Council of Origins is the first chapter of The Elven Court campaign in Age of Wonders 3.
Prelude[]
Athla Map from Council of Origins
"The Wheel of Ages turns... Set in motion by two opposing powers, preparing for war. The Commonwealth, Humanity's greatest empire, spreads to every continent. Emperor Leonus promises to reward ambition regardless of race, creed, or descent. The Empire's machines roll forward, bringing wealth to those willing to crush all opposition. The Elven Court will not submit. It is our duty to protect Athla, so that the wonders of our world will never fade. My name is Sundren and this is my journal." - Sundren of House Inioch
Introduction[]
Rogue Princess[]
Sundren spies on the Elven Court
My father is King Saridas, once First Stormlord of the Dark Elves. My mother is Julia, former Queen of the Wood Elves. Their passion reunited Dark and Light souls, restoring the High Elves. Their power reinvigorated the glory of Inioch's ancient Elven Court.
My brother, Prince Thannis, is firstborn. He is schooled in war and statecraft, destined to great deeds. I was born second and a girl. All my father wants me to do is secure a powerful husband. But I want none of that. In public I may be a dutiful daughter, but I have trained and I have spied. I will be more than just a princess.
In the court, envoys come and go. Everyone talks of war. Many flock to the banner of our Elven Court, seeking refuge from the Human-run Commonwealth with their technologies of metal and smoke.
About my People[]
Birth of the High Elves
My grandfather Inioch was King when the High Elves last ruled. Then the Humans came and murdered him. The Elves' hearts were broken in two. Inioch's daughter, my mother, pursued healing, leading the Wood Elves, while his son, Meandor, chose vengeance, leading the Dark Elves.
While we fought among ourselves, the humans grew in power. Then came the Shadows to consume us all. For the first tine, the world stood as one. Victorious, leaders of all races joined together to form the Commonwealth. My mother guided them, but one by one the mortal founders died. Their children forgot their forefathers. In two generations, they sought gold over virtue. My mother's dream or harmonious equality died.
The Dark and Wood Elves withdrew from the Commonwealth, turning to each other for survival. My parents' love was their catalyst. One Midsummer Eve, those broken Elves gathered for a night of sacred unifications. Bodies and souls joined, performing a mystical ritual we call The Mending. My brother and I, the first of a new generation, were born thereafter. The High Elves had returned.
Escaping the Gilded Cage[]
Arriving to the Council of Origins
I found an opportunity to escape my gilded cage when Thannis was sent to negotiate with the Commonwealth at the Council of Origins. I slipped out amongst the entourage and joined my brother. Thannis thinks war can be averted, but during my nightly spying I have overheard even our trusted allies lusting for power. These lords would sell their own families for an advantage in the impending conflict.
Though a warrior, Thannis favors peace. He repeats my mother's words; "Diplomacy is essential to prevent war". I fear they are too late, and history favors the one who strikes first.
The Council is to be held at the Pool of Origins. It is a sacred place where leaders go to settle disputes. It is guarded by a wise Orc named Gamblag. His powers ensure envoys can attend the council without fear of violence. Yet, on our approach we hear movement in the woods, trailing us. Thannis leaves his guards with me while he enters Gamblag's Domain.
Overview[]
Leaders[]
| Leader | Sundren | Gamblag | Thannis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundren of House Inioch - High Elf Rogue (Player, white/purple) | Peace | Alliance | |
| Gamblag Master of Origins - Orc Theocrat (green/yellow) | Peace | Peace | |
| Thannis of House Inioch - High Elf Warlord (purple/white) | Alliance | Peace |
Heroes[]
- Sundren of House Inioch - High Elf Rogue (Sundren)
- Thannis of House Inioch - High Elf Warlord (Thannis)
- Gamblag Master of Origins - Orc Theocrat (Gamblag)
- Voraditius Pontifex Maximus - Human Theocrat (Independent)
- Yzzo the Rat - Goblin Rogue (Independent)
- Reskar Scapeshaper - Draconian Arch Druid (Independent)
- Drugal the Stout - Dwarf Dreadnought (Independent)
Cities[]
- Gamblag Master of Origins
- Llana - High Elf Village
- Isfani - High Elf Village
- Limonas - High Elf Village
- Montuan - High Elf Village
- Sielle - High Elf Village
- Fann - High Elf Village
- Lakette - Human Village
- Dalesir - Orc Village
- Origin Temple - Orc Metropolis (Gamblag's Throne)
- Independent
- Eldaste - High Elf Outpost
- Sylanui Refuge - Fey Dwelling
Fortresses[]
- Gamblag Master of Origins
- Brideguard
- Gar Zolk
- Poolguard
- Independent
- Naron
- Numfort
Outro[]
Visions of Fire and Blood[]
Sundren's only ally
There's no way back. Thannis is dead. oh my poor, dear, foolish brother. I should've kept you safe from traitors. I knew the greed of these Lords. But now is not the time to mourn.
I now know the heart of my enemy, this "Commonwealth". They will desecreate anything to fuel their appetite to expand. Ruled by mortal men with short lives-how can they value life when death is their destiny?
