The realms are far from peaceful, dominated by a dynamic threat system centered on Infestations (monster dens). Understanding the distinction between stationary Infestations and their roaming stacks is vital: while the den itself remains fixed, it periodically spawns aggressive marauder parties that travel through the fog of war to pillage your provinces and threaten undefended cities. Your clear-speed is a critical factor in managing world threat levels; if left unchecked, Infestations evolve, producing higher-tier units and more frequent raiding parties that can overwhelm a growing empire.
Proactively hunting these sites is essential for hero leveling and economic momentum. Clearing an Infestation provides an immediate influx of Gold and valuable hero equipment. Furthermore, certain dens—especially those tied to specific traits or events—can unlock unique unit recruitment options, allowing you to bolster your ranks with powerful monsters. Maintaining a high clear-speed ensures the map remains safe for expansion while fueling your treasury.