Editing To Kill A Hero

{{campaign navigational box|ab=expanded|armageddonsblade=expanded}}
{{scenario
| scenario       = {{PAGENAME}}
| description    = Catherine, Gelu and Roland must defeat the Demoniac hero Xeron. If any one of them falls, all is lost.  Catherine, Roland and Gelu will be allowed to reach 36th Level and carry over all spells, skills, and experience to the next scenario.
| underground    = disabled
| num_play       = 2/1
| size           = M
| source         = ab
| victory        = def_hero
| victory_hint   = <br>{{---}}{{Hn|Xeron|noname=}}
| loss           = hero
| loss_hint      = {{Hn|Catherine|noname=}}{{Hn|Roland|noname=}}{{Hn|Gelu|noname=}}
| allies         = {{blue}}
| enemies        = {{red}}
| difficulty     = Expert
| bonus          = {{BonusCr|Firebird|5}}{{BonusSp|Town Portal}}{{BonusArt|Sword of Judgement}}
| carry          = {{Hn|Catherine|noname=}}{{Hn|Roland|noname=}}{{Hn|Gelu|noname=}}
| max_lvl        = 36
| Cmap           = [[File:Cmap hota 4.png|400px|Catherine has lost support in Erathia.  They are tired of war and do not wish to pursue this any further.  To ensure victory, Catherine has stepped down as Queen and joined Roland with the Conflux army, pushing deeper into Eeofol.  General Kendal has been left to see to the task of picking Erathia's next ruler.  In secret, he has dispatched Gelu and his Forestguard to help his former Queen and good friend in this most serious of endeavors.]]
}}

== Prologue ==
{{cvid|AB CD-Heroes3-DATA-Heroes3 vid-H3ABab7-smk-H3ABab7|thumbtime=0:00|float=left}}
{{h|Catherine|0=}}: With the majority of the Kreegan forces destroyed, Erathia's lords have grown weary of this war and have withdrawn their support.  They do not understand.  This is a critical moment.  To continue this war, I have stepped down as Erathia's Queen.   Myself, [[Roland]], and the Conflux forces will continue to press to the capitol of Eeofol.  However, between us and the demon king stands the hero [[Xeron]].  We are told he wields Armageddon's Blade.  We must succeed for the safety of Erathia, and the world.

