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Chapter 20x: Irinde III

Opening

narrator
Several months pass. The members (and former members) of the Seahawks go through a training arc. All units below level 15 are autolevelled to level 15.

Underground

(Ellerie, Krynia, and Thyme (if she is alive) meet in an underground cavern Lindros is using to conduct his experiments.)

If Thyme is alive

thyme
This is where our grand alliance will meet? On stools in some dank cave?
ellerie
The critical factor was secrecy, not comfort.
thyme
You don't have some kind of meeting room?
ellerie
All our budget went into restoring Irinde and other... miscellaneous projects.
krynia
A lot of gold is going into the secret monster army.
ellerie
Hmm, that's not quite how I'd word it.
thyme
People won't take your power seriously if you're not keeping up appearances.
You need at least a marble table for 12 and an oversized throne for yourself.
ellerie
I'll take it into consideration, thank you. Now take one of the stools.
thyme
A stool! When I first held office, the first thing I did was renovate my office-
krynia
The rest of the Crescent's leaders will be here shortly.
Everything is in order, hopefully. By Elis, I'm nervous.
ellerie
You've already met all of them before. What are you worried about?
krynia
Before, I was just some faceless child soldier.
Now that I'm your aide, there's more responsibility attached.
ellerie
You're overthinking. Here they are now.
(Wheatley, Johnny Spices, and Unari approach.)
krynia
Welcome, Johnny Spices, the Head of the John Clan and Johnsbury,
Wheatley, the High Priestess and-
ellerie
Let's skip the welcomes and get straight to the heart of it.
There is soon to be a great threat upon our alliance.

If Thyme is alive

thyme
You could've waited until after I was introduced to cut it off.
unari
We know about the next Green Tide.
ellerie
That is not what I'm referring to. There is a more pressing matter.
unari
More than the monsters that could destroy most of the Crescent?
ellerie
Yes. I have news that House Heron is preparing for a full invasion of these lands.

If Thyme is alive

thyme
The House Heron? The “one of the biggest noble houses” House Heron?
That is, indeed, pressing.
wheatley
Quite the surprise news to drop on us.
Here I thought we'd drink some coffee, discuss how we can divide these lands between us and have a jolly old time.
johnny spices
The name sounds vaguely familiar.
unari
You've been to the Mainland, Spices.
They are the effective rulers of the northern coast. You should know this.
johnny spices
They're the nobles who conspired with the Guild to sink trade ships?
They dare reach their greasy fingers all the way here?
wheatley
This is quite the claim, Chieftain. Do you have evidence of this?
ellerie
With the crown's authority declining in recent years due to that fool of a King, it is no surprise their ambitions have grown.
We have intercepted letters between House Heron and the Guild, reports of militarisation, as well as witness accounts of their forces.
Krynia, pass it around.
krynia
Here!
wheatley
Hm... This is some horrible bookkeeping. Do you really have so little income?
johnny spices
No offence meant, but how are you spending that much gold on food?
ellerie
... Krynia?
krynia
Wrong documents!
ellerie
... I think it was these ones.
unari
They have HOW many troops?

If Thyme is alive

thyme
What good equipment. Imagine what I could do with that, I'm jealous.
johnny spices
What's a hot air balloon?
wheatley
I don't suppose such a force will be lenient towards letting us retain our authority.
ellerie
When it comes to the noble houses, you're either subservient or dead.
I hope you see the predicament we face, but it's not hopeless.
The Iron Prince will soon have no choice but to join us.
With our combined might, our defensive advantage and... courage, we can vanquish them.
johnny spices
These are the people that made trade so hard for us.
I can't say I haven't dreamed of beating their skulls in.
ellerie
Despite what you may hear about soft mainlanders, House Heron's troops are better equipped than any of our forces.
You may find their skulls to be quite hard to crack indeed.
wheatley
Not to mention, they are the patrons of the Guild, those godless folk.
Weakened they may be, they are not an easy victim.
unari
And who do we have to thank for their continued existence?
But no matter, we've still yet to discuss the Green Tide.
That's the far more important issue for Frosthaven.
ellerie
Indeed, it is unfortunate timing.
We need all the forces from Irinde, Enan and Sundown Bay that we can muster, with a few exceptions.
Namely, Dune, Irinde's finest warrior, will travel with you.
Oriana's splinter group will also fight where the Tide is thickest. She has my full trust.
unari
Is that all the help I can expect? I hoped for a little more from our little alliance.
ellerie
My hands are tied.
You must understand I need to prioritise my own people.
unari
It is a lot to ask of me when my people teeter on the edge of destruction.
wheatley
Divine providence appears in mysterious ways.
Perhaps it is time you turned to faith as your weapon.
unari
With how few of you Faithful are left, it hasn't seemed to have helped much.
johnny spices
I'd turn religious if it can give me some edge, but it has little value besides bedside tales.
wheatley
I don't think any deity would be willing to accept you.
johnny spices
Their loss.
ellerie
Now that we've all agreed on matters, we shall adjourn here.
There is much more to further discuss and significant preparation to make.

Main Area

Gecko

gecko
Ah, Chief!
ellerie
No need to get up. Just checking up on how you're doing.

If Gecko's level is higher than 15

gecko
Doing... good? I think.
ellerie
Look at how far you've come.
You were some scruffy kid when I first met you, now you're a scruffy kid who is exceptional at violence.
gecko
...
ellerie
I could have worded that better.
What I mean is your skill has grown leaps and bounds.
I see you training every day, you're working hard.
gecko
It's nothing special, I just really don't want to die.
But I'm spending so much time training, that I don't have time for other things.
ellerie
Ah, Krynia is still teaching you how to read?
gecko
Somewhat, but it's not going anywhere.
Maybe I'm just not destined for it, being of such common birth.
ellerie
No worries, people excel at different things.
A lot of people can read, but far less can eviscerate a person like you can.
gecko
... Thanks, Chief. I... have to go.
(Gecko leaves.)
ellerie
She didn't seem to take that compliment well. Wonder why.

If Gecko's level is 15 or less

gecko
Doing... fine? I guess. Just sitting around.
ellerie
I heard Krynia has been teaching you to read.
Is that Sapphire Shores?
Looks like you're moving onto pretty complex ones.
gecko
Yeah, I've done so little fighting... I've had a lot of time to read.
ellerie
That's wonderful. It's no easy feat to learn so much in such a short time.
gecko
But I haven't really done anything for us. I don't think I can ever be a real fighter.
ellerie
Say, since Oriana left, I'm the only person keeping track of supplies.
How does it sound to be promoted to our logistics officer?
gecko
Huh? But I'm still just learning.
ellerie
Literacy is a privilege in these parts.
It's no difficult task, but I am happy to answer if you have additional questions.
gecko
(smiles) Alright, if you think I can, I'll do my best! I'm going to be useful.

Old Bob (only appears if quest was completed)

ellerie
Hey! You there.
old bob
Chief of Irinde. You know me?
ellerie
Of course. I know you said I should never show my face around these parts again, but I guess things didn't turn out that way.
old bob
I'm deeply apologetic from the bottom of my heart for such impudent statements.
They are foolish words of a foolish old man.
ellerie
I'm not one to be so petty to hold such grudges.
By the way, how's your son doing? Tell him I said hello.
old bob
He is keeping his head down, you have no need to pay attention to him.
ellerie
Didn't he want to be a fighter?
Tell him the Irinde militia will take him if he signs up, anytime.
He can even have a letter of recommendation from me directly.
old bob
I'm deeply humbled, but there is no need-
ellerie
(smiles) Sir, you must accept this kind offer.
I trust you'll see to it by the end of the week, (serious) before I can ask again.
(Ellerie leaves.)
old bob
How did some adventurer become the Chief? Irinde has gone mad.
What am I to do? I hope my son doesn't do something stupid.

