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Chapter 12: Irinde Incursion

Objective Defend/Dft. Boss

Crush these “bosses” under your boots

Opening

narrator
The peace brought about by the creation of the Coastal Coalition lasted merely twenty years.
In the year 294 Restoration Era, two incidents dragged almost all the colonies into conflict.
One in the east, where the Guild fought its rivals for control.
The other in the west, a skirmish between pirates and the colonies.
It was during this time when the name Ellerie came to prominence...

-Records of the Crescent

(Keilu and the Corsair Coven march on Irinde.)
keilu
“Irinde will pay for what they've done to Enan, to the Saltsworn, to Mother!"
cold caller
“The Seahawks will be easy pickings once we've eliminated all of their allies."
pirate 1
These villagers are putting up a hell of a fight. Why couldn't this be easy?
pirate 2
We just want to take their stuff. Why do they have to be so difficult?
pirate 3
I hear this warehouse belongs to the Seahawks. Let's take a look.
pirate 1
Surely, they have tons of loot.
pirate 2
I don't know, man. I heard stories about them and it seems risky.
pirate 3
No worries. They're halfway across the coast by now.
They won't make it back.
(The Seahawks rush in. Mince attacks one of the pirates, killing him in one blow.)
pirate
Seahawks! Leg it!
(Pomelo kills another pirate as they try to run, but the last pirate escapes. The Seahawks move into the city, meeting with the militia.)
guard
Seahawks! Couldn't have come at a better time.
ellerie
We came as fast as we could. How's the situation?
guard
We've prevented these rabble from breaking into the residential area, but their main invasion force is going straight for Irinde's town hall!
ellerie
Looks like raiding the town is a secondary objective to them.
guard
There's a secret entrance here. You should be able to surprise them.
ellerie
Are you sure you can hold the gate?
No point in saving the leaders if the civilians get slaughtered in the process.
(Johnny Spices, the Matron, and a chicken arrive to reinforce the militia.)
johnny spices
Us civilians can take care of ourselves.
matron
I usually don't interfere in external affairs, but this would be really bad for business.
johnny spices
No idea what business you run, but I can say the same.
guard
Glad to have you with us.
The bravery of every one of Irinde is worth ten pirates.
matron
I can attest to that. A bunch of pirates snuck in earlier and got torn to pieces.
ellerie
I'm impressed. The villagers at the Bay didn't even put up a fight.
guard
Don't compare us to those pushovers.
They came to the Crescent fleeing danger. We came to the Crescent seeking danger.
johnny spices
Go ahead, Captain. If these pirates think we're as easy game as the Bay, they've got another thing coming.
ellerie
Then we'll be going.
Give them hell.
(The Seahawks enter the secret passage.)
johnny spices
Drinks are on me tonight. Everyone better live to see it.
guard
I'll hold you to that promise.
We'll show them why Irinde is the most vicious town on the Crescent!
(The pirates watch from afar.)
pirate 1
The Seahawks got Death Axe and Jim!
pirate 2
I'm not going up against the Seahawks. I heard what they did to Corky.
pirate 1
A bunch of armed citizens have arrived as well. Odds look bad.
pirate 3
Let's just sneak away. This ain't worth giving up our lives.
(They try to sneak away, but run into the main invasion force.)
cold caller
Leaving work early, gentlemen?
pirate
There's too many! They got loads of backup. We had to make a tactical retreat.
cold caller
You've got a good head on your shoulders. Let's see what new foes have arrived.
pirate
Thanks, Boss. They're over there.
(The Cold Caller examines Irinde's forces.)
cold caller
Really. This pathetic rabble is what caused you to flee?
pirate
No, not just that. There were these-
cold caller
The only place you're tactically retreating to is the afterlife.
(The Cold Caller executes him.)
cold caller
Well? Anyone else thinking of running from some civilians?
pirate
No, Boss! We'll fight to the end, Boss!
cold caller
I thought not. Now, let me show you why they call me the Cold Caller!
(The Cold Caller summons a snowstorm.)
guard
Is this... snow? I heard we had this further north, but never seen it before.
johnny spices
This isn't good. I suppose this is the work of the Cold Caller, given the “cold” part.
guard
Sounds like a lame title. Surely we can take this Cold Caller.
johnny spices
I assumed so as well, but he's powerful enough to make it snow in this climate.
What more is he capable of?
(The Corsair Coven advances on the militia.)
guard
Halt! You'll not make another step into Irinde, pirate scum!
johnny spices
The only thing that's going to be cold after this is your corpse.
cold caller
Some may call you brave for challenging me, but I would just call you fools.
guard
Know that you face the lance of-
cold caller
Silence. I have no need to hear the words of walking corpses. You'll be the first.
(The Cold Caller attacks, but misses. The guard retaliates with a critical hit, killing him instantly.)
guard
I got him?
johnny spices
Why are you all standing around? Slaughter them!
(He Who Chops and Potato kill two of their vanguard, causing the rearguard to flee in terror.)
matron
Press the advantage! Paint the streets red with their blood!
(The villagers descend on the Corsair Coven.)

