Matters of Duty is the fourth chapter of The Commonwealth campaign in Age of Wonders 3.
Prelude[]
Athla Map from Matters of Duty
"The Emperor insists I join the celebrations for securing the new weapons for our people. I find it hard to participate while Laryssa could be anywhere with the Oscillator Gem, and reports of troubles continue to plague the Commonwealth. The latest blow regards a goblin uprising in Xablor Province that has done considerable damage to the Empire's production facilities. We must first defeat the enemies within." - Edward Portsmith
Introduction[]
Laryssa's Betrayal[]
A valley forgotten in time
Today the Emperor ordered Laryssa's execution.
I knew she questioned whether the Emperor was a god, but now she apparently allowed her doubts to fester into full rebellion against the Commonwealth. The Emperor reports that Laryssa seeks to set up her own realm, in the very place where once the World of Athla nearly met with oblivion. She took the Emperor's diplomats hostage, imprisoning them in the ruins of Sunbirth Citadel as she gathers strength for her rebellious empire. Allegedly she's unlocked additional powers from the Oscillator Gem she stole.
Valery and I must stop her.
My time at the Capital gave me the opportunity to refine my skills as a Dreadnought. I regret I must test them against a friend. With the implicit trust of His Grace, Emperor Leonus, I take up this mission where other servants have failed. In many respects, I am the only one qualified to accomplish this task.
The Emperor has made his orders clear, but how can I slay my childhood friend?
Merlin's Cataclysm[]
The event that doomed the Wizards
I hesitate to record this:
As we approached the thundering skies of Sunbirth, the same mad wanderer from Nirvenkiln appeared.
He claims to be Merlin, a despised figure from legend.
Remaining dialogue
Merlin lived in Sunbirth Citadel when it was still whole. He knew the Wizard Kings who rushed through the last Shadowgate before the obliterated it. Those Wizards found new power in the Shadow Realm and claimed it without knowing the consequences. Merlin believed the power originated from a malevolence seeking to annihilate our world. He destroyed the WIzard's Circle in Evermore to channel its power, sealing off Athla from the Shadow Realm. The act destroyed Sunbirth Citadel, and robbed all remaining Wizards of their powers.
With no Wizards, famine and war swept Athla. it is said the Elven Queen Julia, who once loved Merlin, imprisoned and executed him to appease her angry subjects.
So how could he be Merlin?
The hermit had no response save a grin when I mentioned Julia.
He addressed me by name, saying that Laryssa is not a traitor and that I must decide whether I wish to remain loyal to the Emperor, or if I wish to save the world. He says I cannot do both.
That's when Valery rushed in, and he fled. He's clearly insane, so why can't I dismiss his shrewd smile?
Overview[]
Leaders[]
| Leader | Edward | Laryssa | Carishar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edward Portsmith - Human Dreadnought (player, red/gray) | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Laryssa Mirabilis - Human Sorcerer (purple/white) | Neutral | War | |
| Carishar Morclaw - Draconian Sorcerer (purple/crimson) | Neutral | War |
Heroes[]
- Edward Portsmith - Human Dreadnought (Edward)
- Valery of House Avernos - High Elf Warlord (Edward)
- Sulthor Nightblade - Orc Rogue (Edward)
- Dwemus Strongmouth - Dwarf Theocrat (Edward, determinant)
- Laryssa Mirabilis - Human Sorcerer (Laryssa)
- Carishar Morclaw - Draconian Sorcerer (Carishar)
- Mirra the Well-Oiled - Draconian Dreadnought (Carishar)
Cities[]
- Laryssa Mirabilis
- Torchbright - Human Town (Laryssa's Throne)
- Carishar Morclaw
- Nimrikz - Goblin Village
- Carishar Hin - Draconian Metropolis (Carishar's Throne)
- Sol Obsculus - Archon Revenant Dwelling
- Independent
- Bired Asd - Giant Dwelling
- Sunbirth Citadel - Human Metropolis (Razed)
Fortresses[]
- Laryssa Mirabilis
- Walfom
- Independent
- Enderlest
- Ursh
Outro[]
(Torchbearer) A Shadowy Conspiracy[]
A dark future looms over
Truth must prevail. That's why I chose to join Laryssa. The Shadowborn are pitting the Commonwealth against the Elven Court. The've infiltrated the highest offices in both empires.
