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The Moon Rises

CAMPAIGNS & SCENARIOS · AGE OF EMPIRES II ONLY

CAMPAIGN · THE FORGOTTEN

The Moon Rises

The Ottomans launch a sustained attack on several Wallachian fortresses. Divide troops according to each castle’s defenses, protect the vulnerable approaches, and hold every Castle until the countdown ends.

The Moon Rises Age of Empires II campaign artwork
The Moon Rises Age of Empires II campaign artwork

Overview

The Ottomans launch a sustained attack on several Wallachian fortresses. Divide troops according to each castle’s defenses, protect the vulnerable approaches, and hold every Castle until the countdown ends.

Player approach

The Moon Rises in the Definitive Edition is a one-hour defense of three Castles, and conventional siege weapons cannot be built. Assign a specific counter group to each approach and use the attack warnings to move reinforcements.

Step-by-step plan

Divide the army to cover Poenari, Rasnov, and Fagaras rather than leaving a single force to cross the map during each wave. Use Skirmishers and cavalry or Boyars against Janissaries and infantry at Poenari; combine Skirmishers and Pikemen against ranged cavalry at Rasnov; and use Pikemen or Scorpions against Boyars at Fagaras. Keep heavy cavalry or the arriving Magyar Huszars ready to remove Rams and Trebuchets, and add Monks to heal between waves. If Monks are plentiful, use them to convert exposed Boyars and send those units to reinforce another Castle.

Risks and adjustments

There is no siege counter from production, so protect the Castles instead of trying to end the defense by destroying an enemy base. Do not abandon one approach when a warning appears elsewhere; keep a reserve and move it along the safe route between the named Castles.

Focused strategy page

For a dedicated version of this plan, open The Moon Rises three-Castle defense plan.

Mission overview

The Ottomans launch a sustained attack on several Wallachian fortresses. Divide troops according to each castle’s defenses, protect the vulnerable approaches, and hold every Castle until the countdown ends.

Objectives

  1. Win the opening battle against the Ottoman attackers.
  2. Keep all of your Castles standing until the defense timer expires.
  3. Optional: protect the Wallachian villages for resources or sack them for a larger immediate force.
Focus
Scenario · Vlad Dracula
Signature / category
Story & scenarios
Release / context
The Forgotten
Classification
Scenarios
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