Opening
letter
Chief Oren,
The Green Tide is growing worse by the day.
The main force of the Saltsworn is nowhere
to be seen, too busy chasing shadows.
The Sect has deployed its military arm
and some adventuring bands have
come together, but their numbers are few.
Yalunzar's merchant guilds would
rather hang themselves than sacrifice
anything for the Crescent's safety.
You do not need me to explain how Irinde
would be threatened if Enan is to fall.
Irinde's forces are needed, lest we lose
the entire western coast to the Tide.
-Aigo
ellerie
(grins) I read about airships from centuries past,
but to be flying in one? This is the dream.
mince
Look at all those monsters down
there that we don't have to fight.
tower
We're also a very obvious target.
We're probably visible to half the coast.
ellerie
(frowns) Don't ruin the jolly atmosphere,
we're celebrating our victory.
tower
Many warriors are felled on a joyous
occasion, while they are least cautious.
ellerie
I knew you were going to say something like
that. Oh, Oriana! Is Krynia feeling better?
oriana
I don't know. Tower and I can only
read the ancient language so well, and even then...
But it was all we could find. This must be the one.
mince
It has to be! You've put so
much on the line for this.
oriana
Krynia seems to be sleeping well.
For the first time in a long while,
I might be sleeping well too.
ellerie
(smiles) We prevailed against all odds.
A hell of a good feeling.
mince
So where are we
actually heading?
ellerie
You would know if you didn't
sleep through the meeting.
We're heading to Tuskur's Pass to
resupply as we can't go to Enan.
mince
We have a bit of time
to admire the scenery.
tower
It might be fitting to name this thing.
It's an ill omen to sail an unnamed ship.
ellerie
(frowns) I have nothing, I'm
terrible with names.
oriana
If I may suggest, how
about the Sea Lion?
tower
There's a band already named that.
Adventurers take that seriously, remember
that battle fought over the Sea Wolf?
oriana
That was the reason?
What a waste of life.
mince
What about the Crimson Crusade?
Sounds powerful and rolls off the tongue.
ellerie
What are we crusading for, money?
No one is going to take us seriously
with that name. I'm rejecting it.
tower
My proposed name would be the Unsinkable.
A strong ship name wards off misfortune.
mince
That's begging for us to go down in
records for the most ironic ship name.
ellerie
We're not getting anywhere.
I'm making an executive decision
and calling it The Seahawk II.
Simple, and preserves our
current naming scheme.
oriana
I don't want to say
I dislike it, but...
mince
C'mon Captain. You can't be
that creatively bankrupt.
tower
You certainly are
terrible with names.
ellerie
Look, no one had
good suggestions.
offscreen
Sorry, Mince!
Coming through!
mince
Oi, again?
(Pomelo rushes in.)
ellerie
Please give me good
news this time.
mince
Captain, we're gonna have to
make an emergency landing.
The ship's core is malfunctioning.
We can't risk falling into the river.
ellerie
It's a good thing all our
foes have already fallen, and we can simply take
our time fixing the ship.
Some time later...
(The Saltsworn have the Seahawks surrounded around their makeshift landing spot.)
ellerie
I'm amazed enough of you survived
the Workshop to limp all the way here.
caliane
I am not here to fight,
but to negotiate.
ellerie
You must be real desperate, now that you're
trying to bargain instead of just killing us.
We've won each battle despite your numbers.
Do you think you're in a position to bargain?
caliane
Arrogance will get you nowhere.
I know of your reasons for entering the
Workshop, and why the Sect intervened.
What I ask of you is simple. I ne-
oriana
Another with designs on my
daughter? I will rip you apart.
caliane
I do not intend-
offscreen
Here I am!
(Krynia transforms into a draco zombie.)
krynia
First it was the Sect, then
it was you adventurer scum.
I was powerless before, but now?
Let me show you why the
Sect so wished for my death.
(Krynia kills two of the Saltsworn.)
saltsworn 1
Commander- What-
What is it that?
saltsworn 2
I'm not fighting that thing.
I'm getting out of here!
(They run.)
caliane
Damn it! Everyone, fall back!
We'll have to regroup later.
(Caliane and the Saltsworn fall back.)
oriana
Oh goodness,
Krynia, Krynia!
krynia
Mother, it's alright! It's
me. I am in full control.
oriana
Please don't scare me like that.
I thought you- The cure worked?
krynia
It did what it was supposed to do.
This is what I am meant to be.
Nothing can stop me now.
I'll tear every inch of flesh from
their bones! I will savor every bite.
oriana
You do not need to do any
of that! This is our battle.
krynia
I don't need your protection!