Valery returned to the capital after I refused to slay Laryssa. She's outraged that I would sympathize with the Torchbearers. I hope that someday she'll see that I act in the best interest of the Commonwealth.
Merlin is here. I don't know whether I'm comfortable with this fellow, but Laryssa trusts him.
The Draconian Carishar was Werlac's enforcer. Laryssa says Werlac left him to rebuild the Shadowgate. These Shadowborn aim to weaken us all until they have the power to open a portal to the Shadow Realm.
Merlin gets particularly ominous about this, sounding almost paranoid. He's convinced the ancient Wizard Kings seek to reclaim this world.
It begs the question; how many other Shadowborn plots are yet to be uncovered?
(Torchbearer) Sundren[]
Edward meets Sundren for the first time
With the Emperor's mission abandoned, Shadowborn agents are spinning lies against me. My lands in Brisska have been confiscated. Laryssa, Sulthor and I fled to a place where the Torchbearers are safe to plot our next move.
Merlin led us to the Sapphire Archipelago. There I met with Sundren of House Inioch, daughter of King Saridas of the Elven Court. She discovered the Shadowborn plot against her people and founded the Torchbearers.
Remaining dialogue
The Shadowborn are building shrines across this land dedicated to the lost Wizards. These Wizard-gods give power to their supplicants, helping them fight. They don't care who wins, just that the fighting persists.
Sundren gave me a list of known Shadowborn operatives. Unfortunately Werlac is still on that list. In order to succeed, Sundren believes we must spread the Torchbearers across both nations to stop the war. Sundren will do her part, and I must explose the treachery in the hearts of those closest to the Emperor.
The problem is how to explain it all. Valery left because I sided with Laryssa. Valery is no Shadowborn, but belives war is the only answer to Elven Court treachery. She sees talking as a sign of weakness. For many, only weapons speak.
This path leads to Chapter 5 - The Rockshoal Isles
(Commonwealth) Matters of Duty[]
A burning goodbye for Laryssa
Werlac, his draconian enforcer Carishar, and councillors close to the Emperor conspired together to conjure foul magic here. I found evidence on Carishar's body, of traitors and thieves--a group he calls Shadowborn. They seek to destroy the world.
So many are deceived. I must gather true allies. Dwemus and Sulthor both join me, yet I mourn. Valery is my strength in these terrible times. My old friend Laryssa is lost forever. I see how my desire to please the Emperor blinded me to my true duty to the Commonwealth.
Remaining dialogue
The Emperor spreads the lie that I have done a great service in slaying Laryssa. His agents flatter me, hoping I will ignore the truth.
I am the people's champion. I won't sit idly by while carrion birds pick apart the innocent. Like the Elven Court, the Shadowborn are another group of traitors the Emperor has tolerated. It's time to remove all corrupt and failed leaders, no matter the gold circling their brow.
Power is a gift from the people we serve, not sinister gods, forbidden magic, or even clever inventions.
It's time they know what I know. It's time to heal our wounded empire.
This path leads to Chapter 5 - Slaying a False God
Signs[]
"Last Chance Inn" - Sign outside of the Inn.
"Venom Marsh" - Sign on the path towards the rest of the map.
"Pray and thou shallt receive!" - Sign next to a Forbidden Sanctum. These sanctums reward a random summon creature ability to the player.
Storyline Walkthrough[]
Edward: "This is Sunbirth region, named in happier times. We arrive not a day too soon. Of all the men I took with me only a few are left. Curse this blighted land and its monstrous creatures!"