Underground Passage

(The Seahawks find Jake and Anna waiting in the passage.)
jake
Is the fighting over?
ellerie
No, we're commandeering use of this tunnel for official purposes. Move aside.
anna
Hey, who gave you the right to just march down here!
We're charging a fee of right of-
(The Seahawks ignore them and break through to the town hall.)

Town Hall

keilu
Working with pirates leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but if Master Maurice thinks this will work, I won't question it.
These people are complicit in Mother's murder. Show them no mercy!
loquat
To think the great Archsage Nerysa would enshrine herself in some tribal town.
You may have tried keeping your secrets from Oakhall, but it will only benefit me!
pirate
Some shady thief is causing a ruckus, Boss!
wheelhouse
What ruckus?
pirate
She's saying the Seahawks beat Hagendire at the Bay and are heading this way now!
The men are getting really nervous.
wheelhouse
Damn that incompetent Hagendire! Men, prepare every entrance for full assault!
pirate
Yes, Boss! Should we prepare some traps?
wheelhouse
Wait, that doesn't make sense.
If the thief saw this happen, how did she outrun a skyboat to make it here before they did?
pirate
... Yeah. That's not right.
wheelhouse
False alarm. Don't bother with the traps. Keep looting this fort.
narrator
Each blue tile activates effects to bring about some form of help.
Nerysa's death is a game over for this chapter only.
(Tasel hides behind a cracked wall.)
tasel
Why, why, why? I thought the fort would be the safest place!
Surely they won't find me in here.
pirate 1
You reckon I'm strong enough to break this cracked wall?
pirate 2
No way, mate. You're all fat, no muscle.
pirate 1
I'll give it a crack. Heh, get it?
dune
You have some interesting colleagues. To go this far to try to steal your work?
nerysa
Didn't think they could be this brazen.
They've never dared to make direct confrontations until now.
dune
With Enan's help and Oren being absent, they've got a good shot.
We know why Enan is here, of course.
nerysa
No use blaming Oren now, let's focus on the present.
I'd rather die than let these pirates get their hands on my hard work.
dune
I care not for whatever hocus pocus you're developing, but I cannot disgrace myself by letting Irinde fall under my watch!
nerysa
I suppose there's worse people to fight to the death alongside.
dune
And certainly better, but I can't be picky.

After looting the Circle member's Iron Axe

ellerie
I'm mostly sure that plain old thing is the “Chopper” that the man asked us to find.
Call it intuition.

Conversations

Nerysa Death

nerysa
I hoped my death could be more... something.

Telon & Dune

telon
Sister! Sister! I'm glad you're okay, I really feared that-
dune
Telon! Not now.
telon
Huh?
dune
We're in the middle of a battle. You can get all emotional later, victory comes first.
telon
Ah, I'm- I'm sorry.
dune
Lift your head, straighten your shoulders!
The Ironsmith family would be proud of having a fine warrior such as yourself,
act with the confidence of one!
telon
Yes, of course!

