CampaignDialogue:DID

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

Death Dialogue

Malin Keshar

I'm not ready to die yet...

In Descent into Darkness

So it ends like this ...

Mal Keshar

Then my battle against the orcs is lost!

Darken Volk

Fool boy! You have allowed my death, and now none in this world will aid you.

In "A Small Favor - part 3"

No! I will not fall this close to achieving the goal of so many years!

Drogan

Who will be left to defend Parthyn?

Dela Keshar

I'm... dying...

Time Over

Darken Volk: Your incompetence at this simple task is appalling. You will never grow strong enough to be of use to me.

Scenario 1: Saving Parthyn

Story Text

Malin Keshar was born ten years after the death of Haldric IV. He grew up in the northern border town of Parthyn, the second child and eldest son of the city's baron. Every summer, by the time the mountainous paths and high passes shed their wintry gowns of snow, orcs descended from the northern hills to ravage the settlements at the frontier. Every year, Malin's father led the townsfolk to repel the raids and force the orcs to retreat back to the north.

When Malin was ten, a passing mage sensed strong magical abilities in the boy and suggested he be sent to the Isle of Alduin for training in the magical arts. Malin studied there for eight years, learning all manner of magic from basic control over the elements, to the mystic arts and scrying, to alchemy and simple medicine.

Although his life on Alduin was luxurious and peaceful, Malin found the teachings of the scholarly mages to be too philosophical for his tastes. His thought turned back to Parthyn, where more practical magics were necessary to drive off the orcs. Malin began to research these magics on his own, but his lack of patience and general indiscretion eventually led to several confrontations with his teachers and other students. Believing Malin to be too reckless, the mages expelled him from Alduin.

When Malin returned to Parthyn, orcs had already begun to attack the city. Although he tried his best to fight them off, the raids were far more relentless and the town guard was far weaker than he had remembered. One night, a particularly powerful band of orcs overran the city walls and Malin could only watch as his father was cut down by one of the savage orcish warriors.

Shaken by the loss of their commander, the human defense began to falter. The orcs roared in anticipation of victory, but before they could overrun the city, skeleton warriors poured out of the woods to their rear. The undead cut down orc after orc, swords and axes hacking through flesh and bone with ruthless efficiency. The soldiers watched in half amazement, half fear as the orcs dropped and the skeletons turned toward them, empty eyes bleeding with fetid magic. All was dreadfully still as the blood and carnage settled in the rank darkness.

The silence was broken by the irregular shuffle of a man emerging from the trees. He stood before them, a hunched figure with a rasping voice reminiscent of crackling bones. "I am Darken Volk. While I know you don't love my kind, I think it's vital that we put aside our differences. The orcish menace grows in the north, and they'll soon return in even greater force. You can't hope to defend against them without my... help. For now, I ask only to refresh myself in your town."

Drogan, the captain of the guard, replied: "Nay, ye surely know that tha law says tha penalty fer necromancy be death. But since you've saved our town, I'll let ya rest here fer up ta three days. After, I'm banishin' ya from Parthyn. Should ye return, we'll attack ya on sight."

Malin, troubled by his father's death and the strength of the orcish assault, argued to no avail that Darken Volk be allowed to stay. After a couple days, the necromancer left Parthyn without incident.

Introductory Dialogue

Dela Keshar: You really think it was a good idea to send out a raidin' party right after the orcs just attacked us? Father isn't even here with us anymore...

Malin Keshar: Nor is Darken Volk. We're truly defenseless.

Dela Keshar: Not like we even need him. No way we're trusting a necromancer.

Drogan: Quit bickerin', you two. With most o' them orcs dead now, their camps will be lots weaker. Our raiders will clear 'em out and leave us a quiet summer.

Malin Keshar: So much for quiet, Drogan. Orcs amass north of the river!

Drogan: What? Curses! Why be thar still so many o' 'em?

Dela Keshar: Well ya sent out a bunch of our soldiers before we even started ta fix the city walls...

Drogan: Quiet you. Malin, you've got ta hold tha river fort or they'll overrun us. Tha raidin'party should be back in two days ta help us fight 'em off. Fer now, I'll send tha remaining guards to help ya.

Recruit a Walking Corpse

Drogan: What in blazes is that... that thing? Has tha necromancer returned already? His timin' couldn't be any worse...

Malin Keshar: No, Drogan. I raised this corpse with the skills Darken Volk taught me before he left. I have no love for it, but we need to take action, or we'll never be able to repel the orcs!

Drogan: I'm shamed of ya, Malin. Even if it'd ensure our survival, nothin' good ever comes of necromancy. The moment ya use it, you've already sold yer soul ta black magic!

Malin Keshar: What? I'm hardly evil, Drogan!

Drogan: Ya say that, but you've been very quiet 'bout why tha mages sent you home from Alduin. I'm beginning ta think you were already dabblin' in this witchcraft even before ya met that necromancer!

Malin Keshar: No! No... it was something stupid, something silly... it doesn't matter now! I won't stand by and allow the orcs to destroy my home while I have the power to prevent it!

Signpost

Narrator: Welcome to Parthyn

Book

Narrator: Ignorance is the parent of fear.

Monolith

Narrator: A monolith of pale stone, luminous and bright, but cold and brittle to the touch.

A walking corpse reaches the wreck

Malin Keshar: Someone left a dead fish here.

Victory Dialogue

Time Over

Swordsman: We're back from the raid, Drogan. Seems like we made it just in time!

Kreg'a'shar Trr: More humans! We'll need more fighters to squash 'em all. Grunts, retreat!

Necromancy

Malin Keshar: The orcs are dead!

Drogan: By all rights, Malin, I should have ya kill'd on tha spot. I can't believe ya let that necromancer corrupt you. I s'ppose part o' this is my fault, since I let 'im into Parthyn, but still... Since I showed 'im mercy, I'll show ya the same. I'm banishin' you from Parthyn.

Malin Keshar: Fine words, Drogan. Would you rather have let the orcs overrun the town?

Drogan: Aye, better that than ta even dabble in dark magic. We woulda rebuilt this place like always. Even if I died, 'least it woulda been with dignity. Too bad tha mages didn't teach ya more sense.

Malin Keshar: I only did it to protect what I care about! Is this really what I deserve for saving your hides?

Drogan: Yes, yes it is. Nobody'll support ya on yer crazy path to depravity.

Spearman: We should all be glad to see you gone, necromancer. I detest having fought by your side.

Malin Keshar: Dela? Sister?

Dela Keshar: Well...

Drogan: Ya can't support 'im on this one, Dela.

Dela Keshar: I... suppose you're right. You've decided your magic is more important than us, Malin. I can't help you.

Drogan: Begone, Malin. I've no wish to see your face around here ever again.

No Necromancy (as if that's possible)

Malin Keshar: The orcs are dead!

Drogan: Bravely done holdin' off them orcs by yerself, Malin. But we're not outta trouble yet. The raidin' party reports that more warlords be gatherin' their armies in the hills, just a few days north o'tha Great River. I don't know if we can fight 'em all off.

Malin Keshar: Then we must seek help. It hasn't been long since Darken Volk's departure. Perhaps I can find him and ask him to aid us.

Drogan: I'll pretend like I didn't hear that.

Malin Keshar: Then what would you have us do, Drogan? Let the orcs overrun Parthyn? Abandon our families to those savages?

Drogan: Yes. Leave Parthyn fer now and rebuild later, like we always do.

Malin Keshar: Or we can drive off the orcs altogether and make sure they never attack us again. Surely I can't be the only one who sees that what Drogan says is madness!

