Northern Rebellion is the first chapter of The Commonwealth campaign in Age of Wonders 3.
Prelude[]
Athla Map from Northern Rebellion
"The Commonwealth spreads to all known lands, bringing the ideals of a united world where all races live in peace. Yet the empire's harmony is threatened by rebels who fear its progress. Chief among them are the High Elves who dream of the bygone age when they ruled the world. They inspire dissidents as far north as the land of Brisska. In the west, the Commonwealth extends a last offer of peace to the High Elves. Meanwhile, I will restore rightful rule to Brisska Province." - Edward Portsmith
Introduction[]
Glory of the Commonwealth[]
Edward's ceremony at the Academy
In accordance with the "General Regulations for Officers", Volume 4, Section 12, "Military Records", I, Edward Portsmith, Dreadnought Commander, make this record.
As a graduate of the Imperial Dreadnought Academy for Mythomechanical Systems, I commit myself to do what is right.
I pledge on my honor to fulfill my duty in the service of divine EMperor Leonus, the Commonwealth, and its free people.
I vow to uphold the law of the people without regard to race, creed, heritage or personal sentiment. I devote my mind to long and the hard sciences. I take upon myself the ancient oaths of our founds.
I am ready.
Cold Hard Rebellion[]
A city at the frozen mountains
Day 38 of our journey north. In the distance I see brilliant white mountains, tainted by columns of smoke rising from a city in ruinous rebellion.
Centuries past the Commonwealth drive out the Frostlings. Like the High Elves, they used Archaic claims as an excuse for backwardness and savagery. My predecessors cleared away the monsters of ice and snow and brought civilization. Still, this land is full of ancient secrets.
A fanatical cult worshipping a frozen goddess has provoked an uprising. The people have cut off all tributes to the Commonwealth and razed a number of towns. Now ice encroaches over their fields, while monsters that have not been seen for generations have returned. No doubts the High Elves are behind these troubling events.
Laryssa[]
Laryssa and Edward head toward the mountains
One unexpected twist in this mission is my duty to guard the Emperor's niece, the Sorceress Laryssa. She doesn't seem to remember me, but we were once friends when we were children. I remember long summer days in the Imperial gardens. She and I shared secrets, and dreamed of how we would serve the Empire.
But now she is quiet and studious. All she will tell me is that she is searching for ancient artifacts in Brisska.
My mission parameters are as follows:
- 1. Depose anyone claiming to rule in this rebellious territory.
- 2. Rebuild the cities destroyed by the marauders.
- 3. Protect Laryssa and assist with her search.
On the morrow, this Dreadnought will restore civilization to a lawless land.
Overview[]
Leaders[]
| Leader | Edward | Oscar |
|---|---|---|
| Edward Portsmith - Human Dreadnought (player, red/black) | Neutral | |
| Oscar van Heldon - Human Rogue (Black/orange) | Neutral |
Heroes[]
- Edward Portsmith - Human Dreadnought (Edward)
- Laryssa Mirabilis - Human Sorcerer (Edward)
- Oscar van Heldon - Human Rogue (Oscar)
- Varg the Bouncer - Orc Rogue (Oscar)
Cities[]
- Oscar van Heldon
- Frynam - Human Town
- Rostaard - Giant Dwelling
- Shiraine - Human Town
- Rumpor - Human Metropolis
- Arricar - Orc Metropolis
- Brisskana - Human Metropolis (Oscar's Throne)
- Independent
- Sethrys - Human Outpost (Razed)
- Stonoord - Giant Dwelling
- Synforth - Human Village
- Drilk Bor - Orc Village (Razed)
Fortresses[]
- Oscar van Heldon
- Cershif
- Lackuard
- Tronghield
- Kryzgyr
- Independent
- Kilsh
Outro[]
A Night of Accolades[]
Victory celebration for Edward
I have restored peace to Brisska and subdied the Cult of the Frozen Beauty. The capital buzzes with excitement. I have received a note from the Academy. A Writ of Authority, brought by formal diplomatic envoy, signed by Emperor Leonus himself.
Brisska is now mine to govern, and I am authorized to act on my own accord within the Commonwealth. This is a grand day. It proves I am trusted to safeguard the interests of the Empire.
As expected, I found evidence of the Elven Court's meddling in Brisska. A High Elf *Sorceror named Werlac seeks the same secrets we do. Somehow, he passes through our Empire as though it were his native land. We must stop the Elven Court from stealing this technology before we can use it to our advantage.
But tonight I won't dwell upon such miscreants. Tonight, we celebrate.
Note: *Sorceror is mispelled in game. It is actually Sorcerer.
Breakthroughs[]
A future inventor in the making
I have placed myself at Laryssa's disposal. Her brilliant reserach will change the Empire, most especially the Dreadnought discipline.
I build machines that require engines, powered by combustible fuel, feeding hissing boilers to generate the steam required to turn gears and push lever arms. Now, image a compact power cell that fits in my palm, capable of propelling our greatest vehicles!
We uncovered the location to a hidden lair believed to hold a legendary artifact used in sorcery. We believe we can use this artifact to create a stable power source from mana crystals. Prior attempts to build mana-powered devices have been disastrous failures: mana is too unstable to channel without constant supervision.
Remaining dialogue
If we can find it, this technology will enable common men with machines to direct powers once only available to the ancient Wizards.
What an amazing age to live in, when I think of all this potential! Compact power will unlock a whole new set of inventions.
This discovery will remake the Commonwealth, and guarantee our nation's stability for thousands of years. It must be safeguarded for the goods of the whole.