Before departing, I took Reskar to the Pool of Origins. He has a Draconian artifact called the Radiant Egg. He bathed the egg in the mystic waters and began speaking of prophecy and restoring the trust of dragons so his people can find a homeland. There was much I did not understand, but the egg now glows like the sun. As I was there I gazed into the Pool of Origins. I've never been one to believe in visions or prophecies, but as the ripples cleared, I saw someething.
Reskar's Need[]
The Pool of Origins
The world blurred around me. Great gears clacked with the rhythm of war-drums. On one side, a brother died; on the other, temples fell to ruin. Honor must be defended. Armies rallied. The blood of my enemies mingled in the pure waters of my people--a torrent of blood. Then a well of deep shadows gathered, drinking the sesa of blood. Lastly I saw, floating across this crimson void, a speck of light, distant and flickering like a torch.
Then Reskar pulled me from my trance and we fled. I need time to sort out what happened. Our resistance has attracted the Commonwealth. Somehow they knew both of us would be here. My spies say there's a price on my head. Something has gone terribly wrong here. I cannot return to my father--not yet. He would use this incident to insure I never leave, and I would never discover the truth. I must prove that I am more than the last living heir.
I commanded the elf troops to take Thannis's body back to the Elven Court. Their movement should distract the Commonwealth spies, while I help Reskar escape and follow his vision.
Signs[]
"Welcome to the Vale of the Pool! Temporarily closed for visitors. Teleporter deactivated" - Sign near a Teleporter
"Faerie Forest. Only Elves may enter. Please be silent. Leave gifts here." - Sign near the Sylanui Refuge
Storyline Walkthrough[]
Thannis' Guard speaks: "Your Highness, Gamblag's domain is forbidden to all outsiders for the duration of the Council talks. Prince Thannis requests you to take care of the bandits we discovered in the woods. His scouts have located their Hideout. Lead us, your Highness, we are yours to command."
Sundren replies: "Strange, that Gamblag would allow brigands this close to the sacred pool. The Elven Court trusts him to protect those that travel here. I suppose we can do his job while he hosts the talks. We will need to strike at the brigands quickly before they grow in strength and overrun these woods."
Hunt Bandits[]
- Time: No Turn Limit
- Diffculty: Medium
"Thannis and I have heard movement in the woods. Brigands have set up camp to waylay innocent pilgrims. Thannis' scouts have found their Hideout. I should clear it out to stop them from harassing anyone any further."
Once the quest has been completed:
Thannis congratulates you: "Well done sister! They will not trouble anyone anymore. The talks are not bearing fruit at all yet. I don't like it. Most Lords do not seem inclined to even listen to us. I will try to find out what their true motives are."
Brigands missing: "Thank your brother, and good lick with that. However it seems I am not finished yet. It is apparent that a number of brigands were not accounted for and there are many tracks leading south. There is a High Elf village there, Eldaste, which may be in danger."
Make your way to Eldaste[]
- Time: No Turn Limit
- Diffculty: Medium
"It would be best to go to Eldaste, an Elven village not far from here."
After the player gets to turn 3, the following event will trigger:
Gamblag declares war: "Sundren! This treachery will not go unanswered! Your brother has broken the peace by attacking one of my guests, Yzzo. Thannis fell in the attempt, just as the rebels you incited against me have fallen. I have razed their villages as a lesson to others. Their blood is on your hands."
Sundren is horrified: "Thannis! No! My beloved brother... Dead! Why? There is no rebellion and there were no rebels in those villages! You murdered innocent people! And Thannis would never be the first to attack!"
Gamblag replies: "Surrender or suffer. Your lies cannot sway me, rogue. The actions of you and your brother have made it clear to me that the Commonwealth is the only reasonable party here, so I have joined them."
Sundren recollects herself: "It is the so-called peaceful Council that is the lie! I will find out what truly happened!
My troops, we will replenish our strength in Eldaste. We need to rase an army now. The traitorous Orc betrayed his duty and the trust of the Elven Court. He shall die"
Gamblag Master of Origins declares War on the Player.
Thannis of House Inioch is Defeated.
Once the player nears the High Elf town:
Eldaste is in danger: "Sundren, Your Highness! Brigands are threatening to burn our city down! Please help us! Vanquish them!"
Brigands: "You will not interfere. We will deal with you first, die!"
Once the group of Brigands are defeated:
The city thanks you: "Thank you so much your Highness! These were no normal bandits. They have been harrassing us persistently for a long time now, getting more aggressive every time. We suspect they are supported by Gamblag, as he does nothing to stop them. We are exhausted and weakened. Could we ask you to protect this city with your forces and leadership?"
Once the quest has been completed:
Sundren: "Now that we have a foothold here it's time to think about our next step. Gamblag has closed off the teleporter, but there is a way through the mountains east of Eldaste. I can order the city to build some troops while I go east. He will pay!"
Find a way in[]
- Time: No Turn Limit
- Diffculty: Medium
"We need to get to Gamblag. I need to find Thannis' body to give him a proper burial and the Pool is part of the ancient heritage of the High Elves, it needs to be retaken! We need to go east and find a way in."