Drogan: If ya go out on a quest to seek depravity, none o' us will support ya.

Spearman: Better to die than to ally ourselves with a necromancer.

Malin Keshar: Dela? Sister?

Dela Keshar: I hope that you'll stay with us, Malin. Be reasonable.

Malin Keshar: Be reasonable? I'm the only one who sees reason here. If no-one will help me, I'll go by myself.

Dela Keshar: Malin, seekin' out the help of a necromancer is just... just foolhardy! We need ya here to help protect the town!

Malin Keshar: You'll eventually see that I'm right, Dela. I'm resolved.

Scenario 2: Peaceful Valley

Story Text

Bitter and alone, Malin follows the back-trail of the orcish band north from Parthyn. He curses the mages for casting him out from the Isle of Alduin only half-prepared, unprepared for conflict. He curses Drogan for lacking the resolve to make the necessary sacrifices to protect their home. Most fiercely, he curses the orcs for their mindless savagery, pillagers and raiders who view violence as little more than sport.

Three days' travel northeast, Malin stumbles upon Darken Volk, the necromancer who had saved Parthyn and taught him to raise the dead. The dark mage suggests that they travel together. Malin obliges, having been abandoned by his kinsmen. As the weeks pass, Darken Volk teaches Malin more dark magic.

Introductory Dialogue

Darken Volk: In truth, I share your hatred for the orcs. The Northlands have been my home for many years and the orcs have been a growing infestation in recent times. They despoil the beauty of the land wherever they go, hacking and burning everything without care or concern. If you are interested, I would be happy to take you on as my... apprentice... so that I can teach you to fight against them.

Malin Keshar: Yes! These orcs have threatened my friends and my home for too long. It's time I gained the power to put them in their place.

Darken Volk: Yes, perhaps removing the threat of orcish raids will persuade the people of Parthyn to welcome you home. But for now, I must train you. The orcs are powerful in the hills, strong enough that even I dare not confront them directly.

Malin Keshar: Then what shall we do?

Darken Volk: Strike at them where they're weak. A goblin village lies in this valley, just ahead. They're the bastard children of the orcs, feeble creatures individually, but annoying enough in large numbers. Subduing them will provide us a supply of fresh corpses and souls to use against the orcs.

...It will be a worthwhile test of your skills.

Swamp is Seen

Darken Volk: Ahhh... I did not realize there was a swamp near this village. Malin, it would be beneficial for your training if we were to investigate.

First Village Captured

Darken Volk: Beware the goblin guards in the villages.

Darken Volk enters the Swamp

Darken Volk: Rise from the realms of death and decay!

Malin Keshar: What are these things?

Darken Volk: They are ghouls - noxious beings fashioned from living flesh into carcasses of disease and poison. Those that outlive their masters gravitate towards the natural decay present in swamps and bogs.

Malin Keshar: Isn't it cruel to turn men into such hideous forms?

Darken Volk: You needn't pity them. Once, these were... evil men... murderers and outlaws, no better than the orcs you hunt. I've transformed them so their physical forms match the spirits within. Is that not fitting? No punishment is too great for their kind.

Malin Keshar: I suppose so...

Malin reaches the key

Malin Keshar: Someone dropped a key here.

Malin reaches the cage

Malin Keshar: There are some rotten corpses in this cage.

Darken Volk: Make use of them.

Anecromancer must always use whatever supplies he's given. Do it.

Malin Keshar: ...

Attacking a goblin

Enemy unit: Eeeek! Don't kill me!

Malin Keshar: ...

Darken Volk: Why do you hesitate? Did the orcs show your people any mercy when they attacked Parthyn?

Malin Keshar: ...no.

Attacking with a ghoul

Enemy unit: Ruuuun! The monster's going to eat us!

Killing the leader

Malin Keshar: The big wolf is done with.

Victory Dialogue

Malin Keshar: Sacking goblin villages is all well and good, but corpses and bats won't stand up to full orcish warriors.

Darken Volk: Have some patience. We've only just begun your training. These carcasses will supply you sufficient resources for practice. When you've mastered the basics, we'll then assault the orcs and you'll see you forces grow quickly.

Scenario 3: A Haunting in Winter

Story Text

Malin and Darken Volk spend the summer and fall traveling across the lower Northlands. They attacked goblin villages and small orcish camps when they find them. Although Darken Volk is occasionally demanding and irritable, he proves to be an effective mentor. Malin's power grows considerably under the necromancer's tutelage.

The colored patchwork of autumn eventually fades to wintry snowfall drifting over barren lands. The nights grow longer as the sun disappears behind a seemingly perpetual mist of pallid clouds. Hounded by the elements, the two necromancers retreat into the hills to seek shelter. By a stroke of good fortune, they stumble across a mostly abandoned cave just as the winter sets in.

Introductory Dialogue

Darken Volk: I sense many lifeforms in this cavern, but none are very powerful. Most likely they're merely nothing more than beasts. Still, we may be able to use them to continue your training.

Malin Keshar: Better than nothing. Which way do these creatures lie?

Darken Volk: East.

Young Ogre: Me kill you!

Young Ogre: No, me kill you!

Young Ogre: No, me kill - I see human!

Young Ogre: Human! We smash human!

Malin Keshar: Simple-minded, obtuse creatures.

Darken Volk: This should be an easy task for you. Once you've slain them both, we shall turn them into skeletons.

Killing the ogres

Young Ogre: Me... die...

Young Ogre: Arrghhaaughhh...

Malin Keshar: The ogres are dead.

Darken Volk: Good... I've already showed you how to raise a skeleton before, but perhaps it would be best if we... went over it once again. Other than for ghouls, flesh and blood are useless for undead creatures. First, let out the blood and innards, and dispose of them.

Malin Keshar: Very well.

What a mess.

Darken Volk: The ghouls will take care of it in due course. Next, strip away the flesh. A little remaining is fine; too much will hamper your skeletons' movement.

Malin Keshar: And then?

Darken Volk: Bind the strings of energy to the bone. Skeletons are no more than puppets. Novices will directly control their movement with strands of dark magic, but you should have no need for such crude methods. Instead, impart your will upon the skeleton, spread the threads over the bones, then let loose the twine from your hand. If your will is strong enough, the skeleton will be able to move on its own.

Malin Keshar: I'll try.

Darken Volk: Do it again.

Good. Now head north. I sense another ogre there.

Seeing the other ogre

Malin Keshar: I can turn this one into a skeleton as well.

Killing the ogre

Darken Volk: The ogre seems to have looted a bow. Use it to create a Skeleton Archer.

Malin Keshar: Very well.

Darken Volk: It seems that raising skeletons is already a trivial matter for you now. You are indeed... talented.

Malin Keshar: Perhaps, but I'll need more than a few skeletons to fight the orcs.

Darken Volk: They'll come in time, when you learn to control more of them at once. For now, continue exploring these caves. We may yet find something else of use.

Malin Keshar: Ick. Mudcrawlers. How did these things end up here?

Darken Volk: The magic of our world is unpredictable and random. Even without the interference of a trained mage, it sometimes coagulates by itself, giving rise to physical anomalies or breathing life into the inanimate. See there?

It's merely a small eddy of energy, but enough to animate the swamp water.

Malin Keshar: I see. Well, even if these mudcrawlers aren't much of a threat, they're still bothersome. I wonder if I could be rid of them. What's magic mud even weak to, anyway? Fire?

Darken Volk: You should be able to work it on your own.

Malin Keshar: ...I suppose you're right.

A unit reaches the village in the swamp

Malin Keshar: It seems like a merman used to live here.

