Skylords Reborn

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Description

This module stores all data about the currently existing playable maps in alphabetical order. Whenever map changes occur this module needs to be updated respectively.

Syntax

All maps' data is stored in a standardized way as shown below.

    ["map name"] = {
        type = ,
        map_names = {"", "", ""},
        min_players = ,
        starting_positions = ,
        chest_positions = ,
        quest_positions = {},
        difficulties = ,
        campaign_name = "",
        prerequisites = "",
        unlocks = "",
        setup_description = "",
        mission_briefing_description = "",
        loading_screen_text = "",
        plot2 = "",
        conclusion1 = "",
        conclusion2 = "",
        spectator_map_available = ,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = n(max),
                ranking_time = "",
                ranking_players = {"", ""},
                ranking_date = "",
                ranking_difficulty = ""
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "",
                ranking_players = {"", ""},
                ranking_date = "",
                ranking_difficulty = ""
            }
        }
    },
Parameter and Syntax Explanation
Parameter Explanation / Usage Notes Omissible Accepted Input
["<map name>"] Full name of the map. False
  • <Custom text>
type Matchmaking type. False
  • "PvE"
  • "PvP"
map_names Enter the map tab names if scenario consists of multiple maps. Only mandatory for 12 player maps
  • Currently only applicable for 12-player scenarios.
    • {"<map name>", "<map name>", "<map name>"},
min_players Minimum number of players requiered to sucessfully play the map. False
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • For 12-player scenarios use the following syntax:
    • {<map 1 value>, <map 2 value>, <map 3 value>},
starting_positions Coordinates of starting positions. First entry represents player 1, second entry player 2, and so on. The number of entries is used to determine the maximum amount of starting players on this map. False
  • The location is given by inputting coordinates representaing percentages of the minimap image in the following format:
    • {<% of x-axis>,<% of y-axis>},
  • If it is a multiplayer map, use a table instead:
    • {<set of coordinates>, ..., <set of coordinates>},
    • For multi-map scenarios, put these tables of each map again into a table.
chest_positions Coordinates of gold chest positions. The number of entries is used to determine the maximum amount of obtainable chests on this map. False
  • The location is given by inputting coordinates representaing percentages of the minimap image in the following format:
    • {<% of x-axis>,<% of y-axis>},
  • If it is a multiplayer map, use a table instead:
    • {<set of coordinates 1>, ..., <set of coordinates n>},
    • For multi-map scenarios, put these tables of each map again into a table.
quest_positions Coordinates of quest goal positions. True
  • Each goal has to be organized in a table as shown below:
    • {letter="<letter>", <% of x-axis>,<% of y-axis>, "<custom tooltip text>"},
    • All letters from A - Z are available.
      • When no letter parameter is given, the goal icon will be empty.
    • An alternate custom tooltip can be specified that will be displayed upon hovering over the goal.
  • All goals of a map have to be organized in a table aswell:
    • {<goal 1>, ..., <goal n>},
    • For multi-map scenarios, put these tables of each map again into a table.
difficulties Available difficulties for the scenario. Only mandatory for PvE
  • {standard = <boolean>, advanced = <boolean>, expert = <boolean>},
    • If available: true
    • If not available: false
campaign_name Name of the campaign story of which the scenario is part. True
  • "<campaign story name>"
prerequisites Names of scenarios that need to be unlocked first to play this scenario. True
  • "<scenario name>"
    • If it is more than one, use a table instead:
    • {"<scenario name 1>", ..., "<scenario name n>"},
unlocks Names of scenarios that will be unlocked by winning this scenario. True
  • "<scenario name>"
    • If it is more than one, use a table instead:
    • {"<scenario name 1>", ..., "<scenario name n>"},
setup_description Description of the PvE scenario shown in the Setup Window. Only required for PvE
  • "<Custom text>"
    • Use <br> for a line break.
    • May contain template styling and links.
mission_briefing_description Description of the map shown in the Mission Briefing Window. False
  • "<Custom text>"
    • Use <br> for a line break.
loading_screen_text Text shown during loading screen of the scenario. If the scenario has a story book entry, this text is identical with the first part of the plot there. A respective audio file does then always exist. Only required for PvE
  • "<Custom text>"
    • Use <br> for a line break, twice for a new paragraph or page break.
    • Use and for quotation marks.
plot2 Second plot text of the scenario which is displayed in the story book. Does not exist for all scenarios. Only applicable for some PvE scenarios
  • "<Custom text>"
    • Use <br> for a line break, twice for a new paragraph or page break.
    • Use and for quotation marks.
  • nil, if it does not exist.
conclusion1 First conclusion text of the scenario which is displayed in the story book. A respective audio file does always exist. Only required for PvE
  • "<Custom text>"
    • Use <br> for a line break, twice for a new paragraph or page break.
    • Use and for quotation marks.
  • nil, if it does not exist.
conclusion2 Second conclusion text of the scenario which is displayed in the story book. Does not exist for all scenarios. Only applicable for some PvE scenarios
  • "<Custom text>"
    • Use <br> for a line break, twice for a new paragraph or page break.
    • Use and for quotation marks.
  • nil, if it does not exist.
spectator_map_available Availability of an official spectator map. False
  • If available: true
  • If not available: false
Ranking related parameters (This block repeats as many times as there are filterable rankings for the map.)
ranking_numberplayers Ranking category based on the maximum number of players in which this time is the fastest. Only required for PvE
  • Only list rankings that are applicable based on the maximum number of starting players of this map.
    • 12
    • 11
    • ...
    • 2
    • 1
ranking_time Time in which the scenario was won. Only required for PvE
  • "<mm:ss.ds>"
ranking_players Names of players that achieved the time. Only required for PvE
  • List the names alphabetically from left to right in a table:
    • {"<player name 1>", ..., "<player name n>"},
ranking_date Date when the time was achieved. Only required for PvE
  • "<month year>"
ranking_difficulty Difficulty at which this time was achieved. Only required for PvE
  • Usually the highest available difficulty:
    • "Standard"
    • "Advanced"
    • "Expert"

See also


-- Future Todo: Community Maps, Battlegrounds

return {
 -- Official 1 Player PvE Scenarios
    ["Behind Enemy Lines"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {51, 26},
        chest_positions = {{44, 80}, {14, 9}, {11, 77}, {76, 13}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = false, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Twilight Taint",
        prerequisites = "The Soultree",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "A new religion is infecting its followers with the Twilight. Interrupt the transformation of the Twilight disciples before they turn into monsters.",
        mission_briefing_description = "There is a new Twilight cult that willingly infects its followers with the Twilight curse with the goal to transform them into powerful creatures. Stop the cult disciples from infecting themselves by disrupting and destroying the Twilight infestations.",
        loading_screen_text = "Of course there were those who believed the Twilight represented a new ordering of things. Fools who claimed the only chance of survival was to embrace it, formed cults, the largest naming itself the Twilight Church. Intent on snatching their share of the future, ministers began to infect their followers with the curse, experimenting with the process of transformation.",
        plot2 = nil,
        conclusion1 = "The first encounter with the Twilight Church proved the start of a thread destined to unravel a tapestry of corruption. From the first infection sites spread a terrible net of infestations. They spanned the north regions of Shrike up to the Lyrish border. But still, the leaders of the Church remained unseen.",
        conclusion2 = nil,
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "11:11.5",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "February 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    }, 
    ["Defending Hope"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {46, 47},
        chest_positions = {{52, 82}, {49, 25}, {10, 82}, {83, 9}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Curse",
        prerequisites = "Siege of Hope",
        unlocks = "The Soultree",
        setup_description = "Defend the city Hope against a massive Twilight attack.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The Skylords are gathering the mortals in the city Hope. The Twilight has picked up their scent and is closing in on all sides. Defend the town and the two soulstones, powerful and important relics.",
        loading_screen_text = "Viridya led the mortals to the City called Hope not only because it was a powerful symbol of rebirth, but because it was home to the two soulstones; mighty shrines created by mortals ages past in remembrance of the Giant War. Within them was said to slumber the wrath of a million spirits. Viridya hoped they would wake when the time was right.",
        plot2 = "Viridya watched them stream into the city. A trail of humans, winterling elves, even some kobolds, the mortal peoples of the north. All had found their way here, shepherded by the Skylords. The cursed ones would not be far behind, it was just a matter of getting enough of them here to make her plan work.<br><br>Viridya found her thoughts returning to the mortal, Rogan Kayle. His group was still missing. She would need to guide him and already knew which of the Skylords she would ask to stay behind and mount the first part of the defense. Not all had the resolve to defy Brannoc’s orders and not all would be able to act swiftly enough to make her plan work. Viridya would have prayed, were there any gods left to hear her.",
        conclusion1 = "The soulstones had awakened, just as Viridya had hoped. But, though the stones’ fury had brought victory, they had been unable to destroy the infection completely. The curse was vast, it gripped the entire world and one did not have to be wise to know a far greater power was needed if the mortal realm was to be cleansed. Though the struggle for Hope was over, a new one began in Viridya's soul.",
        conclusion2 = "Viridya trembled with both triumph and frustration. The trap had worked, but as the soulstones’ light subsided she saw how little had been achieved.<br><br>Something far more potent was needed if the curse was to be wiped from the land. With Brannoc absent searching for the gods and the Skylords divided, she felt doubt slide like a cold breeze through her heart. It was up to her. For a moment she considered telling the others the truth, but this would simply complicate matters. Viridya knew she needed to become more in order to finally be herself. And now she knew how.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "20:34.9",
                ranking_players = "RadicalX",
                ranking_date = "June 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Encounters with Twilight"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {16, 11},
        chest_positions = {{36, 9}, {75, 65}, {64, 26}, {60, 64}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Curse",
        prerequisites = "None",
        unlocks = "Siege of Hope",
        setup_description = "Aid Rogan Kayle and a ragtag band of human refugees in their clash with an unknown evil.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The Twilight has passed. The humans are returning to the surface and meet an unknown evil, a strange curse that seems to befall man and beast alike. As the mercenary Rogan Kayle calls up to the Skylords for help, you hear his plea.",
        loading_screen_text = "The sun’s death lasted only a year, but it changed the world. When mortals returned to the surface they found a strange curse had fallen upon those who had remained. They were now vile and twisted abominations, creatures who knew only hate and madness.<br><br>For Rogan Kayle and a group of human refugees the long journey home had become a terrifying battle for survival as they emerged into a world forever changed.",
        plot2 = "Rogan Kayle had never been a man of prayer but as he stumbled through the twisted land he had once called home he knew that might change.<br><br>Dropping heavily against a mossy boulder, his eyes feverishly scanned the rocky landscape for his pursuers. They were nowhere to be seen, but Rogan knew they were close. Once noble Windweavers, elven rangers of Wildheart forest, they were now abominations who simply hungered for his flesh. Ahead in the distance he could hear the screams other refugees and roars of something big, possibly another giant hunting for sport. Rogan pushed himself back to his feet, knowing his pursuers would be upon him at any moment. But as he prepared to run he found he could not move. There was no place to turn anymore. This land did not belong to humans, surely all was lost. His gaze fell on one of the old mossy stones. It formed part of an old monument, a relic created by the long-lost Amii.<br><br>To what end, Rogan did not know, maybe worship of the gods. Hadn’t they, with the Skylords, once defeated the giants? Where were they now? Would they let the world end this way?<br><br>With sudden fury Rogan hurled his sword at the encrusted monument. As thesteel clattered off the massive stone, it tore away some moss. For a moment all was quiet, even the wind seemed to hold its breath. Then, a faint glimmer of light built at the tip of the ancient stone. It grew in power and spread downwards, peeling off emerald moss to reveal intricate glyphs carved deep into the stonework. Terrified, Rogan dropped to his knees. With no hope left to light his way, no path out of the darkness, his lips began to move. He prayed to any god who would listen. And he was answered.",
        conclusion1 = "Before The Twilight Wars, Rogan Kayle thought himself a simple man with simple needs. It was only the attention of a Skylord that thrust him onto fate’s path. Yet while Rogan began life as neither wise or noble, the spark of greatness was within him.<br><br>The Skylord Viridya sensed this and – against her absent father’s express wishes – urged other Skylords to aid her in creating a symbol of hope for the mortals. Some answered her call. Rogan showed mortals if you were willing to stand up and fight for your home, the Skylords would aid your cause.<br><br>Eternal glory or total damnation awaited the former thief, a fact history shows he became increasingly aware of.",
        conclusion2 = "Rogan pushed his group hard, afraid of being asked what was going to happen at the city called Hope. If the curse was there too then where could they truly call home? Heavy armor chafed his sweating body but Rogan tried to ignore the pain as his mind raced, desperately trying to come up with a plan.  The old sun’s death had heralded not only the freezing twilight, but also a terrible curse. It had corrupted the creatures that had stayed on the surface during the twilight.<br><br>Now, with giants hunting them,the humans had been driven straight into the fangs of a new threat . Maybe, Rogan mused, urging the other northlanders along, someone at Hope knew of a safe haven.<br><br>Part of him wanted to disappear into the night, escape the role of leader thrust so suddenly upon him. But then what? Rogan lowered his head and picked up the pace, they had to reach Hope in time. His men glanced at one another, wondering what kind of man their new leader would prove to be.<br><br>As the Rogan and his men departed, Viridya’s image descended onto the burial hill where the Wrathgazer had fallen.<br><br>She knew why she had come. It was here the girl had been buried so many generations before.<br><br>Viridya could still feel the faint echo of her presence lingering between the old roots. The Skylord Viridya touched a ghostly hand to the scorched ground. Time would tell if she could bear a legacy she had not asked for.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "10:14.2",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "June 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Introduction"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {57, 11},
        chest_positions = {60, 41},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = false, expert = false},
        campaign_name = nil,
        prerequisites = "None",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "An introduction into playing BattleForge.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The Skylord Moon will guide you through your first mission.",
        loading_screen_text = "The Skylord Moon will guide you through your first mission.",
        plot2 = nil,
        conclusion1 = nil,
        conclusion2 = nil,
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "12:59.8",
                ranking_players = {"Lekurma"},
                ranking_date = "June 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Standard"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Mo"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {10, 10},
        chest_positions = {{40, 83}, {28, 41}, {71, 55}, {72, 11}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Search for Twinaxe",
        prerequisites = "The Treasure Fleet",
        unlocks = "Ocean",
        setup_description = "Guide the Juggernaut, Mo in his search for his friend, Twinaxe.",
