CampaignDialogue:TSG

This is a transcription of all dialogue from The South Guard. It is meant as a resource for Wesnoth writers. If you don't want spoilers, leave this page now.

Death Dialogue

Deoran

I have failed my kingdom and duty...

Ethiliel

I have lost all helping the humans... Now they will surely perish!

Sir Gerrick

I have given my all for my kingdom! Avenge me, Deoran!

Minister Hylas

Now I will never see Westin free again...

Jarek

Far from home I fall - but not in vain! Guard our people, Deoran!

Urza Afalas

Now I pay for my crimes. But how many others will also suffer for them?

Help

Thugs

Narrator: Thugs are the mainstay of the bandit armies. They do not have a ranged attack, and are vulnerable to your archers. Deoran's lance will also strike fear into their hearts! Like all of the bandit units, they are much more dangerous at night.

Thieves

Narrator: Thieves are more subtle than thugs. They try to surround your units and stab them in the back. Make sure that thieves never have an opportunity to attack when they have an ally directly behind the unit they are attacking - they'll do double damage! Like thugs, thieves are vulnerable to the ranged attacks of your archers.

Footpads

Narrator: Footpads are the scouts of the bandit armies. They are quick, and have both a melee attack and a ranged attack. Neither of their attacks is very strong, however, and your spearmen will make quick work of them during the day.

Skeletons

Narrator: Skeletons are the bones of fallen warriors raised by some dark magic. They are almost immune to piercing weapons like arrows and spears. Bladed attacks like swords will injure them, and Minister Hylas's arcane attack is deadly against them. Like the rest of the bandits, they are more dangerous at night!

Walking Corpses

Narrator: Walking corpses are the bodies of slain warriors, filled with some black magic. They are slow and weak - any of your units is more than a match for them. They are only dangerous in packs...

Scenario 1: Born to the Banner

Story Text

The reign of Haldric VII was a time of great prosperity and peace in Wesnoth. Konrad I had driven off the orcs in the north. The eastern forts were quiet and secure. The elves in the western forest kept to their own affairs. In the south, men built new towns and farms.

For eight years, the South Guard had defended the farms and homes surrounding the city of Westin, the capital of Wesnoth's frontier province of Kerlath in the furthermost south. Under the command of Sir Loris, the South Guard kept Westin free from anger, having only to quash the occasional bandit or wild creature. Perhaps the only real unease came from the Aethenwood to the west, where the elves lived in reserved aloofness, indifferent to the doings of man. Traversing their land without permission was forbidden, but the elves rarely entered the lands of Kerlath in turn. Even further south in the wild-lands, the ancient heart forest sprawled out in dense gloominess, ominous enough that even the elves eschewed entering, and only a few, scattered outlaws called it their home.

Over time, in the absence of pressing danger, the South Guard grew complacent and lazy. Reports to King Haldric slowed, and in the spring of the ninth year, ceased altogether. Displeased with Sir Loris' conduct, the king decided to send someone to investigate.

Haldric summoned a young, but promising cavalry officer named Deoran for the task. Though undistinguished, Deoran's family had a decorated history in the army of Wesnoth: his great-grandfather, Haldiel, had fought with alongside Konrad I in the war to reclaim the throne, and his father, Leonard, had served as an officer for thirty years. Thus, with full trust in the young officer, King Haldric knighted Deoran and tasked him with riding to Westin to demand accounting from Sir Loris.

Introductory Dialogue

Narrator: Upon arrival, Deoran found the land completely overrun by bandits.

Moreth: You'll never take this village! I've watched too many of your kind ransack our homes and kill the townsfolk! I'll defend them to death if I must!

Deoran: My kind? I am a knight of Wesnoth and a messenger apponted by the King himself! What do you mean, "my kind"? And where's the South Guard?

Moreth: My deepest apologies, sir! Bandits have been pillaging the villages and killing the peasants - we tried our utmost to resist and expel them, but their numbers were too great. Alas, Sir Gerrick and I are now the last two who remain. The South Guard is no more.

Deoran: What? I was sent here merely to question Sir Loris, but it seems that the circumstances here are more dire than I had thought. We must arm the villagers and drive off the bandits before they can do any more harm!

Moreth: Then we must head to the river fort! Sir Gerrick is guarding the armoury there!

Urza Mathin: Ha! This new commander is merely a boy. What kind of fool sent him here to stop us? This snivelling child will soon share the fate of that swine Loris!

Deoran First Attack

Deoran: Taste cold steel!

Find Sir Gerrick

Sir Gerrick: At last, reinforcements! Sir Knight, bandits have overrun the whole countryside, killing and pillaging without regard or mercy. My men and I tried to fight them off, but we were unfortunately routed and most of my men were slain. I've barely managed to defend this fort, but the South Guard has fallen and I don't know how much longer I can hold...

Deoran: Don't despair! I'm sure we can drive off these brigands if we rally the villagers and re-man the posts. Are there any weapons left in the citadel's armoury?

Sir Gerrick: A small supply of spears and bows still remains. I'll distribute them to the peasants if that's your wish, commander.

Deoran: So he has decided that I am to take command? Very well, I've never been one to back down from a challenge. Yes, we should assemble what troops we can at my encampment and organize a front against the bandits. I shall raise the white and red banners and lead us against them. The South Guard fights again!

Find someone in a village

Aleron: More bandits? Begone, we've nothing left for you.

Moved Unit: We fight under the banner of the South Guard against the bandits! Join us if you wish to drive these brigands from your land!

Aleron: The South Guard has risen again? I'd be proud to fight alongside you!

Sir Gerrick: Garrison the villages behind our lines and keep the enemy from slipping around us at night.

Find the Mermen

Myssh: Your people have been our allies ever since the days of Lord Typhon. We will help you drive these bandits from your lands if you allow us to continue living here in peace.

Deoran: We welcome your aid! The rivers of this land will remain yours when we're victorious.

Dawn

Sir Gerrick: The dawn breaks - now is the time for us to attack and drive these bandits from our lands. To me, men of the South Guard!

Urza Mathin: Curses! They actually managed to survive the night! I must hold out until my brothers send more men my way.

Victory Dialogue

Urza Mathin: My days of pillage and plunder are over! Avenge me, my brothers...

Sir Gerrick: Urza Mathin is dead! Congratulations, commander, though I'm surprised that the King sent only you to help us. Didn't Sir Loris send word of our plight?

Deoran: No. I was originally sent by King Haldric to investigate, as he hadn't heard word from you in weeks. I was prepared to take command of the South Guard if necessary, but not to fight so many bandits with so few men!

Sir Gerrick: Aye, you couldn't have known if Sir Loris didn't report of our predicament. I do wish that the King had sent more reinforcements, though you seem to be quite a capable commander despite your age.

Deoran: I've trained with the best, and perhaps that will make up for any inexperience I may have. At least, we must pray that my being here is enough to remedy these harrowing circumstances. How long have you been fighting against these bandits anyway?

Sir Gerrick: Almost two months! I don't know why, but one night, Sir Loris took several of our patrols along the Westin road and never returned. The very next evening, these ruffians struck and killed eight of my men. We defended the citadel and held out, hoping for reinforcements, but they never came. Something must have happened in Westin, else Sir Loris would have relieved us by now.

Deoran: Your story is indeed most peculiar, but we won't accomplish anything by staying here. We'll have to seek out Sir Loris in Westin for answers. Come, men, let's ride to the city!

Scenario 2: Proven by the Sword

Story Text

Having defeated Urza Mathin, Deoran immediately sent out scouts into the whole countryside. His men reported bandits roaming freely through the land, terrorizing the peasants and villagers. Nowhere did they find soldiers of the South Guard.

Deoran decided to take action and wipe out the bandits. He and Sir Gerrick's gathered their men and rode in haste to Westin. As they approached, they saw plumes of black smoke rising high into the sky, accompanied by the stench of burning flesh and the shrill cries of screaming villagers. Troubled and concerned, Deoran hastened his pace towards the old city.

Introductory Dialogue

Deoran: Look there! Smoke rises from Westin! The bandits must have already overrun the garrison and are sacking the city!

