The Night Falls is the fifth and last scenario of the Vlad Dracula campaign in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. It is based on Vlad's return to Wallachia in 1475, aided by Hungarian forces, and his struggle against Basarab Laiota, the new ruler of Wallachia.
Intro[]
Finally the ancient warrior resumed his tale. "It was a long twelve years. I was alone, waiting here for signs of Dracula's return, but all I ever saw were Turkish marauders ravaging the countryside of this once beautiful land and tormenting the people."
"One thing kept me from despair: the last words I had heard from my lord--that he would return in the end. I repeated these words to myself every day, and promised myself that he would succeed. It was a fool's hope, but it was the best that I had."
"So I endured. Dracula had preserved enough food and water in the castle to last an entire army several years."
"I had begun to think that he would never return, but rumor among the locals told me differently. When I overheard the same as I spied on Turkish patrols, I became more confident. I shuddered at the sight of the land that he would return to."
"One day, I awoke to the thundering of hooves and the frenzied war cries of soldiers pouring down from the Carpathians. It was Dracula, at the head of a Hungarian army, come at last to liberate us from the yoke of the Turks and their Wallachian puppet, Basarab Laiota..."
His distraction past, the ancient warrior resumed his tale. "Those twelve years were the longest of my life. I was alone, watching the countryside from this castle for signs of Dracula's return, but all I saw was time after time when Turk marauders ravaged the countryside of this once beautiful land and tormented the people. By and by I heard word of Dracula's imprisonment in Hungary, and I almost lost hope."
"One thing kept me vigilant and stopped me from falling into despair. It was the last words I had heard from my lord, when he told me he would return, no matter if he had to travel to the depths of darkness and back. I repeated these words to myself every day, and promised myself that he would succeed -- that my lord would return. It was a fool's hope, but it was the best that I had -- or that anybody had for that matter."
"Solitary and forlorn, I endured. In scores of hidden rooms and passages, Dracula had preserved enough food and water to last an entire army several years, no less one man. It was fortunate that you came, for just now were the provisions starting to run out!" he exclaimed. I was curious though. "Tell me of Dracula's return! I am sure that it will put you in a far better mood than you were!"
"Indeed," he answered. "I had thought that he would never return, but my sporadic forays into the local countryside told me differently. Whispers at first, only rumors that I deigned to believe for fear of having my hopes dashed. But when I started hearing the same as I spied on Turk patrols, I was never surer of their truth. However, I shuddered at the sight of the land he would return to -- he would not be pleased at all," he laughed.
"Finally the day came. I awoke to the thundering of hooves and the energetic war cries of heartened soldiers pouring down from the Carpathians. Whatever miracle had occurred, I do not know, but it seemed that Dracula was at the head of Hungarian troops, come to liberate us at last from the yoke of the Turks and their puppet Basarab Laiota..."Scenario instructions[]
Starting conditions[]
- Starting Age:
Castle Age - Starting resources: 3,000 food, 3,000 wood, 3,000 gold, 500 stone
- Population limit: 200
- Starting units:
- 11 Champions
- 7 Halberdiers
- 10 Arbalesters
- 10 Hand Cannoneers
- 2 Capped Rams
- 2 Heavy Scorpions
- 5 Heavy Cavalry Archers
- 5 Knights
- 1 Light Cavalry
- 5 Magyar Huszars
- 1 Monk
- 11
Objectives[]
Main[]
- Win the initial battle against the Ottoman forces.
- Conquer Sabac for Hungary by slaying the Ottoman garrison there.
- Ride to the nearby Wallachian town to take command of it.
- Defeat Basarab Laiota.
- Defeat the Ottoman Empire.
Secondary[]
- Capture Ottoman military camps by destroying the tower in each.
- Tribute 1,000 food to Wallachia so that the craftsman will construct Bombard Cannons for you.