        mission_briefing_description = "You will control the White Juggernaut, Mo. Guide him on his search for his friend, Twinaxe, and keep him alive. Dodge Banzai Birds and lower bandit morale by destroying their patrols, lieutenants and gun positions. Taking out their Command Walker will break their morale.",
        loading_screen_text = "Call me Mo.<br>I‘m not what you'd call a people person; being smart and 30 feet high doesn’t seem to fit into the natural order of things, especially among my own kind. As for everyone else, they’re generally terrified of me or convinced I should be hunted. Not exactly a balanced life. But when you’re good at breaking things, you kind of get along with orcs. In my case one particular orc, calls himself Twinaxe. Only real friend I ever had. We had some good years; adventuring, plundering, wrecking a city or two. Happy times. But I lost track of him during The Twilight Wars.I heard he was with the Red King's guard on one of those massive treasure ships. Figure if I find them, I find him. So that's what I’ll go do.<br>Anything or anyone in my way is now officially out of luck.",
        plot2 = "Let's look back a few weeks to when the mortals emerged back to the surface, pursued by the angry giants...<br><br>The Twilight’s vile glow had faded somewhat in the new sun’s light yet it had not left the sky entirely.<br><br>“Sorry,” mumbled Mo, the White Juggernaut lifting his foot off the crushed wooden cart. Seconds before it had contained a refugee family's belongings. Now the precious cargo was no more, ground into little more than dust. He ignored the furious cursing of the humans as he scanned the crowd, searching. Once the fleeing mortals had realised Mo meant them no harm, their curiosity had quickly faded as grim reality asserted itself. Mo snorted, amused these tiny beings could so quickly find him irritating rather than terrifying.<br><br>“Excuse me, creature,” shouted a stout voice behind him. “Would you be so good as to move your… er… rather massive behind out of the way? We flee an enemy intent upon our total destruction.”<br>Mo turned to look down at a man clad in steel. A large group of refugees was piling up behind the impressive warrior in a bid to escape the underground caverns.<br>“Have at it, knight,” Mo boomed, stepping aside. “I have no quarrel with your kind today.”<br>The knight nodded then motioned to the refugees. Terrified people began to push past Mo’s huge legs, a few reached out bravely to brush his leathery skin. Suddenly a familiar gleam of red leather caught Mo’s eye. He reached down and plucked an orc from the stream of refugees.<br><br>He held the struggling warrior close to his red-glowing, rather short sighted eyes.<br>“Bambi,” Mo rumbled.<br>“Bomber!” the orc corrected, in a quavering voice.<br>“Seen Twinaxe?”<br>The orc stopped struggling and squinted.<br>“He was commanded to load those landships. Special cargo for the Red King, not seen him since.”<br>“The treasure ships, eh?” Mo remembered Twinaxe waking him, full of talk about the Red King’s plan to steal the giants’ gold. The fool had thought helping the greedy human would bag him a load of gold. Mo had wanted nothing to do with the foolish scheme.<br><br>Twinaxe must have joined the Red King’s men anyway and helped them load the landships. Probably thought it a smart career move, the silly bastard.<br>Mo absently tossed Bomber over his shoulder and growled in irritation. As Bomber’s scream faded into the distance Mo turned and came to a decision. He would find his friend, save him from himself, so they could get back to the way things were. Otherwise Twinaxe was sure to get himself killed and Mo couldn’t let that happen.<br>Searching for an orc in a world gone mad would normally be an impossible task, but Mo knew he had a chance. His friend gossiped more than a Lyrish fish-wife and was always eager to impress his gargantuan friend. Twinaxe’s loose tongue had spilled both the treasure fleet’s course and eventual destination that night. Mo just hoped his friend hadn’t been wrong.",
        conclusion1 = "Blight. He’s hunted me since I took his eye. I had hoped the Twilight got the cursed wretch. Now he’s back but there’s no sign of Twinaxe. Still, he might be with the slaves taken by the bandits. That’s something. QueekQueek’s offer to help… I know I shouldn’t trust one of Blight's old men, but being cursed to an existence as a flying pig? Well, I couldn't help but root for the little fella. So it’s follow the slaves and maybe walk right into Blight's waiting harpoons or have QueekQueek take me to a safe place. Maybe, in the end, the choice will be made for me.",
        conclusion2 = "As Mo hurtled along the currents of QueekQueek’s spell, he mused on how it wasn’t every day someone was teleported by a talking pig who could fly. Beginning to enjoy the odd sensation, he crossed his hands behind his head and waited for the powerful spell to release him. Mo still wasn’t sure if he could trust QueekQueek, but knowing his course was set somehow relaxed him. Who knew what would happen next, Mo could only try his hardest to find his friend. Twinaxe might not be the sharpest sword in the armory, but he’d always been loyal and to Mo that made him family. Wonder if I can jump all the way to the treasure fleet’s destination this way, he thought, grinning. With a violent jerk, the spell released the White Juggernaut and he tumbled into the unknown.<br><br>High up in the Forge, Moon shook her head. This was certainly a very different proposition from nursing Rogan Kayle’s fledgling kingdom into being. It was more like watching a bunch of village fools merrily dancing along a road of self destruction. As a Ymian she had never really understood the Red King’s people, but they needed someone to rally them and bring hope. If the best man for the job happened to be a creature known as the White Juggernaught, who was she to argue? Moon sighed and, for the first time in a thousand years, strongly desired a drink.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "09:04.3",
                ranking_players = {"Mocaak"},
                ranking_date = "February 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },    
    ["Ocean"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {71, 17},
        chest_positions = {{14, 50}, {71, 73}, {58, 43}, {47, 23}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Search for Twinaxe",
        prerequisites = "Mo",
        unlocks = "Oracle",
        setup_description = "Rescue Mo from Blight's approaching fleet in a race across several small islands.",
        mission_briefing_description = "Mo is trapped in on the northern island and Blight's fleet is already attacking. Use the teleporters or the dropship to move along the islands to save Mo. Explore the sea to uncover valuable help.",
        loading_screen_text = "Typical. The teleportation spell didn’t work as intended. Now I’m trapped on some stupid island on the edge of the world. The stick-waving locals don’t look too friendly either. I shouldn’t have trusted that flying bacon sandwich. At least Blight’s going to have trouble hunting me and QueekQueek. I hate to say it, but I hope those fancy Skylords find a way to get me out of here.",
        plot2 = "Moon searched for Mo, sending her gaze far and wide, but the beast was nowhere within the borders of the Southern Wastes. QueekQueek’s magic was surprisingly strong. Moon was surprised to discover she felt a sliver of worry for the white beast. After a moment’s reflection she convinced herself she only cared for the future of the fire people, not that undignified, ponderous brute. He was probably off causing mayhem somewhere, more a danger to others than anything else. Still, Moon found herself continuing her search.<br><br>The crew of the “Drop Dead Red 5” gaped at the spectacle. The refitted Spitfire had just emerged from the lower cloud layer in search of prey. As a dropship it would usually target slow merchant ships by dropping boarding crews onto their decks after swooping out of nowhere.<br><br>This time the Drop Dead had not pounced on a ship, but a small island that didn’t appear on any map. The light that had drawn them to their supposed quarry had not been a vast lantern, but a glowing pool of lava. What truly drew their eyes was the huge white beast kneeling upon a stone pedestal situated on rocky ground jutting out the middle of the molten pool. He in turn was surrounded by an army of grim men.<br><br>Guns and archers dotted the island and its surrounding rocks. They immediately opened fire on the small dropship which managed to claw back altitude until it was safe once more above the clouds. As the Drop Dead’s wide-eyed captain ignited signal rockets to warn the rest of the squadron off, a shimmering apparition materialized on his quarterdeck. He and his crew stopped their feverish work to stare at the scantily clad woman who stood pointing a delicate finger at him.<br><br>“Captain, I require your help.” Moon said in her most demi-godessy voice.",
        conclusion1 = "So QueekQueek hungers for treasure not revenge, huh? Well, if searching for the Treasure Fleet means searching for Twinaxe I’m game. I can’t trust the pig, though I bet the troops he bribed will come in useful. The army of Stonekin that’s probably also searching for the Treasure Fleet will be hard to overcome, so even hired help’s welcome. I just hope Blight doesn’t catch up too fast, or things will get messy. Wonder where the rest of the fire bunch is, time they started to pull their weight.",
        conclusion2 = "Without warning, Mo found himself unceremoniously spat out of QueekQueek’s spell and deposited roughly in the wastelands. A moment later, QueekQueek’s mercenaries arrived out of the portal behind him. Only when the pig himself floated from the swirling magical vortex did it collapse.<br><br>“I take it you want to follow the route of the Treasure Fleet on foot to look for your friend.” QueekQueek grunted as he hovered closer to Mo.<br><br>“Well then, lead the way,” said the pig.<br><br>Mo scratched the base of his horn. He had to be wary now; no doubt the pig would get rid of him once he had led him to the treasure. Mo just had to hope he found Twinaxe before then so he could make a swift exit and avoid an annoying confrontation. First things first, Mo thought to himself as he marched resolutely deeper into the wasteland, following the path Twinaxe had described to him a month ago.<br><br>Moon wandered the halls of the Forge, lost in thought. If the White Juggernaut managed to find the immense treasure they had been searching so feverishly for, he could end the struggle with the giants and finally bring about peace. She just needed to make sure he made it alive and did the right thing with the treasure once he found it. If Mo could manage that, perhaps he would not make such a bad successor to the Red King after all.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "14:36.7",
                ranking_players = {"Donaar"},
                ranking_date = "October 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },    
    ["Oracle"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {77, 38},
        chest_positions = {{19, 46}, {42, 81}, {62, 10}, {14, 10}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Search for Twinaxe",
        prerequisites = "Ocean",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "Assist Moon in performing as an ancient oracle and make a king.",
        mission_briefing_description = "Moon wants to perform a fake prophecy that will install Mo as the leader of the fire tribes. Recover the sacred stone from the bandits to shape a statue. Then follow Moon's cues to perform some trick magic to convince the fire tribes.",
        loading_screen_text = "There is one really old, powerful legend among the fire tribes that speaks of the Crimson Oracle. It is said to be a fiery spirit that prophesizes the coming of the next ruler of the fire people. This is a load of Moloch droppings of course, this Oracle is a fake created by corrupt priests using tricks of every kind. But you know the fire people, they're a fun bunch but don't have the sharpest minds so tend to believe any prophecy as long as there's a good show involved.<br>Had I known what that Skylord Moon had in store for me, I would have crashed her pretty party, my word on it. But I was off being chased by a bunch of bloodthirsty lunatics so the crafty wench got her way.",
        plot2 = "“Roll, mud brain!” barked Glomf.<br><br>Mollo pulled his gaze away from the majestic glow of Oracle Mountain and reluctantly directed his attention back to the game. The ogre’s broad fingers scooped up the bone dice and sent them clattering across the scarred wooden board...<br><br>“Five-twelve, rat-in-the-trap,” he announced absently.<br><br>Once more he thought of the glorious days of the Red King’s crowing and the delicious mayhem brought by the Twilight; since then the life of a Crimson Oracle priest had become dreadfully uneventful.<br><br>Mollo was not even sure he remembered how to pull off a decent fake prophecy anymore as demand had been abysmal. It was as if the fire tribes had forgotten of their famous Oracle, her presence drowned out by the daily chores of filling their bellies and getting themselves killed.<br><br>Mollo grunted in appreciation as a scantily clad human female materialized nearby. Her clothing reminded him of the Ymian dancers he used to enjoy watching and a broad grin split his face. Mollo had always appreciated a juicy mirage, the only good thing about living in the desert. His expression froze as the mirage fixed him with a steely gaze and marched towards the small group of gambling priests.<br><br>“Gentlemen, listen up!” said Moon. The squatting, dirty, crimson-clad ogre-priests collectively gaped at her. “I have important work for you. Send word to the fire tribes. Today the people will have a prophecy.”<br><br>QueekQueek cursed his fat belly as he ponderously dodged rock formations and dove into crevices in what felt like a vain attempt to shake Blight’s pursuing harpooners. From somewhere behind him, Mo’s angry roars shattered the air. QueekQueek just needed a short moment of respite to teleport them both to safety, but Blight’s blasted gun crews were keeping the air sizzling with grenades, which in turn kept his concentration firmly on simply staying alive. Another heavy cannonball hurtled past and QueekQueek frantically flew into a crack to avoid it. Suddenly, he found himself wedged in the small rock opening, stuck fast and unable to move. Squealing he furiously flapped his little wings in panic, cursing his less then streamlined shape. Suddenly a Raven battleship blotted out the searing wasteland sun above him.<br><br>Blinded by panic, QueekQueek forgot about Mo and the treasure, he only knew he had to live; instinctively he triggered the teleportation spell. With a small pop the air rushed inwards where the pig had been stuck just a second before. Somewhere high above, a gunner cursed loudly.<br><br>As QueekQueek hurled along the magical currents of his escape spell, he searched for a good spot to emerge; he had to go back for Mo. Suddenly the weak magical echoes of the Southern Wastes paled before a new light, it was as if an old and powerful magic was awakening in the land itself. Like a moth attracted to a flame, the pig flew straight for the center of the strange force.<br><br>“We have him!” howled Blight in joy as his harpoon speared Mo’s shoulder.<br><br>The Juggernaut whirled around, yanking the harpoon’s chain from Blight’s hand, while a huge white fist shattered the bow of a nearby Raven ship. The White Juggernaut crouched then hurtled forward like a monstrous cannonball, splitting two ships in half as he passed clean through their hulls like an executioner’s axe. Men and timber flew in all directions.<br><br>Blight cursed and was about to order his crew to come about for another attack run when he saw Umbabwe release a spell. The witch doctor’s magic struck and the White Juggernaut roared in fury as the pure energy walls of a mystic prison closed about him.<br><br>“Excellent work, doctor!” Blight screamed, spittle spraying from his cracked lips.<br><br>Umbabwe grinned at Blight when something in the distance caught his attention. He moved to the ship’s railing and squinted. It was as if the very land was suddenly ablaze with raw magic, streams of force were reaching from a spot on the horizon, connecting with the White Juggernaut even through his mystical prison walls.<br><br>Umbabwe felt something touch the flows of fate and knew that future had just altered in favour of the White One. He whispered the translocation hex, hurling himself along the strange magical currents towards their unknown source. He would not allow another magician to stand in his way.<br><br>“Wait!” Blight screamed at the empty spot Umbabwe had just occupied.<br><br>“How in the Seventeen Hells do I kill him now he’s in your damned finger-wiggler’s prison?!”<br><br>Blight ground his teeth and spun to grab the nearest crewman.<br><br>“Haul the brute to the base. We will bide our time until my pet ogre returns. Then he and I will have a nice little chat.”",
        conclusion1 = "There I was, crowned king of the fire tribes, new keeper of the treasure and all that. Only at the time I was trapped a few hundred miles away in Blight's clutches and about to be slowly poked to death. The Skylords and my new subjects would have to really gather their skirts and get me out, should they not want my coronation and funeral to become a double feature. But that's another story.",
        conclusion2 = "As the fire tribes marched away, cheering, a cockroach finally paused to rest. Its tiny flanks heaved with the stress of having had to dodge countless orc boots and ogre sandals.<br><br>After a moment it scurried up a dusty rock and scanned the landscape. Everything looked very wide and very intimidating from its vantage point.<br><br>“Thrice-cursed through seven hells and back again!” swore QueekQueek, the tiny maw of the cockroach turning his curse into a high-pitched chitter.<br><br>He would not only need to find a potent witch doctor to remove Umbabwe’s last curse, he’d need one prepared to deal with a cockroach. Well, at last he would soon be a rich cockroach if Mo didn’t forget their deal.<br><br>A burst of wind almost knocked him off his six legs. He spun around and saw a huge, black raven that had just landed beside him. The bird cocked its head and eyed him hungrily.<br><br>“Oooh,” QueekQueek chirped as he racked his new and quite inept insect brain for an escape spell. “Nice birdy!”<br><br>It seemed getting rich was not QueekQueeks most pressing concern after all.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "15:29.2",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "April 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },    
