!DOCTYPE html>

Chapter 19: Toppled Tower

Opening

narrator
Lindros's Midnight Mash
A handy meal for the studious night-owl.

Ingredients
-Unknown amount of salt
-Unknown amount of soy sauce
-Unknown amount of pepper
-Mashed mana cubes
-Any amount of Eggs
-Mystery meat
-Literally any leftovers
Instructions
-Crack all eggs into bowl
-Add mystery meat and leftovers
-Apply various seasonings
-Mash into a fine slurry
-Heat with fire magic until edible
-Serve with a cup of pure water
Enjoy!

Snowfort

guard 1
Hmm.
guard 2
Can you hurry it up? It's been like four hours.
guard 1
More like four seconds.
(The commander approaches.)
sour salmon
Open up! Daily weekly inspection.
guard 2
Already?
sour salmon
You two are not being paid to play chess on duty!
What a poor example to set as the leaders of this little squad.
guard 1
It ain't even you paying us.
guard 2
Besides, who the hell is going to come all the way out here?
You're all worried about nothing.
sour salmon
That's no excuse to slack, for our enemies can be anywhere!
Besides, a monkey throwing pieces could set up better positions.
guard 2
I just learnt the rules, calm down.
guard 1
Just get to the inspection.
sour salmon
The ballista are unloaded and covered in dust!
guard 2
Cool.
We'll get people on it.
sour salmon
Where is the sleep staff squad? There should be one on duty at all times!
guard 2
They're asleep.
sour salmon
Well, wake them up!
guard 2
You go do that.
(The other guard leaves.)
sour salmon
How are those new berserk staves that we've assigned you lot?
guard 2
Still unpackaged. Didn't think we need-
sour salmon
Get them ready! We didn't give you our finest craftsmanship to rot away in a box.
guard 2
We'll get people on it.
sour salmon
There's more to discuss about the state of the wall's stonework, but I'm afraid I am quite busy.
Make sure to perform some actual guarding in the meantime.
guard 2
Sure.
(Sour Salmon leaves.)
guard 1
He's gone? I woke those guys up for nothing.
guard 2
Tell them to get the berserks, and get them on the ballista.
Bolting out too, even.
We don't want another angry letter sent to the Boss.
(Ellerie and Unari lurk at the approach to the fort.)
ellerie
You sure do drive a hard bargain for someone effectively at my mercy.
unari
You need me more than you need my corpse, it's efficient allocation of resources.
ellerie
It will be no easy task to shield Frosthaven from the Guild's advances.
You're asking for a big favour.
unari
I am so very grateful, especially as there wouldn't be a guild if you hadn't interferred.
ellerie
The defeated do like to deal in hypotheticals.
But enough pointless chatter. Uphold your end of the deal.
unari
This is not going to do great for my future client relationships.
(Unari and the Seahawks approach.)
guard 1
Boss? What's going on? Why are you with the Seahawks?
unari
There's been a change of plans, people!
Due to particular... circumstances, we'll no longer be receiving any payment from the Iron Realm.
You're all free to get back to Frosthaven for further orders.
guard 2
I was wondering why I haven't been paid for the past three years!
guard 1
Sorry? We've only aligned with the Iron Realm for one.
guard 2
We're not getting paid on a biannual basis?
Anyways, no gold, no work, let's leave.
guard 1
Wait.
Are those adventurers threatening you, Boss?
Blink if they are!
guard 2
Damn, you have good eyes.
guard 1
Wave if they are!
ellerie
...
unari
... I am obliged to answer, “No.”
guard 1
Good enough for me. Boys, pack up!
guard 2
This fort is miserable and never liked those pretentious Oakhall pricks.
(The guards clear out.)
unari
And there you have it. Do you want a tour?
ellerie
That would be wonderful, but I'd rather get back on the ship and get this over with.