Sir Gerrick: Then we must make haste before they leave the city in ruins and slaughter of all who live therein.

Urza Nalmath: What?! Those soldiers come from the northern forts... this can only mean my brother Mathin is dead. Those fiends! They will pay for his death!

Reach the Citadel

Deoran: More bandits?! Prepare to die!

Minister Hylas: Peace, I'm a friend! I'm Hylas, advisor to Sir Loris and Chief Minister of the town council. Thanks to your timely arrival, the city is saved!

Deoran: Indeed, we've defeated most of the bandits in the city. But where is Sir Loris? And where is the city garrison?

Minister Hylas: Alas, Sir Loris fell in battle several days ago. For weeks, we warned him of the new power of these bandits, yet he would never lead his men against them until their strength had become too great for us to handle. I sent a messenger to the king about our plight, but some misfortune must have befallen him, for you're the first reinforcements to arrive here. If only Sir Loris had sent a rider earlier, he might have survived long enough to stand with us here.

Deoran: Indded. Foolish though he may have been, it still grieves me to learn of his death. With him gone, it seems that I must lead the townsfolk against the bandits and drive them from our city.

Ufes: We stand with you, Sir Deoran! We'll hold the city while you lead your men across the river and defeat the bandit leader!

Not Deoran

Moved Unit: At last the citadel is secured.

Sir Gerrick: Now, Deoran, take your post of command at the Citadel of Westin.

Don't Reach the Citadel by Turn 9

Sir Gerrick: They are almost to the great hall! Hurry, Deoran! You must reach the citadel or all will be lost!

Narrator: You must move Deoran here by the end of the next turn, or Westin will fall and you will be defeated!

Too Late

Sir Gerrick: We're too late! They're burning the city...

Deoran: Westin has fallen! This is a problem too great for me to handle - I must return to Haldric and tell him of our loss...

Undead Attack

Urza Nalmath: Now, the South Guard will feel the wrath of my new allies! Rise again, my undead warriors!

Sir Gerrick: What devilry is this? Those are no living men that fight for him!

Minister Hylas: This development is troubling to me as well. He must have made some pact with the undead, but how could a mere brigand gain such powers?

Deoran: It doesn't matter. No matter how he has done this fell thing, we must defeat him!

Narrator: Minister Hylas can heal allied units near him and his arcane attack deals bonus damage to undead foes.

Reaching the swamp village

Absu: The red and white banners of the South Guard! This is a welcome change from the bandits who've been trying to ransack my home.

Deoran: Indeed, we've come to drive off these vile brigands. Would you like to join us in our battle to restore peace to Westin?

Absu: It would be an honour to fight alongside you, Sir Knight.

Pillaging Westin

Urza Nalmath: Leave nothing standing! Raze their villages and kill them all!

Moved Unit: We will avenge your brother's death!

Sir Gerrick: They are burning our homes! We must stop them!

Victory Dialogue

Urza Nalmath: My brother has died unavenged! I have failed!

Deoran: The bandits are scattering! We've saved Westin!

Sir Gerrick: Indeed. Still, this victory is troubling. How can a mere outlaw have summoned undead?

Minister Hylas: I don't know, but just before the bandit raids began, an ambassador came to Sir Loris from the elves of the Aethenwood. He asked that a knight be sent to discuss a new threat to Wesnoth.

Deoran: And did Sir Loris go to the elves?

Minister Hylas: No. He suspected the elves of some trickery and made no reply to them. I believe that they may know the origin of these dead warriors we now face.

Deoran: My men have been trained to fight the living. I don't know that we can protect the city from foes as unnatural as these by ourselves. It's probably best that I meet the elves in hope that their counsel will be of some aid.

Minister Hylas: I'll accompany you, Sir Deoran. I've studied sacred arts and my skills may be of some use against the dark ones.

Deoran: Very well. Although it will probably take too long to send word to the King for reinforcements, I remember there being a small outpost within a couple days' ride of here. I'll send a message to them asking for a few riders, then we should make haste toward the Aethenwood to find the elves.

Scenario 3: A Desperate Errand

Introductory Dialogue

Narrator: Deoran and his men came to the eastern border of the Aethenwood, where the towering trees of the elven forest loomed close overhead.

Deoran: Look to the west! There lies the forest of the elves. Let us hasten across the river and the hills.

Minister Hylas: I must advise caution, Sir Deoran. No man has set foot in the elvish woods for many years. They've never been friendly toward humans, and we don't now how they'll receive us, especially after Sir Loris spurned them.

Deoran: We can't fear and shun everything we don't understand! Sir Loris may have distrusted the elves, but he's gone now, and I daresay as a result of his own folly! We don't possess the strength to fight these undead, nor the means to discover their source; we can only look to these elves for help, wary of men though they may be.

Sir Gerrick: Nevertheless, we mustn't charge in blindly. Even if the elves are unlikely to attack us, we don't know what else lies in these forests.

Deoran: Very well. We'll proceed in formation, then.

Urza Fastik: I have lost two brothers to this mite of a boy! This Deoran, young as he seems, may be more capable than I had thought! No matter. I'll use my new powers against him and then surely he'll fall!

Narrator: You must move Deoran to the center of the elvish citadel. Be sure to recruit a force strong enough to drive off the bandits before moving Deoran from his encampment!

Deoran Whines

Deoran: There is so much ground to cover. If only our riders would arrive!

Riders Arrive

Jarek: Commander, I received your request for reinforcements, and I have brought my riders with me!

Narrator: You may now recruit Cavalrymen.

Urza Fastik Dies

Urza Fastik: Even our undead allies cannot stand against this commander! The dark one lied to us!

Jarek: Ha! Take that, you criminal scum!

Deoran: Their leader is defeated! I hope that's the last bandit we ever have to fight.

Sir Gerrick: Even if the bandits are beaten, there's still the matter of the undead.

Deoran: Indeed, we should press on towards the elves and see if they know anything about these dark foes.

Deoran Reaches the Citadel

Linderion: Halt! Who enters our sacred grove without leave?

Deoran: De-

Linderion: Choose your words wisely, human. Know that the penalty for trespassing on our lands is death. What's your name?

Deoran: Deora-

Ethiliel: Stay your hand, Linderion. This man bears the banner of Wesnoth and appears to come to us in peace. What brings you to the hallowed grove of Elrath?

Deoran: My lady, we have come to the elves to seek guidance. Bandits and criminals have summoned the dead to help them plunder our farms and villages. They come from the great forest across the river to our south of our lands, where no man has yet traveled. We've defeated many bandits already, but I fear that we can't continue to battle them for much longer with the undead under their control.

Ithelden: We sent you a messenger regarding the undead, didn't we? You were forewarned of the blight marching upon your land, and yet you didn't prepare adequately.

Deoran: I don't aim to make excuses, but I've been here for scarcely a week! I don't know why the previous commander didn't act on your advice, but I assure you that I won't make the same mistake he did!

Ethiliel: For your own sake, I hope that you don't. As for the matter at hand, the elves know of the great southern forest, and have walked its paths many times.

Deoran: And what do you know of the undead?

Ethiliel: My answer will depend on your motives, human. What would you do, knowing the secrets of the unholy ones?

Deoran: I'd lead my men south of the river to find and destroy the source of these beings of darkness.

Vardanos: A fanciful delusion! A human untrained in the mystic arts stands no chance against the undead!

Deoran: I've proven myself capable of defending my land and leading my men to victory-

Eltenmir: Only in battles against other humans! To fight such a fell is another matter altogether.

Deoran: But surely I can't do nothing either!

Minister Hylas: I warned him that the elves wouldn't easily agree to help us.

Sir Gerrick: Indeed, but he's right as well. We must do something, or our people will surely be slaughtered.

Ithelden: Enough, all of you. Ethiliel is the only one of us who has encountered the undead - she'll be the best judge of what aid we'd grant the humans against these abominations.