I can handle them all on my own.
ellerie
She would have better luck protecting
us. She obliterated those Saltsworn.
oriana
Don't encourage her!
Krynia, wait!
(Oriana runs after Krynia.)
ellerie
(grins) Alright, alright. Everyone, this is it.
These scoundrels that call themselves
Saltsworn have doggedly pursued us, frustrated us at every opportunity and
destroyed our ship, which I paid for!
Now, the tides have turned.
Let us finish what they started, teach them the bloody lesson of daring
to tangle with the Seahawks!
lindros
Not the worst battle speech
I've heard, but pretty lackluster.
pomelo
Let her have
her moment.
(Disciples enter from the southwest.)
ozie
Looks like we're the first to arrive. The
others better not have abandoned ship.
Blaine, are your forces ready?
blaine
... The moment of vengeance
draws closer.
(Blaine leaves.)
ozie
Real reliable guy. Oh, what's this? They're
fighting someone already. How convenient.
(Ellerie watches from afar.)
ellerie
What are the odds of that?
We'll have to change tactics.
(The Mythic Mercenaries enter from the north.)
halyna
Our timing was spot on.
They're already in combat.
drakeheart iv
This is what you called
me out of retirement for?
I prefer to be the few against
many, not the other way around.
halyna
They may not look like many, but
trust me, they are tenacious.
Don't be fooled.
drakeheart iv
Well, I did need an excuse
to flex my muscles.
It's been quite a few years
since I fought seriously.
(Pirates enter from the southeast.)
foreman
I was hoping they'd have already
finished so I can just clean up.
Ah well, should be a pretty easy
battle regardless, the best kind.
caliane
I cannot falter here, now
that I see hope for Keilu.
Saltsworn, let the other
forces weaken them first!
We'll bide our time.
(A friendly ship arrives via the southern river.)
oren
Everyone should be evacuated.
Where did all these people come from?
nerysa
Are these people insane? The Green
Tide is about to swallow this whole area.
oren
Nothing like a good fight to the death
in the face of imminent death.
Hey, those faces look familiar. Ain't
that the crew that passed recently?
nerysa
The ones you gave one
of my warp staves to?
oren
Oh. Err, how did
you find out?
nerysa
Since it's something of a secret
project, you know, a secret, I check the inventory twice daily.
I was going to wait until after the
Tide to give you an earful, but I'm moving it up early.
oren
(Oh boy, I've got a lot to look forward
to.) That's not important right now.
What is important is that we help them.
nerysa
What? We don't even know why they're
fighting and the Tide is about to hit!
oren
They helped Irinde, so they're people
worth helping in return. Man the ballista!
nerysa
Oren, for the love of-
ellerie
Well, damn.
pomelo
That's a lot of them. A lot.
Captain, what's our plan?
ellerie
My favorite tactic,
cut and run.
lindros
What a waste of a
pre-battle speech.
ellerie
You can quip all you
want once we're dead.
Pomelo, what do we need
to get the ship going again?
pomelo
The storehouses should be plenty
supplied. Three would be all we need,
we'd have to wait a bit to fix.
(Ellerie surveys the enemy force.)
ellerie
Okay, everyone, listen up! There
has been a minor change of plans.
We'll escort the ship to be repaired, after which we'll all meet in the center
of town and make a speedy escape.
If you're late, I'm not waiting for you.
Got it? Now let's move.
narrator
Oren is a temporary unit.
Repair the airship by waiting
with it on the storehouses.
Only three are needed to
open the escape objective.
Ending
(Monsters swarm the area as the Green Tide swells.)
caliane
To be killed by the Tide I failed to curb as
a result of shirking my duties, how poetic.
lindros
(grins) We've got that larger and better ship that
we promised to get, and way ahead of time.
pomelo
It certainly is some good luck,
but it's not quite the same.
lindros
(frowns) What's the problem?
pomelo
There's not really any sense of achievement
for just fixing up someone else's scraps.
I'm going to figure out the workings behind
every inch of this ship and make my own, tougher, faster and easier to manufacture.
lindros
I appreciate the confidence. Anything
the ancients could do, we can do better.
pomelo
(smiles) Exactly. You got everything
you wanted from the Workshop?
lindros
(smiles) And more, despite Tower's best efforts.
I'm glad you and the Captain pulled off
that stunt. Tower's finally off my back.
pomelo
It was a dicey move
but glad it paid off.
lindros
So, all's well that ends well.
