======== === === ======== === ======== ======== Ý Ý Ý \ / Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý === Ý \ / Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý === Ý Ý Ý \/ Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý == Ý Ý Ý ===== Ý Ý Ý ===== Ý == Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý / Ý Ý Ý \ Ý Ý Ý == Ý Ý\ /Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý \ Ý == Ý Ý Ý Ý \/ Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý \ Ý Ý Ý === Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý\ \ Ý === Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý Ý \ \ Ý Ý ======== === === === === === === ======== (Dedicated to Michael (the Horny Angel), and Aiden, mes meilleurs nouveaux amis, et un exemple ‚tincelant d'un amour modern) THE EMPIRE "GUARDIANS OF THE LIGHT" SAGA WALKTHROUGH ============================================================================== Ý This walkthrough is copyrighted to Mister Sinister (2004) Ý Ý I don't mind it being lifted in its entirity, but if you do so, Ý Ý please make sure you give credit to the author (me) and DON'T pass it Ý Ý off as your own. Thanks ! Ý ============================================================================== THE THREE MISSIONS OF THE LEGIONS OF THE DAMNED SAGA IN THIS EXPANSION PACK :- 1) A Light in the Forest 2) The Mark of Heresy 3) Firewalk ============================================================================== BRIEF NOTES BEFORE WE GET STARTED This is a very quick key to some of the terms I'll use in this FAQ :- In areas where I am talking about troops in cities, any troops mentioned in [squared brackets] are within the city proper (an obvious example would be Myzrael, who would be shown as [Myzrael] as he is IN the city and, in his case, cannot leave - all troops NOT in squared brackets are just waiting in the city (as in, healing there, etc.) Map directions are as follows. North on the map is up and right. South is down and left. West is up and left, and East is down and right. One other thing ... if when mentioning any troops I refer to them like this :- Phantom Warrior (10) or 2 Dwarves (10/12), then the numbers in brackets refer to their level/s of experience ... so BE WARNED !! ;) Obviously the very nature of this game makes doing an FAQ quite a tricky task, as you can go anywhere, do anything (within reason) and your opponents will pretty much respond to the way you play ... so this is an account of what I would suggest and expect, pointers I have learned, things I would pick up - basically anything and everything which I could think of which might help you play as the Undead Hordes in their Saga ... I have tried to keep this FAQ both light-hearted, and informative. Similarly, with troops garrisoned in cities, whilst my FAQ is accurate as at MY playing the game, these may change - ESPECIALLY in cities owned by other players (as you are doubtless aware if you've ever played this game, your computer opponents are FOREVER changing the troops that they garrison in their cities). Comments are always welcome - you can reach me at shadowpath@hotmail.com. Thanks for reading this !! ============================================================================== 1) A Light in the Forest BRIEFING AND COMMENTS Whilst it took Demon Uther only a few years to reduce the Empire to rubble, but it would take DECADES to undo that which he had wrought. Many years would pass before a new sovereign would appear, and during those years there would be ceaseless fighting within the Empire. The events of Disciples 2 marked an AWFUL period of their history ... Demon Uther's twisted ambition to replace Bethrezen brought him his undoing. The Empire had been all but destroyed by Uther's madness. Civil Wars broke out across the land, and Empire Cities fell to Unholy Demons. The combined deaths of Demosthene AND Uther left the Empire in UTTER despair. Many nobles now fought for control over the Throne, with the three most major factions being : Emry, Baron of Abrissel - a noble Paladin, had stepped forward and led Abrissel to freedom when all hope had been lost during the Great Wars; Duchess Ambrielle of Verzillin - chief among Demosthene's Royal Spy Services before the collapse of the Empire, the Duchess could cause cities to fall, vaults to be emptied and nobles to vanish with but a point of her finger from the shadows; and Count Flamel Crowley - ruler of a horde of religious fanatics, retaining control over them with threats of damnation and retribution. Combined fear of Bethrezen AND the Highfather has given Crowley GREAT power over Witch Hunters and Inquisitors, who now scour the land for sinners. While the Empire struggles to unite its people, a legend emerges from the Forest ... ============================================================================== NOTE : Your Capital City is just inside the north-western corner of the map. ============================================================================== You start off this first level with a reasonable amount of GP and Infernal Mana (the initial starting level decreasing depending on the difficulty you have selected), and all your level one spells already learned. You will have unfettered access to your ENTIRE spellbook during the three missions that make up the Empire's Expansion Pack, and can build ALL your buildings on EACH level. ============================================================================== IMPORTANT NOTE UNIT LEVELS AND LEVELLING-UP ============================================================================== You will see that there is a picture of a sword with a coloured blade above your leader's portrait on the party screen. This is a new addition to the Disciples 2 Expansion Packs, and serves to give you a rough guideline as to the approximate level of the units in an enemy's pack ... and your own ;) A unit WITHOUT a sword is Level 1 - 4 A unit with a BLUE-bladed sword is Level 5 - 9 A unit with an ORANGE-bladed sword is Level 10 - 14 A unit with a RED-bladed sword is Level 15 or higher I would HOPE for your sakes that you have imported a leader with a RED-bladed sword, as your leader WILL NOT GAIN ANY EXPERIENCE during the ENTIRE campaign. That's right !! Your leader will NEVER level up again, so BE WARNED. ============================================================================== Your objective on this first level is to seek a way to gain support for Emry of Abrissel's ascension to the Throne of the Empire. Nice and easy eh !! Haaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahaha NOT. The level begins with Elf Lord Gelma'ar rushing to your Capital City calling for your aid. Emry of Abrissel seems stunned that Elves are now standing at his gates, and his shock is responded to by Millu, the Oracle Elf. She confirms that times are ... difficult ... for the children of Gallean, and says that although he has now returned to them, most of their people were slaughtered by Mortis' armies, and they are consequently without a Queen. She adds that the Undead are continuing to raid their remaining Cities. Emry of Abrissel asks how he is to know that he isn't being duped into a trap. Millu confirms that they are being temporarily "guided" by the Prophet Lachla'an, who is Gallean's chosen Avatar on Nevendaar. Lachla'an can see the future, and has already predicted that the Elves will ally with the Humans in the coming times ... Emry of Abrissel says he would like to meet Lachla'an, and Millu confirms that this is Lachla'an's wish as well ... Millu has been sent to request the Empire rid the Elves of the Undead Hordes in three of their cities to the south of your Capital. Emry confirms that the presence of the Undead THIS close to Empire lands represents a great enough threat for the Empire to take an active role in cleansing the area, and asks that Millu give Emry's scout directions to the Cities in question. IF she is telling the truth, Emry says he would like to meet with Lachla'an to discuss an alliance. Millu agrees, saying that she and her troops will make camp in the forests nearby until a decision has been made. ============================================================================== DO NOT ATTACK GELMA'AR'S UNIT ============================================================================== If you DO ? Emry of Abrissel accuses you of betraying the Empire, and you will automatically FAIL the level, with the comment :- "Once the Empire had managed to alienate the Elves, Emry's support for the throne started to waiver. Lady Ambrielle withdrew back to Norhold with her spies, and it seemed that all hope because lost for the reunification of the Empire ..." What I would suggest you do INSTEAD would be to LEAVE the Elven Units, and focus your attentions instead on those creatures