Ulach's Tower

(Ulach directs several spells at a skeleton riding a mogall.)
ulach
Another failure. They walk, they act, but they are still merely automatons, and ones that follow orders poorly.
Don't give in to doubt now, old soul.
I've already halfway replicated these miracles attributed to the gods.
It doesn't help that all my assistants are so- No, less familiar with my work.
If only I had Lindros around-
(The Seahawks blast open a wall and drop inside.)
ulach
Lindros! And here I was just wondering if you were still around.
ellerie
Sorry for the surprise visit, you left your door unlocked.
ulach
What rude company you keep, my boy.
lindros
Let me talk.
ellerie
The floor's yours. Make it quick.
lindros
Using ancient technology to incite war on the Crescent, this is all an acceptable means of progress?
ulach
The lives of some barbaric outlanders are worth much less than resources to drive such an ambitious project.
lindros
Oakhall advances humanity while safeguarding it from the consequences, not engaging in petty power plays!
How can you claim your actions don't compromise the creed of Oakhall in the name of personal gain?
ulach
... You're really asking that? It's always been lip service, my boy.
These Oakhall values are propaganda to bolster our image, but not to limit ourselves.
lindros
Oakhall has always been accelerating humanity's magic and technology. How can you deny these results?
ulach
Let me give you another lesson.
Do you really think any archsage accomplished their feats out of a sense of altruism?
No, it is always greed and ambition that drives innovation. That is the natural state of things.
lindros
But the old archsages, our history-
ulach
No archsage would give up their secrets without serious reward, unless they're dead. Then most discoveries tend to arise.
lindros
So... the assassins.
ulach
Any self-respecting archsage doesn't want a loose end.
But you've saved me the trouble by coming here directly.
ellerie
I think time for talk is over, Lindros.
ulach
For your final lesson, let me teach you how little adventurers are worth, and that you should have done your proper research before facing me!
(Ulach creates barriers to protect himself and crashes the Seahawk II to the ground. War golems swarm in from the lower floors.)
ulach
Cities shattered before my magic! Armies fled rather than face my wrath!
The world may have forgotten my feats, but my magic grows more potent with age!
What insolence led you to believe the bare minimum could take on me,
the mightiest among archsages?
ellerie
The ship, did he just- We've got a more immediate problem! Lindros,
can you get through this magic?
lindros
He's channeling magic through this tower using its ancient runes as catalysts!
It's way beyond anything I can do!
ellerie
So it's not even his own magic? So much for the mightiest archsage.
ulach
It is not the process that matters, but the results!
ellerie
I'm open to further negotiation!
ulach
I shall give you a few seconds to repent your folly. Farewell, Lindros!
You were a fine student, but you were too capable for your own good.
(The mogall rider strikes Ulach by surprise, mortally wounding him.)
ulach
Really... A success after all? What a cruel jest...
(Ulach dies. The tower begins to shake.)
ellerie
...
lindros
... Master?
ellerie
Is he really dead? Just like that?
lindros
This can't be.
caloogo
So was that great, or what?
ellerie
You've done us a good service, whoever you are.
caloogo
Don't know who I am either. I awakened to a megalomaniac ranting about creating life, and decided discretion was the right move.
Who knew what the maniac would've done?
lindros
...
ellerie
It really shows taking the initiative, an ideal trait for the good employee.
If you ever need gold, I've got an employment offer with your name on it.
caloogo
That easy? I thought I'd have to convince you I'm not some undead abomination.
ellerie
We're an inclusive bunch. Lindros, why is the tower still shaking? Lindros?
lindros
Huh? I was just-
caloogo
I think I remember something about this.
Mentioned the whole tower would detonate if he died, to safeguard his legacy.
ellerie
What in the name of Elis is even the point of that?
At least let your stuff be useful to someone, you're dead anyways!
lindros
Death contingencies are not uncommon to protect knowledge from-
ellerie
Okay! Pomelo, how is our ship looking?
pomelo
Terrible landing, but still salvageable, thank Elis! If given a few weeks, I think-
ellerie
So no chance. Let's get ourselves down before we become meat pancakes!
caloogo
I guess I am employed now? I don't exactly have anything else to remember, so...
sour salmon
What was that sound? Could there be danger?
mage 1
Come off it, Sal. This happens every day.
mage 2
You know what kind of bizarre experiments the Archsage gets up to.
sour salmon
We are not in the safety of Oakhall, we're in foreign territory!
We must exercise vigilance!
mage 1
Sal, you say this stuff every time for the past two weeks.
mage 2
The Archsage was about to smite us last time you interrupted him.
Don't bring his anger on us too.
sour salmon
You don't know what it was like-
mage 1
You're too wound up, man. Didn't you just inspect the guards?
mage 2
Who is finding us out here?
sour salmon
Fine. I'll assume it was nothing.
mage 1
Yeah, I don't want to be yelled at again.
mage 2
Let's go finish that paper.
(They leave.)
sour salmon
Why did I have to come all the way out here to complete my certifications?
After this is done, I'll get an easy spellcrafting job in the safest city.
No more sleepless nights.
fighter 1
Boss, I don't get it. Why are we doing this low-end job?
fighter 2
We're one of the Crescent's best adventuring bands.
Shouldn't we be doing something like, killing big monsters?
Not guarding this tower in the middle of nowhere.
grass gecko
Normally, yeah. But this ain't just a job, this is an investment.
fighter 1
We're putting money into this, Boss?
grass gecko
Naw, a time investment. This whole monster army thing? It's big.
Like, bigger than the Crescent big.
fighter 1
Sounds big.
grass gecko
When this whole thing takes off, we're gonna be at the front of these big developments.
It'll put us ahead of all those other crappy bands.
fighter 2
Like the Seahawks?
grass gecko
Especially the Seahawks. They think they're so good with their airship,
nothing but luck, I tell you.
fighter 1
Yeah! We hate the Seahawks. They're losers.
lindros
There's a lot of valuables in the boxes. We can't fit them down the stairs,
but luckily, I am very familiar with my former Master's system of transp-
ellerie
Make it snappy. A tower is about to fall on our heads.
lindros
Warp system for box.
Put box on light blue to send. Dark blue tile receive.
ellerie
Can't we use tha-
lindros
Organic life bad.
ellerie
Got it.