Whipjack

man
5 gold? This barbeque pork bun is worth 10 at least,
my pigs were fed with the finest dead pirates there is.
whipjack
I will pay no more than 3 gold for this. Hand it over.
man
Then, leave! You have no appreciation for good food.
whipjack
Do you know who I am? I am the Azure Streak, strongest among the Seahawks!
man
I have no idea who-
whipjack
If I was to smash your little cart, who can you complain to? No one.
The Chief always protects her own.
man
You can't do this, there are people watching.
whipjack
Then I'll make up some story about you disrespecting the Chief.
Do you think anyone here will dare to stand up for you?
man
Fine! Take the pork bun.
(Ellerie appraoches.)
ellerie
Stop! I've seen enough.
whipjack
The Chief? How can you be here?
ellerie
I heard everything, Whipjack. You dare terrorise the town using my name?
whipjack
But- But-
ellerie
Away with you! I shall see your pay docked and you be suitably disciplined.
man
I didn't expect the Chief herself to come to my aid.
ellerie
Please take this gold as my sincere apology on behalf of my crew.
Rest assured, under my watch, this will never happen again.
(Ellerie and Whipjack leave.)
man
The Chief is a better person than I hear. What a story to tell at the pub tonight.
(Elsewhere...)
ellerie
A convincing performance,
as I know you'd absolutely abuse my name to save 5 gold.
whipjack
You can't keep making me act out these demeaning scenes!
ellerie
Then you shouldn't have let me catch you extorting that merchant.
It's what gave me inspiration for this punishment in the first place.
whipjack
Yeah, but this is- My dignity won't stand for this! I'll, I'll resign!
ellerie
Sure, I can't stop you.
I'd like to see you find a better job for someone of your calibre.
Or any job in these parts again.
whipjack
...
ellerie
That's about what I assumed.
(Ellerie leaves.)
whipjack
Every sign tells me to abandon this crazy wench and never return, but... Gold.

Hammer Helli

hammer helli
Didn't think I'd still be doing so much work. You'd really work an old woman to the bone?
ellerie
It's not like your eyes didn't light up when you saw the gold I was offering you.
hammer helli
I do plan to live until two hundred, and my golden throne won't pay for itself.
ellerie
Regardless, I appreciate the work you've done.
They call you the best in the business for a reason.
hammer helli
Any thanks can be in more cold, hard gold. Any weapon you want is lying around.
Just don't forget to sign off on the money.
ellerie
I was wondering why the town hall has been crammed full of crates.
Can we agree on a bulk discount for the next batch? I was wondering-
hammer helli
Of course not, market price. I've not gotten senile yet.
ellerie
Can you at least pretend to humour my offer?
hammer helli
Haggling is for people with insufficient bargaining chips. I have no such problem.
ellerie
Damn.

Marlow & Yvette

yvette
Drinking at noon, again?
marlow
Tried to see if I could get my old job as a guard back, but the new guard captain just yelled at me instead.
yvette
What's wrong with being part of the Seahawks?
marlow
More actual work, more travel, less time to drink.
I may have admitted as such to the guard captain.
yvette
Maybe you should not do that. Pass me a bottle; I'm on break.
marlow
Shame Pomelo couldn't be here. He'd appreciate this pomelo wine.
yvette
Too busy for his old pals these days. Ick. You can have the rest back.
marlow
Your loss. It's all I have left for the week.
I keep my alcohol money separate from my savings.
yvette
Damn, you have savings now?
I suppose all that blood money we got has to go somewhere.
marlow
Didn't have to act so surprised.
Planning on buying a nice house here, instead of camping in the barracks.
yvette
Why? You're going to have to spend more time on the road anyways.
marlow
We're going to have to retire from adventuring eventually; not exactly a lifelong career.
We could pool our funds and buy a house together, what do you say?
yvette
Me? Retire from being an adventurer? Ain't happening.
marlow
You'll eventually make enough gold and be out of your prime.
yvette
I fully intend to die dramatically at the peak of my career.
marlow
But you could... Not do that?
yvette
And what, die of illness? Waste away from age?
I appreciate the gesture, but my mind is made up.
marlow
Whatever pleases you, Yvette. My offer stays on the table.
yvette
Maybe if I break both my arms, Marlow. Break's over, have to get back to duty.
(Yvette leaves.)
marlow
... Never brave enough, even with liquid courage in my veins.

Matron

matron
A visit from the Chief this early?
I hope it's not about the refund. That's already been delivered.
ellerie
I accept that Maurice was quite the slippery one to even evade your eyes, but there are other inconveniences more suited to your deft hand.
matron
No longer, I'm afraid.
The coastal branch of the Eventide has fully shut down its contracts.
ellerie
Really? The Eventide, the greatest assassin guild on the continent?
matron
On the Mainland perhaps, but you know well how we've floundered here, with adventurers undercutting us.
The whole beverage and coffee nonsense was of course all a cover, but who knew our coffee would make us fourteen times the amount we're bringing in from our assassinations?
ellerie
Any successful business is a success for Irinde.
But this seems like a waste of contacts and networks.
matron
Of course they haven't gone to waste.
They've all been put to work to sourcing the finest beans under the best conditions.
ellerie
... Give me a cup.
(Ellerie receives Coffee.)

Potato & He Who Chops

potato
Hasn't life been great ever since we became commanders of Irinde's forces?
he who chops
Not really. I'm still chopping stuff but now I have to lead people too.
potato
That's because you haven't been abusing your authority.
I purposefully held drills near his farm to trample his tomatoes.
Serves the rat bastard right! Easier than human sacrifices.
(Ellerie appraoches.)
ellerie
What was that about human sacrifices?
potato
Needed it to power a dark ritual that would have cursed some imbecile's land for seventeen generations.
ellerie
Thanks for telling me.
potato
No problem. You're not going to ask about the whole abusing my authority thing?
ellerie
I didn't hear that part, but appreciate you sharing that with me as well.
potato
Ha hah ha, that part was a joke.
ellerie
You're a funny fellow.
he who chops
What's the joke?

Johnny Spices

johnny spices
Only been a while since I left, but so much has changed about this little town.
Do you remember how it used to be, before those Pirate Sages came?
ellerie
No. It was my first time on the Crescent.
johnny spices
And that old inn we met in? It was a cozy place.
ellerie
I remember the food there tasted like dust, yeah.
johnny spices
The food tasting like wood chips was part of its charm.
Seeing it all abandoned like this, really makes my good memories of it all come rushing back.
ellerie
Okay.
johnny spices
Just drinking piss poor beer with the lads over another good run,
worrying about being executed by the nobles' guard dogs,
or shipwrecking in the open seas and dying a cold death.
I miss those good old days.
ellerie
Isn't not having those worries a substantial improvement?
johnny spices
One could say that.
But it's just not the same.
ellerie
I have a few errands to run, I'll leave you to reminisce.
(Ellerie leaves.)
ellerie
Someone needs to convince me of the “good” in the good old days.

Child

girl
Miss adventurer?
ellerie
Your friends aren't with you today?
girl
Willow got hurt really bad when the pirates came, still can't walk yet.
And Feather, Mama says their family are somewhere very far away now.
ellerie
Which house was Willow? I'll send a healer over later to take a look.
girl
That one near the Town Hall.
Her family doesn't want to pay a healer so that's great!
You think I'll see Feather again?
ellerie
Eventually, I think you will. No need to worry about that now.
girl
That's great, when Willow gets better we can be all together again.
Can you tell me another story?
ellerie
I can, how about-
girl
Nothing about pirates. Something, far away. Elis beating the gods, maybe.
ellerie
I can do that. Let's see...

Francisca

man
(smiles) You're way faster than any boat, and the package is undamaged. Great work.
francisca
(smiles) Yes, no problem at all. 1000 gold please.
man
Here you go.
francisca
If you have anyone you know needing deliveries, recommend me.
(The man leaves. Ellerie approaches.)
ellerie
You're doing this much on the side, and you're still heckling me for a raise?
francisca
(frowns) Surely, you don't think I'm so shallow that I care about just gold, do you?
It's about giving back to the community which has given me much in return.
You should understand that, as Chief.
ellerie
Oh, that catches me by surprise.
francisca
Nah, I'm messing with you. If I have available gold opportunities, I take it.
ellerie
Thank Elis. I was worried you're breaking character.
francisca
I see all these people at the tavern, drinking, gambling, even just sleeping.
That's all time they could spend earning gold! I can't stand that.
ellerie
If you don't spend time off work, how are you going to spend all of that gold you have?
francisca
Spend on better equipment so I can make more gold.
ellerie
But I pay for your equipment.
francisca
Wyvern feed.
ellerie
Right, of course.

