Ending the Old Ways is the sixth and final chapter (Commonwealth path) of The Commonwealth campaign in Age of Wonders 3.
Prelude[]
Athla Map from Ending the Old Ways
"Thanks to the vigilance of Valery's Imperial Watch guarding our borders, the High Elves failed to secure the wildlands of Kaerunn and suffered a great loss attempting to retreat back through the constricted portals. Using the misappropiated resources found in the previous Emperor's palace we are constructing a great force of new weapons and we're ready to strike with a counteroffensive of our own. We move on the heart of the Elven Court." - Edward Portsmith
Introduction[]
Commonwealth Supreme[]
Machines roam High Elf territory
I need no historians to tell me the significance of this moment.
We turned the Elves' plan to attack us through ancient gateways against them. Now, we mount our final assault on Sylvanus, the High Elf woodland sanctuary that has never fallen to men. Soon the Elves' only refuge will be surrender. My most faithful allies accompany me. How will the Elven Court react when they see Valery fighting her own kind? With Dwemus at my side, the faith these High Elves place in their immortal king and queen will waiver. My machines are in place, stocked with the mana-power that I invented, ready to show the High Elves the price of impeding the progress of our Great Empire.
Time and again acient kings have proclaimed an age of men, only to see their dream of humany fail. I shall break down this ancient lie. No single race shall conquer here. All people will be united. We are the Commonwealth and together we shall be victorious. We shall bring the whole world under one banner, and forge a new era of peace. The rebellious High Elves shall bow to me.
Overview[]
Leaders[]
| Leader | Edward | Valery | Dwemus | Saridas | Julia | Fai | Leana |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edward Portsmith - Human Dreadnought (player, red/black) | Alliance | Alliance | War | War | War | War | |
| Valery of House Avernos - High Elf Warlord (Blue/crimson) | Alliance | Alliance | War | War | War | War | |
| Dwemus Strongmouth - Dwarf Theocrat (Yelllow/orange) | Alliance | Alliance | War | War | War | War | |
| Saridas of House Inioch - High Elf Sorcerer (Blue/white) | War | War | War | Alliance | Alliance | Alliance | |
| Julia of House Inioch High Elf Arch Druid (White/yellow) | War | War | War | Alliance | Alliance | Alliance | |
| Fai Dural Dzirikon - Draconian Theocrat (Orange/purple) | War | War | War | Alliance | Alliance | Alliance | |
| Leana the Huntress - High Elf Warlord (Green/brown) | War | War | War | Alliance | Alliance | Alliance |
Heroes[]
- Edward Portsmith - Human Dreadnought (Edward)
- Valery of House Avernos - High Elf Warlord (Valery)
- Dwemus Strongmouth - Dwarf Theocrat (Dwemus)
- Saridas of House Inioch - High Elf Sorcerer (Saridas)
- Tianne the Monster Slayer - High Elf Warlord (Saridas)
- Aegelis the Levitating - High Elf Sorcerer (Saridas)
- Sundren of House Inioch - High Elf Rogue (Saridas)
- Julia of House Inioch High Elf Arch Druid (Julia)
- Lealia the Sheer - High Elf Sorcerer (Julia)
- Fai Dural Dzirikon - Draconian Theocrat (Fai)
- Raknor the Crusader - Draconian Theocrat (Fai)
- Leana the Huntress - High Elf Warlord (Leana)
- Girron Arrowflock - High Elf Warlord (Leana)
Cities[]
- Dwemus Strongmouth
- Durdomlir - Dwarf Village
- Runahar - Dwarf Village (Dwemus's Throne)
- Edward Portsmith
- Edward's Landing - Human Town (Edward's Throne)
- Valery of House Avernos
- Nothrodes - High Elf Outpost
- Sothrodes - High Elf Outpost
- Ironesse - High Elf Town (Valery's Throne)
- Leana the Huntress
- Ealaril - High Elf Village
- Woforesse - High Elf Village
- Ethalien - High Elf Town
- Iriabeth - High Elf Town
- Erume - High Elf Town
- Finrel - High Elf Town (Leana's Throne)
- Iriabeth - High Elf Town
- Fai Dural Dzirikon
- Gindraneth - High Elf Town
- Minruil - High Elf City
- Belyssys - Draconian Town
- Daganth - Draconian Town (Fai's Throne)
- Mirnuil - High Elf Town
- Julia of House Inioch
- Toavale - High Elf City
- Leafil - High Elf Village
- Lililake - High Elf City (Julia's Throne)
- Gelendir - High Elf City
- Palanos - High Elf City
- Rithanos - High Elf Town
- Saridas of House Inioch
- Sylhaven - High Elf City
- Selforan - High Elf City
- Kilineth - High Elf City
- Sylvanus - High Elf City (Saridas's Throne)
- Mira Es - Fey Dwelling
- Manadir - High Elf City
- Adoril - High Elf City
- Odoray - High Elf City
- Independent
- Endraela - High Elf Village
- Nirthoniel - High Elf Outpost
- Northoniel - High Elf Outpost
- Khadazur - Dwarf Outpost
- Thargund - Dwarf Village
- Angathond - Dwarf Town
- Graugmir - Dwarf Village
- Caldbar - Dwarf Village
- Goldridge - Dwarf Village
- Mountain Spring - Human City (Razed)
- Emareth - High Elf Town
- Coldwing - Giant Dwelling
Fortresses[]
- Dwemus Strongmouth
- Janurn
- Lagosten
- Edward Portsmoth
- Korenstee
- Valery of House Avernos
- Hallassa
- Leana the Huntress
- Terenheim
- Stavasyl
- Bana Lir
- Kirnuil
- Irnolac
- Fai Dural Dzirikon
- Sarilin
- Alnarac
- Marieth
- Saridas of House Inioch
- Orvas
- Independent
- Rahad
- Cordail
- Walth
- Jorrensar
- Junthul
- Milos Irk
- Darigod
- Roha Lar
- Pirurn
- Eroston
Outro[]
Ending the Old Ways[]
Rebuilding civilization
The Commonwealth prevails. I proclaim this war ended. The Elven Court is no more. Let them be remembered as fiends in the tomes of history. King Saridas is dead. The bodies of his court nourish the twisted roots of their dark woodlands.