Turn 13

(The tower shakes.)
ellerie
We should have gone through the front door, but I wanted to be dramatic.
Maybe someone could still dig me out. Let's be a little optimistic, why not?
(The tower collapses, killing everyone.)

Conversations

Combat w/ ???

edict
smash the chains
lift the downtrodden
pull down the temples
slay the tyrants
smash the chains
lift the downtrodden
pull down the temples
slay the tyrants

If Tower is the fighter

tower
A familiar power... Gone rampant, grown twisted.
Allow me to purify you.

Sour Salmon

Combat

sour salmon
I knew there was danger!
Brainless halfwits! Knew it!

Combat w/ Lindros

sour salmon
You were responsible for this? Did you slay Archsage Ulach?
lindros
It wasn't- In a way- I wasn't given a choice.
sour salmon
He didn't lose his last five apprentices by chance.
It would be him or you, eventually.
lindros
So you knew? And never said anything to me?
sour salmon
I have no reason to earn the ire of an archsage, for someone I barely know.
lindros
... I understand. Are you going to try and stop me?
sour salmon
I must for Oakhall and my future.
lindros
I'm sorry for what I must do.

Combat w/ Ivadne

sour salmon
I can hardly believe it. Captain Ivadne, here?
ivadne
I don't believe we've met.
sour salmon
Of course you don't remember.
I was but a mere combat mage in the 7th division.
ivadne
7th division... The Wasteland War. The one nearly wiped out?
sour salmon
We held the line for sixteen days with no reinforcements.
ivadne
It distracted them and allowed us to strike their backlines.
A worthy sacrifice.
sour salmon
You ordered us into a hopeless position, and all you can say is that it was a worthy sacrifice?
So many of us bled out on the sand, waiting for the promised relief that never came!
ivadne
I did what was expected of me as a commander.
Their deaths were honourable and contributed to our victory.
What more can any soldier ask for?
sour salmon
All I can think on the sand was the one who ordered us here, was more vile than the enemy.
Now, fate gives me a chance.