that lurk in the area. Beware - it is very important to remember that there is civil war in the Empire. Therefore, not all units that fly an Empire Banner will be yours to control ... there are two units controlled by Count Crowley in the immediate vicinity of your Capital City ... Okknor, your scout, reports back to confirm that he only had to travel a half a day south to find traces of the Undead. He confirms that not only are they HERE, but they are getting CLOSER ;) Emry of Abrissel confirms that he will aid the Elves, but that AID is the operative word ... he doesn't want them just watching all the action - he expects to fight SIDE-BY-SIDE with them against the Undead. Millu confirms that the Elves have been waiting for him to reach a decision, and that they will fight at his side nooooooooooooo pwoblem. Emry then takes the opportunity to hit on Millu. That DIRTY old perv. Millu confirms that Gelma'ar will aid the Empire, but that if he dies ? They will cease assisting you guys ... Gelma'ar then switches allegiance to become an Empire unit, and you receive a ============================================================================== NEW OBJECTIVE : Capture the Elven Cities of Vorems, Me'ellis and Tristi'il. ============================================================================== For your convenience, the stats of your new Elven units are as follows :- ============================================================================== HP AR IMM WARD ATT % HIT DAM SRC INIT REA TAR Gelma'ar 195 0 - Air Lightning 80 50 Air 50 Any 6 Millu 42 0 - Air Healing 100 -60 Life 10 Any 6 Elf Ranger 45 0 - - Arrow 80 25 Wea 65 Any 1 ============================================================================== If you approach the Defender of the Faith, he says that Emry of Abrissel has been charged with heresy against the Highfather, and that for this he and his forces have been called to surrender for trial before Count Flamel Crowley. Needless to say, Emry tells the Defender of the Faith to SLING IT. The Defender of the Faith says that their claims are substantiated by virtue of Emry's recent discourse with the Elves - a race who OPENLY and BRAZENLY worship a PAGAN God (Gallean), and that he (Emry) must be tested to make sure that he has not been possessed by the Elves ... for certainly until such an act has been carried out, he is unfit to ascend to the throne. Emry once again tells the Defender of the Faith to SOD OFF and give kisses to Crowley. The Defender of the Faith mocks Emry, which causes Emry to ask for these "horse droppings" to be removed from his yard, by YOU ;) There are 2 units to despatch :- 1) Spearman (15), Peasant (12) 2) Defender of the Faith (1), Acolyte (1) Once they have been despatched, you can "properly" secure the Empire Capital. If you venture northwards, you will find Crulsevere WHICH, once taken, causes Dresdon (one of your Pegasus Knights) to ask what the HELL Giants are doing on your lands. Zera, a Prophetess, says that they seem (from their Talismans) to worship the same Nature Goddess as the Barbarians, and that you should definitely be on guard ... More of Count Crowley's Units stand guard just outside Crulsevere - they are a Titan (10), a Witch Hunter (2), a Mage (2) and a Cleric (2). Yet MORE of Count Crowley's Forces are outside Mertrin's Grounds (to the east of Crulsevere). These include an Imperial Priest (3), 2 Mages (3/3), 2 Spearmen (10/9) and a Man at Arms (9). Further east we have ... guess what !! THAT'S RIGHT !! Yet MORE of that FWEEKLIN Crowley's troops. Just to be on the safe side ? I'll now STOP giving you their levels and stuff ... because it might well vary depending on the difficulty you are playing on ... suffice to say they are starting to get on my nerves - I'm sure they are doing the same to you ;) Once Akjeda has fallen (it's to the south-east of Mertrin's Grounds), Zera pops up to tell you that the Green Dragon contained therein was being raised by Crowley as a weapon against YOU !! What a SH!T eh !!!!! If you venture to the land mass on the northeasternmost edge of the map, and take the City of Agustelle, a Barbarian Chieftain says that they are a race bred to survive; that their cities are temporary and our victories over them are meaningless. If you take Iseude, which is a monument in the VERY northeasternmost corner of this land mass, Dresdon appears to tell you that you are going the wrong way ... ... thinks about this for a moment ... ... isn't it sweet of him to tell us that we're going the wrong way just as soon as we hit the very EDGE of the map ?? Odds are we MIGHT have just figured that out for ourselves Dresdon old boy. ... you USELESS little man ... *slap slap slap* Dresdon tells you that the Elven Cities are in the west. He's actually WRONG. They are in the south-east of the map ... and we WILL get there ... but I'm going to finish exploring this map for YOU first ... IF that's ok with Dresdon ? Hmmmmm ? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ?? Fweek. Now then ... ONCE you have completed exploring the northeasternmost land mass, I moved back across to the west across the top, swooping down on the City of Sanimos WHICH, when approached (specifically when you set foot between those two statues that guard its entrance), causes an Inquisitor to squeal "Quickly! To the gates" The sinners approach!" Intriguing ! And accurate !! :) Once Sanimos has fallen to your might, the Inquisitor calls you traitors, and says that you will have to answer to the Highfather himself for your actions. ................................ AND ??? Is that IT ??? HAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA ok. The City contains 2 Life Potions and a Royal Scepter. Falling back towards your Capital I came upon the City of Evenshade which, once taken, prompts a Knight to tell you that the blood you have shed there will not go unnoticed. Which is a GOOD thing 'coz I for one was thinking of redecorating the place in it ... what do you think ?? :) Don't you think it would go rather nicely with Emry of Abrissal's Blood-Red Plate Mail ????? ;) If, after besting the Green Dragon outside the City of Evenshade, you turn west and defeat the Marshdwellers that lurk in the area, you may approach Horrill. HOWEVER, as you draw near, a Stone Rain spell is cast on you from afar :( Once Horrill has fallen, a Lizard Man tells you that you have NO right to it, and that it is THEIRS ... ... and he's right ! But do WE care ????? Nah. The Empire's fragmented already ... a few less Lizards skulking about the place won't do anybody any harm, non ??? ;) The Mountain Clans retain a PRESENCE on these lands, by virtue of their ownership of the City of Ebonshere in the south-western corner of the map - however they have no CAPITAL on these lands and, as such, are able to be considered as little more than a minor irritation. However, if you draw close to the City of Ebonshere, Okknor pops up to suggest that you might like to steer clear of the Dwarves, for they are skilled in the art of war ... ... SCREW 'EM !! Stunty little maggots ... STORM THE CITIES ... BURN EVERY VILLAGE (guess who's just finished watching the Two Towers ... hehehe). Once Dermik's Watch has fallen, a Dwarven Engineer says that they have sent word back to their kin in the mountains, and that we will be "hewn down like rotton old wood". .................. wtf ?? WHATEVER (cuts his head off) *chuckles* Following on from this INSULT by the Engineer, a further Dwarven unit comprising Witeric (a level 5 King's Guard) and 2 level 1 Yetis appear to the south-west of the Ebonshere. Looks like it's time to hew THEM down eh lads ?? :) Once Ebonshere has been taken, the Dwarf King that resided therein asks why you attacked us when they had no defences ... ... again, pauses to think this through ... ...... whips out a little notepad and draws him a picture ... ......... taps him on the shoulder and points and the notepad ... BECAUSE you had no defences you IMBECILE. If you'd put guards hiar, hiar, hiar, hiar, hiar ... and hiar ... and hiar ... we wouldn't have been able to get in !! GUARDS ! Take him a-WAY. Ebonshere contains a Life Potion and a Potion of Healing. The Sacred Vaults are due south-east of Ebonshere, and they aren't REALLY worth visiting in my opinion ... but if you DO ? You WILL get a Thanatos Blade, and Natell (one of your Priests) comments that he thinks the caves are beautiful ... definitely a wonderful location to keep precious artifacts, and he expresses an interest in remaining there for a short while longer. Zera cautions him that it might just be a Dwarven glamour to make working in the mines more bearable ... but that she feels the same thing as he does. If you turn once you get to Giddeon's Supplies and head towards the south- westernmost corner