| “ | As the Mongol Yuan dynasty loses its grip on China, the powerful Han and Ming factions vie for the right to proclaim the next emperor. Propel the Ming to supremacy and claim the Mandate of Heaven! | ” |
| —In-game scenario description in the Definitive Edition | ||
Lake Poyang (reworked from Langshan Jiang before the Definitive Edition) is a scenario of the Battles of the Forgotten in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. The player must make sure that all shipments arrive to the Temple Complex without losing them. The shipments arrive in different places every 25 minutes (25 minutes for the first one and 15 minutes subsequently in the Definitive Edition) after the start of the game. In this scenario, the player, allies, and enemies are all Chinese. It is based on the Battle of Lake Poyang (1363).
It is the significantly reworked version of Langshan Jiang in The Forgotten.
Intro[]
In the distance, wooden towers as tall as giants take shape in the dense morning fog that hovers over the vast Poyang lake. These wooden islands, each carrying two to three thousand men and horses, are tall enough to scale city walls. Their target is the Ming city of Nanchang.
The Mongol Yuan dynasty is on the verge of collapse and Chinese warlords are eager to take its place. The Han want to make use of the fighting between their rivals, the Ming and the Wu, to launch a surprise attack on the Ming and seize the Jiangxi region from them.
The Ming, however, are not prepared to surrender Nanchang so easily, and their army sails north to face the Han. The Ming general Zhu Yuanzhang is outnumbered, but he is determined to thwart the Han ambitions. After all, only one warlord can rule China.
Scenario instructions[]
Starting conditions[]
- Starting Age:
Imperial Age - Starting resources: 200 food, 400 wood, 300 gold
- Population limit: 150
- Starting units:
- 6 War Galleys
- 4 Fire Ships
- 4 Demolition Ships
- 2 Transport Ships containing:
- 6
Objectives[]
Main objectives[]
- Clear the way for the first shipment for the Nanchang temple complex. You have 25 minutes.
- Escort the first shipment to the temple complex.
- Escort the remaining four shipments safely. Each will arrive 15 minutes after the previous one makes it to the temple construction site safely.
- Finish building the temple while protecting it from enemy attacks.
Secondary objectives[]
- Pay 2,000 gold to the pirates to have them attack the Han.
- Tribute 100 gold to the shipbuilders (5, Cyan) to have them construct a Dragon Ship. This can be repeated as long as the docks are not destroyed.
Hints[]
- The Ming navy is limited to a population of 150.
- The Ming have sent soldiers ahead to help your navy pass the Han blockade. You should look for them.
- You can either destroy all enemy towers and ships blockading the lake, or, if you are running out of time, use your own ships to distract the enemy vesels by letting them take enemy fire.
- Shipments for the city of Nanchang are being sent from all directions, and they will arrive in different places on the lake. Make sure to clear the blockades in time, as you will lose if any shipment is sunk.
- It is possible to bribe the nearby pirates to help you fight the Han, but it will not be cheap.
- Consider upgrading your Fire Ships to Dragon Ships, which are even better against enemy ships and buildings.
Scouts[]
- The Ming Navy (1, Blue) approaches the lake from the west. Between them and the city of Nanchang is a blockade formed by the Han Navy (8, Orange).
- Nanchang (4, Yellow) is to the far south and has sent word that they have prepared the location where the great temple will be built. They are only waiting for the Ming navy and the construction materials to arrive.
- The Han admiral Chen (2, Red) has built fortifications on the lake's coast and is preparing to launch an amphibious invasion of the city of Nanchang. This must be prevented at all costs.
- Admiral Chen also has the support of the Han army (6, Grey) which will attack the city by land.
- Nearby Pirates (3, Green) have a naval base to the northeast of Nanchang.
Players[]
Player[]
- Ming Navy ( Chinese): Starts with a few warships in the west and must break through the blockade of Lake Poyang to get to Nanchang.
Allies[]
- Chinese Peasants ( Chinese): Located at a few different places: just east of where the starting point is; at the far north of the map; and at the far east of the map. Before update 141935, the northern village played an active role in the scenario by providing Dragon Ships for 70 gold per ship. Since the update, this feature was removed, as players can upgrade Fire Ships to Dragon Ships as the Chinese. The colony just east of the starting point will turn over to the player's control after defeating the first flotilla of Han Navy. A small Chinese village lies in the eastern corner of the map, containing a Relic
- Nanchang ( Chinese): The place where the player has to build the Temple of Heaven. In this scenario, they play no role, and are located on the south side of the map. The player has to clear all the enemy ships blocking their way and escort 5 shipments which start from different locations on the map to Nanchang. After the first shipments reach Nanchang, the player will have the whole of Nanchang turned into their base.