Combat w/ Caloogo

sour salmon
What the hell? My art project has come to life!
caloogo
Art project? I was wondering why I'm so well-decorated, for a corpse.
I suppose my colours almost match yours.
But why go to such lengths?
sour salmon
There's nothing to do here when a snowstorm comes in.
caloogo
You did a good job.
The hood and pauldron look does work quite well.
sour salmon
I'm glad. But why did the Archsage revive you?
caloogo
Must have mistaken me for one of the other corpses.
Unfortunate, as I'm sure they wouldn't have killed him.
sour salmon
YOU KILLED HIM?
caloogo
You should have heard his megalomaniacal monologue.
I had to act fast.
sour salmon
My arts and crafts project... killed an Archsage...

Death

sour salmon
Should've stayed in school... Never become a mercenary...

Grass Gecko

Combat

grass gecko
The Seahawks!?!?
How did you get past the whole fort and get upstairs?

Combat w/ Gecko

grass gecko
You're the one that's been going around using my title.
The greatest possible insult against an adventurer.
gecko
But Gecko's my actual name! I can't help it.
grass gecko
A likely story. Draw your blade, for there can only be one!
gecko
It's just a name, why does it matter?
grass gecko
Just a name? No, my adventurer title represents my fame, my prowess, my all! Now draw!

Combat w/ Rohesia

grass gecko
Master Rohesia! Here?
rohesia
Yes, yes. My most famous student.
You go by Grass Gecko? What a lame title.
grass gecko
I've done nothing but hone my skills all these years, preparing to take your title as sword saint!
By slaying you I will cement myself in legend as the new sword saint!
rohesia
Rather ambitious, but there's a minor problem in your plan.
grass gecko
And what's that?
rohesia
You're the prime of your youth while I'm in retirement.
No one is going to respect such a victory.
grass gecko
... Huh. Didn't think about that.
rohesia
And you don't need to, because age won't stop me from taking your head.

Combat w/ Raylin (if Gecko is alive)

raylin
Gecko? And a frying pan?
Can't believe she's famous enough to get imitators.
grass gecko
I've been using a frying pan before that girl could walk!
raylin
When Gecko uses the pan, she rocks the “I'm just a poor peasant with no clue” look.
When you do it, it comes off as you trying to be special.
I'm so frugal! Look at me! I'm not like the others! It's sad.
grass gecko
No one has ever said this.
raylin
They don't say it to you face, obviously.
Even your own troops probably mock you.
“Ooh, look at Mister Cheap over here!”
grass gecko
Why am I arguing with you when I can just kill you?
raylin
Rude much?

Combat w/ Reiker (if Gecko is alive)

reiker
Wow, a knock-off Gecko!
The Seahawks are famous enough to get fakes already!
grass gecko
What kinda ego do you kids have these days?
I've been Grass Gecko on the Crescent for years.
reiker
Sure, you have.
Our Gecko is clearly the original. No adjective.
Any Raging Reikers around here?
I don't know many other adjectives starting with R.
grass gecko
How about Ripped-Apart Reiker?
reiker
That's not one adjective.
No wonder you're stupid enough to imitate people.

Death

grass gecko
Bloody merchant, Paid 20000 gold for this armor...
Didn't do shit...

Death by Gecko

grass gecko
Fine, you get the... The name...
gecko
I don't get it...

Brightbeak

Combat

brightbeak
Why do you interrupt my meditation with vile intent?

Combat w/ Vermillion

brightbeak
You're the ruthless killer that's been bringing chaos.
vermillion
And who are you supposed to be?
brightbeak
The one who ends your wickedness, he who embodies virtue!
Die, wretched one!

