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New Content Discussion [SPOILER]

Level 19
Joined
Aug 1, 2022
Messages
202
Review on the latest release.

The beginning of the story is just how it goes. Orcs talk to Gnolls. GoreHowl and his words are filled with suspicions, and he has the right to feel so... Amarii isn't the Amarii from SOB (2nd Orc Book). This also includes the ending, where King Gorehowl orders his men to increase security, he knows Amarii has Brain's influence on her. It ain't all sunshine and friendship anymore mates. Then ya got Zora and Taray's interactions. They are so very relatable. Both of them got shunned by their society but in different ways.

Zora: For being a bastard child and then becoming a Pirate.
Taray: His order was dismantled and being treated like Squatters.

And to Think Orcs were no different than humans. What a world we live in.

Then ya got that one insignificant character from Kome. She will not be missed and Falcon Regiment replacing Dragon Regiment? Ok...

Oh yes, the Deaths of Rangul and Ephrog are sad, but anyway!

The Ogre Legion has arrived to support the Tribal Dominion and their allies, but I think if Clan Lord Brockta finds out about the deception within? The alliance is off... And so I think it would be?... Amarii is really good with her... Manipulations


The chapter went as I expected. We play as Gnolls and most of our troops are Gnolls, with Goblin support, especially with the Nuetered Mystics. RIP Lighting ability...
But what surprises me the most is the Naval battle! I was expecting a difficult time building my ships because of limited resources. Trust me Building a fleet of ships out of 2 gold mines is difficult in the Original book, but this time. Shar Dundred has blessed us with the Lord of Skies version for the Orcs. The King of the Seas!!
BLOODY HELL HAVE YA SEEN THIS THING???!!!
Screenshot (620).png

This baby can blow up Pirate ship insight, too bad it can't touch air units. That is where my harpies come in. King of the Seas kills ships while Harpies swat the Air Unit away.



The overall Mission was a blast to play in and it challenged me with my micro between clearing the seas and countering enemy attacks. The enemy attacks are less annoying compared to SOB cause the AI somehow puts all of its eggs on you. Meaning that an attack that was supposed to be for the Gnoll allies ends up trying to fuck you. Yet in the end the attacks feel balanced, but the Sea battle aint.

The story was Darker compared to what it was before. For once the Gnoll King knows something is up and he has the right to not trust Amarii, I think he smells Brain's presence on her. Don't worry King Gorehowl she isn't that bad. She just wants to bring a change for the better good for the Orcs, after following through with their story. She just needs to... Remove some obstacles to get to her final goal...

The Epilogue only implies that skepticism the Gnoll now holds, this might get worse if Zyianor is rebuilt.

5/5 Map in my books. The dialogue has caught me off Guard and the Gameplay on the seas was no other. Hoping to see an 'UNDEAD' True Story campaign next, cause it is impossible for you to release a human version, cause of what I assume will be 'The Last Stand of the Golden Guard'. Unless you will be surprised again? You do I am aware that Act 9 has a lot of plot holes to be filled Shar. I'm expecting to surprise your council, at least we are patient to see where this is going.
 
Level 17
Joined
Apr 10, 2022
Messages
133
Finished the new mission:
  • Everything looks the same except for the new brand side quest, some changes in dialogues and some characters.
  • I don't expect more Kome survivors to show up. Sadly, they only live to die another day. Oh the irony.
  • It's quite interesting how much knowlegde the gnolls have to build that thing. I guess the Lord of the sky found its perfect rival.
  • I wonder if Tarai and his thunder mages will appear in the "Last stand of the Golden guard" mission. I could be VERY interesting if Harmos and him have an interaction before or after the battle.
  • I guess we won't see Zora again... unless...
  • So the Gnoll King doesn't trust in Amari. Honestly, he's right to distrust her, I only hope Amari doesn't have to kill o brainwashed him. I'm convinced that her skills and leadership will be enough to convince the ruler of the gnolls, for the time being at least.

Now gameplay:
  • I played defensive, collecting the lumber and resisting with gnoll troops and harpies.
  • I chose Grofzag boni.
  • Capture the gold mine between the bases will make your enemies focus on you. The good thing is that they won't attack the harbor.
  • Once the massive ship was in process, I started to build an army. With the ship and some harpies, I cleaned the pass from enemies so I can destroy Zora's pirates on the right.
  • Reinforcements await you, so the push forward against the enemy will be more easy.

The mission take me more time that I expected, but I enjoyed it from start to finish. I can't wait to see the next battles.
Good job.
 
Level 27
Joined
Nov 25, 2021
Messages
480
Pretty fun mission, a bit easier than the original imo. Here's a review.

  • Taray's fate remains the same as in the Orc books, except now, I expect to see him again alongside the Ironfist. I'm hoping that when the time comes, we'll get something playable that's more interesting that Thunder Magus.
  • Syre'ina is another filler character. She disses Mecan and Theoden, but then she proceeds to do an even worse job than both of them.
  • Gorehowl is understandably suspicious of Amari...for the wrong reasons. I still don't think that she has anything to do with the Redfist attacking the Gnolls or Rangul, they just happened to follow her because she's Orc, and then she's like "okay I can take advantage of that".
  • Zora, I guess have escaped for now. We see her in the Seabright tale, but since that is post-war, I don't think we'll see her again.
  • Hortnog has some ideas when looking at the beautiful island. Don't tell me he's gonna turn it into a vacation hotspot.