I imagine you're staying on as the
shipwright for the immediate future, with the airship and all.
pomelo
Pay's good and hopefully
occupational hazard is reduced, now that most of our pursuers
are dead and we're in the air.
lindros
Don't get your hopes up. I suppose I can
stay around some more as I finish my papers.
pomelo
Aw, just for me?
lindros
Hey, it is good pay.
krynia
(mutated)
(grins) I was slaughtering them! For all this pain
I suffered, this power is what I deserve!
oriana
Are you truly feeling alright?
There are no signs of an outbreak,
of your flesh losing all control?
krynia
When I took the flesh of my forebears,
I understood. This was no curse!
My brain could not comprehend my
metamorphosis, so my body took over.
But now that I know the template for
what I should be, my body is my own!
oriana
Metamorphosis? Template?
I don't know about any of that, but at least you're well now.
We can all simply go home and-
krynia
Go home? Not with this blessing,
Mother.
Saltsworn, the Sect, all those who threatened us;
they will all learn to fear me.
oriana
Krynia, please, you're not invincible.
We can't even be sure if your
transformation will stay stable.
krynia
(serious) You worry too much. I feel fine!
Better than I ever have before.
Better than...
(Krynia reverts to human form.)
(closes eyes) ... Really tired...
(Krynia collapses.)
oriana
Krynia!
tower
She's fine. She's just
exhausted herself.
oriana
I know I should hope she is
cured, but... I'm still scared.
Is that how someone should
respond to their... new form?
tower
Why should it not be?
To receive unnatural power
after such a long illness, some excitement, nay,
viciousness, is expected.
oriana
I can only hope so.
It was my intent that we
find somewhere far away.
Away from all this danger.
But now...
tower
Krynia has tasted the most
addicting kind of thrill. Power.
oriana
Parents should let their children on
their own path when they're of age, but most parents don't have to worry
about the Sect or a cursed bloodline.
tower
But what did you want, Oriana?
Where are your adventuring dreams?
oriana
I've spent so long looking for a cure
for Krynia I've almost forgotten.
I suppose the thrill of adventure still
calls, but I'm not living just for myself.
tower
Then there's your obvious answer.
The Seahawks are standing strong.
You'll be able to prepare Krynia for
her future as a cold-blooded killer.
oriana
Why would you phrase it
in such a morbid way?
I'm such a hypocrite for
wanting the adventurer's life, yet not wanting my daughter
to follow in my footsteps.
tower
You are.
oriana
Thank you for affirming that.
Where will you go, Tower?
tower
The Sect can no longer be my
place of retirement. I will stay.
Besides, as much as I loathe to
admit it, I owe the Captain much.
oriana
We certainly do. I'm glad
we can stay as a family.
mince
What a wild few months it has been.
To think earlier this year, my greatest concern
is if the Princess would like my duck stew.
ellerie
It has felt like years since
we've left the Mainland.
mince
I should start an autobiography.
From a humble cook to the best
adventurer on the Crescent!
Still in progress.
ellerie
If I were to read an accurate
account of our journey thus far, I would assume the author's
egotistical embellishment.
mince
Then it'll just need more embellishment
so that the basis seems more plausible.
ellerie
Yet despite all we went through,
our initial objective is no closer.
We didn't find any artifacts that give
us a chance to strike at the Kingdom.
Accounting for all our losses, I doubt we'd
be much richer than when we started.
mince
We got out with all our limbs
and we looted a working airship.
Our adventure could have ended
in a much worse way at any point.
ellerie
I suppose you're right. This ended in the
best way for such a foolish endeavour, the fantasy that my vengeance could be
fulfiled by finding a convenient plot device.
That's reserved for the hero in some old
legend, not for the likes of us crooks.
mince
Speak for yourself. I'm absolutely
legendary hero material.
ellerie
Mince, I don't understand you.
You aren't wanted by the Kingdom.
You could have left at any time.
Why put up with all this?
mince
Do you know the story
of how I was knighted?
ellerie
I've heard some rumours,
but I'm not too sure.
mince
I had been a cook in the Princess'
household for quite a few years.
She asked me personally if there
was anything I desired for my service,
and as you might imagine, I was very flattered but also quite
intimidated.
I was paid well enough, so I simply gave the answer that her
satisfaction was all I needed.
ellerie
I suppose it wouldn't be much of a story
if you asked about knighthood directly.
mince
Don't be ridiculous, why would a
happy cook want to become a knight?
A few days later, I was joking about
becoming the world's strongest knight.
You know how it is. A common brag.
ellerie
The Princess was never too
good at discerning humour.
mince
I had the same realization when I got
my knighting ceremony the day after.
That's how the Princess was. She cared
about us all, no matter how insignificant.