If Vermillion survives combat

vermillion
To think I have grown powerful enough to fight a much more senior ascender!
His techniques are nothing more than an opportunity to increase my own might!
(Vermillion promotes.)

Ariser
One deep in search for means to achieve immortality. Can fly through sheer force of will.

Combat w/ Joyful Jo

brightbeak
So you've finally returned to finish the crimes you began.
I'm no fledging any longer, I will put an end to your evil!
joyful jo
Would you believe me if I said I was just passing by?
brightbeak
Die in the name of righteousness!

Combat w/ Wisp

brightbeak
Such unnatural energy... What are you?

If Brightbeak survives a round of combat with either of the chickens

brightbeak
I sought no quarrel with you, yet you seek my demise?
My fury will shake the mountains! My might will shatter the earth!
(Brightbeak becomes aggressive.)

Defeat

brightbeak
Defeated by mere mortals, how complacent I've grown!
I will not make the same mistake again.

Defeat by Joyful Jo

brightbeak
A thousand curses be on you, foul villain!
There will be a day when you pay for your sins.
joyful jo
You were always a tenacious one.

Defeat by Vermillion

brightbeak
Defeated by a junior? I will remember this insult!

Locations

Bookshelf

visitor
Ominous vibes from this shelf.
Should I...?
(If they investigate, a tome spirit of Edict appears.)

Ending

If you carried out any crates

ellerie
Whatever is in these boxes better be worth risking our lives for.
...
...
On alternate essence variance minimisation in - No one cares.
The role of banking in the crisis of- We don't even have a bank here.
The conspiracy against the weapon triang- This is supposedly academic?

If Aigo is alive

aigo
Usefulness is in the eye of the beholder; don't be so quick to pass judgment.
I've been needing to expand my library and will pay a fair price for this.
ellerie
I don't think Lindros will be happy, but if it's available in the library, then he has no reason to complain.
aigo
You see things my way. Better to let it be accessible than hoard it.

If Aigo is dead

ellerie
All useless. Unless... There's got to be some people that will pay for this.