Keilu

Combat w/ Ellerie

keilu
The Seahawk Captain! Finally, we are face to face.
ellerie
So you're the son of that Saltsworn commander?
keilu
I am. You, the Seahawks, Oren, you'll all pay for your crimes.
ellerie
What a joke. She attacked us out of the blue, got killed, and we still have to deal with the aftermath?
Should have died in a ditch and saved us the trouble.
keilu
Trying to enrage me? I won't fall for your tricks.
ellerie
I want to hear it from you.
Why do you think your Mother attacked us?
keilu
I don't care. All I know is that you need to die.
ellerie
If you're insistent in following your mother's footsteps,
then I'll send you to her.

Combat w/ Dune

dune
For Irinde to be threatened by a brat throwing a tantrum?
What a joke. This is what we get with Oren as the Chief, desiring cooperation over improving Irinde's defences.
keilu
Oren? Cooperation? Don't make laugh!
He planned Mother's death for his own schemes!
dune
Oren is too foolish to have a single manipulative bone.
Your mother didn't die because of some made-up treachery.
Your mother died because she was a weak commander.
keilu
She is the strongest person I've ever known!
Cease your lies!
dune
The victor can bring whatever story they want into reality.
But you lost, so flee with your tail between your legs, brat!

Combat w/ Oriana

oriana
You're the new Saltsworn Commander?
You can't be much older than my daughter.
keilu
Don't look down on me because of my age. Draw your blade!
oriana
It pains me, but very well.

Combat w/ Acielle

keilu
You're doing alright.
Shocked me that you did obtain god-given powers.
acielle
I thought you always believed me.
keilu
Not really, no. But you proved yourself right.
acielle
It's good to see you again, but not... where we are now.
keilu
You want to stick with these murderers?
acielle
They aren't bad people.
I'm sure this is the will of the Goddess.
keilu
Then you are my enemy.
acielle
Justice, what am I to do?

Defeat

keilu
My arm, my arm! You won't get me that easily, Seahawks!
saltsworn
I'll cover for you, run for it!
keilu
I won't forget this!

Wheelhouse

Combat

wheelhouse
Feel the perfect fusion of might and magic!

Combat w/ Yvette

wheelhouse
Bows, the weapons of the weak! Your kind make me sick.
yvette
That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
Do you know how much strength it takes to draw these bows?
wheelhouse
Bah, how much muscle does it take to pull back some string?
yvette
You're one to talk. You're casting magic.
wheelhouse
Ignorant fool, my magic draws from the strength of my body.
This is a real man's weapon, unlike the toothpicks you sling.
yvette
Let's test out my toothpicks, and tell me if there's any strength behind it.

Combat w/ Thyme

wheelhouse
I've heard of you, magic thief!
Your tricks have no effect, my magic comes from muscle!
thyme
That's crap. Your magic is no more special than anyone else.
wheelhouse
Preposterous! My magic is unique only to me!
thyme
Let's put it to the test.
If you survive the outcome I'll say you're proven correct.

Combat w/ Iosaf

wheelhouse
The ideal human physique! The Gods knew the perfect body, for them to create monsters in this form.
iosaf
I don't compare myself to these weak humans, but that sounded like a compliment.
wheelhouse
I must dissect it to see how I can improve my own physique.
iosaf
That did not sound like a compliment.

Death

wheelhouse
My flawless body. Is failing? Is this the limits of humanity?

Loquat

Combat

loquat
You aren't supposed to be here! No matter, I've survived worse.

Combat w/ Nerysa

nerysa
The years haven't been kind to you, Loquat, if you have to steal my work to get anywhere.
loquat
Don't overplay your worth.
I can do far more with your research than you can.
nerysa
The arrogance in those words is very much like you.
loquat
That's because I am fully dedicated to my work.
I didn't abandon Oakhall to marry some frontier warlord.
nerysa
As opposed to being a frontier warlord?
loquat
Let's take our spat out of the theoretical to the physical.
I'll take it from your corpse.
nerysa
Neither of us are skilled in actual combat,
this will be a long duel.

Combat w/ Thyme

thyme
Good to see you again, Master. Sad to say, I'm still alive.
loquat
You knew only how to steal.
Little wonder that you'd drop your studies to run a racket.
thyme
That's a tad hypocritical.
And you're here to have a nice chat with Nerysa?
loquat
Don't put us on the same level.
I can do much more with her work than she can, keeping her work hidden.
thyme
We're both thieves, but at least I'm honest about it.
loquat
Enough with this chatter. I will end your life here.
thyme
For all your talent Master, you were never a good fighter.
I think I'll be just fine.