Enemy → Ally (potential)[]
- Pirates ( Chinese): Their base are located in the north east of the map. They are also scattered around Nanchang to the east and west. They ask for 2,000 gold from the player in return for their alliance. Even though they are easy to defeat, two shipments arrive from this direction, and it will be better if the player can make them allies. The Pirates are not that strong however, but it might still be useful to pay them as they offer a small distraction for shipments arriving on the northeast edge of the map.
Enemies[]
- Admiral Chen ( Chinese) - Located in different places on the map with Demolition Ships, Galleons, Fire Ships (which they do not upgrade to Dragon Ships), Lou Chuans, and several Transport Ships with Han Navy units. They are scattered in different places and block the passage of all shipments to Nanchang. As they don't have Villagers, destroying their Docks is a good option. However, Admiral Chen has Fortified Towers with extremely long range and attack guarding some of their Docks, so destroying all of their Docks will be near impossible (though Trebuchets still outrange those towers). It is still important to destroy as many of their ships and Docks as possible before, during, and after each shipment.
- Han Army ( Chinese): Located to the west of Nanchang. The Han Army includes rams and a sizable army of both missile and land units such as Light Cavalry, Cavaliers, Chu Ko Nus, Heavy Rocket Carts, Heavy Scorpions, and Trebuchets. Though they are difficult to defeat, building a Castle and some towers in their direction before the fifth shipment arrives, will help the player later in the game. They attack only on land. Mostly send small raids with Light Cavalry, but after the fifth shipment arrive, they will attempt an assault on the city with all their soldiers.
- Han Navy ( Chinese): They will attack the player and block the shipments, similar to Admiral Chen. Most of their ships are guarding the location where the Transport Ships is arriving. They have Demolition Ships, Galleons, and Fire Ships (which they do not upgrade to Dragon Ships), and arrive with some transports containing soldiers later in the game.
Ally → Neutral[]
- Nanchang Temple ( Chinese): At the scheduled times, their Transport Ship will arrive to bring the required materials to build the Temple of Heaven. The player must make sure that each Transport Ship makes it safely to Nanchang.
Dialogue[]
Ming Sailor: We have almost reached Lake Poyang. Our shipments for the construction of the great temple in Nanchang will be here shortly as well.
Local Fisherman: Watch out, Admiral! The enemy navy is blocking the passage ahead!
Demolition Sailor: No worries, we will blast their ships into a million pieces!
Upon capturing Gaia Trebuchet:
Chu Ko Nu: We have constructed this mighty trebuchet to help you tear down the enemy towers.
After destroying the initial blockade of Han Navy:
Chinese Villager: Our village is at your disposal, admiral.
When reaching the lake:
Ming Sailor: It will take more than a few ships and towers to stop our great navy!
Upon reaching Nanchang:
Ming Sailor: The Nanchang garrison has turned over the city to us. Let us make sure that the temple construction site is secure.
When the first shipment arrives:
Ming Sailor: A transport ship with the finest lumber in the region has arrived in the bay. We must protect it at all costs so that it can reach the construction site safely!
When the first shipment arrives at Nanchang:
Ming Sailor: The first shipment has arrived at the temple. We must make haste and clear a way for the next shipment!
When the next shipment arrival spot is revealed:
Ming Sailor: Admiral, this is the location from which the next shipment will arrive. We must clear the way for it - we cannot afford any mistakes!
Chinese Pirate: The only god that we worship is the god of wealth. Pay us 2,000 gold and we will attack the Han for you.
After tributing 2,000 gold to the Pirates:
Chinese Pirate: Ha! Such shiny gold truly can make a pirate's heart beat faster. Very well. We will sink the Han ships for you!
Upon reaching the Dock of Chinese Peasants to the north:
Shipbuilder: We build the finest ships in the region, Admiral. You can buy them from us for the small price of 100 gold.
When the shipment is about to arrive:
WARNING: One minute until the next shipment arrives.
When the shipment arrives to Nanchang:
NOTE: A shipment has arrived at the site.
When the second shipment arrives:
Ming Sailor: Beautifully carved stone statues and ornaments are on their way to the temple!