(Lindros investigates the ruins of Ulach's study, where the device he used to control the monsters is still intact.)
lindros
I still can't really believe it. Slain so suddenly by his own creation.
ellerie
I'm sure there's a moral about pride and downfall in there somewhere.
Have you found out by which manner he controls so many monsters?
lindros
Right here. A most miraculous device comparable to even divine artifacts.
To make this with just our research alone, Master Ulach is skilled indeed.
ellerie
And you'll be able to take over it for our use? Perhaps even replicate it?
lindros
Highly likely, given similarities to my own methods. But-
ellerie
That's wonderful news. We didn't come all this way only for our prize to be blown up.
(Tower approaches.)
tower
If I may interject on this little conversation.
lindros
Tower?
ellerie
Oh, wonderful.
tower
Did you think me senile that you could just sneak this past me?
If you had destroyed those notes, it is inconceivable that you'd mend your rifts so quickly.
Must have been a coincidence that right after the Workshop, artificial monsters appeared in these vast quantities.
ellerie
I was hoping you'd leave us to our own devices.
tower
You hope wrong. I hardly need to repeat my arguments from the Workshop and why this device should not be allowed to exist.
Lindros's late master and this whole disastrous war makes its own argument.
ellerie
They were naught but short-sighted fools. They hardly make for a good example.
tower
Lindros, I think you're a good man.
Extremists in the Sect would have holders of such knowledge burnt, but I'm no zealot.
Just leave this device behind, forget this knowledge, be satisfied that you uncovered a secret of the ages past, and leave it at that, a secret.
lindros
Tower, I-
ellerie
Remember that I am no longer merely an exiled noble but a Chief of a major faction on the coast.
I have the power to protect your projects and allow your ambitions to come to fruition.
tower
Ellerie, I paid no mind to your petty ambitions, as great was the debt I owed on behalf of my family.
But you step too far here.
ellerie
A step I'm willing to take.
The Sect's beliefs need to adapt to the new age.
tower
You claim to do this for Lindros' sake, yet it is clearly for your own ends.
ellerie
I won't stand for this attack on my character.
I've never done my friends any wrong.
(Pomelo and Oriana approach.)
pomelo
Captain, I've figured it out, I need- Oh no.
oriana
What's all that shouting?
pomelo
Oh no. Please, not again.
oriana
Again? What's going on?
ellerie
Remember our discussions, Lindros!
Are you so willing to give up on this that can so benefit the Crescent?
tower
The fraudulent ideals of Oakhall that the archsage tore down?
Should you not learn from your master's example?
lindros
Please, just let me think for-
ellerie
Do you not believe you can hold yourself to a higher standard?
Even if such lofty ideals are unrealistic to most, that doesn't stop you from trying to achieve them.
tower
Lindros! Think about what you've seen on our journey!
Do you really believe that Ell-
ellerie
I've always stuck by you, Lindros. Do I not deserve your trust?
tower
This isn't about your-
lindros
Alright, stop! Give me a moment.
ellerie
Don't let us override your decisions. It's your own choice to make.
tower
Lindros, please. Let. It. Go.
lindros
... I'm sorry, Tower. Call me selfish, but I can't let this go.
This has been my life's work, as short as it is.
And I can make something of it, better than my Master can.
ellerie
You're in the right to do so.
tower
I was afraid it would come down to this.
(Tower advances on the device, but Lindros blocks it bodily.)
tower
Get out of the way.
lindros
You'll have to cut through me along with the device.
tower
What's with this sudden conviction when you were so indecisive before?
oriana
Everyone, let's cool our heads a bit!
Don't act foolishly!
lindros
If I give up, I'll always look back at this moment with regret.
Ellerie's words reminded me that I have to be true to myself.
tower
I won't warn you again. Get out of the way.
lindros
I won't let you!
(Tower attacks the device, but Lindros leaps in the way. Tower pulls back at the last moment, leaving Lindros with only a glancing blow. Pomelo rushes forward and attacks Tower along with Ellerie, leaving him wounded. Oriana fires warning shots at Pomelo and Tower, convincing Pomelo to step back.)
oriana
Enough is enough! Everyone drop your weapons! Have you all gone mad?
ellerie
Not anymore than Tower usually is!
tower