The people celebrate this day when pomp and privilege died. With the destruction of the Elven Court, the conspiracy that caused such festering hatred falls apart. As I suspected, the fools associated with the Shadowborn have renounced their allegiances and I have been generous to pardon the mobs of desperate High Elves who swear obedience to Commonwealth.
This day the Old Ways are forgotten.
With the worst behind us, I look to a calmer future focused on solving the problems of commoners. I have consulted with my most trusted advisors, and already we have a hundred new ideas. We will adapt the machines with their mana fuel cells to be capable of harvesting fields of grain. Imagine buildings of gears and mechanical arms dedicated to spinning homely cloth of baking pastries filled with sweet cream for every child in the kingdom.
We shall build schools, and train every man who is capable to build and repair and create new machines--inventions for everyone's benefit. Thus begins a new era of prosperity, not for a few, but for all.
Ending the Old Ways - Page 2[]
Last hope for humanity
My dreams evaporated. I am withered beyond my years. I have not written for decades. I thought to end with the joy of a new age. But that time of peace collapsed into a hellish sinkhole of greed and destruction. Mana is scarce now, the people rebel. They are like spoiled children whose toys and sweets have been taken away. They blame me. The Shadowborn conspiracy that I thought decimated after my conquest of the Elven Court has regained power in the Sunbirth region. My immortal nemesis, Werlac, who lurked for decades in accursed exile, has gained enough power to reactivate the last Shadowgate. Something bad is coming.
What if I had made a *difference choice? I miss Laryssa. She tried to warn me of this fate. I am old and cannot remember her face any more. There is only emptyness. I have gathered one last desperate force to try to stop them, but I do not expect a miracle. In this age, only cruel gods reign. I have no allies. We die as martyrs to be forgotten.
If this is the last entry of my journal, then know that I have failed, and the world is lost.
Note: *difference is actually misspelled in game. The correct word is "different"
Signs[]
"Stay out! Dwarven territory!" -Sign north of Endraela
Storyline Walkthrough[]
Defeat the Elven Court[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Defeat the Elven Court to overthrow their kingdom and unite Athla under one banner."
Defeat Saridas[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Defeat Saridas in oder to overthrow the Elven Court."
Defeat Julia[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Defeat Julia in oder to overthrow the Elven Court."
Defeat Fai Dural[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Defeat Fai Dural in order to overthrow the Elven Court."
Defeat Leana[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Defeat Leana in order to overthrow the Elven Court."
When the player nears the border of Leana, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "It seems that the Elven Court has set up defenses closer to the edge of the forest than I expected. Let's show them the Commonwealth is not afraid to fight!"
Leana: "Halt! If you try to enter these woods, you shall die!"
Edward: "You can't stop the Commonwealth from advancing, you misguided Elven Court rebel! You should not have provoked our Empire. Now you will face the consequences!"
Leana: "So be it. Your remains will be overgrown by the roots of the trees in this vast forest. You'll nourish them for years. My fellow hunters, reveal yourselves!"
At the 2nd turn, a dialogue will trigger:
Dwemus: "Lord Edward, I've sent some missionaries to my cousin in the north, warning them of the Elven threat. I know they aren't too fond of the Elven Court, but they have never had cause to go to war with them. Now, with the Commonwealth advancing quickly, I bet the Elven Court will reach out to them too."
Dwemus: "Well, my Emperor, because my cousins have some very powerful allies. In the snomy regions of the area, there is a Giant's Keep called Coldwin Alcove. We will have a huge advantage if that Giants' Keep were to join us."
At the 6th turn, a dialogue will appear:
Valery: "It seems that even the animals have turned against us. I wonder what other creatures the Elven Court has bewitched."
If the player nears the location of Mountain Springs, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "The beautiful town of Mountain Springs, destroyed! The Elven Court will pay for this! I wonder if there are any survivors."