Combat w/ Lindros

lindros
So you're behind these abominations we've fought.
loquat
Very few understand my works.
Your magic is the Oakhall style, Surely, you can appreciate it.
lindros
It's an incredible application of Jurgin's Second Theorem, but it breaks all of Oakhall's principles. In doing no harm, in-
loquat
I'm not going to be lectured by some boy wet behind the ears.
lindros
I don't plan to lecture you on anything, I plan to kill you.

Death

loquat
My mind fractures further, but I will cheat death again.

True Death

loquat
All those years of work, they'll all die with me.

Skullcrack Jr.

Combat

skullcrack jr.
Your bravery won't overcome difference in equipment quality!

Combat w/ Tasel

skullcrack jr.
You! You're that merchant who scammed us out of our coin!
tasel
No, I just, just, got lost.
On my way back with all the weapons. I have them now.
skullcrack jr.
Really? So you have those twenty silver swords, fifteen silver lances and seventeen silver axes?
tasel
Well yes, but- Need a bit more time to get them all ready.
skullcrack jr.
Okay. How long?
tasel
Err- Half a year?
skullcrack jr.
I think I'd rather just turn you into meat paste.

Combat w/ Rohesia

skullcrack jr.
Are you the Headtaker, in the flesh?
rohesia
The one and only.
skullcrack jr.
Your tales were a great inspiration to me, and starting up my own adventuring band.
rohesia
Ha, good to hear youngsters taking in my footsteps.
Though there's a slight issue.
skullcrack jr.
I'm going to be your next victim, aren't I?
rohesia
Yeah. I'll make it quick, no worries.
skullcrack jr.
Cr-

Combat w/ Marlow

marlow
You're that guy from the inn.
Shouting about how you were going to make it big.
skullcrack jr.
Yes. I remember how your ilk scorned my ambitions, claiming I was nothing but a pale imitation of my father.
I have long awaited the day which am I vindicated!
That was why I took this assignment against Irinde.
marlow
Hold on, what did I do?
I was just minding my own business and getting drunk!
skullcrack jr.
You didn't even react to my spirited words, the worst insult!
Casual indifference was more scornful than any barbed word.
marlow
Who pissed in your drink?
It's so hard being an alcoholic these days.

Death

skullcrack jr.
But we came so prepared... Is good gear not enough?

Ending

nerysa
How bad are the casualties? How bad is damage to the town?
guard
Minimal to both, Archsage.
ellerie
I can tell. Everyone's looking cheerful and all the buildings are still standing.
nerysa
What a relief. I was expecting so much worse.
ellerie
We've killed two of the Pirate Sages but one is unaccounted for.
We can't let our guard down yet.
guard
(grins) The Cold Caller person? Not to worry, here!
(Ellerie starts.)
ellerie
Ah!
nerysa
This is his head? How did he fall that easily?
guard
I took his head in single combat. It was as glorious as it sounded.
ellerie
An impressive feat, but we would have believed eyewitnesses.
Didn't need to bring his head back.
guard
(serious) This is a family tradition. It will go up on my wall to honor my ancestors.
ellerie
An interesting practice I will not ask about.
But now that our immediate worries have been solved, time to address the next step.
nerysa
We should wait for Chief Oren to return. Let's not make decisions on his behalf.
Which, if I may remind you, is your job.
ellerie
I'm sure he'd agree Irinde's safety comes before him getting a quicker lift home.
We can't waste the advantage we earned!
nerysa
Surely, you don't suggest we attack Enan immediately?
ellerie
Of course I do. We can't allow them time to lick their wounds, to go without retribution!
nerysa
This is betting the lives of Irinde's people, and future, on an impromptu invasion!
We need time to learn about our foes, prepare supplies, minimise risk, and-
dune
If we don't retaliate now, they'll take it as a sign of weakness.
With the Seahawks's help, our victory is all but guaranteed.
oriana
I would not shed tears if the Saltsworn was to be permanently destroyed, but keep in mind that while they control Enan, they are not the townspeople.
guard
Bah, semantics! We should crush them as an example to whoever dares to mess with us.
johnny spices
Do I have to give an opinion? I'm not sure what to say.
matron
This is beyond my concern. I'm retiring early for the night, have my own health to look after.
(The Matron leaves.)
nerysa
You're overstepping your boundaries, Seahawk Captain.
dune
Perhaps so, but what she suggests bears merit.
nerysa
I suspect she could suggest we burn down the town and you'd agree to spite me.
dune
Quite petty on your behalf to assume this is mere pettiness.
ellerie
This won't get anywhere. Let's see what Irinde has to say.
(Ellerie addresses the crowd.)
ellerie
Are we going to let these invaders go unpunished?
crowd
No!

