Cerberus Gate

Tarnum must reach the Underworld Gate and defeat the Devils below to secure passage into the Underworld. You must not lose Tarnum. All Heroes will be limited to level six, but Tarnum and two of his Captains will transfer to the next scenario with all of their skills, spells and experience.

Victory condition:

Defeat Monster

Loss condition:

Lose Hero

Allies:

Enemies:

Choose a bonus:

Carried to next scenario:

2 strongest heroes

Max level:

6

Prologue

File:H3x2 ELb.png

Unnamed male historian: When the Ancestors sent Tarnum to protect Queen Allison as she embarked on a dangerous quest into the Underworld, he learned that the Ancestors had not forgotten his crimes. Was this his punishment? To save the soul of the man who killed him?

Scenario

Timed events

Day 1 - Day 1
The Ancestors have summoned me to the Kingdom of Erathia to help young Queen Allison, who had a dream that her father's soul was stolen from Paradise and taken down into the darkness of the Underworld. I've seen the faces of her Knights, and realize that I am the only one brave enough to come to her aid against the forces of the Underworld.
Day 2 - Day 2
Rion Gryphonheart's name is not new to me. He was the first King of Erathia, an upstart nation that challenged my authority as King of the land. After years of vicious combat, Gryphonheart was able to maneuver me into a battlefield of his choosing. I can still smell the mud. I still remember my enemy's face as he plunged his sword through my belly. It's unfair for the Ancestors to force me to save this man! Is he really innocent? He's not even a Barbarian! Let Gryphonheart's soul rot in the Underworld, for all I care!
Day 3 - Day 3
Here at the border to the Underworld, the land is dangerous to travel. Not far to the north is an Inferno town that has been harassing Erathian troops and citizens for decades. There's only one way to handle such a pest - build a good-sized army and attack them as quickly as possible. A defeated enemy can't hurt you.
(24, 5, 0) Inferno: Day 3 - gold (every 2 days)
Resources: +2 Wood, +1 Mercury, +2 Ore, +1 Sulfur, +1 Crystal, +1 Gem, +2000 Gold
Day 4 - Day 4
Heaps of treasure and resources are simply lying about on the ground, so I've decided to concentrate on building the troop generation dwellings right now rather than concentrating on structures such as the Town Hall. Of course, my advisors agree this tactic is wise.
Day 6 - Day 6
"It may be wiser to ignore piles of treasure near a Mine, and get the Mine under production as quickly as possible," says one of my advisors. "There is always time later on to pick up treasure - unless, of course, there are enemies about. Also, you should hire another Hero to help you. We can be attacked from both the east and west, and another Hero to protect the flanks is needed."
Day 12 - Day 12
Rion Gryphonheart is always on my mind these days. After he slaughtered me, he was able to have a family and lead his kingdom into greatness. Gryphonheart was responsible for the destruction of my empire - a Barbarian Empire - and for scattering my people back into the inhospitable western lands. And now the Ancestors are favoring this outsider! Is not Gryphonheart responsible for weakening our people? He's an enemy, and yet I must save him. I don't understand it.
Day 15 - Day 15
Queen Allison's messenger arrives and hands me a sealed letter. It reads, "Dear Sir Tarnum, I hope that things are going well and you find the town of Meddington to be satisfactory. Please hurry, the passing of each day is one more that my father's soul is tortured. If you are in need of anything, please let me know." She expects a response, I'm sure, but I just don't feel like writing today. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 18 - Day 18
My response to Queen Allison may be late, but it's to the point. "Queen Allison, I am doing well and should have access to the Gate within a few weeks. I will let you know."
Day 21 - Day 21
Today is the anniversary of my death and subsequent fall from grace. As I think about it, I realize it was foolish of me to challenge him to single combat. Rion Gryphonheart was the better swordsman. I wonder what my life would've been like if I had simply ordered my army to attack...
Day 24 - Day 24
Another message arrives from Queen Allison. "Because of your successes, Sir Tarnum, the Monks and Zealots of the land are convinced that you are performing a service of goodness and will be joining you on the next leg of your journey. If duty did not keep me here I would be slaying those vile Demons myself. Good luck." I chuckle at her words. So, she imagines herself a warrior, does she? Well, I guess I have to admire her spirit.
Day 29 - Day 29
Allison has sent a letter almost every day, each one stating her desire to run her sword through the bellies of the evil creatures of this realm. She could almost be a Barbarian, except she is far too concerned about what people think about her. All this letter writing has taught me one thing though. I hate it and dread every moment behind the pen.
Day 33 - Day 33
Masquerading as a Knight isn't all that different from being a Barbarian. For the most part both are honorable and believe in respecting and protecting their families. Erathia used to be Barbarian territory and a large part of the population are descendents of my people. Knights, and their society, are just a polished version of a Barbarian. Although, Knights seem to put the word of their lord above the needs of their community. Just the opposite is true for a Barbarian - well, for a Barbarian who follows the old ways. These days, my culture is far more chaotic and violent than they used to be.
Day 39 - Day 39
Last night, I could hear some young soldiers talking to their sergeant around a campfire. The subject was Barbarians. A deep sense of shame overwhelmed me as I listened to the tales. "Those Barbarians will raid any village," says the sergeant, "even ones without any warriors. They plunder and pillage everything in their path. Nothin' but mindless savages, I tell ya. The only good thing about a Barbarian is they kill their own people about as often as they kill us." Unable to listen to any more, I retired early and tried unsuccessfully to convince myself that the soldier was wrong.
Day 45 - Day 45
Killing the evil creatures of the Underworld feels like a chance to atone for all the innocents I've killed while I was the Barbarian King. Is this why the Ancestors sent me here - to destroy evil?
Day 54 - Day 54
The Underworld Gate is near. All this effort just to enter the Underworld! I shudder to imagine what things are going to be like when I go below into the dark realm itself. If Rion Gryphonheart's soul is there, I'll find it. I swear.