I warned you! Why did you jump in the way, you fool!
oriana
Is that device worth coming to blows for, Captain?
ellerie
We weren't the aggressor, why should we compromise?
oriana
For the love of- Lindros, are you alright?
lindros
I- Uh-
(Krynia approaches.)
krynia
Grandfather, please stop!
tower
Krynia, you too? You wouldn't understand how important this is.
krynia
Yeah, I don't understand.
Why are you hurting the people who've always helped us?
For the outdated beliefs of some cult that's only brought us pain?
tower
It's far more than blindly following Sect traditions, you can't see how-
krynia
I don't care! I just want you to stop!
tower
(closes eyes) ...
Perhaps I've truly grown old.
(Tower leaves with Krynia.)
oriana
We'll have to discuss things later.
(Oriana leaves.)
ellerie
We will.
lindros
...
pomelo
What were you thinking, Lin? You were nearly cut in half!
lindros
I didn't- didn't know- he'd really swing when I jumped into the device!
pomelo
You absolute idiot!
And I cut Tower because I didn't know what else to do!
I thought he was going to kill you and I cut him!
ellerie
Stop shaking! You were defending your man, didn't do anything wrong.
pomelo
But I hope, no, I believe, Tower wasn't really trying to kill Lindros.
It was just, very bad timing.
ellerie
You're giving him a lot of credit. He is still a hardline Sect follower.
If it was anyone else that did this, you'd be calling for his head.
pomelo
If it was anyone else, but it's Tower.
He was willing to betray the Sect for Krynia, and protected us again and again.
I can't see Tower just wanting Lindros dead, just like that.
lindros
I'm with Pomelo. It's probably just that he didn't know I'd jump.
And besides... he didn't even defend himself when you two...
pomelo
Don't remind me. It was lucky Krynia came when she did.
ellerie
If you're all so optimistic, I suppose I'll have to agree.
But regardless of intent, he still almost killed you.
lindros
So... what happens now?
ellerie
Tower is leaving the crew, that's a given. ... And perhaps some others in the crew too.
pomelo
Hard to imagine the Seahawks with him gone. He's always been our reliable backbone.
ellerie
We'll be seeing a few adjustments to our roster, no doubt.
You'll have to get used to change.
lindros
It doesn't really feel like I made the correct decision.
ellerie
You did. Your future self will thank you for today.
(Mince approaches.)
mince
Hey, the lamb pie is ready! It's gonna get cold!
(frowns) What's with the gloomy mood here? Something happen?
ellerie
Everyone else is doing well?
oriana
Pretty well, given the mess. I apologize on Tower's behalf for today's chaos.
ellerie
Accepted, especially given Lindros is writing it off as an accident.
oriana
After we return from this campaign, Tower and I will part ways with the Seahawks.
ellerie
So it's come to this. It was bound to happen eventually.
oriana
You're awfully accepting.
ellerie
Both Tower and you are invaluable, but our perspectives were simply too different for this to work long-term.
oriana
I sought out some lofty golden ideal of adventuring as in bards' tales, while you see it simply as a means to an end. We'd have to part ways eventually.
ellerie
It is gold and power alone that drives the adventuring business.
I see the “heroic adventurer” as but a myth to provide hope and joy.
oriana
You told Lindros that even if Oakhall's ideals are non-existent in practice,
it shouldn't stop him from holding them. Is this any different?
ellerie
I admit it's an honorable venture nonetheless. I must apologize,
I purposefully sidelined your opinions as I pursued my own goals.
oriana
It's no concern. I didn't understand you weren't content to be merely an adventurer.
ellerie
You followed my orders despite your seniority and blatant disagreement with my approach.
I couldn't ask for any more from you.
oriana
Regardless, you wound up quite the captain, if our string of victories was any indication.
It was an honor to have served in the crew.
ellerie
That's heartwarming to hear.
I've already burnt my bridges with Tower, don't want to part with you on a sour note.
oriana
I only saved Krynia with your aid. That's worth more than any of our differences.
ellerie
You owe me nothing. I've not forgotten how you helped Mince and me escape our foes.
You'll always be welcome in Irinde.
oriana
I'm sure we'll see a lot of each other even after our partnership ends.
Irinde has plenty of adventuring work.
dune
Should've settled disputes in a fight to the death. Always worked for Irinde.

