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THE ENCYCLOPEDIA

In the Shadow of the Throne

CAMPAIGNS & SCENARIOS · AGE OF EMPIRES II ONLY

CAMPAIGN · DAWN OF THE DUKES

In the Shadow of the Throne

Jogaila’s loyalists race a ransom cart through bandit country to free him from Kestutis. Once at liberty, Jogaila must navigate a struggle between his father’s allies and choose a refuge and political partner before reclaiming a Lithuanian stronghold.

In the Shadow of the Throne Age of Empires II campaign artwork
In the Shadow of the Throne Age of Empires II campaign artwork

Overview

Jogaila’s loyalists race a ransom cart through bandit country to free him from Kestutis. Once at liberty, Jogaila must navigate a struggle between his father’s allies and choose a refuge and political partner before reclaiming a Lithuanian stronghold.

Player approach

In the Shadow of the Throne starts with a timed Trade Cart ransom, then asks you to choose between Trakai and Kreva. A low-resistance route preserves the Cart, while Kreva offers a more defensible base and safer expansion.

Step-by-step plan

Send the escort east along the woodline and then south, avoiding the patrols around the direct approach. Keep the Trade Cart behind the cleared force and enter the outpost without drawing units from the valley. After the ransom is delivered, favor Kreva when a secure economy matters: its southern forest supports an easier wall, back resources make early Town Centers practical, and nearby Relics can be gathered from safer approaches. Choose Trakai only when the exposed center and proximity to the Grey ally better support your diplomatic plan.

Risks and adjustments

The opening clock is short, so do not detour for Relics before delivering the Cart. Trakai’s openness and external resource sites create several raid angles, while Kreva’s river has limited fish and still needs scouting. Confirm which ally you intend to support before settling, since the base location changes the fronts you must defend.

Focused strategy page

For a dedicated version of this plan, open In the Shadow of the Throne safe opening.

Mission overview

Jogaila’s loyalists race a ransom cart through bandit country to free him from Kestutis. Once at liberty, Jogaila must navigate a struggle between his father’s allies and choose a refuge and political partner before reclaiming a Lithuanian stronghold.

Objectives

  1. Deliver the ransom cart to Kestutis before time runs out.
  2. After Jogaila is freed, defeat Kestutis.
  3. Capture Trakai or Kreva by destroying Vytautas’ Castle there.
  4. Choose to ally with the Teutonic Order or the Lithuanian dukes and complete their requested task.
Focus
Scenario · Algirdas and Kestutis
Signature / category
Story & scenarios
Release / context
Dawn of the Dukes
Classification
Scenarios
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