Objects

Events

Location	Message
1, 9, 0	You know that deep within the bowels of the earth demonic forces lay in wait to tear you limb from limb. Before entering such a world it would be most prudent to have a well-armed force at your back.
2, 22, 0	Stopping for a quick break, you wander into the shadows of a cool forest. Immediately, you stumble upon a majestic bird shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. You stop in your tracks. Your legs won't move. This is the famed Quei Bird - more beautiful than any creature you have ever seen. It peers at you, looking straight into your soul. With a sudden start the magnificent bird lifts off, leaving a sparkling blue feather behind. You pick up the feather and the men take this as a good omen, raising their morale significantly. Contents: +2 +2 Morale
4, 10, 0	Winding your way through the mountains you see signs of habitation - old campfires, bones of consumed animals. Too late, you realize you are surrounded. Gogs attack! They must be protecting the entrance to the Underworld. Guardians: 25 Gogs
4, 11, 1	Before continuing, you remember your promise to Queen Allison and dispatch a letter stating that you have made it to the Underworld Gate and are just now securing the passage. All that's left are some Archdevils, and you're certain that your army can handle them.
23, 35, 0	"Excellent, Sir! We were just on our way to tell you that we are interested in joining your cause. If you visit the Barracks weekly we'll be very glad to sign up with you," says a Swordsman, pointing to the Barracks just behind him.
29, 23, 0	You stare bleakly at the inhospitable land ahead. It's burned and scarred by lava and flame. Dead. What twisted creature would choose to live in such a place? The Underworld will be worse, you're sure, but this is bad enough. Your men begin to murmur about the strange occurrences that go on in these parts - evil things. They fidget as they walk, flinch at every noise. Sensing they are close to fleeing, you sit boldly in your saddle and show no sign of distress as you give the order to continue. Contents: -2 -2 Morale
35, 33, 0	Your Barbarian instincts tell you that the Demons would not leave this place unguarded. You see nothing at first, but the faintest odor of sulfur gives away the presence of your attackers. They must've seen something in your expression because lots of Magogs suddenly attack.. Guardians: 26 Magogs