Ivadne & Hagendire

ivadne
Recruiting dancers using our military budget, really Hagendire?
hagendire
You don't get it. Their potential for use in warfare is untapped.
ivadne
Their potential to be eye candy for you, I suspect.
hagendire
My lineage has given me the utmost finest training in matters of warfare.
I have “Of Defeat and Victory” memorised seven times over.
A mere soldier like you can barely read, much less understand such intricacies.
ivadne
I fought in the Wasteland War as a division leader.
Did you even leave your province before you got exiled?
hagendire
We lost the Wasteland War, so clearly, that says little about your leadership.
My accomplishments would've been great if I had not been unfairly accused.
ivadne
That still leaves me with actual experience, and you, as a mere armchair general.
hagendire
Despite your so-called accomplishments, you still utterly failed your liege.
What does that say about your abilities?
ivadne
Has no one told you to watch your words more carefully, Hagendire?
I'll break your neck for this.
(Ellerie approaches.)
hagendire
Chief! She is trying to kill me!
ellerie
Sure. Don't waste my time with trivial nonsense.
(Ellerie leaves.)
hagendire
...
ivadne
Wow, she didn't even take a moment. You're a little too pitiful to kill now.
hagendire
(I will have my revenge, and it will be cruel, and wicked, and-)

Quilan & Zububai

zububai
Qiulan, my friend! Will you continue to pretend to not recognise me?
quilan
I thought you were long dead, and this sack of flesh you inhabit does you no favours.
zububai
I thought it'd take longer for one of you to dig up my resting place to loot my corpse.
How many years did I spend asleep?
quilan
Only around four hundred years.
Muoxing punctured a hole in the dimensional veil out of spite, taking the empire with her.
It's only within the past century this land has even seen mortals.
zububai
Muoxing was never one to compromise, but to be driven to such extremes?
Where have the others been?
quilan
If you couldn't tell, we lost. Badly.
Lingyue is still at her futile effort to return to the upper realms.
Muoxing is probably still alive down there, probably in many tiny pieces.
The rest are completely and utterly destroyed, with no hope of revival.
zububai
That can't be possible. A single mortal was all it took to wipe you all out?
There can be no greater embarrassment.
quilan
If my memory holds true, you were the first to fall.
zububai
I will admit my failure, but it arose from my ignorance regarding her true threat.
All of you have no excuse to draw on.
quilan
That is all dust and ashes now.
Why do you continue to involve yourself with these adventurers?
What do you seek in this new land?
zububai
Is it not obvious? I wish to repay them for awakening me.
quilan
I care not for your various schemes, but do not interfere with my projects.
zububai
I am a mere husk of my old self, simply an ancient crone looking for her final resting place.
quilan
Would you swear a binding vow to the heavens that what you say is true?
zububai
You know very well the eyes of the heavens don't reach here.
Would you not trust the words of a dying woman?
quilan
I'd sooner believe the world to be round than you've decided to accept death.
Don't force me to reduce what little numbers of immortals remain.

Smart Fellas

If you invested in Chapter 17x

ellerie
You might be wondering why I've called you in here today.
merchant 1
Yeah.
ellerie
It's been months since you've promised your throwing sword was almost finished.
merchant 2
There is no rushing perfection. Soon, the throwing sword will take the world by storm.
ellerie
Let's see what you have.
(Ellerie receives a Harpoon, Spear, Throwing Pick, and Tomahawk.)
ellerie
... We sell these in Irinde now. I even recognise these from Hammer Helli's.
merchant 1
Well, uh, it's actually for our research. You know, market research.
ellerie
Where is this throwing sword?
merchant 2
We sadly lost our original prototype during a test.
merchant 1
Because it was impossible to aim-
merchant 2
Shut up. This has set us back by months, sadly.
We are working to replace it as soon as possible.
ellerie
How can remaking something you've already made set you back by months?
merchant 1
It's very hard to forge, because of how light and aerodynamic it is.
ellerie
The contract we signed establishes forced liquidation if certain quotas are not met.
Which aren't met, as there's no product.
merchant 2
That was in the contract?
merchant 1
What even is forced liquidation?
ellerie
... It means I will turn you two into liquid if there's no progress by the month's end.
merchant 2
You can't do that! The Irinde authorities wouldn't- Oh right.
ellerie
Now that you have a clearer picture of the situation, raise your productivity.
(Ellerie leaves.)
merchant 1
Surely, we run for it. We can't get this throwing sword to work in a month.
merchant 2
And get stabbed to death in a ditch?
She's got eyes all over this place. We have to figure something out.
merchant 1
... I think I have an idea.

If not

merchant 1
Do you have your lines ready? We cannot afford to mess this up.
Literally speaking, our gold reserves are more dry than my eyelids.
merchant 2
We will convince her to fund our project. I am more persuasive than I ever was.
ellerie
Who are you two and why are you in my town hall?
Neither are you are Irinde residents, that I can tell.
merchant 2
Ever have the concern, “I just have so much gold-
ellerie
Look at the sign. No unsolicited marketing before noon. Out.
merchant 1
But-
ellerie
Get out before I have you jailed.
(The sword throwers leave.)
ellerie
Damn, that rule has come in handy so often.

Thief

Combat

thief
I knew that secret passage was supposed to be here.
Oh man, the Guild is going to pay me so well for this.
ellerie
What might you be doing, sneaking around?
thief
Fuck!

Death

ellerie
Maybe I should have taken him in alive for questioning.
Ah well, extra materials for Lindros.

Red House

woman
Fifth visitor today, and the Chief too? Good thing I prepared a lot of drinks.
ellerie
What's the occasion?
woman
Had to rebuild my house after it was destroyed in the invasion, thought I'd paint it red.
Ever since then, been getting visitors non-stop.
ellerie
You think it is because of the paint?
woman
Has to be, nothing else changed.
ellerie
Could it be because you're giving out free drinks to visitors?
woman
But you clearly didn't know that, so why are you here?
ellerie
Because I wanted to see what was up with the red roof.
woman
Well, there you go! Don't bother closing the door on your way out, someone else will open it anyway.
(Ellerie receives a Mystery Drink.)

Arena

notice
The arena is being rebuilt as a theatre to produce some civilised entertainment.
I will no longer be entertaining any more petitions for this public health hazard.
Orders from the Chief.

Ruined House (requires moving barricade)

man
What part of “massive log to block entry to my dwelling” do you not understand?
ellerie
Your dwelling? I recall the owners, they were not as ugly as you.
man
They're bael chow now. So I'm declaring this mine.
ellerie
That is not how things work. Ownerless sites are reclaimed by Irinde.
man
You want to know what I think of that? Talk to the Light Rune!
ellerie
... You're supposed to activate it before you throw it.
man
...
ellerie
Free Light Rune. Guards, remove him.
(Ellerie receives a Light Rune.)

New Inn

Oren & Dune

dune
Chief?
oren
No longer. I figured you'd be busy barking orders in these hours, not drinking yourself dead.
dune
Even you've come to mock me?
oren
Mock you? You think I'd be one to do such a thing?
I am merely seeking out drinks in this fine establishment.
What's going on that's worth mocking?
dune
So you mean to insult me with your false ignorance.
You know well I am to leave Irinde when it needs me most, instead of leading its armies as is my rightful position!
oren
I don't know what's going on, I've been busy attending to my own things.
So, Ellerie is sending you to fight the Tide? What's wrong with that? It's a noble duty.
dune
Noble duty. Is it a noble duty to take on the task of common adventurers, while my power is usurped by newcomers?
My authority is being stripped away as Ellerie favours that blasted dragon girl, a mere waif of sixteen, and that nameless guard, who was once my underling!
No doubt, this is only because they are more easily controllable, for I am a superior leader to them by every perceivable metric!
oren
You never saw me complaining when I was fighting the Tide.
Ensuring our continued survival on the Crescent is not a chore.
dune
It's a waste of time explaining my position.
Do you hold resentment towards me, Oren?
oren
Of course. I never let Irinde down. I always put in my very best.
The fact that you'd support Ellerie over me, you, Dune, who has known me since we were both children, filled me with rage.
dune
I'd think you a lesser man if you did not.
oren
But I've discarded such pointless resentment. What's done is done.
Perhaps Ellerie does seem like the superior Chief candidate, so great are her victories.
dune
I see. Is that really why you thought I supported Ellerie?
At least now, you can witness my predicament and laugh at my folly.
oren
I will never lower myself to such a level.
dune
You always see yourself as above everyone, even now, you know that?
(Dune leaves.)
oren
What's that supposed to mean?
And she's gone. Good for her.
Barkeep, get me your finest drinks!
Actually, no. I'll settle for third finest. Maybe even fourth.