Malin reaches the trident

Malin Keshar: Hmm, a storm trident. I wonder if it could be useful.

Killing the latest mudcrawler

Malin Keshar: Somehow, I feel that killing these mudcrawlers is a less than meaningful use of my time.

Malin reaches the rune

Narrator: Nothing happens.

Seeing the lv 1 rat

Malin Keshar: What a fat rat. I wonder where it came from?

Orcish camp is seen

Malin Keshar: A tattered, redfag. Some orcs used to live here, but it seems like they were slain in a fierce battle.

A unit kills a rat

Malin Keshar: I don't think there's much experience to be gained by fighting a few rats.

Seeing the maimed wolves

Malin Keshar: A pack of wolves, the same that the goblins use as mounts. They were abandoned here for some reason.

A unit reaches the white banner

Malin Keshar: This banner is different than the other ones. It looks familiar.

Malin reaches the vial

Malin Keshar: An empty vial. I wonder if this could be useful.

Seeing the scorpion

Malin Keshar: This scorpion seems unusually large... and poisonous.

Malin reaches the scorpion's village

Malin Keshar: This scorpion's poison gland is still intact. I bet I can make a potion out of it.

Malin reaches the nest

Malin Keshar: It appears as if there are some rats living here, but the hole in the wall is too small to reach them.

After making the poison

Malin Keshar: I think I can pour in the poison from here.

These rats will no longer bother us.

Malin reaches the illuminated spot

Darken Volk: You've done well so far to master the reanimation of skeletons. Now, I shall teach you to control spirits. Are you ready?

Accept

Malin Keshar: I'm ready to learn about controlling spirits.

Darken Volk: Mastery over gosts, especially the most powerful ones, is something even experienced necromancers may struggle with. While other undead are nothing more than mindless slaves upon reanimation, spirits are the souls of their original owners and thus retain some degree of consciousness. If the spirit is stronger than you, it will break free of your hold. To master it, your own soul must be unwavering.

Malin Keshar: I doubt I shall be overcome by the soul of an orc.

Darken Volk: Perhaps, but that's not what I meant. Before you can begin to control other souls, you must first master your own.

Malin Keshar: What do you mean? I'm proud. I'm strong. If it's a matter of conviction-

Darken Volk: It's not I that you must convince, but yourself. Hold thy tongue and listen. After a great slaughter, even after the corpses are all rotted to nothing but bones, the bridge between the land of death and life is weakened. By placing yourself closer to death, you'll better understand who it's that you really are. But you mustn't speak. Be silent and embrace the darkness.

Malin Keshar: ...

Darken Volk: Concentrate.

Malin Keshar: What sorcery is this? Darken Volk, what's going... on..?

Where's everything? Who are you?

Malin Keshar: I'm Malin Keshar.

Malin Keshar: No, I am Malin Keshar. Tell me who you are, and this time, make it believable.

Malin Keshar: I'm Malin Keshar, but no longer the naïve, uncertain boy I once was.

Malin Keshar: I'm no boy, nor am I uncertain. And I certainly won't be questioned by a mere reflection like you.

Malin Keshar: The distorted reflection you see mirrors the reality within. An ever morphing perspective, warped by a profusion of uncertain ambitions.

Malin Keshar: Nonsense. My convictions are strong and my mind is set. I have but one goal. I'll gain power. I'll master death, and I'll use it to protect my home and slaughter these orcs. And I'll make my family and my people accept me back.

Malin Keshar: When you're drawn in many directions at once, which one will you choose? If you try for them all, you shall be torn apart.

Malin Keshar: Protecting my home and slaying the orcs are the same thing. If you mean choosing between my family and gaining more power... they'll come around and see reason. I'll make sure of it.

Malin Keshar: When you don't have the wisdom to see through the veil of lies you've told yourself, you mustn't seek the advice of one who only spins the web of deception further.

Malin Keshar: Enough with this. No proverbs are going to help me achieve my goals. This is just like back on Alduin. My teachers never understood what I needed. I don't need to think I don't need to philosophize about "the grand nature of my life and my place in the universe". Right now, I must train my skills with necromancy. That's it.

Malin Keshar: When you're sad and alone, even all the power in the world won't help you. In the barren void of endless night, will rage and hatred alone be enough to sustain you?

Malin Keshar: ...well, my choice is already made. Rethinking it now is pointless. I've never been one for regrets.

...damn it all. As if I'd pay any heed to a twisted doppelgänger of myself. Anyway...

What did Darken Volk say about it again? "After a great slaughter, even after the corpses are all rotted to nothing but bones, the bridge between the land of death and life is weakened." If I use that knowledge...

...I should be able to sense the soul past the barrier of life and death...

I did it! I-

Ghost: Freedom! Your sorceries can't shackle me, Malin the Damned!

Malin Keshar: I failed? No... it must have been because the spell was too tricky to master on the first attempt. No matter, no matter. It's only a single, weak spirit. It should be simple to crush it and exert my will back over it.

Defeating the ghost

Malin Keshar: I've got you!

Refuse

Malin Keshar: I'm not ready yet.

Victory Dialogue

Malin Keshar: I've done it! I've learned to summon the souls of the dead!

Darken Volk: So, you have, and you even managed to regain control of it when it slipped out of your grasp. Well done. Now pay head. A necromancer's first ghost is often special - use it carefully, and it will serve you well. Let it escape your control again, and it will be lost to you forever.

Malin Keshar: I see. I won't make the same mistake twice.

Darken Volk: We shall see. You've done well enough so far, but I still have much more to teach you. Come, we've work to do.

Scenario 4: Spring of Reprisal

Story Text

Weeks pass in cold and bare caverns. As the grip of black magic grows stronger, so does Malin's control over the undead. He finds it to be a mastery of a different sort than what he was taught at the Academy. The magic reaches out to him as it never has before: he listens it speaks back - he senses its will and lets it guide him - he embraces the dark magic as an extension of himself.

When spring comes, Darken Volk leads Malin towards the jagged mountain peaks in the north. In the higher reaches, snow begins to melt into rivulets of water, streaming downwards and fracturing the surface of the ice that blankets the river Listra. Though the unstable terrain is hazardous to traverse, the elder necromancer insists that they press on, saying that he hopes to catch the orcish fighters unprepared by arriving early in the year.

Introductory Dialogue

Darken Volk: Across this pass lies the eastern edge of the Heart Mountains proper. For their distinctive shape, the orcs call these the 'Whitefang Mountains', which is also the namesake of the dominant clan in this region. They are the very same who killed your father.

Malin Keshar: The White Fang orcs... so that's their name. When I was younger, I remember fearing the sight of their banners rais'd across the rivers. Now, though, it's something totally different. Loathing? Disgust? A desire for vengeance? Certainly... this is no longer a fight merely to protect Parthyn.

Darken Volk: Then it's a fight of enmity. For that, you must ensure that your hatred of these orcs is strong enough, else you'll never be able to achieve your goal.

Malin Keshar: You needn't worry about my will to fight. I only ask that you lead me to them.

Darken Volk: The fastest way to the core of their dominion lies through this mountain pass. Beyond here lies your main target.

Malin Keshar: Then let's go.

Book

Narrator: Revenge is a confession of pain.

An Orc Dies

Malin Keshar: The best orc is a dead orc.

Move to the Ice

Malin Keshar: The ice doesn't look very thick...

Darken Volk: ...

Ice Breaks

Narrator: The weak ice gives way beneath the undead creature, who becomes mired in the thick mud at the lake's bottom.

Narrator: The weak ice gives way beneath the heavy warrior, who drowns in the frigid mountain waters.

