The Walls of Templebrough
Prepare for a full-scale assault on the formidable Templebrough Fortress, a pivotal moment in your campaign through Ledecestrescire. This guide will equip you with the strategies, coordination tactics, and specific breach points needed to ensure a decisive victory. Success hinges on effective teamwork, precise use of siege equipment, and leveraging your Jomsvikingr to their fullest potential.
Phase 1: Breaching the Outer Defenses
The siege begins with a coordinated push towards the main gate. Your primary objective here is to clear the path for your allies and deploy the battering ram.
- Initial Advance & Ally Coordination:
As the assault begins, stay close to your main allied force, particularly Sigurd and Basim. Their presence draws enemy attention, allowing you to flank or focus on specific threats. Prioritize archers on the ramparts and any spearmen directly engaging your shield wall. Use your Raven (Synin) to tag high-value targets like elite guards or archer nests before committing to combat.
Strategy Tip: While your allies engage the front lines, consider using your bow to pick off archers positioned on the walls above the main gate. This significantly reduces incoming damage to your battering ram crew.
- Deploying the Battering Ram:
Once the initial skirmish is won, your forces will move to deploy the battering ram. Your role is crucial here: protect the ram operators. Enemies will continuously attempt to sabotage the ram or attack its crew. Focus on enemies directly targeting the ram or those attempting to drop oil pots from above.
- Breach Point 1: Main Gate
The main gate is your first major obstacle. Engage the enemies guarding it, then assist your allies in pushing the battering ram forward. You'll need to repeatedly interact with the ram to help push it, interspersed with defending it from incoming attacks. Watch for enemies attempting to throw oil pots from the gatehouse above; shoot these down with your bow before they reach the ram.
- Breach Point 1: Main Gate
- using Jomsvikingr Effectively:
This is where your Jomsvikingr can shine. Before the siege, ensure your Jomsvikingr is equipped with a strong shield and a one-handed weapon for defensive capabilities, or a two-handed weapon for raw damage. During the ram push, issue commands to your Jomsvikingr:
- "Attack my target" (Hold Up on D-Pad/G): Direct your Jomsvikingr to focus on elite enemies or those attempting to sabotage the ram.
- "Defend this area" (Hold Up on D-Pad/G, then select area): Position your Jomsvikingr near the ram to create a defensive perimeter, drawing aggro from smaller enemies.
- Recommended Jomsvikingr Abilities: If your Jomsvikingr has abilities like Harpoon Impalement or Dive of the Valkyries, they can be incredibly effective at crowd control or taking down heavily armored foes during the chaotic ram push.
Phase 2: Securing the Inner Courtyard
Once the main gate is breached, the battle shifts to the inner courtyard. This area is heavily defended with a mix of spearmen, swordsmen, and archers.
- Clearing the Courtyard:
Immediately upon entering, focus on the archers positioned on the surrounding rooftops and balconies. Use your bow to eliminate them quickly, as their sustained fire can be devastating. After dealing with the archers, engage the ground forces. Stick with your allies, using their numbers to your advantage. Look for opportunities to use area-of-effect abilities like Dive of the Valkyries or Rage of Helheim to thin out groups of enemies.
Common Pitfall: Don't rush too far ahead of your allies in the courtyard. You can easily get surrounded and overwhelmed by the sheer number of enemies.
- Breach Point 2: Inner Gate & Drawbridge Mechanism
After clearing the initial courtyard, your next objective is to open the inner gate, which leads to the final stronghold. This typically involves destroying a specific mechanism or lever. Look for a large wooden barricade or a glowing red mechanism near the gate. Your allies will often converge on this point.
Strategy Tip: Some inner gates require you to destroy a specific weak point (often highlighted by Odin's Sight) or interact with a winch. Prioritize these objectives as soon as they become clear.
Phase 3: The Final Assault & Securing the Keep
The final phase involves pushing into the keep itself and eliminating the remaining defenders, including any elite commanders.
- Pushing into the Keep:
The keep will be the most heavily fortified area. Expect shield-bearers, elite guards, and potentially a mini-boss or two. Maintain your aggressive stance but be mindful of your health. Use your Jomsvikingr to draw attention from stronger enemies, allowing you to flank or focus your attacks.
- Identifying Key Targets:
Use Odin's Sight frequently to identify any remaining elite enemies or commanders. These targets often drop valuable loot or are necessary to complete the objective. Prioritize them to quickly break the enemy's morale.
- Rewards for Victory:
Upon successfully securing Templebrough, you will typically receive:
- Experience Points: A significant boost to your progression.
- Silver: For your efforts in the siege.
- Materials: Iron Ore, Leather, and potentially some Fabric or Titanium from defeated enemies.
- Story Progression: The main reward, advancing the Ledecestrescire arc.
Recommended Loadout for Sieges
For large-scale sieges like Templebrough, a balanced loadout is key:
- Weapons:
- Main Hand: A fast-hitting weapon like a Dagger or Light Axe for quick combos and dodging.
- Off Hand: A Shield is highly recommended for parrying and blocking incoming arrows and heavy attacks, especially during the ram push. Alternatively, a Heavy Shield for maximum defense.
- Bow: A Hunter Bow for precision shots on archers and weak points, or a Light Bow for rapid fire against groups.
- Armor: A balanced armor set that provides both defense and stamina regeneration. The Raven Clan Armor is a solid choice early on.
- Abilities:
- Rage of Helheim: Excellent for crowd control and stunning multiple enemies.
- Dive of the Valkyries: Great for initiating combat or dealing with groups of enemies from above.
- Man's Best Friend: Your wolf companion can distract enemies, giving you openings.
- Poison Strike/Incendiary Powder Trap: Useful for dealing sustained damage or creating environmental hazards.
By following these detailed strategies and coordinating effectively with your allies and Jomsvikingr, the Walls of Templebrough will crumble before your might, securing a crucial victory for the Raven Clan.