Rohesia & Krynia

rohesia
(smiles) Krynia, my conquering granddaughter!
A girl of sixteen, and already one of the most important people in Irinde.
krynia
Grandma, I'm still little more than a glorified assistant to the Chief.
rohesia
No need for humbleness. This is a cause for celebration.
Tell me what you want to eat and I'll order it for you.
krynia
I've got plenty of gold myself now. I'm not a kid.
rohesia
You're never too old to have grandmother pay for your meals.
krynia
Mince, I'd like to order for myself and Grandma.
mince
Krynia! The usual for you?
krynia
Well maybe no-
rohesia
The usual?
mince
Five raw mixed meat platters, a whole spit roasted lamb, two bowls of soy sauce chicken, topped off with apple pie and cream.
rohesia
That's my granddaughter. A strong appetite begets strong aspirations.
krynia
... Sure, okay.
rohesia
I'll have your fish of the day.
mince
Ah, the elusive Humaneater, a fine catch. I'll go inform the chefs.
(Mince leaves.)
krynia
You won't be going with Mother to fight the Green Tide, I hear?
rohesia
(serious) I will not. I tire of adventuring.
krynia
Really? But you were legendary.
rohesia
To tell you the honest truth, Krynia, I never liked the life of an adventurer.
It was unpredictable. It was exhausting. It killed most of my contemporaries.
But it was the only way a penniless woman like me could make a fortune.
krynia
Wow, I had no idea, with how everyone speaks of you and all.
rohesia
Your mother thought similarly when she was younger.
She wanted to be like me, and I didn't have the heart to tell her otherwise.
krynia
Was this related to why you and mother... don't talk much?
rohesia
There were a lot of reasons, I hesitate to bring up your Father, but this was one of the major ones.
I disappointed her by not being the heroic adventurer she adored.
Perhaps the main reason your mother is obsessed with her idea of adventuring, is because she wanted to replicate the person she always wanted me to be.
krynia
I don't know what to say. I just assumed I should have been an adventurer too, like it was some kind of family tradition.
rohesia
I wanted you to be strong, Krynia, for the strong survive the Crescent.
But I never wanted that life for you. You won't hear me saying elsewhere, but one doesn't fear death any less as their time grows ever nearer.
For all my bravado, I fear the Crescent. I fear facing the Green Tide again.
krynia
That's more than understandable.
You did so much for me in those terrible months, you do so much for the Crescent.
You deserve peace and quiet now.
rohesia
You would understand, but those that grew up on my legend... well, but enough of that!
(smiles) We don't need this bleak talk about me, this is a time for celebration about you!
krynia
Urgh, back to here. There's nothing to celebrate.
rohesia
I do really want to see how you finish “the usual”.
krynia
I'd rather not but- Fine, Grandma.

Basil & Mince

basil
(smiles) Mince! The saviour of the Crescent. Glad to see you back once in a blue moon.
mince
I do think I'm pretty amazing, but a saviour?
basil
You've saved the taste buds of people in Irinde.
mince
Well now, you're practically making me blush. Are you ordering anything?
basil
(serious) No need, I've already spent most of midday filling myself with beer.
mince
That's rather unlike you. Don't you usually reserve your stomach for a warm meal?
basil
My sister is in town again. Hopefully, I'll be too passed out to see her.
mince
It is never a happy reunion. For what reason does she keep coming back?
basil
She enjoys reminding me of our shared past, Mince.
Too much. Far too much.
I'm only telling you this.
My sister and I, we're on the run.
mince
So was I. Many make their way here for this reason. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
basil
No, you don't understand. We were on the run for... many counts of murder.
A huge bounty is still on our heads.
mince
So was I. We have a good bit in common.
basil
We... We were wanted because we murdered a noble household. Our adopted family.
mince
(frowns) Ah. I wasn't. You must have had a fair reason.
basil
Fair reason... We were two orphans, our parents were criminals put to death.
Out of pity, and perhaps a little guilt, our adopted father took us in as his own.
A good story, is it not? A kind noble doing a good deed.
Why am I saying all of this? By Elis, it must be the drink.
mince
(smiles) I am here to listen. But there's something more?
basil
Indeed, Thyme always suspected, even as we grew up well treated in that household.
No one does a kind act without reason, she'd always tell me. And indeed, her suspicions seemed to bear fruit.
Nearing our fifteenth year, hushed whispers and knowing looks began to follow us.
Certain words stuck out. Ritual. Departure.
A sense of finality. We knew our adoptive father worshipped the old gods in secret,
our imagination easily filled in the gaps.
mince
That must have been a hard time, for you were both so young, with no adults to turn to.
basil
We were desperate. I locked the doors. Thyme took hold of poison, and used it.
By the evening, we ensured there was no life in the manor to witness our crime.
mince
(frowns) ...
basil
We survived. When we pillaged the scene of the murder, we uncovered this ritual.
A coming of age ceremony. We were to leave the household, for we were not his blood, but we were allocated a sizable fortune.
mince
...
basil
We took the spoils of our slaughter, and used them as we saw fit.
We escaped to a faraway land where justice could never find us.
Do you see, Mince? I deserve no peace. The road is where I should belong, for I threw my home away.
You see before you a murderer, a wretched thing.
mince
(smiles) I don't see that, Basil. I see a man, quite learned about culinary arts, who has had too much to drink.
basil
... I've had no one to tell my story to, and I've forced this onto you.
It is utterly unbecoming of me.
mince
You look tired, perhaps you should have an early night.
We can have a proper meal here again tomorrow.
I will prepare your favourite fish soup in advance.
basil
(smiles) Yes, that sounds great. Mince, sincerely, thank you.
(Basil falls asleep.)
mince
(frowns) And he is out.
... Poor man.
(A soldier enters the inn and walks up to Mince.)
soldier
You're the famed local chef? Your cheapest meal, please.
mince
That's not enough, I'm sorry to say.
soldier
Curse these wicked oceans!
mince
You look like you've been through a lot.
I'll let you have this battered fish, on the house. The original customer was killed earlier this evening.
soldier
Truly? Such generosity, and I'm not so prideful to pass it up.
mince
Think nothing of it, I was once a penniless traveller too.
What brings you to the Crescent?
soldier
Vengeance, good Sir. I was once a third son of a noble, if you'd believe, before two heinous criminals most foul slew my family, so greedy they were!
Why, I swore to never call any place a home before they are avenged.
mince
A grave tale, good traveller. And their names are?
soldier
I hear the sister now goes by Thyme.
She has even made a name for herself, undoubtedly using our stolen wealth!
The brother... I hear nothing about him, but he will not elude me.
mince
Rumours say the siblings fought over this wealth and the brother was slain.
soldier
I wished to tear out his heart myself, but it is no surprise these two blackhearts would devour each other.
They would know much about murdering their family.
mince
It must be, for Thyme would suppress any accusations of fratricide.
You'd hear little of this these days.
soldier
(smiles) I shall not impose on your generosity any longer.
Thank you, kind man. I will raise a toast to you on the road.
mince
Safe travels. I hope you may find your peace.

Tower & Chixin

chixin
Target with classification SAVAGE spotted. INITIATE ALERT. This is my territory.
tower
I've got every right to be here. What are you, some kind of chef now?
chixin
A visualisation of my growth rates predicts surpassing all chefs by the end of this year.
tower
But how can you taste- Magic nonsense.
Why are you wasting time here instead of following your god given instructions?
chixin
RETRIEVING ANALYSIS. Finding the chosen one = Enjoyment. 0% correlation.
Cooking = Enjoyment. 85% correlation.
Masters: NOT FOUND. New directives to ensure optimal use of processing.
tower
I... see.
chixin
If you are not here to exterminate, then you must be here to order.
Order, or cease to reduce the efficiency of my time allocation.
tower
Fine. Just give me something.
chixin
SEARCHING... 1 MATCHING RESULT. The most expensive dish for you.
tower
That seems a little petty, but I can pay.
chixin
Executing commands.
(Chixin begins cooking.)
tower
Despite its appearance, perhaps it is a victim not all that different to Krynia.
The gods cruelly dictated the terms of their existence, but they can break free.
I came here to be sure of my decisions, and yet...
(Chixin presents the dish.)
chixin
Your order will be seven thousand gold.
tower
SEVEN THOU-
I should have hit harder.

Thyme & Unari

thyme
The sun is still high. It's a good time to get to know my fellow leaders better.
ellerie
What happened to the Frosthaven and Green Tide emergency, Unari?
unari
There's no point in me returning without reinforcements. Oriana only leaves tomorrow.
Evil can't be defeated on an empty stomach.
thyme
I would've tried inviting the creepy priestess, but she disappeared right out the door.
ellerie
But you didn't invite Spices?
thyme
I know enough about that boring buffoon.
I hear the food at Irinde has improved tenfold. I want to test these rumours.
ellerie
It's only because Mince decided to work at this tavern occasionally and impart some of his knowledge on local cooks.
thyme
Mince will have a job for him at my bay, if he ever tires of being your dog.
A toast to our host, the generous Chief of Irinde for bringing us here together.
unari
Aye.
thyme
And paying for this meal.
unari
Aye to that too.
ellerie
I don't recall deciding that.
thyme
It is only right for a generous host to do so, don't you agree?
ellerie
Should I be courteous? (10000 Gold)

If you have less than 10000 gold

ellerie
I appear to have left home without sufficient gold in my pockets today.
thyme
So? You're the Chieftain. Just say to put it on your tab.
ellerie
It would stain my honour to have to “pay later.”
unari
That feels hard to believe. You always haul around half a warehouse's worth of goods.
ellerie
Pay for it yourself, esteemed leaders.