Ethiliel: These men are indeed brave to face such foes, but I fear that they'll fall to the darkness if they fight it alone. There's one elf who still remembers the secrets of the undead that we learned when Haldric I came to our land. His name is Mebrin, and he lives secluded in the hills south of here.

Ithelden: Are you sure about this? The road south is no longer as safe as it once was, and Mebrin isn't as powerful as he once was. You wouldn't presume to put one of our great sages in danger, Ethiliel.

Ethiliel: I'll accompany the human and his men to Mebrin, and he can decide whether or not he wants to help us. I won't ask you to place yourselves in danger for these humans, but you won't presume to tell me - nor Mebrin - what to do. Is that fair?

Ithelden: Yes, very well.

Deoran: I welcome your aid, my lady.

Scenario 4: Vale of Tears

Introductory Dialogue

Ethiliel: This is the Vale of Blossoming Trees. Our great sages come here to find peace and enlightenment. Some other elves also live nearby - mostly artisans inspired by the tranquility of this valley.

Sir Gerrick: It does seem peaceful, but why are there humans camped to the south of us? Are they friends of the elves?

Ethiliel: What?! Those marauders are no friends of ours! We must destroy them at once!

Deoran: Perhaps they are allied with the bandits who have been sacking Westin. They have grown quite bold if they're attacking the elves!

Ethiliel: They wouldn't dare without the aid of the dark ones, but we'll vanquish them all nonetheless. Now, listen well to me, humans. The Great Sage Mebrin is ancient and remembers well Haldric's betrayal of the elves. Should one of you set foot in his village first, he'll certainly drive us away!

Sir Gerrick: Sounds like a charming fellow.

Ethiliel: Mebrin can be... difficult, yes. However, should we cleanse the valley and restore peace to his home, I'm sure he'll accept your request for his aid. That is, so long as I am the one who makes the request to him.

Deoran: Very well, we'll put our trust in you, Ethiliel. But first, we have a battle to attend to.

Jera Ilras: Ha, you blabbering buffoons! Even should you defeat us here, it doesn't matter! We've already taken what we wanted from this valley.

Mal A'kai: Weep, filthy flesh bags, weep and know that your tears will become the blood that stains the trees and feeds our powers!

Attack a Skeleton

Attacking Unit: Our weapons are useless against these skeletons! They have nothing for our shafts to pierce but air!

Deoran: We must clear out these undead if you are to reach Mebrin's village, but our weapons are ineffective against them! What should we do?

Ethiliel: For now, I can slow them down. But where are the elves who used to live in this valley? They should have come to our aid by now.

Deoran: I do hope that nothing terrible has happened to them...

A Soldier Dies

Dying Unit: My friends, don't let me join these accursed undead! Please, bury me deeply...

Ethiliel: You shall not die in vain! My bodyguards will avenge you!

Sir Gerrick: You have bodyguards?!

Deoran: You have bodyguards?!

Elvish Bodyguard: We stand ready to protect you, my lady! We shall lead these men of Wesnoth into the fray!

Elvish Bodyguard Dies

Elvish Bodyguard: For my lady I fall...

Mal A'kai Dies

Mal A'kai: The darkness beckons...

Jera llras Dies

Jera Ilras: Fools, my death here means nothing! Even if you could find our stronghold, you'll never defeat our master!

Killing Unit: Perhaps, but you, at least, will trouble us no more!

Ethiliel Finds Mebrin's Village

Ethiliel: Mebrin! Are you there? We have come to seek your aid!

Narrator: …

Ethiliel: Mebrin! Where are you?!

Narrator: …

Ethiliel: His home is empty... There are several sets of footprints leading away to the south...

Sir Gerrick: Perhaps he was taken by the undead?

Deoran: I'm not sure. There's no blood here and very little sign of struggle. If it had been the undead, I suspect they'd have slain him and made him one of them.

Sir Gerrick: Then maybe the bandits who've been summoning the undead took him?

Deoran: We can't be sure. I should think that he'd have put up a fight, but if he were ambushed or taken by surprise, he may not have had the chance. Ethiliel, what do you think?

... Ethiliel? I know you must be distraught, but-

Ethiliel: Distraught? Distraught? I'm angry! We must follow these footprints into the woods! Whoever took our greatest sage must pay! Nothing will stop the vengeance of the elves!

Deoran: Let's go quickly. And avoid doing anything that might make her angrier than she already is...

Scenario 5: Choice in the Fog

Story Text

Ethiliel led the men of the South Guard into the southern forest. The deep woods were overcast with unnatural shadow as they entered, shrouded with eerie silence and uncanny stillness. Grey darkness sapped all color from their surroundings, rendering all murky and gloomy, with every movement and every sound muted in the thick fog. Deoran's small company kept vigilant watch on the dense forest and on each other, wary of the foreboding ambience, and even the elves seemed rather disconcerted.

For many weeks they marched down nameless paths that no man had trod before. From time to time, Deoran fancied that he saw ghostly images of elven villages and halls in the deep woods, but as they advanced, even those became scarce. Far from civilization, in the deep woods, time passed in blurred day and night with the ever creeping chill of deathly shadow growing upon them.

Finally Ethiliel told the men to halt and pitch camp - they had reached the Black River, beyond which no elf or man would willingly pass.

Introductory Dialogue

Deoran: It's so cold here! And this fog is so thick. This can't be natural for a forest like this.

Minister Hylas: I fear this is the effect of powerful, black magics.

Sir Gerrick: This is quite a change from fighting bandits in the farmlands near Westin!

Ethiliel: So, even you humans are being affected by the dark sorcery that taints this land. Then, there's no better place than here. We should stop and rest before we proceed.

Deoran: This place is indeed foreboding, but why do we need to stop and make camp specifically here?

Ethiliel: The Black River is before us. Few elves have crossed it, and fewer still have explored the dark forest beyond. If the undead come from across the river, we must exercise great caution in our search for them.

Deoran: Even if this forest is decidedly grim, we mustn't fear its inhabitants so much so that we dare not even confront them. I'm ready and willing to fight!

Ethiliel: Caution, not fear, human. Anxious as I am to find the whereabouts of our great sage, it would do us no good to charge straight into the trap of the enemy. We'll need help to scour woods as dangerous as these, and so I've asked some of my people to aid us. My soldiers and shamans will fight at your command.

Narrator: You may now recruit Elvish Fighters. They're mixed fighters who skillfully wield both a sword and a bow. They're fast warriors and especially effective in forests.

You may now recruit Elvish Shamans. They're ranged support units who heal adjacent allies every turn and slow their enemies. Use them to heal wounded soldiers and weaken enemy units.

Ethiliel: Now, so long as you feel prepared to brave the perils beyond the river, we can continue onward.

Deoran: Thank you for your help, my lady. I'm ready for whatever lies in wait for us, be it man, beast or skeleton. Sir Gerrick, Minister Hylas?

Sir Gerrick: On your order, Sir Deoran.

Minister Hylas: Evil never rests - nor does the light that seeks to exterminate it.

Deoran: Very well then. Come, men, let's gather our wits and probe the forest for its secrets.

Killing Gerd

Unit: He wasn't alone.

Gruth Undies

Sir Gerrick: The masters of the undead aredefeated!

Minister Hylas: No... I fear there is still much evil present. These were merely servnts of a far more powerful force.

Find the Water Serpent

Beast of the Lake: Graar!

Urza Afalas is Seen

Moved Unit: I think I see something moving in the fog... it looks like an encampment!

Urza Afalas: Thank the light, you're alive!

Ethiliel: You needn't thank anyone that we're alive, wretched criminals! We know of your alliance with the undead and the evil you've brought to this land!

Sir Gerrick: Aye, prepare to be slain, you abominable scum! You'll pay for what you've done to our home!

Urza Afalas: Please, please, just hear me out. I know of these undead that you seek, and I know that you seek to destroy both them and us out of revenge. I'm sorry my brothers attacked you. It was never my intention to cause everyone so much suffering.

Deoran: Tell us what you know of these undead. Make one wrong move and we won't hesitate to attack!