At the 12th turn, an event will trigger:
Dwemus: "Lord Edward, my missionaries have arrived and they've got some good news. My cousins are willing to join our cause, if we can help them first. There are some Elven scouts exploring the area. If we can slay them, we'll have a powerful ally to join us."
If the player chooses the option "Excellent, we will", a quest will be given:
Help the Dwarves[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Hard
"Dwemus's cousins will join our cause if we help them slay the Elven Court scouts."
Defeat the High Elf Assasins[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"There are High Elf Assasins lurking in the woods near the Dwarven cities. Defeat them and the Dwarves will join us."
Defeat the High Elf Berserkers[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"There are High Elf Berserkers trying to take over the Dwarven cities. Defeat them and the Dwarves will join us."
Defeat the High Elf Manticore Riders[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"There are High Elf Manticore Riders trying to take over the Dwarven cities. Defeat them and the Dwarves will join us."
Defeat the High Elf Scoundrels[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"There are High Elf Scoundrels lurking in the woods near the Dwarven cities. Defeat them and the Dwarves will join us."
Defeat the High Elf Warbreed[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"There are High Elf Warbreeds trying to take over the Dwarven cities. Defeat them and the Dwarves will join us."
On the other hand, if the player chooses the option "Sorry, we can't", additional dialogue will be given:
Dwemus: "I hope you know what you are doing, Lord Edward!"
When the player eliminates the last High Elf scout party, an event will trigger (this will complete the "Help the Dwarves" quest):
Dwarf: "Thank you, Emperor Edward, for helping us. We will join your cause. Long live the Commonwealth!"
The player will gain control of the Dwarf Settlements to the North.
Ander: "Hmm... You've shown the Dwarves that you're worthy of trust. Maybe you little humans aren't so bad after all. We have a test for you. Defeat the Dragon in the cavern below the city and we will join your cause"
If the player chooses the option "Consider it done!", a quest will be given:
Slay the Frost Dragon[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Hard
"Slay the Frost Dragon and the Giants will join our cause."
Note: The cave is to the left of the Giant Dwelling.
If on the other hand, the player chooses the option "No, thanks.", additional dialogue will be given:
Ander: "You fool! Feel the icy wrath of the Giants!"
When the player eliminates the Frost Dragon, an event will trigger:
Ander: "You have proved yourself a worthy ally. Our power is at your disposal."
The player will gain control of Coldwind Alcove.
If Dwemus is eliminated, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "Dwemus, no! My faithful ally... You'll be remembered forever. Rest in eternal peace."
If Valery is eliminated, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "Valery, no! My... You'll always hold a special place in my heart."
When the player eliminates Leana, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "So where are your powerful trees now? I will tell you: beneath the wheels of my landship, broken. Like the entire Elven Court will break."
When the player nears Fai's territory, a dialogue will trigger:
Fai Dural: "The wrath of Gods will soon be upon you. You have made a big mistake, entering these woods."
When the player eliminates Fai, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "I have always liked the kindness of Theocrafts. You have shown me the other side. Thank the gods I have Dwemus."
When the player nears Julia's territory, a dialogue will trigger:
Julia: "What right do you think you have, destroying our woods? Our homes? We can't let you continue. This will stop here!"
When the player eliminates Julia, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "Ahh... I love to see the glow of mana fuel cells in the trees. We will light up the entire forest with it! It is the sight of imminent victory. Soon this war shall be at an end!"
When the player nears Saridas' territory, a dialogue will trigger:
Saridas: "Fool, you've destroyed the homes of thousands. And for what? The Commonwealth stands for nothing but destruction. You crave hollow, shortsighted power. In the end, you'll just destroy yourselves. You'll be forgotten."
When the player defeats Saridas, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "Yes, I've destroyed the homes of thousands, and frankly, Elf, I don't care. You see, I care about what is right. And if this is necessary, then so be it. The world will be better for it in the end."
When all players have been defeated, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "My destiny is fulfilled! Remember this day, friends. It is the day the Old Ways died. The Commonwealth is victorious! The Elven Court has been defeated!"
Notes[]
- Both Dwemus and Valery will be wearing and holding all the items the player has previously given them until their last appearance.
- While in other final chapters the starting army (and reinforcements) are enough for the player to hold off most enemies and start capturing settlements, in this chapter it is not enough.
- The player is required to save the army for the Dwarf and Giant quests, as Leana will amass a considerable army thanks to her many settlements.
- Leana will start to aggressively push towards the player's Throne City, then towards Dwemus, and finally against Leana, around the 15th or 20th turn.
- All High Elf population will have a natural -1200 Relation towards the player.
- All Dwarf population will have a natural -200 Relation towards the player.
- All Giant population will have a natural -1500 Relation towards the player.
- Fai is the only leader with a natural Pure Evil Alignment (-800)
- Julia is the only leader with a natural Pure Good Alignment (800)
- Since the Outro does not make a mention of both Dwemus and Valery (and taking into account the initial aggressiveness of Leana), one could assume that they are supposed to be eliminated.