Promised Lands is the second chapter of The Elven Court campaign in Age of Wonders 3.
Prelude[]
Athla Map from Promised Lands
"From Brisska, far to the north, word comes that the Commonwealth has recaptured the territory and broken the freedom-loving rebels, robbing the Elven Court of potential allies. All-out war is at hand. My quest for freedom has me surrounded in hostile lands. i have no means to coordinate with my Father's court, so I act on my own. I'll make the Draconian our allies. Reskar requires a homeland, so I'll lead him south to Ralikesh." - Sundren of House Inioch
Introduction[]
The Radiant Egg[]
The Radiant Egg is the pride of the Draconians
The Draconian settlers gather around Reskar. He uncovers the Radiant Egg, a symbol of pride among his people. It's just an egg to me, but something about it is changing. Though encased in a golden shell, I can tell Reskar cares deeply for the life stirring within it. He carefully lifts the egg to the sun and every Draconian erupts in a chorus of beastly roars which I interpret as cheers of joy and excitement.
Despite Reskar's attempts to explain, their traditions are strange to me. Sages believe that Draconians were created by Dragons to conquer the soft-skinned races. With that reputation, it is natural most people in Athla hate them.
Personally, I like them. Although the Commonwealth promises racial equality, the Draconians are ignored, despised, and kept away from other communities. Still, they manage to endure.
A Promised Land[]
The place is on fire
Ralikesh is a land of scorching heat. Not my favorite place, but it's perfect for the Draconians to keep their precious eggs warm. The High Elves hold these lands by ancient birthright from a forgotten era, but only a few are hardy enough to settle here. It will be good to establish ties between Draconians and High Elves--to really cement our alliance. Unfortunately, we've also seen evidence of the Commonwealth burning through these fragile lands.
My support for Reskar also gives me a chance to spy on the Commonwealth in this land. Is there a reason they are destroying these jungles?
I know Reskar has the gift to harness the power of nature and shelter the Draconian people in this savage territory. I will help him as his heroine. Once established in their Promised Land, I know these Draconians will prove a most powerful ally.
Overview[]
Leaders[]
| Leader | Reskar | Lucian | Shnaga | Urlagh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reskar Scapeshaper - Draconian Arch Druid (Player, orange/black) | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Lucian van Kesburgh - Human Dreadnought (Purple/gray) | Neutral | War | War | |
| Shnaga the Pretty - Goblin Rogue (Black/blue) | Neutral | War | Alliance | |
| Urlagh the Unchained - Orc Warlord (Red/gray) | Neutral | War | Alliance |
Heroes[]
- Sundren of House Inioch - High Elf Rogue (Player)
- Reskar Scapeshaper - Draconian Arch Druid (Player)
- Nomlik Trismegistus - Goblin Theocrat (Player)
- Groshak the Sharp-Edged - Orc Sorcerer (Player)
- Urlagh the Unchained - Orc Warlord (Urlagh)
- Amok the Beastfriend - Orc Arch Druid (Urlagh)
- Shnaga the Pretty - Goblin Rogue (Shnaga)
- Iggi the Thug - Goblin Rogue (Shnaga)
- Lucian van Kesburgh - Human Dreadnought (Lucian)
- Tara the Infiltrator - Dwarf Rogue (Lucian)
Cities[]
- Shnaga the Pretty
- Shnakbog - Goblin Town (Shnaga's Throne)
- Jubbog - Goblin Town
- Rabula - Goblin Town
- Shmerk Lum - Goblin Town
- Urlagh the Unchained
- Voc Wahak - Orc Town (Urlagh's Throne)
- Garroshan - Orc Town
- Lucian van Kesburgh
- Salflas - Human Town
- Capton - Human Town
- Vorstan - Human Town
- Tecertus - Human Town (Lucian's Throne)
- Jekkerton - Human City
- Independent
- Elsprinas - High Elf Town (razed)
- Golar Wirsh - Dragon Dwelling
- Balda Khaleb - Human Outpost
- Tiulisse - High Elf Outpost
- Lorsewyn - High Elf Outpost
- Dergeshan - Orc Village
Fortresses[]
- Lucian van Kesburgh
- Forpast
- Storkel
- Shnaga the Pretty
- Maroil
- Independent
- Trikkog
Outro[]
Return of Dragons[]
Draconian's new home
"A dragon soars over Ralikesh. I am proud to foster these magnificent people in their haven. Where dragons roost, Draconians thrive. Now I will leave Reskar to fortify this land. His allegiance is unquestionable and he will stand by me whenever I need him to. I didn't have to sell myself to a suitor to help the Elven Court.
With this victory I could return, but first I have a new priority. The Commonwealth is hoarding mana crystals. The empire's dreadnoughts have traditionally been motivated by gold to build their machines. So why the need for the source that powers magic?
I have met new allies. Groshak, an Orc with the gift of sorcery, and Nomlik, an exiled Goblin priest from the Commonwealth. He will lead the way into enemy territory."
Signs[]
"To Jemal: Be sure to take plenty of water with you dear. Dress warm, it can be cold during the nights! Fol...w th. roa. to the..." - Sign at the entrance to the desert,
"Be.are .he .ons.ers" - Sign at the entrance to an underground cave infested with monsters.
