Description[]
Changing of the Guard is the third scenario of the Russian Campaign in Empire Earth.
Briefing[]
Changing of the Guard: 2064
Years have passed and Grigor has grown old. He is in command of a strong, unified Russia. He has conquered most of Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. His empire ranks as one of the largest the world has ever known. But, despite his accomplishments, his life's work remains unfinished. He wants more, but knows he won't have time to obtain it.
Grigor had hoped to pass his legacy on to an heir, but, despite utilizing the most advanced medical techniques available, that goal has eluded him. Now, with time growing short and his mistrust of others growing stronger, he has made a decision that he knows some will view with skepticism. But it may also serve to root out the very people he mistrusts.
Just before his foray into Eastern and Central Europe, Grigor was presented with a mechanical bodyguard. Since then, the field of Artificial Intelligence matured to a point where sentience because possible. Dr. Septimus, the machine's creator, updated it with the latest AI technology, bestowing upon it true consciousness. He additionally set up facilities to produce other types, but Grigor's bodyguard was his greatest single achievement.
The aging leader of Novaya Russia eventually came to regard it as his successor, naming "him" Grigor II. After spending many months preparing him, Grigor was ready to announce his heir to his people.
Objectives[]
- After Grigor learns of the coup, he should travel to each of the military garrisons in the city seeking support. With these troops he can then attack the traitors holding out in the center of the city.
- Destroy the traitor's Fortress in the center of the city. Kill the 4 conspirators: General Yukov, Marshal Palutkin, Admiral Kulenka, and General Kolchov. The Fortress can be assaulted, but it is heavily defended and Grigor should raise extra troops before visiting it.
- Grigor, Molotov, and Grigor II must all survive.
- In order to return to full health, Grigor must reach the Moscow Hospital. However this is optional.
History[]
The advent of Cybers was the final piece Grigor Stoyanovich needed to bring his plans for world domination to fruition. From their awkward, lumbering beginnings, Cybers had not only developed into intelligent and highly-sophisticated fighting machines, but had become indispensable parts of Novaya Russia's armed forces. Yet even with the most advanced equipment and troops available, war can be a long and costly process. Subduing the continent had taken many years, and the countries of the Middle East and Northern Africa had Fought harder and longer than Grigor had anticipated.
At the age of 76, The Crocodile came to realize that his dreams of conquest were not going to be completely fulfilled within his lifetime. He longed to pass his legacy on to a son or daughter, but had discovered, to his deep disappointment, that he was sterile and no medical procedure or drug could correct the condition. Moreover, his heart had begun to fail and a pacemaker had been put in to keep it beating regularly.
The time had come for the leader of Novaya Russia to make a decision: who would lead after he was gone? After much deliberation, Grigor decided that the only individual who possessed all of the necessary qualities - loyalty being perhaps the most important - to lead Novaya Russia into the future was his mechanical bodyguard, whom he dubbed Grigor II.
As Grigor began grooming his heir for succession, he knew the transition of power was not going to be a simple matter. Some narrow-minded people would not understand the choice no matter how correct it was. So, as he laid out the plans for Novaya Russia's future to Grigor II, he personally prepared for what he assumed would be his own final battle.
Hints[]
- Don't let any of your troops get ahead of the group, in case you meet any trouble while gathering your force.
- Grigor's bodyguards, Grigor II, and Molotov will remain near Grigor at all times.
- You will not be able to produce more troops yourself, so be careful with the ones you do get.
Storyline[]
Grigor Stoyanovich has gathered his people for an important announcement regarding Novaya Russia's new heir.
Grigor Stoyanovich: People of Novaya Russia! I have summoned you here to bear witness to a momentous decision... I have served as your leader for many years. But, as you know, I am old... ...and childless. I have wrestled with the question of who should succeed me - who should lead this great nation through the dangers an opportunities of the coming years. Novaya Russia deserves a leader with strength, intelligence, and a clear vision of the future. Someone incorruptible and logical, unfettered with needless sentiment, I have identified such an individual. He has served my loyally and with distinction... my personal bodyguard, who shall henceforth be known as Grigor II!