No!

ellerie
Do we want them to think we're weak without the Chief?
crowd
No!

No!

ellerie
Should we take the fight to the enemy? Show them the might of Irinde?
crowd
Yes!

An eye for an eye!

ellerie
(grins) We've come to a conclusion. Let's take the fight to Enan!
Glory to Irinde!
guard
Of course! Glory to Irinde!
dune
We have a reputation to defend. The Saltsworn will regret this.
nerysa
I suppose the die is cast.
johnny spices
If all hands are in, I'm in too.
oriana
I will follow your lead.

If Thyme is alive

(Thyme approaches with the Rat Ring in tow.)
thyme
Let it be known that there is honor among thieves. You have the support of the Rats.
ellerie
Brilliant! Let us feast in celebration of our victory today, and prepare for another!

Later...

ellerie
Leaving the celebration early?
oriana
I've had my fill of the crowd.
mince
Ellerie and I are also taking a break from the noise.
These coastfolk sure get excited for celebrations.
tower
There's little interest in watching rowdy folk get drunk and sing atrocious tunes.
ellerie
You can't be so grouchy that you wouldn't enjoy a celebration.
You were with the spit-roasted pig for quite some time.
mince
You practically devoured it.
tower
The meat was mediocre at best, but Elis teaches us to not turn down generosity.
oriana
People kept offering us drinks as well. We've made quite the name around here.
ellerie
Unfortunately, they don't understand that a person might choose to not drink.
Kept bothering me about it.
tower
Left me well alone when I glared at them enough.
ellerie
What happened to not turning down generosity?
tower
It has its limits, the limit being letting me have my peace and quiet.
mince
I do want to point out that if we didn't stop for pastries, we wouldn't have stopped to help Sundown Bay and kept going.
The conclusion is that pastries saved Irinde.
ellerie
I'm not entertaining that conclusion.
oriana
As much as Irinde credits us for arriving and saving the day, I have a feeling that the town would have been fine even without us.
mince
You think so?
(In the background, two townspeople murder one of the remaining pirates.)
ellerie
The townsfolk here do seem more... militant, than the Bay not far over.
How can so little distance create such a difference?
tower
It's only been decades since each colony was founded by very different settlers.
Those initial differences mean much more than short distances.
oriana
It's silly that each colony fought so much when the Crescent itself is such a threat.
Each life lost in these wars is one wasted, hence I am not eager for this battle.
mince
I'm a bit surprised. You've always fought like a lion, not a drop of hesitation visible.
oriana
Because I don't compromise the survival of my family or my team.
But I'd much rather be fighting the Crescent and its dangers.
ellerie
We're adventurers, conflict is our enterprise.
And human conflicts tend to be a lot more profitable than all those inhuman ones.
oriana
There are other ways to put coins on the table. Enan has given me hospitality before,
I'd hate to return with steel and torches.
ellerie
There's only so many tombs to raid, relics to pillage. But the scope of this opportunity goes beyond that.
Here, we have a town without solid leadership and an easy enemy to focus its hatred towards.
We've already earned their gratitude. We can further establish our influence with a good victory.
tower
That's why you're stirring the pot.
It's a more dangerous game than simply hunting down a dragon.
ellerie
I've made it no secret that I don't wish to remain just another adventurer.
I see the chance to establish ourselves.
A real power on the Crescent like the Saltsworn, rather than just a warm body.
tower
Hmph. I don't recall you discussing this with us before your decision.
oriana
This line of thinking is what sparked the wars that brought about the treaty.
ellerie
We suffered those hardships in our Workshop trip because we were just some adventurers.
There's no power on the Crescent that will protect us, but if we become that power?
Is that not what you want for Krynia? Knowing your foes, her foes, are out there?
oriana
...
ellerie
Besides, we ain't burning the town down.
We've heard how the Saltsworn struggled with the Carrion Crows after Caliane ate it.
A simple change in control will be enough to turn Enan from enemy to reluctant ally.
oriana
That's sufficient reason. I have no objection against this excursion.
tower
You've got your mind set. There's nothing I could have said that would have mattered.
ellerie
I value the crew's inputs, especially senior members.
tower
Sure.
While the rest of the crew are merrymaking, it's up to responsible adults to get everything ready.
I will return to the warehouse to start preparations.
oriana
I will as well. See you two in the morning.
(Tower and Oriana leave.)
mince
Making bigger plans so soon? That's the Ellerie I remember.
ellerie
Of course. If I want to have a serious shot at revenge, it won't be as a wandering vagrant. One step at a time.
mince
I'm glad you've toned down your foolhardiness. I have your back.