- To hire a Condottiero for 60 gold, click the Italian Barracks. - To hire a Genoese Crossbowman for 50 gold, click the Italian Archery Range.
Main objectives[]
- Dracula must survive.
- Defeat the Turkish Raiders.
- Bring Dracula to the Town Center of the Wallachian town of Campulung (marked on the map)
- Defeat Basarab Laiota.
- Defeat the Ottoman army.
Secondary objectives[]
- Capture the fortress of Sabac by defeating its garrison so that the Hungarians can have a proper base to launch their attacks.
- Bring Dracula to the craftsman at his shop.
- To accept the craftsman's offer and give him 2.000 food and 2.000 gold, select the trade workshop.
- From now on, you may hire Condottieri or Genoese Crossbowmen from the mercenary camp (yellow). To hire a Condottiero click on the barracks. To hire a Genoese Crossbowman, click on the archery range.
Cost:- Condottiero : 60 Gold
- Genoese Crossbowman: 50 Gold
Hints[]
- Vlad Dracula can support a population of 200. As a Hungarian vassal, his technology tree is Magyar once more.
- Capture the Ottoman Army's camps to weaken it considerably.
- The Danube River is valuable not just for fishing but also for the ability to launch naval attacks and control crossings.
- Bombard Cannons are powerful. Dracula cannot initially build any, but there is a local craftsman who can...
- Italian Condottieri and Genoese Crossbowmen are quite effective against the elite enemy forces. Acquire some if you can.
- The military strenght of the Turkish Raiders is in their many camps. Their production will decrease with each one you raze
- Dracula's capture if the fortress of Sabac will give Hungary a much larger and stronger base to aid you from.
- Controlling the Danube River will prove beneficial not only for its large population of fish but also for the ability to lauch naval attacks on the enemy. At the very least, guard the many bridges, fords, and other crossings.
- To destroy the cities of both Basarab and the Turks, you will need heavy siege equipment and well-equipped troops. Initially you will have neither, but with the help of some of the locals you might overcome this disadvantage...
- Vlad Dracula is limited to the Castle Age.
Scouts[]
- Vlad Dracula (1, Red) initially commands a Hungarian camp and a small force on the Danube River.
- The Ottoman Army (4, Blue) poses an early threat, mounting attacks from several camps south of the Danube. They will train Skirmishers, Knights, Spearmen, and siege units.
- Hungary (2, Green) is your strongest ally, and will support you with heavy cavalry and siege units if they can acquire a base.
- Guarded by a token force, the valuable Turkish fortress of Sabac (3, Grey) lies in the center of the map.
- A small Wallachian town (7, Yellow) in the northwest is eager to help Dracula reclaim the throne.
- The puppet Basarab Laiota (6, Cyan) controls a few cities and fortresses northwest of Targoviste. His army consists of Spearmen and Skirmishers led by Boyars.
- The greatest threat by far is from the Ottoman Empire (5, Purple) which is firmly entrenched in Targoviste. Its army includes Janissaries, Hussars, siege units, and Monks.
- A band of Italian mercenaries (8, Orange) is rumored to have arrived in Wallachia. Perhaps they will help you...
- Dracula begins the scenario in a Hungarian camp on the Danube River, which he must defend from early Ottomans attacks.
- The Ottoman Raiders ( Purple) pose a threat early on, mounting attacks from several camps on the southern side of the Danube. They will train archers, knights, spearmen, and siege in their attemps to destroy your camp.
- Hungary (Green) is your strongest ally, and will support you with armies with a core of heavy cavalry and siege if you can hold off the Turks and establish a foothold in Wallachia.
- Guarded by a token force, the Turkish fortress of Sabac (Purple) lies on the Danube and is covered by Hungary.
- Wallachia (Grey) is tired of a decade of oppression under the Turkish yoke and is eager to help Dracula reclaim the throne.
- The usurper and Turkish puppet Basarab Laiota (Cyan) controls the main Wallachian cities and fortresses northwest of Targoviste, but has little support from the populace and therefore can only field a weak army. The core of his army is the many Boyars who supported his rise to power.
