The Sapphire Archipelago is the fourth chapter of The Elven Court campaign in Age of Wonders 3.
Prelude[]
Athla Map from The Sapphire Archipelago
"The Commonwealth is rolling out new types of mana-powered war machines. If it wasn't for our actions in Xablor Province, these infernal machines would already be trampling our heartlands. I head back home with all my allies. After honoring Thannis, my Father and his advisors will consult with me regarding the future of the Elven Court and the best way to utilize my newly acknowledged talents." - Sundren of House Inioch
Introduction[]
Funeral of Wrath[]
Thannis's funeral
A cloud of despair looms over the Elven Court as we seal my brother's body in a tomb. My father thirsts for revenge. immortals should not die. How can justice recompense a loss of life meant to be unending? Nothing matters to King Saridas and his advisors but the punishment of the Commonwealth.
Now that I am regarded as a hero among our people, I sense his disappointment. He dares not speak that regret I can never live down: Why couldn't I save Thannis?
Mother's eyes drown in tears. Before I could explain my reasons for running away, she apologized for trying to marry me off. Yet, something more troubles her. I see the creases of worry in her face. She started to tell me, but my father's advisors constantly interrupted us.
It's clear she wishes to tell me something in private. What is she afraid of? We High Elves are strong--getting stronger.
When I was young, my parents spoke gently to one another. Even as a child I could see they were in love. Now they stare at each other in silence like strangers that should recognize one another. I miss those old days.
To The Isles[]
The Sapphire Archipelago
Father thinks I should go to the Sapphire Archipelago. For centuries, Elf hermits have preserved these resource rich islands, keeping them pristine. Recently a pirate queen called Isabella has landed on the isles. She has set up a ship building enterprise to expand the Commonwealth's navy.
My Father's most trusted commander, Werlac, thinks it's the perfect oportunity to use my unconventional talents, as we don't have a fleet large enough to take the Isles by force. He thinks Isabella is an opportunist and can be convinced to switch sides.
Father proposes an alternate plan to contact and organize the Elves of the Sapphire isles and attack Isabella's strongholds. He wants me to be ruthless and destroy every trace of humanity on the islands.
Mother will never endorse genocide. She's given me a cherished amulet that once belonged to her mother Elwyn, who was assassinated. It is a significant token and no doubt a warning. She says only to seek answers before destruction.
Overview[]
Sundren will be given Elwyn's Amulet.
Leaders[]
| Leader | Sundren | Isabella |
|---|---|---|
| Sundren of House Inioch - High Elf Rogue (White/purple) | War | |
| Isabella van Heldon - Human Rogue (Black/white) | War |
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)
- Bormac Orcbane - Dwarf Dreadnought (Player/Determinant)
- Isabella van Heldon - Human Rogue (Isabella)
- Mae the Mariner - Human Warlord (Isabella)
Cities[]
- Isabella van Heldon
- Nuvina - High Elf Town
- Suush Pen - Orc Town
- Craws - Orc Village
- Milles - Human City
- Portama - Human City
- Twern Drish - Orc City
- Reamon - Human Metropolis
- Priatan - Human Metropolis (Isabella's Throne)
- Independent
- Forsirr - Giant Dwelling
- Wandrugh - Orc Village
- Hirimass - High Elf Village
- Luanosse - Fey Dwelling
- Lislan - Human Village
- Ianell - High Elf Town
- Huonor - High Elf Outpost
- Garc Pon - Giant Dwelling
- Setran - Human Town
- Nissial - High Elf Village (Razed)
Fortresses[]
- Isabella van Heldon
- Drezeg Garn
- Sturk
- Snaden
- Vierer
- Haw Ruz
- Tronlor
- Independent
- Kruzund
- Slot
Outro[]
(Torchbearer) Discovering the Shadowborn[]
A Doomed Future
I hope my father can forgive me for leaving the Elven Court, but in order to fight the Shadowborn, I must form the Torchbearers.
Isabella kept many documents describing Shadowborn missions we assumed to be acts of Commonwealth aggression, even Thannis's assassination! Merlin thinks this evidence was never meant to be written down, and that Isabella was plotting a take-over of these Shadowborn by collecting evidence she could use to blackmail her fellow secret conspirators. Though they use codenames, by correlating the events and reports the evidence is conclusive: Werlac is Shadowborn.