Urza Afalas: I swear that I'm not your enemy! I'll gladly tell you what I know. A year ago, we ventured into the land of the elves in secret and we captured a great sage. We forced him to teach us the secrets of this forest.

Ethiliel: You imprisoned Mebrin?! You loathsome vermin!

Urza Afalas: Wait, wait, hear me out! He told us that in the woods to the south of here, there was a powerful nexus of dark energy. He took us there and taught us to summon the dead to fight for us. I saw the folly in doing such a thing, but my brothers were weak and foolish, and soon fell under the sway of the corrupting magic. They summoned undead that they couldn't control, and soon, they became slaves of the power they'd sought to master!

Ethiliel: A complete and utter lie from complete and utter scum.

Deoran: Please, Ethiliel, let's hear him out. What happened to Mebrin?

Urza Afalas: I'm not sure... he must have known that the undead would corrupt and enslave us.

Sir Gerrick: Stop stalling and tell us what happened!

Urza Afalas: Mebrin was more powerful than any of the undead we summoned, and yet he didn't resist them. He allowed them to make him one of them and became a lich of formidable power. He took control of the other undead lords and now leads them from the depths.

Ethiliel: You dare spew such falsities! Mebrin would never fight for the undead, much less lead them!

Minister Hylas: Sir Deoran, sages and mystics of great skill and age are often the first to succumb to the taint of black magic. Wisdom and power aren't enough to master undeath - the only way to conquer it is to resist the temptation altogether. If this Mebrin played a part in the summoning of these undead, I don't doubt that he was corrupted as well.

Sir Gerrick: Indeed, these elves aren't as incorruptible and pure as they like to believe they are. I suspect that this sage's pride led him to believe that he could master a power that's uncontrollable.

Deoran: Very well, but even supposing your story is true, you're still criminals!

Urza Afalas: We've committed wrongdoings in the past, but at least in the fight against the undead, we can be your friends! They're as much our enemies as they're yours, and we know the secrets of their lair and their powers. We can be of great aid in your battle against them!

Ethiliel: Think of the destruction they wrought on your land! Think of how they trespassed on our lands and kidnapped our wisest sage! No matter what they know of these undead, you can't ally yourself with these thugs. They're as evil as the undead!

Deoran: Peace, let me think! I must consider this carefully... If I ally with the elves, I must fight the bandits, but if I ally with the bandits I'll make enemies of the elves...

Ally with Bandits

'Option: Very well. All men must unite against the undead.

Urza Afalas: Excellent, we'll fight with you. Come, my thugs and footpads, rally to me!

Ethiliel: So it comes to this. All humans are the same! You are no better than these criminals, the very pigs who sacked your towns and burned your villages! If you're brave enough to spurn the aid of the elves, then you're brave enough to find your own way in this forest! Come, my people, let us return to our lands. We were foolish to ever have any dealings with these humans. Do not set foot in our land ever again, humans, for you have brought us nothing but grief.

Sir Gerrick: The elves have abandoned us in this accursed forest! We are surely lost!

Urza Afalas: Don't fear! I know the way out and can lead you back to your homes after we defeat the undead.

Narrator: Urza Afalas's troops are exhausted from battle and can't attack this turn, but are still able to withdraw and reposition themselves.

Ally with elves

Option: Your crimes are too great. You will fall with the foul undead!

Urza Afalas: Then this parley is over! You may have caused the doom of all of us!

Ethiliel: You will pay for taking Mebrin from us! If he is harmed...

Urza Afalas Dies

Urza Afalas: Fools! That lich will be the death of us all! Now we're all doomed!

The lich is seen

Unit: We found the lich!

The lich Dies

Allied with Bandits

Sir Gerrick: Well! That was easier than I thought it'd be.

Deoran: Indeed. The lich has fallen. Looks like the corrupted sage was no match for us!

Urza Afalas: I'm afraid it is not so. This was merely a phantom of the true Mebrin. He resides in catacombs deep underneath the castle, but they cannot be entered without magical means. We'd require elvish magic in order to dispel the barrier he has erected.

Deoran: What?! You knew this all along and yet you still brought us here? You misled us!

Urza Afalas: If I had told you, you and the elves would have killed me! I had no choice!

Sir Gerrick: Perhaps we should correct that error now.

Urza Afalas: Then you would surely be lost in these woods, hounded by the undead and made into their saves. I can lead you and your men back to the lands of Wesnoth, but only if you promise to grant me pardon.

Deoran: Ethiliel could have dispelled these magical wards if we hadn't fallen for your lies! But I foolishly spurned her advice and all the aid she had offered. I'm of a mind to terminate your life here and now, but since elves have abandoned us... that would seem to be our only choice. But what about Mebrin? The undead will keep attacking our homes unless we root them out at the source.

Urza Afalas: You'd never make it back on your own.

Deoran: Bah, it's not like we have a choice. Very well, you'll lead us back to Westin, and we'll grant you pardon so long as you don't try any more trickery. But this doesn't solve the problem of the undead!

Urza Afalas: I know that Mebrin intends to lead the undead to Westin and raze the city. While his power is great and his army vast, we've fought the undead before and know that they can be defeated. Deoran-

Deoran: That's Sir Deoran to the likes of you!

Urza Afalas: Yes, yes, Sir Deoran! If we fight against the undead on open plains or in the forests, we'll surely be slaughtered. But, if we prepare our defenses and fortify the city walls, we may be able to hold back the undead and even strike at the lich-sage himself.

Deoran: Then we shall retreat towards Westin and prepare for the oncoming battle. I pray our only chance at victory wasn't lost today.

Allied with Elves

Sir Gerrick: We have beaten them both, outlaws and undead!

Deoran: We should make haste to return to Wesnoth. I think the fall harvest should be soon!

Ethiliel: Don't be so hasty. Powerful mages aren't so easily defeated, and those skilled in the dark arts are especially adept at misdirection. There are many tunnels and catacombs buried beneath this fortress which emenate a great, dark energy. If we wish to cleanse the land of this evil, we must enter the crypt and root it out from within.

Deoran: Very well, but where's the entrance?

Ethiliel: There are strong magical wards that have hidden the way and bar out entry, but I'm capable of dispelling them. It will take some time so stand back and get what rest you can. We're likely to face fierce opposition once we enter the caverns.

Deoran: Indeed. We'll leave you to your work and prepare ourselves for the coming battle.

Scenario 6b: The Long March

Introductory Dialogue

Narrator: Deoran and Urza Afalas led their men quickly from Mebrin's fortress...

Deoran: Forest, forest, forest! As far as the eye can see, it's all forest! I'm getting sick of endlessly trudging through these woods. Are you sure you're taking us in the right direction?

Urza Afalas: Trust me. I have often traveled these woods with my comrades and I know a secret path through it. I'm taking you there so we can avoid the elves on the way back.

Deoran: Would that I had listened to Ethiliel... we'd be battling the undead by now, instead of crawling around in these woods like rats!

Sir Gerrick: What's done is done. We must worry about the task at hand. Winter is almost upon us and it will be much more difficult to forage for food then.

Minister Hylas: That's not our only problem. I sense that many undead creatures are approaching us rapidly. It seems af they're chasing us, though I don't know why.

Urza Afalas: It must be because we destroyed that phantom lich. The corrupted sage is sending them to hunt us in retaliation. Let's get out of here quickly so we won't have to fight them.

Also, remember that these woods are crawling with elves. Stay on the path and perhaps we can avoid at least most of them. If we do get seen, well, let's hope they won't attack us.

Urza Afalas Reveals a Path

Urza Afalas: Keep moving!

Find the End of the Path

Urza Afalas: You can see the banks of the river from here!

Elf Ambush

Ambusher: Humans! You're the curs who kidnapped the Sage Mebrin. Tell us where you've hidden him and perhaps we'll grant you a quick death!

Deoran: We've already told you of his whereabouts! Your wise sage now practices necromancy and commands an army of undead. He means to march on our land and slay all living souls, human and elf alike!

Ambusher: How dare you speak of Mebrin with such lies?! Though he has knowledge of the undead, he's no human, so easily corrupted by the temptation of such power. Did you think that you could fool us with such a fictitious story?