Killing a leader

Malin Keshar: These orcs aren't that strong after all!

Malin reaches the skeleton

Malin Keshar: Someone was pushed off from here.

Victory Dialogue

Reaching the signpost

Malin Keshar: We've finally a chance to strike at the heart of the Whitefang's territory. At last... we shall have revenge.

Killing the last leader

K'rrlar Oban: Wait, human! I may be of use to you! What's it that you desire? Slaves? Gold? Land?

Malin Keshar: What I desire is your death.

We've finally a chance to strike at the heart of the Whitefang's territory. At last... we shall have revenge.

Scenario 5: Schism

Story Text

The cycle of the seasons churns and summer and fall roll around once more. Malin's thoughts turn back to Parthyn frequently, where, a year prior, he had still been among family and friends in the rustic little town that he still thinks of as his home. He has since become a forsaken wanderer, he thinks, but the still burning image of his father being cut down amidst the ruins of his home is stamped deep into his thoughts.

Companionship and peace... perhaps they're but a farce and certainly an impossibility with the threat of the orcish clans still looming. It was a choice to live and suffer the path of solitary vengeance rather than appease the law of his land... and thus watch his home burn. It was a choice, he admits, not destiny, not fate. It's a choice that he oft ponders, but usually comes to the same conclusion. Perhaps there's no point in reminiscing on his once tranquil, pastoral life. He's never been one for regrets.

Malin turns his attention to the task at hand. Darken Volk leads him through the heart of Whitefang territory, where they terrorize and murder entire camps of orcs with their undead minions. Word spreads among the orcish towns, which begin to post more guards and dispatch frequent patrols to exterminate the two necromancers. All of their attempts fail.

As Malin and Darken Volk continue their raids on the orcs, they eventually force the usually fractious Whitefang chieftains to unite in opposition. The orcs pursue the two necromancers east towards the mouth of the river Men call the Longlier and Elves call the Arkhan-Thoria, where they manage to surround the humans and force a fight.

Introductory Dialogue

Malin Keshar: Even before the very founding of Wesnoth, you have hounded my people at every turn. You've trampled our fields, slaughtered our livestock and burned our houses. You've brought war to a place of peace, death to a place of life. You are nothing but remorseless killers and savage beasts. Your kind deserves no mercy and shall receive none. I will crush you into the dust and make you into my slaves for all eternity.

Borth: The silly necromancer is trying to talk us to death! You've caused enough trouble, human. It's time for you to die.

P'Gareth: Ummm... unless... you are already dead, like the skeletons?

K'Vark: Then it will be time for you to die again!

Killing the first leader

Malin Keshar: How puny and weak you look in death.

Killing the second leader

Malin Keshar: You and your kind deserve no eternal rest in death. After this battle, I'll raise your corpse and make your bones dance for me, orc. But for now, I've the last one to take care of-

P'Gareth: Retreat!

Malin Keshar: He flees! The coward!

Darken Volk: That's no surprise. Orcs may like to make a show of strength, but will always flee in the face of an overwhelming force. Nevertheless, the Whitefangs are still numerous and have some ties to other orcish clans. You must hunt this chieftain down before he can alert the others, else we may soon have dozens more on our trail.

Malin Keshar: By 'you', you mean... on my own?

Darken Volk: Your apprenticeship is nearly over; you are more than capable of handling a single half-dead orc on your own. After you've dealt with him, I do have a small favour I'll ask of you. It will constitute the last part of your... training. I have some other things that I must attend to in preparation. In a few weeks, meet me to the west, near the town of Tath.

Malin Keshar: It will be done.

Scenario 6: Return to Parthyn

Story Text

After two days of traveling south from the previous battle, Malin finds the tracks of the assembled orcs. He follows them along the west bank of the Lystra River, past the Whitefang Mountains. He wonders why they keep running to the Great River instead of asking for reinforcements, but after thinking about it, he realizes where the orcs are headed. After all, this is the season when they usually raid human cities.

'This commander has no intention of alerting the rest of his clan of my sighting. I guess he must think I want to attack the rest of the White Fangs rather than hunt them down here. With his brothers busy fighting me, he will be able to raid many other human cities undisturbed. Selfish creature. Exactly what one would expect from an orc.' Malin thinks carefully and soon realizes what he should do.

He walks tirelessly in the woods, neglecting to sleep for several days as he and his minions approach the Great River, hoping to intercept the orcs before they reach Parthyn. Soon, Malin recognizes a familiar environment...

Introductory Dialogue

Malin Keshar: Drogan, I bring news from the north! The orcs march towards Parthyn, they are no more than a few hours' walk from here. They're going to raid the village tonight!

Drogan: I hoped I'd never see you again, Malin. I see you are not bringing your own exile, so I will clear your mind: no matter what your reason for returning, you are not welcome here. Take a step towards Parthyn and I'll order the guards to attack you.

Malin Keshar: Exile or not, I'm here to help defend the city from the orcs!

Drogan: Orcs or not, you have to go!

Malin Keshar: Dela, help me! At least you have to understand!

Dela Keshar: You have chosen the path of darkness for yourself. We will not be taken with you.

Drogan: If you continue to be stubborn, we will attack you. It's your choice.

Ghost: Master, don't listen to them! He also has a choice, but he foolishly decided to refuse your help! He endangers Parthyn's safety!

Malin Keshar: Shut up.

Drogan! With my new powers, I have already eliminated several orc leaders! If you allow me to help you, I will destroy the one who's coming here too!

Drogan: A nice story. But it seems more likely to me that you brought your orc allies here to take revenge on the city. If we retreat, your undead will undoubtedly kill us instantly. When I watched you grow up, I never believed you would become a traitor.

Malin Keshar: Dela, you don't believe it, do you?

Drogan: Stop talking to your sister, Malin! The fact that she also refuses you should make you realize how much a traitor you are.

Ghost: Master, he threatens the safety of the city by blocking your way.

Malin Keshar: Then you are the traitor, Drogan, if you stop me from defending Parthyn. I'll defend my home, whatever it takes, even if it means I have to take you down first.

If I want the people of Parthyn to accept me again, I have to be cautious. I don't have to kill anyone besides Drogan or they'll banish me forever.

Recruiting a Dark Adept

Drogan: So, Malin, you even started corrupting our people with your magical arts. I also never expected you to be reduced to the point of kidnapping the villagers and making them your pawns!

Unit: I joined Malin of my own free will! You fools simply do not understand the power inherent in necromancy.

Drogan: I understand enough to know that it makes everything it wraps evil.

Malin Keshar: There's no point in arguing with such a stubborn one. We can only show Drogan how wrong he is by force.

Signpost

Narrator: Welcome to Parthyn

Dela Keshar is Defeated

Dela Keshar: I am defeated but not dead, foul thing that was once my brother. Watch your back, because I will be coming for you and kill you...

Kill a Regular Villager

Malin Keshar: Now the people of Parthyn will never accept me back!

Drogan Dies

Malin Keshar: Do you see what you have achieved with your treacherous plots, Drogan?

Dela Keshar: Drogan, no! Malin, you are a monster! How could you kill Drogan in cold blood?

Malin Keshar: He chose his fate alone! I just took my own revenge!

Dela Keshar: How do you think Drogan could be a traitor when you are the one attacking Parthyn?

Malin Keshar: What? I have not twisted a hair on any villager or guard outside of Drogan! I'm just trying to help out, but no one seems to want to hear my reasons!

Dela Keshar: There is no reason to deceive someone who embraces evil without shame! You will pay for Drogan's death!