Some Shadowborn plots aren't so obvious. They built the shrines to the Frozen Beauty, dedicating it to something called a "Shadai" using artifacts that once belonged to Artica. The shrine to the Scarlet Destroyer uses artifacts from Yaka. Both were Wizards sealed behind the last Shadowgate.
Their overarching goal appears to be to foment war between the two great powers in the land.
(Torchbearer) A New Ally[]
Sundren meets Edward
Following my victory, a Commonwealth Dreadnought, Edward Portsmith, arrived. Directed by Merlin to meet with me, Edward was eager to learn about the Shadowborn. He intends to establish the Torchbearers among the Commonwealth.
Edward prevented Werlac from uncovering magical secrets in the cursed land called Nirvenkiln. More frightening was Edward's account of his encounter with Werlac's lackey Carishar in the ruins of Sunbirth Citadel. We think they intended to open a passageway to the Shadow Realm.
The last time a rift opened, our world was brought to the brink of destruction.
I tried to warn my parents, but I suspect Werlac intercepts all my messages. I am left to start rumors--an ineffective means of communication--while my Father drives his people to war.
We need more time. The Torchbearers must reach out to all people committed to a peaceful resolution. We need strength to get our message across to both sides of this conflict. Only then will we be able to deflate the Shadowborn's destructive storm.
This path leads to Chapter 5 - Underground Eruption
(Elven Court) Sundren's Rise[]
Sundren watches Edward's navy at a distance
I've discovered irrefutable evidence among Isabella's records that Werlac is a traitor. My spies report that he fled as soon as he heard that I survived his latest trap.
No matter. I'll have time to hunt him down later. He leads the Shadowborn in both nations, responsible for horrible acts against my people. We have enough information to eliminate their Elven Court agents, and the rest will die after we conquer our true enemy: the Commonwealth.
Their ships approach the archipelago finding no welcoming harbor. They behold the smoke from their burning cities and see their future. Flee fools! Tell your Emperor that the full force of the Elven Court is gathered.
I am the daughter-heir. The High Elves were born to rule. I am worthy of my Father's trust. His Court is cleansed. Now, we will claim this world. It is rightfully ours. We will destroy the Commonwealth, and I'll use the very conspirators that plotted against me to bring them all to ruin.
This path leads to Chapter 5 - Wild Magic
Signs[]
"Private Oasis: Begone!" - Sign on a small pond near a fire node and a dungeon, to the west side of the landing place.
Storyline Walkthrough[]
Aid the High Elf Colonists[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"I have been sent here to support a secluded High Elf colony. As hermits they have always kept their neutrality, but now are being harassed by the Commonwealth. By helping them we send a clear message that we will not hesitate to defend our interests."
Find the High Elf Colonists[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"The Elven colony has a few villages located somewhere in the jungles of this archipelago."
Reskar must survive[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Keep Reskar alive at all costs. He must not fall!"
Nomlik must survive[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Keep Nomlik alive at all costs. He must not fall!"
Groshak must survive[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Keep Groshak alive at all costs. He must not fall!"
Meeting with the Dwelling of Forsirr gives the player a quest:
Slay the Dwarves[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"We be peaceful loving giants. Dwarves pick on us. They wish kills on our kind. They boast to their kin to be "Giantslayers", because they short and we tall. They hide to the West and so small, hard to see or tell difference tween them and hairy jungle dogs. You kill them shorties, and we will gladly join you and help crush your enemies."
After capturing the Kruzund fortress, the following dialogue will trigger (this will complete the "Slay the Dwarves" quest):
Giant: "Thank you for destroying Dwarfs! We join your cause. Glad to smash for new friends."
When you meet with the Hirimass village, a dialogue will trigger (this will complete the "Find the High Elf Colonists" quest):
A High Elf colonist: "Sundren of the Elven Court! You have come to assist us? You have perfect timing, Isabella's troops are attacking us! It seems we cannot remain independent any longer! We will gladly join the Court, thank you."
Free the Occupied High Elf City[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Difficulty: Medium
"One of the cities of the High Elf colony is occupied by Isabella's scoundrels. This cannot be tolerated. We need to free them."