    ["Siege of Hope"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {31, 20},
        chest_positions = {{25, 47}, {40, 50}, {67, 69}, {50, 60}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Curse",
        prerequisites = "Encounters with Twilight",
        unlocks = "Defending Hope",
        setup_description = "Break the siege around the first new human city.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The Skylord Viridya has called for your help to free the city of Hope from a siege by creatures that seem to be affected by a strange new disease.",
        loading_screen_text = "As the first battle of The Twilight War loomed, it was clear the mortal races desperately needed aid. The leader of the Skylords, Brannoc, claiming victory could only be achieved by finding the gods, had disappeared months before in what some of his fellow Skylords thought a fool's quest.<br><br>Shepherded by his rebellious daughter, Viridya, mortals, most of them humans of the Northern Lyrish empire, gathered near the city called Hope. She believed there they could both make a new beginning and defend against the twilight creatures. Further disobeying Brannoc, Viridya convinced some of the Skylords to use the Forge to conjure legendary creatures and wonders of old. Moon, his able lieutenant, remained silent in the face of Viridya's plans.",
        plot2 = "From the majestic structure of the Forge, Viridya gazed down at Hope. The humans had built the city after the giants had been driven underground, it was meant to represent a new beginning. While it did not boast the splendour of their old capital, Lyr, it was a strong place.  Viridya felt a memory flutter briefly in her mind’s eye, it belonged to a Viridya who had been human, who had fought beside the gods. She, with many others, had thrust aside all mortal fears to earn victory against the giants. Their reward was the stuff of legend. Had it been a great honor to become an immortal, servant and soldier to the gods, destined to exist forevermore in the Forge of Creation? That time felt like it belonged to someone else.<br><br>But Viridya still felt, still knew the twin stings of anger and frustration as she watched the world below. Now, with the gods gone, perhaps forever, she felt full with the need to act. She felt alive, ready to shed the Skylords’ rules and aid the mortals. This curse had infected her world, the nature she long ago had sworn to protect. She could not remain apart any more, whatever her father might order. Viridya knew she was not the only Skylord to feel this way. Soon the Forge would be used in the manner it was intended.",
        conclusion1 = "While humans celebrated their first victory, Viridya knew any respite would be brief. A cure for the taint was needed should the world have a hope to survive, but the impulsive Skylord was convinced her Father’s quest to find the gods was hopeless. The affliction had spread swiftly and even now grew in power.<br><br>Viridya’s heart was torn as she watched the curse weave its vile taint into Nature itself, upsetting the very balance she had sworn to protect.",
        conclusion2 = "Viridya had travelled the skies and seen the terrible truth.<br><br>The Twilight Curse had spread over all the land. It had crept into the creatures, the plants and was spreading still, even now as the new sun cast its light over scarred lands.<br><br>Watching from the distant realm of the Forge, she felt it like a poison within her. The darkness had lasted but a year, how could this tragedy have taken hold in so short a time? Her father was a fool to order the mortals be neglected. It was their legends that gave the Forge its power, their dreams that gave the Skylords their armies. It was time they received something in return. Viridya would not stand by, not with what she knew, what the age-old vines of nature once had whispered to her. To stop this curse and break free of the terrible truth she bore, Viridya knew she had to become more than she was.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "21:56.2",
                ranking_players = "{{tt|Multiple players|This means multiple players share the same rank 1 time.}}",
                ranking_date = "---",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["The Soultree"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {13, 14},
        chest_positions = {{27, 66}, {82, 81}, {12, 53}, {78, 31}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Curse",
        prerequisites = "Defending Hope",
        unlocks = {"Behind Enemy Lines", "The Treasure Fleet"},
        setup_description = "Viridya’s quest for the cure to the Twilight has reached its final stage as Skylords and Twilight clash in the fight over an ancient and dangerous artifact.",
        mission_briefing_description = "Viridya seeks to protect the Soultree, a powerful Nature artifact, from the clutches of the Twilight. You have to work with the human defenders and hold off the Twilight.",
        loading_screen_text = "Many ages past, in the Elemental Wars, earth created the trees to defend against the wind. But the trees rebelled against their masters and created the power of Nature.<br><br>Viridya had a powerful affinity to Nature and knew this ancient conflict had spawned its most powerful artefact, the mighty Soultree. Within it she hoped to finally find the strength needed to rid the world of the Twilight curse. Moon watched but still did nothing, believing perhaps in the purity of Viridya’s intentions.",
        plot2 = "Legend says the trees were created by the Earth as protectors against the forces of the winds and mists.<br><br>When they broke free of their master, the Earth sent giants to destroy them. Jorne, their king, was said to have taken great pleasure in carrying out his duty. A force of living destruction, he tore trees from the earth and ground their trunks to dust. The seeds of these first trees would eventually spawn new life, but none had the power and soul of their ancestors.<br><br>What the mortals of Lyr called The Soultree was the last known survivor, a fragment of soul that combined both the power and wrath of the first trees. It lived on, bloated with hate for the giants and their minions.<br><br>If the power of this immense force of nature could be freed, it might be powerful enough to clean the world of the curse and banish the Twilight forever. At least this was Viridya’s fervent hope. But the giants also would surely send their Stonekin servants to deny mortals access to this powerful ancient enemy of theirs.",
        conclusion1 = "Viridya had taken the Soultree into herself and merged with its ancient magic. While this granted her power far beyond that of the Forge, the Soultree’s ancient hate also drove Viridya insane.<br><br>Forced into action, Moon petitioned the other Skylords for aid. Their combined power was enough to banish Viridya from the Forge. She fled, no longer a Skylord, instead a distorted creature of fey power. A new enemy to the Twilight had been created though it remained to be seen if she was to be ally or foe to the Skylords.",
        conclusion2 = "The banishing spell left Moon exhausted. Her image dropped to the ground as if suddenly subject to the law of gravity. Though Viridya had fallen too, she had changed. No longer just an image of a Skylord in the Forge, the former apparition was mortal once again .<br><br>But in that beaten and unconscious new body, Moon could sense the terrible might of the Soultree. How easy it would be to bring an end to this new menace now, to slay the Skylord made flesh. But even as her mind reached out for reassurance from the other Skylords, Moon knew she could not carry out such an act. For all the anger Viridya had hurled at Moon, her heart had always been true and fair.<br><br>She had suffered when Nature suffered, felt every tip of the balance, every sin against the circle of life like the blow of an axe. All Viridya wanted was to save her world.<br><br>But as the mortal Viridya lifted her gaze, Moon saw in it not only the deep hate of an ancient soul but also hurt and anger. Before she could utter a word Viridya vanished, leaving only a swirl of mist in her place. Moon knew this was not over.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "09:15.4",
                ranking_players = "RadicalX",
                ranking_date = "June 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },    
    ["The Treasure Fleet"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {25, 31},
        chest_positions = {{27, 68}, {42, 39}, {70, 32}, {52, 52}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Treasure and the King",
        prerequisites = "The Soultree",
        unlocks = "Mo",
        setup_description = "There is a prize that will buy peace for the humans. It only needs to reach its destination ...",
        mission_briefing_description = "Five of the massive gold transports from the giant’s treasure are about to get on their way to the northeast, into human custody. Each wagon travels alone, make sure they reach their target location safely.",
        loading_screen_text = "A group of the Red King’s guard was found dead. With them were several wagons loaded with casks, surely part of the booty their master had stolen. It was unclear if these guardsmen had tried to return the treasure or make their fortune with it. After the first wagonload had proven so valuable in appeasing the giants, these casks had to be handed over to the mortals. But aid would have to be swift, as Twilight-cursed were about to flood the area.",
        plot2 = nil,
        conclusion1 = "The wagons reached the humans intact, but the casks did not carry treasure. Instead, in each there cowered wounded orcs and sun elves, servants of the Red King. Protected by the iron-bound containers they survived that which had killed their saviours.<br><br>So while there was no treasure to give the giants, should the wounded recover, their knowledge would shed light on the fate of the Red King and his misbegotten treasure.",
        conclusion2 = nil,
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "14:49.6",
                ranking_players = {"ducarev"},
                ranking_date = "March 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    
-- Official 2 Player PvE Scenarios
    ["Convoy"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{16, 13}, {78, 12}},
        chest_positions = {{23, 67}, {41, 53}, {37, 39}, {79, 65}, {52, 79}, {72, 41}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Search for Twinaxe",
        prerequisites = "Slave Master",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "Support a convoy of Raven Walkers and break through the ranks of a Stonekin army.",
        mission_briefing_description = "QueekQueek's Raven Walkers will head through the central canyon to destroy the power shrine that blocks your way north. Support them with the Spell Devices in the canyon. Collect charges and control Elemental Crystals to unlock the power of the Spell Devices.",
        loading_screen_text = "I know, my sisters and brothers, we do not normally aid petty thieves and plunderers but helping them find the giant’s treasure does not mean we will let them take it. Let us use QueekQueek’s mercenaries to help the White Juggernaut fulfil his quest. I know he is no fit replacement for the Red King, but should he obtain the treasure things will be different. And the more we help the White Juggernaut now, the more he will listen to us later. Mo and QueekQueek face an army of powerful Stonekin, if we do not aid them both the treasure and the fire people’s future will slip through our fingers.",
        plot2 = "Where the Southern Wastes met the Red Desert harsh sunlight seared the flanks of the Crimson Shard Mountains. Mo thundered past the impressive sight ignorant of the harsh beauty, his mind elsewhere.<br><br>When he had agreed to lead QueekQueek to the treasure in exchange for aid in saving Twinaxe it had seemed a smart idea, but here he was stumbling through a bleak, endless land without much food or water and only the vaguest idea of where to look.<br><br>He paused once more to scan the mountain range for the gate that led to the Red Desert. Mo tried to look relaxed, he had to at least pretend he knew exactly where he going.<br><br>“How far?” asked QueekQueek, as he had done every hour.<br><br>The creature’s skin was soaked in sweat and he was starting to look worryingly tasty to the hungry juggernaut. Mo shook his massive head to rid himself of an appetizing image.<br><br>“We're getting closer,” he said.<br><br>“That’s what you always say,” replied QueekQueek, clearly impatient.<br><br>Mo snorted, it wasn’t every day one was nagged by a flying pig.<br><br>“Yeah, well that’s always the answer.”<br><br>Suddenly the ground began to shake as the walkers QueekQueek's men were riding approached. They had abandoned their damaged battleships, forced instead to use the lumbering constructs to haul their equipment. Mo found the things agonizingly slow as they crawled over the red landscape. With a grunt, he gazed at the mountains once more, trying to remember what Twinaxe had said about the Treasure Fleet's course.<br><br>Mo saw QueekQueek opening his snout to say something no doubt annoying, when his eyes were drawn to something. He waved for the pig to be silent.<br><br>Squinting, Mo could make out grey, hulking shapes moving around the mouth of a small canyon to the north; Stonekin no doubt hunting for the Treasure Fleet. He had been on the right path after all.<br><br>“That way,” said Mo, trying to sound casual as he twitched his horn towards the canyon.<br><br>QueekQueek gave a little squeal of excitement then motioned to his men with a wave of his snout. The convoy of walkers picked up speed and thundered past Mo heading towards the canyon. He let them press forward.<br><br>“Coming, White One?!” shouted one of QueekQueek’s men as he passed.<br><br>“Sure, just getting my breath first.” The man grinned as he disappeared in a haze of dust kicked up by the charge. Truth was Mo had spotted more grey shapes to the east, west and south. In fact, they might be surrounded. The wily juggernaut decided he’d let QueekQueek’s people test the waters before he did anything rash.",
        conclusion1 = "We have done well. The Treasure Fleet is close, soon the White One will lead us to it. With our recent aid Mo can hardly refuse guidance in the future and something tells me there is more to this creature than I first thought. We still need to deal with QueekQueek and Blight. But they can wait. For now.",
        conclusion2 = "Mo ground his teeth; while he had been battling his way across half the world to find his friend, Twinaxe had been on a veritable pleasure cruise with the wounded heading back to Lyr. QueekQueek hovered past him and the wreck, moving towards the craggy spikes that marked the mountain range’s end. A cloud of dust rose behind them like red, steamy breath from a predator’s fangs.<br><br>Mo joined the silent QueekQueek and looked down on the vast stretch of sand that marked the edge of the Red Desert; he saw what had captivated the pig's attention. In the distance he could make out thousands of landships slowly making their way towards the border. With them journeyed an army of creatures who looked to be from the Fire Tribes. The sky above them swarmed with drakes darting in and out the immense dust cloud kicked up by the Treasure Fleet’s passage.<br><br>“Whoa,” said Mo, for once at a loss for words.<br><br>He tried to imagine how much gold the fleet was carrying and was about to give up when something big exploded nearby, showering them both in small rocks.<br><br>Mo and QueekQueek spun around in time to see Blight's fleet rising swiftly from the wastes behind them. As the Raven ships rode the warm updrafts funneled by the mountain range, their rolling broadsides began to hammer walkers that were still trying to get into the canyon or clambering up the mountainsides.<br><br>The dark bulk of The Ravenheart appeared in the fleet’s midst and almost immediately hurtled straight towards Mo and QueekQueek.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "05:43.9",
                ranking_players = {"LEBOVIN", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "February 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "06:44.2",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "June 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Crusade"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{23, 13}, {79, 13}},
        chest_positions = {{27, 55}, {41, 39}, {52, 27}, {54, 51}, {53, 75}, {62, 32}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Search for the Gods",
        prerequisites = "None",
        unlocks = "Sunbridge",
        setup_description = "Defend the search expedition that has found a trace of the missing gods.",
        mission_briefing_description = "Use the old teleporters to reach the human explorers. Defend the humans against the attacks coming from the north. Simultaneously, clear a path to the south, so reinforcements can reach your position.",
        loading_screen_text = "Brannoc, Master of the Forge, said to be both powerful and wise, was the first and only leader of the Skylords installed by the gods. He had forbidden any to involve themselves in mortal struggles, instead ordering all to search for the missing gods.<br><br>History points to the irony that it was not Brannoc’s almighty gaze which found the missing gods’ trail, but the mortals of Lyr. The very same mortals who would have been dead, had all Skylords followed their leader’s command. And even now, creatures cursed with the Twilight taint surrounded them, attracted by the artefact they had discovered.",