{{clear|both}}
== Scenario ==
=== Timed events ===
{{TEheader}}
{{TErow| 1 | Opening|Support has greatly waned amongst the Erathian nobility, for this war in the past few months.  It has been costly in both gold and lives, precious commodities all to be certain.  However, this endeavor is of utmost import if what the soothsayer said is true.  Should they really have Armageddon's Blade, [[King Lucifer]] must not be allowed to continue in his mad quest.  The line must be drawn here and now.<p>Seeing as how the Erathian people see this war as being over, they have refused to fund your war any longer.  Disheartened, as you were, you decreed [[General Morgan Kendal]] would act as Regent in your stead, his primary task to find a new leader for the kingdom your father made so great.  You chose to abdicate the Erathian throne and ally yourself with the Elemental Confluxes in an effort to destroy this mad king and his demonic hordes once and for all.</p>Teary eyed, yet stoic, you transferred control of the kingdom of your birth to [[General Kendal]] and rode off towards your destiny.  When all was said and done, you and Roland were going to return to Enroth and your son [[Nicolai]] at last.  Erathia was free to rule itself, without interference from Enroth.  Its destiny was now it's own.  You had a war to win, a world to save, and could not be burdened by grief over the terrible choices you were forced to make.}}
{{TErow| 1 | Opening Part II|The days ahead will be filled with rough terrain and sleepless nights.  [[Roland]] and your forces marched across the fire-ravaged plains of Eeofol en route to [[Kreelah]], the capital city.  Word soon spread of your approach and you were met with great resistance.  Though the fighting was brutal, your tactical prowess and Roland's tenacity proved to be the better of the enemy and you forced them back nearly to the capitol itself.  Now, you have a firm hold on the majority of Eeofol, Conflux fortresses sprouting up everywhere.<p>The problem came when word was sent that [[Xeron]], Eeofol's brilliant warlord, had arrived with the near totality of his [[Sons of Erebus]], Eeofol's elite royal guard.  Worse still, spies report he bears a great sword of immense power.  It appears in fact that your worst fears have been realized; Armageddon's Blade is not only real, but here on the field of battle as well.</p>[[Xeron]] must fall and the Blade recovered if this assault is to succeed.  Once he has been defeated, the rest will be mere practice.}}
{{TErow| 2 | Cat Learns [[Gelu]] is here|A runner from the north approaches your encampment with caution.  He wears the markings of a [[Forest Guard]] scout and bears a scroll in hand.<p>You wave him over, take the scroll, open it and read its contents.  After a brief reading, you turn to the runner and tell him to inform [[King Roland]] of this message.  The runner leaves to go inform [[King Roland]] that [[Gelu]] has been sent along as well, at the request of [[General Kendal]].  Erathia still supports your quest, just not as it has in the past.  It is a good feeling to know this war will be won and won much more easily now that [[Gelu]] and his forces have arrived as well.  However, the nagging feeling that [[Xeron]] is not going to be easy to defeat continues to plague you in the back of your mind.  This is a dangerous time, a possible turning point, one you cannot back away from.  That Blade has to be taken from the terrible hands which now wield it, no matter the cost.</p>}}
{{TErow| 11 | Conflux Warning|A shadowy figure slips into the meeting chamber where you sit with your advisors.  This wispy figure takes shape, that of a humanoid made of pure wind.  It's voice, one of crackling lightning and booming thunder, rips through the meeting area gaining everyone's attention.<p>"I represent the Elemental Lords of the Great Conflux.  I come before you to bring a warning.  The use of Armageddon's Blade will soon tear this world asunder.  It must be contained else it consumes us all.  Do not dally with this [[Xeron]].  He is cunning and treacherous.  Be wary of his power, be warned of his might."</p>It's warning having been issued; the elemental being dissipates and returns to its masters.  Those in attendance sit stock-still; unable to comment on the proclamation of dread just uttered here this day.  You clear your throat and draw their attention back to you.<p>"My friends and compatriots, we have now seen proof positive these Conflux Lords are indeed working for our benefit and the benefit of the world as a whole.  We must heed this warning and take Armageddon's Blade for ourselves.  This way, WE control the weapon, thus controlling our enemy.  If we can locate and defeat this [[Xeron]], we can contain his terrible weapon of annihilation before he gets an opportunity to use its complete power.  Now, let's get back to work and figure out a way to stop these madmen."</p>}}
{{TErow| 20 | [[Roland]]'s Semi-Evil Speech|[[Roland]] stood to address his troops, marching back and forth across the makeshift stage he had set up expressly for this purpose.  The need for a morale boost became an almost tangible feeling, for tensions were high and some infighting had taken place.  No major injuries reported, but there were some incidents.  He needed to do something quickly to rally the troops.<p>"Lo these many months we have pressed onward, trudging through the bleak desolate regions of this accursed land.  The time has come where again we are the ones on the attack.  Our enemy is in sight and the opportunity has arisen to deliver a crushing blow to these twisted freaks.  As you all know, I was held captive by these animals for many years, so I know of which I speak when I say we cannot allow these things to exist ANY longer in our world!  They must be excised from the face of [[Antagarich]] like the boil they are!  To that end I need you, your strength, your courage.  We must press forward, on to [[Kreelah]], and obliterate these monsters once and for all; send them back to Hell!  There shall be no quarter; no survivors."</p>The crowd's cheers bring Roland's speech of genocide to a rousing close.  Upon leaving the stage, [[Roland]] is near visibly shaking.  The rage in his heart on the surface at last, bringing with it a cloud to his once sparkling eyes; a dark cloud showing the damage done to his soul.  Captivity has marred his spirit such that nothing short of total victory can bring him peace.  The Kreegans must pay for what they have done to him, regardless of the cost to him and his immortal soul.}}
{{TErow| 25 | [[Kendal]] Sends Covert Aid|A small supply wagon shows up with a note proclaiming this wagon is a gift from a friend.  Upon reading this note, you smile and allow your thoughts to drift back to [[Steadwick]] and an old friend.|effect={{w}} 3 [[Wood]], {{m}} 1 [[Mercury]], {{o}} 3 [[Ore]], {{s}} 1 [[Sulfur]], {{c}} 1 [[Crystal]], {{gem}} 1 [[Gems]], {{g}} 5000 [[Gold]]}}
{{TErow| 31 | Portents of Doom|"My Queen," reports a page to you, "you have a visitor.  He is claiming he represents the Conflux."<p>You wave the boy to show the man in and off he goes to retrieve this visitor.  He returns moments later with a tall slender man dressed in long robes, his face hidden behind an azure hood.  The silver runic trim of the deep blue robes glimmers slightly, diverting attention away from his withdrawn countenance.  All that is visible of this mysterious man's face is his neatly trimmed black beard and strong lower jaw.  He speaks in low tones, barely above a whisper, with a slight accent noticeable.</p>"Greetings [[Catherine Ironfist]] of Enroth.  I am called [[Tamar the Wanderer]].  I am a walker of the planes, a seeker of knowledge, a protector of lives worth saving.  I am also the Elemental Lord of Air.  I come here this day to share with you a vision I have had.  In this vision I saw possible futures, both of light and of shadow.  You just passed a crossroads, [[Catherine]], choosing the path of Light.  There are others, loved ones and those trusted deeply, who now face that same crossroad.  They are beginning to choose a path, which may be divergent from yours.  It is not too late to alter their course.  They can be persuaded to return to the path carved in the sun, as opposed to the one entrenched in the night.  Choose wisely [[Catherine]], for if you do not help those whom you love and trust, I fear you will know much grief."<p>A flash of lightning rips across the stormy sky and when your eyes clear from the momentary blindness, [[Tamar the Wanderer]] is no longer in your presence.  The warnings of this so-called [[Elemental Lord]] stir in your mind and give you to pause.  Could he have meant [[Roland]]?  His pain and suffering might be getting the better of him.  Perhaps you should speak to him about this war and it's effect on his mind.  Your fear that he might slip away and let his need for revenge consume him is almost overwhelming.</p>You send a letter to [[Roland]] immediately.  Dispatching the messenger brings a slight lift to your wounded soul and allows you to sleep, albeit not well.}}
{{TErow| 35 | Atrocities|A report comes in to [[Roland]].  The message tells of horrible atrocities committed by the Kreegans.  Tales of slaves being stripped and beaten, impaled upon spikes for apparent sport, used for hideous black magic rites, even used as food for monstrous beasts.<p>As he reads, the fires of vengeance burn deep in [[Roland]]'s breast.  These monsters are doing the unthinkable.  The memories of torture and the screams flood his mind once again, bringing with them the smells and sounds of his capture.  He seethes in rage, slowly shredding the parchment he is reading.  When the pressure finally gets to him, he bellows out in rage.  "I shall kill them all!!!  No matter where they hide, no matter where they choose to flee.  There will be no escape from my wrath.  Know this [[King Lucifer]], your minion's will all drown in lakes of their own ichor.  I will have my vengeance!"</p>After tossing the torn parchment to the ashen ground, he storms off to gather his armor and weapons to prepare for battle once more.}}
{{TErow| 40 | A Letter to [[Roland]] from [[Catherine]]|[[Roland]] awoke early this morning to a messenger bringing with him a letter bearing the scent of perfume he knew immediately belonged to [[Catherine]], a scent she knew he loved.  He tore open the seal and read it immediately.<p>"Dearest husband [[Roland]], I have recently received a visit from someone who brought me a warning.  His warning spoke of crossroads we all reach and I had made my choice recently, taken my path.  His warning also spoke of others whom I love and trust deeply, who face these same crossroads and are on a road different than mine.  I fear that he speaks of you and your recent imprisonment.  I do hope you are not taking the road cloaked in shadow, but are preparing to join me on the path of light.  Please write me back and make me believe I have not lost you to revenge.  I do not want to walk the path alone.  I love you my husband and shall always do so, no matter the path you choose, but do not expect me to allow you down the road of shadow without a fight.  This journey can be altered.  If you have become consumed with feelings of revenge and hate, I will be there to help, any way I can.  Take care my love.  I shall meet you once we have defeated this [[Xeron]] and his [[Sons of Erebus]]."</p>Roland rolled up the scroll and returned to his tent, eyes filled with tears, for he was beginning to suspect she might be right.}}
|}

