Editing Birds of Fire

{{campaign navigational box|hc=expanded|masteroftheelements=expanded}}
{{scenario
| scenario       = {{PAGENAME}}
| description    = Tarnum must defeat the Fire Elementals who enslaved the Phoenixes.  All Heroes will be limited to level 35, but Tarnum and his three best Heroes will transfer to the next scenario with their spells, skills and experience.
| underground    = enabled
| num_play       = 2/1
| size           = S
| source         = hc
| victory        = get_town2
| victory_hint   = {{town|Conflux|noname=}} (11, 19, 0)
| loss           = hero
| loss_hint      = {{H|Tarnum|image=Tarnum Wizard|noname=}}
| allies         = {{blue}}
| enemies        = {{red}}
| difficulty     = Hard
| bonus          = {{BonusCr|Enchanter|12|loc=Tarnum}}{{BonusR|Gold|4000}}
| carry          = {{Hn|Tarnum (Wizard)|noname=}}{{An|Orb of the Firmament|noname=}}{{An|Orb of Driving Rain|noname=}}{{An|Orb of Silt|noname=}}{{An|Orb of Tempestuous Fire|noname=}}<br>{{carry|3}}
| max_lvl        = 35
| Cmap           = [[File:Cmap hota 4.png|400px|xxx]]
}}

== Prologue ==
{{cvid|AB CD-Heroes3-DATA-Heroes3 vid-H3ABab6-smk-H3ABab6|src=HC-03|thumbtime=0:00|float=left}}
{{town|Neutral|noname=}} Unnamed male historian: [[Tarnum]] always had an obsessive hatred for slavers, so when he learned the Fire Lord had enslaved the beautiful [[Phoenix]] he nearly dropped everything.  Even when he knew the [[Elemental Lords]] would soon attack our world, he returned to the [[Plane of Fire]] to rescue them.

