"After watching me clobber a pack of goblins in a bar fight, a Wizard named Sandro asked me to come to his table. He wants to pay me to find him something called a Skull Helmet. I'll probably have to bash someone's head in to get it. Sounds like it's going to be fun!"
—Crag Hack
Bashing Skulls is the first scenario of the Hack and Slash campaign in Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death.
Walkthrough[]
Crag Hack must seize the first artifact Sandro requires, the Skull Helmet, from Barshon the Barbarian to win the scenario. However, if Crag Hack is defeated in combat, the scenario is lost. Crag Hack is limited to level 10 but will carry his experience, skills and spells on to the next scenario.OffBck
A mercenary seeking fame and glory in Antagarich, Crag Hack, Crag Hack has gained the attention of a wizard, Sandro, in the Wingtail Tavern. Sandro has hired Crag to find certain artifacts to fight against necromancy. Despite annoyed being called "Mr. Hack", Crag Hack accepts the deal, knowing Sandro will use these artifacts to destroy the Armor of the Damned. Sandro informs him the first piece, the skull helmet, is held by Barshon, a barbarian, who has no honor.
Crag sets off and has to follow the road to find his first town. However, a man named Gurnis has to be defeated, as he stands in Crag's way. After sizing the town, Crag can explore the surroundings, for there are many mines around the town, plus several dwellings to west, east and north. There is also a Hut of the Magi, which reveals Barshon's location, for 2000 gold. Once done, Crag can seek more forces and go north, where enemy Stronghold towns lie, or to northeast, where a single Castle town lies. To gain access to Barshon, Crag needs to defeat some underground trolls. The entrance is north of Crag's Stronghold, past some mountains. However, to defeat the trolls, Crag needs to visit the red keymaster tent, which is located north of the quest guard in northeast. However, that tent is also guarded by a darkblue border guard, whose tent is located in west in a clover field.
Once the trolls are defeated, Crag has to open the quest guard. Barshon sends him a message, claiming the skullhelmet has been handed for generations and will not give it up without a fight. Knowing Sandro has warned Barshon is a liar, Crag has to defeat Barshon and win the trophy, the skull helmet.
Towns[]
- Stronghold x4
- Castle: Timintal
Strategy[]
Defeating the red player will be a demanding task, since they have two towns, yet Crag has none at the start. To counter their strategies, Crag will have to think of a way to switch their towns with his own and make a comeback, defeating the last of the forces. From that point on, defeating Barshon is a simple task. Heroes are limited to level 10, though Crag will carry over.