Citizen: What!?! We will never follow a mere machine!
Grigor Stoyanovich: Silence! Have I ever led you astray? Is not Novaya Russia the greatest state in Europe - nay, in all the world - deserved of the best leadership available? I have spent many months preparing my metallic protégé for the tasks that still lie ahead. He has eagerly and dependably absorbed all the lessons of war and statecraft that I have taught. If you put the necessities of Novaya Russia ahead of your foolish prejudices, you will see that I have made the right decision.
Meanwhile in Central Moscow, Admiral Kulenka, General Kolchov, General Yukov, and Marshal Palutkin, have gathered in a bunker to discuss their coup.
General Yukov: Gentlemen, welcome. You have all heard the news? It is as we feared. Grigor has named that Metallic Monstrosity as his successor instead of one of us.
Marshal Palutkin: The people will never accept a machine!
General Yukov: Don't be so simpleminded. The people are like sheep: they may mewl and bleat, but in the end, they care not who the shepherd is as long as they are well-fed.
General Kolchov: Then it is time to put the plan we agreed upon into action.
Admiral Kulenka: What forces in the city can we count on for support?
Marshal Palutkin: Much of the Army will rally to our cause, although most of my Black Robe commanders will likely remain loyal to Grigor.
General Yukov: Very well. I will announce to the people that it is we, and not that senile old fool with his tin toy, who are now in charge!
Back at Grigor's Residence, his trusted Lieutenant, Sergei Molotov, rushes over to deliver an urgent message.
Lieutenant Molotov: Grigor! General Grigor, sir!
Grigor Stoyanovich: Yes, what is it Lieutenant... Molotov, yes?
Lieutenant Molotov: Yes sir. General Yukov and three other high-ranking officials from the military are attempting a coup. They have the support of much of the garrison here in Moscow and have taken control of the Fortress in the center of the city!
Grigor II: Then they have played directly into our hands. By assisting you in putting down revolt and then restoring order, the people will see that their destiny lies in capable hands.
Grigor Stoyanovich: Da, da... it is just as I anticipated. You did well to recognize the opportunity, my large friend; I have indeed taught you well. But now I must travel the city and find out which garrisons are still loyal to their leaders.
Grigor finds a garrison.
Grigor Stoyanovich: Commander! It is, I, Grigor Stoyanovich! I demand that your forces be placed under my command at once!
If the garrison is one that's allied with the traitors.
Black Robe Officer: I'm sorry, sir. My men have regretfully abandoned their posts to join the traitors.
If the garrison is loyal.
Black Robe: Death to the betrayers of Grigor and Novaya Russia!
Another loyal garrison is found.
Grigor Stoyanovich: I demand that all those who truly serve Novaya Russia come forth at once!
Black Robe: Death to all those who would betray Grigor and Novaya Russia!
At some point, Grigor ends up in pain.
Grigor Stoyanovich: Ah... the pain... No! Not... now...
Lieutenant Molotov: Sir, what is it?!
Grigor Stoyanovich: I am not... so young anymore, Lieutenant. The pacemaker that has kept my heart going these many years... finally seems to be giving out. I will have to get to the Hospital complex in the south of the city if I want it replaced.
Grigor goes to Moscow Hospital.
Grigor Stoyanovich: Dr. Septimus? What brings you to Moscow?
Alexi Septimus: My health, I came to Moscow Hospital for the same reason as you, most likely. Both of us have borne the years well, but our time is nearly at an end.
Lieutenant Molotov: No! Science will find a way to save Grigor - and you two, Doctor!
Alexi Septimus: Ah, the optimism of youth. I have worked hard these last few years, but there is no way to make mortal men immortal. Our legacies must live on in others... such as you, my young friend, or my masterpiece here.
Grigor II: You are too kind, my maker.