"Jemal was here!" - Sign next to some ancient ruins. A similar one is at the entrance of an underground cave near the city of Dergeshan.
"This mine is now property of the Khaleb clan! - Jemal" - Sign next to a Gold Mine inside an underground cave near the city of Dergeshan. A similar one is on a Gold Mine following the Dense Vegetation path to the south of the city.
"Follow the flames if you wish to pay your respects to the Dragons!" - Sign in front of two torches, on a road that leads to the southwestern desert.
"Here lies Jemal, son of Khaleb. R.I.P" - Sign in the middle of the southwestern part of the desert.
Storyline Walkthrough[]
Sundren: "Ralikesh! We have arrived. It would be good to settle immediately. later we can find other places to build more cities. I'll leave it all in your capable hands, Reskar. I suppose you will also want to seek out the dragons in this region?"
Reskar: "There is a Dragon's Peak in the far West of this region. The Radiant Egg must be connected to it somehow. I feel the life within growing now, getting stronger. It is drawn to the Peak. I must go there."
Rebuild the Razed City[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Hint
"Our settlers can rebuild the ruins of the Elven city and make it our own. This is the first step in settling our promised land."
Ride the Gold Wyvern to the Dragon's Peak[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"The Gold Wyvern in his Radiant Egg hears the Dragons call. It is growing, alive now. It will hatch soon. The Dragons will be thankful to us, should I show my loyalty by personally returning their kin. I should ride the Wyvern to the Dragon's peak after the Egg hatches."
Find the Elves[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"There are two High Elf settlements in this region. We should find them so they can join us."
Find all opposition[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory Requirement
"In order to secure this land as homeland for the Draconians we need to find and eliminate all opposition."
Take over the Region[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory Requirement
"We have arrived at Ralikesh. Time to make it ours. We need to settle this land, and if there is opposition vanquish it."
Sundren must survive[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory Requirement
"Keep Sundren alive at all costs! She must not fall!"
After rebuilding the razed High Elf city:
Reskar: "This is the first step towards a homeland where we can live free of opression and intolerance. We will no longer be chased from our fields before the harvest. We will build a proud civilization where we can live the way we are meant to, in honor of our heritage and in harmony with nature. And no one will ever drive us away again."
After stepping on the desert area of the map, an encounter will trigger:
A goblin hermit appears: "Blessings, travelers! A word, please. I have been expecting you. The Allfather sent me to wait here. A High Elf and a Draconian working together. A Dragon and a young Immortal. You are the sign I seek. I will follow you. I will help you.
If the player chooses the option "What?", there will be additional dialogue:
Sundren asks questions: "Wait just a minute. Who are you? Why do you want to join me? How could you help me? These are rough times, and it's dangerous where we're going for a lone goblin. Are you sure you're not confused?"
The goblin hermit replies: "My name is Nomlik, and I come from a famed Temple to the Allfather in Xablor Province. The Allfather's servant sent me here to wait for a sign. You are it, I know it! I am not confused and though I smile, I am no fool. This is indded dangerous, but it is even more important. As to what I can do for you? Everything the Allfather wishes. I promise."
Nomlik must survive[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory Requirement
"Keep Nomlik alive at all costs! He must not fall!"
When getting near the border of a Goblin town:
A goblin shouts at you!: Stay away!! You not come near! You warned!!! This land 'longs to Shnaga. You stay there. Out. Away! Begone!"
If the player tresspasses on Shnaga territory:
Shnaga declares War: "This means war! Silly Dragon! I will crush you! My people have told you not to come near, now you're going to get it"
Urlagh: "Hah we will crush you, Draconian. Just like the Human who came to take away our lands, you too will fail! These lands now belong to Shnaga and me. Ancient letters on pieces of paper mean nothing. Only strenght matters, and you Elves and Draconians have none!"
Shnaga the Pretty declares War on the Player.
Urlagh the Unchained declares War on the Player.
Find and Eliminate Shnaga[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory Requirement
"Shnaga is Urlagh's companion. She is the leader of a local Goblin tribe making their home here. She must be defeated."
Find and Eliminate Urlagh[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory Requirement
"Urlagh is a local Orc Warlord. He is trying to take over the region for his Orcs to live in. Urlagh is the ally of Shnaga. He must be defeated."
When meeting with the High Elves cities (completes the Find the Elves quest):
High Elves address you: "You arrived just in time! These lands have been forgotten for too long. We few cannot protect it. Opportunistic lords, and now even the Commonwealth, have trampled this remote land. We will need your leadership before this place is overrun by profiteers."
When meeting the dragon at the Dragon's Lair without Reskar:
Golden Dragon: "You are part of the Draconian's army, are you not? We will only deal with the Draconian who leads you. Send him."
When meeting the dragon at the Dragon's Lair with Reskar (completes the Ride the Gold Wyvern to the Dragon's Peak quest):
Golden Dragon: "So... our Draconian children return, and they restored life to the Lost One. We assumed the Egg destroyed long ago. The Gold Wyvern speaks highly of your care. He shall remain with you. We must thank you. You are a draconian worthy of Dragon friendship. We will fight for you, and help you protect these lands."