Yes

ellerie
There's a whole damn table of food leftover.
I don't want to be ungracious, but this is just unnecessary.
thyme
Don't look at me, I only moderately overordered.
unari
I usually can eat a whole deer, but the food here was so good,
that I'm already more stuffed than a human skin effigy.
ellerie
Yes, I'm sure you really thought you could eat ten times your body weight.
What am I even going to do with all this?
unari
We could take some for the road.
ellerie
No.
(Ellerie receives Steamed Rice, Hearty Stew, Mana Cubes, Eagle Roast, Pain Pastry, Wyvern Tail, Mana Juice, Fortune Cookie, and Aged Wine.)

No

ellerie
I think I'll have to pass.
As Chieftain of Irinde, there is much for me to attend to.
I hope you'll forgive me for missing this gathering.
thyme
But you will still pay for our order?
(Ellerie leaves.)
unari
What an answer.

Gil Goldfist (only appears if Chixin is dead and Gil survived Chapter 15)

gil goldfist
Good Chieftain of Irinde, please, allow me into your service.
I shall do all that I can to live up to my Goldfist forebears,
ellerie
I need more than raw bravado and your skills seemed non-existent.
gil goldfist
Do not write me off yet.
I've come across a mysterious blade that's bound itself to me,
it makes up for my shortcomings.
chixin
ERROR. DIAGNOSTIC TEST... 33%... 85% ERROR.
ellerie
Hold on, this is that scrapped artifact we threw out.
You went through our trash?
gil goldfist
... No.
ellerie
If you somehow got it working, that must mean something.
Report to Krynia tomorrow. She'll get you sorted.
gil goldfist
I am very grateful for this opportunity, honoured Chieftain.
(A cook approaches.)
cook
So you're that customer who ordered here with no gold on hand?
You'll make a fine warning for those that try and pull a runner on our bills!
ellerie
What's this?
cook
The Chief? Is this a friend of yours?
gil goldfist
I am a member of the Seahawks.
cook
Right, right! Sorry for interrupting. I hope you enjoyed eating here.
(The cook returns to his work.)
ellerie
Did you do all that because you couldn't afford your meal?
gil goldfist
You wouldn't believe me if I said no, would you?
ellerie
On one hand, I want to kill you for pulling that, but on the other...
Welcome aboard.

Yardfort

Guard

ellerie
What's going on here?
guard
Some buffoon accidentally set off the moving wall again, almost killed someone.
ellerie
Seems like a very impractical trap. Only defends against the front gate, but we've got about seven entrances.
guard
I know, right? But it's still my job to reset it.
ellerie
Didn't think you'd have such a skillset.
guard
My family were generations of mechanists. That's how I first got employed here, no one knew how to fix this stuff anymore.
But it's a thankless and inglorious role. I always aimed higher. Now, here I am!
ellerie
That's quite the inspirational tale.
But didn't you say you were from some lineage of powerful warriors ages back?
guard
I say it's from my mum's side, but in all honesty, I just lied.
When in Irinde, do as Irinde does.
ellerie
Respectable. Not like anyone can challenge you on the matter now.

Foxberry

ellerie
I thought you were going with Oriana to chart a map or something.
foxberry
I was, but she explicitly rejected me! No one else got rejected!
ellerie
Oriana is not the type to hold grudges. What did you even do?
foxberry
Only Elis knows! I tell you this, she is not showing up in my next bestseller.
ellerie
Huge tragedy. You better make me look good in it.
foxberry
Absolutely. It's going to be called How to “Conquer the Coast with Only an Airship”.
ellerie
“Only” an airship? That would make things rather easy.
foxberry
I can't quite use my old “How to X with small object” title template when the subject matter is open warfare, can I?
ellerie
I'd have ditched the template. It's rather lackluster.
foxberry
I have to keep my series branding. You wouldn't get it.
Enough of that, I'm sticking with you after all. Here's my re-application letter.
ellerie
I can't be bothered reading it. You're re-hired.
foxberry
(smiles) Great, I couldn't be bothered writing it either. It was just a blank piece of paper.
ellerie
... You did write it.
foxberry
You wouldn't have looked if I didn't say it was blank.
If I write something, it's going to be read, damn it.
ellerie
I-
This is really stupid.

Aigo & Big Berd

aigo
You're just in time to see the library fully furnished. A fine collection, is it not?
It goes without saying I'm grateful you gave me all this empty space to use.
ellerie
It's looking good but...
Weren't these bookshelves already full before you moved your collection in?
aigo
The majority of them were fake cutouts to create the illusion of intellectual prowess.
Chieftain, have you not examined a single one of your own books this entire time?
ellerie
I'm... rather preoccupied with my duties.
aigo
A little disappointing, for a woman of your position.
You should always find time within your schedule to read, for if you do not read, how can you learn?
If you do not learn, how can you make informed decisions?
ellerie
I will keep that in mind.
aigo
I'd like to introduce you to my assistant, he shall be taking care of the place.
His enthusiasm more than makes up for any of his other shortcomings.
Berd, come along. No need to be shy.
(Big Berd approaches.)
big berd
... It's an honour.
ellerie
... He is an old friend of mine! What a coincidence.
aigo
Fate works in curious ways. I'm glad on this occasion, it is for the better.
ellerie
Berd, let us have a good talk. It's been ages since we've seen each other.
big berd
... Of course.
aigo
I shall not interfere in your reunion.
(Aigo leaves.)
ellerie
Explain.
big berd
I give you nothing but the truth, Chieftain. A place among the books, that was always my dream.
All my dishonest ways were to achieve this, but I've given all of that up.
I shall never hold an axe in my hand again.
ellerie
... I'm trying to figure out what wicked scheme you might pull, but working as a librarian's assistant is not a role that facilitates that.
big berd
There is no scheme. The circumstances of life have pushed me down unsavoury paths, but I've always desired an honest life.
Yes, it was my own choices that led me down these roads, but the catalyst for this was-
ellerie
I don't need to hear more about your miserable past.
We all have one of those. You may have your place in Irinde.
big berd
Thank you, Chieftain, for giving me this chance.
ellerie
If this bites me down the road, I'm killing you in the most painful way possible.
Then myself for being this stupid.
(Ellerie leaves.)
big berd
The last hurdle has been jumped. This is the start of a new era.
I shall not squander it...
I should be happy, but my thoughts keep returning to Locust.
Will she be fine without my support? Have I abandoned my only friend?

Xeo & Caloogo

xeo
If only the river of time could wash away all these memories, then-
(Caloogo approaches.)
caloogo
You're looking at Mister Blank Slate. Trust me, it's not all it's cracked up to be.
xeo
You are...
Who are you?
caloogo
That's a good question. The past makes a person. A person without a past is nothing.
xeo
A person without a past is not shackled by it. They are free to go where they wish.
caloogo
What use is that freedom when they have nothing to wish for?
xeo
How can you be sure emptiness isn't superior if you haven't experienced the pain I have?
caloogo
It has to be better than trying to figure who I am and what I'm supposed to be, when I have nothing to draw on.
xeo
If only we could trade our memories, then we'd both be happy.
caloogo
Let's do the closest we can. Tell me your past, sad man.
xeo
I've not had to explain my story before.
Let me regale you with a tale of unlimited woe and assorted horrors...

One deeply sorrowful story of a man who lost everything later...

... with only a mournful song in my heart, I set out for the Crescent.

caloogo
What an enthralling tale. Yes, you must be the one to help me.
I wanted glasses man because he looks like he knows things, but he is stuck in his cave.
xeo
What exactly are you asking of me?
caloogo
Write me the story of a past like yours, that I can claim as my own.
xeo
You intend for me to write you a past? What can you get from a fabricated past?
caloogo
If only I had a past, only then I can anchor myself in this world as a person.
xeo
... You've listened to my story. It is good courtesy for me to help.

Chest

(The chest explodes, inflicting 25 damage to Ellerie.)

If the trap did not kill Ellerie

ellerie
Someone put a bloody mine in this chest! Whoever did this, I'm coming for you.

If the trap killed Ellerie

ellerie
Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!
(Ellerie dies.)