  • We have less unit variety than in the original mission, but I don't mind, since I'm no longer overwhelmed by the choice and the microing.
  • We have 100 food right away without Burrows. A small change but is a nice one. And Gorehowl also covers our left flank while sending air attack waves to clear the path.
  • My expansion got trashed because of three attack waves converging at once. Damn.
  • I initially plan to go for Mass Windwitches because of their magic damage and Frost Attack, but Pirate Ships with splash air attack is stupidly durable, so I scrapped the idea. I go for Ancient Power to allow Rock Golems to engage in prolonged combat with Pegasi and Destructors, while waiting for 15000 lumber.
  • And holy shit The Gorehowl is glorious. A tanky frame with innate regeneration, with long attack range to siege defensive structures. Immolation to destroy any Elite who dares approach it, and Phoenix Fire to gun down every one else in its line of sight. With an escort of War Mechs, it can mow through the entire shoreline and decimate the pirate fleet with guaranteed ease. (I kinda want to play as the Undead or Human now to go against this ship, like the Gnolls will occasionally send it at your base alongside an escort of Goblins/Harpies/Murlocs, and you have to construct Terrors or Doom Barges to match it, to force it to retreat to repair.)
  • For my main attack force after Okri and Grella joined in, I opt for Bloodhounds and Mystics. Bloodhounds having insane DPS is the reason why, and Mystics are for crowd control with Lightning Bolts. Also, destroying Taray with Lightning Bolts is such a satisfying irony. The War Mech escort now join in the attack to take down any Destructors, while Amari with her Glaive of Despair and Corruption Aura shred their armor.
  • Zora was on my island when I attacked her base and destroyed her Dropships. She was stuck there for the rest of the level.
  • Their defense forces are pathetic, both the Mercs and the Pirates. Most of the Elites aren't rebuilt after they are killed, and Zora has Gatherers as her worker units, which, I think, runs into the same problem as Wolf Regiment's Artisans, and it is the fact that they aren't very good at rebuilding lost structures.
  • Also, one of the best thing to come from this is Grella level 10. She has budget Stampede, Starrain which is pretty good, and Regeneration Aura level 3. Now everyone, even Mechanical units, will be able to regenerate 3 HP/s. Not as good as a Scepter of Healing, but already better than Automatic Repair, and twice as good as Endless War.
 
Level 26
Joined
Aug 18, 2022
Messages
637
I'm still waiting for the bug I have to be solved, because somehow on Dogs Of War chapter: both Amari & Grofzag has every items from previous missions, but on this new, it's strange.

Also, It's pretty strange that in the shipyard (Giant, special named one, that only the player has), the only option is to build the giant ultimate ship, and only after it's optional to build normal orc ships. Strange of a choice, but OK. Still no special Gnoll leadership Boni.

Every other thing is looks good to me.
 

Shar Dundred

Community Moderator
Level 72
Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
5,862
Falcon Regiment replacing Dragon Regiment? Ok...
The Falcon has interests in Salria after all.
Hortnog has some ideas when looking at the beautiful island. Don't tell me he's gonna turn it into a vacation hotspot.
A resort island in the southernmost place of Salria! I can see them lining up and paying good gold to visit it!
Also, It's pretty strange that in the shipyard (Giant, special named one, that only the player has), the only option is to build the giant ultimate ship, and only after it's optional to build normal orc ships. Strange of a choice, but OK. Still no special Gnoll leadership Boni.
All hands are completely focused on building the King of the Sea rather than any other ships.
Theoretically you can choose not to do the side quest and just use air units to win the chapter.
I don't know why you would not allow yourself to behold this massive dreadnought but you could!
 
Level 26
Joined
Aug 18, 2022
Messages
637
The Falcon has interests in Salria after all.

A resort island in the southernmost place of Salria! I can see them lining up and paying good gold to visit it!

All hands are completely focused on building the King of the Sea rather than any other ships.
Theoretically you can choose not to do the side quest and just use air units to win the chapter.
I don't know why you would not allow yourself to behold this massive dreadnought but you could!
I builded that ship, but I miss my items tho'. In Dogs of War both characters has everything, but in Dark Sea: not. They have only the basic items as they debuted in the past.
 
Level 12
Joined
Dec 19, 2022
Messages
92
Ok, another good chapter. Attacks were hard enough, make it easier with some sniping of air transports.
Amari boni is thrash as you want better melee and prefer own fliers rather than normal range.
Epic ship was EPIC. Get the heroes, siege and healers for the allies in NE corner, they need it to finish the job and come back with almost full army faster.
Would probably be easier if focusing on orc airships as their air defense is rather bad.
Once the enemy sent heroes south with waves and they fell to harpies from allies with some own harpies.
Sent in my normal army after most units were dead.
Ending update was good at building tension, some fear;)
 
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Level 29
Joined
Mar 28, 2015
Messages
2,678
My review of the newest chapter
-After all the stuff the Order of Lightning had to endure, they just had to join Lerrig's faction. These guys can't catch a break.
-King Gorehowl's suspicions are misplaced. Rangul's and Ephrog's deaths were basically a long time coming, and the Undead are in Salria because of Aridon's obsession with balance. And even her coldness at her father's death is not 100% unjustified since he wasn't exactly a candidate for the "Father of the Year" award. The guy never bothered in checking for his own daughter. Though he's right that Amari has her own agenda and her patron is morally-grey.
-That ship was such a pain to build, but it was worth it. Though it's a shame it can't hit flying units. Like, what's up with that? That ship is HUGE and it doesn't even have one piece of artillery that can be used against air foes. Also, while we can't build it, we can mostly just defend our base since we don't have access to ships.
 