Deoran: We're not lying! If you travel south and enter the undead lair, you see that we speak the truth!

Ambusher: Enough! I should have known that the stupidity of humans knows no bounds. We've nothing more to say here.

Another Ambush

Ambusher: Humans, bandits and abductors! Prepare to be slain!

Sir Gerrick: We don't want to fight you! We wish only to return to our homes!

Ambusher: And so does our sage Mebrin, yet you've not returned him to us! Even if you did, we'd still dispatch of you for your heinous transgressions, you treacherous scum!

Urza Afalas: There's no reasoning with the elves. We'll either have to fight or run.

Yet Another Ambush

Ambusher: Get them!

Deoran Leaves the Forest

Deoran: At last, we've escaped that awful forest! It seems that you actually kept your word about something, Afalas.

Urza Afalas: Good knight, I'm not evil as you think I am. I really do mean to aid your battle against the undead. I'm sorry for my deception before, but that was truly only because I thought you'd kill me!

Sir Gerrick: Your past crimes aren't easy to overlook, but we'll see how you aid us in the coming battle. As Sir Deoran said, you've kept your word about leading us back to Wesnoth, and that's a good start.

Urza Afalas: Thank you. I'll help you as much as I can when we return to Westin.

Scenario 6a: Into the Depths

Story Text

At the undead fortress, Deoran watched on as Ethiliel dispelled the magical barriers guarding the catacombs. One by one, they came undone in flashes of blue and black, cerulean and obsidian energies diffused out into the cold, dry air.

He wondered briefly why she'd stopped mentioning Mebrin and his whereabouts, but something told him that now wasn't the time to mention the sage's name. Perhaps, he thought, she suspected that the bandits' story was indeed true and that Mebrin had been corrupted by his dabbling in undead magic. Perhaps she simply hadn't come to terms with it.

Eventually, all the wards were gone, and with only a hushed word of beckoning, Ethiliel led the men down into the crypt.

Introductory Dialogue

Deoran: It's so dark down here! It feels like the light from our torches is doing hardly anything at all.

Ethiliel: That would be the work of the undead. We must proceed slowly, for the evils that the bandits have awoken seem to be quite powerful. We elves are also far less adept in caves than we are in our forests. You'll have to lead the way.

Deoran: Very well. We should all stay close and guard each others' backs. Something sinister lurks in this darkness.

Narrator: Cavalrymen and Dragoons will be less useful underground than soldiers who fight on foot.

Soldiers with the quick trait will be useful for traversing rough caverns.

Eyestalk Is Seen

Minister Hylas: What manner of horrid creature is this? I've seen many wicked things in my life, but never one so perverse.

Ethiliel: Such creatures may be summoned by conjurers of sufficient skill, though I suspect that this is some other beast, twisted by the foul energy of this place. It must have been set here as a guardian.

Trolls Are Seen

Grek: Who go there? I see... I see some humans and elfsies! What you doing in our caves?

Deoran: We don't mean to trespass on your territory. We're hunting the undead and have no quarrel with you.

Grek: Undead! Pesky skeletons invade our home, drive us into hiding! They too stupid to find us here, but we no leave here either.

Deoran: It seems that we have a common enemy, then. Would you like to join forces to defeat the undead?

Grek: Join? Join with humans and elfsies? Hmm. Okay. Humans and elfsies friends. We help you beat skeletons, but after they gone we take back our home and you leave. Okay?

Deoran: Very well. Can you help guide us through these tunnels? We're not well suited to fighting in the caves.

Grek: It okay. Grek lead you to lich. Look there!

Deoran: Excellent. Onwards we go!

See Mal M'Brin

Ethiliel: Mebrin! My old master! Is that truly you?

Mal M'Brin: Eth... Ethiliel?

Ethiliel: Oh, it truly is you! How did you come to be here, shut away from the trees and the light of the sun?

Mal M'Brin: They bound me, the accursed humans, they bound me in iron! Ahh, the cold iron on my skin... they burned me with day and night for days, weeks, tormenting me endlessly as they tried to pry the secrets of the undead from me!

Deoran: What is this? Elves bear steel swords! I'd no idea iron would hurt your kind so.

Ethiliel: All elves feel the shadow of iron, and to those who walk our higher paths it is a bane that breaks the body and twists the mind. This touches on mysteries that are not for men to know, human. I bind you never to speak of it. Cruel as those abominable brigands were, they couldn't have known the hurt they inflicted upon my master.

Mal M'Brin: They knew, they knew! They reveled in my hurt, relished each and everyone of my cries of pain! Even as I asked... as I begged for mercy, they wouldn't relent. I didn't know day from night; the light and the shadows, heat and cold, everything was one and the same as the iron bled itself into my veins. Imagine! I, a great and powerful sage, crippled and defeated by nothing more than a rusted pair of bracelets... it was... humiliating...

Ethiliel: Mebrin...

Mal M'Brin: At my lowest point, they broke me. I finally gave in, telling them that I'd teach them to raise the dead if they'd just take the accursed shackles off me. I knew... I knew that once the first strand of black magic left my hands, there would be no turning back. I knew, but what did it matter?! They'd killed my brethren, taken my dignity, tortured me to the brink of death! What did I have left?! Nothing... nothing... but vengeance.

Humans are ultimately a weak breed. I taught them to summon powers they couldn't control. In their greed, they never stopped to wonder if they could master the sorcery, or if it would master them and their minds in turn. Content with only meager tricks, they never even noticed as I siphoned away the energy they summoned for myself. I grew more powerful day by day, yet not one of those filthy tree-killers thought that I posed a threat to them. Even when I ascended to undeath, they never questioned my teachings until they'd all become my mindless slaves!

Ethiliel: Mebrin, please...

Mal M'Brin: You were my best pupil, Ethiliel. You surely recognize the greatness that I've become. Hah! Imagine, a small part of me is actually grateful to those decrepit humans! Without them, I'd never have found the courage to master the dark arts and uncover the secrets to immortality.

Ethiliel: Mebrin... that's enough. I'm sorry. I should have protected you.I should never have left those humans take you and turn you into... into a monster!

Mal M'Brin: What are you saying..?

Ethiliel: Surely you see it! Take a good look at yourself! Your servants are abominations worse than any human. They stink of death, tainted magic and... and corruption! Even you! Mebrin... you were the kindest and gentlest of the sages. How could you have become something like this? Mebrin, answer me!

Mal M'Brin: I'm called Mal M'Brin now, Ethiliel. It's the name I took when I unchained myself from the shallow-mindedness of the elves and passed over into enlightenment. There's infinity here in death; I've touched the void at the heart of all things, and I've begun to probe the mystic arts far beyond what any living himan or elf knows. You, too, can partake of its boundless power.

Ethiliel: You've become evil!

Mal M'Brin: Join me! Stand by my side! We shall rise and eradicate the humans from the green world. Their corpses will serve us! Their bones will dance for our pleasure! We'll make them into the mindless slaves that they deserve to be!

Ethiliel: And when that's done, what will we have become? Naught but hungering shadows, devouring all we once cherished.

No... no. The sage Mebrin is dead. You're not the master I once revered. I'll cleanse your soul and put you to rest, my beloved teacher.

Deoran: Even a mere human can see that you have become a mockery of all that you once believed in. I will destroy you and bury your perverse ideals, even if it costs me my own life!

Mal M'Brin: You? Destroy me? Your flesh will provide a fine feast for my ghouls, and once they're through with you, you'll serve me forever in undeath!

Mal M'Brin Undies

Mal M'Brin: Ethiliel! Wait... think about it! Think of everything you're throwing away! We could build an empire together, where the humans are our slaves and you and I are the immortal rulers of the world!

Ethiliel: It would only be an empire of misery, Mebrin. I wish it hadn't come to this, but you've been corrupted beyond saving. Still, I'll fondly cherish the memories I had with the old you.

Mal M'Brin: You wouldn't dare strike me! I'm the darkness incarnate! I'm your master! You'll obey me!

Ethiliel: Goodbye, Mebrin.