Malin Keshar: Even with my new powers, I can't fight an entire city. I must flee west and look for Darken Volk!

Evening

P'Gareth: Recruits! Prepare the camp! Tonight we will attack the city - stop! YOU! Necromancer, have you followed us this far?!

Malin Keshar: Did you really think you could run faster than death, which needs neither rest nor sleep? Get ready to meet your creators, orc!

Drogan alive

Drogan, I'll show you what my new powers are capable of. You will see how foolish you are to oppose me.

Malin Escapes

Dela Keshar: Run while you can, Malin the Damned! Once we have protected Parthyn from future raids, you can rest assured that he will hunt you down. You are no longer my brother.

Malin Keshar: O Gods, how did we get to this point? My sister is determined to see my death alone. Exiled from Parthyn, my homeland, my home ... rejected by my people, to whom I gave everything for... Nothing has gone right since I messed up that fat orc-kissing toad Zephrin and tried to curse him. I was just trying my new spell on him! It had to be just a simple curse! How was I to know it would kill him? Damn the Academy.

Now the only one who wants to keep me alive is a necromancer. I'm starting to think I'm the cursed one.

Killing the orc leader

Narrator: The orc was carrying gold.

Dela Keshar: Run while you can, Malin the Damned! Once we have protected Parthyn from future raids, you can rest assured that he will hunt you down. You are no longer my brother.

Malin Keshar: O Gods, how did we get to this point? My sister is determined to see my death alone. Exiled from Parthyn, my homeland, my home ... rejected by my people, to whom I gave everything for... Nothing has gone right since I messed up that fat orc-kissing toad Zephrin and tried to curse him. I was just trying my new spell on him! It had to be just a simple curse! How was I to know it would kill him? Damn the Academy.

Now the only one who wants to keep me alive is a necromancer. I'm starting to think I'm the cursed one.

Killing the orc leader, Drogan alive

Malin Keshar: Look, Drogan! I defeated the orc commander. Do you take my word for it now?

Drogan: At least you haven't completely lost your humanity by allying yourself with the orcs. But you can't go back to Parthyn anyway, Malin. No necromancer will ever be welcome here.

Malin Keshar: What?! Ungrateful mongrel dog! You would let the city be sacked and all our people would die, and for what? Just to ignore something you don't understand? You are a fool. At your guide, Parthyn will always be threatened. If the city is to survive, you are the one to go!

Drogan: Malin, in all honesty, I don't want to fight you as my former friend. Leave Parthyn. I will not ask you again.

Malin Keshar: It's your choice, not mine. If you refuse to leave of your own free will, then it will be done by force. Attack him!

Kill a Villager, Drogan is Dead

Malin Keshar: See how you die when you spurn the help of Malin Keshar!

Scenario 7: A Small Favor

Story Text

On the run from his hometown, Malin flees to the wooded hills north of the Great River. Some distance from the west, he finally stops after several days without rest or sleep. He closes his eyes, trying to clear the last hours of his mind, but the darkness makes the images even more alive. he is tired, so tired, but sleep doesn't come.

"No regrets. No regrets ..." He repeats it softly like a song, muttering over and over in his half-unconscious state. After a while, a second voice joins the first, a voice that looks a lot like his, but somehow sounds foreign and alien. "There may be another way. You may have been wrong."

"No, no. Even if there was another way, they'd still have refused me. They're blindly... wrong. I've no regrets for what I did. No regrets..." He dismissed the voice. Sleep arrives, long stretches of dreamless darkness punctuated by short nightmare shapes: so distorted and grotesque that they whisper in strangely familiar voices. "You're cursed, Malin the Damned! Damn! Damn. Damn..." They repeat over and over, first a chorus, then a duet, both male, then one, a voice in the dark.

Malin wakes up with a plume of smoke rising to the east. He only gives him a brief thought before heading further west to Tath. He soon reunites with his teacher.

"As a final test of your apprenticeship, you will help me retrieve a book," says the necromancer. "The book was... stolen from me a long time ago. Since it has sentimental value to me, this task is a small favor. I must warn you that for this you will have to take action against your compatriots in Wesnoth, as they were the ones who stole it from me."

Malin replies: "They're no longer my compatriots".

Darken Volk continues: "Excellent. In Tath there is one of the lords of this city named Karres. In his youth he studied as a wizard and now he uses his wealth to keep several wizards studying. The book we are looking for is in his library. We will have to go into his manor and look for the book there. "

Introductory Dialogue

Darken Volk: The stolen book lies within Lord Karres's manor on the north end of the city. We cannot defeat the entire city guard, so we must stay hidden as long as possible. The cover of the night and this fog will aid us. I'll use it to cast a spell that obscures the sight of the city guards. However, it shouldn't affect us.

This spell will not completely hide us. If we get too close to the guards, they'll still be able to see us. Once located, we'll have to run forward. The faster we enter the manor, the more time we'll have to search for the book before the guards can chase us.

Narrator: Note: Only the units you recruit now will be available to you once inside.

An enemy unit is seen

Gate guard: This damn fog is so thick! I can't see anything!

Taylor: Alert, soldier. Report anything unusual immediately.

Undead are Seen

Enemy unit: Undead creatures are coming out of the forest!

Taylor: Call the guards! To arms, men!

Attack of the Holy Water!

Moved Unit: Ooouuuh! It burns... burrrrnnns...

Malin Keshar: What in the name of all demons of hell was this thing?

Darken Volk: This was the impact of what is known as holy water among common people. It is brewed in a complicated and mysterious procedure only known to a few priests and often used to fight resurrected creatures.

Both necromancers move to the manor

Darken Volk: Here's the entrance! Hurry!

Scenario 8: A Small Favor - Part 2

Introductory Dialogue

Narrator: Malin and Darken Volk enter the lord's manor and hastily close the heavy gates behind them.

Malin Keshar: This gate won't stop the soldiers for long - we'd better hurry.

Reaching the notes

Narrator: The only thing we need to be afraid of is fear itself.

...unknown, unreasonable, unjustified terror...

Opening a gate

Enemy unit: The undead have broken into the manor! Defend yourself!

Finding Lord Karres

Lord Karres: Darken Volk! I should have guessed it was you! What are you doing here?

Darken Volk: I take back what's legitimately mine.

Lord Karres: Impudent as usual. Whatever is written in that book must not be read by human eyes, neither mine nor yours.

Darken Volk: I'm not here to argue.

Lord Karres: Of course you're not. I guess your arrogance has grown over the years.

Darken Volk: If you wish to continue teaching me a lesson, anyway, go ahead. It will only make it easier to kill you.

Lord Karres: I'm sorry it came to this.

Reaching the green orb

Emerald, the verdant green fades, touched by the shadow to the dark tint of black, a fetid stain of pestilence.

Lord Karres Dies

Lord Karres: How... dare you...

Darken Volk: Stop babbling, old decrepit.

I feel an illusion spell is broken. The book is located in the main hall in the northwest corner of the manor. We must find the corridor that leads us!

Next turn

Enemy unit: Find the undead! Destroy them all!

Darken Volk: The city garrison has entered the manor. We'll have to hold them back while we search.

Victory Dialogue

Necromancer: I think I found the corridor to the main room!

Time Over

Narrator: As dawn breaks, the city guards force their way into the manor and capture the two necromancers.

Scenario 9: A Small Favor - Part 3

Introductory Dialogue

Darken Volk: I feel the book is very close, somewhere to the northwest.

Turn 2

Darken Volk: The guards keep looking for us.

Reaching the notes

Narrator: Be careful, when hunting for monsters, not to become a monster yourself...