Played the newest chapter as well, and here are my thoughts:

- Not being able to build shipyards was kind of a letdown, although the completion of the optional quest and the quick assembly of ships more than made up for it.

- I've tried out Harpies with the Goblin War Ships, Flying Warmechs and they are truly a force to be reckoned with. I was wondering why I didn't ever use them before.

- I suppose that due to game balance, the King of the Seas cannot attack flying units. Given how it can easily mow down entire fleets on its own, I dare say that it absolutely obliterated the flying forces that it could intercept (at least in headcanon).

- ... Starfall. Yet another elf general stands in the Orc's way.

- Okri and Grella coming in to assist you in destroying the northeast base definitely made me play more aggressively. With 128 food, I had to assemble my gigantic snowballing army. Quite inconvenient, it was.

- Although it's a shame that Oneeye couldn't join, it's probably for the best that he didn't, since he'd end up waiting to be revived in an altar anyway.

- Grella's ultimate, Big Bad Voodoo came in clutch when protecting my forces. Positioning her so that she's difficult to reach, and having a healthy supply of healers to keep her alive, not even the preplaced Elites could stand up to the might of the Dominion (name not yet final).

- King Gorehowl's suspicions about Amari's intentions are understandable, given that their long period of isolation on their islands has made them and him wary of foreigners.

- Moreover, King Gorehowl must have been appalled by the way Amari reacted to her own father's untimely demise. With her cold reception to the grim news and the way she brushed aside her father's death in King Gorehowl's eyes, he must have thought that he and the gnolls are disposable to Amari; an unwitting slave unknowingly serving their new master.

- King Gorehowl noticed that Amari's political opponents, the orc chieftains of the other orcish clans, are discreetly dealt with from his point of view. This likely reinforced his distrust of Amari; after all, the legitimacy of his kingdom and the survival of his race is now at the mercy of Amari's whims, and Brian have mercy on them when Amari ever changes her mind. (This is still King Gorehowl's point of view; he doesn't have the benefit of context to Amari's actions).

- I do find it interesting that at least 2 Mountain King-based characters perceive Amari negatively: High King Zarin and his hatred for Amari for killing his brother Mordin (who has likely already forgiven her); King Gorehowl and his distrust at the words of a snake that slithers ever so slightly to claim its prey.

If I had a nickel for every time Amari was viewed negatively by a Mountain King-based character, I'd have 2 nickels, which is weird that it happened twice.

- Sniping the Arks at open sea is crucial, for it can mean the difference between keeping your economy up and going and restarting the mission due to being overwhelmed.
 
Level 20
Joined
Apr 17, 2021
Messages
186
Just finished the newest chapter.

Gameplay :
  • I like the new rythm of the mission. First we have mostly defense while gathering lumber. Then we alternate defending and aiding the gnoll flagship to clear the seas. And then finally, it's the all out land assault.
  • Harpies are quite usefull but I probably should have invested in goblin mechs to tank. A bit of a shame that none of the leadership boni help with air but... you win some you lose some.
  • One thing I would like is to have a hint once you've built the flagship saying that you can build other ships at the grand shipyard (I was wondering whether we had to level the whole land bases with only air)
Story :
  • More suspicious gnolls than before. We'll see where that leads. I can't see them supporting Sas if a civil war happens (they're more likely to just return to their island) but circonstances may force them to take a side and Amari definitely isn't dear to their hearts)
  • No one mentionned Gorthog disappearing. I wonder if they just don't know it yet or if there was just too much to mention.
  • We are heading for the battle against the Bonelords and... depending on how things proceed, it might be the only battle starring the fully united dominion.
 
Level 20
Joined
Apr 17, 2021
Messages
186
As it is, I doubt anyone would support Sas. But if some of Amari and Vanessa's actions come to light (Lying to the ogres, using the amulet on the dark troll chieftain) and Sas takes advantage of the situation to mention the fact that a lot of her critics/enemies tend to die : Gorthog, the Destroyer (no one knows for sure he made up with Okri), Rangul (who knows how she really felt about being exiled)...
Agreed, most named characters would probably side with Amari or remain neutral. But it could be sufficient to cause quite the popular uprising from the leaderless orcs. (as it is, the Deathbreeze, the Ironthunder and the Bloodhand are without a true chieftain)
Finally there's Inara. Whatever her deal is, maybe she'd have something to gain from kindling the flames of a civil war, and she seems quite adept at manipulation.
 
Level 19
Joined
Jun 26, 2019
Messages
359
Review of Act Nine, chapter 2:

-Overral easier map than in SOB.
-We can´t build any ships nor shipyards and we are force to make that huge ass gnoll ship.
-Lets play defense with rock golem to shoot down the arks, either that or overwhelm them with gnolls + harpies.
-Holy shit is the elf commander from castle kome alive? So any officlals died that day?
-The new ship is AWESOME, is like the lord of sky but in the sea, also we can build frigates + harpies to deal with air attacks
-In this version Gorehowl is actually usefull, he sends more harpies and queens to deal with the mercenaries.
-Once you land and get your reinforcements is pretty easy, you can deal with both right base and falcon regiment at once.
-You can lure most of their forces with the gorehowl and then attack for an easy final attack.

-So Gorehowl don´t trust amari, neither before the battle nor after
-The change from Oneyee to Okri is expected, oneyee have no reason to "save" amari but Okri needs her at all cost, also she is the only survivor that can explain the situation about the undead firsthand.
-So the gnolls are trying to increase their militar force and dont let any outsider to arrive there.
-Hortnog... shouldn´t he be with Nessy instead of here?