Underground

Pomelo

pomelo
Ace of clubs. Signs of future obstacles, but potential fortune too. Not bad.
ellerie
Taking a break in this nice, cool cave?
pomelo
Yeah. Just thinking about how good it feels to finally be out of debt.
It was a crushing weight over me for the past few years,
I can hardly believe the money I'm getting is finally guilt-free.
It's all thanks to you, Captain.
ellerie
It's all fair payment for your incredible talents, Pom.
You're irreplaceable.
pomelo
(smiles) Aw, shucks.
ellerie
I will say, I caught two of the assistant shipwrights leaving with your designs.
You have to be more careful about keeping these trade secrets safe from prying eyes.
pomelo
(serious) But I readily gave it to them to study.
ellerie
But they're your secrets. It's what makes you irreplaceable.
pomelo
When I was studying on the Mainland, most shipwrights, working for nobles, hoarded their secrets selfishly.
If someone comes to me, I'd hate to turn them away like they did me.
ellerie
Trade secrets are secrets for a reason. It's not just a matter of selfishness.
If your landboat designs were stolen, our enemies could more easily reverse engineer them and exploit weaknesses, endangering Irinde's brave troops.
More critically, if it was known you were progressing on building a new airship, you'd be in immeasurable peril.
Despots across the ocean would pay fortunes to have you kidnapped, so potent is that knowledge.
pomelo
... I never thought that far, Chief. I'm sorry, I guess.
ellerie
No worries, Pom. Just promise me to be more careful, okay?
Especially about the airship stuff.
pomelo
I got it.

Pomelo & John XVI

pomelo
Sixteen? What are you doing down here?
john xvi
Having dinner, Fourteen.
pomelo
What dinner?
Oh. Oh, okay.
john xvi
The magic people have kindly allowed me to dispose of any failed experiments, so I'm pretty well-fed down here.
pomelo
But... You shouldn't be down in a dark cave, eating corpses.
Perhaps we can go for a nice meal at Woody Wilson's.
I'm quite flush with gold now.
john xvi
I'm good.
pomelo
Maybe get some nice smoked chicken from Mince's place.
john xvi
(frowns) I'm good, really. Fourteen, I'm not a lost girl needing your charity.
pomelo
Are you certain? There has to be something I can help with.
john xvi
I don't get it, Fourteen. You're obviously fearful of and repulsed by what I am, why keep trying? Is this a pity thing?
Or are you so unused to wealth, that you have to spend it to make yourself at ease?
pomelo
That's not... I just want to help. I was only thinking of myself when I left home, and not what fate I had left you with.
I wanted to make up for some of that.
john xvi
You can help by letting me do my own thing, Fourteen.
Maybe get me some water, the river down here is not good.
pomelo
I'll go do that. Listen, Sixteen, I really mean it.
If you need anything, just tell me, okay?
john xvi
Okay, Fourteen, geez. Whatever makes you happy.

Lindros & Nerysa

nerysa
At this level of complexity,
it'd be able to haul rough objects, but not handle anything delicate.
lindros
That alone is already a huge breakthrough.
ellerie
Fantastic work to both of you, progressing at such a rapid pace.
Archsage Nerysa, I'm glad to see you've set aside our differences, to continue to use your expertise to benefit Irinde's future.
nerysa
I don't do this out of any obligation to Irinde or you.
I'm only here because Lindros is too talented to be wasted on this place.
ellerie
The result is the same nonetheless.
lindros
Chief, I think you should abstain from entering the premises during research.
There are complex runes at work which should only be approached by experts.
nerysa
I concur. I'd rather not see an amateur create an accident.
ellerie
Very well, I'll leave you two to it.
(Ellerie leaves.)
ellerie
Experts. As if I'm not a magic user myself.
I know not to step on a rune, pompous snobs.

Stairs

narrator
An decrepit, abandoned tunnel laid below your construct storage.
Not very safe, perhaps. A forgotten axe lies buried under layers of dust.
Wait... Wasn't this axe supposed to be the invention of Hammer Helli?
(Ellerie receives a Xonssuaencsy.)

Secret Passage

Soul Seller

soul seller
I assure you, customer, these souls have been ethically sourced,
by which I mean they are harvested from people who really deserve it.
Not that it affects anything at all.
The soul is simply an amalgamation of a person's being on the mortal plane; it is irrelevant once they've passed into whatever afterlife you believe in.
Furthermore, they've been purified-
ellerie
That's great, but why in Elis's name would I want to buy a soul?
soul seller
Should've started with that.
It allows you to draw upon the abilities of the soul's former owner.
With the very minor side effect of taking some of their memories.
ellerie
Hmm. Wait, have I seen you somewhere before?
soul seller
No.

Cap Skill (3000 Gold)

ellerie
Well that was pretty normal. Just the memories of a prince who enslaved, tortured and executed tens of thousands of people, before he finally died of old age, surrounded by wealth and decadence.
... Damn, now I feel really bitter.

Cap Lance Weapon Level (3000 Gold)

ellerie
The former owner of this soul really, really wasn't well-liked, it seems.
I'm really grateful I can now vividly recall how it feels to be turned into soup.
I could be the only person alive who can accurately retell such an experience!
What an honour. Never eating soup again.

Cap Staff Weapon Level (3000 Gold)

ellerie
Seems to be the memories of some ancient era healer, fairly normal.
Okay, so he was paid to assassinate one patient, a noble, and- Urgh...
So that's how it feels to be eaten by insects over a period of days.
And they say the old era was a time of enlightenment compared to now.

Unlock Light C Rank (7000 Gold)

ellerie
What in Elis's names are these atrocities being committed?
I didn't know the human body could even... even do that.
The screaming, the laughing, they're burned into my brain.
These new magic powers better be worth the nightmares.

Unlock Anima C Rank (7000 Gold)

ellerie
Okay, these memories are really boring. Just some mage spending a lot of time-
... ... Oh Elis. I- What kind of sick mind makes someone think to attempt this?
I'm never going to be able to look at dogs the same way ever again.

Anna

ellerie
I must congratulate you on your thriving business, and your contribution to Irinde's economy.
anna
Thank you, Chief. Why do I have a foreboding feeling?
ellerie
However, as an upholder of justice and order, I won't permit any shady dealings in my backyard.
Not without my cut.
anna
Then take this gold, and sleep well knowing you've deprived some poor woman of her food for the month.
ellerie
It appears your business is as clean as a whistle. Keep up the good work.
(Ellerie receives 2000 gold.)
anna
The least you could do is invest your tax money back into the poor business owner.
(Anna presents her wares.)

Tasel

tasel
(smiling) Please, wait in line! The next batch shall be done shortly.
(Ellerie approaches.)
ellerie
You have quite the line of customers, Tasel.
tasel
(serious) What might the Chieftain want with a humble merchant such as myself?
ellerie
I know of potion sellers who care little for their consumer's long-term health, prioritising in their wares with only what might bring a consumer to return.
tasel
How could you make such accusations!
Yes, as a merchant, I may indulge in practices that stretch the truth, but to have so little regard for those who are the backbone of my business?
The pride of a merchant is knowing the needs of the market and consumer.
Why do you think I've never shared my combat tonics with your troops, and have only hoarded them for my own personal and informed use?
No, no matter how hard I've fallen, I would never resort to such tactics.
I would rather fall upon my arrow than to stain the reputation of my trade.
ellerie
...
tasel
...
If it pleases you, Chieftain.
ellerie
If you managed to fake such indignity, you'd truly be quite the actor.
tasel
There is honour to the art of a peddler, Chieftain.
ellerie
I suppose I had little reason to arrive at my accusation.
But I am keeping an eye on you. It is my duty as Chief, after all.
(Ellerie leaves.)
tasel
What malign spirits have overtaken you, Tasel?
Nevertheless, Lady Luck looks fondly upon you.

Murky

murky
Chief. Care to get some body modifications? They're all twenty percent off this week.
ellerie
Some, what?
murky
Some body modifications. I cut you open and make you better.
ellerie
You may have spearheaded our development of construct bodies, but I can't see such expertise being fully transferable.
murky
Far too many think the body is sacrosanct, when it is but an unrefined sculpture to be perfected.
Listen to one of my satisified patie- customers.
militiaman
Hurrrghh.
murky
He turned out fine. I know what I'm doing.

Cap Str, reduce Mag to 0. (3000 Gold)

ellerie
Something feels different. Missing... Why can't I feel it anymore?
The simple sense of magic in the air!
murky
It's a minor side effect. I'm sure you'll live.

Cap Mag, reduce Skl/Luck to 0. (3000 Gold)

ellerie
I can visualise the magic around me. Is this how Lindros feels?
But... why can't I bring anything into focus? Everything is so blurry.
murky
You'll get better. Just drink some water.

Die (1500 Gold)

murky
Was I supposed to do it that way?
Eh, she'll live.

(Ellerie dies.)

... She didn't live.
This is a problem. Time to change my name and identity again.

