Objective: Meet Al Zahir
The pivotal moment in your journey to the Orient in Anno 1404 begins with meeting Al Zahir, the Grand Vizier and your primary contact in the Eastern world. This encounter unlocks a wealth of new possibilities, from establishing Oriental settlements to accessing exotic goods and advanced technologies. This guide will walk you through the precise steps to locate and formally introduce yourself to Al Zahir, ensuring a smooth transition into the game's Eastern hemisphere.
1. Initial Instructions from Lord Northburgh
Upon reaching a certain population threshold in your Western settlement (typically around 150-200 Citizens), Lord Northburgh will contact you with an urgent request. He will inform you of the need to establish trade relations with the Orient and will direct you to seek out Al Zahir. Pay close attention to his dialogue, as he often provides the first hints regarding the general direction of Al Zahir's domain.
2. Navigating to the Orient
Your primary task is to sail your Flagship (or any available trading ship) southwards from your initial Western island. The world map in Anno 1404 is divided into distinct regions, and the Southern seas are where the Oriental islands are predominantly located.
- Direction: Always head south. While the exact coordinates vary slightly between game sessions, the Oriental islands are consistently found in the southern half of the map.
- Minimap Guidance: Keep a close eye on your minimap. As you approach the Oriental region, a distinct yellow highlight will often appear, indicating the general vicinity of Al Zahir's main port. This highlight serves as a crucial visual cue.
- Visual Cues: The Oriental islands are easily distinguishable by their unique architecture, lush desert vegetation, and distinct color palette compared to the European islands. Look for palm trees, sand dunes, and buildings with domes and minarets.
- Exploration: You may need to explore a few islands in the southern region before locating Al Zahir's specific port. Don't be afraid to uncover the fog of war.
3. Locating Al Zahir's Main Port
Al Zahir resides in a large, pre-established Oriental city. This is not a small trading post but a significant settlement, easily identifiable by its size and the presence of numerous buildings. His main port will be clearly marked with a unique icon once discovered.
- Distinctive Architecture: His city will be the largest and most developed Oriental settlement you encounter initially.
- Port Entry: Once you spot his city, navigate your Flagship directly into its harbor. Ensure your ship is within the designated docking area.
4. The Introduction and First Quest
Upon successfully docking your Flagship in Al Zahir's harbor, a cinematic sequence or a dialogue window will automatically trigger. This introduces you to Al Zahir, the Grand Vizier, and formally establishes your diplomatic relations with the Orient.
- Dialogue: Al Zahir will welcome you and immediately present you with your first Oriental quest.
- Initial Quests: These introductory quests are designed to familiarize you with the Oriental economy and typically involve simple tasks. Common examples include:
- Delivering a specific quantity of Western goods (e.g., 5 tons of Wood, 3 tons of Tools).
- Transporting a small number of people.
- Clearing a minor pirate encampment near his territory.
- Quest Log: Always consult your quest log (accessible via the top-left corner of the UI) for the precise requirements, location, and rewards of the current quest.
5. Building Reputation and Unlocking Oriental Content
Successfully completing Al Zahir's initial quests is paramount. These tasks serve several critical purposes:
- Reputation Gain: Each completed quest increases your reputation with Al Zahir. A higher reputation is essential for unlocking further interactions, trade agreements, and ultimately, the ability to establish your own Oriental settlements.
- Access to Goods: As your reputation grows, Al Zahir will offer you access to more advanced Oriental goods (e.g., Dates, Spices, Silk, Quartz) and building materials (e.g., Sandstone, Mosaic).
- New Buildings: Eventually, you will unlock the ability to construct Oriental buildings and cultivate new resources, which are vital for progressing your Western population to the Patrician and Nobleman tiers.
- Diplomatic Standing: Your relationship with Al Zahir directly impacts your overall diplomatic standing in the game.
6. Common Pitfalls and Tips
- Don't Rush: While the objective is straightforward, take your time to explore the southern islands. You might discover valuable resources or other NPCs.
- Ship Capacity: Before heading south, ensure your Flagship has sufficient cargo space, especially if you anticipate needing to transport goods for Al Zahir's first quest.
- Pirates: The southern seas can sometimes harbor pirate ships. While your Flagship is usually capable of defending itself against early pirate encounters, be prepared for potential skirmishes. Consider building a small escort ship if you're particularly risk-averse.
- Resource Management: Always keep an eye on your Western settlement's resources while you're away. Ensure your production chains are stable to avoid shortages upon your return.
- Save Regularly: As with any Anno game, saving frequently is a good practice, especially before embarking on long voyages or engaging in new diplomatic interactions.
By following these steps, you will successfully meet Al Zahir and seamlessly integrate the rich Oriental gameplay elements into your Anno 1404 experience, paving the way for a flourishing empire that spans both East and West.