- The greatest threat by far is from the Ottoman Army (Purple), firmly entrenched in Targoviste. Their army is mobilized in its full might and prepared for all-out war, boosting droves of Janissaries, Sipahis, siege, and Muslim priests in addition to the standard levy of infantry and archers.
- Italians mercenaries (Yellow) are rumored to have set up a camp in Wallachia. Perhaps they will help you...
Players[]
Player[]
- Vlad Dracula ( Magyars): The player starts with a massive army that immediately starts a skirmish with the Ottoman Army.
Allies[]
- Hungary ( Magyars): Consists of the walls to the player's starting position. Once the town of Sabac is conquered, it will also belong to the green player.
- Sabac ( Turks): The town of Sabac is currently controlled by units of the Ottoman Empire. The player must defeat the garrison after defeating the Army. Once the player kills the Ottoman Empire forces inside Sabac, Sabac will turn over to Hungary.
- Italian Mercenaries ( Italians): Found to northeast of the gray player's position, this player can be tributed with gold, in order to provide Condottieri and Genoese Crossbowmen to the player.
- Wallachia ( Slavs): Consists of a small town and a craftsman by the river. As soon as the Army and Sabac Forces are defeated, the town will belong to the player. The craftsman will start building Bombard Cannons for the player for 1,000 food.
Enemies[]
- Ottoman Army ( Turks): The first enemy to be encountered in this scenario, they have four bases under their control, that must be destroyed in order to proceed with the rest of the enemies. Beware: once defeated, the player's resources are taken away.
- Ottoman Empire ( Turks): Their base is found on the easternmost part of the map. They are one of the two final enemies that must be destroyed to win. They will train a powerful army of Janissaries, Cavalry Archers, Hussars, Bombard Cannons, Monks and Trebuchets. They will also have a huge army in Sabac that the player must defeat. Once the Turks in Sabac are defeated, then Sabac will belong to Hungary.
- Basarab Laiota ( Slavs): Their base is found just to the west of the Ottoman Army's base. Their army of rams, Boyars, infantry, and Skirmishers can complement well the Ottomans' lighter cavalry. They will also train ships to control the river.
Dialogue[]
After defeating the enemy band:
Hungary: Dracula, drive these Turkish invaders off and retake the fortress of Sabac!
After defeating the garrison of Sabac:
Dracula: The Hungarian border is safe from the Turks. To Wallachia!
When entering the town of Wallachia:
Dracula: Arise, brothers, and help me overthrow the usurper Basarab Laiota!
Ottoman Empire: You have stirred the wrath of the great Ottoman Empire for the last time. Now you will pay with your life!
Ottoman Empire: My puppet Laiota has orders to take you alive, Kaziglu Bey. An oak stake awaits you in Istanbul!
When approaching Italian Mercenaries:
Condottiero: Hail, friend! Some of the finest warriors in all of Europe are for hire here! Tuscan Condottieri or Balestrieri from Genoa!
When approaching the Craftsman to the east of the town of Wallachia:
Craftsman: Vlad Dracula's men! We are only humble craftsmen, but if you protect and feed us, we will construct cannons for you!
After tributing 1,000 food to Wallachia:
Craftsman: You are beyond generous, Lord Dracula. We will begin our work immediately!
Craftsman: A bombard cannon is ready. The enemy will tremble at the sight of it!
When approaching Poenari Castle:
Dracula: So, this is what is left of my once great castle. A curse upon my enemies!
When Basarab Laiota is defeated:
Wallachian Soldier: The traitor Basarab Laiota is dead!
When Ottoman Empire is defeated:
Wallachian Soldier: The Turkish invaders have been pushed back once and for all!
Strategy[]
The strategy is similar to the HD strategy. However, the player starts with a regular amount of resources. When fighting the Ottoman Army, the player has to target the towers in their camp. The camp will turn over to the player once the tower is razed.