        plot2 = "Brannoc found he had returned to his old home once more. The leader of the Skylords walked its borders, sad the building had been shattered by the giants. He stopped between two stone pillars which had marked the doorway. Between them little Viridya had played and Meanen, his beloved wife, had stood to call him to supper. He ran a hand down one of the columns, feeling rough that which had once been smooth.<br><br>His battle with the giants and his invention of Giantsbane, the black powder that fuelled the cannons, had made him Master of the Forge, first among the Skylords. But it had also cost him dearly; his home, his wife and in the end the love of his daughter. And to what end?<br><br>Brannoc’s gaze shifted to the skies; he had to find the gods! He was not alone in his quest, mortals had begun to search as well. Fools! What could their feeble senses hope to uncover? But there was something to them now, a stirring of power that would one day have to be investigated. For now though, more important tasks required his attention.",
        conclusion1 = "The gods had found the fabled portal to the Sunbridge Shrine, one of the world’s most sacred places. Shrouded in magic to shield it from the greed of man and giant, its presence was hidden from even the Skylords.<br><br>Later it was clear the gods must have been horribly weakened, they had to walk to the hallowed ground and dig like mortals to unearth the portal. And the longer the Skylords followed the track of the gods, the more powerful the Twilight infection became.",
        conclusion2 = "The gods had walked, as if mere mortals. What terrible force lessened them so?<br><br>Their godly powers drained, they had dug this hallowed relic from the earth with their bare hands. The portal to the Sunbridge Shrine, where the fire of the sun and the flesh of the earth meet in divine union. The cradle of light, the world’s most sacred place. It had been shrouded by Amii magic, to hide it from the giants. Brannoc already knew what the gods sought there. A terrible truth began to dawn within him.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "08:48.4",
                ranking_players = {"arabika", "RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "September 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "09:36.1",
                ranking_players = {"Asj"},
                ranking_date = "May 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Into the Jungle"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{10, 10}, {20, 20}},
        chest_positions = {{10, 10}, {20, 20}, {30, 30}, {40, 40}, {50, 50}, {60, 60}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = false, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Treasure and the King",
        prerequisites = "Unexpected Visitors",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "",
        mission_briefing_description = "",
        loading_screen_text = "",
        plot2 = "",
        conclusion1 = "",
        conclusion2 = "",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "",
                ranking_players = {"", ""},
                ranking_date = "",
                ranking_difficulty = ""
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "",
                ranking_players = {"", ""},
                ranking_date = "",
                ranking_difficulty = ""
            }
        }
    },
    ["Nightmare Shard"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{22, 19}, {68, 20}},
        chest_positions = {{17, 78}, {25, 49}, {43, 45}, {63, 63}, {45, 78}, {75, 78}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Twilight Taint",
        prerequisites = "Sunbridge",
        unlocks = "Nightmare's End",
        setup_description = "Recover the Shard of the Forge that has crashed into the Shattered Lands.",
        mission_briefing_description = "Reach the fragment of the Forge that has crashed into the Shattered Lands. Prevent the Witches of the Twilight from reaching it and destroy the remaining Twilight infestations. Watch out for wild magic spells that might randomly strike at some places.",
        loading_screen_text = "Brannoc’s rage had torn free a shard of the Forge. It fell earthward and crashed in the Shattered Lands. There, its magic went wild. Still a part of the Forge, it could turn the dreams of mortals into potent reality. But nearby were those infected with the curse, and it was their dreams that were born . Thus twisted nightmares gave birth to darker dreams, made flesh that which should not exist. The Twilight sensed the power of the shard, soon witches and other warped creatures journeyed towards it.",
        plot2 = "The fireball had arched skywards, burning its way through the clouds, challenging the new sun with a blaze of its own. Fuelled by Brannoc’s frustration, fear and scorn, it had slammed into the Forge.<br><br>As the majestical palace had shuddered, those within realized their home was not beyond attack. Moon’s gaze found the shard of the Forge that had broken away. Its unfettered magic already snaked through the lands, powerful and chaotic. Even the Skylords knew nothing of the Forge’s creation, they assumed it had been created by the gods. But the magic streaming from this piece seemed strange and vile.<br><br>A presence was closing in, one she knew and feared even before it had been corrupted by the Twilight. The Sisters of Chaos, witches who claimed most of the Shattered Lands as their own, seemed to know exactly what had crashed into their realm. Even beneath the Twilight insanity, Moon could feel their ancient, vile intent.",
        conclusion1 = "With no Twilight creatures to feed the shard their nightmares, it grew silent. But dangerous magic lay dormant in its shattered form and such potential remained a dire threat.",
        conclusion2 = nil,
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "05:19.1",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "ducarev"},
                ranking_date = "May 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "09:33.1",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "February 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },    
    ["Nightmare's End"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{23, 31}, {68, 31}},
        chest_positions = {{13, 85}, {26, 61}, {26, 23}, {61, 54}, {77, 82}, {67, 17}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Twilight Taint",
        prerequisites = "Nightmare Shard",
        unlocks = {"The Insane God", "Slave Master"},
        setup_description = "The Shard's magic is too aggressive, you need to unlock the full power of the four elements to be able to destroy it.",
        mission_briefing_description = "You need to unlock four magic nodes to get enough strength to destroy the Shard. The nodes are protected by magic barriers that can be removed by destroying the four power wells that feed them.",
        loading_screen_text = "The nightmares streaming from the shard had been stopped, but the Forge fragment remained a danger to all. It could not be returned, so had to be destroyed. But such an act would not be easy.",
        plot2 = "Moon knew she would not be able to repeat Brannoc’s deed and weave a spell powerful enough to damage the shard. But this was the Shattered Land, it had seen the worst of the war of the elements, and had been torn asunder by magical power struggles for centuries. The land’s magic would be their only hope to overcome the strange power of the Forge.<br><br>The Amii had already made use of the land’s might, tapping into the strongest worldmagic nodes with their structures. This raw power should be strong enough to destroy the shard. If not, Moon decided, whatever created the Forge was not of this world.",
        conclusion1 = "The pure force of the four powers was enough to destroy the shard. From this day, the Skylords saw the Forge with new eyes. It ceased to be just their home, a construct of great wonder, shades of darkness now cloaked it too. For, should the Forge ever fall into the wrong hands, it could bring death to the world.",
        conclusion2 = nil,
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "14:00.7",
                ranking_players = {"Hirooo", "RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "March 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "16:20.8",
                ranking_players = {"Hi8Im8Pan"},
                ranking_date = "January 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },    
    ["Slave Master"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{71, 14}, {78, 14}},
        chest_positions = {{26, 62}, {19, 48}, {18, 21}, {54, 60}, {75, 73}, {68, 43}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Search for Twinaxe",
        prerequisites = "Nightmare's End",
        unlocks = "Convoy",
        setup_description = "Use the battle between Twilight and bandits to your advantage and free tortured prisoners.",
        mission_briefing_description = "Free the fire people from the clutches of the bandits in the north. Beware the invading Twilight and try to use their attacks to your advantage. Closing the magic gate near the twilight invasion teleporter can force the Twilight to only use flying creatures if you prefer this. Beware a group of Raven Battleships that are on patrol.",
        loading_screen_text = "The bandits have taken the captured fire people to the wasteland border, where they are to be sold to Blight for questioning. But some of the prisoners have been infected with the Twilight curse and are changing. Enraged, the trapped Twilight creatures call to their new brethren. Soon the Skylords will find themselves caught in a struggle between the invading Twilight and the bandits. The Skylords will have to play the two sides against one another if they hope to rescue the prisoners. The bandit captain, Blight and Mo, the White Juggernaut rush into the middle of this explosive confrontation.",
        plot2 = "Shane Blight, infamous pirate captain and commander of the Raven squadron strode between the filthy slave cages that littered the wasteland border slave market. The steel bullet in his right eye socket had heated in the sun and sent slivers of pain shooting through his skull. Blight found his mood rapidly deteriorating.<br><br>In one swift movement, he grabbed an orc struggling with the rusty bars of his cage. He pulled the miserable wretch close, grinding its face against grimy steel.<br><br>“A juggernaut, white as snow! Skin scarred by countless battles! Seen him?”<br><br>The orc blinked and tried to wriggle free of Blight, but there was no escaping the iron grip . Slaves and shoppers alike started to whisper, Blight heard bets being placed. From the corner of his good eye he saw an enormous creature, the slave master he presumed, pushing through the crowd towards him. Akin to a juggernaut in looks, it was certainly as massive, though greed, not bloodlust, gleamed in its jade green eyes. Blight gave the orc a final shake, hoping it would gurgle something useful, but was only rewarded with a whimper. Cursing softly, he let the creature slide to the cage floor.<br><br>“Pay for the goods, Blight! Then you can have your way with them!” Blight turned to the slave master, absently wiping his hand on his coat.<br><br>“Pay? For that?” He sneered as the huge owner opened the cage, pulled the unconscious orc from the cage then motioned for a healer to be summoned. As small boy scurried into the crowd the slave master moved to stand before Blight.<br><br>“I know what you seek, pirate,” he boomed, a smug smile spreading across his craggy features.<br><br>“There are those in my company who have information you would find of interest.” Blight moved closer, peering up at the large face.<br><br>“I’m listening.”<br><br>“First, you must purchase some of my premium merchandise.”<br><br>Blight examined the sorry mess of slaves in the cages, all of them prisoners from the southern fire tribes. Most were in a sorry state. He stared down at a Firedancer who cowered in her cage, judging her too weak to ever dance again. But Blight wouldn’t need her strength; all he hungered for was information on the White Juggernaut’s whereabouts. He turned back to the slave master, not seeing the Firedancer’s gaze shift to a stare at his back. For the briefest of moments her eyes flared a vile, orange glow and a dark green taint shimmered across her pale skin. As the twilight-infected slave glared at the Pirate Captain, her mind called out to her brethren.",
        conclusion1 = "The slaves have been freed and Mo has gained a hint as to the fate of his friend, Twinaxe. His journey will lead him deeper into the wasteland through the ranks of the Stonekin army that hunts the Treasure Fleet. However, Blight has picked up Mo's trail. The White Juggernaut will not be able to continue his search without first settling his dispute with Blight. One way or another the matter will be decided.",
        conclusion2 = "Blight rushed past his men, hurling his impressive frame up to the main harpoon gunner’s position. He knocked his gun chief aside and sat down in the seat, his gaze never leaving the White Juggernaut’s bulk as it strode northward. Blight aimed the huge harpoon gun, shouted a short prayer to all the demons he knew, and pulled the trigger.<br><br>With a roar, Giantsbane propelled a long barbed spear into the sky. Blight’s eyes widened as he watched it slice the glaring blue, hurtling towards its target; finally his moment had come. But, just as the deadly missile reached its quarry, the White One disappeared in a flash of light. The harpoon passed through the fading light of a teleport spell and an instant later stood quivering in the rocky ground.<br><br>Blight turned very slowly to face his crew. There wasn’t a man his gaze passed over who didn’t desperately wish to be somewhere else. Ever prepared, Umbabwe sighed, shuffled up and wordlessly offered the Captain a cup of heavily spiced sleepwine. The canny witch doctor always seemed to have the draught to hand at times such as this.<br><br>Mo found himself once more hurtling along, propelled through the void by QueekQueek‘s teleportation magic. He had been lucky that time. It was unfortunate he would need to follow the Treasure Fleet once again as Twinaxe had not been with the captured crews. Despite that, Mo had enjoyed helping rescue those people, and was glad for their company now. Suddenly a little grinning pig face danced before his eyes.<br><br>“What are you looking at?” he growled at QueekQueek’s smirking features. Suddenly Mo felt himself slip away from the freed slaves as the spell seemed to take him in a different direction. So much for the company.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "09:36.1",
                ranking_players = {"arabika", "Blashyrkh"},
                ranking_date = "January 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "13:16.9",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "June 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },    
    ["Sunbridge"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{21, 17}, {74, 17}},
        chest_positions = {{25, 80}, {72, 79}, {41, 56}, {67, 58}, {29, 33}, {63, 33}},
        quest_positions = {
            {letter = "A", 19, 77, "Destroy the Amii power shrines"},
            {letter = "A", 77, 77, "Destroy the Amii power shrines"},
            {letter = "M", 52, 75, "Defeat Mora"}
        },
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Search for the Gods",
        prerequisites = "Crusade",
        unlocks = "Nightmare Shard",
        setup_description = "Face an insane god on top of the most sacred place of this world.",
        mission_briefing_description = "To defeat the infected god, you have to first destroy his two power shrines. Use the magical gate to direct the flow of the enemies, deciding which of you defends and who can attack. Switch it every few minutes by using the controllers near your first monument.",
        loading_screen_text = "The gods had been the first infected by the curse. They had journeyed to the Sunbridge Shrine to cleanse themselves of its taint. But by touching the Sunbridge’s holy light they only spread the curse to the world. Even the sun was corrupted and had become dark, driving the mortals underground. The curse had brought the Twilight.<br><br>One of the cursed gods still remained at the Shrine; Mora, the god of growth. A twisted shadow of his former self, Mora was thought to be the only creature who could point the Skylords to the source of the evil.",
        plot2 = "When Fire was young and restless, the Earth drew a mantle around it to sooth it, give it purpose.<br><br>But as time passed, Fire realized it had been trapped and enslaved so it reached out and shattered the earthen mantle. Far away, in the dark void, Fire found a brother. They took hold of each other forming a single pillar of flame. Thus was light brought to the world and where the two primal fires entwined, life was born. The Amii named this place the Sunbridge.<br><br>It is said even they, with all their wisdom and might, fought amongst themselves for control over this sacred place. Terrible wars raged and many died until, desperate to stop the carnage, powerful Amii mages shrouded the place in magic, sealing it from the eyes of a greedy world. As ages passed, the Shrine’s existence fell into legend.<br><br>The gods had come to this most holy of places infected with the Twilight curse.Unable to cleanse themselves, they had been weakened. Desperate to find a way to wash off the Twilight taint they had journeyed to bathe in the sacred, pure light of the Sunbridge.<br><br>But all they did was infect the Sunbridge itself with the curse. The taint spread to the world and even the sun itself.<br><br>What had taken place afterwards, if the gods had died or simply left, Brannoc did not know. Doubt and panic threatened to rise up and engulf him; if he could not find the gods, all would have been for naught.<br><br>Then he saw a creature near the Sunbridge.<br><br>Hard pressed to recognize one of his former masters, Brannoc finally realized it was Mora, the god of growth. He now gorged himself on the Sunbridge’s power, more monstrous leach than divine being. Though Mora would know where his brothers and sisters were, his godly soul was twisted by the taint and his aid would not be given willingly.<br><br>Brannoc ordered the Skylords the order to attack. Even if they learned the terrible truth now, it mattered not. He had to find the gods, then everything would be forgiven, and all would be fixed.",