Victory Dialogue

Ethiliel: It's done.

Deoran: Indeed, the lich is destroyed. Let's not linger here any longer than we need to. This place is filled with only grief and sorrow.

Ethiliel: Yes... just let me gather my thoughts, and I'll lead you back to your homes.

Scenario 7b: Pebbles in the Flood

Story Text

Snow fell as Deoran, Sir Gerrick and Urza Afalas emerged from the great southern forest. Yet even as they returned to the land of men, the ominous gloom of the forest followed them. Up above, the bright sun was shrouded with grey fog, overcast with billowing clouds straking through the sky in streams of darkened ash. Behind, the crepuscular shadow spread outward from the forest, an unnatural extension of the powers that lay within. It gained quickly upon them, the sinister darkness creeping toward the men of the South Guard.

They rode quickly northward. Day and night, they fled without reprieve until they finally crossed back into Kerlath Province. Deoran and his men entered the forts guarding the border to Wesnoth, the undead close on their heels.

Introductory Dialogue

Deoran: We're finally back in Kerlath, but look! The undead have almost caught up to us!

Sir Gerrick: These forts are ill-equipped for holding back so many undead. I'm certain we'll be slaughtered if we try to fight them here!

Deoran: But we can't flee like this forever... the horses are tired, the men are tired and I'm tired as well. The undead can march day and night without rest, but we can't. They'll certainly overtake us before we reach Westin.

Sir Gerrick: Then we have only one course of action to take. Deoran, you must hasten back to Westin to prepare a defense against them. I'll command the defense of the border forts. Leave me a few men, and we'll hold back the undead as long as we can.

Deoran: But such a thing will mean certain death!

Sir Gerrick: Deoran, you're still young and have many things to learn. In dire times, sacrifices must always be made one way or another. If we flee with you, the undead will surely run us down and make short work of the city-folk. Then, everything we've fought for will be lost!

Deoran: Even so...

Urza Afalas: I'll stand here with you, Sir Gerrick. You'll need my help to slow down the undead, and I have a debt to repay to you for sparing my life.

Sir Gerrick: Those are brave words that I wouldn't have expected from you, Afalas.

Urza Afalas: All things end one way or another. Alas, I'd have liked to see my home in Westin one more time, but I'm too tired. Tired of running, and tired of fleeing from these undead, who corrupted and consumed my brothers. You may think us criminals and outlaws, but we're still human and we still know loyalty and gratitude.

Sir Gerrick: You won't change our minds, Deoran. Go!

Deoran: I... I understand. Minister Hylas, come ride with me to Westin. You must summon the city council while I prepare the defenses. Sir Gerrick, Afalas, we shall return as soon as we can and relieve you.

Sir Gerrick: You know what the outcome of our battle here will be. I trust you to protect our home from the undead and only ask you to remember those who fell defending our land. Farewell, Sir Deoran!

Minister Hylas: The light shines upon your souls, brave warriors.

Deoran: We'll never forget your sacrifice here. Thank you, my friend.

Illan: We are yours to command, Sir Gerrick. We will hold back the undead until the bitter end!

Narrator: Hold off the undead hordes and keep Sir Gerrick alive as long as you can. Starting on turn 6, every turn that passes strengthens the defenses of Westin.

An ally unit is killed

Sir Gerrick: Alas, for each casualty we suffer, the ranks of the undead grow. We must hold fast and survive as long as we can!

Skeleton attacks

Narrator: Skeletons are te bones of fallen warriors reanimated by dark sorcery. They're almost immune to piercing weapons like arrows and spears, but can be harmed by bladed attacks like swords, and are especially vulnerable to impact weapons. Minister Hylas's arcane attack is extremely effective against them. Like bandits, they're much more dangerous at night!

Urza Afalas Dies

Urza Afalas: So this is how it ends... I'm coming to you, my brothers...

Sir Gerrick Dies

Sir Gerrick: I only hope... we have bought enough time... for Deoran...

Mal M'Brin: Pesky little humans! You've only delayed the inevitable. We'll sweep through your cities and raze them to the ground! March onward, my skeletons! We go to destroy Westin!

Scenario 7a: Return to Kerlath

Story Text

After Mal M'Brin's defeat, Deoran and his men left the desolate caverns and returned to the surface of the fortress where the sun had begun to break through the thick fog in the ancient forest. Ethiliel stayed behind for a long while, not emerging from the caverns until the day had passed and it was well into the night. She offered a brief word of apology, but said nothing more as she led them back north toward Wesnoth. Deoran had to admit that he was elated that they'd defeated the undead and were returning home, although the wearied, almost grieving mood of the elves was quite sombering.

The wheel of time turned another cycle and fall faded into winter. The last few colored leaves dropped to the ground, leaving nothing but the spiny evergreens and otherwise barren trees. Forage and game were scarce even with the undead gone, and the thoughts of both men and elves were turned toward their homes, where they could find peace and warmth with their families. The long weeks of trudging northward took its toll, but eventually, Deoran and his men emerged from the sprawling forest and returned to the lands of Wesnoth.

Introductory Dialogue

Deoran: We're finally back in familiar territory. Westin is no more than a couple days' journey from here. Let's make haste back to our homes.

Elves are seen

Enemy unit: Humans! Vile beasts!

Deoran: What? We're your friends, not your enemies! We mean no harm to you. My men and I are simply tired and wish to return to our homes.

Enemy unit: Save those wishes for another life, cur! You kidnapped and slew the Sage Mebrin!

Deoran: We did no such thing! Mebrin adopted the dark arts of his own volition. He was consumed by it and twisted into a being of great evil!

Enemy unit: How dare you! To accuse our beloved sage of such things... does the stupidity of humanity know no bounds?

Ethiliel: The human speaks the truth. As much as my heart grieves for Mebrin, he wasn't innocent either.

Enemy unit: Fine words for a traitor.

Ethiliel: You dare speak to me so? Have you forgotten who I am? I order you to stand down this instant, warrior!

Enemy unit: Your orders no longer hold any weight, friend of the tree-killers. If you won't withdraw, we'll kill you along with them!

Deoran: Ethiliel, what in the world is going on?

Ethiliel: I'm not sure. Mebrin was beloved by many of our people. His death must have angered some of them greatly, perhaps to the point that they've become utterly irrational. Even so, this seems like madness to me.

Deoran: But to be angered enough to attack you? And besides, you were his student. You have the right to be the angriest of all, yet even you've made peace with us. Shouldn't they recognize this?

Ethiliel: The events that transpired in those caves brought too much grief for me to be angry any longer. But, I'm afraid the rest of my people didn't see firsthand what Mebrin had become. As for attacking me, I'm not usually the one in command of our warriors; that responsibility belongs to Ithelden, whom I very much doubt sent anyone to come hunt us down. Something else is going on.

Deoran: What should we do?

Ethiliel: Fight past our foes, but if possible, fight to subdue and not to kill. We elves have suffered enough from this ordeal. I wouldn't have our people be slaughtered needlessly as well.

Deoran: Very well.

Ogre is seen

Kramak: Oh! Me see human. Human tasty food?

Deoran: Err, Mr. Ogre, we're not very tasty.

Kramak: Oh. Me like only tasty meat. You go away.

...

Wait! Me no believe! Me eat you!

Killing the ogre

Kramak: Bad food! It hurt me. Me no like. Me ouch...

Reach the Wesnothian Border

Liryn: Halt! Who comes to the border of Wesnoth?

Deoran: It's I, Deoran, commander of the South Guard.

Liryn: Deoran? It truly is you? We'd thought you'd been lost to the undead.

Deoran: We and our elvish allies have won a great battle against a lich. The undead are no more.

Liryn: This is wonderful news, commander! I shall spread word about your heroic deed! But... I'm afraid there's another problem. There are rumors of trouble with the elves of the Aethenwood.

Ethiliel: That doesn't surprise me, given our troubles in even getting here. Deoran, we had best hurry back to your city. I'll need to see what the circumstances are.

Deoran: Very well, let's make haste to Westin.