Narrator: Death is the sunset that follows the light of day. Life fades as the sun sets in the dark. Existence coagulates and the soul is reborn in an endless night.

Malin Gets the Book

Malin Keshar: Such an old and worn book. It doesn't seem worth much, but at least now we have it.

...So... how do we get out of here now?

Darken Volk: There's a small tunnel in the cellar to the northeast. It will lead us far enough out of the city that we can escape pursuit.

Victory

Malin Keshar: Phew! Let's get out of here

Darken Volk Gets the Book

Malin Keshar: We've got the book, but how do we get out of here now?

Wait, you're not leaving me, are you?

Victory

Malin Keshar: Let's get out of here.

Darken Volk escapes before Malin Keshar

Darken Volk: You have served me well, young apprentice.

Narrator: As soon as Darken Volk enters the gallery, he collapses the entrance, leaving Malin to be captured and executed by the guards.

Time Over

Narrator: As dawn breaks, the city guards force their way into the manor and capture the two necromancers.

Scenario 10: Alone at Last

Story Text

As he enters the tunnel underneath Lord Karres's manor, Darken Volk turns and with magical words and gestures causes the entrance to collapse. The two necromancers turn and begin walking down the pitch-black tunnel, temporarily safe from pursuit.

Silence permeates the darkness, broken only by the irregular dripping of water from the cave walls. Malin glances at Darken Volk from time to time, expecting something from the older necromancer, but is reciprocated by a stone cold detachment. There is no recognition ... no words of gratitude - just a sense of unease that has as much to do with the book as it does with Darken Volk.

They keep walking in the stale and cold air all morning and day; finally they return to the surface as the last rays of the sun plunged under the horizon.

Introductory Dialogue

Malin Keshar: Well, we have your precious book and we managed to get out of Tath whole. And what do we do with it now?

Darken Volk: "We"? We don't do anything.

Malin Has the Book

Darken Volk: Now give me the book.

Narrator: Darken Volk snatches the mysterious book from Malin's hands and escapes.

Malin Keshar: You can't leave me here!

Darken Volk Has the Book

Darken Volk: Now go your way and I'm going mine.

Malin Keshar: You can't leave me here!

Dialogue Continues

Advisor: Master, don't you see? He just used you to get to the book!

Malin Keshar: What do you mean?

Advisor: He doesn't care about your noble mission to fend off orcs. He needed your help to fight the wizards!

Malin Keshar: Wait up!

You used me! You knew the people of Parthyn would banish me - you knew I had nowhere else to go! You knew I would do whatever you said...

...was I really just a pawn all this time?

Why don't you say anything! Don't you care?!

...you can't abandon me too, not like... my father, Drogan, Dela did...

Advisor: He won't help you, but maybe the book could. It was you who helped him recover it: it's rightfully yours!

Malin Keshar: Yes, maybe, I suppose that's correct...

Darken Volk! That book is mine as well as yours! Give it back to me or I'll have to take it by force!

Darken Volk: You're even more foolish than I thought.

Attack Darken Volk's Side

Malin Keshar: You made me believe that Parthyn would welcome me back. That way, when they didn't, I would be willing to attack my own compatriots!

Darken Volk: What you wanted to believe is not my fault. I gave you more power than you ever imagined. Use it to fight the orcs that are bothering you, not me.

Malin Keshar: You took away my homeland. You turned Drogan away. You made my sister turn on me! You ruined my life!

Darken Volk: The only thing I've done is allow you to achieve your goals. The rest you did it yourself.

Malin Keshar: This isn't true! You can't leave me like this!

Darken Volk: No more chatter from you, boy. Fighting orcs is your ambition, not mine. You can't expect me to help you in an undertaking that doesn't concern me at all.

Malin Keshar: The same for you! I helped you get that book back! If you don't help me in my mission, I'll at least keep the fruits of my labor.

Darken Volk: Unlikely. I'll crush you easily.

Malin Keshar: Maybe, but I have nothing to lose...

Attack Darken Volk

Malin Keshar: Now you will pay for everything you did to me.

Darken Volk: Done? All I did was give you a chance. What you choose to do with your life is none of my business. Now leave me alone!

Paladins Attack!

Sir Cadaeus: Your movements in this area have not gone unnoticed, necromancers! The disaster you have inflicted on the righteous city of Tath and the noble Lord Karres can only be repaid with your blood and soul - whatever small part of it is still left. Yes, on this day you will have to answer for your countless crimes.

Darken Volk: Pompous speeches from an arrogant madman. We'll see how much they can defend you once I get this rookie fixed.

Dela Joins in the Fun!

Dela Keshar: I told you, Malin, I would find you again! You will finally pay for what you have done to my people and my homeland. I won't let you live long enough to see another sunset.

Malin Keshar: ... I assume you took a vow to kill me...

Dela Keshar: Didn't you think I'd keep my word? Men, attack him! Don't let the traitor escape!

Darken Volk Dies

Malin Keshar: You see? This is what happens when you leave me!

Darken Volk: Miserable ungrateful, is this how you repay me? Curse you, Malin the Damned!

Malin Keshar: I have already been cursed countless times. One more makes no difference...

Well, I guess I should get this book off the battlefield.

Narrator: Pick up the book by moving a unit onto it. Bats and ghosts cannot carry the book.

Get the Book

Bat: Neep! Neep!

Malin Keshar: A bat can't carry such a heavy book.

Ghost: I'm sorry, master, but this book is too heavy for me.

Malin Keshar: My servants have recovered the book.

Killing the Paladin

Sir Cadaeus: I fall in the name of the Light...

Killing Dela Keshar

Dela Keshar: Vile devil... I'm sorry I wasn't... strong enough... to destroy you...

Malin Keshar: You've been the cause of your own fate...

Victory Dialogue

All the enemy leaders dead

Malin Keshar: Then, they are all dead. The Paladin, Darken Volk, Dela...

Everyone I fought for, everyone I tried to protect, everything fell apart. They are all dead. Is that really all I have left?

... nothing at all...

At least an enemy leader alive

Malin Keshar: The terrain of these mountains is so rugged that neither the Paladins nor Dela will be able to chase me.

... is there a point again? Even if I managed to escape, so what? All that I have fought for, all that I have tried to protect, all is lost to me.

Life, death... non-life: at this point, I could accept any solution and nothing would change.

... but I think giving up now would be a shame...

Scenario 11: Descent into Darkness

Story Text

"To become a lich, one must first die."

Thus reads the book that Malin recovered: "Necromancy spells can free the spirit from the limitations of the flesh, but only when the soul is free from the body. The necromancer must utter the spells with their last breath, then they must master their own spirit in the same way that they dominate those of others. Yet since they maintain their own will, the lich can invoke the terrible powers of the spirit world."

Malin closes the book. After all this time and everything he fought for, could he just give in to despair and die? Could he just give up like that? Yet the words, that terrifying idea, creep into his mind. Life offered him nothing: could death be worse? Death... and not resurrection, but not death.

All Wesnoth is forbidden to him and Malin finds refuge in an unnamed frontier village where no questions are asked. When the news arrives that Parthyn has been overwhelmed by the orcs, Malin wakes up from his slumber and, for no real reason, he heads north.

Malin soon finds the traces of a huge army of orcs and follows them to their encampment. Seeing the number of orcs, he begins to realize the futility of his mission. Disturbing and crushing an orc clan is a very different task than waging an all-out war against the entire orc race. Then, again, he probably overstepped the point of normal reasonableness.