Cap Str/Mag, reduce HP to 20. (5000 Gold)

ellerie
Wow. My grip feels powerful.
The flow of magic I can see so much more keenly.
But I can't seem to get up. Is this normal?
murky
I think I had to move your spine around a little. It's no big deal, though.

Cap Str, reduce Def to 0. (3000 Gold)

ellerie
I feel... Stronger, certainly.
But- My chest, my chest feels really tight, oh Elis.
murky
I may have rearranged your rib cage to get this to work.
Try to not have any falls off your horse in the future.

Cap Mag, reduce Spd to 0. (3000 Gold)

ellerie
Okay, my affinity with magic has improved-
I'm struggling to breathe. Tell me this is temporary.
murky
That's odd, I only briefly messed with your lungs. I'm certain it's a minor thing.

Die painfully (5000 Gold)

ellerie
MURKY! WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?
murky
Quieten down! People will look-
ellerie
AAARRGGHGH!
AAAARGGHHHH!
murky
I should have stitched everything correctly, what could've gone wrong?
ellerie
AAAAARGGGGhhhhhh...
(Ellerie dies.)
murky
She's dead. Damn it, I don't miss going on the run again,
I was just getting settled in.

Void Gamer

ellerie
Uh, anyone else seeing this?
void gamer
I am the darkness in the hearts of those with a gaming spirit...
I am the ambition locked away in the depths of humanity...
I am... Void Gamer.
ellerie
Uh...
void gamer
Will you face the dark? (Bet 4000 Gold)

If you have less than 4000 gold

ellerie
My pockets feel too light on gold for this.

Yes

(Ellerie is transported to the gaming arena.)
instructions
A die has 2 crates, 2 wights, 1 merc and 1 chicken. 3 dice are rolled at once.

Each crate rolled adds 1 point. Getting 7 points will win, or scoring more than your opponent.

If there are 3 more total wights rolled than mercs, then you lose.

Stop rolling when you think you have enough points and the risk is too high.

No

ellerie
Nah. I'm going to get some more sleep tomorrow.

If you lose

Too many wights

ellerie
Damn, too many wights. Bad luck.

Too many mercenaries

ellerie
You can lose from too many mercenaries?
(Ellerie loses 4000 gold.)
void gamer
To be a gamer is a hard burden to handle...
(The Void Gamer vanishes.)

3 chickens

ellerie
What does 3 chickens do?
void gamer
Inevitable...
(The Void Gamer kills Ellerie.)

If you win

ellerie
7 crates. My victory.
(Ellerie takes 4000 gold.)
void gamer
You truly have the spirit of a gamer...
(The Void Gamer vanishes.)

Gamer's turn

ellerie
I scored [#] points. Hope that's good enough.

The Void Gamer gives a different line depending on how many crates you have:

0 CRATES
Misery...
1 CRATE
Pain...
2 CRATES
Torment...
3 CRATES
Suffering...
4 CRATES
Anguish...
5 CRATES
Agony...

If the Void Gamer wins

void gamer
Conclusion...

To be a gamer is a hard burden to handle...

(The Void Gamer vanishes.)

If the Void Gamer loses

void gamer
Defeat...

You truly have the spirit of a gamer...

(The Void Gamer vanishes.)

If the Void Gamer has 2 chickens and fewer crates than you

void gamer
The Plucker draws near...
(The Void Gamer forfeits.)

If the Void Gamer gets 3 chickens

void gamer
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
(The Void Gamer dies.)
ellerie
...
I'm going crazy.
(Ellerie gains 4000 gold.)

Camp

(Oriana's crew prepares to head out.)
narrator
Every player unit here will join Oriana's party.
Oriana's next chapter will have 9 deployment.

Big Berd

big berd
I had just given up the axe. I do not miss its familiar weight in my hand.
ellerie
Oh, stop it with all that crap; it's the bloody Crescent.
Besides, you're doing this for a friend, no?
big berd
I only fight to see Locust pardoned for her crimes.
Once I've fulfilled our terms, I shall fight no more.
ellerie
That is fine by me as long as we see results during this period.
big berd
I won't, but you will.
ellerie
I didn't question this before, but those are tomes. How even are you reading them?
big berd
Master Aigo is a true visionary.
With his innovations, blindness is but an inconvenience to the written word.
ellerie
That's pretty damn impressive.
We might need that with the amount of injuries we rack up.
big berd
We do live in an enlightened world where sight is no longer essential to education.
If there's nothing else, I would like more time with my books before we depart.
(Big Berd leaves.)
ellerie
If Irinde doesn't care about you being here, why would they remember Locust?
Sometimes, it's just too easy.

Go with Oriana

big berd
Into the Tide? A harsh price. But I shall do what you ask.

Stay with Ellerie

big berd
So I shall be on standby for the time being? That suits me perfectly well.

Dazzledart

ellerie
Oh, he's dead.
dazzledart
That's what you get for crossing the rice of the Yellow Storm, Master Assassin.
ellerie
Tifalius Twinblade. Sharpest knives in the west. Killed by a chicken.
dazzledart
The most puffed-up knives in the west, methinks.
What kinda pretentious asshole duel-wields reverse-grips?
Just a speck of dust for me, the Yellow Storm, Master Assassin.
ellerie
Clearly I shouldn't be hiring based on reputation alone.
Thanks little guy. You just saved me around 10000 gold.
dazzledart
How about you thank me with some actual gold?
As befitting of the Yellow Storm, Master Assassin.
ellerie
You can write? Wait, why am I even surprised? Let's see...
Chicken scratchings are pretty hard to read. “kill 4 food n gold?"
dazzledart
I don't have hands, jerkwad. Let's see you do it with claws.
ellerie
I can imagine it already...
My vile foes, slain in the streets by a killer one-fiftieth their size...
Ask and you shall receive, my new feathered friend.
dazzledart
Now we're talking. I, Dazzledart, the Yellow Storm, Master Assassin,
demand that my services requite the finest rice you have, the finest-
ellerie
You're going to have to write that down.
dazzledart
You humans and your stupid language.

Go with Oriana

dazzledart
Us ascenders use the Green Tide as target practice.
Only you humans would need to care so much about it.

Stay with Ellerie

dazzledart
Sure, I'll stay here. This place has the best food to steal for miles around.

Oriana

ellerie
Not a bad ship I'm giving you, right? If there's anything else, just ask.
oriana
I'm not about to turn down generosity when half the Crescent is on the line.
ellerie
Within reason.
oriana
Of course. Let's see...

Ending

Underground Lab

(If Betrayer is alive, he lurks by the entrance.)
lindros
I can't thank you enough, Archsage. You've shaved years off my predictions.
nerysa
Think nothing of it. I am merely building off your existing work.
I wouldn't be an Archsage if I couldn't at least do this much.
lindros
Don't undersell your own contributions.
I can already see that bright future, a greater society built on top of the labour of these flesh constructs, where citizens are no longer bound by the toils of day-to-day living.
nerysa
Your earnest vision of a brighter future by magical means plays a major factor in why I've enjoyed our collaboration.
However, have you considered that the good citizens of Irinde may not want you to relegate their existing roles to the realm of constructs?
lindros
Why would that be the case? They can just devote their time to more important tasks.
There's an infinite amount of work which needs to be done on the Crescent.
nerysa
It was just a trifling thought we can examine at a later date.
Let's get this last one done, then I shall sleep until noon.
(Lindros and Nerysa fuse five corpses together into a lich.)
lindros
This is a curious one. How did that monocle get in there?
nerysa
I'm certainly not going to carefully strip corpses. At any rate, it matters little.
lindros
I am not feeling good about staying up for twenty-two hours.
My mind is playing tricks on me, seeing a blink despite the fact the construct is still unactivated.
nerysa
That's... Hmm.
sorbet
It appears I've found myself in the world of the living through very peculiar means.
To whom do I owe this pleasure?
lindros
(Help?)
nerysa
(You're on your own.)
lindros
That would be me.
sorbet
This bespectacled gentleman?
You do have the refined appearance of a scholar well-learned in natural magics.
lindros
Thank you?
sorbet
(twisted grin) This twig is who has forced upon us the pain of existence? The pain of existence, we should teach him, yes.
lindros
Archsage? We might have a problem.
sorbet
(normal) Please forgive my ill-mannered compatriot. He is deathly allergic to existence, you see.

(grins) Come closer, and I will show you the true meaning of woe. Oh yes, I will.

