Changes: Chapters

Quincy Poisewax: This is it! The Aegis Wardens … Looks like they were created by Banehelm scholars centuries ago. But why are they running amok now?

Quincy Poisewax: A magical workshop, under our noses this whole time! This must be where the automatons were first built. Looks long abandoned now, though.

	Act 1 Story Quests
Name	Objective	Reward
Rowdy Research	The automatons have taken over strongholds all throughout the Hollow Lands. I need you to investigate those locations first. See just what these strange machines are up to. Investigate 3 Automaton Strongholds	2.500 Reputation
Tomes of Automatons	The automatons’ aesthetics remind me of Banehelm architecture. In fact, I do remember reading something about mechanical guardians. Let’s see if we can find that research. Collect 3 Automaton Research Tomes in Banehelm	5.000 Reputation
The Hidden Workshop	These tomes suggest that while Banehelm designed the automatons, they were built in Dustpool. Let’s see if we can find just where these machines were once created. Search for Automaton Workshop South of Dustpool Hold	7.500 Reputation + Homebase Wrecker Badge

Act 2: A Curious Awakening[ | ]

Introduction

Quincy Poisewax: We finally have a name and origin for our new automaton neighbors. They’re called the Aegis Wardens, and they were created by Banehelm scholars centuries ago. Well, perhaps designed is a better term. Looks like Dustpool was contracted to actually build the machines.

The Wardens were created to protect Banehelm’s secrets, which explains why they have so much weaponry built into them. But they were ordered to be destroyed over two hundred years ago due to the Vow Mandate. Couldn’t have magical constructs running around after magic was outlawed, could we?

At the very least, we can assume that the Wardens were actually deactivated rather than destroyed. Which begs the question… how were the automatons awoken? I have a few theories, of course. Perhaps some nefarious scholars reactivated them. Or perhaps the Wardens didn’t reactivate at all, but rather came through a rift in time. Or perhaps the scholars went through a rift in time, and then reactivated—and I’m getting ahead of myself.

Once again, I need your help with some field research. Hopefully, it will allow us to learn why the Aegis Wardens have reactivated. Best of luck!

Briefing

Quincy Poisewax: It really is a shame. Think of all the good the Aegis Wardens could have done for our kingdoms if they weren’t banned by the Vow Mandate. Yet another wonder the Vowkeepers stole from us.

After Quest Completion

Quincy Poisewax: Well, that should do the trick. Now we’ll be able to pick up any arcane fluctuations that the Warden’s produce.

Quincy Poisewax: That’s it. The Spellstorm is empowering them. Which means that… Was it the Fracture that awoke them?

	Act 2 Story Quests
Name	Objective	Reward
The Armored Arcane	Arcane Barometers are our best bet for tracking arcane fluctuations. You need to take the barometers from their chests near the Aegis Tower and place them atop the platforms. The Aegis Towers can be found encircling the center of the Hollow Lands. Place 3 Arcane Barometers Near Aegis Towers	2.500 Reputation
Rich Repositories	Now I need to see what happens when you threaten the Aegis Wardens. Let’s see how they react when you attempt to steal from the repositories hidden within their strongholds. Loot 5 Aegis Warden Repositories	5.000 Reputation
Spellstorm Slaying	Fascinating. I’ve noticed a connection between the Wardens and the Spellstorm’s movements. Can you activate a Spellstorm Rift and then destroy a Warden? Use Spellstorm Rift and Destroy 3 Aegis Wardens	7.500 Reputation + Tech Tactician Badge

Act 3: Galvanized Goals[ | ]

Introduction

Quincy Poisewax: Doesn’t seem like we have anyone in particular to thank for our new neighbors. The Aegis Wardens were awoken by the Fracture. The magical energy must have reactivated them somehow. Perhaps the fluctuation cycled their arcane dynamos…

Ah, right, sorry. Back in the room. Let's review what we know so far. The Aegis Wardens were created by Banehelm in order to protect magical artifacts, secret knowledge, and the like. They were deactivated over two hundred years ago due to the Vow Mandate. Thanks to the Fracture and the ongoing Spellstorm, the automatons were reactivated and given an endless source of power.