Alexi Septimus: I have just recently delivered to the Hospital my latest mechanical heart augmentation. It will be much better for you than your current pacemaker, Grigor. Although it cannot save your life, it should make the time you have left much more comfortable.
A few moments later.
Grigor Stoyanovich: Ah! With Septimus' new device, I feel better than I have in years!
Lieutenant Molotov: Surely, sir, you should spend more time recovering?
Grigor Stoyanovich: I should, lieutenant, but there is no time. We cannot give the traitors an opportunity to consolidate what little power they have gained. We can also not afford to have the people perceive me as weak. Let us give the traitors the death they deserve!
If Molotov is far away from Grigor.
Lieutenant Molotov: I would not dare leave you without sufficient guard, sir.
If Grigor II is far away from Grigor.
Grigor II: I am still your bodyguard, my master. I will not leave you alone in such dangerous times.
A Siege Factory is found.
Grigor Stoyanovich: If any here are still loyal to the Motherland, it is time to serve her in her time of need!
Factory Owner: General Yukov had our supplies of ammunition re-routed, but we have enough left to equip a few units.
A Tank Factory is found.
Factory Owner: General Yukov announced a holiday prior to your announcement and all of our workers went home! We have only just found out that he betrayed the Motherland. We also managed to complete production on a handful of tanks with the little staff we have left.
A Cyber Manufacturing Plant is found.
Grigor Stoyanovich: Commander! I demand that your troops be turned over to me immediately!
Cyber Factory Owner: General Yukov ordered our factories shut down before we knew he was a traitor, but we have enough staff left to equip a few units.
Yet another loyal garrison is found.
Black Robe: My men and I will always be loyal, sir, come what may!
One more loyal garrison is found.
Black Robe: My men and I still support Novaya Russia, and its rightful rulers!
Grigor and his men head for Central Moscow, to make the attack.
The Fortress is destroyed, without Grigor present.
Black Robe: The Fortress is destroyed, but the traitors refuse to emerge from the bunker deep beneath it! Grigor needs to come here and assess the situation himself.
Grigor Stoyanovich: Come out, you cowards! Or do you "great leaders" send only lesser men to do your dirty work?
General Yukov: Novaya Russia! Join us now and stop this madman before it is too late!
The traitors are soon defeated.
Grigor II: Those who would seek to betray you are dead, my master.
Grigor Stoyanovich: Yes, but...
Lieutenant Molotov: Sir!?! Are you alright?
Grigor Stoyanovich: No, my devoted young Lieutenant. My age and the strain of dealing with these traitors has simply been... too much, even with the Doctor's medical device. Remember, Novaya Russia above all... do not let the dream...
Grigor dies.
Grigor II: Rest easy, my master. I will ensure your dreams do not die here with you.
Walkthrough[]
Possible civ points: 25
- All garrisons visited: 10 civ points
- Scenario won: 15 civ points
Investing civ points: in order of priority (can be done also in the next scenario, your army is strong enough as it is)
- Cybers (Combat): attack, range (later also hitpoints, armor)
- Cybers (Ultra): hitpoints
A pure Commando mission without control over a base. Very simple and easy.
Tour: Go clockwise visiting all locations that are shown on the map. Going clockwise means that you receive the Paladin Cannon early. The Paladin can singlehandedly kill all enemy units because of its superior range and attack. Visit the hospital at the southwest of the city to view a cutscene. At the end of your tour you get 10 civ points and have a considerable army: Grigor, Molotov, Grigor II, 2 Hyperion, 1 Apollo (Cyber healer), 3 Tanks, 3 AT Guns, 27 Black Robes Infantry, 2 Black Robe Officers (healers), 1 Paladin Cannon.
Attack: Let all your units destroy the gate. Wait until some enemies come out and kill them. Advance with the Paladin and destroy buildings and units from a safe distance. If ever some Traitor units react, retreat the Paladin to the army. After destroying the fortress let Grigor retreat and destroy all remaining buildings and units. Advance with Grigor until the leaders of the Traitors emerge and kill them (15 civ points).