Nice chapter and direct improvement, both in gameplay and lore, nice work Shar!

Don't worry King Gorehowl she isn't that bad. She just wants to bring a change for the better good for the Orcs, after following through with their story. She just needs to... Remove some obstacles to get to her final goal...
Yeah that´s what he fear, that he might become one of those obstacles...

I wonder if Tarai and his thunder mages will appear in the "Last stand of the Golden guard" mission. I could be VERY interesting if Harmos and him have an interaction before or after the battle.
Well we shouldn´t see him, he is trying to rebuild his order and just lost most of his forces so...

A resort island in the southernmost place of Salria! I can see them lining up and paying good gold to visit it!
Gorehowl won´t like that.

-After all the stuff the Order of Lightning had to endure, they just had to join Lerrig's faction. These guys can't catch a break.
All those mercenary forces would have a better use against the demons but their orders are to attack the orcs and also lose everysingle battle.

That ship is HUGE and it doesn't even have one piece of artillery that can be used against air foes.
Same as Gnoll faction, can deal with most forces except the air ones, that´s why the use harpies instead.

More suspicious gnolls than before. We'll see where that leads. I can't see them supporting Sas if a civil war happens (they're more likely to just return to their island) but circonstances may force them to take a side and Amari definitely isn't dear to their hearts)
They dont have a reason to support Sas either, so they´ll remain neutral or support Amari (since she save their island against their foes)

Who can potentially support Sas in civil war?
The only one that could support Sas is Oneeye, but if Grofzag (or Zairmak) explains the situation to him, he´ll probably remain neutral since the Deathbreeze have already suffer a lot of casualties. Either that or support Amari (But they haven´t been together in a fight yet)

Any other chieftains knows how Sas is and any member of the alliance (centaurs, goblins, gnolls...) will support Amari, perhaps the Ogres since Sas is Rangul´s son but Amari is also his daughter so i think they´ll remain neutral.
 
Level 26
Joined
Aug 18, 2022
Messages
637
...Oh, Birram, you son of a...

The Ironfist cannot be happy what they have currently, so they are getting newer and better allies into their ranks? A man cannot rest peacefully in these kind of circumstances! No matter the amount of work was done, and no matter how hard day we had...

A civil war on a brink of extiction in the barracks of Orcs? Possible, but I would say, only minor complications can be happened now by the mild case of death that was struck the chain of command there.

The fight was hard enough, and I was suprised when Okri & Grella debuted behind the lines north. A pleasant suprise, but not for long. The ultimate battleship is seriously making the naval battle easier, but I was shocked, how short sighted this ship was, I expected to have a greater vision, than what it has, even in night time! But, giant ship is or not, I'm still amazed by the chapter. When the naval side of the battle was won, on the land it's different story. Since Grofzag's Leadership boni is more valuable than Amari's, the golems paved their way to the enemy bases.

Zora & her lackeys are... a bit of a joke to me. Poor bandits, what they are hired for... On land, they are nothing, on Sea they are something.
Thunder Magi's are different story... I'm still amazed they can fight side by side with Zora's men. It seems the cooperation is not a long lived one, so to speak...
Darik Merc's are just mercs. The elites was tough cookies, but when the Golem War Machine is up & Running, there is no off switch on these guys...

This "Ark" transport airships are annoyed me, but once you found out where they land their units, then it's easy to sabotage their efforts.

Still, very good chapter. I missed some islands with creeps on it, as on the "A Fresh Breeze". No hidden demons are harmed during the chapter.
 
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Level 19
Joined
Aug 1, 2022
Messages
202
The next map will have some class, I do hope you bring your best suits and dresses for it!
This aint Gardon's and Amarii's wedding right?

Whatever this map is? It better fills up the plot holes I've noticed in Act 9.

Surprise us, Shar Dundred. Your Council is waiting to taste your next Dish. We are craving for more stories, more conflicts, more... mysteries to be discovered...
 
Level 19
Joined
Aug 1, 2022
Messages
202
I am not sure if you use the term "plot hole" correctly.
Unless you actually mean to say that there are events taking place in the True Story that don't make sense.
I am not aware of why such events.
To make the Term 'Plot Holes' clear for you, Shar Dundred. There are some Chapters that I have noticed that don't line up or don't fit with Act 9 nines current flow. Yes, I am now aware of using the word Plot hole in the wrong manner but do hear me out.

After playing your 2nd books majorly your 2nd Human and Orc books, I noticed that there were some holes (Story holes) that need filling up. Because most of the remaining chapters in both the 2nd Human and Orc Book are either finales for the Factions Ironfist and Tribal Dominion or it's gonna be retconned by you.

Specifically the 2nd Orc book's last 2 chapters and the Golden Guard Ending. Unless you have other plans for the Golden Gaurd?

Still, the answers I seek are from you, Shar Dundred. In order to quench this curiosity of mine, More True Story exclusive missions must be released. (This is not a demand by the way) Only then this predicament of mine will be solved.

I am aware of the Chapters that reside in both the 2nd Human and Orc books and in my experience with them but for the 2nd Undead Book? It's lacking, thus leading to believe that the Undead stories will tie everything up for Act 9. For right now, something doesn't add up in Act 9 (For me that is, I dunno with the other members of the council).

Overall it's just my Curiosity wanting to be quenched with your upcoming chapter.
 