However, there is nothing else I can do, Malin thinks, and he summons his undead to storm the camp. Within minutes, nearly all of his army is destroyed and he is badly wounded by a poisoned dagger. Malin retreats and finds refuge in a small cave.

Introductory Dialogue

Malin Keshar: Cursed beasts!

I won't fall like this, shot down by an orc's blade!

Advisor: Master, you're badly injured!

Malin Keshar: That's how it seems...

It would probably be an appropriate ending. After all, the orcs were the trigger for my journey, wouldn't it be fair that they were always the ones to end my mission?

Advisor: There's another way, master. Remember the book!

Malin Keshar: Yes, yes. The book. That half-rotten and tattered tome for which I gave my blood and my soul. I have disowned my people, my family, my homeland... to follow that damned necromancer! And in the end he betrayed me, just like Drogan, just like Dela...

Everyone betrayed me. I am alone. All that remains...

Leave me now while I prepare.

Advisor: Yes sir.

Malin Keshar: ... I think I've never been the type to regret...

I'm ready. Let's do it.

I feel... different. Where am I?

Why is my body still intact? Am I still alive? Or...

...something's wrong?

I understand, accepting death wasn't enough. To become a lich, I have to master it.

First comes the flesh, the physical form of life. Blood is the focus of life for mortal creatures, but if I wish to transcend...

Narrator: A step on the runes grants Malin temporary abilities. He loses all additional abilities if he exits the corresponding runestone.

Stepping on a rune

Malin Keshar: These runes seem to be useful.

Killing the ghoul

Malin Keshar: These slaves contain only a small amount of energy, but not enough to sustain me.

Seeing the necrophages

Malin Keshar: The flesh appears twisted and warped, in a strangely familiar way.

Killing the necrophage

Malin Keshar: The flesh dies and then...

Drain the blood, eliminate the flesh and only the bones remain.

I remember a time when I thought skeletons were repulsive and disgusting things. I suppose it is natural that the living fear the most important representation of death. Even though I grew up with such a naïve thought... I guess I couldn't have expected Drogan and Dela to follow suit so easily. My family and friends, yes, but they were nothing but simpletons. They could have tried to understand me instead of completely avoiding me.

I really don't regret going so far in my path.

Seeing the revenant

Malin Keshar: I feel a pain in my bones, as if my joints are falling apart.

Killing the revenant

Malin Keshar: The physical form collapses completely. What remains?

The soul. Dela always maintained that I was a soulless creature. I suppose she was joking at the time, but maybe not after I killed Drogan.

Bah! That game can be played in two. I have always fought to protect my people and my family, but the only thing I got in return was contempt and exile. My sister wouldn't listen to me now. My people would rather feed on orc meat than follow my "magical ways". Drogan, Dela ... all of them! They are the ones without a soul, not me!

I really shouldn't worry about it anymore. According to them, I have already abandoned my soul. So what does it matter?

I shouldn't regret anything. I'm not really one for regrets...

Seeing the spectre

Malin Keshar: Cold... it's very cold indeed. Not a stinging shiver, but a numbness, an emptiness, as if there was nothing inside me...

Killing the spectre

Narrator: There's darkness...

and peace...

for a moment.

Then, they are replaced by a tear, an unbearable excruciating pain, and then...

...by nothingness.

Mal Keshar: AAAaaiiigghh!!

What a chill, it burns me!

I need some warmth... life...

I sense some form of primitive life in that direction. Maybe I can use it as a source of sustenance.

Signpost

Narrator: Welcome to Zephryn's laboratory. During your visit, pay attention to the ongoing experiments. This territory is the domain of the mythical Xanthric. All unwanted intruders will die.

Mal Keshar: The wizard's name sounds suspiciously... familiar.

Seeing the spider

Mal Keshar: Dela was afraid of spiders. Imagine if I showed her something like this...

Seeing the Dread Bat

Mal Keshar: What an unusual bat.

Attack Something with Drain

Mal Keshar: Yes! I can draw energy even from these insignificant creatures.

A bat attacks

Mal Keshar: Why are these bats chasing me?

Reaching the box

Narrator: I found some gold!

A mouse attacks

Mal Keshar: Charred mice!

Reaching the brazier

Narrator: You have collected a brazier!

Notes

Narrator: Dark water under the crystalline ice, exposed by a tongue of fire, transmuted by the altar of darkness into a pitch black shadow.

Mal Keshar: Someone left their experiment halfway here.

Reaching the white vial

Narrator: You should do something else first.

See Your Goal

Mal Keshar: I feel the lair of something powerful nearby. Capturing this castle can be a worthwhile undertaking, but I will have to approach with caution.

Reaching the castle

Xanthric: What vile creature enters my domain?!

Mal Keshar: I suppose there's some irony in all of this.

I didn't know dragons still existed. This was a very unexpected event. However, this will be a valid test for my new powers.

Xanthric: A decrepit corpse like you has no problem fighting a dragon! Even my minor elementals will be little more than a skirmish for you. Arise, my slaves!

Mal Keshar: Magic fire. Annoying, but you're not the only one who can summon servants to help you.

Xanthric: Some fallen souls won't help you, necromancer! Soon your bones will join the others in my carcass garden!

Stepping in the castle

Xanthric: How dare you?! That stone is my throne! I am the king of these domains!

Mal Keshar: Farmer, warrior, king or emperor, all living beings are liable to die. Eternity will claim your soul as its own if I don't.

Killing Xanthric

Xanthric: How could this happen...

Mal Keshar: You weren't as powerful as you thought.

Xanthric: I feel... so... cold...

Mal Keshar: Thus, the beast dies. I'll have to make some changes to this lair later. First, I'll have to check how far I can push these new powers.

Excellent! My will is also strong enough to prevail over a dragon. Nobody can resist me anymore! Dedicated to those who cursed me: I spit you! Because I am Mal Keshar the Damned, rejected by all men, abandoned by all who live and breathe! I laugh because now you are just dust and remains, and I live alone...

Scenario 12: Endless Night

Story Text

Years pass. Every summer, when the mountain paths and high passes become passable again by discarding their winter clothes, the lich sends his soldiers to attack the orcs, eliminating any patrols of men, elves or dwarves that stand in their way. Each year the lich inflicts a few casualties before being repelled.

Sometimes the lich wonders if his efforts are nothing more than a fruitless crusade, but then again, so what? Life, non-life, death... nothing ever made sense of his existence. Yet, does he still insist on this? For what?

Reason and purpose...

He doesn't need anyone. Philosophy generates only suffering. Violence and ferocity were the essence of his existence, the forces that once controlled his life, the ones that never existed in undeath. Better to simply kill without deliberation, why is it necessary to dwell on some alternative? He was never one to regret.

There are rumors of a lich attacking scout patrols. A hero, after having gathered the men most loyal to him, decides to put an end to this evil.

Part 2

Mal Keshar continues to study the book and re-reads the final passage.

"Today we prevailed on the field, but our victory did not please me. I realize now... the world is not ready for our knowledge. They cannot understand that we have overcome that primal fear: death. Rather, when they look at us, the judgment of our appearance drives them to ignorant terror. I surrender in the face of all this. [...] In future times less conservative attitudes may dominate and our knowledge can be put to use. I can certainly afford to wait. In the meantime, we are doing everything possible to bring that day closer."

"As for me, I'll have my journal found on the battlefield. I suspect many will fear it enough to try to destroy it, but I have put some spells on my journal to protect it. That way, it should survive long enough to end up in the hands of someone broader-minded. Tath, in particular, is the home of several wizards. It only takes one who is willing to learn..."