After the blue Turks are defeated, the player has to defeat Sabac next, unlike in the HD Edition, where defeating Sabac is optional. As the army has many Camels, Janissaries, and Heavy Cavalry Archers, it is important to train Skirmishers and Pikemen to counter them. Once they are gone, Wallachia will belong to the player, and the player should start building up immediately.
The scenario is easier than in the HD Edition, because the player is allowed to go to the Imperial Age, and the two enemy players will train less units, but they are still deadly enough. The craftsman will offer the player one free Bombard Cannon every 5 minutes for a one-time 1,000 food tribute. It is important to accept the offer, as the enemy towns are almost difficult to breach and, even taking the 30% tribute fee into account, the tribute will pay for itself after the third Bombard Cannon is created. The player should research Siege Engineers to increase Bombard Cannons' range and attack against buildings.
The player should also make use of the area by the former Ottoman Army camps. Should the enemies overrun the Wallachian base, the player can retreat there as backup.
Controlling the river is important, not only for the amount of fish there, but the player can also launch river attacks. Since the player has access to the Imperial Age, a number of Cannon Galleons will be enough to level the Ottoman Empire's castle, making them far less deadly.
Note: in the Definitive Edition, the "Fire with Fire" achievement can be earned by amassing 10 Condottieri, 10 Genoese Crossbowmen, and 10 Bombard Cannons.
Alternative Strategy[]
Once the player has liberated Sabac, the player can alternatively convert a Wallachian villager with a Monk. Wallachia will only hand over control of their town to the player if a military unit passes close enough to the Town Center. As a Monk will not trigger this event, this method can be used to advance to the Imperial Age without competition. Once diplomatic stance is set to neutral, the player should target the northmost villager, as the other villagers will shelter in the Town Center and/or Towers. Once a villager has been converted, the player has a wide variety of options to complete this scenario. The player is able to boom and start the second phase normally once the player feels comfortable enough, the player can build several Transport Ships to ferry their military around the blocking rocks, or the player can cripple the enemy enough to attempt to acquire the Fire with Fire achievement.
The player begins with a base camp in Hungary, to the west. The immediate goal is to campaign along the southwest corridor of the map, sweeping out the Turkish Raiders (purple). They have four small bases along a river, ending with a seaside port. Fortunately, the player starts off with insane amounts of resources, so they should train an unending stream of Knights, Crossbowmen or Cavalry Archers, and Swordsmen or Pikemen. One monk is supplied, and can be used to heal up wounded troops in the back, particularly the starting Imperial Age forces which cannot be easily replaced.
Before defeating the Raiders, however, the player should use their allotted resources to research armor and weapon upgrades at the Blacksmith, Barracks, Archery Range, and Stable too. As soon as the Raiders are defeated, the player's resources are taken away, leaving them with the troops they have trained, so players should also make sure to max out their population limit.
Dracula will now be told to move to gray's town center, where the player will be given a permanent base. Before moving him there, however, it is recommended to place a large army outside of the remaining purple town halfway along the path - the one that can be seen across the river but to which troops are not yet allowed to be moved. As soon as Dracula and perhaps some escorts arrive at the new (grey) base and it is turned over to the player, one can now attack the previously mentioned purple base—defeating the purple garrison there will cede that whole town to Hungary (green), which will make green a much more formidable ally in the battles to come. On Hard difficulty, quickly capturing this town for green is likely to be essential. Fortunately there is adequate time for the army to secure this city and then move to the player's new base before the enemy begins attacking in earnest, provided the player attacks immediately.