        conclusion1 = "Through battling the fallen god Mora, the source of the curse finally revealed itself. Brannoc, driven by a selfish desire to resurrect his long-dead wife, had cast it upon the gods to press the secret of creation from them. But once infected they had fled and the curse spread, bringing with it the Twilight.<br><br>But even as Moon, once more with the aid of her fellow Skylords, banished Brannoc from the Forge, he vowed not to stop his search for the gods. He summoned his remaining power to create a monstrous body for himself and continued his hunt.",
        conclusion2 = "Brannoc saw his image standing over the fallen god, weapon raised. The secret of creation, he would have it! Just this one thing and it would all be over.He remembered the voices whisper the curse to him, they had promised a cure as well, had they not? It was too late to turn back, failure would mean all the pain and suffering had been for nothing. Brannoc screamed his rage into the face of the dying god knowing the broken creature who lay there did not understand. He had shown them their limits, if they only had given him the power of creation instead of fleeing.<br><br>But the other gods might still be able to give him the secret.<br><br>Suddenly Brannoc felt it, as if a cloak of iron was being placed on his shoulders. Moon was weaving a Banishing spell.<br><br>The Skylords had turned against him. He knew had to keep as much of his might as he could.<br><br>From the power wells he possessed, from his works in the Forge and the Orbs he possessed, he began to draw power. Across his dying link to the Forge he let it stream into him, offering up his image as a vessel. His love for the fire gave it shape, he began to grow as a new body formed around him. Soon he would truly be the Master of the Forge, an unstoppable titan of flame. But as the link finally was severed Brannoc felt mortality settle back onto him. In his fury and shame he hurled a huge ball of molten fire up at the distant Forge. Blinded for an instant the Skylords closed their eyes, when they opened them once more, Brannoc was gone.<br><br>Moon had felt the Forge shudder from the impact of Brannoc’s spell but this wasn’t the only reason her hands shook. What had become of the former Skylord? Had she not offered him enough? Was he still insane with grief for his lost wife, Meanen, even after all these years? The Banishing had felt like vengeance, she had enjoyed it to her own dismay. But as with Viridya, the creature the Banishing had turned Brannoc into was possibly a greater danger than the brooding Skylord; his attack on the Forge had shown that. And he was still out there, hunting the gods.<br><br>Moon cast her image down near the fallen Mora. She touched her former master’s brow, seeing how the Twilight taint snaked out, in vain trying to corrupt the apparition she had created of herself.<br><br>“Was it worth it? To deny him and go through all this?”<br><br>An echo of the god’s spirit, growing fainter with each word, whispered in answer.<br><br>“We could not give what we did not have.”<br><br>“But you created the Forge! Was the price for its secrets worth all this?”<br><br>The god’s voice had become but a whisper.<br><br>“We were nothing beyond what you knew. We did not create the Forge. It created us.”<br><br>Moon could feel Mora’s spirit fading, his last moments mercifully free of the Twilight taint.<br><br>“The mortals dreamt and the Forge used its power. Legends within a legend. Hope made flesh. We could not tell you, even as we found out. Hope must never be lost. But we have failed nonetheless.”<br><br>Then he was gone. Moon stood still, her mind crowded with questions. Brannoc must not be allowed to slay the other gods. And if all this pain and discord had taken place because Brannoc could not create things himself, how did he create the curse?",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "09:28.0",
                ranking_players = {"2023", "XxBlueFirexX"},
                ranking_date = "May 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "11:19.6",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "February 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },    
    ["The Insane God"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{68, 14}, {15, 71}},
        chest_positions = {{17, 47}, {14, 14}, {44, 44}, {78, 71}, {40, 79}, {73, 41}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = false, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Twilight Taint",
        prerequisites = "Nightmare's End",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "Save the priests of the god of insects from their insane master and unleash ancient guardian spirits to destroy him.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The insect god Urzach has been driven insane by the Twilight curse and has attacked his own temple. You need to protect his former priests and bring Urzach down. Use Urzach’s old altars to aid you and keep Urzach’s new minions from doing the same.",
        loading_screen_text = "Mora had been slain at the Sunbridge Shrine, but his brothers and sisters still travelled the lands. Though their spirits were twisted by the curse their powers remained intact, making them a greater threat than even the giants. Though most gods remained lost, Urzach the God of Flies, was not. Insane and desperate, he attacked his own temple. Through the slaughter of his priests and desecration of his holy alters Urzach strove to anoint his followers so they could bear the mark of his new, distorted form.",
        plot2 = "The priests of Urzach had returned to the temple after the Twilight to resume their prayers and rites. Once more they called out to their lost god.<br><br>They did not know what other course to follow and knew somebody had to calm the ancient spirits that gathered in the Fly God’s altars.<br><br>The High Priest rose late, finding it harder each day to tear himself from the insane visions that plagued his dreams. He walked among followers already at work cleansing the temple of Twilight taint, and nodded to many in greeting. A low thunder brought his gaze up to the clouds, but no storm brewed. When he felt the ground tremble, he knew why his dreams had become stronger. Urzach was coming home.",
        conclusion1 = "Urzach proved the insane gods were free to strike anywhere at any time. But with his defeat there came the soft light of hope, for his example showed even the gods were not unstoppable. The once kind being also proved there remained a fragment of their former spirit left, trapped beneath the corruption.",
        conclusion2 = "Moon gazed down at corpse of the fallen god, refusing to believe this had once been one of their masters. But his final words had been peaceful, as if he welcomed the end of this existence. There had to be a cure for this.<br><br>Urzach’s spirit passed Moon once more, for a moment lending comfort like her once benign master. But she felt what he had hidden from her; an existence with no purpose, no power of creation, no place in the order of things.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "06:43.6",
                ranking_players = {"arabika", "RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "June 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "07:19.3",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "October 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Unexpected Visitors"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{10, 10}, {20, 20}},
        chest_positions = {{10, 10}, {20, 20}, {30, 30}, {40, 40}, {50, 50}, {60, 60}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = false, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Treasure and the King",
        prerequisites = "The Guns of Lyr",
        unlocks = "Into the Jungle",
        setup_description = "",
        mission_briefing_description = "",
        loading_screen_text = "",
        plot2 = "",
        conclusion1 = "",
        conclusion2 = "",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "",
                ranking_players = {"", ""},
                ranking_date = "",
                ranking_difficulty = ""
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "",
                ranking_players = {"", ""},
                ranking_date = "",
                ranking_difficulty = ""
            }
        }
    },
    
-- Official 4 Player PvE Scenarios
    ["Bad Harvest"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{38, 18}, {38, 8}, {49, 19}, {49, 8}},
        chest_positions = {{19, 77}, {20, 36}, {13, 7}, {76, 47}, {86, 85}, {79, 9}, {49, 41}, {56, 82}},
        quest_positions = {
            {letter = "B", 80, 49, "Protect the Gold Wagon"},
            {letter = "E", 21, 37, "Defeat the three Stonekin Lords"},
            {letter = "E", 14, 56, "Defeat the three Stonekin Lords"},
            {letter = "E", 8, 73, "Defeat the three Stonekin Lords"},
            {letter = "F", 34, 88, "Defeat the Rogue Giant"},
        },
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Treasure and the King",
        prerequisites = "None",
        unlocks = "King of the Giants",
        setup_description = "Protect one piece of an unimaginable treasure and face the wrath of a giant.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The humans have found one of the fabulous gold wagons the Red King stole from the giants. This wagon might be used as argaining chip for peace withthe giants, but local bandits have different plans.",
        loading_screen_text = "The treasure paid to the giants in exchange for the new sun had been stolen by the mortal king of fire, known to some as the Red King. His actions brought the wrath of the giants down on all mortals.<br><br>Yet one of the missing treasure wagons was found. The Lyrish humans sent a messenger to the Giant King, Jorne. They offered him the wagon in the hope of gaining a truce.<br><br>But news of the treasure attracted marauders who hungered not for peace, but simply blood and gold. With them came a rogue giant and his Stonekin minions.",
        plot2 = "Rogan walked the length of the landship marvelling at the contraption. A vessel of both science and magic, it sailed the skies, majestic proof anything was possible. The massive cask chained to its deck was unblemished and looked every inch a container for unthinkable wealth. There was no sign of the crew tasked to guard it, the Red King’s guard must have left the valuable cargo behind. Rogan rubbed his chin, wondering if the treasure was some kind of simple trap. He smiled ruefully, knowing it was worth the risk.<br><br>With the contents of this cask , one could have bought half a city in the old world. That there were hundreds of these wagons elsewhere, either abandoned or still on some covert trek guided by the Red King, made him shiver.<br><br>But this gold was useless; it could not feed or clothe the needy.<br><br>Except it could be perhaps used to pay back a sliver of the debt owed by humanity to the giants. Everything would depend on the Giant King accepting the offer, if the messenger even reached him alive. It would be a gamble, but it might be worth it.<br><br>Useless as gold might be, Rogan knew he might have to have to fight his own mortal brothers for it. He shook his head; as if enough blood was not already being shed.",
        conclusion1 = "Many in the mortal realm thought it likely the giants would not accept the mortal’s offer but Jorne, the Giant King, proved willing to enter a short truce. Though his decision was not a popular one among his people the wily Jorne saw the Twilight curse would eventually take its toll even on the giants.<br><br>The truce lasted one short month, but served to show there could be peace between mortal and giant.",
        conclusion2 = "Rogan watched the giants lumber off, their huge bulks fading to grey shapes in the evening haze.<br><br>Even far away he could hear the ground thunder with their mighty steps. He could not believe he was still alive.When they had first come, Rogan had expected death and destruction, not talk. But they had listened; heard what their rogue brother had attempted and what the Skylords had achieved for the mortals. Jorne had gazed up at clouds that burned red in the evening light, and nodded. Then they picked up their brother’s corpse and left, promising forty days of peace.<br><br>Rogan didn’t know what had really been achieved. But forty days should be enough to retake Lyr and build a solid defense. It would have to be.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 4,
                ranking_time = "02:01.3",
                ranking_players = {"arabika", "Donaar", "Gam3over", "RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "September 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "02:55.9",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "ducarev", "Liorans"},
                ranking_date = "April 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "06:28.0",
                ranking_players = {"King-Hazora", "Ziggeeh"},
                ranking_date = "April 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "10:33.1",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "February 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Blight"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{39, 85}, {42, 77}, {52, 4}, {51, 13}},
        chest_positions = {{11,76}, {33,54}, {5,23}, {33,28}, {87,71}, {80,14}, {44,40}, {59,49}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Hunt for Blight",
        prerequisites = "Titans",
        unlocks = "Raven's End",
        setup_description = "Free the mortal prisoners from the bandit garrison and be prepared for the unexpected.",
        mission_briefing_description = "Bandits have taken some mortals of the southern tribes prisoner, they’re holding them in the central garrison. Free them by first destroying the surrounding bandit camps, then move to the central area to defeat their two leaders. Beware the leaders’ countermagic auras, use an artifact in the central area to deactivate them.",
        loading_screen_text = "Lyr rallies around its new king, Rogan Kayle, the Skylord, Moon sees what strength and hope founding a new home can give. But the humans of the north are not the only ones who need aid, the fire tribes of the Southern Wastelands have also been brought to the edge of extinction by The Twilight Wars. Because their Red King stole the giant's treasure and abandoned his people, the tribes of the south are in disarray. Leaderless and shunned for their king's dark deeds, they are easy pickings for bandit slave hunters. Moon knows they need a new leader to give them hope. And by freeing some of them from the clutches of a vile bandit lord, she hopes to either find that leader or at least show the fire people they are not alone.",
        plot2 = "Shane Blight strode the quarterdeck like a caged animal and slid a calloused hand over the Ravenheart's wooden railings but the familiar texture brought him little comfort.<br><br>His personal landship crew, loyal to the end, sat watching him. Long since had their Captain’s throat become raw from screaming at the mutinous scum who had imprisoned him. Now Blight could only watch the traitors from his imprisoned landship as they fumbled about below, trying to scrape a living off petty slave trading.<br><br>Once they had been part of his pirate fleet, The Ravens; feared and respected in equal measure, it had been a glorious reign. But then Blight had clashed with the White Juggernaut. At the painful memories he felt pain surge through the ragged socket of his missing right eye. He remembered the epic battles with the evil creature, the last which had cost him both an eye and the loyalty of his fleet. But the losses had granted Blight true understanding, he now knew the White One’s presence in the world was an offence to the natural order. He had originally sought out the creature because Umbabwe, his ogre witch doctor, had told him the White One’s horn would rid him of the pain plaguing his body.<br><br>But now, after facing it the beast battle, he knew it to be an abomination even by its own kinds’ standards. The world had to be rid of its foul taint, just as he would be rid of the pain that wracked his being. Blight’s need to do this one thing burned bright in his soul and drove all other thought from his mind.<br><br>In the distance, beams of light suddenly lanced skywards, Shane Blight smiled grimly. Perhaps his chance was on its way.",
        conclusion1 = "Moon’s bandit skirmish not only failed to find a new Fire King, it set free Shane Blight, a dangerous man who will surely lay a path of destruction through the helpless people of the south in his quest to hunt the White Juggernaut. Moon will have to send Skylords to seek the White Juggernaut, for should she find him, she will find Blight. Maybe then, she will be able to stop the infamous pirate. By freeing Blight the Skylords may have set in motion a much larger chain of events that could literally make the earth tremble.",
        conclusion2 = "The storm portal closed behind the Ravenheart's stern, the dark cloud vortex spitting the landship into a dirty blue sky above the tormented surface of the Raging Sea.<br><br>Beneath her a cluster of massive stone pillars pierced the water. Shrouded by columns of sea spray, the huge formations looked both impressive and foreboding. Wooden docks and storehouses were bolted onto the black cliffs with titanic chains that still appeared sound. Several old landship hulks swayed in the grip of decaying ropes. Speared to the highest cliff by harpoons, a faded black flag with a red raven emblazoned on it snapped angrily in the high winds. Blight grinned, glad the Raven's Nest had endured the Twilight in relatively good shape.<br><br>“What now, my master?” asked Umbabwe, Blight's ogre witch doctor.<br><br>“The Ravens will rebuild. We will need men.” Blight squinted at the tired looking vessels before him.<br><br>“And ships fit to serve in my fleet.”<br><br>His few men stared at the swaying wrecks with dismay.<br><br>“Back to work, maggots!” snapped Blight.<br><br>As the landship crew scurried back to their jobs, Blight's gaze strayed north towards the wastelands, he smiled slightly.<br><br>“I'm coming White One, I'm coming. I hope the Twilight hasn't finished you. That privilege is something I hunger for myself.”", -- contains some additional ingame unshown text?!