Note: It is recommended to create a save file before capturing Nuvina (that finishes this mission), as this will prompt the player to make a choice that will change the remaining chapters of the campaign.
After capturing Nuvina city, a dialogue will trigger (this will complete the "Free the Occupied High Elf City" quest):
Elf colonists: "Thank you for freeing us! Those troops belonged to a Human pirate, Isabella. When she arrived on these islands terrible things started to happen. She is taking over everything and forcing everyone to work for her, on pain of death."
Nameless Wanderer: "Allow me to speak. Isabella is Shadowborn, a member of a global group of conspirators, operating across both empires. They want war between the Commonwealth and the Elven Court, so both sides annihilate each other. They have infilitrated all circles of power. They have to be stopped, all other concerns are secondary!"
Nomlik: "You again! Welcome! Yes, I see it now. This is our destiny. We have to prevent the war! Every soul is precious. Humans have the same capacity for good as others. Your father seeks revenge and I know he expects you to elimite all Humans here, but if you do, it will change both of you forever. We must find a better way."
Groshak: "Oh don't be so naive, Nomlik. King Saridas is right; if we allow the Humans to remain we leave a door open for the Commonwealth, it will prolong the conflict and ruin the sanctity of these isles. We cannot afford to wage war in this remote corner of Athla. Better to send a clear message. Leniency now will only lead to more suffering later."
Sundren: "Not long ago, I wished for leadership and the responsibility that comes with it, but now it becomes painfully clear to me that it entails a lot more than I could have foreseen. The choice here before me will affect thousands upon thousands of lives... My mother, my father, Nomlik and Groshak, even the wanderer: all have their arguments. But I have to choose."
Both the following dialogues will complete the Aid the High Elf Colonists.
Find and Eliminate Isabella[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Isabella is a Commonwealth privateer who has been harassing the High Elves living here. Even by Commonwealth standards she's ambitious and reckless. She needs to be eliminated."
If the player chooses the option "Stop the war", the following dialogue will occur (this will complete the "Groshak must survive" quest). For navigation purposes, this path will be named Torchbearer. This also removes Groshak from your party:
Sundren: "I cannot just murder all Humans. What if the wanderer is right? He has aided us before. We need to figure out what the Shadowborn want, and why. If we can prevent this war, we should do so. We need to leave the Elven Court. Only as a third, neutral party can we hope to create peace. I name us Torchbearers!"
Groshak is stunned: "Sundren!?! Have you list your mind?! How can you just leave the Elven Court and oppose your father?! What is this foolishness about creating a third faction? You are nothing! You have no hope! The Elven Court and the Commonwealth will both crush you. I will not be a part of this. Farewell!"
Merlin: "You have chosen the right path, Sundren, as you will see. You may not know me yourself but centuries ago, I was your mother's ally. I am Merlin. You should know there is a Dwarf Dreadnought locked up in a dungeon somewhere on these islands. He will be a valiable ally for your cause. Good luck!"
(Torchbearer) Let the Humans live[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Genocide is not the answer. Despite our differences, we must find a different way, even if it means creating a new political power. The Torchbearers will build a land where Elves and Humans can live in peace."
(Torchbearer) Free Bormac[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Find the ancient Dwarf hero, Bormac. He is kept prisoner in a dungeon somewhere in these lands."
On the other hand, if the player chooses the option "Destroy the Humans", the following dialogue will occur. For navigation purposes, this path will be named Elven Court. This also removes Nomlik from your party:
Sundren: "The time for peace is past. Thannis tried it, and paid with his life. I will be faithful to my father's wishes and destroy the Humans here. It is time to act! In war we cannot shy away from what has to be done for the greater good. In victory I will be proven right!"
Nomlik is sad: "I had thought you to be different Sundren. It seems I was mistaken. You are wrong and I cannot support your decision. Take your items back, I don't want them. I will say a prayer for you. Farewell."
(Elven Court) Eliminate all Humans[]
- Time: No turn limit
- Victory requirement
"Humans cannot be trusted. Their actions in this place prove they will not moderate themselves. Raze all of the Human cities or migrate them, leaving no Human presence on these isles."
