Recap pages are Spoilers Off by default, so in all these pages all spoilers are unmarked. Proceed with caution. You Have Been Warned
The dread of inevitable corruption plagues the ambitious Rajendra Chola as he navigates the harsh political climate of south India. Can Rajendra escape moral decay as he expands the empire that he inherited from his father, or is his fear of corruption the true enemy within?In this campaign the player controls the Dravidians, using the color Red.
Scenarios
1. The Successor
The mighty Chola empire encompasses nearly the entirety of southern India, its ruler, named "Rajaraja", King of Kings, instructs his son and successor Rajendra on how the ruler must act like the elephant, trampling weeds in his way as the lord of the forest. Despite this tales, and the inner darkness of rulership, Rajendra himself scoffs at such notions and rather looks at past leaders such as the legendary Ashoka, who ruled a vast empire with justice and care for his subjects. However, his idealistic notions will have to wait, as the Chalukyan Dynasty moves from the north to attack Rajaraja's domain. Prince Rajendra rides north to help the cities of Vengi and Kerala against this foe.2. Deeds of the Father
The victory on the Chalukyan came with a steep price: Rajaraja died in his sleep, the devastated Rajendra must now succeed him in ruling the dynasty, as his empire is quickly threatened by rebellious dynasties, vengeful Chalukyans and other foes. The most impelling threat comes from the island of Sri Lanka, where King Mahinda, once defeated and forced into exile, has returned to claim the island. With no time to mourn, Rajendra moves his soldiers against this old foe.3. Rising Star
Having embraced his role, Rajendra was victorious in Sri Lanka and instilled fear in the rebellious enemies pushing against the borders. Only the Pandya from Madurai won't bow down to the Chola and insist in waging war, supported by the vengeful Chalukya. Rajendra is more than willing to meet them on the battlefield, using every mean possible to defeat Madurai. Furthermore, rumors of a sovereign from the land of the Khmers are reaching the land of Chola...4. Sacred Waters
An alliance with Suryavarman is formed and the rebellious forces of old foes and traitorous allies were crushed into submission. Still, Rajendra is still troubled but is coming to term with his fear for corruption and his desire to rule his domain. Seeing himself as the god Indra, fighting the monstrous serpent Vritra, Rajendra has ordered a war against the massive Bengali Empire to the north, taking on the mighty Pala Empire with his own forces. Waging war along the shores of the Gange river, he hopes to overcome his doubts.5. Slaying the Vritra
By defeating Mahipala and forcing him to flee, Rajendra feels that he has conquered his inner ninetynine fortresses that Indra conquered before slaying Vritra. However, he still has his personal Vritra to conquer. In the strait of Malacca, the mighty Srivijaya Empire rules the ocean with a mighty fleet, draining the riches of the merchant ships passing by and adding more bounty to the coffers of the wicked Sangrama. Noone dared to challenge the thalassocracy... until now. A mighty navy from India sails for Srivijaya, aided by an army brought by Suryavarman of Khmer. Together, will they be able to overcome the greatest challenge in Rajendra Chola's path? Will the ruler be able to conquer an empire and slay Vritra?This campaign contains examples of:
- Being Good Sucks: In the third scenario, Rajendra tries to win over the surrounding rebels through pacific acts, such as trading with the Srivijaya, protect Sri Lanka and Vengi from pirates and Chalukya and focus on trading cogs rather than war vessels. The eventual betrayal of Vengi and Madurai (as well as possibly Sri Lanka) will convince him that in the end, Cruelty Is the Only Option.
- Call-Back:
- To the Suryavarman I campaign, with the last scenario being a Chola version of "Challenging the Thalassocracy".
- In the third scenario, the deep waters surrounding the Bengali Pirates island is surrounded by a tract of sea shaped like a coiling serpent, a nod to the "Vinlandsaga" scenario.
- The Corruptor: Discussed by Rajendra himself, who costantly ponders on wheter or not the power will corrupt him as he conquers more and more. He ultimately becomes a pragmatic and cold emperor who believes that the corruption is a Necessary Evil to get if one wants to become a successful sovereign.
- Cosmetic Award:
- "Like Father, Like Son" for completing the campaign.
- There's also "No Rest for the Wicked"note , "Eye of the Tiger"note and "No Wonder You Won"note .
- Escort Mission: "Rising Star" starts where Suryavarman's third scenario ended and you have to escort the envoy with the chariot gift to the Chola Empire while avoiding the dangers of deep waters and Bengalese pirates.
- Morton's Fork: "Sacred Waters" has one: you can either move as fast as you can alongside the Gange, taking down the two cities in the way and reach the Bengalese army as soon as possible to defeat them before they produce too many soldiers and complete their Wonder, resulting in having enemies on your back and less bonuses... or you can take your time and complete the various sidequests to secure your back and obtain more techs... at the cost of risking an enemy's victory by Wonder and facing thougher opponents.
- Mythical Motifs: Rajendra draws a parallel between himself and the god Indra, with the ninetinine fortresses and the Vritra fought by the god being his own doubts and lack of maturity.
- Perspective Flip: The final scenario covers the same battle depicted in the fourth Suryavarman scenario, but this time the Chola navy fields a formidable naval presence.
- Protagonist Journey to Villain: We first meet Rajendra as a very optimistic man who scoffs at his father's ideals and wishes to rule the country with the welfare of his people beyond everything else: a life of hardship, betrayals and disappointments will gradually turn him in a pragmatic tyrant like his father Rajaraja.
- Recurring Element: Across all scenarios, there are neutral villages that you may either take over and protect in exchange for resources or raze to the ground to obtain a bunch of goods and deny enemies of their advantage, as well as enemies you can take over with force and allies who can turn against you later in the scenario.
- Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism: Rajendra starts as very idealistic and wanting to help the people and not wage wars needlessly. His bitter experiences gradually turn him into a more cynical and cold sovereign who's ready to do what must be done to crush his opponents.
- Villainous Breakdown: The Srivijaya Emperor starts as very confident and slightly annoyed by Rajendra's invasion. By the time his sixth castle has fallen, he's reduced to crying and begging mercy for his kingdom, with the final outro mentioning how hate was beaten out of them.
- Your Princess Is in Another Castle!: Defeating the first two opponents in "Deeds of the Father" will reveal that Mahinda left his castle in the middle of the map to run to another one farther south.