I never needed to become a knight, but that
was someone worth being the knight of.
ellerie
You're a far greater knight than any
of those so-called highborn pretenders.
mince
Of course I am. They can't cook like I can.
When the Princess heard of your capture,
her last order to me was to rescue you.
And just like with his cooking, the Mince
never takes a half-hearted attitude.
ellerie
To think the Princess cared so much
even as it all came crumbling down...
Mince, thank you for everything
you've done. I don't deserve it.
mince
Don't think I'm having a miserable time.
The thrill of new horizons is worth it!
(serious) However, my goal is not the same as yours.
The Princess would simply wish for you
to live well, not fight a battle long lost.
ellerie
That's what she would say. But my desire
for revenge is not just for the Princess.
I cannot find peace until I drag everyone
responsible down into the mud with me.
mince
(smiles) Know that while I wish you well, I have
no desire to return to the Mainland.
Surely, you won't return so soon?
ellerie
My decisions were reckless. I do plan to
stay on the Crescent for some time,
A reckoning is in the distant future.
mince
You'll have the pleasure of my
stew, and my companionship, for a good while longer.
(The Seahawk lands to meet with Oren.)
oren
(smiling) Didn't think we'd meet here, Captain
Ellerie. You sure owe us one for this.
ellerie
The Seahawks are in your debt. I was
not expecting any friendly faces.
nerysa
We haven't met, but I'm Nerysa, Irinde's
administrator, as well as Oren's handler.
oren
(frowns) I'd prefer a slightly different
introduction, but it's true.
ellerie
The same as Oakhall's
Archsage Nerysa?
nerysa
That's not been me for a long time.
I'm surprised you would remember.
ellerie
I have a companion that spoke highly of
your exploits. It's an honor to meet you.
nerysa
Pleasantries aside, we're interested in
how you got into a conflict against four
different factions simultaneously.
oren
I'm rather impressed by how many enemies
you've made in such a short span of time.
ellerie
It's a rather complicated affair.
On second thought, it isn't at all.
They all simply tried to kill us,
but we did a far better job.
nerysa
Please do inform us of
the important details.
narrator
One very long tale retelling later...
(with some subtle changes to paint
the Seahawks in the best light.)
oren
What did the Saltsworn want
with the Workshop that badly?
nerysa
Enough to neglect their duty and
the safety of the Crescent.
ellerie
Who knows? Perhaps Maurice
promised them some false hopes.
He has a knack for sending hordes
of disposable fools against us.
oren
If we see anyone with his
description, we'll be aware.
We'd like your assistance
for another matter.
ellerie
If it is within our power,
we are willing.
oren
The Green Tide is in full swing due
due to the loss of the Saltsworn.
We need all the adventuring bands we
can get to prevent their incursion.
ellerie
The Seahawks may not be willing to go into
danger so soon after our last close call.
nerysa
Considering we've angered
the Sect to assist you, and that the coast is at stake,
surely you can afford some aid.
ellerie
I will try to convince
the crew of it.
oren
Irinde always gives a good price
for the service of its adventurers.
If there's one thing we have, it's gold.
ellerie
That would be a good motivating factor.
The crew would agree for a good price.
oren
Before you leave, would you take
a good price for your airship?
ellerie
Acquiring the airship was a crew effort.
They would not take kindly to me
making this decision on their behalf.
nerysa
The amount of airships left in the
world can be counted on one hand.
Can your crew defend such a
prize from the Crescent's finest?
ellerie
I can't guarantee we could, but
we have the courage to try.
oren
A shame.
(Ellerie leaves.)
nerysa
Oren, this is why you don't
fire without asking first.
The pirates and adventurers
are of little concern, but the Sect? The Saltsworn?
oren
I don't think we have to worry
about the Saltsworn any more.
They've lost a good amount
of elites and their Commander.
nerysa
A starved camel is still
larger than a horse.
The Saltsworn remnants
will create trouble.
oren
The majority of them lost to a single
newly formed adventuring crew.
How dangerous can they really be?
We only need to worry about the Sect.
nerysa
Once the Tide clears, we, I mean you,
are going to give them an apology.
And gifts. Many gifts. And an excuse.
oren
Oh, no. That's going to
be an awful time.
nerysa
You brought this upon yourself.
As rash as your actions were,
we may get some good out of it.
These Seahawks could prove
to be valuable allies if they
could survive that much,
and we need reliable hands
if we are to escape the Guild's
tight grip on the Crescent.
oren
(smiles) I told you I was a good judge of
people. You didn't believe me.
nerysa
Even a broken clock
is right twice per day.
krynia
Didn't know I even had muscles that could
ache in this way. Not a feat I can replicate.
