Haunted Nirvenkiln is the second chapter of The Commonwealth campaign in Age of Wonders 3.
Prelude[]
Athla Map from Haunted Nirvenkiln
"While peace is re-established in Brisska Province, word reaches me that the Council of Origins was disrupted by the death of the Elven representative. The volatile High Elves have blamed the Commonwealth and ransacked the entire region, levelling cities and killing the leader of the Council. War has begun. We must hurry and secure the power source in Nirvenkiln." - Edward Portsmith
Introduction[]
Melenis' Legacy[]
The undead haunt the area
I accompany Laryssa to the blighted lands of Nirvenkiln. It's not the sort of land one takes a lady. This cursed wasteland has been haunted for as long as history records. All attempts to revitalize it have failed.
Thanks to our discovery in Brisska, we now know the reason the earth here stays toxic. A long-dead Stormlord, Melenis, placed her secret lair within the heart of Nirvenkiln. Legend states she could trap power in mana crystals indefinitely, thus perpetuating the blight long past her death. Laryssa's research indicates Melenis created an artifact to do this. If she can study its workings, Laryssa hopes to extrapolate the arcane patterns to create mana fuel cells.
My orders are to:
- 1. Protect and aid Laryssa.
- 2. Enter Melenis' hidden lair.
- 3. Discover the secret that powers Melenis's lair in her absence, while avoiding the rumored ancient magical traps and guardians.
- 4. Return to the Dwarven City, Hengevolt, with the knowledge to create the first mana fuel cells.
A Lunatic's Warning[]
Merlin's warns the party
As we entered the noxious lands of Nirvenkiln, a hooded stranger wandered into our company. He called Laryssa and me by name and spoke:
"Behold Nirvenkiln, a blighted land--a festering warning. Only enemies of the living haunt this place. Tamper not with powers you don't understand!"
I asked the old wanderer by what right he thought to stand against a sacred order from the Emperor of the Commonwealth.
He laughed at the mention of the Emperor, then his face darkened. He said, "I have wielded every power of creation. Staring into the face of all-consuming hunger, I destroyed worlds to preserve yours."
Laryssa looked concerned. So I asked again, "Who are you, old man?"
He bowed his head, pulling up his hood so his face disappeared in shadow. He sounded tired as he said, "Yes. I forget. That's what I am. Just an old man with a warning."
We left the madman by the side of the road. The foul air of Nirvenkiln had driven him to insanity.
Overview[]
Leaders[]
| Leader | Laryssa | Tannah | Werlac | Drugal | Gustav |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laryssa Mirabilis - Human Sorcerer (player, purple/white) | Neutral | War | Alliance | Alliance | |
| Tannah Boslarf - Goblin Arch Driud (White/brown) | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Werlac of Insaldur - High Elf Sorcerer (Black/white) | War | No Contact | War | War | |
| Drugal the Stout - Dwarf Dreadnought (Brown/white) | Alliance | No Contact | War | Alliance | |
| Gustav Gorsmog - Dwarf Dreadnought (Yellow/gray) | Alliance | No Contact | War | Alliance |
Heroes[]
- Laryssa Mirabilis - Human Sorcerer (Laryssa)
- Edward Portsmith - Human Dreadnought (Laryssa)
- Valery of House Avernos - High Elf Warlord (Laryssa)
- Tannah Boslarf - Goblin Arch Driud (Tannah)
- Hininia the Penniless - Goblin Theocrat (Tannah)
- Werlac of Insaldur - High Elf Sorcerer (Werlac)
- Drugal the Stout - Dwarf Dreadnought (Drugal)
- Gustav Gorsmog - Dwarf Dreadnought (Gustav)
Cities[]
- Werlac of Insaldur
- Froth - Goblin Village
- Furk - Goblin Metropolis
- Tannah Boslarf
- Yaggu - Goblin Village (Tannah's Throne)
- Gustav Gorsmog
- Hengevolt
- Independent
- Muk - Goblin City
- Kalberg - Human City
- Fei Lasur - Archon Revenant Dwelling
- Bolstone - Dwarf City (Razed)
- Huzu - Goblin City (Razed)
Fortresses[]
- Tannah Boslarf
- Akku
- Rabbin
- Tarx
- Gustav Gorsmog
- Erhad
- Independent
- Krog
Outro[]
The Oscillator Gem[]
Safety at last
We arrived in the Dwarven Town of Hengevolt, safely securing the Oscillator Gem.