{{clear|both}}

== Scenario ==
=== Timed events ===
{{TEheader}}
{{TErow| 1 |Day 1|Finally, we have returned to the Elemental Plane of Fire to free the Phoenixes.  To ensure that the Phoenixes remain free, I must not only capture the Pyres where they are born but also defeat the Fire Elementals who have enslaved them.  The men I left behind to guard this realm tried to attack the slavers, but were easily defeated.  Apparently, the enemy has the ability to quickly recruit numerous Fire Elementals.  The longer I wait, of course, the larger my enemy's army will become.}}
{{TErow| 4 |Day 4|The Psychic Elementals are an excellent addition to my forces, and the stronger Magic Elementals with their immunity to magic will be a great asset against the Elemental Lords.  One of the Magic Elementals has even volunteered to take over Hemoross's position as Mage Instructor.  With a creature of pure magic training them, I am sure to have the most powerful Mages ever! }}
{{TErow| 8 |Day 8|Although Barsolar remains with the army now, he has sent a few capable Mages out to determine the defenses of our enemy.<p>"We've learned that the only way to reach our enemy is through the Monolith to the northeast of our Conflux.  The Phoenix Pyres are somewhere beyond that Monolith, but we'll have to destroy the slavers if we're going to earn the complete trust of the Phoenixes," Barsolar said.<p>Now that the meeting was over, I reached out and took the small man's hand.<p>"I just wanted to thank you for your support against Hemoross," I said.<p>I still held Hemoross prisoner in a caged wagon that followed behind my troops.  Reamus suggested I leave the traitor behind, but I wanted him close so I could keep an eye on him.  Plus, Barsolar wants to bring Hemoross back before the justice of King Magnus.  Perhaps Barsolar thought Magnus would be more lenient.<p>"We both acted poorly," Barsolar admitted.  "I'm thankful that you trusted me to search the Elemental Planes for you.  Few have trusted my abilities before, being related to the King may have its perks, but no one ever believes you earned your position with your own skills."<p>"Yes, well, I really just wanted to get you out of my hair," I said.<p>Barsolar smiled at my honesty and said, "My thanks for your confidence, Lord Tarnish!"<p>I laughed.  Now, that's how the game of insults is played!<p>"See you later, Boar's-Molar!" I called as the Wizard left my tent.  I could hear the man's hearty laughter as he walked away.}}
{{TErow| 13 |Day 13|One of Barsolar's spies has managed to slip into enemy territory with some Psychic Elementals.  Currently, the Psychic Elementals are harassing the Fire Lord's forces while the spy searched the area.<p>"My man has discovered something interesting," Barsolar says.<p>"What?  A secret entrance to their Conflux?" I say.<p>"No, but while in the south of their region, he was able to learn how to summon Fire and Earth Elementals.  He claims the ones who taught him are in hiding, so search every inch of the south if you want to find them.  I suggest you do so - we'll need that kind of power against the Elemental Lords."}}
{{TErow| 20 |Day 20|I burst from my tent as a commotion broke out on the edge of camp.  I ran quickly toward the noise, preparing a spell as I go.  When I arrived, I found Reamus, half-dressed, trying to hold a Water Elemental back from a Fire Elemental.<p>"What's going on here?" I yelled.  Everyone fell silent.  After countless years as a military leader, I've learned to cast my voice in such a way as to command attention.<p>"Reamus, what's is this?" I said.<p>The Wizard waved his hand at a group of Fire Elementals and said, "They're trying to defect from the Fire Lord's army, but the Water Elementals don't trust them."<p>"How can we?  They're Fire - they serve the stinking Fire Lord!  They're assassins!" said a Water Elemental.<p>I stared at the Fire Elementals, but it was impossible to determine anything from their fiery expressions.  They had been part of the enemy - it would be foolish to accept them into my own forces without being suspicious.<p>But before I could make my decision, Barsolar approached hurriedly.<p>"I'm sorry, Lord Tarnum," Barsolar said, "But in my early report I was going to give you some good news.  Apparently, some of the Fire Elementals are leaving the Fire Lord's army because he's been gone for quite a while."<p>"Yes!" shouted one of the Fire Elementals.  "He's a cruel one, he is!"<p>I had an easier solution, and immediately summoned the leader of the Psychic Elementals.<p>"Tell me if these Fire Elementals truly want to join my forces, or do they have something else in mind?" I asked the Psychic Elemental.<p>THEY ARE AFRAID THEIR MASTER WILL LOSE, SO THEY HOPE TO JOIN YOU, WHO THEY CALL "MASTER OF ALL ELEMENTS".<p>Well, they were cowards, not deserters.  Still, I could use every soldier I could get.}}
{{TErow| 24 |Day 24|Today, I ordered Barsolar and Reamus to prepare a portal back to our world.  The time for our return nears if the reports from the other Elemental Planes are any indication.  The troops I have left behind on the Planes of Air, Water and Earth claim that these realms have nearly been abandoned recently.<p>I think the only reason the Plane of Fire hasn't seen a drastic reduction of Elementals is the Fire Lord is trying to keep the Phoenixes for his own forces.  But the Elemental Lords are going to start their war soon, and I need to be there before too many lives are lost.<p>Reamus will begin construction with the help of Ponific, the Golem Master.  Meanwhile, Barsolar will attempt to locate the Elemental Lords so we can enter our world close to their positions.  A good idea.  I'd hate to return to my world only to find that I have to march half way around it in just to do battle.}}
{{TErow| 28 |Day 28|First thing this morning, I gathered a bowl of porridge and approached the cage where I kept Hemoross.  I handed the former Mage Instructor his breakfast.<p>"How have the Elementals been treating you?" I asked.<p>One of each type stood at the four corners of the cage, and unknown to anyone a single Psychic Elemental remained nearby constantly monitoring Hemoross's thoughts.<p>"They ignore me mostly," Hemoross said.  "The Fire taunts me sometimes, but then you've probably put it up to that."<p>I hadn't, but part of me chuckled at the thought of a Fire Elemental lighting small fires beneath the cage as Hemoross tried to sleep.<p>"No.  I'll tell it to stop."<p>"I know you're a Barbarian," Hemoross said.<p>"Yes, but does that really matter?  Was it worth this?" I said, shaking the cage.<p>"Barbarians despise Wizards!  Why would one try to help us?"<p>"As punishment, Hemoross," I said.<p>Hemoross really wasn't a bad person, just confused - as I had been.  The Ancestors gave me a second chance.  Perhaps I could give Hemoross one as well.<p>"I'm going to suggest to Magnus that you be given a promotion.  When this is all over, I'll use whatever power I have to have you named Peace Ambassador to the Barbarian lands," I said.<p>At first, Hemoross would consider such a promotion a punishment as well, but I could only hope that someday he would learn the same lessons I have learned here.}}
{{TErow| 32 |Day 32|Barsolar has located the Elemental Lords, and what's worse he had determined that they've joined forces to destroy the world quicker.  Meanwhile, the portal to our world is nearing completion.  If I can't free the Phoenixes soon, before the portal is finished, I may have to return home first.}}
|}