=== Rumors ===
{{Rheader}}
{{Rrow| Halflings 1|Halfling spies have infiltrated the palace.}}
{{Rrow| Halflings 2|[[Xeron]] has taken several Halflings as slaves.  These slaves are actually planted spies.}}
{{Rrow| [[Xeron]] 1|[[Gelu]] killed Xeron's mother and he wants revenge as a result of it.}}
{{Rrow| [[Xeron]] 2|[[Xeron]]'s mother, a succubus, seduced an Erathian knight who was changed as a result of their encounter.  His soul was tainted irrevocably.}}
{{Rrow| [[Xeron]] 3|[[Xeron]] wears the Blade on his back nearly all the time and even sleeps with it.}}
{{Rrow| Armageddon's Blade 1|Armageddon's Blade allows the wielder to cast the spell Armageddon.}}
{{Rrow| Armageddon's Blade 2|It is said that he who wields the Blade is immune to the spell of its namesake.}}
{{Rrow| Armageddon's Blade 3|He who wields the Blade is nigh invincible.}}
{{Rrow| Halflings 3|[[Tavin's Guerillas]] are operating in the area in secret.}}
{{Rrow| Armageddon's Blade 4|Armageddon's Blade was born of Chaos, shaped by Magic, and bound by steel and flesh.}}
{{Rrow| Armageddon's Blade 5|The Blade feeds on the souls of the dead.}}
{{Rrow| Armageddon's Blade 6|The Blade was forged of all four elements mixed with demon ichor.}}
{{Rrow| [[Xeron]] 4|[[Xeron]] has been feeding the Blade by sowing the seeds of chaos.  It thrives on turmoil and strife.}}
|}