Scenario 8b: The Tides of War

Introductory Dialogue

Deoran: Look there! The undead army has broken through Sir Gerrick's lines! Alas, he is lost!

Moreth: Gerrick was my mentor and caretaker ever since I was little. I've admired his bravery and courage for a long time and always aspired to be a warrior as mighty as he was. Today, we'll defeat the undead and avenge him!

Sir Gerrick dead much after turn 6

Deoran: He was a noble man to have sacrificed himself for us. I wish that it didn't have to be so, but in the narrow window Gerrick's valiant stand gave us, we've gathered the whole provincial guard and fully embattled the city!

Nilaf: Indeed, Sir Deoran, we've come to defend Westin from the undead menace!

Deoran: Minister Hylas, what word is there from the allies of the Council?

Minister Hylas: The Council of Westin has summoned many of our brethren from our allies to the north!

Minister Mefel: We heard your call for help and came as quickly as we could. These undead shall be sent back to the dark abyss that spawned them!

Deoran: So, this is it. Sir Gerrick has bought us enough time to rally our forces and fortify the city. A mighty battle is upon us, but as surely as the dawn breaks after every night, the courage and valor of men will prevail over the wicked creatures of darkness. We must stand fast against the undead and defend our homes! We fight for Sir Gerrick! We fight for Wesnoth!

Enemy turn 1

Mal M'Brin: So, the fleshbags have managed to mount a defense. I would seem that the pesky fly turned out to be more than a minor annoyance after all.

Mal Tera: What shall we do, master?

Mal M'Brin: Slay them all! Even if we sustain heavy losses here, the city's inhabitants will be more than enough to replenish our ranks.

An ally unit is killed

Mal M'Brin: For every man that falls, a new warrior shall soon join the ranks of the dead!

Deoran: Hold fast, men of the South Guard! No matter how daunting the evil that opposes us, we must weather this darkness and defend our homes!

Mal M'Brin: Fool boy, you overestimate the strength of these decrepit peasants that you call soldiers. The rivers will run red with your blood! The smoke and ashes from your ruined homes will blot out the sky, and from the swamps and the black earth, your bones will rise again to serve me!

Narrator: Every unit you lose will give the undead gold. Protect your troops and sustain as few losses as possible!

Killing Mal Tera

Mal Tera: The shadows... they beckon...

Mal M'Brin: So, you've defeated my lackey. A great accomplishment, for ones so pitiful.

Deoran: What's truly pitiful is the plight you've put yourself in, once wise sage of the Elves. You've fallen to the black arts, twisted and corrupted by its use. Though you and your undead have ravaged our lands with your profane sorceries, I feel nothing but pity for the shambling shell you've become. Perhaps I can take solace in putting you out of your misery.

Mal M'Brin: How little you understand. Such pompous words don't benefit such an ignorant boy. Your foolish babble means nothing in the face of my insurmontable power! Rise, my warriors!

Night falls

Mal M'Brin: The shroud of darkness descends once more. Night seeps through the cracks and crannies in the humans' defenses, plaguing their minds and bodies with dreadful fear. As surely as the sanctity of the psyche is shattered, so is the physical form, and all that's left is unthinking, unfeeling servitude.

Deoran: We don't fear your unholy power, lich. We won't succumb to your dark magics and we won't be turned into your undead slaves.

Mal M'Brin: Believe what you will, human. We shall see if you survive the night.

Dawn rises

Deoran: Dawn breaks over the horizon! We've weathered the night and can now begin our counterattack against the undead!

Killing Mal M'Brin

Mal M'Brin: You dare strike me?! Puny humans, I'm darkness incarnate! I'm power beyond your comprehension!

Minister Hylas: You're merely a servant of the power that corrupted you, lich! You've not mastered the darkness; it, instead, has enslaved you.

Mal M'Brin: Fools! Imbeciles! You humans are a worthless blight upon this wretched world! I must purge you all - I must destroy all who live... I must...

Deoran: These worthless humans just bested you and your armies. Your time has come, once wise sage of the elves.

Mal M'Brin: Beaten... by mere mortals... how has it come to this..? Nooo...

Deoran: At long last, it's done.

Scenario 8a: Vengeance

Introductory Dialogue

Deoran: Finally, we've returned home! The undead and bandits are both defeated and it seems that the townsfolk have already begun to rebuild. Perhaps now there will be peace in Westin. You have our thanks, Lady Ethiliel. We couldn't have accomplished this feat without you.

Ethiliel: Yes... you've done a great deed in destroying the undead, but it was others of your kind that brought about this evil to begin with. Nevertheless, I see now that not all humans are alike and that you, too, are capable of courage and loyalty. About the trouble with my people, I'll see what I can do-

Narrator: Help!

Help!

Eltenmir: You'll pay for Mebrin's death!

Poor Farmer: I am just a farmer! I never killed anyone!

Eltenmir: You lie! All humans are the same! Your people kidnapped and murdered our wisest sage! Now you will pay!

Sir Gerrick: He just killed that innocent farmer! We must stop him!

Ethiliel: Stop, Eltenmir! These humans are not the ones who harmed Mebrin. They've helped me obtain vengeance on the ones responsible for the horrible deed and have thus absolved themselves of any wrongdoing. No more innocent blood needs to be shed.

Eltenmir: I can hardly believe my ears. You've always been too soft, Ethiliel, but to side with the humans? All humans are scum and vermin! Just as they've felled our trees in the past, they've destroyed our homes, murdered our people and killed Mebrin!

Ethiliel: Mebrin was my master, Eltenmir! It's I who grieves the most! I've spent countless, sleepless night thinking about his death and missing him so dearly that my heart never ceases to ache. You know how I must feel about losing one that I cherished so. Still... still even I recognize that these humans aren't the ones to blame.

Eltenmir: It doesn't matter. The humans have spilled the blood of our people, and so theirs will be spilled in turn. If you stand against us, Ethiliel, we'll attack you too. You had best stay out of this.

Ethiliel: And what do you think Ithelden will have to say about that?

Eltenmir, answer me! You know you don't have the authority to be attacking the humans like this, much less me! Eltenmir!

...

Ever the stubborn one. Deoran, we won't be able to fight them for very long. I'll send a messenger to Ithelden and hope he gets here in time before the city is overrun.

Deoran: Are you sure that they'll listen to Ithelden? Or that he'll even try to stop them?

Ethiliel: Perhaps not, but we have no other hope right now. We must survive until Ithelden arrives!

Attacking an enemy unit

Ethiliel: Be careful, Deoran. The more blood you spill, the more my people will be enraged. More will surely come to attack.

An enemy unit is killed

Enemy unit: For every one of us you strike down, more will rise!

Turn 11

Ithelden: Eltenmir! What in the world is going on here?

Eltenmir: We're merely giving these human pigs what they deserve. If they wish to shed the blood of our people, we'll do the same to them.

Ithelden: I know you must be grieving over Mebrin's death as well, but surely you see that nothing good can come of doing this. Especially not from attacking Ethiliel!

Eltenmir: Then suggest something, for we must have some form of retribution!

Ethiliel: The ones who effectively killed Mebrin are dead. I saw to that personally. We should have no more qualms with the remaining humans here.

Eltenmir: As if we'd be satisfied by something like that! Even if what you say is true, the death of a few bugs in the woods is hardly an equal trade for one of our greatest leaders!

Ethiliel: But the answer can't be more death and destruction...

Ithelden: No, it mightn't be, but Eltenmir is right. We can't sit idly by and forget this atrocity either. If you wish to prevent a slaughter here, we'll have to come up with some other form of resolution. Regardless, you should come and discuss the issue with us, Ethiliel. You no longer belong with the humans.

Ethiliel: I... I suppose you're right. I'll come.

Bandit Epilogue

As the lich's final death scream echoed across the battlefield, his skeletal form began to crumble. Decayed bones disintegrated into ash, borne away on the frigid wind, another immortal soul cast back into the endless flow of time. With their master's power gone, the undead warriors fell back to lifelessness, crumbling into inanimate heaps of bones. The rusting wind floated across the battlefield in gentle streams, carrying with it the souls of the fallen and ascending toward the sky where the sun began to break through the ashen clouds. As the sunlight broke through, the wind passed, and all was still.