With the help of the industrious Dwarves I constructed a prototype vehicle that hurtled about the workshop for half a day without stopping, on power extracted from a single shard of mana. We've only just begun to discover the full potential of mana fuel cells.
I would not be alive to record this were it not for the help of Valery of Avernos, a High Elf Warlord who was hunting for spies in the region. Her forces were inspecting teleportation gates in the Commonwealth when she discovered intruders led by Werlac, the same Sorcerer who caused trouble in Brisska. Valery told us he's the prime advisor to the King of the Elven Court. There is now no doubt that they know of our findings.
I confess I find Valery's devotion to duty over race inspiring. She embodies the best of the Commonwealth.
Signs[]
"Do not enter! Dangerous!" - Sign on an underground cave entrance near the Goblin Village.
Storyline Walkthrough[]
Werlac's Troops: "You there, stop! There is nothing in this cursed land but blight. You would be wise to turn back."
Laryssa: "I don't know what Elves are doing so close to Commonwealth territory, but we will not allow it!"
Retrieve Melenis' Power Source[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Find Melenis' Power Source and bring it to Hengevolt."
Find Melenis' Lair[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"A mighty Dark Elf Wizard who experimented with forbidden magic used to live in this region. Melenis lived in the underground, so we need to find the cave entrance that leads to her lair."
Edward must survive[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Keep Edward alive at all costs. He must not fall!"
Once a turn has passed, a dialogue will trigger:
Drugal: "Laryssa Mirabilis, well met! We're preparing everything here in Hengevolt for your work, it's exciting stuff for us Dreadnoughts!"
Gorsmog: "Just bring whatever you find in Melenis's lair to Hengevolt and we'll keep it safe from the Elves!"
Once the player finds the correct entrance to the lair, a dialogue will trigger (this will complete the "Find Melenis' Lair" quest):
Find the Power Source[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Now that we have found Melenis's lair, we can start looking for the artifact that continues to powers this place."
When the player nears the Wizard Tower, a dialogue will trigger:
Laryssa: "It seems we are approaching the core of Melenis's lair. We should be prepared when we enter the Wizard Tower ruins. I have no idea what we will find."
Once the player explores the Wizard Tower, an event will trigger:
Valery: "Hey there! You are Edward, right? I am Valery of Avernos, officer of the Commonwealth Imperial Watch. I am hunting for Elven Court spies in the region. My orders are to assist you, should you wish it. They said your mission is very important to the Commonwealth. Shall I join you?"
Laryssa: "Ah, I have heard of you. You are one of the few High Elves who have chosen to remain in the Commonwealth. You have made quite a name for yourself. I would welcome your assistance. What do you think Edward?"
Edward: "Yes, it seems we just triggered some ancient protections. I would definitely welcome your assistance, thank you!"
Valery: "Very well. My target has eluded me, so I have nothing important left to do here anyway. When you bested him in combat Werlac teleported to his Throne, and in spite of my best efforts I have not found its location. I can guarantee it's not here in Nirvenkiln, however. He may have escaped, but I will catch him some day.
Bring the Oscillator Gem to safety[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Werlac was right, the power source is a gem. I must quickly bring it to Gorsmog and Drugal in Hengevolt."
Valery must survive[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Keep Valery alive at all costs. She must not fall!"
When you near Gorsmog base, a dialogue will trigger:
Gorsmog: "Welcome Laryssa, did you find the power source?"
Gorsmog: "Great! We can't wait! Bring it into our city so we can start."
Notes[]
- Tannah will not turn against the player unless provoked. Having said that, she is the only leader on the player's base who poses a threat. Dispose of her only base when possible.