Valery: "Do you see that Inn ahead? I can just make out a Fortress next to it. More signs of civilization that we have seen in many days. It will be good to take it for the Commonwealth. I suspect we will need more resources and troops soon."
Find Laryssa[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"I need to find Laryssa in this ravaged land. My orders are to stop her rebellion, and execute her."
Valery must survive[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Keep Valery alive at all costs. She must not fall!"
When the player nears the inn, an event will trigger:
A hero emerges from the Inn: "Edward, Valery. Welcome to this sick and twisted land. I think we both have the same goal: stop something terrible from happening here again. Hubris and megalomania don't mix well with near limitless power. I offer my services to you, if you will have me."
Edward: "Yes we welcome you to our expedition! We can use all the help we can get. I am impressed you made it all the way out here alone, you'll make a strong ally."
Sulthor must survive[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Keep Sulthor alive at all costs. He must not fall!"
If the player interacts with a shrine, a dialogue will trigger:
Shrine visited: "Although I don't like the deities they stand for, shrines like this can be very useful. I wonder who built them all the way out here. This land is supposed to be abandoned and unpopulated."
When the player reveals Carishar's territory, a dialogue will trigger:
You meet Carishar: "You're here to deal with Laryssa, yes? Good. Slay her and return to your Emperor. Do not get in my way."
If the player chooses the option "Who are you?", additional dialogue will be given:
Carishar replies: "Laryssa came here and started attacking me, I am just defending myself. That's all you need to know."
If the player chooses the option "We shall see", additional dialogue will be given:
Carishar replies: "Oh? Don't you have your orders? Can I not trust you to follow them? You had better just do as you're told."
Strange developments: "Who is this? And how does he know my orders? He seemed to be expecting me. I was told Laryssa was the only one here. I need to proceed with caution, I don't like this. I hope Laryssa is willing to talk."
When the player reveals Laryssa's territory, a dialogue will trigger:
You meet Laryssa: "Edward?! What are you doing here?"
If the player chooses the option "Stopping you, traitor.", the quest "Find Laryssa" will be completed.
(Commonwealth) Execute Laryssa[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"I need to execute Laryssa. I am loyal to the Emperor, and she obviously is not. Her betrayal cannot be ignored. In order to finish here Laryssa and her empire must be defeated."
If on the other hand, the player chooses the option "Can we talk?", additional dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "What has gotten into you, Laryssa?! Why did you steal the Gem instead of bringing it to us? You betrayed the Emperor. And to lock up his diplomats... You are not who you were anymore. I don't know you anymore. Why, Laryssa?!"
Laryssa is taken aback: "Diplomats? I haven't even seen any! Listen Edward, this is much more important than the Commonwealth! You should not listen to the Emperor, he is the traitor. I am doing what's best for the world, the Torchbearers-.."
Valery interjects: "Treason! How can you say this!? You're his niece! You stole the Oscillator Gem, left us to die at the hands of the traitors, betrayed the Emperor and now you act like you do what's good for the world?? You deserve to die for your crimes!"
Laryssa is shaken: "Left you to die? I... how? When? I found th Gem that was supposedly stolen and told Gorsmog and Drugal. I barely escaped alive! I had to secure it away from Hengevolt. The Shadowborn would have gotten their hands on it. Who knows what they would do with it?! Then I learned of the Shadowborn plot to open the Shadowgate and came to stop them."
Laryssa continues: "Merlin must have told you! Haven't you seen him? Carishar is the enemy of all life, and the Shadowborn are pulling Leonus's string, and Saridas's for that matter. Listen, the Torchbearers may be the only ones who can stop Athla from being destroyed. I didn't found them, but I did join them. Join me, Edward, please! Join the Torchbearers!"
Valery: "Lies and half-truths! Our loyalty and trist should lie with the Emperor, not with a traitor. I will never betray the Commonwealth. Edward, you have to stop her, it's clear she's guilty. You cannot trust her wild accusations and fearmongering. Choose."