Warehouse

If you recovered Potato's belongings

ellerie
I've gathered your belongings. Odd items, but I won't judge.
potato
It's been a long day. Came home to see my farm burned, my house wrecked, and pirates eating my food at my table.
ellerie
It is quite the trying time. If you need some time-
potato
They're now fertilizing my field. Here's my sword, I won't be needing it.
ellerie
You seem to be making pretty good use of it, but I'll take it.
(Ellerie receives Da Slasha.)

If you recovered He Who Chops's chopper

he who chops
Happy days! I can feel my axe call out to me.
ellerie
Are you sure this is it? Looks nearly identical to anything else I've seen.
he who chops
I am certain. Its unassuming exterior hides unrivaled power.
ellerie
If you're so sure, I'd like my reward then.
he who chops
Here you go! With my beloved by my side, I need no other axe as replacement.
Now, there's much choppin' to be done!
(He gives Ellerie a Brave Axe and leaves.)
ellerie
Well, I guess I'm not going to ask about those free chops.

If you did not take Wheatley's quest:

ellerie
Odd time for a request now, given we're going to war.
wheatley
I have a very relevant offer, given said circumstances.
ellerie
Let's hear it.

Otherwise:

If you accepted Wheatley's quest and completed it

ellerie
I remember you, you were that shady woman that gave us that odd request.
wheatley
A fee for a job nicely done. It was some nice lightworks.
ellerie
We shot a beacon for a heretical god into the sky for 1000 gold!
I'd have taken much more than that.
wheatley
Perhaps if you didn't assume it was some nonsense coastal tradition, you'd have been more on your guard.
Besides, nothing changed because of it.
ellerie
Because the Sect was on our backs.
If that hadn't been the case already, you'd have thrown us into the deep end.
wheatley
Would you like to waffle on about inconsequential things, or do you want to hear my offer?