(normal) Ahem. He enjoys the sound of his own voice, but he is not a man of action.
What a grand creation I am, grafted together in both flesh and spirit, a mosaic of both past and present.
Am I the landmark creation for which the boundaries of life are unveiled?
I would be proud to serve as wondrous proof of such an accomplishment.

lindros
Nothing as grandiose as that, I'm afraid.
We were activating a routine ritual to form a construct, as we've done countless times.
It is a mystery to us how this occured, as undignified as it is for me to admit this.
sorbet
It appears I have misunderstood something.
My creation is merely a simple accident? A confluence of chance and carelessness?
Simply a byproduct of a mundane process, with no true purpose for existence?
lindros
Uh, yes...?
sorbet
That's not right. It shouldn't be this way.

(grins) I tell you, we should pull him limb from limb, yes. Suck the marrow from his bones.
Rightful retribution it would be for his sin.

nerysa
Step away, Lindros. This may require intervention.
sorbet
(frowns) If I am not wanted, I shall make my leave.
I bid you all a good day. It is morning, after all.
(Sorbet leaves.)
lindros
Wait- ...
nerysa
...
lindros
How did he know it was morning if we were in a cave?
nerysa
I would prefer to pretend that never happened, but...
we should call the guards for everyone's safety.

Office

lindros
... And that's the gist of it. I've dumbed it down so you can understand.
ellerie
Lindros, that's called speaking like a normal human being.
That aside, how does this help us?
lindros
The potential of manufacturing sentient creations is simply incomparable!
This opens up a vast array of wider applications beyond simple job-
ellerie
I'm going to have to slow you down a bit. You're not creating blank slates, you're bringing in fully formed minds, albeit memoryless and distorted.
Would they listen to your orders? Should they listen to your orders, being individuals in their own right?
What if they resent you for bringing their mutilated souls back from oblivion?
You saw what happened with Caloogo. It's not an outcome you can predict.
lindros
... Those are valid concerns.
ellerie
That's just what I thought of in five seconds. More importantly, how much more would research in this direction cost to get results?
Our existing simple constructs have no such issues that need to be solved.
lindros
I see. So am I to do nothing with this knowledge, squander its potential?
ellerie
It's not potential if it's a non-viable course of action.
lindros
I shall go be bitter on my lonesome.

If Lilac is alive

lilac
Master Tower, there is... Something has happened. I come bringing you this letter.
tower
Feel free to take a seat. I'm not getting up from my chair.
lilac
It's about...
tower
The Sectmaster has passed away, hasn't she?
lilac
Uh, yes.
tower
Give me the letter.
“We did what we could. The rest is up to Elis's will. Keep yourself safe.”
This is it, isn't it? Decades of toil. Three short sentences. Elis's will...
What will is there? Elis is gone! Elis has never been present!
lilac
Master Tower, should I-
tower
I'm not so sensitive that I need time to mourn, Lilac. Sit down.
lilac
Ah, okay.
tower
We feared it would be this way. We had precautions for if she passed before I did.
Useless now. It's all quite ironic, really.
Splitting off from the Mainland Sect was ostensibly to bring peace to the Crescent, but the underlying reason was escaping Sect factionism.
Allow me to guess, the Sectmaster sent you here to get you away from the inevitable collapse.
lilac
Astute observation, Sir. There's four claimants, three factions... It's a mess.
All of them wanted my support because I was close to the Sectmaster, but I'd have none of it. Elis knows when they might come to blows.
tower
It is everything we could have feared and more. I never knew your parents, Lilac, but if the Sectmaster sent you here, she probably wants me to do something.
You may stay to wait out the crisis.
lilac
About that, Sir. There is another thing that I wanted to ask.
tower
Ask away.
lilac
I've always paid little attention to my responsibilities in the Sect, so reassured I was of my place due to my parents' sacrifice.
Yet without the Sectmaster, there is no warmth left for me, only selfish faces and turmoil.
But all I've known is the Sect.
What am I without the Sect?
tower
In my infinite wisdom, I can't answer that because I've yet to find the answer.
You're in your... twenties? Early thirties?
lilac
Seventeen, Sir.
tower
... Huh. You're not old and set in your ways as I am. You have plenty of years left, plenty to find something to care about.
Elis's teachings never required you to be part of an institution to be a real follower.
With how things look right now, one might even say the opposite.
lilac
Thank you for the reassuring words, Master Tower.
tower
You and I both know I just said a whole boatload of nothing.
Feel free to tag along when we leave for Hunter's Hollow.
You have the makings of a capable adventurer.
lilac
I know not what else I should do, so I will follow.

If Vermillion is alive

krynia
You're leaving, Little Red?
vermillion
If I am to go far on the path to ascension, I must shed my mortal attachments.
krynia
But why? We had such good times together. You, me, a bowl of rice and soy sauce...
Well, you didn't like the soy sauce much.
vermillion
I enjoyed the safe nights, delicious rice and the comfort of a warm fire...
But I cannot let these worldly desires shake me from the rightful path.
krynia
Is this a regular chicken thing?
I have no idea what you're telling me, but good luck out there, little fella.
vermillion
May your enemies die swiftly and in great agony, human.
(Vermillion leaves.)
krynia
I can't believe even the chicken is leaving. The Seahawks will never be as it once was...
I guess this is what growing older is about.
I don't like it.

oriana
A noble invasion, I can still hardly believe it. The Mainland was always so far away.
Two worlds with a passage in between, not affecting each other. Until now, I suppose.
ellerie
Again, I can't apologise enough that I am not giving your group further aid.
You now know of what's coming, though I did beg you to keep this a secret.
We do not need a mass panic.
oriana
With this knowledge in mind, I can hardly blame you.
From what I've seen in my travels, being destroyed by the Tide may be preferable to being ruled by nobles.
ellerie
Still... I do wish there is something more I can do.
It would fill me with guilt if your crew does not return.
oriana
You know very well each adventure is a dice game with the reaper.
There is little you can do to alter an outcome without sabotaging Irinde.
ellerie
I suppose so.
I almost wish I could be there, affecting the course of battle rather than hoping for good news.
oriana
You have your own battles. Focus on those, we'll pull through. We've never lost.
ellerie
I shall. You've already said your goodbyes to Krynia?
oriana
I have. Part of me wants her to come, but...
Krynia's a grown girl now. She doesn't need Mother getting in the way of her decisions.
ellerie
One doesn't cherish what they've always known, such as the love of their Mother.
oriana
Or maybe she'll feel like she can breathe easier, who is to say?
I leave her in your care, Chief.
I know it's selfish to ask, with how dangerous the Crescent is, but...
Please keep her safe.
ellerie
I shall do so as long as I live.
oriana
That's all I need to hear. Safe travels, Chief.
ellerie
Safe travels, Captain.

Character Descriptions

Big Berd
An incredibly large fellow, who must have spent a fortune on red paint. Can't hit the broad side of a barn.

Dazzledart
Lean, mean, chicken assassin. Lacks a good grasp on money and undercuts all of her competitors' prices for murder.

Gil Goldfist
The grandson of the legendary hero that saved the Crescent. Nothing to do with him anyway.

Johnny Spices
A prominent smuggler making some good cash evading spice laws. His reputation stretches to the Mainland.

Hammer Helli
A blacksmith famed for making hammers and beating people to death with said hammers.

He Who Chops
A charitable butcher who treats everyone around him with kindness and is beloved by Irinde's residents.

Potato
Has no redeeming personality traits, but is widely respected for his ability to cultivate the finest tomatoes.

Old Bob
A potato farmer who claims to have been a renowned mercenary in his prime. Tired of eating potatoes.

Matron
One of the leaders of the deadliest groups of assassins this side of the Crescent. Or so I assumed.

Smart Fella
Entrepreneurs with a good eye for opportunity in the Crescent's market.

Guard
A soldier from Irinde who fights for Irinde. There's not much else I can say about this person.

Super Soldier
One of humanity's mightiest soldiers. The world is not ready.

B. Patricks
Johnny Spices's best spice runner. Has survived over 17 ambushes on the river.

Jake
A man of many talents. Has skill in sailing, archery and mechanics but decided to focus on bartending.

Anna
A respected trader who tends to show up in some really odd places.

Soul Seller
A sole trader dealing in specialised goods of questionable use and origin. I wonder where demand comes from.

Void Gamer
Uhh...

Dreadlich III
A perfectly average traveller on the Crescent. They have a very interesting choice of headwear.

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

Hired Hand
Able-bodied fighters paid to protect their employer, and failing at that.

Adventurer
Broke soldiers who've realised guard duty is not bringing home the money and will get themselves killed for gold.

Civilian
Civilian becomes a synonym for collateral damage very quickly.

Child
A bundle of hopes and dreams.

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

The Guild
Various merchants and artisans that make up the bulk of the Guild. Say what you will, their skill is undeniable.

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

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

Chicken
Bawk.

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

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

Loot
Just gonna yoink this while no one's looking. Or smash it.

Dice
Gaming.