Storyline Walkthrough[]
Edward: "Finally we have arrived in Brisska. Although Oscar leads them, it is said that a violent cult is the true power behind this rebellion. They worship a Frozen Goddess and want to break away from the Commonwealth. What do you think Laryssa?"
Laryssa: "I have a feeling that there is more to it than that. Where is this cult coming from? What is their agenda? And who is this Frozen Beauty? There must be another force at work here. I know this is your first mission since the Academy, Edward. Are you prepared for it?"
Edward: "Yes and I brought the Tome of Wonders with me in case we need more helpful information. Let's go."
Stop the Rebellion[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"I need to depose anyone claiming to rule in this rebellious territory, reconquer the land and its cities, repair the destruction the rebellion caused and return Commonwealth law and rule to Brisska."
Slay Oscar[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Oscar is hiding north of here, behind the mountains. He leads the rebellion. We need to eliminate him in order to reclaim Brisska for the Commonwealth."
Secure the Area[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"We need to make sure that our position cannot be endangered. The rebels seem content to defend their city, for now, but we are in hostile lands. Who knows what hides in the deep dark cold, just beyond our vision?"
Laryssa must survive[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Keep Laryssa alive at all costs. She must not fall!"
If the player reveals Oscar's city (via by tresspassing or capturing the nearby Watchtower), a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "That village is well defended. I didn't expect the rebels to be this organized!"
Laryssa: "We should find a place nearby to settle and build an army."
Edward: "A decent plan. Let's explore our surroundings. I've been itching to create my first Throne City."
Oscar: "Ah, Leonus sent two young recruits after me, what a sad sight. Take your outdated vows and ideals elsewhere; they will soon be forgotten, as will the Commonwealth itself."
Oscar will declare War on the player.
Nearing the forest on the top path, a hint will be given to the player:
Explore the Forest[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Hint
"I believe I saw some movement in the forests west of our entry point, we should explore them to make sure no foes are hiding in there. We need to make sure that our position is well defended."
Once you enter the forest and reveal the Orc, another Hint will be given:
Slay the Orcs[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Hint
"Looks like there is a small army of hostile Orcs in this region. We must take care of them."
Once you reveal the fortress inside the forest, another hint will be given:
Conquer the Fortress[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Hint
"By taking over the fortress, we can gain the resources of the mana node and the gold mine that fall in its domain. We cannot produce troops or city upgrades in a fortress however."
Traveling to the bottom part of the forest, another hint will be given:
Slay the Creatures[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Hint
"I have spotted a ground of savage Beasts! We need to slay them to ensure the safety of out settlements."
Once you try to attack the creatures in the forest, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "A Yeti! It was concealed in the snow."
Once the creatures have been killed, a dialogue will trigger (this will complete the "Secure the Area" quest):
Edward: "Great, we have managed to secure the area. Now we can cultivate and rebuild these lands for our Holy Emperor!"
Edward: "The rear guard has arrived! A cannon is very useful in a siege, we can use it to take the rebel settlements."
Take the first Settlement[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"In order to take the first settlement back from the rebels, we need to build up an army."
Once you capture the first settlement, a dialogue will trigger (this will complete the "Take the first Settlement" quest):
A refugee approaches: "Hey you! Can you spare some bread? We're all so hungry. The cultists care nothing for us poor folk. I was one of them before my city was destroyed, so I should know!"
The refugee: "Freedom from the Commonwealth! Although, things are much worse now than before. I don't know why they want to secede. Maybe they think finding the treasure will make this region rich enough?"
The refugee: "I don't know. But they are pretty sure they'll find it soon. Can't tell you much else, I just joined for the free feasts. Of course then the food ran out and the cultists sacked our city. Killed my buddy, Sven. That's when I fled. How about that bread?"
Uncovering the Giant dwelling east of the town, the player will be given a quest:
Capture the Frost Giants' Keep[]
- Duration: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"Our former brothers, the Frost Giants, have been corrupted by some cult. They have disgraced our long-standing bond. They fight for dark gods, without realising the truth. We have tried to make them see, but they attacked us. You can find their home north of here. If you stop them, we'll join your fight against the cult."
Once the player captures Shiraine City, a dialogue will trigger:
Laryssa: "Those cultists are worshipping the Frozen Beauty at that shrine! The shrine holds power. It feels dark, heavy. It's a good thing we are stopping this cult, they can only have evil intentions."
Oscar: "You have no idea what you are getting yourselves into. The Cult is more powerful than you can possibly imagine. We will destroy you. They will not even find your bones."
Once the player captures Rumpor City, a dialogue will trigger:
Laryssa: "Rumors abound in town about the origin of the cult. Some say it has existed since the time of Stormlord Melenis, a legendary figure whose research holds the key to what I seek. I have heard mention of her name many times. The cult seems obsessed with her, and they have plundered libraries looking for information about her."
Once the player nears Oscar's Throne City, a dialogue will trigger:
Edward: "We are nearing Oscar's Capital. Victory is at hand, let's push on!"
Once Oscar's Throne city is captured, a dialogue will trigger:
Laryssa finds documents: "This is it! These documents prove Oscar and the cult were aided by a High Elf named Werlac. We suspected the Elves of inciting the rebellion, but their real goal was to discover the location of Melenis's lair! They've taken maps of Nirvenkiln. Her lair must lie beneath its blighted surface. Edward, we should not linger, they have a head start and I need Melenis's artifact!"
Notes[]
- Oscar van Heldon is a leader with a natural Pure Evil Alignment (-800).
- There is a Frost Dragon awaiting on Oscar's Throne City.