of the map, you will stumble upon the City of Blegg. Once it has fallen, you will gain a Life Potion and a Potion of Striking from the inhabitants of the city (after combat), and Dresdon will call for the Orcs to leave the City at once, to which their King just laughs at you. Dresdon responds by having him hanged. Niiiiiiiiiice. Turning and heading due east of Blegg now, you will come upon the Orc Trading Post. Once it has fallen, one of your Pegasus Knights will remark that there isn't really anything there to salvage, and that everything owned by the Orcs is simply disgusting ! DEFINITELY unfit for HUMAN consumption. How ... racist !!! :( North-east of the Orc Trading Post is the City of Jaffesbrim ... which isn't really so much of a city as it is a hole in the ground ... but hey ! You could surely TAKE that hole in the ground and turn it into something REALLY special, non ?? :) Once that city has fallen, an Orc challenges your rule, saying that their sons will retake the land from you, and that you will NEVER be rid of them ... ... which I think is a good thing !! I mean ... cannon fodder is always welcome isn't it ?? *licks his finger and draws a "1" in the air* Dresdon badgers you YET AGAIN, saying that you SHOULD be concentrating your efforts on freeing the Elven Cities. ALRIGHT Dresden ALLBLOODYRIGHT !!! I'm GETTING there ... *straightens his lapels* Sheesh !! The City of Jaffesbrim contains a Healing Ointment. South-east of Jaffesbrim is a Blue Dragon, guarding a little trinket (a silver ring) that isn't really worth bothering with to be honest with you. If you swing around to the north now, and then venture east, you will find the entrance to the Elven Cities (which are now under Undead Rule) ;) You will ALSO find Gress Manor which, when retaken from the monsters that lurk therein, provokes Natell into going off on one about how he hates the smell the spiders that were inside left behind ... and why can't we put up some nice drapes ... with pretty flower-pictures on them ... just to keep the place looking summery. Yes Natell ... whatever you say Natell (motions for his guards to remove Natell from his court). However, just before we enter the three Elven Cities to retake them for Millu and her party, I am going to liberate the City of Challeroi from Undead Rule. Ooh ! Lo and behold ! It contains a pair of Elven Booties !!! :) :) :) If you now about-face and head southwards of Gress Manor, you will enter the Elven Cities "bit" of the map - i.e. the southeasternmost corner of the map. To the south of the City of Vorems lies the Gravehaunt which, when dealt with, causes Zera to purge it of evil spirits ... ... BIT late luv - we've just DONE that bit ... but nevermind !! :) In the VERY southeasternmost corner of the map lies Cathek Tower. Once it has been cleansed of the beast that lives within its walls, Natell (who must have come RUNNING back into my main audience chamber BECAUSE I AM SURE I TOLD MY GUARDS TO HAVE HIM REMOVED *eyes them all with a glare*), comes LEGGING it in to say that the Skylord must have gone mad with grief at the loss of its master, and that it this is directly as a result of the Undead's Cruelty. AND NOW FINALLY !! I can bring you the three Elven Cities. VOREMS is the westernmost of the three Elven Cities, and is defended by Zythaar (a level 14 Nosferat) and his band of underlings - see the cities section below for more details. Once Zythaar has been slain and Vorems returned to Empire (read: Elven) rule, Millu says "such a waste. Vorems held some of the finest art of our people. See how the mere presence of Mortis' army has caused the pieces to decay ?" YOU shoulda used Ronseal luv ... does exactly what it says on the can !! ME'ELLIS is being held by the Lich Queen Lekria (level 12) and her minions. Once it has been purged, an Elf Lord confirms that there are no survivors. Millu says that there are MANY survivors, and that the Elf Lord must be mistaken. However, he counters by saying that they are all diseased and dying, and that they will certainly not live through the season. Millu is NOT impressed with his candour. TRISTI'IL is occupied by Delchek (a level 15 Death Knight), and his subjects. Once THEY have been slain, Millu praises you saying that Gallean's visions were true and that you have done what you said you would. Emry of Abrissel takes ALL the credit of course ... that GIMP. Millu says that it is time for Emry of Abrissel to meet with Lachla'an ... and that whilst she and her people are going to stay in the City of Tristi'il, and help rebuild the Elven Empire, they will provide you with directions on how to find Lachla'an. Millu finishes by saying that the Elves OWE you one. GOOD GOOD !! :) CONGRATULATIONS !! You have completed the First Level ============================================================================== OPPONENTS The Undead Hordes, The Mountain Clans (kinda) CITIES NEUTRAL CITIES Name Inhabitants Agustelle Brown Bear (1), Barbarian Chieftain (12), Barbarian Warrior (1), Wolf (1) Sanimos Priest (2), 2 Archers (1/1), 2 Imperial Knights (3/3), Defender of the Faith (3) Evenshade Hatton (Pegasus Knight - 3), Witch Hunter (2), Marksman (2), Matriarch (3) Blegg Troll (5), 2 Orc Champions (8/7), 2 Goblin Archers (10/10) Jaffesbrim Orc Champion (9), 2 Orcs (10/5), 3 Goblin Archers (10/15/10) MOUNTAIN CLANS CITIES Name Inhabitants Ebonshere Flame Caster (3), Forge Guardian (3), Druidess (3), Dwarf (15), Dwarf King (5) ELVEN CITIES Name Inhabitants Vorems Zythaar (Nosferat - 14), Wight (4), Werewolf (1), Zombie (2), Dreadwyrm (4) Me'Ellis Lekria (Lich Queen - 12), Dark Lord (3), Werewolf (1) Phantom Warrior (5), Shade (3), Lich (4) Tristi'il Delchek (Death Knight - 15), Skeleton (3), Werewolf (1), Necromancer (3), Archlich (5), Ghost (1) UNDEAD CITIES Name Inhabitants Challeroi [Necromancer (3)] BUILDINGS Name Inhabitants Gain anything from taking it? Crulsevere Primitive Giant (1), Wolf (1) 520 Gp, Banner of Strength Akjeda Green Dragon (1) 440 Gp, Spirit Staff Iseude 2 Brown Bears (5/6) 220 Gp, Titan's Might Potion Horrill 3 Lizard Men (1), Medusa (10) 305 Gp, Lizard Man Talisman Dermik's Watch 2 Yetis (4/4), Alchemist (3) 332 Gp, Venerable Warrior Orb Sacred Vaults 2 Sons of Ymir (4/4), Elder One (4) 324 Gp, Thanatos Blade Orc Trading Post Ogre (12), Goblin (10), 3 Goblin Archers (10/10/10) 520 Gp, Orc Orb Gress Manor 2 Giant Spiders (1/5), Giant Black Spider (1) 425 Gp, Talisman of Venom Gravehaunt Werewolf (1) 2 Ghouls (1/10), Shade (3) 240 Gp, Ancient Relic Cathek Tower Skylord (1) 830 Gp, Sapphire EVENTS Event Notes SAVE US SAVE US ! The Elves issue a call for aid. HERETIC !!!!! Count Flamel Crowley accuses you of Heresy. FREEEEEEDOOOOOOM Free the three Elven Cities from Undead Rule. ITEMS LYING ON THE GROUND Sapphire, Potion of Protection, Emerald, Holy Strength Scroll, Potion of Celerity, 2 x Diamonds, Tome of Arcanum, Potion of Vigor, Incantare Beliarh Scroll, Royal Scepter, Orb of Inferno, Potion of Restoration, Orb of Lightning, Potion of Accuracy, Ymir's Blessing Scroll, Potion of Water Warding, Quicksilver Potion, Talisman of Lightning, Life Potion, Potion of Invulnerability, Silver Ring, Bronze Ring, Ruby, Death Storm Scroll, Gold Ring, Staff of Twilight, Curse of Nygrael Scroll, Cursa Demoneus Scroll, Skeleton Champion Orb, Potion of Might, Potion of Speed. ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM ENEMIES (COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE GROUND ORIGINALLY) Gold Ring, 3 x Potions of Restoration, 4 x Life Potions, 5 x Potions of Healing, Highfather's Potion. SHOPS Name Sells Gursen Cottages (Merchant) Life Potion x 10, Healing Ointment x 10, Potion of Restoration x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Elf Lord Talisman x 1, Potion of Striking x 1, Potion of Swiftness x 1, Potion of Celerity x 1 Mertrin's Grounds (Trainer) --> Train your Units here !! <-- Samson's Supplies (Merchant) Zombie Orb x 1, Goblin Orb x 1, Life Potion x 10, Menta Minoris Scroll x 1, Potion of Restoration x 10, Healing Ointment x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Treebark Potion x 4 Premnin (Magic Shop) Chain Lightning (900 Gp), Ice Pillar (400 Gp), Tempest (600 Gp), Stone Rain (400 Gp), Death Storm (900 Gp) Gideon's Supplies (Merchant) Healing Ointment x 10, Life Potion x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Treebark Potion x 1, Potion of Restoration x 10, Potion of Strength x 1, Potion of Speed x 1, Potion of Might x 1 Vessik's Research (Magic) Highfather's Blessing (1200 Gp), Rot (800 Gp), Vengeance of Ymir (800 Gp), Projicere Terra (800 Gp), Haste (400 Gp), Seafaring (400 Gp) Teali's Wares (Merchant) Life Potion x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Potion of Restoration x 10, Potion of Accuracy x 1, Potion of Speed x 