Special Quest Guide: The Sea Raiders

If you were a regular participant in “The Vengeful Dead” during the recent Halloween event, you’ll know what to expect from the latest PvE insertion to the Matchmaking menu. Arriving as part of the Rattan Resistance update, “The Sea Raiders” forms the first part of a trilogy of Special Quests in which you and your allies must meet and hopefully turn back the tide of a persistent new threat.

HISTORY

Where the eponymous attackers are from and why they are attacking isn’t fully understood, but the group is thought to originate from far beyond the regions’ eastern borders. Though they are characterised as pirates, The Sea Raiders are able to conduct operations far inland thanks, not only thanks to its ability to navigate sinuous river networks, but also due to newfound alliances with many of the rebel groups that operate beyond the reach of the law. Indeed, it’s thought that without the close cooperation of disenfranchised locals - and intense recent efforts to bring them on-side - the Sea Raiders wouldn’t be as emboldened as they are to attack major cities such as Fuecheng.

SCOUTING REPORT

Your forces have entered the city from the east, just has night has fallen to blanket the flame and smoke that has engulfed many of the city’s streets. As desperate as the situation is, however, the garrison has not yet fallen and you must fight alongside its brave commander to have any hope of victory. Should he fall in battle, his troops will rout and the city will be lost.

WAVE 1

The battle begins with enemy forces assaulting the bridge, which are easy enough to hold back thanks to the efforts of the garrison troops. However, with enemy forces pouring in behind the crossing from the north and south, you have to deploy your troops to avoid being outflanked. Defend all routes into the crossing and support the garrison commander at all costs!

WAVE 2

What allied forces are left will fall back to the raised entrance inside the east gate. Immediately thereafter, the enemy will launch an assault from the south. You will need to quickly arrange a defensive line across the southern entry point, as well one that blocks the main street that leads to the bridge. Don’t worry about defending the bridge itself - for now, it’s a lost cause.

WAVE 3

The enemy continues to focus its forces from the south and from the direction of the bridge, now augmented by artillery attacks designed to break your defensive lines. Try to keep your units in the gaps between buildings, so that they are protected by them. Those in the open may also be attacked by enemy archers in the buildings overlooking your position. It may be an idea to have a cavalry unit close at hand, to counter-attack and give your allies time to reorganise.

FINAL WAVE

The enemy will continue to press its attacks from the south and west, once again with support from off-map siege weapons. This time, in a desperate attempt to achieve victory, it’s leaders will join the fray. There should be no need to deviate from your strategy in the final round of attacks, but you will need to focus your warlords on dispatching the enemy bosses as they can decimate entire units if left alone. Only then, when you’ve survived the final assault, can you breathe a sigh of relief.