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Chapter 20x-3: Hunter's Hollow

Opening

letter
Dear Krynia,
Is your work in Irinde treating you well? I trust Ellerie, but she can be quite the taskmaster. Don't push yourself too hard.
Don't forget to keep your diet balanced.
I noticed your appetite has increased threefold recently, but slabs of meat are no good as a meal, especially raw.
Also, do try and avoid transforming unless it's life or death. We don't know for sure if it will have any lasting effects.
Ask Ellerie to teach you some trick with the lance if necessary. She's not half-bad with it now.
Don't forget to write back. I won't be able to receive it for a month, but I'll be waiting.

Your loving mother,
Oriana

oriana
We've arrived. Quite the quaint little place.
Not what I'd expect for the last stop before the highest mortality rate on the Crescent.
tower
Perhaps you can reserve a few coffins. I heard the scenery here is to die for.
oriana
Most I'm willing to do is a mass grave. It would fit the budget.
You always used to say, “This expedition will be the last.”
What happened to retirement?
tower
Already tried it, boring as sin.
There's only so much drinking and looking at the beach before it gets really old.
I'd rather end up in a mass grave, at least I'd be doing something of value.
oriana
Let's hope you do not get your wish.
(The village elder approaches.)
elder
You must be Oriana, the Dancing Blade!
What an honour for the Seahawks themselves to come to our little village!
tower
The what blade?
oriana
Think nothing of it. We're here to serve the Crescent. Although, not as the Seahawks.
tower
Now we're called the... Shearwaters.
Because we were too unoriginal to come up with something other than the bird theme.
oriana
You still haven't let me up on that?
elder
My mistake, Hunter's Hollow doesn't get news fast, being in these secluded parts.
We are endlessly grateful for such expert adventurers like you to come to our aid.
However, I must warn you. This Green Tide is far deadlier than those that came before.
oriana
How so?
elder
Adventurers report that once common monsters now come far better armed, move in a more organised manner and utilise deadly abilities not seen before.
Many a confident party were wiped out by these new developments.
tower
That blockage over the river all those months ago. Those sentient demon trees.
We've seen these changes for ourselves.
oriana
It was quite odd how the last Green Tide was so easily repelled by Irinde.
Perhaps the malevolent forces at work were building their forces elsewhere.
Here, to be exact.
elder
Of course such knowledge does not escape experienced adventurers like yourselves!
Do know that our markets have plentiful goods for every adventurer's needs.
May the Goddess be with you, brave heroes!
(The Elder leaves.)
tower
If they really were grateful, they'd actually provide us some tangible help.
We still have to buy supplies off them.
oriana
Everyone has to eat. They're used to making their business off adventurers.
tower
I wouldn't be complaining so much if we weren't self-funding saving the Crescent.
The good Chief does not have sufficient concern for the monster horde on our backs.
oriana
She lent us Dune and gave us this ship. That's not nothing.
tower
Let's not pretend that it wasn't just to get Dune out of Irinde.
I will concede, she did give us a fine ship.
Shame we won't be able to use it, given we're heading into a forest.
(Mince approaches.)
mince
Hey, Quartermaster! Sorry, Captain. Force of habit.
Great marketplace over there, packed our provisions for the trip.
oriana
What in the- Can we carry all that? We're travelling on land, you realise?
mince
Of course, just double checking... Pepper, check. Smoked pork, check.
Potatoes, check. Pegasus cheese, check. We're going to be eating good.
tower
Pegasus cheese?
mince
That stuff goes for a billion gold per kilo back in the Capital.
Amazed they even have this here, and so cheap too.
tower
This is an expedition, not a picnic.
Let us not be overencumbered by foodstuffs and be light on tools.
mince
You're free to replace your portion of food with a shovel.
tower
After some consideration, I've decided against this.
mince
Then why are you complaining?
Adventurers always fight better on a full stomach.
Call me if you need to. I'll be finishing the last bit of packing.
(Mince leaves.)
oriana
Glad he's so enthusiastic.
tower
And you aren't? This is finally your chance to be a “real adventurer.”
oriana
I suppose I am, Tower. No more pointless power struggles. No more dubious alliances.
Just protecting the Crescent from danger.
maurice
...
woman
What are you doing sneaking around here, stranger?
Hey, you look like that guy from all those bounty boards.
maurice
(How in Elis's name did she just sneak up on me without a single sound?)
That's not me.
woman
Ah, okay. Want some apples? They're freshly picked.
maurice
... Sure.
woman
If I was the guy from the bounty boards, I'd get out of town.
There's so many adventurers coming in for the Green Tide.
maurice
I would take that advice if there was a large bounty on my head.

If you looted 2-3 houses in Chapter 17

man 1
Are those the Seahawks?
man 2
Keep clear. You heard what they did at Yalunzar.
man 3
It was just rumours, right?
man 2
If all villains looked evil, that would be too easy.
man 1
They're coming here... Don't give them eye contact.
man 3
What does that achieve?
man 1
I don't know. Less likely to kill you?

If you looted 4+ houses in Chapter 17

man 1
Seahawks! It's them!
man 2
You know what they did to those poor people at Yalunzar.
They'll stoop to any low if given the opportunity.
man 3
Surely, they can't do that in broad daylight.
man 2
You're gonna risk that? Run!