If the player chooses the option "Commonwealth", the following dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "I will do the right thing and deal with the Shadowborn and Torchbearers both. I will not let harm come to the Commonwealth. Your mistake was turning your back on us, Laryssa. We could have dealth with this together. You could have stayed loyal to the Commonwealth."
Laryssa declares war: "You do not understand your duty to the world, and you are concerned with your duty towards one man above it. So be it. I am sorry Edward, but I cannot let you stop me. This is much more important than you think!"
Laryissa will declare War on the player.
If the player instead chooses the option "Torchbearers", the following dialogue will trigger. This also removes Valery from your party (this will also complete the "Valery must survive" quest):
Edward: "The Shadowborn threat is too big to ignore. Even if it's not as bad as it seems, we still need to find out. We have to discover what is really going on. I stand by Laryssa."
Valery leaves: "How can you do this!?! I cannot condone this. I will go and report this to the Emperor. I have to go. Good luck with the scantily clad witch. You deserve her Edward, farewell."
Carishar: "You decide to disobey your oders then? I new it. They should have sent Lucian. That clueless fool always obeys without question. Don't think you actually stand a chance now! This just means I have to kill you both. Take a deep breath and close your eyes, it will be over soon!"
(Torchbearers) Defeat Carishar[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Carishar is trying to open a Shadow Gate! As one of the Shadowborn plotting against the Commonwealth he must be defeated. Maybe we can learn more about the Shadowborn agenda and the threat they pose."
When Laryssa has been eliminated in the Commonwealth path, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "Even though I had no choice, it pains me it had to come to this. I hope you rest in peace, Laryssa."
Carishar: "Great, the annoying one has fallen. Now to deal with the fool. Die!"
(Commonwealth) Defeat Carishar[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Carishar must be defeated. He wants to destroy me, and his presence here is suspicious. Maybe I can make some sense of this mess when he lies dead at my feet."
When the player gets to the next turn after eliminating Laryssa in the Commonwealth path, an event will trigger:
Dwemus appears: "Hey, hello! Official troops? Am I glad to see you! Forgive my manners, the name is Dwemus, praise to ye all! I came to convert the poor sods exiled in this wretched land, and have been stuck here ever since. They're not really inclined to listen, it seems. Mind if I tag along with you? I promise I can make myself useful."
Valery speaks: "I have heard of you. You are a well-respected theocrat, devoted to the people of the Commonwealth. It is fortunate to meet a friend out here. I for one would welcome you. Edward?"
Dwemus must survive[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Keep Dwemus alive at all costs. He must not fall!"
When the player captures Carishar Hin City, the following dialogue will trigger:
We've found bodies: "It seems Carishar murdered the diplomats... So the Emperor did send them... I am sorry I suspected you Laryssa. The sooner we can end this the better, there are terrible things going on here and we don't know the half of it."
When the player nears Sunbirth Citadel, the following dialogue will trigger:
Sunbirth Citadel: "We are getting close to the ruins of Sunbirth Citadel, the location where once horrible Shadow Demos entered our world. The remains of the last Shadowgate lie buried beneath the city's rubble."
When the player defeats Carishar in the Commonwealth path, the following dialogue will trigger:
Sunbirth Citadel: "It seems the Draconian had a lot of knowledge about the Commonwealth and the Elven Court. Perhaps Laryssa was on to something after all! I need to study this."
When the player defeats Carishar in the Torchbearer path, the following dialogue will trigger:
Laryssa finds proof: "So much information! Look Edward, we were wrong about so many things: the Elves weren't the agressors at the Pool of Origins. The Shadowborn murdered their representative and manipulated Gamblag into declaring war on them. And the Cult of the Frozen Beauty was created by Werlac, who is a Shadowborn leader secretly working against the Elven Court from within!"
Notes[]
- Edward and Valery Hero Points are restored to base values.
- Laryssa will be wearing and holding all the items the player has previously given her until her last appearance.
- Carishar is the only leader with a natural Pure Evil Alignment (-800).