Towns

Location	Type	Name
6, 32, 0	Castle	Meddington
15, 15, 0	Inferno
24, 5, 0	Inferno

Heroes

Location	Color	Hero
6, 33, 0		TarnumTarnum Tarnum the Knight
11, 34, 0		Cuthbert the Cleric
15, 16, 0		Ignatius the Demoniac
24, 6, 0		Nymus the Demoniac

Monsters

Location	Type	Message
1, 21, 0	Troglodyte	Mine! This is my Gold! Go away and find your own, you greedy humans!
3, 6, 0	Horned Demon	What? Did you think we were just going to hand over this Gold? That's just about the funniest thing I've heard all year!
3, 16, 0	Imp	Go away! This Mercury is for our master, so we can't let you have it.
10, 28, 0	Imp	Hehehe! We're supposed to be watching this place and keeping all you peoples from getting to this Sulfur Dune. Always, the big ones ordering us around. We don't get to order nobody. Wanna be home in bed, but nobody cares. Not you either, I bet! Well, someone's gotta pay!
16, 31, 0	Skeleton	You can barely believe your eyes as you approach the Gold Mine. Ahead, a pack of Skeletons busily fill carts with Gold. As you approach, though, they drop their tools and pick up swords. "Stay away!" they shout. "We didn't hand over this mine when we died, so we're certainly not going to do it now!"
18, 26, 0	Gog	"None shall pass here!"
21, 22, 0	Familiar	Sorry buddy, but we've got orders not to let anyone pass through here, and the guy who gave us the orders is a lot scarier than you are. Nothing that you can do to us that he can't do worse.

Seer's Huts

Seer's Hut (8, 1, 0)
Proposal Message
Quest: Achieve Experience level 6
Completion Message
Reward: +6 Knowledge skill

Seer's Hut (31, 17, 0)
Proposal Message
Quest: Be TarnumTarnum Tarnum the Knight
Completion Message
Reward: Clover of Fortune

Quest Guards

Quest Guard (13, 8, 0)
Proposal Message
I've been unlucky all of my life. If I had the Clover of Fortune, I'm certain my luck would change. I could leave this dreary tower without the fear of being attacked on the road. Maybe I could go visit the ocean. Could you find the Clover of Fortune for me? Quest: Return with Clover of Fortune
Progress Message
Sorry, but my luck is still pretty bad. Just the other day I stubbed my toe while walking under a ladder, then the ladder fell and broke a mirror.
Completion Message
Wow! You found it for me. How wonderful! No more black cats, or mirrors, or ladders. I'm going to take my first vacation and enjoy myself. Will you give it to me?

Quest Guard (28, 30, 0)
Proposal Message
We don't have much in the way of protection, but if you returned with eleven Royal Griffins we could fly away to a safe place. Then you could do as you wish. Quest: Return with 11 Royal Griffins
Progress Message
Doesn't look like you have eleven Royal Griffins to me. We can't all escape without that exact number.
Completion Message
What wonderful news! Now we can fly away to safety. Will you give us the eleven Royal Griffins?

Quest Guard (34, 26, 0)
Proposal Message
You are not yet worthy to pass. The guards eye you dubiously, but agree to let you by when you have achieved experience level six. Quest: Achieve Experience level 6

Quest Guard (34, 31, 0)
Proposal Message
We want proof that you are indeed fighting for the side of good. Bring us 7 Wights so we can destroy them, and we will believe you, and let you pass. Quest: Return with 7 Wights
Progress Message
You don't seem to be very sincere about finding those Wights, so why should we allow you to pass?
Completion Message
Give us the Wights so we can put their souls to rest and we'll let you pass. I'm sure you want to visit that tent just to the south of here. Watch for guardians though. We aren't positive, but some of those demon types might have slipped by us.