Historically, the sea has played rather a big part in Earth's territorial squabbling, so it's nice to see that naval warfare will arrive in fantasy 4X Endless Legend next week. That's the aptly named Tempest expansion that Joe Donnelly already told you about, but that we now have a date and price for. October 14 is the date, and $12.99 / 9,99 / 12,99 is the price. You can preorder it from tomorrow for 25% off, and if you're wondering what's included, well, developer Amplitude has you covered there too.

The biggie is naval warfare, as previously mentioned, meaning "you will be able to battle on the seas using a brand new set of ships unlocked through research. All seaborne units can instigate and reinforce sea battles. Exotic mechanics and tile effects spice up this new type of battle! Ships are also able to bombard cities to damage their fortifications".

The Endless sea (not to be confused with its Sunless variant) is home to ancient relics that, once claimed, will give you power over the elements themselves. There's also a powerful sea beastie to watch out for, along with the ability to build sea fortresses to give you a proper foothold on the, er, waves.

Tempest's various new features will play a large part in the tactical play of the DLC's major new faction, the Morgawr.

"Unconditional rulers of the seas, these crabby new neighbors are designed to take advantage of the new additions in Tempest. They will struggle to progress inland, but will encroach on the coastline with a vengeance, backed up by powerful and terrifying naval units. Yet you shouldn't feel safe from them even far from the coasts, as they are capable of sowing dissent upon previously pacified land, and compel even your staunchest allies to attack you..."

Here's a new trailer introducing the friendly-looking faction:

Where winter was the focus of Endless Legend s last add-on, developer Amplitude has revealed the seven seas will play host to its next. Tempest marks the 4x fantasy strategy s fourth expansion, bringing with it naval battles, new mechanics and the Morgawr an aquatic-based Major Faction specialising in naval warfare and the manipulation of other creatures.

What that means exactly remains to be seen, however we do know that factions will be able to fight for dominance of the oceans through the control of sea fortresses, so says a post on the Amplitude blog. Although they will have to wrestle these from the grasp of the Fomorians, a new Minor Faction.

A new weather system is tied to seismic activity beneath the waves, where Endless relics provide strategic and luxury resources as well as other bonuses to the empire able to control them. This can only be done by besting their assigned guardians, but, in a bid to thwart your occupation, will ravage the surrounding area with some pretty brutal weather conditions. You've been warned.

The update post continues: New generated ocean regions, including a Sea Fortress, offer strategic locations in the water for players to battle it out. Anywhere from zero to three fortresses are located in each ocean region, so expect more in oceans that are more strategically pivotal, between islands or continents.

No release date or price for now (previous paid updates have cost between 6.99/$9.99 9.99/$12.99), however you can sign up for the closed beta by heading this way. Places are however limited.