Shar Dundred

Community Moderator
Level 72
Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
5,862
I understand what you mean now.
The reason I pointed it out is that plot hole is usually negative rather than curious. :p
The Second Undead Book has been left scarred and deformed, but I assure you my resolve to make the True Story ever grander has NEVER been stronger!
There will be more chapters and more story with a better and improved lore which will last for ten thousand years!
 
Level 21
Joined
Dec 20, 2015
Messages
328
New interlude certainly has me feeling like we're really in the end game now. Maronogin getting more directly involved and perhaps he warned Amari of the weak points in the alliances she's made with the Ogres and Gnolls. Ultimately, I think the battle with the Bonelords will bring the factions together regardless of their current shaky ground. Falcon Regiment/thero plotline could change the outcome of the fortress attack even though Falcon whats-her-name Lady probably will die in Salria. Maybe some GG will be spared to go on their crusade after all.
 
Level 12
Joined
Dec 19, 2022
Messages
92
Overall I understand why van Durce wont give Gardon a better offer. Giving Gardon the cannon and then retreating would probably have been enough. Elvir feels like a character that nails all appearances so that she keeps on getting expanded on, same with Phoenix regiment guy.
 
Level 19
Joined
Aug 1, 2022
Messages
202
The Interlude with Maronogin's meeting was both Surprising and inevitable. Surprising, because he used to be a Soul Eater?
Well now? I guess he got tired of the Demon Culture...
He mentions the Orc war-like nature then can be used to make more profits, by means of turning some of the Orcs into Hiered Mercs. It is a sign of Black Thorns Creation. Aside from that the Gold Axe Chieftain is very charming, We already saw his intentions so there is no need to worry about him. Worry about the Bone Lords and their fanatic Attitudes.


Also, I knew it! 'The Last Talk' from the 2nd Human Book, but without Choices and more dialogue and Falcon WOMAN? Gardon... He has too much hate and darkness in his heart to trust the Family he used to be with... His rage is understanding... A bastard son from the Previous Emperor, now branded as a traitor...

Van Durce... Your own Arrogance and Pride blinded you to follow your Emperor's stupid orders, now look where got your family and yourself into??? Your deaths are inevitable... But alas, the only Survivor that will come out from this bloody fight will be Praxeus...

Elvire... Your actions will not matter in the end. Blood will be split in the Chapter of the Last Stand of the Golden Guard. No matter how hard you try... You will fail.

In the end... Largoth is pulling the Strings of fate at this point... He is doing it well hiding it...

"I thought Shar Dundred was pulling the Strings of Plot Armora"
"Lenard SHUT IT! YOU RUINED THE MOMENT, Ya Idiot!!"
 
Given the backstory of how the (likely) former leader of the Soul-Eater legion, now the chieftain of the Goldaxe Clan, had stayed at his position for so long, dealing with upstart dreadlords as if they were just a nuisance, it becomes quite understandable how he would grow tired of it all and leave it all behind. Waiting for the Demon God's return must have taken at least centuries, if not millenia, if the time he dedicated towards the pursuit and accumulation of gold was considered a short period, not unlike what a month or two feels for an adult.

The current interlude definitely cements Maronogin as one of the most dangerous players in the world of Arkain in my eyes, given how even two of the Four do not know about him (well, currently), and they possessed archaic and encompassing knowledge on the history of Arkain. If I were to compare it to another character from Hitman: World of Assassination, I'd say he fits the bill of the Constant, untraceable and unreachable, only with less of the hubris. Frankly, it is a relief that he just wants to make himself and his clan richer, not aspire for more grandiose goals.

Amari is understandably surprised at learning that Maronogin is a dreadlord, and could not, if briefly, cast aside her biases towards demons. Maronogin does call her out for it, acknowledging her purpose of uniting the many races of Arkain towards the conquest of Salria.

-------------------------------------

And, what a sight to behold. King Gardon, the exiled brother branded for execution, a disgraced former general of the Imperial Army, and the upcoming Ca'laer of the budding nation of the reborn Zyainor, finally meets with his uncle, Lord Renald Van Durce, High Lord Inquisitor, Lord Consultant to the Emperor, and now a disgraced commanding general of the Imperial Army. The tension in the air can be felt, as they speak.

King Gardon airs out his grievances towards his uncle, from the betrayal of the Golden Guard, to the idleness for which the demons have been allowed to take advantage of. He outlined the efforts he made to regain his influence from the forging of alliances with the Undead, to the assassination of the betrothed former queen and the elevation of the exiled Larine as the new queen of the Elves, to the rebuilding of the Castle of Kome under his command.

Renald, remaining silent all throughout the ordeal, would be overcome with his feelings of regret, lashing out in acknowledgment of the current circumstances which they find themselves in because of his design, the orders he chose to uphold.

Renald, in his attempt to prevent the unnecessary taking of lives from the upcoming battle, would make Gardon an offer he thought Gardon wouldn't refuse. If only he took lessons from the Goldaxe Clan...

Gardon, on the other hand, has embraced the negative emotions that he had felt as of late, consuming him and making him fail to see reason. He had come so far, destroyed and uprooted the lives of those who opposed him, rebuilt his army and regained his resources from the ground up for one and only one purpose, defeating Renald and the Golden Guard, seeing him as the reason for his fall from grace. The offer of truce would only serve to invalidate all that he had worked for up to that point, the emotions he felt. All that pent-up frustration from when he had nothing would come to light, and at the worst possible time.