Deoran dropped his lance to the ground. The men around him slowly lifted their helmets from their brows. The battle was over. The undead were gone.

For several days, the healers of Westin worked feverishly to save as many of the wounded as they were able. The villagers set out to rebuild their homes and bury the dead to the north of the city, where many mounds joined the garden of graves already there.

After the battle, Deoran led an expedition to the southern border posts, where the forts had been smashed into crumbled ruins, and blood and broken weapons were scattered all about. He silently cursed the lich for the lack of bodies at the site of the battle, but deep down, he'd known that would be the fate of the men who'd valiantly given their lives so that Westin might survive the undead onslaught. Still, he found small consolation in locating Sir Gerrick's sword and shield and bearing them back with him to Westin. Those he placed atop Gerrick's mound, where they became a symbol of sacrifice, loyalty and valor.

Urza Afalas earned his own mound as well, a small, inconspicuous thing near his old home, where his brothers and he used to live before they were exiled for their crimes. Knowing that the former outlaw leader had helped defend the city against the undead assault, the council of Westin absolved the remaining bandits of their crimes and allowed them to return to their homes. After many years away from home and a difficult and terrifying battle against the undead, most were more than happy to come back in peace and help clean up the town.

Deoran spent his days visiting the wounded and directing the men as they rebuilt the shattered walls and ramparts of the city. Slowly, a sense of normalcy began to return to Kerlath Province as Westin was restored and the South Guard began to patrol the villages once again.

Finally, as the snow melted and green buds marked the onset of spring, Deoran knew the time had come to report back to King Haldric. He bade the people of Westin farewell and made his journey northward to Weldyn. While years of rebuilding lay ahead for Kerlath, they'd take place in peace thanks to Deoran's leadership and the heroics of the South Guard.

Elf Epilogue

The men of the South Guard held the walls of Westin staunchly, trading evenly with the elves blow for blow. The night ran its course, and as dawn broke, the fighting continued, humans standing fast at the wall as the elves poured out in ever increasing number. As the sun began to rise into the sky, the light dimmed and great fog spread across the battlefield. The sound of fighting dispersed and soon, it was utterly silent as the elves withdrew from combat. The humans advanced cautiously, still in formation, still ready to strike at any sign of trouble.

The fog withdrew and sunlight broke through the clouds in scattered beams. Deoran rode to the forefront of the line of infantry, waiting with bathed breath. Finally, after several more minutes, the fog drifted away and Ethiliel stood there alone, facing the wall of spears. Her face was a mask of woe and exhaustion, and yet her voice was startlingly clear as she spoke to the men of Wesnoth, saying: "Stop! Enough blood has been spilled, human and elf alike. The injury you humans have done to the elves is great, but your service also was worthy. We've decided to make peace again."

"These are our terms: no human will be permitted in the forests or hills of the Aethenwood, and likewise, we elves won't traverse the plains and farmlands belonging to you humans. No more will the elves send ambassadors or councilors to Westin, and no more will men wander the green woods."

Ethiliel drew closer to Deoran and her voice dropped to a whisper: "I've done what I can to ensure peace between elf and man. You may not like it, but it's the best I could do. This whole endeavor has brought me enough grief as it is. I'll go now"

Thus, an uneasy peace was established between man and elf. For many weeks, the South Guard patrolled the borders of the elven woods and watched over the growing farms and villages. The threat from the elves was enough to keep the villagers from entering the now forbidding Aethenwood, and despite the palpable tension at the forest border, the truce was maintained without incident.

Finally, as the snow melted and green buds marked the onset of spring, Deoran knew the time had come to report back to King Haldric. He bade the people of Westin farewell and made his journey noerthward to Weldyn. While years of rebuilding lay ahead for Kerlath, they'd take place in peace thanks to Deoran's leadership and the heroics of the South Guard.

TSG: Specific Descriptions

Generic Units

Dismounted Commander: Lvl 1 (unused)

Deoran was still a dangerous commander, even without his horse.

Eyestalk: Lvl 3

Named 'Eyestalks' for obvious reasons, these plant-like creatures can focus their gaze onto an unsuspecting victim to draw life energy straight out of them to replenish their own. While almost defenseless against melee attacks, its deadly gaze from afar is not to be underestimated.

Horseman Commander: Lvl 2

Leaders of the border guards, mounted commanders are trained not only to ride and fight, but to lead. They command the garrisons that keep peace in the provinces of Wesnoth.

Infantry Commander: Lvl 3

Veteran commanders have faced battle many times and led their men with steady hands and calm determination.

Infantry Lieutenant: Lvl 2

Commanders of the infantry of Wesnoth are responsible for the garrison and defense of the border towns and villages. They are drawn from the ranks of veteran soldiers, not nobility, and all have shown leadership and courage in battle.

Junior Commander: Lvl1

Scarcely 17 or 18 years old, the sons of knights and lords were given mounts and swords and told to become leaders of men. Those whose mettle was strong enough for the task became the commanders of the armies of Wesnoth.

Mounted General: Lvl 3

Being the most able leaders of the border guards, Mounted Generals are trained not only to ride and fight, but to lead. They command the garrisons that keep peace in the provinces of Wesnoth.

TSG: Specified Unit Names

Elves

• Linderion (Elvish Ranger)
• Mithalwe (Elvish Marksman)
• Sidaurios (Elvish Ranger)
• Eltenmir (Elvish Outrider)
• Vardanos (Elvish Hero)
• Talchar (Elvish Avenger)
• Ethiliel (Elvish Shyde)
• Elvish Bodyguard (Elvish Ranger)
• Ithelden (Elvish Marshal)

Humans

Bandits

• Urza Mathin (Bandit)
• Glasar (Footpad)
• Urza Nalmath (Outlaw)
• Criminal (Thief, Footpad, Poacher)
• Urza Fastik (Rogue)
• Jera Ilras (Outlaw)
• Urza Afalas (Outlaw)

Loyalists

• Deoran (Junior Commander, Horseman Commander)
• Moreth (Pikeman, Spearman, Peasant)
• Sir Gerrick (Infantry Lieutenant)
• Aleron (Peasant)
• Minister Hylas (White Mage)
• Ufes (Peasant)
• Joran (Peasant)
• Makees (Peasant)
• Tyborg (Peasant)
• Jarek (Cavalier, Dragoon, Cavalryman)
• Finde (Sergeant)
• Maelvas (Peasant)
• Orome (Spearman)
• Mitche (Peasant)
• Illan (Lieutenant)
• Rheban (Heavy Infantryman)
• Jul (Bowman)
• Meris (Lieutenant)
• Findlas (Heavy Infantryman)
• Chumet (Heavy Infantryman)
• Neras (Heavy Infantryman)
• Eera (Bowman)
• Liryn (Lieutenant)
• Border Guard (Bowman, Spearman)
• Provincial Guard (Heavy Infantryman, Spearman, Bowman)
• Nilaf (Lieutenant)
• Minister Mefel (Silver Mage)
• Minister Romand (Arch Mage)
• Minister Alanafel (Red Mage)
• Westin Guard (Javelineer, Heavy Infantryman, Spearman)
• Poor Farmer (Peasant)
• Cadry (Sergenat)
• Seran (Peasant)
• Cinry (Peasant)

Undead

• Mal A'kai (Dark Sorcerer)
• Kallen (Dark Adept)

Mermen

• Myssh (Merman Warrior)
• Ylla (Merman Hunter)
• Absu (Merman Warrior)

Monsters

• Beast of the Lake (Water Serpent)
• Kramak (Ogre)
• Eye Guardian (Eyestalk)

Trolls

• Grek (Troll Hero)

Undead

• Gruth (Soulless)
• ? (Lich)
• Mal M'Brin (Ancient Lich)
• Groth (Soulless)
• Mal Tera (Lich)
• Death Guard (Draug)

Labels

• The River Fort (Border to Kerlath)
• Westin