1, Potion of Air Warding x 1, Potion of Fire Warding x 1, Healing Ointment x 10, Treebark Potion x 4 Fresser's Camp (Trainer) --> Train your Units here !! <-- ENDING Having freed the Elven cities from their bonds, Emry of Abrissel had made a powerful new ally in the Elves. Emry's people were compassionate towards the Elves, and the horrors they had found in the three cities only served to strengthen their resolve for working towards a unified Empire. Emry prepared to despatch his men to meet Lachla'an - Prophet of Gallean - in the hopes that this would further diplomatic relations with the Elven people. ============================================================================== 2) The Mark of Heresy BRIEFING AND COMMENTS Although now DETERMINED to meet up with Lachla'an, Emry was keenly aware that in order to REACH him, the path would take him through Crowley's territory and, with Crowley's Inquisition policing the land heavily in order to keep them "loyal" to Crowley, merely being ACCUSED of being a heretic (which claim Crowley had already levelled against Emry) was sufficient to justify hanging. The City of Delgrenere, however, remained loyal to the original incarnation of the Empire, and welcomed Emry's forces. The Baron had promised an alliance with the Elves, and a combined army powerful enough to overthrow the Inquisition. Crowley's cruel punishments extended BEYOND the human scene ... he had, it transpired, been assailing the Dwarven populace of the region for years as well. Whilst Emry attempted to despatch Emissaries to the Clans to offer them a further alliance, none of his Emissaries returned =( For all the "cleansing" unleashed upon the land, it was strange that one could still smell the stench of demons on a strong northern wind. Your objective on this second level is to remove Count Flamel Crowley from his position of power. Aaaaaaaaaaand we start off wiiiiiiiiiiiith ... ah yes ... A Forest Elf appears to threaten you (niiiiice), saying that your trickery will not go unpunished, and that our attempts to use our alliance with the Elves to slay Lachla'an has merely turned him into a martyr powerful enough to rally the Elves AGAINST the Empire. ... I'm sorry ... I was out getting coffee ... did I MISS the bit where it all went tits up ????? Emry, it appears, was ALSO out having coffee, because HE hasn't got a scooby doo what that Elf was talking about either !! Emry says that according to his palm pilot, OUR meeting with Lachla'an isn't for a few days !! Emry's Advisor (a Hierophant) says he thinks it is safe to assume that Lachla'an has been slain, but he cannot suggest why Emry is being blamed for his death. He says we can only assume that the Elves have been tricked. Yep ! That sounds about right to me !! Emry says that we will have to await further contact from the Elves, and that in the interim we should continue to march upon Crowley's Castle. And we're off !! :) ============================================================================== Your Capital City is located in the southeasternmost corner of the map ============================================================================== ============================================================================== Count Flamel Crowley's City of Melasem is located at the northernmost edge of the map, dead center ============================================================================== Count Crowley's Forces are ALL over the place, so ONCE AGAIN you will have to fight your way past "Empire" troops to get to this "Empire" Faction Boss ... BE ON GUARD !!!!! Your Capital City is located on a cliff overlooking the lands ... If you explore the Ruins of Gelme, a Ranger reports back saying that the old Council Ground has become some sort of den, and that it is unusual to see bears so close to civilisation. He says that their hides will decorate your halls, and warm your beds. If you venture from YOUR lands due WEST, then Natell (that FWEEK who seems to elude capture) says that the people of your neighbouring lands are no longer faithful to the Empire, having been pushed from pillar to post during the wars between Emry and Crowley ... he feels that it may be cruel to attack them again, but surely it would be WORSE for Crowley's Inquisition to come marching through ?? I'm going to wipe them out ........... all of them ... but obviously it's entirely up to you whether you do or not ... you know where Crowley's City is on the map, because I've just told you ... and you can reach it from either side of the map just as easily ... If you sack Rendill's Watch, one of the Spearmen in the Garrison cries "leave us alone! We don't want any part of your war! We are ........" *eeeerghhhh* as I run him through for being such a PUNK. Once the City of Turrenslere has been bent to your might, the Peasants BEG not to be whipped, saying they will obey your command ... Zera tries to calm them, saying that Emry of Abrissel is NOT a cruel master, and that he will repair your city and make sure you have enough food for your family. In exchange for which all he asks is assistance in beating that BIATCH Crowley DAAAAAAAAAAAAAN. The Peasants say they will do what they can. The city contains a life potion. The Archmage Othon blocks your path west ... despatch him and move on, but BE ADVISED he is warded against Air Magic ;) Hokay ... so NOW I'm going to head due west, to the southwesternmost corner of the map, to see what's going on over there ... If you take the City of Hedronspere in the southwesternmost corner of the map, Dresdon pops up to tell you that you now have control over the peasants, and that Hedronspere will make a FINE addition to the Empire. He believes that it offers much in the way of resourcfes, and that its position is "strategically ideal" ... *wtf ?? It's in the southwesternmost corner of the map !?!?!* The City of Hedronspere contains a Banner of Striking and a Life Potion, for your troubles. Once Blunea has fallen, Dresdon pops up again to spread his opinion on Orcs - i.e. that they are like roaches ... but then again ... who cares ! It's the EMPIRE that are spreading, non ?? ;) North of Hedronspere lie the Halls of Ollum - a Magic Shop protected on ALL sides by Dragons !! The shop itself contains MANY many summoning spells that you may well find to be of use to you in the coming days - however the cost is usually between 1000-2000 Gp, so it's perhaps something you might like to keep in mind for future visits later on the level ;) If you venture north-west of the Halls of Ollum you will encounter the Mountain Clans' Capital City ... moving to its southern edge you will find a Merchant's Shop called Eighttoe's Oddities. If you approach this shop, a Dwarven Mountaineer called Eighttoe stops you, saying that you've got SOME nerve showing your face in these parts - however, your gold is as good as anybody else's, so hurry and buy what you need and BUGGER OFF before you get spotted ... is his advice ... ;) If you are swift enough to make it to Brinepeak before the Clans get to it, Dresdon queries why they (the Clans) haven't already "felled this fearsome beast" ... ... erm ... *taps him on the shoulder* ... THAT'LL BE BECAUSE THEY'RE SHORT AND MOVE SLOWER THAN US ME DUCK ;) I'm now going to head up to the northwesternmost corner of the map. If you take Warren Manor, Dresdon comments that it would appear that Mortis' corpses have ALSO arrived on the lands ... and that he hopes you will have no further encounters with them ... Whilst it is true that the Undead do not have a Capital City on this map, there is at least ONE more undead unit lurking around, so be careful ;) If you venture to the VERY northwesternmost corner of the map you will find that it comprises a totally walled-in city that has been taken by the Greenskins and Dragons - the City of Kondoss. Once it has been "liberated", Dresdon sneers at the Lizard Men that once populated it ........................ that's not very nice is it !!!!! I then swept back south and slightly further eastwards, to take the Clans' City of Olgrevin (which, surprisingly, was unoccupied !!). Zera comes up to say that it was a senseless waste of life - that you had only wanted to speak with the Clans, but that they had attacked you without provocation. ... perhaps they just saw your armies marching upon their CITY eh ????? ;) Dresdon offers that Crowley must have been torturing them with his witch trials, and that consequently they must have it in for the Empire ... and really who can blame them ??? Once the Jurott Temple has fallen, Zera says that it used to be a place of peace and meditation for the children of the Highfather, and asks QUITE RIGHTLY how Crowley could possibly allow the mutilation of such a monument ... To the east of the Jurott Temple lies Camp Helnn - a Mercenary Camp - and due east of Camp Helnn lies Count Crawley's City - right smack bang in Legions' Lands ... =./ HOWEVER ! Before I kick his ARSE I thought I would explore the rest of the world map for you ;) SOUTH of your present location lies the Blithrung Tower which, when conquered, causes Natell to pop up and tell you that the Dragons WERE formerly under the control of the Elves, but that alliance died soon after Gallean's death. The Dragons now roam the lands wild and unchecked ... and should be carefully watched out for. Venturing further south (south-west), Rummenia lies in your path. Whilst it is on Clans'-owned land, when I came to it, it was occupied by neutral troops. Once it has fallen, Natell tells you that it is an old Dwarven City, that has nothing in it ... the Clans appear to have been fighting over it for some time, and this constant state of flux has left little in the City's coffers. There ARE, contrary to Natell's analysis, two Potions of Invulnerability in the City. Due south-east of Rummenia lies ... shock, horror, Dark Elf Lachla'an and the Undead Pawns !!!!! WTF are they doing here ??? I naturally HAD to move in and check it out =./ As you approach him, he calls out to you, saying that you are insignificant; nothing more than a tiny tremble in the passing of eternity. He says he has no time to waste on you, with which he casts a shadow spell over his present location (which is obviously immediately dissipated 'coz he's within your line of sight), and then legs it due east and disappears off the map. That little TURD. The REST of his undead pawns can be slain, however. These comprise :- 1) 2 x Giant Spiders (1/1), Giant Black Spider (1) 2) 2 x Giant Black Spiders (1/5) 3) 2 x Giant Spiders (5/1), Giant Black Spider (1) After dispatching the Undead Pawns, I returned to the Blithrung Tower and then ventured due east, through the opening in the gates, to take the City of Flittersby from Count Crowley's Armies. PUZZLINGLY, the section of wall missing from the wall that would otherwise have blocked my access to Flittersby is protected by a level one Thief, who has a leadership skill of FIVE !?!?! And is accompanied by a Paladin, a Master Thug and an Imperial Assassin !! Some HEAVY DUTY protection for our little thieving enemy ... ;) As you approach Flittersby, the Defender of the Faith on the path says that THIS side of the river belongs to Count Crowley "and his faithful". If you should attempt to pass, they shall smite you with all the power of the Highfather. HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA *piglet snort* RIDE them to the ground and raze the city. HAHAHAHAHA. Once Flittersby has been retaken from Crowley's Armies, Zera says that it is most fortunate that you have done so, as he was trying to bring down the Great Wall that was erected around the city to protect it from Demonic Armies. She also asks where Crowley's Forces are deriving their power from, as they appear to be getting stronger with each passing day ... I can tell you that it ISN'T from Weetabix ;) Venturing back to the Blithrung Tower again, I then went east by north-east to reach the City of Riverwell. Once you have liberated Riverwell, a Paladin says "Thank the Highfather! You have liberated us! Crowley is a madman! For no apparent reason, he jailed the entire garrison!" He goes on to tell you that they were awaiting their respective trials, but had not yet been accused of anything ... he is therefore thankful for your intervention. The City contains Boots of Speed, a Life Potion and 4 x Potions of Invulnerability. Once Scroan's Tower (just to the east of Riverwell) has fallen, Natell says that the Tiara of Purity - one of the most beautiful artifacts in the realm, has been looted from it - WELL before you came to loot it ... and that the Empire is losing so much in this war ... Once you have explored the Legions'-controlled lands in the northeasternmost corner of the map, you can march for Count Crowley's City. As you approach it, Okknor pops up to tell you that the lands have been scorched by demon flame, and that Melasem (Crowley's Capital City) lies ahead. It is the stronghold of Crowley and his unholy Inquisition. The path is blocked by the following units :- 1) 2 Angels (15/10), 3 Imperial Assassins (10/10/10) 2) Defender of the Faith (10), Grand Inquisitor (10), Werewolf (1), 2 Hierophants (4/10) Despatch them and move on. As you approach Crowley's Capital City, he ventures forth to speak. He says : CROWLEY : "Look ! Knights on MY doorstep !! SINNERS !!!!!!!!!" ELDAE : "Aye, SINNERS !!!!!!!!! ON with the trials" (Eldae is a MODEUS by the way) Count Flamel Crowley's Capital City is protected by the following units :- 1) Godefroy (Pegasus Knight - 15), Defender of the Faith (5), Holy Avenger (5), White Wizard (10), Hierophant (5), Prophetess (6) 2) Titan (15), Holy Avenger (10), Defender of the Faith (10), Mage (15), Prophetess (6) Once these two units have been despatched, it's time to KICK the COUNT'S BUTT ! Melasem is a Level 5 City, so Crowley's Unit will regenerate 30% of their Hit Points PER DAY - be warned ;) His unit comprises :- Count Flamel Crowley (1), Infernal Knight (30), Holy Avenger (35), Prophetess (35), Imperial Assassin (50) For your information, Count Flamel Crowley's Stats are as follows :- ============================================================================== HP AR IMM WARD ATT % HIT DAM SRC INIT REA TAR Count Flamel Crowley 1000 40+30 Mind Fire Infernal Mace 90 175 Wea 65 Adj 1 Poison 90 50 Dea 65 Adj 1 ============================================================================== Once Crowley has been defeated (and I have to say, he's not THAT tough), he cries out saying "No ... the Highfather ... will not allow this. My angel, why do you allow my death ? Do I not complete your every command ?" Eldae (the Mobeus who has now assumed the portrait of an Angel) says "Yes, Crowley. You've been a most useful puppet to us." Crowley says "Puppet ? Wait ... you're no angel! How could I have ..." ... to which Eldae resumes his Mobeus form and says "Hahahahaha. We've got a grand welcome waiting for you. Count Bethrezen will be pleased to finally meet you." Crowley finishes with a stereotypical "Noooooooooooo ..." CONGRATULATIONS !! YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE SECOND LEVEL !!! :) ============================================================================== OPPONENTS Mountain Clans, Legions of the Damned, Count Crowley & his Forces. CITIES NEUTRAL CITIES Name Inhabitants Turrenslere Gunther (Ranger - 10), Knight (2), Angel (4), Titan (5) Hedronspere Defender of the Faith (5), Holy Avenger (5), Imperial Assassin (5), Hierophant (6), White Wizard (8) Kondoss Green Dragon (1), Wyvern (1), Lizard Man (10), Medusa (10) Rummenia Woterim (King's Guard - 10), Rune Master (7), Venerable Warrior (4), Wolf Lord (4), Archdruidess (4) MOUNTAIN CLANS CITIES Name Inhabitants Olgrevin - EMPIRE CITIES (owned by Count Crowley's Armies) Name Inhabitants Flittersby Tuedon (Pegasus Knight - 10), Holy Avenger (5), Angel (4), Imperial Priest (3) Riverwell Defender of the Faith (10), Holy Avenger (10), Grand Inquisitor (7), 2 x Hierophants (4/10) BUILDINGS Name Inhabitants Gain anything from taking it ? Crellingham Imperial Assassin (3), 2 Master Thugs (15/10) 318 Gp Ruins of Gelme 2 Brown Bears (5/5) 220 Gp, Life Potion Rendill's Watch 3 Marksmen (2/2/2), Spearman (10), Holy Avenger (10) 530 Gp, Diamond Blunea Ogre (10), Troll (5), Orc Champion (15) 459 Gp, Potion of Celerity Brinepeak Skylord (1) 318 Gp, Ancient Relic Warren Manor Death (4), Wight (4), 3 x Ghouls (6/10/6) 502 Gp, Tome of Fire Jurott Temple 2 Beasts (4/4), Tiamath (5) 921 Gp, Staff of Invisibility Blithrung Tower Black Dragon (1) 700 Gp Scroan's Peak Abyssal Demon (5), Infernal Knight (10), Modeus (5), Overlord (5) 613 Gp, Potion of Vigor Dreglen Devil (1), Gargoyle (1) 234 Gp, Healing Ointment EVENTS Event Notes KICK HIS ARSE March northwards and slay the WICKED Count Flamel of Crowley. ITEMS LYING ON THE GROUND 2 x Life Potions, Talisman of Venom, Orb of Thunder, Illudere Terra Scroll, 3 x Potions of Restoration, Orb of Freezing, Ruby, Talisman of Water, Potion of Vigor, Tortio Menta Scroll, 2 x Healing Ointments, Death Ward Scroll, Treebark Potion, Orb of Witches, Orb of Healing, Orb of Vampires, 2 x Silver Rings, Staff of Paralyzing, Wotan's Blessing Scroll, Potion of Water Warding, Banner of Speed, Diamond, Potion of Fire Warding, Summon Valkyrie Scroll. ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM ENEMIES (COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE GROUND ORIGINALLY) None. SHOPS Name Sells Shellot's Goods (Merchant) Healing Ointment x 10, Life Potion x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Potion of Restoration x 10, Treebark Potion x 5, Potion of Swiftness x 5, Potion of Vigor x 5 Mathemor's Tower (Magic Shop) Highfather's Blessing (1200 Gp), Wrath of God (600 Gp), Seafaring (400 Gp), Forestwalk (200 Gp), Summon Living Armour (400 Gp), Ymir's Blessing (900 Gp), Shadow (400 Gp) Camp Timberwyk (Trainer) --> Train your Units here ! <-- Halls of Ollum (Magic Shop) Fire Ward (800 Gp), Incorruptible (1000 Gp), Summon Stone Ancestor (1000 Gp), Incantare Avenger (1000 Gp), Summon Thanatos (1000 Gp), Summon Golem (800 Gp), Illudere Terra (2000 Gp), Fog of Death (600 Gp), Sanctuera (600 Gp) Eighttoe's Oddities (Merchant) Potion of Restoration x 10, Life Potion x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Healing Ointment x 10, Potion of Fire Warding x 1, Orb of Icefall x 1, Potion of Might x 6, Staff of Twilight x 1 Prelmic's Alchemy (Merchant) Healing Ointment x 10, Potion of Restoration x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Life Potion x 10, Potion of Celerity x 1, Potion of Strength x 1, Potion of Striking x 1, Potion of Air Warding x 1, Treebark Potion x 5 Camp Helnn (Mercenary Camp) Barbarian Chieftain (Level 1 - 1800 Gp), Barbarian Chieftain (Level 10 - 3420 Gp), Barbarian Warrior (Level 1 - 850 Gp), Barbarian Warrior (Level 10 - 1615 Gp), Griffin (Level 1 - 1250 Gp), Skylord (Level 1 - 3000 Gp) Whibbak's Training (Trainer) --> Train your Units here ! <-- Caravan of the Wind (Merchant) Life Potion x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Potion of Restoration x 10, Healing Ointment x 10, Infernal Knight Orb x 1, Potion of Accuracy x 3, Treebark Potion x 10 Strathoss (Magic Shop) Sanctuera (600 Gp), Paraseus (600 Gp), Maledicere (900 Gp), Chronos Major (1200 Gp), Tortio Menta (800 Gp), Nightfall (1600 Gp) ENDING Count Crowley's Alliance to the Legions of the Damned having been broken ... HOWEVER, the Elven Avatar Lachla'an HAD been slain, and Emry of Abrissel was still the Elves' prime suspect in the assassination. This meant that the Elves had DEFINITELY been lost as allies of Abrissel. ============================================================================== 3) Firewalk BRIEFING AND COMMENTS With Crowley having been removed from power, Emry of Abrissel prepared for the march back to his keep. One less faction to worry about meant that his claim to the throne was becoming stronger. As word of the crushing of the Inquisition spread throughout the Empire, support for Emry almost DOUBLED. HOWEVER, news soon reached Emry's ears that the demons had conquered the last of the Elven lands ... and that the Fires of Hell were spreading through the lands at an alarming rate, scorching forests and boiling rivers. It would appear that Count Flamel of Crowley was merely a distraction, Bethrezen having set his sights on far more than simple dominion over the Empire. One GRAND City remained in the path of the oncoming wave of molten lava - the City of Verzillin. Emry rallied ihs forces and marched for the home of the Duchess, hoping to put an end to this madness once and for all. Your objective on this third and FINAL level for the Empire is to locate and destroy the source of the Infernal Plague. A nice ... easy ... job ... then ... The level begins with Emry of Abrissel saying that the Duchess should not be alarmed, as you are not at her gates for war - merely to offer your support against the oncoming invasion of Hell. Lady Ambrielle responds, saying that she is already fully aware of his plans, having been informed before he even set foot out of Delgrenere. She says that she supposes she SHOULD be grateful for his involvement, but that he should not for one SECOND suppose that this will sway her from her plans for the throne. Emry (cheeky lad that he is) says "Am I the only one who doesn't know what I am doing before I do it ?" (bless him eh). He says that they can bicker about what to do with the throne later - for now, they have a unified Empire right in front of them, and that it will be possible to rule it with two rules ... for now ... Lady Ambrielle says that she is pleasantly surprised that Emry is willing to share his rule so easily, and that she will allow his forces to remain in her Castle ... her only hope is that the Castle still stands by the end of the level !! ;) Emry confirms that he will send his scouts to the east to investigate what madness is taking place there ... ... aaaaaaaaand we are LIVE !!!!! ============================================================================== Your Capital City is located inside the southwesternmost corner of the map ... ============================================================================== The SOURCE of the expanding flood of legions'-controlled land is Bethrezen's Magic Well, which is in the north-eastern area of the map and, not surpringly, HEAVILY guarded. So I'm going to explore the rest of the map before I get stuck into that area. Just outside your Lady Ambrielle's (read: YOUR) Capital City is the Heretic's Temple. If it is sacked, Natell shows up to say that at least the Clans seemed to be fighting the heretics as well, and that your combined forces may not be working TOGETHER, but they are making a combined dent in the ENEMY'S forces. If you venture into the southwesternmost corner of the map and take the Garrison Tower, Dresdon praises the Highfather, saying that you have FINALLY taken your Garrison back, but that it pains him that you had to trash it in the process. He says it will take time to repair it, and that the Empire does not have the resources to commit to it right now ... In the VERY southwesternmost corner of the map lies the City of Confidence. At the START of the game it is owned by the Mountain Clans ... I shall redress this balance. Once it has fallen, one of your Knights gives praise to the City, saying that he has missed her shining walls and gleaming bells. He is happy that the people of that fair city are once again safely under Empire rule. Zera confirms that the Dwarven forces have been pushed westwards into your lands by the demonic plague that is ravaging their lands. She says that she feels pity for them, as their lands dwindle with each passing day. There is a Sapphire in the City. You need to venture north to get out of the Empire's lands ... so I am going to tear northwards up the western edge of the map and hit the Undead Lands (as they are in the northwest of the map), first of all. Once you take the Library, Zera says "Wonderful! See all the books we have found here! This will certainly help us with our war!". ............... is she taking the p!ss or summit ? HOW the hell does she think those books are gonna help ... are we gonna THROW them at the Legions' ? Or better yet ! Stack them up behind the doors to our castles so as to stop the Legions' getting in ? AND keep out those nasty unwanted drafts too ?? Marching on the City of Point Hope is a good next move ... as, once it has fallen, Emry of Abrissel offers its people protection under the banner of the Empire. He calls for their support, and Captain Fellweather (although he initially distrusts Emry and his motives), says that they will help you in your quest, but that you will have to EARN their loyalty. You will then gain control over Captain Fellweather and his unit, which comprises :- Captain Fellweather (Spearman - 15), 2 Imperial Assassins (5/5) For your convenience, Captain Fellweather's Stats are as follows :- ============================================================================== HP AR IMM WARD ATT % HIT DAM SRC INIT REA TAR Captain Fellweather 300 0 - - Spear 89 176 Wea 50 Adj 1 ============================================================================== Furthermore, the City of Point Hope contains an Angel Talisman, and a Gold Ring. If you venture further north and take the City of Tormenta, Dresdon comments that he thinks you've gone the wrong way, and that whilst he can clearly see plague, it ISN'T of DEMONIC origin - it's the plague of Mortis - of rotting corpses and dead trees ... NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE. If you then venture east and take Misery Castle, Zera adds her voice to the already mounting level of concern, saying that the smell of the area is really icky, and do you REALLY need to stay there ??? Come ON people ... we're fighting the walking DEAD and all you can complain about is the SMELL ?? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU LIKE !