But now we enter the crux of the matter. Why are the Wardens encroaching on the Hollow Lands? Why have they turned from defenders into invaders? As always, I believe our answer lies in further field research. With luck, the results should give us greater insight into the Wardens' motivation. Or lack thereof.

Oh, and I should probably let you know, Thadius will be taking over operations while I continue my studies of the Wardens. After you’re done helping me, you’ll be reporting to him next. Good luck out there, Breaker.

Briefing

Quincy Poisewax: I wish we didn’t have to fight the Aegis Wardens. Think of what good we could do if they fought alongside us. But I could say the same about the Vowguards, couldn’t I?

After Quest Completion

Quincy Poisewax: This rune chip doesn’t look like anything I’ve researched. It’s been altered, somehow. Perhaps that’s why the Wardens now act so aggressively.

Quincy Poisewax: The Wardens were built to protect magical artifacts, so I suppose it makes sense they would continue to do so.

Quincy Poisewax: Oh, this is… not good. The Wardens’ intend to take over the Hollow Lands, but more than that. It looks like they intend to destroy it first. This is definitely not good.

	Act 3 Story Quests
Name	Objective	Reward
Getting Ahead	The Aegis Wardens’ protocols are held within a rune chip inside their head. I need you to collect one of their heads and disassemble it within the Dustpool workshop we found earlier. Collect Warden Head and Disassemble it in the Automaton Workshop	2.500 Reputation
Planned Ambush	I’ve heard rumors of the Wardens ambushing Breakers when they tried to collect artifacts. I need you to head to Fort Halcyon and see if these rumors are true. Defeat Warden Ambush by Opening Epic Chests in Fort Halcyon	5.000 Reputation
Mural of the Mechanical	Now, for the strangest rumor of all. Breakers have reported that a rather curious mural was sighted in Lowland Outpost, and I believe the Wardens may have created it. I was hoping that you could have a look for me. Investigate the Lowland Outpost Warden Mural	7.500 Reputation + Chapter Three Card

Act 4: Under Surveillance[ | ]

Introduction

Thadius Vanderun: I wish I brought fairer tidings for you, Breaker. But then, when has that ever been our fortune? Be it the Vowguard or the Spellstorm, conflict is our order’s steadfast companion. Would I rather it be peace.

Quincy’s latest research has proven what we feared all along. These Aegis Wardens, once bespelled to defend, now see all who enter the Hollow Lands as enemies. And so they seek to destroy us, kingdoms and all. Once again, it falls on us to protect what little remains of our homelands. The Wardens have claimed strongholds across the Hollow Lands, but they have also been known to ambush unsuspecting Breakers. The more we know about their movements, the better we can position ourselves. And so we must turn to rather unsavory sources.

We need you to locate the Vowguard’s surveillance pods so that we may keep a track of the Wardens' movements. Only then can we begin our battle in earnest. Fair fighting, Breaker.

Briefing

Thadius Vanderun: I heard tales of the Aegis Wardens when I was a young man, but never had cause to fight one. What tactics to deploy, what weaknesses to exploit… I’m afraid I know just as much as you do.

After Quest Completion

Thadius Vanderun: Excellent work. The report states the surveillance pods are being held in Fernfall Garrison. Let us head there next.

Thadius Vanderun: The surveillance pods appear to be in working order. Good work, Breaker.

	Act 4 Story Quests
Name	Objective	Reward
Vowguard Sighting	We first need to know where the Vowguard are storing the surveillance pods. There are reports of Vowguard movement near Castle Bogmore. Head to the top of the castle's highest tower to begin your search. Search for Vowguard Report Near Castle Bogmore	2.500 Reputation
The Fernfall Raid	The surveillance pods are being held in Fernfall Garrison, located just north of Hope’s End. Be careful as you collect them, however. I doubt the Vowguard would leave these devices unattended. Raid Fernfall Garrison for Surveillance Pods	5.000 Reputation
Assembly Required	Now we must assemble the surveillance pods in order to track the Wardens’ movements. You’ll find the pods within chests atop Sawtooth Mountain. Collect the devices and assemble them on nearby stands. Assemble 3 Surveillance Pods in Sawtooth Mountain	7.500 Reputation + Automaton Annihilator Badge

Act 5: Ward Off the Wardens[ | ]

Introduction

Thadius Vanderun: Those surveillance pods are an immense help to our efforts. The Aegis Wardens' movements are as precise as clockwork, and just as easy to keep track of. Now is the time to attack.