After meeting with the Ianell Town, a dialogue will trigger:
A High Elf colonist: "Thank you for coming to our aid, Sundren of House Inioch! May the sacred winds of fortune favor the sails of your ships."
After meeting with the Huonor Outpost, a dialogue will trigger:
A High Elf colonist: "We thank you for coming to help us, princess. Have you already aided our cities on the other isle in the southwest?"
When nearing the first city of Isabella, the following dialogue will trigger for Torchbearer:
Sundren: "Isabella, I am not here to fight you. All I want to do is protect the people of these isles, both the Humans and the Elves. If you disband your troops and stop building shops for the Commonwealth we can go our separate ways peacefully. The war between Elven Court and Commonwealth can still be stopped."
Isabella: "Isn't that cute, you want peace. Well, I want war, so I guess I'll just slaughter you."
Sundren: "It seems that I need to communicate on your level. Since you do not heed words my language will be violence. The difference between us is that I will stop using it as soon as my point is made."
When nearing the first city of Isabella, the following dialogue will trigger for Elven Court:
Isabella: "So, you want to murder us all? Typical High Elf arrogance, that only you and those who obey you deserve life. Well guess what, we Humans are numerous and ready to fight for our existence! It's time for you to leave this world to us and fade from memory. Die!"
When you explore the dungeon near Reamon city (next to teleporter), a dialogue will trigger (this will complete the "Free Bormac" quest):
Bormac: "Thank you for freeing me, my bum was getting sore... Hey...you look familiar. Are you related to Julia?"
Sundren: "She is my mother. Merlin, believe it or not, told me that you would be a worthy ally to help me to forge peace between the Commonwealth and the Elven Court."
Bormac: "If Merlin said that, I believe it. I'll join you in your endeavor Sundren, daughter of Julia. Lead the way."
If you explore the dungeon near Reamon city (next to teleporter) on the Elven Court path, a dialogue will trigger:
Bormac: "Thank you for freeing me, my bum was getting sore... Hey...you look familiar. Are you related to Julia?"
Sundren: "She is my mother. My father is King Saridas. And you are a Dwarf. Tell me, who are you, why do they hold you here and what do you know of Isabella and the Commonwealth's plans?"
Bormac: "I am Bormac Orcbane. I lead a small clan beneath the Rockwall Mountains. We're no part of the Commonwealth and they haven't told me their plans either, so I don't know anything about them. I was locked up because I...displeased a certain Dwarf woman. I need to get back to my clan!"
Sundren: "So, you say you don't have anything to do with all of this. Hmm, what should I do with you?"
If the player chooses the option "You may go", Bormac will appear outside the dungeon as a Independent Hero Unit.
On other other hand, if the player chooses the option "*Stab*", Bormac will be immediately killed.
Once you have freed Bormac and defeated Isabella on the Torchbearer path, the following dialogue will trigger:
Sundren: "Victory! The Torchbearers claim their first triumph. Now we can search Isabella's capital for any evidence relating to the Shadowborn."
Once you have cleared all Human Cities (Razed/Migrated) on the Elven Court path, the following dialogue will trigger:
Sundren: "We have finally rid this place of Humans. Now I will take the fight to the Commonwealth itself!"
Notes[]
- If the player decides to stop the war, Groshak will leave the player's party without returning any items on his inventory. On the other hand, if the player decides to exterminate the humans, Nomlik will leave the player's party but will drop all items on the place he was standing before the conversation.
- If the player decides to exterminate the humans, the quest "Free Bormac" will not be given. Still, one can clear the dungeon where he is trapped, where a different conversation path will follow where you will get the option of letting him go or kill him.
- In order to reach Isabella's Throne Room, the player is forced to use a Teleporter located on the very southeastern side of the map. The whole mountain area is walled by Impassable Mountains (black clouds).
- This is the chapter where the player is required to make a decision that will change the course of the remaining duration of the campaign.
- This chapter is also where the decision of the player determines if either Groshak of Nomlik remain in the player's party.
- It is recommended to remain as little as possible on the water, as Isabella's navy and Independent's forces will track down ships from anywhere on the map.
- Isabella has a Pure Evil Alignment (-800).