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! =O Now that I have purged the lands of the Undead Hordes' Influence, I am going to go down to the southeasternmost corner of the map, to visit our stunty little Dwarfy friends ... So ... going back almost to the entrance to the Empire's Lands, and venturing south-east, you will come upon Krub City WHICH, when liberated, will cause Dresdon to say that the City STINKS of Trolls, and that it will take YEARS to clean. LOOK Dresdon. I told Zera just a little while ago ... SHUT UP ABOUT THE SMELL you WHINING little maggot. If I wanted an army of barbies REST ASSURED I would have BUILT them. If I hear you complaining about the smelliness of unwashed greenskins or undead peeps ONE MORE TIME I'm going to send you to bed without ANY supper. UNDERSTAND ?? *Dresdon pouts and toddles off* Krug City (which is a bit whiffy, but nowhere NEAR as bad as they'd have you believe) contains a pair of Elven Boots, and a Bronze Ring. If you retake the Ransacked Shop, Okknor says that there is NO doubt that it has been burned down by Greenskins. He calls them savages ... but they were living here quite happily until WE came along ... =./ If you move to the land mass to the north of Krug City, you will find the City of Gando. Once liberated, Imperial Knight Jillins says that the City has not been held by the Clans for very long (actually it was owned by neutral forces when I just liberated it), and that it is clear that the walls were constructed by Greenskins. He says that your Engineers will do what they can to repair the damage, but that the City is in ruins. The City contains a Banner of Might and a Ruby. If you take the Armory to the east of the City of Gando, Dresdon will say that you are actually HELPING the Dwarves by forcing the Orcs to flee the lands, and he wonders whether they (the Dwarves) might try and set up an outpost on the lands. If you set sail towards the Blue Dragon to the north-east of the City of Gando, then Okknor says that the ocean there is actually BOILING !! Natell says that Nevendaar is breaking away as Bethrezen is scarring the land. He says it is sheer madness, and you MUST hurry !! If you venture back towards the Clans' Capital City (which is to the east of the City of Gando), and despatch the Guard Tower, Okknor will comment that whilst the Dwarves favour these Guard Towers, they haven't really done them any GOOD ... have they ... *chortle* *titter* If you head into the very southeasternmost corner of the map and free the City of Fort Kjell, Zera says you are getting closer to the source of the evil, and that it is spreading down from the north. This information has been gleaned from a runic script you found in the City, which is (to her mind) proof that the City must have belonged at SOME point in the past to the Mountain Clans. With that, the Lava Pit and the Obelisk to the west and north-west of Fort Kjell disappear. Fort Kjell contains an Orb of Lycanthropy. As you move northwards from Malavien's Tower towards the Tiamath on the World Map, Zera pops up to tell you that Great Evil has been called up from the ground, and that the holes in the area are glowing with the Fires of Hell at their hearts. If you move towards the centre of the map - i.e. west by north-west of this location, Dresdon will comment that this APPEARS to be the FORMER Capital of the Legions of the Damned, but that they have now moved into the Elven Lands, and left this place in ruins. However, PLENTY of demons still freely roam the lands ... so it's HUNTIN' TIME !! :) :) :) :) :) If you take the Lava Pit, Dresdon says that a scorched corpse in the area is holding some kind of potion to its skull. He was unable to imbibe the liquid as he got turned into a walking crisp before he could get the cap off. You then pick up a potion of fire warding. If you venture northwards from the centre of the map, you will encounter SIX units - three Elven Units, three Imperial Assassins. As you approach, one of the Imperial Assassins - named a Verzillin Spy, tells you that they have managed to convince these Elves to assist them in fighting the Armies of Bethrezen, but that no time should be wasted. You then gain control over the following units :- 1) Elf Lord (Level 1; Leadership 3) 2) Forest Elf (Level 1; Leadership 3) 3) Forest Elf (Level 1; Leadership 3) 4) Imperial Assassin (Level 1; Leadership 3) 5) Imperial Assassin (Level 1; Leadership 3) 6) Imperial Assassin (Level 1; Leadership 3) If you pay a visit to the Medusa Lair - due north of your present location - a Medusa tells you that the "Fireskins" are to the EAST of their Lair, and that they do not have what you want ... ... unless of course you're after the Talisman of Thunder they are jealously guarding ;) I then headed due south and then south-east to take the Ruined Town Hall. Once it has fallen, Dresdon announces the Empire's standing policy on entering combat with Dopplegangers. He calls on Mullens (a Knight) to cite his eldest daughter's name. Mullens confirms that her name is Eleesa. Dresden then asks Semble what HIS eldest daughter's name is ... Semble (a Squire) confirms that his eldest daughter's name is Eleesa as well. Dresdon calls for Semble to be hanged from the nearest tree. Which I think is a bit harsh to be honest ... I mean ... he COULD have called his daughter Eleesa as well ... and what if Dresdon had asked Semble BEFORE Mullens ? Would he have hung Mullens instead ? ... and ... what of the twins ?? Did they get out of the mine ok ????? =./ Semble polymorphs back into his Doppleganger form (GOOD CALL Dresdon), and cries out that Bethrezen will have your SOUL ... before he is cut into little bits and fed to the wolves ... :) If you venture further east, Dresdon confirms that there was a great battle in the nearby village, and that the fractured walls and unburied corpses tell a tale of hasty defences being built to ward off demons charging down from the mountains. If you head north rather than further east, you will find the Clan Fort. If you head north-east of the Clan Fort you will hit the City of Stunnart Point. Once this City has fallen, Natell tells you that the scrolls he has found in the City tell of the fate of Elgrid the Tamer - an Elven Lord that used to dwell there. Apparently the plague destroyed Elgrid's Creatures, and the Demons drove him from his home. Poor lad :( If you then venture east and then south, you will find the former Elven City of High Point. This is confirmed by Natell after the City has fallen. He says that it has been so badly damaged that it barely RESEMBLES an Elven City anymore :( Now then ... the ONLY way to gain access to Bethrezen's Magic Well is via the northeasternmost corner of the map. So that is where I am now going to go. There are three units of dragons en route ... from the north to the south they are as follows :- 1) Red Dragon (1), Green Dragon (1) 2) Black Dragon (1), 2 Red Dragons (1/1) 3) Red Dragon (1), Black Dragon (1), Onyx Gargoyle (3) Now then ... in order to complete this level, you must fight NEBIROS' Unit. This unit comprises :- Nebiros (1), Infernal Knight (99), Mobeus (99), Fiend (99) As you approach, Nebiros screams out "What is this stench of righteousness that fouls the air? Humans and Elves! Don't you know that you've already lost ?" Emry of Abrissel responds, saying that he is a large beast to be sure, but why should the Empire cower before one demon. He adds that they have fought far fouler creatures than this on their lands before this day. Nebiros laughs at you, saying that he draws his power from the very BOWELS of hell. He says he spreads Bethrezen's Plague to ENGULF your Cities. Lady Ambrielle kicks in to say that Nebiros is the source of the Plague and, as such, MUST be destroyed. Nebiros then attacks you. For your convenience, here are Nebiros' Stats :- ============================================================================== HP AR IMM WARD ATT % HIT DAM SRC INIT REA TAR Nebiros 2600 30 Mind DFWAE Halberd 90 300 Wea 60 Any 6 Paralyse 60 0 Mind 60 Any 6 ============================================================================== To be honest with you, Nebiros ISN'T as tough as he seems IF you have a kickass unit, have assaulted most of his units with spells before combat, and have placed the ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLY AMAZINGLY COOL Damage Ward spell on your units prior to combat. Once he has been slain, Bethrezen's Magic Well reverts to its former glory, and the plague that was sweeping Nevendaar abates as quickly as it started. Nebiros just has time to let out a cry of "You may have defeated me, bu ..." in response to which Emry of Abrissel says "Slay the Demon! I tire of its filthy tongue. This is a victory not only for the Empire, but for all of Nevendaar. None could escape the fiery Plague. Nebiros was but one of Bethrezen's minions. Dwarves, Elves, we would all be engulfed !" Emry then calls for Princess Illumielle to come out of hiding, and set foot free of the protection of Lady Ambrielle. Lady Ambrielle retorts, saying that it would appear that not ALL her secrets are as well guarded as she had thought, but that she will let him