While strategy gamers have been hard at work expanding their virtual empires in Civilization IV since late October, the developers over at Firaxis have been hard at work expanding the game. Today, the fruits of their labor were realized as development of Civilization IV: Warlords has been completed and the gold master sent off for replication.

　　Mead and wenches sold separately.

　　Warlords is the first expansion for the game that was named GameSpot's Best PC Game and Best Strategy Game of 2005. The expansion focuses on the military aspect of the game, paying "homage to some of history's greatest military leaders." There will be eight new scenarios for gamers to take on, including the rise of the Roman Empire, events surrounding Genghis Khan's reign, and the conquests of Alexander the Great.

　　There will of course be new units to tinker with, including the expansion's namesake, the warlords. The powerful warlords will be able to train troops, gain experience at a faster rate, and more.

　　Civlization IV: Warlords is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older and will retail for $29.99. For more information on the game, head over to GameSpot's previous coverage.