I'd like to think of Gardon during the Second Book Era as someone who is filled with a lot of stress, seeing as his power and influence was stripped from him. At this point in time, he would be more prone to choosing violent actions. As he gradually gains back his power and influence, Gardon begins to mellow down back to his First Book Era personality.

-------------------------------------

Now that I think about it, the Emperor at the beginning of the Second Void War was initially supportive of the war efforts against the demons of Arkain. After spending some time with the former queen of the elves, Queen Renova, he ordered the Golden Guard to evacuate the elves, and gave Renald Van Durce an additional order, which we now know as the execution of King Gardon (who was still a general at that time).

Perhaps spending time with Queen Renova "persuaded" the Emperor to give up his plans for Arkain and recall the Imperial Army. Aside from offering him the fruits of her body, she would exaggerate the incompetence of the Imperial Army for a perceived slight, learning about the lack of reinforcements from the numerous regiments coming her way. After all, who among the Imperial Army would have the ability to contest her claims, given that they are in Arkain and she is in Rodan? It was likely that after learning of the failure and death of General Cleavehand at the hands of the Orcs, as well as the infighting between the forces of the Imperial Army that he changed his mind, leaving the Imperial Army to their fate (though only few would know that). After all, if they can't even beat pillagers and pirates, why should they be able to beat demons?

Adding a wait (TriggerSleepAction) after the iconic "I MADE A MISTAKE" from Renald would elevate the scene from my POV. A brief period where no one is talking, not even a tepid pause from Gardon, made more poignant by the rarity of the occasion

Normally, the dialogues play out sequentially without any waiting period in between, which would depict normal conversations.
 
Level 17
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Just watched the upcoming cinematic:
  • I really feel pity for King Gorehowl. He's mistrusted the wrong orc. I can't wait to see his reaction when he meet Sasrogarn.
  • So finally Maronogin revealed himself. Honestly, a demon (specially a Dreadlord) can't be trusted. I wonder if the goldaxe chieftan have something on mind to earn a bit of trust from his allies, obviously for the good of profit.
  • The conversation between Gardon and Van Durce... If only things were different. The idea of see a Gardon using the light magic its... kind of weird. At least, if only Van Durce and his family could treat him as a true member of the family...
  • And now Aveen is having a big trouble. Van Durce on one side, his thero on the other... Your choice will be your doom anyway, falcon general.
 
Level 29
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Just watched the upcoming cinematic:
  • So finally Maronogin revealed himself. Honestly, a demon (specially a Dreadlord) can't be trusted. I
Because all other races are the epitome of trust. «Cough» Genethas, van Durce, Retka, Rath, Inara, Renova, Quiraness, etc «Cough».
  • And now Aveen is having a big trouble. Van Durce on one side, his thero on the other... Your choice will be your doom anyway, falcon general.
Aveen should cut her losses and retreat to somewhere safe and wait for the dust to settle. The orcs are achieving victories and gaining more and more allies, while the Imperials are suffering losses.
 
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Aveen should cut her losses and retreat to somewhere safe and wait for the dust to settle. The orcs are achieving victories and gaining more and more allies, while the Imperials are suffering losses.
If she wants to prevent all of her forces by wiped out by the Dominion or serve the army of the bonelords (Cuz I personally think is the worse fate for any mortal), she needs to fly from Salria and support Gardon in the fight against Van Durce.
But... what would happen if she side with Van Durce instead?
 
Level 29
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If she wants to prevent all of her forces by wiped out by the Dominion or serve the army of the bonelords (Cuz I personally think is the worse fate for any mortal), she needs to fly from Salria and support Gardon in the fight against Van Durce.
But... what would happen if she side with Van Durce instead?
That's about it. Salria is pretty much becoming a caged fight to the death. Even if she doesn't get killed by the Dominion, she will either be killed by the Redfist in order for the latter to take control of her forces or she will be slaughtered by the Bone Lords, or even by the Moghtar.
She should retreat while she still can.

Thats an easy one, the black dragons would be feed with bird meat for a while.

Also aveen wouldnt die anyway, she is too close to Thero and Zed, she'll be a prisoner probably.
Unless her relatives' more zealous servants get their hands on her first. Then they could simply tell Gardon and van Durce that she died in combat.
 
Level 26
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She should retreat while she still can.
She has the option of retreat? I mean, even if she retreats with her army, the other armies of the alliance that she is in: they are going to let her do it, without any punishment?

I mean, she has luck, because if under Stalin and his famous order 227 was active: she was dead after her second step back from the frontlines.

I'm not jealous ladies and gentlemen, but even if she is retreating from the battles of Salria, she is going to be having problems after the retreat, because of the retreat. Nobody in this world can do something without consequences. She is sure gonna live her remaining life, with stigma, as a Coward. Atleast.

But! If she is not retreating, hope we can controll her & her army in a chapter or two. I'm still intrested to see, what kind of things she has in her army. The "Thero" line is sure seems fun to me.

The cards from the deck is distributed for each generals for the upcoming battles. Let's see what they have!
 
Level 29
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She has the option of retreat? I mean, even if she retreats with her army, the other armies of the alliance that she is in: they are going to let her do it, without any punishment?
With the anarchy going around and the amount of leeway some of the imperial commanders have, she retreating wouldn't be that much of an act to be punished.
I'm not jealous ladies and gentlemen, but even if she is retreating from the battles of Salria, she is going to be having problems after the retreat, because of the retreat. Nobody in this world can do something without consequences. She is sure gonna live her remaining life, with stigma, as a Coward. Atleast.
At least she will be alive. The rest will die either because of their obedience to an emperor that abandoned them, the Redfists' crusade and the Dwarves' stubborn pride. Gardon would gladly welcome her with open arms.
 