Part 3

The last entry in the book frets Mal Keshar. Although used by Darken Volk as a pawn, both were used as pawns by the same author of the book. Was his entire existence none other than that of a puppet?

However, despite his doubts about being manipulated, he feels he can learn something from the book. Orcs had always been only half of the story: the other had been his own people who had been unable to accept his use of black magic. But if he allowed a mad hero to take a copy of the book, would there be others who would follow in his footsteps? If enough people began to see necromancy as any other magical art, would he eventually be accepted into society?

Introductory Dialogue

Loyalist

Foolish Hero: Your end is near, lich! It's almost time for you to answer for your crimes against humanity!

Mal Keshar: With a narrow and dull mindset, as would be expected of any citizen. Go back to your manor and tavern before you decide to kill yourself.

Bandits

Foolish Hero: You attacked too many of my boys. Our territory will be much safer without your undead harassing us.

Mal Keshar: They're not even real soldiers. How much senseless life.

Elves

Foolish Hero: Your kind is an abomination. I am here to see that you inflict no more harm on the spirits that have passed on.

Mal Keshar: Fool! By leaving your forests and coming into my domain, you have sacrificed your own spirits.

Dwarves

Foolish Hero: We haven't destroyed any undead in a long time. Here it looks really full of bones to be mangled with my hammer.

Mal Keshar: And it's been a long time since I've stocked up on dwarven corpses to work with. I guess I can use your hammers profitably in the mines.

Orcs

Foolish Hero: I finally found your lair, lich! You have attacked my tribe and devastated our homes for too many years. You killed my father and turned his body into one of your horrible creations. With your death, your hateful servants will no longer persecute us!

Mal Keshar: Orcs of the Whitefang tribe! It is you who plundered my homeland and razed my house to the ground. You are the one who forced me to resort to necromancy to protect myself. It is you who ended my mortal life and forced me to turn into a lich. And do you want revenge? Hah! The irony of it all would eliminate the hysteria, if only I could still feel a similar emotion.

Foolish Hero: Nothing will stop me from taking revenge for my father who died at your hand and for the rest of my people you and your minions have killed, lich. Orcs, attack! The one who brings me his skull gets a bag of gold.

Continue

Narrator: Mal Keshar studied the book, learning how his apprentices can become liches with less dependence on luck than Malin's transformation.

Part 2

Mal Keshar: I will destroy you like I did with the last foolish hero who challenged me.

Part 3

Mal Keshar: Yet another foolish hero? Seriously?

Taunting

Mal Keshar: Is there an endless supply of foolish heroes with death wishes? Honestly, where do you all come from?

Mal Keshar Dies

Orcs

Mal Keshar: Shot down by an orc... so it ends... like this...

Foolish Hero: The lich is dead! I have finally avenged my father.

Enemy Unit: Chief, who do you think he was?

Foolish Hero: Just a distressed wizard who turned to dark magic when he swore to take revenge on us. Funny that he was more annoying dead than alive. Annoying that it took so long to kill him.

Anyway, gather the wolves. I go home.

Dwarves

Mal Keshar: Darkness descends... and I...

Foolish Hero: The lich is now nothing more than a bunch of bones.

Enemy Unit: I wonder what kind of man he could be while alive.

Foolish Hero: I guess he was a mad wizard who wanted to enslave other humans. Why else do you think he turned to dark magic?

Enemy Unit: I have no idea. Do you think the lich's castle could be of any use?

Foolish Hero: Yes. Let's go to work.

An enemy unit steps on the book

Enemy Unit: That's a malicious grimoire!

Foolish Hero: Try to destroy this damn thing.

Mal Keshar: (false pain) Aaargh!

Enemy Unit: My ax doesn't cut paper. Magic protects paper!

Foolish Hero: Yet it seems to somehow harm the lich. Let's take it with us, retreat and let the forge destroy it.

The foolish hero has been tricked into believing both that the book can be destroyed and that the lich can be weakened in this way.

Safe outside the cave, the mad hero tries to destroy the book. None of the attempts left more than a dent or a scratch, but with each attempt a new scream could be heard coming from the mouth of the cave. Eventually, the cave entrance collapsed and everything stood still. Satisfied and a little intrigued, the foolish hero left the crumbling lair behind him, the book safely stowed - and secretly - in his backpack.

Years go by. Each summer, as the mountain trails and high passes remove their winter clothes from the snow, humans, elves and dwarves patrol to repel the marauding orcs. The undead are no longer a problem for patrols and the lich's memories fade to become a mere legend.

Rumors are circulating about a spirit of good luck protecting these guards. It's said that when they're attacked by orcs at night, darkness itself descends to repel the attackers.

DiD-Specific Descriptions

Generic Unit

Apprentice Mage: Lvl 1

Trained in swordsmanship as a boy and the magical arts as a young man, Malin Keshar is talented at both but an expert in neither.

Apprentice Necromancer: Lvl 2

Despite his increased magical powers, Malin holds on to his short sword as his melee weapon of choice.

Dark Mage: Lvl 3

Although Malin's sword has grown rusty from lack of proper care, his increasing skill with magic more than compensates.

Frontier Baroness: Lvl 2

On the frontiers of Wesnoth, all able-bodied men and women must be able to defend the town at need. While the men are most often trained in the use of sword or bow, the women learn the use of staff and sling. The most proficient are more than a match for any orcs foolish enough to engage them in combat.

Ghast: Lvl 3 (unused)

The ghast is a creature taken from humankind's most primal nightmares. Unlike their lesser cousins, ghouls and necrophages, ghasts are not patient enough to wait for their victim to die from poison before consuming the body. They attack directly with their enormous mouths, trying to rip the flesh straight from their foes. Once their enemy is defeated, they eat the rest of the body, gaining strength in the process.

Giant Rat: Lvl 0

Given an adequate supply of food, some rats can grow to truly impressive sizes. They can also grow quite aggressive.

DiD: Specified Unit Names

Humans

• Malin Keshar (Apprentice Mage/Dark Mage)
• Darken Volk (Dark Sorcerer)
• Drogan (Sergeant/Lieutenant)
• Gorak Cole (Bandit)
• Dela Keshar (Frontier Baroness)
• River fort guard (Spearman/Bowman)
• Lady Karae (Silver Mage)
• Taylor (General)
• Night Watchmen (Spearman/Mage/Red Mage/Silver Mage)
• Gate Guard (Pikeman/Heavy Infantryman)
• Head Trainer (Sergeant/Lieutenant)
• Townperson (Spearman)
• Guard (Halberdier)
• Guardian (Mage/Silver Mage/Red Mage/White Mage)
• Sir Caddaeus (Paladin)
• Foolish Hero (Royal Guard/Assassin)

Orcs

• Kreg'a'shar Trr (Orcish Warrior)
• Gron'r Hronk (Orcish Warlord)
• K'rrlar Oban (Orcish Warlord)
• Borth (Orcish Warlord)
• P'Gareth (Orcish Slurbow)
• K'Vark (Orcish Warlord)
• Foolish Hero (Orcish Warlord)

Goblins

• T'shar Lggi (Goblin Knight)
• Villager (Goblin Spearman)
• Shaun (Goblin Spearman)
• Ed (Goblin Spearman)

Dwarves

• Dap Horner (Dwarvish Steelclad)
• Watchman (Dwarvish Guardsman)
• Foolish Hero (Dwarvish Lord)

Elves

• Foolish Hero (Elvish Marshal)

Wose

• Dumdumbadoom (Ancient Wose)

Undead

• Mal Keshar (Lich)

• Sushi (Soulless)

Places (labels)

• River Longlier