When nearing the territories of Urlagh:
Urlagh: "Fool Lizard! This land belongs to us. Orcs are strong! You think you can withstand my power and my armies? Hah! You have no chance! But I welcome the chance for battle, bring it on! I will stomp the life out of you!"
When eliminating Urlagh and taking his Throne city without Shnaga defeated (completes the Find and Eliminate Urlagh quest):
Shnaga: "So you defeated my lastest lover, the oaf Urlagh. You want a medal? He was nothing to me. Do you think I will cower or fall so easily? Blight take you all! I will never trust any man! So die!"
When nearing Shnaga's Throne City:
Shnaga: "Reskar? Reskar are you listening? Why must we fight? Look at me. Why must we be enemies? All I need is your vow of obedience, and I will rule for you. You can relax in luxury. Would you not find me pleasing as your queen? Come. Let me dominate you."
Reskar: "My people must be free to grow and form their own nation. I do not find you tempting. Your appearance causes me only nausea. Nor do I believe that you have honor. Your reign here will end, wretched creature."
When eliminating Shnaga and taking her Throne city without Urlagh defeated (completes the Find and Eliminate Shnaga quest):
Urlagh: "Oh Shnaga! Only you understood how to handle Orcs! You grabbed me by the throat and never let go... I will avenge your death!
You will pay for destroying my beloved!"
When traveling along the road from the first Goblin city, the following encounter will trigger:
An Orc Sorcerer manifests!: "Greetings Princess Sundren. My name is Groshak. I am happy to see you here. I think it is wise of the Elven Court to halt the Commonwealth advance. Not all orcs seek to mindlessly destroy. In fact, I want to preserve magic, and the power of the land. So I have chosen to side with the Elven Court. I pledge my loyalty to you and offer you my city and warriors."
If the player chooses the "Tell me more." option, there will be additional dialogue:
Sundren asks questions: "Why do you want to join us exactly? Surely you do not want to risk your life for these Draconians and the good of the Elven Court without some reward? It would be much easier for you to just keep out of this, right?"
Groshak replies: "I will not sit idly by and wait to be conquered. I understand the inevitability of the coming war: we have to choose. Urlagh, my ignorant nephew, doesn't see the humiliation our kind faces at the hands of the Commonwealth. The Elven Court respects all who respect it. They understand magic is the true power, not machines or gold. Together we can bring an end to the human empire!"
Groshak must survive[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory Requirement
"Keep Groshak alive at all costs! He must not fall!"
If the player gets near a group of Lucian's army near a Mana Node:
Sundren: "What is this? What are these humans doing with those mana nodes? They seem focused on harvesting mana crystals. That is peculiar. They never had much interest in magic before... Let's stop them first and deal with that riddle later!"
Lucian van Kesburgh declares War on the Player.
Find and Eliminate Lucian[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory Requirement
"Lucian is a Commonwealth leader. He is harvesting the mana in these lands, but what for? He is consuming and destroying everything he sees. He must be defeated."
If the player finds all three leader's territories, the "Find all opposition" quest will be completed.
If the player uncovers one of Lucian's cities, the following dialogue will trigger:
Sundren: "I see the pain on Reskar's face as he witnesses the power from the land drained so violently. As an Archdruid he has already connected intuitively with this land and its natural wildlife. He is eager to throw out the Commonwealth, restore the land and form a powerful Draconian nation."
When nearing the main territory of Lucian, a dialogue wil trigger:
Lucian: "What have we here? Fugitives and deviants! How delightful. I look forward to apprehending the High Elf Princess and the toad with his silly horns who think they can ignore Commonwealth Law. You shall submit to our Holy Emperor!"
When nearing a Spelljammer, a dialogue will trigger:
Sundren: "Thse machinelike structures seem to supress the magic in this area, we need to destroy them."
When capturing the second city of Lucian, a dialogue will trigger:
Nomlik speaks up: "We should educate these people so they become willing supporters of our cause. No soul is disposable. Wrong behavior can be corrected. Over time, absorbing these people into our empire will make us stronger."
Groshak disagrees: "Hah, they deserve no mercy. They are the enemy. We should rid ourselves of all traces of them. Nomlik's soft-minded thinking is exactly what's wrong with the leadership of this generation. It's grim and unpleasant, but to ensure a safe future we'd better replace them and migrate our own population here."
When nearing the Throne City of Lucian, a dialogue will trigger:
Lucian: "Your presence here will only accelerate the extinction of two ancient races that humanity should have wiped out ages ago. No mercy for the so-called High Elves, and their reptilian pets, the Draconians. You only delay your inevitable extinction. In the end, only humanity is ruthless enough to win this age-old conflict."
Notes[]
- All leaders (except Lucian) will remain neutral towards the player until they are provoked. Unfortunately, since they are not able to be allied, the player must eliminate them from the map.
- This is the first introduction for both Nomlik Trismegistus and Groshak the Sharp-Edged
- Groshak states that Urlagh is his nephew, making him his uncle. Still, it is not possible to pacify said leader until eliminated.