If you accepted Wheatley's quest but did not complete it

ellerie
I remember you, you were that shady fellow that gave us that odd request.
wheatley
A fee for a job unperformed.
ellerie
If I recall correctly, we were busy with other things.
Like not being slaughtered by a billion angry Saltsworn.
wheatley
I can't say you could have not tried harder under the circumstances.
I shall be taking back that torch which I gave you, if you don't mind.
ellerie
I do mind a little, but it's unearned.
wheatley
What's over is of no importance. What is important is my current offer.
ellerie
I'm skeptical, but tell me.
wheatley
I assume Irinde will support C. Curio and the Carrion Crows in controlling Enan?
ellerie
That's an easy deduction given our common enemy in the Saltsworn.
wheatley
The Carrion Crows are short-sighted, gold-hungry sellswords.
They cannot be dealt with in the long-term.
ellerie
Perhaps, but what does that have to do with you?
wheatley
I put forward myself and my acolytes as more suitable allies.
ellerie
It does me no favours in the eyes of most to be associated with the old gods and their followers.
wheatley
Enan originates from those who escaped the Sect's persecution.
The old gods have sway. A few select words, a manufactured divine miracle, can easily distort public perception.
Especially for those with less than stellar reputations in Enan.
ellerie
You make a compelling argument, but the Sect still holds considerable influence over the Crescent today.
wheatley
It's common knowledge you're no friend of the Sect.
ellerie
That doesn't mean we can afford to defend their enemies.
wheatley
Of course I cannot expect that, but this year they'll have bigger issues to deal with than heresy.
Besides, you will run into their backwards tenets again in the future, for which you could use some allies.
ellerie
Despite your claims of being a priestess of the old gods, you only represent yourself, not your deity.
wheatley
We're both professionals. We can skip those pretenses.
ellerie
If you'd made a religious appeal, I'd have declined you immediately.
I'm inclined to take your offer given you're truly capable of what you claim.
wheatley
I suspected this was a deal you would take. To a fruitful partnership.

If you have the Plucker's Gift

(Wheatley dismisses her followers to speak to Ellerie alone.)
ellerie
What was so important you wanted to speak with no others around?
wheatley
It's difficult being a follower of the Old Gods in this day and age.
I understand the need to hide your faith from the less tolerant.
ellerie
I have no idea what you mean. I've never followed the old faiths.
wheatley
No need to keep up the act. Even if we do not follow the same deities,
we are united through a common foe.
ellerie
If I was of the faithful, then I would have no more need to hide anything.
But I am not and am clueless to how you came to this conclusion.
wheatley
But I can feel the mark of the otherworldly on you.
Allow me to trace it, it is not the Bard, nor the Smith, but-
ellerie
Well?
wheatley
By the Divines, no, it's nothing.
ellerie
Are you sure? Explain! There was something to it, right?
wheatley
I was mistaken. It is nothing. I bid you a good day.
(Wheatley leaves.)
ellerie
...

Character Descriptions

Nerysa
Used to be a big deal at Oakhall, now an advisor in the middle of nowhere. An odd career choice if you ask me.

Dune
Head of the guard at Irinde. Spouts crap about dedication and honour and is about as boring as they come.

Tasel
Self-proclaimed greatest trader on the coast that has fallen on hard times. If he's to be believed, which he isn't.

Epic
Only in times of crisis will a true hero appear to those in need.

Keilu
The son of that Commander who got herself killed. Thinks it's our fault despite the facts, what an idiot.

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.

Loquat
A researcher turned pirate. Exiled from Oakhall due to accusations of grisly experiments, what a waste of talent.

Personal Skill: Summon Self
If only one half is alive at the start of turn, summon the other.

Spirit
Ethereal constructs formed from the creator's magical prowess.

Wheelhouse
The strongest spellcaster in the world, physically. Not very magically inclined, but has mastered self-healing.

Big Sage
They're like normal sages, but bigger. And slower. And “stronger.”

Personal Skill: Imbue
Restore all HP at the start of the turn.

Soul Splice
Some kind of bizarre abomination that could have only been made by a brilliant mind.

Corsair Coven
Lackeys of the Pirate Sages that raid coastal trade for both riches and for materials used in wicked research.

Sky Scoundrel
As it turns out, aerial piracy is actually a great idea. Provided one actually makes enough to feed a wyvern.

Militia
Faceless fodder who will be the first to die when any kind of true threat arises.

Skullcrack Jr.
Leader of the Way Winders. Purely riding the fame of his late father and not much of a leader or warrior.

Way Winder
An amateur band of adventurers who think they're big game after finding a stash of good weapons, big mistake.

Betty's Boys
You've messed with the Betty, now you're gonna regretti.

The Circle
A tightly-knit organisation responsible for many of the Crescent's rising stars. Their members seem to follow conflict.

Locust
I could've sworn there was someone standing right here. Maybe I didn't get enough sleep.

Irinde
An inhabitant of Irinde who has taken up arms. Not well trained, but eager.

Barricade
A handy barricade to slow down the people who want to kill us.

Chicken
Bawk.