I’ve fought more battles than I care to count, yet it never comes easier. Should I feel less, given our enemies are made of metal and magic? And yet I cannot find it within my heart to do so. War is never without sacrifice, never without sorrow. No matter the foe.

But we have no choice. We cannot allow what little we have left to be taken from us. We must protect what remains, and so. We fight.

You have your battle orders. To war, Breaker. To war.

Briefing

Thadius Vanderun: When I was young, I craved battle. To prove myself, to defeat the great evils of the world. What a fool I was. A wise man only wishes for peace, for it is only in peace that we may prosper.

After Quest Completion

Thadius Vanderun: These safeguard potions should hold us over for quite some time. My thanks, Breaker.

Thadius Vanderun: Is there no end to these Wardens? No matter how many strongholds we clear, there seems to be no end in sight. Where are their reinforcements coming from?

	Act 5 Story Quests
Name	Objective	Reward
Safeguard Supplies	Our Order is in desperate need of supplies within our base in Choirbank Sanctum. Deliver small safeguard potions with all haste. Supply Allies with 3 Small Safeguard Potions in Choirbank Sanctum	2.500 Reputation
Dangerous Freefall	As Breakers, we know the importance of a surprise attack. Land atop the Aegis Tower platforms and defeat any Wardens that protect them. You’ll find the platforms surrounding Fort Halcyon. Land Atop an Aegis Tower Platform	5.000 Reputation
Warden Raider	It is time to take the fight to the Aegis Wardens. Make haste and clear out any stronghold you find. Give them no quarter. Destroy 10 Aegis Wardens	7.500 Reputation + Warden's Ruination Badge

Act 6: Reboot and Rebel[ | ]

Introduction

Thadius Vanderun: You fought admirably, but there’s simply no end to the Aegis Wardens. Destroy one, and five more take its place. We must strategize. And for that, we may need to look in unexpected places for allies who can aid us.

For the first time since the Wardens have invaded, they have taken a prisoner. I do not know who this poor soul is, or how they caught the Wardens' attention, but I mean to find out. With luck, this prisoner may even be willing to aid our cause.

I need you to mount a rescue operation. Investigate who the Wardens have captured and where they are being held. I have given command over to Avira for this assignment, so you will report to her once you succeed. Goddess guide you, Breaker.

Briefing

Thadius Vanderun: The Aegis Wardens have never taken interest in individual Breakers, much less taken a captive. What makes this prisoner so special in the eyes of the Wardens? Er… eye, I mean.

After Quest Completion

Thadius Vanderun: “WE WERE BUILT TO DEFEND, NOT DESTROY. WE WERE BUILT FOR PEACE, NOT WAR.” We? Is the prisoner... a Warden?

Brilly: THANK YOU FOR RESCUING ME, HUMAN.

	Act 6 Story Quests
Name	Objective	Reward
Schematic Scandal	There’s been reports that the Aegis Wardens’ mural was defaced in a strange manner. I ask that you head to Lowland Outpost and investigate. Investigate Defaced Aegis Warden Mural in Lowland Outpost	2.500 Reputation
Mechanic Manifesto	It seems the prisoner has written a manifesto of sorts and posted it across the Hollow Lands. Let’s see what knowledge can be gleaned by reading these proclamations. Collect Manifestos in Edgewall, Then Mossburn, and Finally the Forgotten Cloister	5.000 Reputation
The Prisoner	We have confirmation that the Wardens are holding the prisoner in Dustpool Hold. Let us rescue this unknown ally with all due haste. Collect the Warden’s Prisoner in Dustpool Hold	7.500 Reputation + Warden's Warfare Card

Act 7: The Brilstone Automaton[ | ]

Introduction

Avira Emberdane: Good to see you again, Breaker. Ready for your next assignment?

With your help, our Order was able to rescue the Warden's prisoner. Strangely enough, that prisoner was a decapitated automaton head. Not quite what I expected. Quincy has assured me that the machine is capable of logical thought, and, unlike the Wardens, is speaking with us. He even has a name. Brilly. Better than Brillford or Brilliam, I suppose.