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At least she will be alive. The rest will die either because of their obedience to an emperor that abandoned them, the Redfists' crusade and the Dwarves' stubborn pride. Gardon would gladly welcome her with open arms.
With this idea, do you guys think that Aveen and her remaining forces will occupied Lerrig's place during the "Last stand of the Golden guard"?
 
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Well i am abit late on this one, pesky real life stuff getting in the way yet again!

I had a crack at the last playable chapter honestly with the new addition of the warship this map i way to easy hell you can even cheese the purple base with the attack ground command so you can destroy both their castle and the workers trying to repair and snipe any straglers with harpies/ goblin mecha units. Other than that this chapter was much more easier than i remembered. What i find interesting is the new addition of Gnoll king being highly suspicious of Amari and thank god for that. Maybe the "alliance" between the gnolls and Tribal Dominion will be a strenuous one, if not just a paper alliance but glad to see that some of the races of the dominion aren't as trustworthy towards the Drone Amari is. I could assume that Ogres would too be untrusting of Amari, i mean besides the gnolls and ogres the other races are so depleted of their manpower that even if they smelled smth fishy they could not really do anything against her.

Onto the interlude now. Interesting turn of events the posh dreadlord makes his pressence know and also "revelas" all his hand towards Amari. It would be interesting to see how their relationship would turn out. Maronogin clearly knows what Brian and Amari are up to.
Also hell Amari is taking the nation build dream of hers a step further she even created their own religion i find it funny that orcs and centaurs and trolls and whatnot are standing at awe of Ishzog preaching.

As for the conversation between Gardon and Renald, i always found it funny how Gardon is willing to come to terms (i am assuming he will accept Ebira's bargin) with a demoness and not settle down and accept the deal with Renald. I for one am of the opinion that some of Renald's kids will live on and carry his mission to overthrow the emperor whats interesting is Aveens stance on all this. Whats even more interesting its her intentions for Salria maybe we could see Salria split between the Tribal Dominion and the Falcon regiment in my opinon that would make sense since its really strage how Tribal Dominion with its almost exhuasted manpower could fully controll Salria (they fought the bonlords and the Redfist, Darric and Dwarfs) A more possible outcome would be the former Salrian kingdom being split between east and west or north and south Amari and her Dominion controlling the former capital and the lands around it and Falcon Regiment controlling the fringes of Salria (keep in mind Salria is quite a large kingdom judging by the worldmap) and with Its nobility all being dead, imprisoned or walking corpses, the falcons swooping in and rallying the remaining humans far away from the capital is quite possible in my opinion.

All in all i am glad we're nearing towards the end chapters of the Second books that means more new chapters we haven't seen and more fun to be had.
 
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Tribal dominions controlling some parts of Salria while Falcon regiment (and other human survivors) controlling some small territories of Salria, is most realistic outcome. Because historically in IRL and fantasy RPGs, humans have never accepted 'foreign' rulers occupying their territories. They might tolerate non-human, but they will never accept non-human trying to rule over them.
By looking at true story again, I guess all three major factions, human, orcs and undead will have bittersweet endings. They will achieve their main objective at the end but will take a major L in the process. In human ending, while Gardon was able to defeat demons he took his major L when undead betrayed him and kill Marlon, Prince Torran.
Judging by the tone of true story, both orc and undead will also receive same treatment, achieving their primary objectives but also take a major L, making their ending bittersweet and a bit uncertain.
 
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My review of Chapter Three of Act Nine
-I hereby decree that Edward van Durce will be forever known as the Leeroy Jenkins of Arkain.
-So Richard pretty much killed himself and the van Durce family still 100% blame Gardon? Those helmets they wear must be preventing oxygen from fully entering their brains.
-Jay Bubblerino? I wonder who is Shar referencing? :xxd:
-"No Paladin will ever follow the Kingdoms" Oh, don't you worry. After this day, there will be no Paladins left to serve anyone.
-Oh Renald, you will certainly see your old friend Volarian soon... but not in this life.
-Oh poor naive Praxeus. He never knew what Renald had done, he couldn't see that there can be goodness inside those that are either undead or use dark powers. The light he so fanatically follows has pretty much blinded him. His zealousy has only led to unnecessary death.
-I stopped after destroying the two bases outside of the fortress. It took me nearly two hours to do this.
 
Level 6
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Dragon Spam is Life. Life is Dragon Spam

I love Dragon Spam

Nothing quite like having 12 dragons bulldoze through everything in your path in quite literal seconds while the heroes keep the frontline enemy occupied. Chef's kiss

Did I mention I love Dragon Spam? Fuck, do I love that thing

Pity we couldn't upgrade their attack damage though. Would have made the godhood feeling even greater.

More seriously, banger map just like its first iteration, though, I do find it hilarious that Renald's kids blamed Gardon for Richard pretty much throwing himself at the heart of the Ironfist host of his own will lmao. I suppose Gardon, Renald and maybe Valerie were the only ones in the family with actual grey matter in their craniums.

Bit strange that quite a few of the accusations thrown at Cora and Merlon went pretty much without any true response from em. Brian slapped back at Renald good though. The other conversations at least felt like what was there to be said was said. I also expected some faction defeat dialogue to pop up once Zarin and Renald's bases were destroyed, but nothing happened - especially since there was that kinda dialogue once the two forward GG bases fell post-mini boss battle.

