provides the upright werewolf model, rig, animations, and transformation framework.
- The Norse already have infantry that can construct buildings.
- The Berserk provides a suitable foundation for the human warrior form.
- Animal cloaks, swords, wolves, and Fenris Wolf Brood are already central to the Norse visual and mechanical identity.
The human-form Úlfheðinn could use a modified Norse warrior model featuring:
- A clearly recognizable wolf cloak.
- Two swords.
- Norse clothing, runes, and faction markings.
- The standard Norse infantry ability to construct buildings.
Activating an ability such as Wolf Rage would transform the warrior into a Lykaon-style upright wolf-man.
This would not require designing a transformation system from the ground up. The existing Lykaon framework could be adapted with Norse textures, equipment, visual effects, statistics, and balance adjustments.
Transformed combat
The transformed Úlfheðinn could retain his two swords, emphasizing that he remains a trained warrior even after assuming his wolf form.
A more elaborate version could allow him to switch between two combat styles:
Twin Blades
- Controlled hack damage.
- Stronger against human infantry.
- Uses the strength of the wolf form without abandoning trained weapon technique.
Fang and Claw
- Faster attacks.
- Biting, clawing, and pouncing animations.
- Greater movement speed or stronger pack bonuses.
- More aggressive but potentially less durable or disciplined.
The simplest implementation would still be effective: transform into the upright wolf form while retaining twin swords and the Norse warrior-builder identity.
Wolf-Pack Synergy
The Úlfheðinn should participate in the existing Fenris Wolf Brood pack mechanic.
Multiple Úlfheðnar should strengthen one another, but the same bonus should also recognize mixed packs containing both Úlfheðnar and Fenris Wolf Brood.
For example:
- Each nearby Úlfheðinn or Fenris Wolf Brood counts as a member of the pack.
- Additional pack members increase attack damage and movement speed.
- The bonus uses the same or a similar maximum pack-size cap as the Fenris Wolf Brood ability.
- Both Úlfheðnar and Fenris Wolf Brood benefit while fighting together.
This would create a genuine Norse wolf army composed of transformed wolf-warriors and Fenrir’s monstrous offspring.
It would also build upon an existing mechanic rather than requiring an entirely separate system. The two unit types would simply need to recognize one another as valid members of the same pack.
The result would be immediately understandable during play: the larger the wolf pack becomes, the faster and more dangerous it becomes.
Where the unit could fit
The Úlfheðinn could be introduced as:
- A shared Norse mythic infantry unit.
- An alternative to, or specialized upgrade from, the Berserk.
- A unit granted by a future Norse major god or minor god.
- Part of a Norse-focused God Pack.
- A reward from a Mythical Battle.
- A unit associated with gods connected to wolves, wilderness, hunting, shapeshifting, or battle-fury.
It could also receive specific synergy with Fenris Wolf Brood without requiring every Norse god combination to have access to both units.
Optional Mythical Battle or DLC story
The unit could also support a small campaign or Mythical Battle about the reawakening of ancient animal-warrior traditions.
The story could focus on two rival or allied warrior brotherhoods:
- The wolf-associated Úlfheðnar.
- The bear-associated Berserkir.
Both groups begin as mortal warriors wearing animal skins and practicing ancient rites. As forgotten powers awaken, the warriors begin physically transforming into the creatures they have spent generations imitating.
The player could be forced to master the transformations, unite the two brotherhoods, or prevent their uncontrolled rage from destroying nearby Norse settlements.
This would provide an opportunity to introduce two visually and mechanically distinct shapeshifters:
- Úlfheðnar transforming into upright wolf-warriors.
- Berserkir transforming into terrifying bear-warriors.
However, a campaign should not be necessary for the Úlfheðinn itself. The unit could first appear in a normal patch, God Pack, or small Norse content update, with a larger story added later if desired.
Age of Mythology: Retold already has an excellent werewolf model and transformation system.
Please give that transformation to the civilization whose mythology and warrior culture already gave us the Úlfheðnar.