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 4,
                ranking_time = "11:02.2",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "ducarev", "LEBOVIN", "Liorans"},
                ranking_date = "April 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "13:48.4",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "ducarev"},
                ranking_date = "March 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "13:48.4",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "ducarev"},
                ranking_date = "March 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "14:27.4",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "September 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Empire"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{7, 3}, {36, 3}, {55, 3}, {86, 3}},
        chest_positions = {{6, 79}, {14, 61}, {34, 56}, {16, 32}, {77, 90}, {64, 32}, {62, 61}, {83, 56}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Hunt for Blight",
        prerequisites = "Raven's End",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "Fight in the past and in the present of Lyr to undo an invasion of the Lost Souls.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The Lost Souls have opened portals through time and devastated the past of Lyr. Two Skylords will fight in the past to undo the damage, their success will restore defenses in the present. Meanwhile, two Skylords in the present must close the time portals of the Lost Souls. Rogan, Mo, Jorne and the Ragged King must reach and ignite the Cloudfire Beacon in the north to finally stop the invasion.",
        loading_screen_text = "When Mo arrived in Lyre, we saw that while we had been distracted with Blight, Lyre had been attacked. The Lost Souls, the very force behind the Harbinger and the Twilight curse, had invaded and destroyed Lyre. But how could all this have happened in the blink of an eye? The reason was terrifying. The Lost Souls had opened rifts through time and traveled into the past of Lyre undoing our work, killing Rogan Kalye and within a heartbeat, turning Lyre into a land of ghosts and ash. They attacked Lyre because it harbored the most prominent weapon we might have against the dead; the Cloudfire Beacon whose cleansing light might be able to banish the Lost Souls.",
        plot2 = "It was a few months before Mo and Blight met for the final time at Raven’s End. Only a few hours ago, the guns of Lyr had roared once more and the Twilight invasion had finally been stopped. A freshly-crowned Rogan Kayle went for his first ever morning stroll. As he directed his strides toward the shattered remains of the palace gardens he felt memories wash over him; it had been a day not unlike this, crisp and clear, that his journey had begun. Below their new king, the city slept on as dawn breathed a tiny spark of gold into the night’s dark blue.<br><br>Kayle had never in his wildest dreams imagined he would become a king, though with his new role came new responsibilities; just hours ago he had stood beside countless deathbeds, bringing what comfort he could to soldiers and friends in their final moments.<br><br>He had held back tears as he watched too many die from the vile wounds wrought by Twilight abominations. His thoughts moved to an orc he had met, one of the wounded from the Treasure Fleet. In the heat of battle he had fought like a creature-possessed, a huge grin on his face despite the terrible wounds that decorated his body. Afterwards, he had faded away on a simple linen cot, using his last breaths to sing about juggernauts and blood soup. Rogan shook his head, hoping the brave orc was somewhere better.<br><br>A soldier approached, stumbling slightly. Perhaps one of the new recruits, still unused to the weight of full armor, Rogan mused. He stifled a smile that had started to creep over his face and tried to assume a more dignified manner. Rogan was about to hail the soldier when he spotted the trail of blood being left in the snow behind him. The man lifted an arm in what seemed a warning gesture as, behind him, reality opened. A creature leapt from the shimmering rent; the size of a grown man, it was a twisted creation of vile magic and jagged claws. It howled and sprang at the soldier, shredding steel like it was paper and tearing him apart in one quick motion.<br><br>Rogan opened his mouth to shout the alarm, but before a sound could leave his lips, the creature became a blur that tore off his left arm as it passed. He stared numbly as crimson life spilled onto the pristine white that blanketed the ground. His mind formed one word as blackness took him. Beautiful. Then Rogan Kayle, king and hero of Lyr, died. Through the crack in reality more vile creatures appeared. Tendrils of ghastly blue light writhed around them, the glow casting an unreal shine against the morning’s fragile light.<br><br>Bren Morhold stared at the clock, just as he had done for the past three years. His eyes followed the steel hands, noting each mechanical spasm as his mind waged war against insanity. This was how he passed each day. Deep in the dungeons of Lyr it was the tradition to gift each life prisoner a clock. What better way to force them to witness time’s crawl, hear their lives sliding away, unspent. The kobold device was a tightly sealed contraption, securely fastened to the cold stone, some said by magic. In the past prisoners had been found curled in the corner of their cell, fingers bleeding and nails broken from trying to pull the cursed things apart; tick-tock the clocks whispered. The minute hand moved once more, Morhold listened to the delicate blade part the air like an executioner’s axe.<br><br>The guards had long since fled, screaming something about twilight swallowing the sun. But the dungeon’s kobold doors and locks had proved too good for the abandoned prisoners to break. For a year now they had been left to their own devices. At first Morhold had led them, for on the surface he had been known as the Ragged King, ruler of the northern outlaws, a rogue challenged only by the infamous Shane Blight. Tick-tock.<br><br>But as the weeks slid by, as food ran out and the guards had still not returned, Morhold became something far worse than a rogue; in the harsh light of the kobold lanterns he evolved into a hunter of man flesh.<br><br>While he had lost count of his victims, he still kept count of the minutes, days and months that had passed. Blessed be his little piece of kobold genius. Tick-tock. The minute hand snapped forward again. Then jerked back.<br><br>Morhold held his breath. He had heard the sounds of battle above-ground last night and wondered what was happening on the surface. His instincts told him something above had changed. Slowly the huge man got up from his stool and moved towards the dungeon entrance.<br><br>Moments later the thick, steel doors glowed blue and exploded. Creatures born of nightmare quickly overran the few screaming prisoners who had gathered, hoping for release. As the beings tore aside thick iron bars, their glittering eyes glowing in the semi-dark, Morhold smiled and ran at them, hungry for different game now.<br><br>Emerging from the shattered entrance into weak sunlight, Morhold inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, savouring the breeze on his face. All below was quiet now. Tick-Tock whispered the clock inside the Ragged King’s empty cell.",
        conclusion1 = "With the four kings igniting the Cloudfire Beacon, the Lost Souls had to flee its light, back to the Wailing Lands where they came from. Rogan lived and Lyre was restored. If only we could have traveled back to the time before the Twilight and stopped the death of our sun. But the secret of the time rifts remained with the Lost Souls, locked away in the Wailing Lands. As the four kings had achieved this victory together, a bond was forged between them this day. So not only the ragged bandits, but also the mighty children of the stone will now fight alongside the mortals against the common enemy. And as such, they will become legend.",
        conclusion2 = "Jorne held his bleeding side, breathing heavily. The Giant King knew he was dying. Had all their valiant efforts been for naught? Their hard-won victory over the Lost Souls in Lyr and their crusade here, to the ash deserts of the Wailing Lands, to open the Gate of Akylos and allow the dead to pass into the Peaceful Light?<br><br>Jorne remembered striding through the raging ocean as it hurled wave after wave against him. In each of his massive fists he’d grasped dozens of huge chains, each attached to a landship. In a show of might worthy of any ballad, he had hauled the fleet of Lyr and the Ragged King’s corsairs through the impassable storm, across the bridge over the Maw of the Earth and into the realm of the dead itself.<br><br>Now the same powerful hands had lost their strength. Jorne’s huge hammer dropped from numb fingers.<br><br>He had fought alongside the mortals, carving a passage through the Lost Souls until they felt the tide of raging dead might overwhelm them. They had awoken the Amii spirits and so had brought the Skylords for help. Finally, they had managed to reach the gate. But now Jorne’s mighty legs felt frail and spent, he dropped to one knee and closed his eyes.<br><br>It had been an epic journey, hate brewed over the last thousand years had been swept away in the face of this new threat. He had fought side by side with those he had once called enemy, they in turn had shed blood to protect him and his Stonekin.<br><br>It had been Rogan Kayle who had possessed the key to the most potent knowledge of all, how to forge primal ore; he had unlocked the mystery of Gnaur. With the ore they had been able to create a key to open the Akylos Gate, allowing them to make peace with the Lost Souls who realized they could now journey to the afterlife. For a heartbeat all had seemed well once more, yet they quickly discovered the Lost Souls were not their most dangerous enemy.<br><br>The Assembler towered over Jorne. Reaching high into the sky, its long chimneys belched black smoke into grey clouds. Whirring blades spat lightning and plunged downwards biting deep into Jorne’s shoulder.<br><br>The Giant King roared in pain. Why had the Skylords abandoned them now, when their need was greatest? As soon as they had opened the gate and seen the way was clear to the Peaceful Light, their armies had vanished. It was at that moment the Assembler had stepped from the portal and attacked.<br><br>“The trade is broken! The Assembly will not tolerate this violation!”, it had boomed over and over again.<br><br>Once more, the living fought desperately for the right to exist.<br><br>Shells rippled across the Assembler’s chest as Morhold’s corsairs unleashed another barrage, granting Jorne a brief respite.<br><br>But the giant knew the battle was lost for none could face this creature of smoke and fire and hope to live. His new friends already struggled. Morhold’s landship, the Midwinter, had just been struck by Assembler lightning and Jorne was not even sure if Rogan Kayle still drew breath. The White Juggernaut had been the first to charge the Assembler and the first to taste its fury. Now the brute lay still, his white flesh streaked with blood. As the Giant King felt his final moments draw near, he knew he could do his valiant allies one final service.<br><br>Mo was adrift in soft honey when he heard a familiar voice.<br><br>“Wake up, you big oaf!”<br><br>Annoyed, he had waved a hand as if swatting a fly.<br><br>“Shadduup, Twin,” he mumbled.<br><br>Suddenly Mo’s eyes flew open.<br><br>“Twinaxe?”<br><br>“Get your chunky white behind off the ground!” commanded the voice.<br><br>Mo rose slowly, blinking as he searched for his friend.<br><br>“I’m a mess!” he said, looking down at his wounds.<br><br>Jorne threw himself forward and, using the last of his strength, grasped the metal legs of the Assembler. As his arms locked, he spoke the final phrase each giant utters should he meet his end.<br><br>“From stone I was born, to stone I return.”<br><br>With these words the oldest being on Nyn died. The Assembler howled and trumpeted in rage, spewing steam and black smoke as it tried in vain to free itself from the now-petrified grip.<br><br>Mo stood, swaying slightly.<br><br>“Where are you, Twinaxe?”<br><br>“Right here,” called the voice.<br><br>“See that beautiful, fancy light?”<br><br>Mo blinked, admiring the bright figure visible behind the Assembler, through the Gate of Akylos.<br><br>“The Peaceful Light,” Mo rumbled, his voice full of longing.<br><br>“It’s an amazing here, old buddy,” said Twinaxe.<br><br>“Lots of pork and blood soup, no harpoons and no one hunting you for being what you are or are not.”<br><br>“Sounds like the kinda place I want to be,” said Mo, his face contorting into a smile, though the effort pained him. Twinaxe chuckled.<br><br>“Well, dummy,” he said.<br><br>“... just go there.”<br><br>The White Juggernaut nodded grimly and felt a wave of power surge through him. His journey had been long, but knowing only one last enemy stood in his way lent Mo’s exhausted form strength.<br><br>He barrelled forwards, fuelled by a burning desire to end this, be with his friend and protect a world he had come to care for. He sped across the Ashland, vaulted onto Jorne’s petrified head and smashed headlong into the Assembler. The huge construct screamed as its midsection shattered beneath the Juggernaut’s powerful assault. As the Assembler exploded, hurling debris in all directions, the White Juggernaut hurtled into the Peaceful Light’s warm embrace to join the soul of his friend, Twinaxe.<br><br>The battlefield was quiet now. All that remained was the dying creature before her. Mo, Jorne and all the other heroes had earned their rest and songs would be sung of their deeds for eternity, but tears would have to wait.<br><br>The damage to the Forge was great; it had taken the Skylords too long to realize there was a dangerous creature of potent magic contained within its walls. They had never waged war in their own home and for the first time since their ascension they had fought for their own lives, summoning armies within its very halls. This terrible being called itself an Assembler, here in response to a broken trade. Many Skylords had been needed to stop him, small wonder, given it was one of the Forge’s creators. Now the thing lay shattered. Moon approached it.<br><br>“What do you want? Why build the Forge?”<br><br>The Assembler’s eyes flickered with a wan light and its saw-like jaws began to whirr.<br><br>“For all our might and wisdom, we lack something your people take for granted. An afterlife. When we die, we cease to be.”<br><br>“You bought yourselves an afterlife?” said Moon.<br><br>“Our afterlife?!” She stepped back, horrified.<br><br>The Assembler’s eyes grew dim.<br><br>“You are a child and cannot imagine the weight of countless millennia. We yearned to rest. The Amii understood.”<br><br>“So you traded them the Forge?”<br><br>The eyes of the Assembler were only tiny, flickering sparks now.<br><br>“Not just them. The living’s wishes granted in exchange for your souls’ haven. You are the first to break the trade. We must set an example.”<br><br>The creature’s eyes lost their light, steam and smoke began to seep from its mouth and eyes.<br><br>“We will be coming for you,” it hissed before becoming still, Moon stumbled backwards, away from the mechanical horror.<br><br>They had brought salvation to the Lost Souls but summoned an ancient cosmic evil instead.<br><br>They had to prepare. Moon looked at the portal through which the Assembler had entered; within its flickering light she glimpsed hallways similar to those of the Forge. Could it be? Another forge on another world? How many terrible bargains had they made? Moon spun and hurried back through the Forge, her fatigue forgotten; she had to prepare the Skylords of Nyn to face a new enemy, one more powerful than they could imagine.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 4,
                ranking_time = "14:01.9",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "ducarev", "Liorans"},
                ranking_date = "March 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "14:01.9",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "ducarev", "Liorans"},
                ranking_date = "March 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "18:39.1",
                ranking_players = {"LEBOVIN", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "December 2022",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "---",
                ranking_players = "{{tt|Not enough players|This scenario requires a minimum of 2 players.}}",
                ranking_date = "---",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["King of the Giants"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{3, 14}, {3, 3}, {59, 3}, {81, 3}},
        chest_positions = {{9, 77}, {43, 78}, {4, 68}, {10, 42}, {8, 33}, {75, 33}, {78, 52}, {72, 69}},
        quest_positions = {
            {letter = "C", 20, 54},
            {letter = "C", 24, 38},
            {letter = "C", 34, 20},
            {letter = "C", 85, 21},
            {letter = "C", 86, 38},
            {letter = "C", 83, 53}
        },
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Titans",
        prerequisites = "Bad Harvest",
        unlocks = "Titans",
        setup_description = "Help {{ci|Rogan Kayle}} lure the {{ci|Jorne|King of the Giants}} to [[Lyr]]. Face a lot of powerful [[Stonekin]] at the foot of the Giant Throne mountains.",
        mission_briefing_description = "Rogan Kayle is luring the giant king Jorne to the human realm. Make sure to clear away all blockades on his way and look out for artifacts that might aid his quest.",
        loading_screen_text = "Viridya, infused with the Soultree’s awesome power, sought out Brannoc, determined he would pay for his crimes. But as father and daughter clashed it became clear they were equal not only in rage, but might. Their epic struggle ravaged the land and threatened to destroy the new human settlements.<br><br>Rogan Kayle, desperate to stop the destruction, sought to lure the Giant King Jorne into the fight. He reasoned bringing a third power into the fray would tip the balance and end the destruction. The price of failure was unthinkable.",
        plot2 = "Brannoc strode through the valley his minions scattered behind him, scorching the earth.<br><br>The former smith turned, his mighty new body ablaze with the flames of righteous fury. It felt good to be flesh and blood once more, not an apparition. The power he wielded was now his own, he owed nothing to gods, mortals or the Forge any longer and was free to hunt for the secret.<br><br>Brannoc’s gaze settled on a small figure standing on a hill before him, her hand placed on the bark of a withered birch. He squinted.<br><br>“Viridya.”<br><br>A gust of wind caressed the woman’s slender frame. Through swirling strands of hair, she stared up at the titan.<br><br>“You did this!” she screamed. Brannoc took a step back in the face of such sudden fury.<br><br>“I showed them their limits,” he replied. “They did not listen. It was they who foolishly brought the curse into the world, not me!”<br><br>Viridya pushed herself away from the birch and started to walk towards him. Grass caressed her bare feet and flowers bloomed bright and vivid were she trod.<br><br>“Just as with your cannons and fires, you don’t care what has to be destroyed to achieve your ends!”<br><br>She stretched out her arms, as if to embrace the massive fiery form of her father. In instant the breeze became a tempest and the ground burst open. Vines and roots erupted upward, quickly they shaped themselves into a massive Grimvine. With a primal roar it hurled itself towards Brannoc.<br><br>The former Skylord’s weapon flared as it cleaved the creature in two with ease. But from all sides new Grimvines rose to take their vengeance upon the Plaguebringer. And so it was, a goddess of Nature and a titan of Fire clashed.<br><br>Rogan dozed, his head resting against a boulder. Though many miles away, he could hear the battle rage between the two monstrosities. For three days now their battle had savaged the land, though neither had gained the advantage. Unthinkingly, they had laid waste to the carefully rebuilt city of Hope and were moving towards Lyr itself. If this continued nothing that had been achieved would matter; precious Lyr would fall once again.<br><br>A desperate plan took shape in Rogan’s mind. If the two great powers were too finely balanced, a third would surely break the deadlock. There was only one being Rogan imagined would tip such a conflict. If he could hurl suns in the sky, he could give these two a proper beating. Rogan would not have to worry about getting Jorne, the Giant King, to join the fight. Luring him to it and surviving to tell the tale, that would be the real trick.",