=== Objects ===
==== Towns ====
{| class="sortable wikitable" cellpadding=5px
! Location
! Color
! Type
! Name
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 6, 65, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Conflux}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Reyn Tarrina
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 13, 46, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Inferno}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Tormentalis
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 17, 67, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Conflux}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Fayadon
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 25, 12, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Inferno}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Xent'a
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 33, 35, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Inferno}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Kelvishen
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 33, 57, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Inferno}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Shadowden
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 60, 9, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Conflux}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Shanimar
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 61, 43, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{town|Inferno}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Xent'ara
|}

==== Heroes ====
{| class="sortable wikitable" cellpadding=5px
! Location
! Color
! Hero
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 6, 66, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Catherine|Knight}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 13, 48, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Ignatius|Demoniac}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 17, 68, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Roland|Knight}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 24, 14, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Olema|Heretic}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 32, 59, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Nymus|Demoniac}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 33, 37, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Xeron|Demoniac}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 57, 12, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{blue}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Gelu|Ranger}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 61, 45, 0
| style="text-align:center;" | {{red}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | {{H|Pyre|Demoniac}}
|}

==== Monsters ====
{| class="sortable wikitable" cellpadding=5px
! Location
! Type
! Message
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |59, 10, 0
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px; white-space: nowrap;" | {{cn|Sharpshooter}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "Armed and ready sir.  What are your orders?"
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 61, 10, 0
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px; white-space: nowrap;" | {{cn|Sharpshooter}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "Armed and ready sir.  What are your orders?"
|}

==== Artifacts ====
{| class="sortable wikitable" cellpadding=5px
! Location
! Type
! Message
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 33, 38, 0
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px; white-space: nowrap;" | {{An|Armageddon's Blade}}
| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Here ya go [[Xeron]].  Here's the big bad sword.
|}

[[Category: Campaign scenarios]]