When the third shipment arrives:
Ming Sailor: The next shipment carrying marble blocks has arrived on the lake!
When the fourth shipment arrives:
Ming Sailor: A ship carrying gold for the final decorations of the temple sails to our location. Send our fleet there to protect it!
When the fifth shipment arrives:
Ming Sailor: The final shipment brings foliage for the garden of the holy temple!
When all the shipments arrive at Nanchang:
Ming Sailor: We have all of the building materials required to construct the temple.
Admiral Chen: So, you think that you can build a temple while we stand idle? Think again!
If an enemy transport approaches Nanchang:
Ming Sailor: Enemy troops are trying to land in Nanchang!
If at least 4 enemy Demolition Ships approach Nanchang:
Ming Sailor: Demolition ships are heading for our docks!
If at least 4 enemy warships approach Nanchang:
Ming Sailor: Enemy warships approach the temple!
When the Temple of Heavens is built:
Ming Sailor: The temple is built! We have acquired the divine favor of the gods and the Han will submit to Ming rule!
If a shipment is sunk:
Ming Sailor: A shipment was sunk! The temple will never be completed on time now! The gods have cursed us!
If the Temple of Heavens is destroyed:
Ming Sailor: The temple was destroyed! We have failed miserably!
Course of events[]
The player starts with several ships in the western corner of the map and has 25 minutes to clear the way for the first shipment (one allied Transport Ship, starting at the same spot as the player, that will go to the Temple Complex/Nanchang). For this, the player has to destroy the ships and Towers in the narrow waterway before them, and some small groups of ships in the open water in the middle of the map.
The Chinese Peasant village in the left map corner will be switched to the player once they discover it. When the first transport ship arrives, all the player's buildings and units will NOT be switched to Chinese Peasants, i.e. they lose nothing, and keep the resources they have gathered. But at the same time, a part of the Temple Complex/NanChang will be switched to the player, so they will have a well developed base. It has enough housing for 100 units, while the maximum unit limit for this scenario is 150.
After that, every 25 minutes another allied Transport Ship will arrive at the map edges and go towards the temple. The second Transport Ship will appear north of the pirate base, the third on the northwest edge behind the peninsula, the fourth east of the pirate base, and the fifth on the southwest edge where the small creek with "seawall bridge" is. If any of those transports are destroyed, the player will lose the scenario. When all have arrived, the player has to send villagers to build the Temple of Heaven (a Wonder). When it is completed, the scenario is won.
- Note: The 2nd and 4th shipment arrivals are: (2nd) north of the pirate base; (4th) east of the pirate base.
Strategy[]
At first, kill a few enemy ships in front of the player until the player gets in range of the first Tower. Meanwhile, send the Transport Ship with the Villagers to the right, and they will discover a few units, including a Trebuchet. Unload the Villagers to gather the gold and wood in that small piece of land. Load the Trebuchet and additional units, and take all the soldiers (in the transports) and take them a few tiles it to the small swamp spots along the waterway ahead.
Unload them a couple of tiles north of the lumber camp. There, the player will find a small Chinese Peasant colony that will change to the player's control.
Use the Trebuchet to destroy the towers and use the remaining soldiers to kill the scattered enemy around the area. Be protective and try to destroy the towers first to protect the ships and soldiers, before moving in to kill the scattered enemy troops. Start gathering food with the villagers. Gather food, wood, and gold (there is another tile of gold just south east of the end of the river delta/swamp area). Meanwhile, build a Monastery and 2-3 Monks and a Market to sell wood and food for gold and stone. Build a Market to balance economy where needed. Convert as many enemy ships as possible and repair the ships with Villagers. Be careful not to get the monks killed as they are expensive. Ensure Block Printing (See Chinese update where they can access Block Printing), and Illumination is researched. Build a university to research Chemistry. Build a Dock where the player loaded the Trebuchet, and create as many War Galleys/Galleons as possible, whilst researching Galleon, Shipwright, and Dry Dock. Add 2-3 fishing ships for additional food income. This will allow for two strategies from now on.
Strategy A[]
The player must clear the way and wait for the Transport Ship to appear, then escort it, possibly sacrificing some units on the way. After the first shipment, the player will now have relatively built up base at Nanchang. Immediately start collecting resources and training additional villagers. Construct additional docks within the harbor to train Galleons at a faster rate. Although Fire Ships are better at fighting enemy Galleons, Han Navy and Admiral Chen will have Demolition Ships that damage Fire Ships easily. Mass Galleon + focus fire on enemy ships is important. Ensure all relevant Blacksmith, Dock, and University technologies to improve Galleons is researched. Enemy ships appear to lack certain Blacksmith technologies, so the ships will be able to tackle enemies.