(closes eyes) ... The carnage, the screams, the sound
of flesh being melted from the bone...
(opens eyes) Is it right for this to feel so gratifying?
Enan
(Three adventurers confront a young man.)
keilu
What is the
meaning of this?
c. curio
The Saltsworn reign of Enan is over. It's
time for the Carrion Crows to rule Enan.
keilu
Mother leaves town for just a few days and
you dare to do this? You have some nerve.
c. curio
Ha! You don't know, little man?
The Seahawks killed your mother and
her lieutenants at Tuskur's Pass.
keilu
No, it can't be true. She's alive, I'm
sure of it. She couldn't have died.
c. curio
Is the little boy going to go crying to his
mother? That might be a tad difficult.
keilu
Vile coward! You wouldn't have dared to
move if she even glanced in your direction.
c. curio
Playtime is over. Don't worry, you
can reunite with your Mother soon.
(Keilu's bodyguards move in front of him.)
saltsworn
Don't touch him, scum.
c. curio
Caliane is dead, what could
her brat offer you?
saltsworn
Caliane was a worthy leader.
I will not see her son harmed.
c. curio
Then take your loyalty
to the grave.
(C. Curio deals a critical hit, killing the bodyguard instantly.)
saltsworn
Aaahh! Spare me!
(Keilu's second bodyguard flees.)
c. curio
Serves that arrogant woman right,
she won't even get a proper burial.
And now she won't be able to
protect that son she so loved.
This will be most enjoyable.
keilu
Saltsworn, to me!
Saltsworn!
c. curio
You think anyone will listen to
you, brat? You're no Commander.
(C. Curio chases Keilu down the streets, but is intercepted by Maurice.)
c. curio
Who the hell are you?
maurice
I don't give my name to filth.
(Maurice strikes C. Curio with a spell, badly wounding him.)
c. curio
Ah! Fall back! Call the rest of the Crows!
You'll pay for this, one-eyed bastard!
(The Carrion Crows retreat.)
keilu
Thank you. Are you one of
Mother's old friends?
maurice
Yes. My name is Maurice. It's been
a while since I've returned to Enan.
keilu
Then... Then... Is it true?
Could Mother really have fallen?
maurice
I'm sorry, it's true. The Seahawks
got to her through deceit and treachery.
keilu
This can't be happening. Did
Uncle Weald survive the battle?
maurice
... I'm sorry.
keilu
The Seahawks, you said? Please, tell
me everything about them. I want to know.
maurice
In time, but we must be off. Those so
called Crows will be back with more men.
keilu
Am I to be run out of the very town I was
born in? Surely, we can fight these traitors.
maurice
There aren't enough loyal Saltsworn
to hold Enan.
We must retreat, but we will find an opportunity to settle
our debts. Especially with the Seahawks.
keilu
You're right, Master Maurice. I will bide
my time, but my Mother will be avenged.
Character Descriptions
Seahawk II
Our rightfully plundered spoils.
Has an awful name because no
one has good ideas around here.
Caliane
Commander of the Saltsworn, and a
veteran mercenary. Unfortunately, not
much of a competent commander.
Weald
Second-in-command of the Saltsworn.
Not much of a talker, but dangerous.
Saltsworn
One of the biggest adventuring guilds on
the Crescent. Trades quality for quantity.
Salt Elite
The finest the Saltsworn has to offer.
Not really that good, but there's a lot.
Foreman
Some guy who wants revenge for
something. Do you expect me to
remember each person we've killed?
Corkius
Corky's beloved companion, fought
alongside him through thick and thin.
How cool would it be if I had one?
Corky's Crew
Merry men who rob the rich (everyone)
and give to the poor (themselves).
Sky Scoundrel
As it turns out, aerial piracy is actually
a great idea. Provided one actually
makes enough to feed a wyvern.
Halyna
One of the few survivors of Tower's
old crew. Makes the best skewers
on this side of the Crescent.
Drakeheart IV
Founder of the Mythic Mercs, came
out of retirement to hunt us down.
We should be honoured.
Mythic Merc
An amateur band of sellswords whose only
objective is to live up to their lofty name.
Ozie
Some random unimportant person
I don't care to learn the name of.
Disciple
Extremists of the Disciples of Elis out
to serve 'divine will' or some nonsense.
Blaine
The man, the legend, the Blaine.
Seriously, who is this person?
Bolgo's Boys
You don't mess with Bolgo's boys,
or else it'll be your dem-oi-se.
Villager
Not so harmless now, huh?
Militia
Faceless fodder who will be the first to
die when any kind of true threat arises.
The Called
Remnants of a human soul.
A distilled human, if you will.