        conclusion1 = "Rogan Kayle knew how fond the giants were of their jewellery. Stealing a gem from the Giant King’s crown was sure to get his undivided attention. Such an epic feat would have once garnered the respect of the thieving community, now it earned him the ire of one of the world’s oldest and most powerful creatures. Kayle knew he would need skill, luck and aid from the Skylords to successfully lure the brute to the battling titans.",
        conclusion2 = "Rogan found it hard to keep his footing, what with the ground constantly heaving beneath him. The Giant King was close now. And he was about as enraged as Rogan had both hoped and feared he would be. With aid from above, he might be able to reach Lyr and the fighting titans in time. Then it was just a matter of gracefully getting out of harm’s way. Although admittedly harm, in this case, was closing in uncomfortably fast.",
        spectator_map_available = false,  
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 4,
                ranking_time = "07:43.0",
                ranking_players = {"Lord_of_Bread", "NIP", "sharlajjn", "Ziggeeh"},
                ranking_date = "April 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "08:49.0",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "ducarev", "Liorans"},
                ranking_date = "March 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "09:38.2",
                ranking_players = {"LEBOVIN", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "February 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "12:14.2",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "January 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Raven's End"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{7, 8}, {13, 5}, {79, 4}, {86, 6}},
        chest_positions = {{19, 79}, {26, 79}, {23, 58}, {66, 61}, {49, 84}, {44, 11}, {45, 28}, {63, 79}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Hunt for Blight",
        prerequisites = "Blight",
        unlocks = "Empire",
        setup_description = "Free the White Juggernaut Mo and assist him in the final clash with his arch enemy, Captain Blight.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The Amii gates in this land can be used to your advantage. Reach the gate control devices and switch them to let the Stonekin attack the bandits and reroute the bandit battleships so they get destroyed by the Stonekin. Then claim all monuments to free Mo and assist in defeating Blight. Blight will teleport between the north and south, so better keep troops in the south as well.",
        loading_screen_text = "We've found Blight in the Wastelands. He's trapped the White Juggernaut near an old secret Raven base, but thankfully not killed him yet. If we manage to destroy Blight's fleet, we can still save the White One. Finally, we have the chance to destroy Blight and stop any more of his mad schemes. The fire tribes journey to aid us. Also, remnants of the Stonekin army still travel this land attacking anyone they come across. We might be able to put them to use and weaken the squadrons of battleships that stand between us and the White Juggernaut.",
        plot2 = "Mo and Blight glared at one another with a hate stoked by years of conflict. Umbabwe’s thin magical barrier, while imprisoning Mo, also protected him from Blight. Both had spent considerable effort trying to break through the prison, but without success. Mo’s head throbbed after countless attempts to charge through the walls and Blight had spent almost his entire reserve of heavy grenades in futile barrages aimed at cracking the magical shell. Now exhausted, the pair had been simply staring at one another for two days.<br><br>Blight had locked eyes with Mo for what felt like a heroic amount of time. He was determined not to yield. But as long minutes passed and the desert sun stripped the moisture from his eyes he was unable to stop himself blinking. Blight cursed as a vicious smile spread across Mo’s face.<br>That makes it my ninety nine to your fifteen mouthed the White Juggernaut through the magical shield. Blight scowled, where had that fool Umbabwe gone? He was the only one who could undo this damn spell! Blight tore himself away from the staring contest, the sealed shield mercifully sparing him the White Juggernaut’s mocking shouts as he scanned the wastelands south of the old Raven base. He motioned and a lieutenant ran over.<br><br>“Get whatever ships are ready and have them patrol the monuments in this area,” Blight growled. “The Skylords will be here for him soon!”<br><br>The lieutenant drew a deep breath and replied nervously.<br><br>“Captain, there still Stonekin loose in this land. And they be mighty angry.”<br><br>Blight grabbed the man by his collar and drew him close. “Did you even try to use that sorry lump of fat you call a brain?” he snarled.<br><br>“Remember the old Amii gates we used to trick the admiral’s fleet! Use them to lock in the Stonekin. Go!”<br><br>He released the trembling man, who saluted and hurried off. Blight’s fingers scratched the skin around the steel bullet that had replaced his eye. The itching was stronger for some reason, perhaps because he knew his score would soon be settled.",
        conclusion1 = "Blight is no more and Mo is free to lead the fire tribes. Under our guidance, he will return the treasure to the giants. But I fear we must first help him find his friend, otherwise the brute will keep wandering off. Then, we will begin the challenging task of teaching this monster dignity, manners and proper language. We might just save this world after all.",
        conclusion2 = "Mo tried to silence the cheering crowds of fire people but it was no good. Like eager children, the gathered tribes were determined to celebrate the crowning of their new king and only death or serious hunger would stop them.<br><br>“What happens now?” asked a young orc as an elder fire chanter passed by. The old ogre stopped and scratched his head.<br><br>“Tradition demands we lift the new king on our shoulders and carry him around for three days, cheering and praising him. Then comes pork and pickles.”<br><br>The young orc nervously eyed his new king’s daunting bulk. After a moment, the old chanter patted his arm and smiled.<br><br>“Just go get the pickles, son.” He chuckled as the boy ran off.<br><br>So, for the first time in the recorded history of the fire tribes, it was the king himself who carried his cheering subjects around on his shoulders for three days. After the celebrations, Mo journeyed to Lyr to continue the search for his wounded friend, Twinaxe. Behind him followed the massive Treasure Fleet, finally on its way home.<br><br>The former Red King leaned on his massive blade, resting on a hill near the lyrish border. Ornate crimson armor, once his fearsome trademark, now felt heavy on his shoulders. The Treasure Fleet had long since disappeared, though the huge dust cloud that accompanied it still hovered over the horizon. The big man trembled with barely suppressed rage; his greatest prize was now in the possession of a dim-witted Juggernaut who had stolen his throne to boot.<br><br>Alone and forgotten, the Red King threw back his head and howled in fury. Spent, he listened to the silence that settled once more over the place. Suddenly, a dry whisper slipped into his mind like a ghastly breeze.<br><br>“We can aid you, king of dust, ruler of nothing. We can bring glory back to you. The treasure, the throne, the power.”<br><br>The Red King stared at the ground, a pale blue light now outlined his shadow. Something was behind him, but he dared not turn around.<br><br>“For these things,” he croaked “I would travel through the Seven Hells!”<br><br>“That journey is far closer than you think” said the whisper, now a chorus of voices swelling in his mind. Trembling, the former king forced himself to turn as the voices rose in triumph. “For the Seven Hells will open their gates! Right here!”<br><br>“Gods! Forgive me,” whispered the Red King, through cracked lips, as his mind collapsed at the sight before him.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 4,
                ranking_time = "18:24.1",
                ranking_players = {"arabika", "Donaar", "Gam3over", "RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "October 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "20:28.0",
                ranking_players = {"2023", "FoodForThought", "XxBlueFirexX"},
                ranking_date = "October 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "20:57.4",
                ranking_players = {"LEBOVIN", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "April 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "24:42.1",
                ranking_players = {"RadicalX"},
                ranking_date = "February 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["The Dwarven Riddle"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{82, 80}, {86, 74}, {16, 11}, {10, 13}},
        chest_positions = {{8, 85}, {26, 71}, {35, 39}, {26, 18}, {55, 59}, {47, 44}, {53, 33}, {78, 10}},
        quest_positions = {
            {letter = "A", 8, 81},
            {letter = "B", 75, 9},
            {letter = "C", 37, 74, "Destroy the White Crystal"},
            {letter = "D", 70, 30, "Destroy the Dark Crystal"},
            {letter = "E", 43, 69, "Destroy the Red Crystal"},
            {letter = "F", 36, 53, "Destroy the Green Crystal"},
            {letter = "G", 63, 38, "Destroy the Blue Crystal"},
            {letter = "H", 45, 19, "Destroy the Cyan Crystal"},
            {letter = "I", 48, 57, "Destroy the Magenta Crystal"},
            {letter = "J", 37, 62, "Destroy the Yellow Crystal"},
        },
        difficulties = {standard = false, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Treasure and the King",
        prerequisites = "Titans",
        unlocks = "The Guns of Lyr",
        setup_description = "Unlock ancient secrets by destroying the right crystals before the enemies overwhelm you.",
        mission_briefing_description = "To unlock the wisdom held in these magic crystals, you have to follow the right order in which they need to be destroyed. The enemies will be getting stronger every minute, you can unleash powerful fire rituals to destroy them, but at a price.",
        loading_screen_text = "Lyr desperately needed a king and, struggle though he might, Rogan Kayle knew it was right he be chosen. His bond to the Skylords and growing tales of his brave deeds made him loved by the people as well as respected by his men. But to become king, Lyrish law demanded one must possess the wisdom passed down from one ruler to the next; the secret to Lyr’s magical defences. With the former king dead, Rogan was forced to pursue the secret at its source, where the first monarch was said to have uncovered it.<br><br>The Riddle of Gnaur, he who had stored the wisdom of power within magical crystals, was said to only be revealed to those who were at one with magic.<br><br>But the Cult who guarded Gnaur’s secrets and controlled his Stonekin servants would not give up the knowledge without a struggle.",
        plot2 = "Every child knew about the riddle of Gnaur. In the whispering halls of the Ymian library, Moon had read all about the rebellious dwarf who had woven his wisdom into crystals. Ultimately, Jorne had turned him to stone along with his brethren.<br><br>She found it hard to believe that a Lyrish king had unravelled the arcane secret of Gnaur and used it to build a fabled magical defense around his city. The Lyrish had always been straightforward in martial matters.",
        conclusion1 = "The wisdom within Gnaur’s crystals had been revealed, but it was both profound and formless. There were no ancient magical defences in Lyr. That which had been invented by kings of old to protect them from assassination, now almost proved to be Lyr’s downfall. But with circumstances as they were, it was proven that simply being honest could yield a crown when the time was right.",
        conclusion2 = "Rogan stood before the crowd, the silence feeling louder by the second. The eerie voice of a woman still whispered in his mind.<br><br>Rogan opened and closed his mouth, looking like a fish out of water. Elaborate lies and wild explanations surged through his mind, but this was not the Midwinter crew that needed another cheer-up, this was what was left of his people. They needed him. What would false hopes truly yield them?<br><br>Slowly fumbling through awkward sentences Rogan did the only thing he could,. he told the truth. To his great surprise, midway through the confession, someone cheered. Almost instantly the rest of the crowd joined in. Rogan later realized he could probably have told them about the contents of his lunch and they would have cheered, glory-starved as they were. But there he was, the now honest king-to-be, adored in all his ragged glory.<br><br>Moon withdrew from Lyr, her gaze returning to the Forge. She could have told him that Gnaur’s wisdom did indeed contain very powerful secrets. Secrets that could one day give the mortals the ability to forge Primal Ore. But this would take years and a smith as skilled as Brannoc to achieve. First things first.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 4,
                ranking_time = "04:42.1",
                ranking_players = {"D4rkm4tt3r_Dark", "DieToPlay", "Donaar", "Gam3over"},
                ranking_date = "January 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "08:19.0",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "LEBOVIN"},
                ranking_date = "May 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "08:19.0",
                ranking_players = {"DieToPlay", "LEBOVIN"},
                ranking_date = "May 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "11:32.2",
                ranking_players = {"DhrKaas"},
                ranking_date = "December 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["The Guns of Lyr"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{17, 73}, {74, 16}, {52, 53}, {42, 39}},
        chest_positions = {{12, 88}, {8, 63}, {18, 33}, {44, 11}, {49, 84}, {84, 31}, {76, 4}, {72, 61}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = false, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Treasure and the King",
        prerequisites = "The Dwarven Riddle",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "Restore the old defenses of Lyr and make a stand at the king's fortress, keeping back a massive Twilight attack.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The goal is to defend the king in his fortress against a Twilight army. Two of you will stall the Twilight at the defense walls, while the other two will clean out the invasion camps inside the city. Two Engineers will reactivate Lyr's old defense cannons, you must clear the way for them.",
        loading_screen_text = "Rogan Kayle was now King of Lyr. His coronation took place in a ruined fortress and was said by many to have felt somewhat rushed. Yet such expediency proved fortuitous for that very day the Twilight attacked with unprecedented force.<br><br>Were they driven by desperation? Did the Twilight hunger to snuff the tiny flicker of hope that now fluttered in men’s hearts? With no magical wonders to aid them, the humans were forced to try and restore Lyr’s ancient mechanical defences. But the Twilight would not to be stopped by rude cannons and simple walls alone.",
        plot2 = "Rogan’s fingers drummed the Midwinter’s old song on the windowsill as he gazed at the remnants of the city. Lyr, his ragged little kingdom stretched out below the old fortress, a stony carpet of buildings. He had come a long way since he walked that mile.<br><br>“My liege!”<br><br>Rogan winced but tried to look as regal as possible as he turned to face the defender.<br><br>“Did you check the guns?”<br><br>The soldier set down his crossbow with a thud.<br><br>“They are old and partially frozen over, but...”<br><br>“Send those Kobolds to fix them. Time they return the favour.”<br><br>As the defender saluted and clambered out, Rogan turned once more to gaze out through the fortress’s high window. The horizon gleamed with the Twilight’s vile glow and Rogan already heard the sound of fighting echo within the city city walls. He looked up at the clouds. “Well you brought me this far. Don’t fail me now.”",
        conclusion1 = "It had been an epic struggle but The Twilight had been defeated. Though the lands around Lyr had been emptied of the Cursed, the price of victory proved high. What remained of Lyr had been razed, her old defences finally destroyed.<br><br>However, the new king had survived his first day and some rejoiced at that alone. But as he addressed his battle-weary subjects for the first time, all Rogan could offer was the promise of yet another new beginning.",
        conclusion2 = "Rogan left subjects who had bravely cheered as if they almost believed his promises.<br><br>He slumped on the humble wooden chair supposed to be his throne and stared at his boots. Their leather still shone and buckles still gleamed. They were home in a way, certainly more than he.<br><br>Rogan caught a glimpse of movement. Shadows, apparitions, that faded as soon as he turned to face them.<br><br>“Is that you?” he asked, feeling foolish as the words emerged.<br><br>Silence answered him, but the feeling of a presence remained. “I don’t even know who you are... or were.”<br><br>His voice echoed off stony walls that only just had begun to take in the fireplace’s warmth.<br><br>“Those people out there believe in you, more than in me. You are the light of hope above failure. You are the symbol these people turn to when exhausted and sad and angry. I hope you do not expect us to sacrifice to you or... or build temples or... blazes, I don’t know. All we have left are our dreams.”<br><br>“And your dreams are what we need,” said Moon, far above him, in the vastness of the Forge.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 4,
                ranking_time = "05:47.8",
                ranking_players = {"2023", "XxBlueFirexX"},
                ranking_date = "September 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },            
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "05:47.8",
                ranking_players = {"2023", "XxBlueFirexX"},
                ranking_date = "September 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "05:47.8",
                ranking_players = {"2023", "XxBlueFirexX"},
                ranking_date = "September 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "10:20.8",
                ranking_players = {"Sieghart"},
                ranking_date = "August 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Titans"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        min_players = 1,
        starting_positions = {{84, 6}, {8, 6}, {8, 52}, {84, 54}},
        chest_positions = {{18, 74}, {12, 36}, {44, 23}, {35, 81}, {60, 81}, {82, 36}, {38, 36}, {78, 85}},
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = true, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "The Titans",
        prerequisites = "King of the Giants",
        unlocks = {"Ascension", "Blight", "Passage to Darkness", "The Dwarven Riddle"},
        setup_description = "A goddess of nature and a titan of fire clash near Lyr while Rogan lures the king of the giants there to decide the battle.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The mortals forms of Brannoc and Viridya are fighting near Lyr. Protect the human civilians from their minions. Rogan lures the giant king there to decide the battle, clear a path for him.",
        loading_screen_text = "While Kayle carried out his desperate plan with the enraged Giant King, Brannoc and Viridya’s struggle reached the outskirts of Lyr. As they fought on, wild magic ravaged the landscape and their frenzied minions tore apart buildings and people with equal abandon. The fledgling capital of the northern humans faced certain destruction.",
        plot2 = "Rogan could hear the screams from a distance, the battling titans must have reached the outer border of Lyr. The Narne Vale was ablaze already, he could see scorched earth everywhere. No doubt Brannoc’s fiery minions had battled with the trees of the Vale that came alive at Viridya’s command.<br><br>He could see houses in ruins, some of them newly rebuilt farmsteads. He could remember the names of those farmers, could remember the care-worn faces of their families as they had set out to reclaim their ravaged homes. Rogan had no breath left for curses as he hurried towards the vale, where Fire and Nature had gone insane.",