Brilly claims to desire peace just as much as his kin desire war, and he’s agreed to join our fight. However, before our metal friend can aid us, he must be reassembled. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. The Wardens are currently guarding his parts within their strongholds.

We need you to search the Wardens' strongholds and collect Brilly’s individual parts. Only then can we count on him as an ally.

Briefing

Avira Emberdane: I am glad Brilly is willing to speak with us, I truly am. But sometimes it’s difficult to get him to stop. He’s fond of asking questions, and, unfortunately, Quincy is just as fond of answering them. I’ve had to seperate the two more than once.

After Quest Completion

Quest 6

Brilly: THANK YOU FOR ASSEMBLING ME. THIS IS MUCH MORE PREFERABLE.

	Act 7 Story Quests
Name	Objective	Reward
Torn-So Apart	Let’s start by obtaining the automaton’s torso first. You’ll find it in the Gritfeld Stronghold. Collect Automaton's Torso in Gritfeld Warden Stronghold	2.500 Reputation
Put Your Right Leg In	Now for the right leg. It’s located in the Bogmore Castle Stronghold. Collect Automaton's Right Leg in Bogmore Castle Warden Stronghold	5.000 Reputation
Take Your Left Leg Out	And as for the left leg, you’ll find it in the Edgewall Stronghold. Collect Automaton's Left Leg in Edgewall Warden Stronghold	7.500 Reputation
Up in Right Arms	Time to procure the automaton’s right arm. It’s locked away in the Fever Break Stronghold. Collect Automaton's Right Arm in Fever Break Warden Stronghold	2.500 Reputation
Left Arm All Alone	At last, we come upon the last missing part. The automaton’s left arm can be found in the Wardens’ Banehelm Stronghold. Collect Automaton's Left Arm in Banehelm Bridge Warden Stronghold	5.000 Reputation
Automaton Assemble	The automaton workshop you found in Dustpool should contain the tools you need to reassemble Brilly. Head there and get to work. Assemble Automaton in Dustpool Hold Workshop	7.500 Reputation + Reactivator Badge

Act 8: Schematic Sabotage[ | ]

Introduction

Avira Emberdane: Excellent work, Breaker. Brilly asked me to read you a note he wrote.

“THANK YOU FOR ASSEMBLING ME. BEING BROKEN APART IS NOT FUN. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU, AS HUMANS SAY. PLEASE DO NOT BETRAY AND DISMANTLE ME ONCE MORE. WITH ALL CONSIDERATION, BRILLY.”

I’ll let that speak for itself.

Unfortunately, Brilly has little information on the Aegis Wardens’ current plans. But that’s where the Wardens' communication nexus comes into play. Unlike you and I, the Wardens do not require speech to communicate. Their thoughts are connected to one another through their communication nexus, allowing them to correspond seamlessly across great distances.

Though it has given the Wardens a distinct edge in battle up until now, we can now use the communication nexus to our advantage. With your help, Brilly should be able to access the nexus> and uncover what the Wardens are planning.

Briefing

Avira Emberdane: Brilly has been a model Order member. Does his chores without complaint, always there with a cheerful word. If only his kin had similar dispositions…

After Quest Completion

Brilly: ACCESS COMPLETE. I MUST ACCESS OTHER NODES BEFORE I CAN ENTER THE COMMUNICATION NEXUS.

Brilly: DEPLOYMENT FROM LUX VAULT. DEPLOYMENT FROM LUX VAULT. WAIT. WHAT IS IN LUX VAULT, AGAIN?

Avira Emberdane: Strange. I’ve never seen devices like this before. I’d ask for a closer look, but there’s no getting past those barriers. Perhaps Brilly knows more.

