The Tartarian Spawn is an Atlantean myth unit in Age of Mythology: The Titans. They emerge from the Tartarian Gate, which is created by invoking the god power granted by Hekate. Upon the gate's creation, six Tartarian Spawn emerge in quick succession, and they are replaced once killed.
Special attack
Jump: can leap towards any enemy within range 4 to 8, causing 20 hack damage. Recharge time: 8 seconds.
Attack bonus
- Heroes: ×0.5
- Myth units: ×3
Strategy
With a fairly high attack, high hit points, and crush damage, the Tartarian Spawn can cause havoc if the gate is placed effectively. Usually used offensively, Tartarian Spawn are usually effective against a wide range of Human soldiers, buildings, and other Myth Units. If the Tartarian Gate is destroyed, the Tartarian Spawn stop spawning. Even though a player has invoked the Tartarian Gate God Power, the Tartarian Spawn are not controlled by any player, and are in fact hostile to all players, including the owner of the gate. In spite of this, they will not attack the Tartarian Gate they emerged from.
Mythology
Scientific name -- Canis terribilis
Size -- 10' long
Diet -- Carnivore, favors humans
These frighteningly destructive creatures are the offspring of Nyx and Cerberus. Nyx was a very ancient god of Night and the daughter of Chaos. Cerberus was the three-headed dog, a guardian of the Underworld. Oranos banished these creatures to Tartarus to rid himself of their ghastly presence, but also because he could not control them. They came when he called, but obeyed no commands thereafter.
Trivia
- The Tartarian Spawn seem to be inspired by Zuul and Vinz from the 1984 Ghostbusters film; large, dark brown, horned, dog-like creatures with very muscular upper bodies. Their scientific name, Canis Terribilis, translates roughly to Terrible Dog, or Terror Dog.
- Shennong's Monks are able to convert Tartarian Spawn like any other Myth Unit, making it the only instance a player can legitimately control one.