Hold off on crossing the bridge to attack cyan and purple. Instead, the player should build up their base and resources, as well as reinforcing green's nearby base. Walling up the town with a couple gates, and in particular walling the river crossing just south of town so that enemy troops cannot wander around the friendly sections of the map nor reach the Hungarian ally's base, is a cheap early way to maintain control of the situation. Although space is tight, there are several places castles can be built either by deleting some of the initial palisade walls, or one of the southeastern farms, or by sawing down some straggler trees on the hills - channeling the enemy through chokepoints covered by castles can help in keeping the enemies at by while the player builds up an economy.
The player has optional objectives, which they would be highly obliged to take: the nearby craftsman (a gray Teutonic Knight) offers a great deal for the player (Imperial Age upgrades for 2,000 food and gold, making the Castle Age limit a moot point; in the Definitive Edition, the player can research Imperial Age at a Town Center and the craftsman periodically constructs Bombard Cannons for a one-time tribute of 1,000 food), and Italian mercenaries (yellow, to the player's northeast) offers Genoese Crossbowmen and Condottieri for gold (clicking on the Archery Range and Barracks, respectively). It's advised to build up to the max population limit (200) before buying Italian mercenaries, so as to have a larger assault force.
Cyan and purple by now will have been hammering away at both the player and Hungary (in some cases, triggers will not trip - by not crossing the bridge, cyan and purple may not attack), so when the player is ready, it is time to counter-attack. Cyan's base is straight across the river, guarded by towers and has plenty of cavalry. Using Trebuchets from the craftsman lets the player take down towers and castles. Genoese Crossbowmen can act as overwatch, and cavalry or infantry can be used to screen and destroy.
Purple is directly east of cyan's main base (cyan has a smaller fort just north of orange, destroying it will finish them off). Once again, towers (including a Bombard Tower) will be standing in the player's way, with a Castle on the other side of the river. Defeating purple and cyan will end the scenario.Outro[]
"Dracula achieved victory at last and the invaders fled before him. Rallying his men, he charged the enemy ranks with an unspeakable vengeance that emboldened his army. A decisive victory was near, but it was at that hour that Dracula's luck ran out."
"A volley of arrows whistled through the air and struck Dracula in the chest, knocking him from his horse. The Turks easily routed our leaderless forces and our chance to drive them out vanished. The occupation resumed and the survivors despaired."
The memory of a great man endures forever. As a token of gratitude, I invited our host to join us in a pilgrimage to the monastery at Snagov to pay our respects to Dracula's grave. Tears running down his face, the elderly man could do naught but nod in reply.
"Dracula achieved his victory at last, and drove the invaders fleeing before him. Gathering his men for a final battle against the Turks, he charged the enemy ranks with an unspeakable vengeance that emanated from his figure and emboldened his army. Total and utter victory was near, but it was that hour when Dracula's luck ran out," our host said with a sigh.
"A stray arrow flew through the air, and as if it had eyes, found its target and pierced Dracula through his courageous heart. Leaderless, our forces were routed and our chance to drive out the Turks was lost. Despair set in as things returned to the way they were, and the unlucky ones who remained saw hope vanish," the old man concluded emptily. But I thought that perhaps there was something I could do for the vicarious patriarch.
"Your faithful retelling assures that the memory of your lord will find eternity," I said kindly. "Perhaps there is something I can do for you in return. The road down from the castle is now clear -- would you join us on our journey? We mean to visit the monastery at Snagov to pay our respects to Dracula's grave." The elderly man nodded in reply. "Before we set off, might I ask your name?" I added. "Istvan," he said with a smile.Trivia[]
- In the original outro, the old man who relates the story to the unnamed narrator is named as Istvan. This may be a reference to Istvan Bathory (known as Stephen Bathory V in the west), who indeed fought alongside Vlad Dracula in the campaign against Basarab Laiota and succeeded Dracula as voivode of Transylvania after Dracula's death.
- If the player sends a military unit to the Poenari Castle located at the extreme north of the map (after getting through the mines and trees blocking the path), Dracula laments at the castle's derelict condition and a single Champion is spawned from it under the player's control, likely indicating a survivor not unlike the campaign narrator himself.
