South Guard story

Westin is the capital of Wesnoth's frontier province of Kerlath, southwest of Fort Tahn. Westin is a calm and peaceful part of Wesnoth. The elves remain apart from men and only the occasional bandit troubled the peace. Reports from Sir Loris, commander of the South Guard, suddenly stopped. King Haldric sent Deoran, a young, undistinguished knight, to find out why Loris has stopped sending reports.

"1: Born To The Banner"

On his way to Westin, Deoran finds that bandits and outlaws have overrun many of the outlying villages; the land is descending into lawlessness. Loris had not kept a vigilant watch. The villagers report that bandits have been sacking their homes and urge Deoran to find Sir Gerrick in the river fort. Gerrick provides weapons and armor and the group (perhaps with the help of some mermen) is able to defeat the bandit Urza Mathin.

"2: Proven By The Sword"

Deoran's men found more bandits throughout the countryside and no sign of the South Guard. Deoran decided to gather what forces he could and make for Westin.

The party finds Westin under attack by a group of bandits led by Urza Nalmath, Mathin's brother. Deoran secures the citadel and takes command of Westin. There he finds a strong ally in Minister Hylas, Sir Loris' advisor. Hylas reveals that Sir Loris has been slain by the bandits.

Deoran drives the bandits out but during the battle Urza Nalmath calls upon the undead to fight for him.

Hylas tells Deoran that the elves sent an ambassador to Sir Loris with word of a threat to Wesnoth. Sir Loris suspected treachery and rebuffed the ambassador. Deoran and his party head to the elves to see if they have any insight into the undead menace.

"3: A Desperate Errand"

At the border of the Aethenwood, home of the elves, Deoran encounters another bandit leader, Urza Fastik. With the help of newly-arrived cavalry, Deoran defeats the bandits and arrives at the elvish citadel.

Deoran asks the elves for help in defeating the undead. The Elvish Druid Ethiliel tells him that they cannot succeed alone and must seek the help of the sage Mebrin. She agrees to lead Deoran's party to him.

"4: Vale of Tears"

Mebrin had retired to a life of peace and contemplation in a quiet valley. The party arrives in the valley to find it occupied by brigands. Outraged, Ethiliel and her bodyguard help Deoran to defeat the bandits.

After the battle, Ethiliel finds Mebrin's home empty. All signs point to him being kidnapped. The party follows the kidnappers' tracks into the forest.

"5: Choice In The Fog"

The party journeys deep in the southern forest to the banks of the Black River. This dark forest is unknown even to the elves. They find both undead and bandits. The bandits are fearful and tell Deoran and Ethiliel that they kidnapped Mebrin and forced him to teach them the secrets of raising the dead. Mebrin fell under the sway of the necromancy and now he leads the undead. Ethiliel swore vengeance for the kidnapping of the great sage and demanded justice.

Here Deoran has to make a choice...

Diverging campaign path - Elf branch

Deoran decides that the crimes of the bandits are too grave to ignore. He and the elves defeat the bandit leader and the Lich leading the undead. Ethiliel urges the party to press on, down into the catacombs. Only that way can the root out the undead leader and cleanse Westin of evil.

Diverging campaign path - Bandit branch

Deoran decides that justice can wait until the undead threat has been neutralized. Ethiliel cannot believe this insult and she and the elves abandon the party. Deoran defeats the Lich leading the undead but without Ethiliel's magic they cannot pursue Mebrin further underground. Knowing that Mebrin is building an army, Deoran returns as quickly as possible to Westin to organize its defense.