	Act 8 Story Quests
Name	Objective	Reward
Nexus Nodes	First, you’ll need to examine one of the Wardens’ nexus nodes and see what we’re dealing with. We have reports of one in Zealot’s Keep. Head there first. Help Brilly Access the Zealot's Keep Nexus Node	2.500 Reputation
Insider Information	It seems the Aegis Wardens are aware of what you’re doing. You’ll need to protect Brilly as he accesses the other nexus nodes. You’ll find nodes first in Hope's End, then Westmar, and lastly Shadowgrace. Defend Brilly as He Accesses Nexus Nodes in Hope's End, Westmar, and Then Shadowgrace	5.000 Reputation
The Ascension	Our plan is working. Brilly has access to the Wardens’ communication nexus, and he’s overheard chatter about devices in Lux Vault. I need you to investigate. Investigate the Strange Devices in Lux Vault	7.500 Reputation + Doomsday Inspector Badge

Act 9: Delaying Doomsday[ | ]

Introduction

Avira Emberdane: Thanks to your hard work and Brilly’s aid, we now have access to the Aegis Wardens’ communications. We now know how they plan to destroy the Hollow Lands.

The Wardens have built conductors to overload the Spellstorm with vast amounts of arcane energy, empowering its destructive force. No fortress, no city, no blade of grass will remain afterwards. There won’t be kingdoms left for us to reclaim.

I did question Brilly about those strange devices you discovered as well, but I’m afraid he knows little about them. They’re protected by barriers, so they must be important to the Wardens. But as for what they are and what their purpose is, we’ll have to investigate further.

For now, let us concentrate on the spellstorm conductors. We cannot allow the Spellstorm to be empowered and destroy what little we have left. I need you to seek out and destroy whatever conductors the Wardens have activated. Make all haste, Breaker. We’ve not much time.

Briefing

Avira Emberdane: I suppose if the Aegis Wardens cannot claim the Hollow Lands, no one can. Or perhaps they don’t mind the idea of ruling over a desolate wasteland. What need for grass you cannot feel?

After Quest Completion

Avira Emberdane: At last, we may breathe. Those conductors won’t be empowering the Spellstorm anytime soon.

Avira Emberdane: Good work, Breaker. It seems the Wardens have grown desperate now that we ruined their plans. Pity for them.

	Act 9 Story Quests
Name	Objective	Reward
Survey and Secure	We must find where these spellstorm conductors are placed. I need you to first scout the Castle Bogmore Warden Stronghold, then the Fever Break Stronghold, and finally the Fever Ridge Stronghold. Scout Castle Bogmore, Fever Break, and Then Fever Ridge Strongholds	2.500 Reputation
Dangerous Conductors	We’ve located the spellstorm conductors throughout both Shadowgrace and Ruby Grove. Destroy them with all haste. Destroy 5 Spellstorm Conductors in Shadowgrace and Ruby Grove	5.000 Reputation
The Warden Battalion	The Wardens are mounting a counter-attack in Timberrend, south of the Hymnwood Ruins. I need you to head there immediately and engage them. Defeat Warden Battalion in Timberrend	7.500 Reputation + Hollow Commander Badge

Act 10: Final Rest[ | ]

Introduction

Avira Emberdane: The spellstorm conductors have been destroyed, but it’s only a matter of time before the Aegis Wardens rebuild them. They know not sleep, nor rest, nor peace. Should we merely continue fighting, I have no doubt it will be without end. A ceaseless war against endless enemies. We must staunch the flow.

To our good fortune, Brilly has finally discovered how his kin are able to reinforce their numbers so steadily. The Wardens come from deep within the earth, where the bulk of their forces still lie. They travel up into the Hollow Lands in devices known as deep earth conveyors. Though you have never heard the name, these devices should look familiar to you. They’re the very same you and Brilly investigated after he infiltrated the Wardens' communication nexus.

At first, I thought this a lost lead. The deep earth conveyors are protected by barriers, and we had not the means to dispel nor destroy them. But, thanks to the tireless work of both Quincy and Brilly, we have discovered a spell that can deactivate the barriers and allow us to destroy the conveyors.

I leave this mission in your capable gauntlets, Breaker. Destroy the deep earth conveyors and stop this war once and for all.

Briefing

Avira Emberdane: A part of me wonders if Brilly knew about the deep earth conveyors all along. Perhaps part of him still struggles to rebel against his metal kin. Or… perhaps I distrust too much. It’s been a hard few years.

After Quest Completion

Avira Emberdane: Brilly has informed us that the communication nexus has grown silent in this area. Now is the time for us to strike.