I also loved that Gardon didn't just brush through the fact he slaughtered the rest of his family despite his conflicts and issues with Renald (quite the good contrast compared with Amari, there) and went to have a bit of a drink as one would expect.

So, all that should be left now is the Bonelords getting ground to dust, the defense of the Doom Cannon and then the invasion on the demon lands, right?
 
Last edited:
Level 27
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Just finished the level and the interlude. So a'ight, it's review time.

  • There's not much to say aside from what have already been discussed. Although, based on what Maronogin has said, it seems that he won't be playable anytime soon. except for sending Goldaxe reinforcements to aid Amari's cause.
  • Maronogin says that he projects the image of his manor into the tent. Would be funny if on one mission, instead of mining from gold mines, Amari just sends Peon into his house to grab his shit to sell 'em.
  • Ishzog is serving as Amari's mouthpiece now. I think her shadows are influencing him, not directly, but more like suggestions.
  • Renald and Gardon showed more personality. They give me the vibe of two men, respecting each other, but in the end, they still choose to see it through and fight for own code of honor. Kinda like Christmas Truce I guess?
  • Am I stupid, or I just have 0 idea about what Aveen Elvir is talking about? Is she trying to save both sides? Is she trying to avoid civil war? What does "the Falcon will rise over Salria" have to do with this?

  • When Gardon said "This is The Last Stand of the Golden Guard™", I fucking cried. In fact, Edward is so motivated by his speech, he sent everything into my base first 5 minutes into the game. He got quite shocked by my Lightning Bolt at first, but not even a Mind Attack can change his mind, so he falls, to Gardon's disappointment and distraught.
  • Kazardius must be delighted to work alongside Zyainor because his attack waves are fucking huge. Just tag alongside him and Larine, and boom, you can easily crush the outlying bases super early into the game. The dialogue can't even pop up in time, and not even the Lord of the Skies can stand against the combined force of Gardon and his allies.
  • Air harass on expansions are still annoying though. Pls buff Guard Towers. And why the hell no Reveal on Arcane Towers?
  • Praxeus challenges Gardon and Brian to combat, summoning earthquakes, Hands of Lights, and Spirits of Holy Wrath against us, but he stands no chance against the simple trick of...pressing Taunt on Shadow Creatures and pressing Dark Secrets on Gardon. In the end, he got pushed into the river by Cora, the party-pooper, but his Divine Shield and Nysara's blessing should save him. Maybe he will return later to reclaim The Holy Grail under a different alias that is the anagram of his own name, who knows?
  • Valerie is completely absent. Weird. And I thought Flavius would take his father's place in the Golden Crusade, but he died due to...a crashed airship falling on his head. What a shitty way to go out. So, maybe now Fiona and Richard will be playable, since I have a feeling that Valerie will play a different role.
  • Also, Healing Wave costs 80 mana, what? Too bad I got immense skill issues to keep them alive, so I only use Knights of Kome and Flame Keepers to brute force. Catapults would also be good, if it weren't for invincible walls.
  • Necklace of Spell Immunity on a level where Merlon is playable. Yeah, surely there's no way I can abuse this to dish out huge amount of AoE damage on hapless zealots of the Golden Guards.

- Basically, I went through multiple phases during this mission:
1. Idk wtf is going on, but I'm still winning:

WC3ScrnShot_092323_121133_02.png


2. Oh god I make a mistake:

WC3ScrnShot_092323_125150_03.png


3: Time to bail (yes Zarin's troops are kinda blind):

WC3ScrnShot_092323_125323_04.png


4: Dragon spam:

WC3ScrnShot_092323_131514_05.png

For shits and giggles, here's two Ferdals. How did it bypass the triggered unit limit? Heck if I know.

WC3ScrnShot_092323_133120_06.png
 
Level 17
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Apr 10, 2022
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133
Finished the new mission:
  • I think the first thing that catch my eyes was Gardon worried about Van Durce's children. He was not a cruel monster after all...
  • Of course that silly knight would defeated Gardon and his forces JUST with a small group of knights. I'm agreed it was suicide to charge, perhaps he wants to die after all?
  • The duel between Praxeus and Gardon was quite interesting. And of course a little easter egg of how Praxeus survive after all. I knew she would appear soon.
  • I wouldn't love to be on Gardon's shoes now. After all the damage he has done and the lifes he took... I know he wasn't care about randoms, but Van Durce and his children... Dude, did Brian brainwashed him so he can sleep at night?
  • Well, no more alliances between human Kingdoms and the dwarves... someone else feel satisfied with this?
  • In the end, the cruel man Gardon always showed to his soldiers and us, disappear for a while. I'm sure Larine could cheer him up.

Gameplay:
  • Boni: Heroes of Zyainor.
  • Once you deal with the bases outside the fortress, construc a strong point to launch quickly attacks. I also recommend to use dragons to scout the tree areas before send workers to harvest lumber.
  • I first dealed with the dwarves cuz I was sick of them. However, Marin's forces (That I'm surprised were regular forces and machines, considering the new models Mr. Dundred showed to us long time ago) pull me to attack them.
  • As Marin's base fell to the ground, my allies distract Van Durce and his army so I can focus on destroy the mad engineer's base. Then, was Van Durce's turn...
  • I feel a bit dissapointed that neither Tarai nor Aveen appeared as our sixth hero, but I guess this is because Mr. Dundred doesn't want the player have a arsenal of damage against tons of foes (Funny fact that Pride of Humanity can stun us so the enemy have something to disrupt the combo)

Anyway, I enjoyed the mission a lot.
Great job.
 
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