If Reiker and Raylin are alive

reiker
Miss Oriana and Mr. Tower are really leaving?
raylin
Yeah, really. Almost came to blows with the Captain, I heard.
reiker
Damn, how are the Seahawks going to function without her?
raylin
Rei, it's getting more dangerous, now that we're fighting these knights and super adventurers.
You reckon Miss Oriana is playing it safe by leaving?
reiker
Miss Oriana does always know what she is doing... Yeah, maybe.

If Chalice and Telon are alive

chalice
When I first signed up here, I expected to heal a few wounds and fight a few monsters.
Not enter a war against every faction on the Crescent.
It might be wise for us to join the Quartermaster.
telon
Huh? But we get paid good and there's good fights here.
chalice
Telon, I'm afraid you don't get a choice in the matter.

If Marlow and Yvette are alive

yvette
You going with your sister?
marlow
Stuff that, Krynia's already settled.
Sis would probably work me to the bone to show lack of family bias.
yvette
She certainly doesn't do that for her daughter.
marlow
That's just how things are.
Besides, I get paid more to do less with the Chief. You?
yvette
Not really sure. On one hand, fighting bigger monsters.
On the other hand, fighting stronger humans. Even split.
marlow
That sounds like serial killer talk.
yvette
Hey, I said fighting, not killing. Big difference.
marlow
Stay with the Chief. Pom's definitely staying too to get those high wages.
yvette
If you insist, killing humans it is.
nerysa
Hmph, I knew her crew would fall apart sooner or later. She deserves it.
oren
Not that it affects us any. We still have to go home to Irinde.
nerysa
Is it too late to move?

If Basil is alive and Mince is undefeated

mince
Baked potato any good, local gourmand?
basil
The succulent flavors combined with the fine texture. You have my respect.
mince
Like music to my ears! Heard you did some food tourism as a wandering disciple.
basil
Still yet to see a lot of the Crescent, but Sundown Bay's supposedly legendary pastries were a let down.
mince
Hard to argue there. Any plans to hit the road?
Oriana will start her own band, so I hear.
basil
I'd take stable employment than go full-time as an adventurer, the pay fluctuation is insane.
And I'd hate to lose your cooking.
mince
Ha, yeah.

If Vermillion and Joyful Jo are alive

vermillion
Who was that senior, to hold such hostility against us?
joyful jo
Many of the ascended walk different paths,
Brightbeak walks one more overbearing than most.
vermillion
What does that mean?
joyful jo
Brightbeak believes the path to ascension is one that is to be regulated, to be monitored, to be controlled.
vermillion
As in, they wants to make rules?
joyful jo
Yes, ones to bind all ascenders.
But more than that, he wishes to bar the end to ascension completely, believing its realization will only bring calamity.
vermillion
What madness. Ascension is the way to ultimate freedom,
how can one seek to cage it? How could they enforce this?
joyful jo
You may think little of their belief, but many have joined him.
vermillion
They're naught but fools and villains.
joyful jo
If you continue to seek ascension, there will be a time where you must face them.
ellerie
Two steps forward, one step back. It's no big deal, Ellerie.
I suppose as the quartermaster she is more familiar with the crew,
still hurts that so many would rather follow Oriana than me.
(Krynia approaches.)
krynia
So, we're really splitting?
ellerie
Afraid so.
krynia
Mother always says you're planning on ruling the Crescent one day.
That's a lot bigger than, I don't know, killing a dragon or something.
ellerie
I never said that, but Oriana is correct.
krynia
I want to be there for that. I want to do bigger things than being an adventurer!
ellerie
Would your mother not want you to leave with her?
krynia
I'm more than just Oriana's daughter! I have my own life to live, she has hers.
I still want to serve at your side.
ellerie
(smiles) That's what I like to hear! We're going to do “big things”, I promise that.

Character Descriptions

Caloogo
A newly born human-killing machine that doesn't ask for much pay and doesn't complain about food. Sweet.

Mogall Jockey
Lindros's master had some bizarre ideas, but this one works out.

Sour Salmon
Lindros tells me he is a terrific combat mage who has returned to Oakhall for higher certifications. Huge mistake.

Grass Gecko
A legendary adventurer who cannot retire because he keeps blowing his wealth on chicken dice and luxury wine. Idiot.

Oakhall
Oakhall's many apprentices hoping to uncover the Crescent's secrets in the name of knowledge but mostly for power.

Crag Cloaks
One of the adventuring bands notable for... nothing. They're so run-of-the-mill. Maybe they killed a dragon in the past.

War Golem
Artifical beings built for the war effort, great as replaceable cannon fodder but aren't very good at following orders.

Totem
A functional automated construct made by a skilled sorceror. Has many possible applications but is fragile and temporary.

Brightbeak
I didn't know a chicken could exude an aura of arrogance, but shows how much I know. Are coastal chickens cursed?

???
Unfortunately, a book is still very capable of hurting us.

Materials
Piles of dead trees sacrificed for construction of a wondrous project.