off just this once ... Illumielle (who is the lady on the front cover of the box - at least on MY version of the Expansion Pack), says that the lands are cooling, and that there is renewed hope for the forests. She is grateful to the Empire, and will now return to her people to try and reunite them as one. She says that perhaps, one day, you will fight side by side again ... and that perhaps ONE day there will actually be no need to fight at all ... Emry bids them farewell, and then turns his attentions on the RATHER well endowed Lady Ambrielle, who has to practically deflate her cleavage just to SEE him ... Lady Ambrielle confirms that she and Emry should work together, and that she feels certain they could come to some mutually acceptable arrangement ... over dinner ?? Emry is putty in her hands. You have just completed the Empire's Expansion Pack !! W-E-L-L D-O-N-E ! ! ! ! ! ============================================================================== OPPONENTS Mountain Clans, Legions of the Damned, Undead Hordes CITIES NEUTRAL CITIES Name Inhabitants Point Hope Ardobert the Brave (Pegasus Knight - 15), Defender of the Faith (5), Holy Avenger (5), White Wizard (4) Krub City Ogre (15), Troll (15), Goblin Archer (16), Medusa (15) Gando Eraric (King's Guard - 10), Son of Ymir (4), Elder One (10), Archdruidess (4) Fort Kjell Ekrezem (Counsellor - 10), Demon Lord (4), Infernal Knight (15), Incubus (15), Doppleganger (4) Stunnart Point Baalhu (Duke - 15), Abyssal Demon (5), Tiamath (10), Doppleganger (4) High Point Hygral (Arch Devil - 15), Abyssal Demon (10), Tiamath (15) UNDEAD HORDES' CITIES Name Inhabitants Tormenta [Doomdrake (2), Zombie (2), Skeleton Warrior (3) Spectre (2)] Misery Castle [Deathdragon (3), Zombie (2), Wraith (3), Dark Lord (3)] MOUNTAIN CLANS CITIES Name Inhabitants Confidence Dagaric (King's Guard - 10), Ice Giant (3), Hermit (4) [Elder One (4)] BUILDINGS Name Inhabitants Gain anything from taking it? Heretic's Temple Hermit (4), Dwarf King (5), Ice Giant (3) 400 Gp, Orb of Icefall Garrison Tower Hermit (4), Flame Caster (3), Rune Master (5), Dwarf King (5), Venerable Warrior (4) 550 Gp, Damage Ward Scoll Elven Guard Tower 2 Griffins (1/1), Skylord (1) 500 Gp, Royal Scepter Library Holy Avenger (15), Elementalist (15), 2 Prophetesses (10/8) 800 Gp, Etched Circlet Crumbled Castle 3 Wyverns (1/1/1) 400 Gp, Ancient Relic Ruined Farm 2 Ghouls (10/10) Occultist (1) 350 Gp, Skeleton Champion Orb Ransacked Shop Ogre (5), Troll (3), Orc (10), Goblin Archer (20) 750 Gp, Emerald Armory Ogre (1), Troll (1), Orc King (3), Goblin Archer (10) 500 Gp, Iron Skin Potion Guard Tower Ice Giant (3), Hermit (4), Wolf Lord (4) 400 Gp, Tome of Water Witch Tower 2 Fat Imps (10/10), Imp (10), Succubus (15) 700 Gp, Orb of Inferno Ruined Lochhouse Red Dragon (1), Beast (4), Infernal Knight (10), Succubus (15) 500 Gp, Infernal Knight Orb Lava Pit Red Dragon (1) 1000 Gp Staff of Invisibility Medusa Lair 3 Lizard Men (1/5/1), 2 Medusas (1/1) 700 GP, Talisman of Thunder Ruined Town Hall 2 Dopplegangers (5/4), Marble Gargoyle (2), Demon Lord (4) 400 Gp, Orb of Earth Clan Fort Primitive Giant (5), Son of Ymir (4), Yeti (15) 500 Gp, Orb of Restoration Deserted Church 3 Ghouls (1/10/1), Master Occultist (1), Elder Vampire (5), Shade (5) 600 Gp, Lich Talisman EVENTS Event Notes WHAT THE ... The land turns to blood and lava like a sea of red. TO ARMS !! You must find the source of the plague (NE) ELVES AHOY !! Three units of Elves and three Empire units ally to you. SLAY THEEEEEM !!! Kill Nebiros and END THE GAME !! :) ITEMS LYING ON THE GROUND 6 x Potions of Restoration, Potion of Accuracy, Chant of Hasting Scroll, Potion of Vigor, 5 x Life Potions, Ice Spirits Scroll, Elder Vampire Orb, 3 x Treebark Potions, 4 x Healing Ointments, Gold Ring, Potion of Speed, Orc Orb, Potion of Celerity, Touch of Mortis Scroll, Forestwalk Scroll, 2 x Potions of Protection, Blizzard Scroll, Sapphire, Ancestor's Call Scroll, Emerald, Summon Death Scroll, Orb of Regeneration, Damage Ward Scroll, Skeleton Champion Orb, Psalm of Death Scroll, Orb of Healing, Orb of Stone Rain, Potion of Swiftness, Incantare Hellhound Scroll. ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM ENEMIES (COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE GROUND ORIGINALLY) None. SHOPS Name Sells Thurania's Tower (Magic Shop) Winds of Restoration (2000 Gp), Illudere Terra (2000 Gp), Divis Nocte (600 Gp), Winds of Travel (1600 Gp), Summon Stone Ancestor (1000 Gp), Mortis' Venom (1500 Gp), Incantare Avenger (1000 Gp), Nightfall (1600 Gp) Norly's Shop (Merchant) Life Potion x 15, Potion of Restoration x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Potion of Invulnerability x 1, Healing Ointment x 10, Potion of Swiftness x 1, Potion of Fortune x 1 Allar's Shop (Merchant NE) Life Potion x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Potion of Restoration x 10, Healing Ointment x 10, Treebark Potion x 6, Potion of Striking x 4, Potion of Vigor x 5, Potion of Strength x 6, Potion of Might x 1 Hallow House (Merchant) Life Potion x 10, Potion of Restoration x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Healing Ointment x 10 Righon's Camp (Mercenary) Barbarian Chieftain (Level 1 - 1800 Gp), Dark Lord (Level 3 - 850 Gp), Elder One (Level 4 - 2800 Gp), Medusa (Level 1 - 1310 Gp), Ogre (Level 1 - 2800 Gp), Onyx Gargoyle (Level 3 - 1000 Gp), Skylord (Level 1 - 3000 Gp), Son of Ymir (Level 4 - 2600 Gp), Troll (Level 1 - 2800 Gp), Venerable Warrior (Level 4 - 1800 Gp) Metaca's Camp (Trainer) --> Train your Units here ! <-- Mariann's Market (Merchant) Life Potion x 14, Potion of Restoration x 10, Potion of Healing x 7, Healing Ointment x 11, Treebark Potion x 4, Potion of Strength x 8, Potion of Celerity x 3 Malavien's Tower (Magic Shop) Rust (200 Gp), Shadow (400 Gp), Rot (800 Gp), Forestwalk (200 Gp), Seafaring (400 Gp), Tempest (600 Gp), Ice Spirits (1200 Gp), Paraseus (600 Gp) Allar's Shop (Mercant - NE) Life Potion x 10, Healing Ointment x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Potion of Invulnerability x 1, Potion of Vigor x 1, Potion of Strength x 1, Potion of Might x 1, Potion of Celerity x 1, Potion of Restoration x 10 Gareth's Laboratory (Magic) Ignis Mare (200 Gp), Menta Minoris (200 Gp), Chronos (400 Gp), Cursa Demoneus (400 Gp), Incantare Beliarh (400 Gp), Maledicere (900 Gp), Paraseus (600 Gp), Sanctuera (600 Gp), Deus Talonis (1000 Gp), Illudere Terra (2000 Gp), Projicere Terra (800 Gp) Purthen's Camp (Mercenary) Brown Bear (Level 1 - 300 Gp), Green Dragon Level 1 - 4500 Gp), Griffin (Level 1 - 1250 Gp), Manticore (Level 1 - 5600 Gp), Medusa (Level 1 - 1310 Gp), Ogre (Level 3 - 3360 Gp), Polar Bear (Level 1 - 300 Gp), Skylord (Level 1 - 3000 Gp), Spirit of Fenrir (Level 1 - 2300 Gp), Titan (Level 1 - 300 Gp), Titan (Level 5 - 420 Gp), Wolf (Level 1 - 300 Gp), Yeti (Level 6 - 600 Gp) Thurin's Shop (Merchant) Life Potion x 10, Potion of Restoration x 10, Potion of Healing x 10, Healing Ointment x 10, Potion of Vigor x 2, Potion of Striking x 1, Treebark Potion x 5, Ancestor's Call Scroll x 1, Potion of Fire Warding x 1 Anjalin's Camp (Trainer) --> Train your Units here ! <-- ============================================================================== EPILOGUE ============================================================================== Finally, the factions of Ambrielle and Emry had joined forces. Who would have suspected a plague of Bethrezen's twisted design would strengthen the Empire ? The Elves and the Humans celebrated a temporary alliance. The children of Gallean, however, had much to mourn. They had lost their Queen, their Princess, and now even their resurrected God seemed to have abandoned them. As they had always done in times of crisis, the Elves returned to the forest, far from Human eyes. Perhaps one day that would emerge, their former glory regained. But for now, the unified Empire had its own agenda. It was a time for glorious celebration. It was time for the crowning of a new King, and perhaps a new Queen as well ... ============================================================================== ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to all the people at gamefaqs.com with ONE exception (and you KNOW who you are, you little maggot), for being nothing but supportive and encouraging of me during the process of creating this walkthrough and its siblings. As I mentioned at the top, this walkthrough is dedicate to my friend Michael the Horny Angel, and his beau Aiden. Thanks guys for being such a swell pair of guys, and true and reliable friends to the little Shadow. x ============================================================================== Copyright David Booth, 2004 ==============================================================================