        conclusion1 = "Jorne’s arrival sparked an ancient, deep-rooted hate in the spirit of the Soultree. Viridya’s focus wavered. In that heartbeat Brannoc struck her down mightily, ending their struggle. Thus victorious, his rage turned to the Giant King.<br><br>But the mortal hopes and dreams that gave the Skylord shape turned to hate in the face of his dark deeds. Brannoc’s power faltered. Thus weakened the other Skylords and Jorne were able to destroy him.<br><br>As Brannoc’s spirit passed into the realm of death he finally saw he had been used. Blinded by love and desire, he had been forged into a weapon of darkness.<br><br>A great regret swept through the former Skylord. He sent a message to Moon, telling her the curse had been whispered to him by the Harbinger, a terrible creature of the dark that prowled the border between life and death.",
        conclusion2 = "Brannoc fell. The doubting remains of his soul plunged down through a maelstrom of chaos. He had just slain his only daughter, Viridya. The little girl who had played on his doorstep and listened to his tall tales, the only reminder of his beloved, Meanen, was dead by his own hand. But he could still make things right, he would bring his wife back, he could bring them all back. The whispers had promised. First he would make the giants pay, for it was they who had brought this all down on him.<br><br>He attacked the giant king. But when Brannoc felt Jorne weaken, his own strength seemed to fade. It felt as if his own self unravelled, losing elements of the past and present and with them fragments of power. As he watched the Skylord armies close in around him, Brannoc felt the stings of defeat and regret in equal measure.<br><br>Now, full of shame and frustration his soul raced across the face of the land. It reached the Passage of Akylos, the Bleak Shore, where the souls of the mortals awaited the ship to the Land of the Dead. But he could not enter.<br><br>“Not you.” the whispers denied him.<br><br>And Brannoc saw for the first time that which had whispered to his spirit all these years.<br><br>It was one who was many; the souls of mortals, the souls of beasts and the souls of dragons. A messenger from the land of the dead, far beyond the shores of Akylos had whispered the curse to him. They had made him both traitor and monstrosity though would not accept him as one of their own. And beside this many-faced horror that denied him passage, there stood a single figure of painful familiarity.<br><br>“We do not have much time.” Meanen Leafsinger’s soul spoke in a voice like distant song. “I am allowed to tell you this: souls have been trapped in the Wailing Lands. For millennia, none were able to pass into the paradise of Peaceful Light! The Gate of Ashia has been sealed!” Meanen’s face contorted with pain before she gathered herself and continued.<br><br>“We created the Harbinger and sent him to Akylos to find someone who would be our instrument, who would help destroy the world of the living. When all creation ends, the Gate will be destroyed and we can finally pass on.” Brannoc’s universe shifted in his heart.“The curse was the tool!” Meanan simply nodded, letting the truth wash over the former Skylord and titan.“Take this message to the living. The Key to Ashia or the end of all things...” Brannoc searched the apparition’s face.<br><br>“But I want to be with you... that is what drove me down this path!”<br><br>“You are already.”<br><br>Brannoc froze as a second form took shape beside his wife.<br><br>“I wish I had ever been that handsome.” The apparition smiled sadly. “You are what the people dreamed me to be after I was gone. The noble Skylord, companion to the gods.”<br><br>Brannoc looked at his true self with horror.<br><br>“You cannot enter here, Skylord.” The apparition shook its head slowly. “You are a dream made real by magic, just as are your gods.”<br><br>“The Forge...” the Skylord, Brannoc whispered.<br><br>“The prize paid for the Key to Ashia. A toy that provides fulfilment for the dreams of the living in exchange for the key to paradise.”<br><br>The pain-ridden stare of the souls went up to the cover of grey clouds.<br><br>Their words seemed to come from everywhere now, whispered, by the monstrous Harbinger and its hundred faces and echoed by thousands of voices in the mists. All whispered a single hateful thought.<br><br>“For the Wishbringer!”<br><br>As the Master of the Forge felt himself fade, as his very being unravelled in realization of what he had done, he screamed out. Obeying Meanen’s wish, he hurled his last thoughts into the void, hoping they would reach the one person he knew had loved what he had tried to be.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 4,
                ranking_time = "16:04.9",
                ranking_players = {"LEBOVIN", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "October 2022",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },            
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "16:04.9",
                ranking_players = {"LEBOVIN", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "October 2022",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 2,
                ranking_time = "16:04.9",
                ranking_players = {"LEBOVIN", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "October 2022",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 1,
                ranking_time = "16:07.6",
                ranking_players = {"Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "February 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    
-- Official 12 Player PvE Scenarios (3 x 4 Player Maps)
    ["Ascension"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        map_names = {"Jorne's Stand", "Viridya's Sanctum", "Corrupted Forest"},
        min_players = {1, 1, 2},
        starting_positions = {
            {{16, 73}, {76, 73}, {75, 16}, {19, 16}},
            {{26, 70}, {68, 66}, {71, 18}, {24, 21}},
            {{29, 13}, {36, 13}, {55, 13}, {62, 13}}
        },
        chest_positions = {
            {{73, 35}, {21, 34}, {15, 46}, {47, 35}, {47, 60}, {35, 73}, {47, 48}, {73, 59}},
            {{54, 36}, {44, 62}, {35, 58}, {61, 44}, {65, 23}, {35, 38}, {30, 35}, {60, 56}},
            {{42, 45}, {13, 62}, {74, 76}, {44, 13}, {62, 51}, {75, 34}, {32, 51}, {34, 63}}
        },
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = false, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "Ascension and Passage",
        prerequisites = "Titans",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "Viridya's spirit is driving nature itself insane. Fight a nature goddess and protect the King of the Giants.",
        mission_briefing_description = "Viridya's spirit is infecting nature with its rage. Keep her Avengers from leaving the Sanctum. Protect Jorne and defeat Viridya's minions in the Corrupted Forest. When Viridya has spent enough of her power, her inner demons will appear and can be defeated.",
        loading_screen_text = "Even as her body was destroyed by Brannoc’s final blow, still Viridya’s spirit did not leave. So passionate was her belief in her cause Viridya’s essence fused with Nature, tainting it with her rage. One enemy had been destroyed, but another, perhaps more terrible, had taken its place.<br><br>The Skylords now had to keep Viridya’s minions at bay as they protected the weakenend Jorne and with him, the fragile truce. Were this not enough, they would also have to bring her back into balance. As a spirit Viridya’s power was god-like, it would take all the Skylords’ might to tear her madness from her and grant her peace.",
        plot2 = "Virirdya screamed silently as her spirit raced along the vines the pain of her dying body spurring her on. Deep below the soil, she felt her spirit spread, dissipate, ready to merge with the world magic, to return to the power of Nature. Not yet!<br><br>With a flash of fury, she pulled back, forced her thoughts into one single entity that raced upwards like a drowning swimmer making for the surface. There was a place, connected with Nature, where strong strands of the old roots emerged. There she sped upwards towards the sky, her spirit burst from the earth in a flash of light. There was still so much to be done.<br><br>Jorne knelt silently before Umgandr’s grave. His former lieutenant had once sided with the mortals. Now he was long dead, slain by his own King’s hand. This very hand now rested on the mountainside that was his brother’s grave. Had Umgandr seen deeper into the truth of things?<br><br>Jorne was still kneeling when the earth beneath him exploded and dark vines swirled around him. He recognized the wall of green that encircled him; the army of men, beast and tree, their faces all contorted by a hateful stare he knew too well.",
        conclusion1 = "Mighty though it was, Viridya’s spirit spent all its strength during that terrible battle. As her unbalanced soul broke apart, deep terrors that had driven her emerged taking the shape of demons.<br><br>When all anger had spilled from her and was burned away, even the ancient hate of the Soultree, Viridya finally came to know peace. Her purified spirit flew high into the sky then hurled itself down into the ocean, to rise once more in a final selfless deed. She returned not as a goddess but as a new land, a strange paradise destined to never know the Twilight taint.",
        conclusion2 = "It had all passed before her, Meanen’s death at the hand of the giants, the hate for Moon, the pain when Giantsbane weapons tore apart the land and her father’s contorted face over the raging forges. She remembered the day she found the grave of the girl. It was the day she realized who she could never be. As the rage that had burned for generations faded, all that was left was the single realization that mortals had created her to bring hope. Not to wage war but to give them something to dream about.<br><br>She rose, sending warm light onto the tainted land as repayment for the fear she had spread. When the continents stretched far beneath her and she saw how far the taint had spread, she arched down, falling towards grey waters, down into the foaming waves, making the sea boil.<br><br>And where Viridya fell there rose an island, a mass of land still raw but shining with her light. A foaming mass of water rushed from the shaping mountains and rose in mighty columns of steam.<br><br>By high cliffs it was guarded and once the oceans calmed, sailors often tried to gain a glimpse at this new land. But behind the tall cliffs they could only see faint mists and hear strange sounds. The secrets of Viridya were to remain unexplored for a long time.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 12,
                ranking_time = "18:38.8",
                ranking_players = {"Coldfury", "Eirias", "Elfun", "Froudusl", "ImmortalSkylord", "JiiPee", "Kyazar", "P0RT", "SunWu", "TheXman", "TREX", "Xanderlord"},
                ranking_date = "June 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 11,
                ranking_time = "24:04.9",
                ranking_players = {"Aegir", "AnythingAtAll", "blackdeath", "JiiPee", "Joepeke3", "MEGALORT", "OvO", "reLaxB", "SavageVS", "sharlajjn", "SidVicious"},
                ranking_date = "June 2024",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 5,
                ranking_time = "27:23.8",
                ranking_players = {"Anske", "Eroon", "KampfkeksBOSS","Kendrikson", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "January 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 4,
                ranking_time = "55:28.3",
                ranking_players = {"Anske", "Little_Ducky", "TheXMan (formerly Naturee)", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "February 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "---",
                ranking_players = "{{tt|Not enough players|This scenario requires a minimum of 4 players.}}",
                ranking_date = "---",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            }
        }
    },
    ["Passage to Darkness"] = {
        type = "PvE",
        map_names = {"Central Akylos", "Western Akylos", "Eastern Akylos"},
        min_players = {1, 1, 1},
        starting_positions = {
            {{13, 23}, {21, 14}, {6, 12}, {14, 4}},
            {{13, 23}, {21, 14}, {6, 12}, {14, 4}},
            {{13, 23}, {21, 14}, {6, 12}, {14, 4}},
        },
        chest_positions = {
            {{7, 86}, {14, 57}, {45, 48}, {65, 34}, {44, 82}, {72, 58}, {83, 11}, {87, 54}},
            {{7, 86}, {14, 57}, {45, 48}, {65, 34}, {44, 82}, {72, 58}, {83, 11}, {87, 54}},
            {{7, 86}, {14, 57}, {45, 48}, {65, 34}, {44, 82}, {72, 58}, {83, 11}, {87, 54}}
        },
        quest_positions = nil,
        difficulties = {standard = false, advanced = true, expert = true},
        campaign_name = "Ascension and Passage",
        prerequisites = "Titans",
        unlocks = "None",
        setup_description = "Defeat all aspects of the Harbinger of the Lost Souls on the border to the land of the dead.",
        mission_briefing_description = "The harbinger is split into aspects of mortal, dragon and bestial souls. Destroy the shrines of the Harbinger, each shrine destroyed keeps an aspect of the Harbinger in another part of Akylos from returning. Beware the wrath of the souls, only the strongest of you should bring it down on them.",
        loading_screen_text = "From Akylos, the border between the land of the dead and the living, the Harbinger had whispered dark promises to Brannoc, preying on his desire to resurrect his beloved wife. It had given the Skylord the curse, so perhaps in its defeat lay the cure for the affliction. But Akylos was not only home to the Harbinger itself, with its many faces, it played host to a dangerous cult. Their combined might would require an army of brave Skylords to even have a hope of victory.",
        plot2 = "Moon froze as Brannoc’s voice rushed through her spirit. With it came images from the Bleak Shore, from the Harbinger and a terrible truth.<br><br>She stared at the walls around her, listened to the ever-present rumble of the Forge, the Wishbringer. A prize? A long forgotten trade, struck with whom?<br><br>The Forge had created her just as it had done the gods. That was why dreams never found her, why life had seemed so bereft of purpose. For a dream cannot dream.<br><br>Despair washed over Moon, unravelling the fabric of her spirit, thread by thread. But the mortals’ hope that forged her was relentless, she would not cease to exist.<br><br>The Skylords were created because the mortals needed their heroes to live on. And so Moon had to continue, it was her duty. She found solace in the knowledge that while she had been made from dreams, she was no puppet.<br><br>Using the Forge the Skylords had created themselves a place outside of legend. And as such they would continue.<br><br>Moon sent the call, rallying the others. This Harbinger would be unlike any enemy fought before. What she had seen in Brannoc’s vision was not a single entity, but something with many bodies, many faces, a creature formed of the souls in the Wailing Lands. She also knew Akylos to be populated by the Souleater Cult, dark outlaws who preyed on the souls of those who did not manage the journey. This would be the ultimate test, their chance to finally rid the world of the curse. After that, she would tell the others the truth.",
        conclusion1 = "The Harbinger was no more and the malice that had seeped into the world of the living through Brannoc’s curse had been stopped. While the ones already infected were not cured, the curse would not spread any further. Now, every victory would heal the world a little more.",
        conclusion2 = "With a howl of primal rage, the Harbinger faded. His call was echoed over the wild sea as souls pulled back from Akylos and retreated into The Wailing Lands. Moon could feel the vicious stream of hate that had flowed into the realm of the living being severed.<br><br>The world shuddered when the mark of this darkest of times was taken away. Everywhere, the Twilight cursed gazed skywards, howling without knowing why.<br><br>Moon shaped her image on a hill north of Akylos and saw the other Skylords nearby. All were eager to witness this moment, the hard-won fruit of their labour. Tomorrow, their real journey would begin.<br><br>Regaining the Key of Ashia, taken by the unknown creators of the Forge, was the only way to free the lost souls. They would have to find and possibly battle the very beings who had made the Forge. For that, the Skylords needed the Forge and the mortals needed their Skylords.<br><br>As long as they dream, we will be there. As long as they write legends and sing songs, the Aedai would fight. For a dream is made to fight despair and this is what the Skylords would do.<br><br>Though Brannoc's death had left them leaderless and Moon could sense difficult days ahead. A time of conflict would show who among the Skylords would be the new Master of the Forge.",
        spectator_map_available = false,
        rankings = {
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 12,
                ranking_time = "10:17.8",
                ranking_players = {"Dolewan", "Dutchy", "DwightSchrude", "FoodForThought", "Hauclir", "Kayrie", "Paxvobiscum", "Prototyp002", "SifTheChief", "theeggandi", "Ultralord", "Volin"},
                ranking_date = "April 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 10,
                ranking_time = "13:39.4",
                ranking_players = {"Artemion", "BreeZer", "Daron304", "Goku", "Grak", "LEBOVIN", "Sabre", "ThunderArkS5", "xogangster", "Mynoduesp"},
                ranking_date = "October 2022",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
            {
                ranking_numberplayers = 3,
                ranking_time = "15:38.5",
                ranking_players = {"LEBOVIN", "Trando", "Wanky"},
                ranking_date = "January 2023",
                ranking_difficulty = "Expert"
            },
        }
    },
    
-- Official 1vs1 PvP Maps
    ["Elyon"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{44, 83}, {44, 6}},
        mission_briefing_description = "1vs1 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Haladur"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{34, 78}, {55, 13}},
        mission_briefing_description = "1vs1 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Lajesh"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{45, 60}, {45, 30}},
        mission_briefing_description = "1vs1 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Simai"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{16, 18}, {72, 18}},
        mission_briefing_description = "1vs1 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Uro"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{4, 57}, {86, 35}},
        mission_briefing_description = "1vs1 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Wazhai"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{29, 64}, {63, 28}},
        mission_briefing_description = "1vs1 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Yrmia"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{45, 77}, {45, 12}},
        mission_briefing_description = "1vs1 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    
-- Official 2vs2 PvP Maps
    ["Danduil"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{67, 77}, {76, 69}, {23, 14}, {14, 24}},
        mission_briefing_description = "2vs2 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Fyre"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{41, 60}, {49, 67}, {41, 24}, {49, 31}},
        mission_briefing_description = "2vs2 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Gorgash"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{18, 77}, {74, 77}, {18, 13}, {74, 13}},
        mission_briefing_description = "2vs2 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Koshan"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{46, 68}, {24, 45}, {46, 21}, {69, 45}},
        mission_briefing_description = "2vs2 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Nadai"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{68, 75}, {76, 68}, {24, 16}, {16, 24}},
        mission_briefing_description = "2vs2 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Turan"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{22, 66}, {69, 66}, {22, 20}, {69, 20}},
        mission_briefing_description = "2vs2 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Yshia"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{41, 72}, {72, 48}, {49, 22}, {19, 49}},
        mission_briefing_description = "2vs2 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
    ["Zahadune"] = {
        type = "PvP",
        min_players = 2,
        starting_positions = {{14, 34}, {15, 85}, {75, 58}, {74, 7}},
        mission_briefing_description = "2vs2 PvP",
        spectator_map_available = true,
    },
}