Random encounter on the northwest side of the map, after defeating a ground of Wargs:
Hunters address you: "Thank you for killing those Wargs, we've been hunting them for days. Wait... Aren't you Princess Sundren? We would be honored to join you your Highness. We are at your command."
After meeting The Dwelling of Sylanu Refuge for the first time:
(Optional) Capture the nearby castle[]
- Time: No Turn Limit
- Diffculty: Medium
"A few weeks ago Gamblag built aa castle in the north to close off the bridge to all visitors. Now we don't get any gifts from passing travelers hoping to see a fairy anymore! The castle must be brought down, it's too close to us and nasty sounds emerge from it at night. It disturbs us."
After capturing the Brideguard Fortress:
Fairies: "Thank you for capturing that dreary castle! You know, fairies have a strong connection with the supernatural. We feel something really wrong here. Some kind of corruption is tainting Gamblag and the Pool. We'll join with you to help remove it!"
Random encounter on the southeast side of the map, following the road:
A draconian calls out: "Sundren! Good, you are still alive! My name is Reskar, I was part of the Council. Thannis told me you were here. Please, Gamblag has gone mad, can you offer shelter to these refugees? I helped them flee when Gamblag razed their cities.
Sundren: "I thank you for helping them. Can you tell me what happened? Do you know what happened with Thannis? Do you have any informating that could aid me?"
Reskar: "Hmm, I don't know much, I am afraid. It happened when I was away. They said there had been a fight, but I saw Thannis had wounds in his back. Things moved fast, as if prepared. Gamblag has switched sides to the Commonwealth and had his troops raze the High Elf cities. They tried to stop me from leaving but I fought my way out."
Reskar: "I know that isn't what you hoped for... I am convinced Thannis was innocent. He was kind, gentle. The only one who treated me with respect. He alone voted in favor of allowing me to submerge the Radiant Egg, a sacred artifact of my people, in the Pool of Origins. I would be honored to help his sister any way I can and join forces with you."
Sundren: "Thank you. You are very welcome to join me. I could very much use an ally. The world has taken a turn for the worse. And when we retake the Pool for the Elven Court you are most welcome to submerge your artifact in it."
Liberate the Pool of Origins[]
- Time: No Turn Limit
- Diffculty: Victory requirement
"Thannis is dead and Gamblag now holds the Pool in the name of the Commonwealth instead of the Elven Court. The traitor needs to be vanquished. His Throne city must be taken and he must be defeated in combat. After pacifying the vale of the Pool accompany Reskar to the Pool to allow him to submerge his artifact Egg there."
Reskar must survive[]
- Time: No Turn Limit
- Diffculty: Victory requirement
"Keep Reskar alive at all costs. He must not fall!"
While exploring the Underground:
Sundren: "This teleporter is inactive! This must be Gamblag's doing. If we take control of the other end we could probably reactivate it"
When near a city under the control of Gamblag (completes Find a way in):
Reskar: "We should be careful near Gamblag's domain. He can cast spells wherever he can see. When I fled the Pool I feared his spells the most."
When at the Pool of Origins:
Pool of Origins: "So this is where they killed Thannis... I will avenge you, brother!"
When near the Throne City of Gamblag:
Reskar: "We're getting close to Gamblag's capital. It is defended with a strong stone wall. I had some siege engines built, I hope try will be of use to you."
Sundren: "Thank you, these siege engines will prove useful! If Gamblag thinks his city is safe behind those walls he is mistaken! We have many options of dealing with them. Gryphon riders can simply fly over the walls and unicorns can phase past them. Infantry, like our swordsmen, can use ladders to scale the walls, although they will be more vulnerable while climbing."
Once Gamblag has been eliminated, the following dialogue will trigger:
Sundren: "Finally. Strange to think this sacred place has spawned so much bloodshed. Reskar is ready to perform his ritual to submerge the Radiant Egg into the Pool now that Gamblag is dealt with. They say gazing into it may offer a vision. I might take a peek before we have to evacuate this vale. Perhaps I will see Thannis one last time."
After this, the scenario ends.
Notes[]
- Thannis is the only leader with a natural pure Good Alignment (800).
- Before Thannis is killed, the player can see all six leaders around the Pool of Origins at the center of the map. Most of these leaders will be seen later on the campaign.
- While Gamblag is a Theocrat, he has access to a Cannon (which is only available to Dreadnoughts).
- If you help the Fey fairies with their sidequest, they will tell Sundren that they are sensible to the supernatural, which warns them of a dark energy corrupting Gamblag.
- These fey fairies will also assist the player in the last chapter where the main leaders of both sides must be captured. They will arrive after a certain amount of turns.
- There are two independent fortresses on the southwestern and northeastern part of the map, which are surrounded by a couple of dungeons and Gold Mines.
- There is a seemingly unreachable dungeon on the northern part of the map, which can actually be reached through the side of the frost mountains. There is nothing else peculiar from this dungeon.