=== Objects ===
==== Events ====
{| class="sortable wikitable" cellpadding=5px
! Location
! Message
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}} 5, 20, 0
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Warily, you approach the Conflux.  This has been too easy, and the Lord of Fire is not likely to allow you to waltz through his territory unnoticed.  The flames of the Fiery Fields begin to dance higher and higher, and suddenly you realize you have been ambushed.<p><center>'''Guardians:''' 10 {{Cn|Fire Elemental|name=Fire Elementals}}, 10 {{Cn|Fire Elemental|name=Fire Elementals}}, 10 {{Cn|Fire Elemental|name=Fire Elementals}}, 10 {{Cn|Fire Elemental|name=Fire Elementals}}, 10 {{Cn|Fire Elemental|name=Fire Elementals}}, 10 {{Cn|Fire Elemental|name=Fire Elementals}}, 10 {{Cn|Fire Elemental|name=Fire Elementals}}</center></p>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}} 26, 3, 1
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | From high above a group of Sprites fly down and reach you.<p>"We heard you were going to free the Phoenix and wish to help you.  It was the worst thing for us to be enslaved, and even though the Phoenix is not like us, we cannot stand for their enslavement.  Please accept us as part of your troops."  This is wonderful!<p><center>'''Contents:''' 100 {{Cn|Sprite|name=Sprites}}</center></p>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}} 28, 34, 1
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | You realize too late that you have fallen into a trap when the fire spread out before you suddenly takes form as lots of Phoenixes burst from the ground.  At first, you just stare at these beautiful creatures as they soar above you - a living, brilliant inferno.<p>Then they attack.<p><center>'''Guardians:''' 6 {{Cn|Phoenix|name=Phoenixes}}, 5 {{Cn|Phoenix|name=Phoenixes}}, 5 {{Cn|Phoenix|name=Phoenixes}}, 6 {{Cn|Phoenix|name=Phoenixes}}</center></p>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}} 33, 35, 0
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | You see a Magma Elemental sitting among the flames as if it's waiting for someone.  As you approach, it comes to its feet.  You prepare for battle, but the Elemental raises its hands to let you know it means no harm.<p>"I've come to teach you, and any other members of your army, how to summon Earth Elementals.  Just have your Heroes return here - I'll ask no reward except to use what I have taught you to defeat the Lord of Earth," the Magma Elemental says.<p>"Why do you do this?" you ask.<p>"Because even some of my kind do not want to destroy that which we helped create!"<p><center>'''Contents:''' {{Sn|Summon Earth Elemental}}</center></p>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}} 34, 35, 0
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | You walk among the tongues of flame, barely noticing them until they suddenly start climbing up your legs.  You try to pat the flames out but nothing happens.  It spreads to your arms, chest, and finally surrounds your head.  Just when you thought you would die, you hear a whisper in your ear.<p>The flames are trying to teach you how to summon Fire Elementals, and you now understand that it will teach this spell to all who come to this spot.<p><center>'''Contents:''' {{Sn|Summon Fire Elemental}}</center></p>
|}

==== Towns ====
{| class="sortable wikitable" cellpadding=5px
! Location
! Color
! Type
! Name
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 11, 19, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Conflux}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" |
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 21, 24, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Conflux}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" |
|}

===== Town timed events =====
{{TEheader}}
{{TErow| 1 |loc={{red}}{{town|Conflux}} (11, 19, 0)|Give money to computer|freq=7|This will give the computer money.|effect=+10 {{m}} [[Mercury]], +10 {{s}} [[Sulfur]], +10 {{c}} [[Crystal]]s, +10 {{gem}} [[Gems]], +10000 {{g}} [[Gold]]}}
{{TErow| 1 |loc={{town|Conflux}} (21, 14, 0)|Day 20|You receive word from your Conflux that the Fire Elementals have already arrived.  Apparently, they can travel nearly anywhere on their own plane in the blink of an eye.  Too bad your entire army can't do that.|effect=30 {{Cn|Fire Elemental|noname=}}{{Cn|Energy Elemental|name=Fire Elementals and Energy Elementals}}}}
|}

==== Heroes ====
{| class="sortable wikitable" cellpadding=5px
! Location
! Color
! Hero
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 9, 22, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Fiur|Planeswalker}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 13, 24, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Kalt|Planeswalker}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 21, 15, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Tarnum|image=Tarnum Wizard|Wizard}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 22, 18, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{mph|1|The Magic that Binds}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 29, 22, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{mph|3|The Magic that Binds}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 31, 15, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{mph|2|The Magic that Binds}}
|}

{{user commentary|There's an event described above that's supposed to present another 30 Fire or Energy Elementals for hire in the human player's city, but their dwelling in the town is disabled, so the event adds 30 {{Cn|Earth Elemental|name=Earth}} or {{Cn|Magma Elemental|name=Magma Elementals}} instead (dwelling pre-built since Day 1).}}{{end of user commentary}}

[[Category:Campaign scenarios]]