Han Navy will eventually attack the initial colony in the west, so transport all the Villagers, Trebuchet, Monks, and soldiers across to Nanchang.
Secure both sides of Nanchang on land, especially the west of the city, as the Han Army will consistently attack. When enough resources are stockpiled, construct a castle outside the west gate of the city, and upgrade Architecture, Arrowslits, Keep, and Bombard Tower. With the soldiers the player initially starts with, as well as soldiers gained in Nanchang, scout to the east of the city and kill the small groups of Pirates in the area. Construct an additional TC east of the city and continue to gather the resources there. Use the soldiers to do the same for the west side of the city up until eastern gate of the Han Army base at the river ford. Note: There is a relic at the eastern peasant village, collect it and bring it to the city's monastery located on the west side of the city.
Admiral Chen and Han Navy will constantly patrol the lake and attack the city by water. Constantly build Galleons and clear the path for the transport ships. Lou Chuans will help with destroying towers. Also, as the enemies cannot build any new buildings, destroy their Docks to make things slightly easier. But, Admiral Chen has a few Fortified Towers that have a range as high as a Trebuchet and an attack level that can kill ships with one arrow, so the docks around those areas will not be able to be destroyed without heavy losses, and those areas should be avoided. These towers are located (1) to the north west of the lake, south east of Admiral Chen's base; (2) east of the lake, south of the pirate base; and (3) east of the Han Army base.
Eventually, pay 2,000 gold to the Pirates for an alliance when that opportunity opens, or just destroy them if that's easier, but it is better to just pay, as they distract the enemy.
After the second shipment and in preparation for the third, find the northern Chinese Peasant village. There, the player will be able to buy Dragon Ships for 70 gold each. Add them to the armada, as they are very strong and better than regular Castle Age Fire Ships (and the Chinese cannot create Fast Fire Ships). Be alert that the path of the third shipment takes it near a Fortified Tower with extremely long range and enough attack power to destroy it in a single shot- as this means it will be more than capable of sinking the player's own ships as well, it will be necessary to sacrifice a part of the fleet to create a distraction long enough for the shipment to pass by it safely.
Time management is key. Death of the transport ships will result in defeat. Saving at intervals of the scenario is highly advised.
Construct additional towers and bombard towers around the base. After all the shipments have arrived, bring as many villagers as possible to construct the Temple of Heaven. The player should have a large enough navy and army to protect the city. All Han forces (inc. Admiral Chen) will launch an 'all out' assault on the city. Defend the city until the Temple is completed.
In this strategy, the player is under time pressure, and MUST clear the way for the Transport Ships in time or lose. Saving the game before each Transport Ship appears is strongly recommended.
Achievement[]
To earn the "Smoke on the Water" achievement, the player has to purchase 20 Dragon Ships and possess them at the same time. That is, the achievement is not earned if the player purchases 20 Dragon Ships in total, but some get destroyed.
Outro[]
Although vastly outnumbered by the large Han tower ships, the smaller and more maneuverable Ming vessels were better suited for the shallow water. During the second night of the battle, the Ming launched a surprise attack with fire ships, which devastated many of the Han ships. Thousands of Han soldiers drowned or burned alive.
The Ming victory secured their position as the strongest faction in China. In time, they conquered the Middle Kingdom, ending a century of Mongol domination. The new dynasty ruled China for nearly three centuries, ushering in a great age of prosperity and stability.
Historical information[]
The scenario is based on the Battle of Lake Poyang in 1363 between Zhu Yuanzhang rebel forces and Chen Youliang during the Red Turban Rebellion which brought the end of the Yuan dynasty. Chen besieged Nanchang with a large fleet on Lake Poyang and Zhu engaged with a much smaller fleet. As in the real battle, a small fishing ship managed to slip through the Chen blockade, as depicted by the Fishing boat warning the player of the enemy fleet. Although the scenario ends with Chen being defeated, the battle was less conclusive.
Trivia[]
- As more shipments arrive, corresponding map objects are added around the Temple of Heaven. They are removed once the construction commences.
- The protagonist of this scenario, Zhu Yuanzhang, was the father of the Ming emperor Zhu Di, the primary antagonist in the campaign Le Loi.
Gallery[]