New Guide Entries

Hunter's Hollow

Hunter's Hollow is an outpost of humanity into the wilderness. Many poor fellows hope to profit off the bounties of the forest, such as treasure and reagents.

Hunter's Hollow has become something of a retirement home for adventurers in recent times. Think twice before misbehaving in Hunter's Hollow, for you never know if the elderly innkeeper might pull out a warhammer.

Two

Why do you stay silent? Is my offer of insufficient value to move you? Are you some older cultivator who has no need for such gifts, or do you mean to extort me?

Speak! I know you are still there. Still watching. Is this some kind of entertainment to you? Do you derive twisted pleasure upon seeing a fellow cultivator suffer an ignoble fate?

Conversations

Vermillion, Joyful Jo, & Empress

empress
You have the honour of being in the presence of the Celestial Jade Empress, Guardian of the Skyward Gate, Ruler of the Cerulean Crescent! Kneel before me!

If Vermillion's level is 16+

vermillion
Such a powerful aura! My legs wish to bend, but I will stand firm!
empress
Oh? You can resist my aura refined by a thousand battles?
Truly impressive for one whose path is still so short.
joyful jo
I've never heard you compliment a junior. You must have truly impressed her.
empress
It was no compliment, it was simply a remark.

If Vermillion's level is 15 or less

vermillion
Such a powerful aura! My legs are bending on their own...
Is this the might of a true master?
joyful jo
There is no need to bully your junior, Empress. Release him.
empress
Why should I stop someone for giving me due respect?
empress
The audacity of you to show your ugly beak in my domain.
joyful jo
You've said that the last thirteen times we've met.
Young Red, this is the Jade Empress, the mightiest ascender in these lands.
vermillion
This young one is honoured to meet such an esteemed master.
empress
As you should be. Another apprentice to spread your backwards teaching to?
vermillion
Senior has taught me much in the path to ascension.
empress
Oh, and what has he taught you?
vermillion
To fully understand your desires and reject them, that is the rightful path.
empress
Hahahaha! How delightfully amusing. Allow me to regale you with a short story.
There was once a chicken, proud and mighty, standing at the precipice of ascension.
He entered the Skyward Gate, but he could not ascend.
Instead of questioning his own strength, he instead questioned his own direction.
While those around him strove for greater heights, he remained fruitlessly searching,
lost within himself. Now he has neither power nor respect, a miserable broken thing.
He still walks the Crescent, spouting a broken philosophy to anyone who'd listen.
vermillion
...
joyful jo
What an uncharitable retelling, Empress. What do you have to gain by interfering?
empress
Do you see? The old monster would've fought me to the death for this insult.
But now, he can do naught but scowl, while it is I who stands here at the precipice of ascension.
Do well to remember this story.
(Empress leaves.)
joyful jo
She is mighty, there can be no doubt. But do well to remember, despite her bluster, she has yet to truly ascend.
That last wall is why I was forced to give up my old ways, the challenge of one's own self. No violence, no bloodshed will let you pass that obstacle.
Please do remember that.
vermillion
I will keep that in mind, Senior.

Lilac & Chalice

lilac
Hey, uh, fellow disciple.
chalice
Greetings.
lilac
I don't want to impose, but there is something I want to inquire about.
It is about the matters of faith, and I wouldn't want to offend-
chalice
If you have something to ask, just spit it out. No roundabouts.
lilac
You fought the Sect while travelling with the Seahawks, did you not?
Merzed's faction, the Reclaimists. How did you reconcile that with faith?
chalice
... That's not what I expected to be asked.
I've spent many a night thinking about this.
lilac
And what conclusion did you find?
chalice
I concluded I didn't care. It's not my fault I was defending myself.
I still follow the teachings of Elis. No one's come to Irinde to demand my expulsion.
Nothing came of this.
lilac
That's... simple.
Do you have thoughts on why they did what they did?
Why their faith would lead them down this path?
chalice
Telon's a brainless idiot, but his stance might be right on this.
They attacked us for existing. That justifies my retaliation.
I don't care about whatever Sect denomination they follow.
It's all squabbling over nonsense.
lilac
That must make it so easy.
I had to see this squabbling every waking day when I was in the Sect.
chalice
If they were true followers of Elis, they shouldn't be skirmishing in the first place.
Perhaps they are all in the wrong and I'm the rightful successor of Elis's legacy.
lilac
Maybe you are. You should inform the old bastards at the base of this.
(A Sect disciple approaches.)
disciple
If I may join in, fellow disciples? A pleasure to meet you, Arbiter Lilac.
lilac
Oh, lovely.
chalice
We have not met before.
disciple
I overheard you talk of Merzed, and frankly, I approve of his demise.
His backwards beliefs have no place in the Sect's future.
chalice
Happy to serve?
disciple
It's rare to see disciples become such renowned adventurers,
it is truly an honour to count you among our ranks.
lilac
I was in the Seahawks for a month at most.
disciple
I must make some inquiries on behalf of the Sect.
There are rumours that Chief Ellerie is researching... unsavoury subjects.
Have you seen any trace of such?
Or seen what plans she might have for the Crescent's immediate future?
chalice
I can't see anything. I'm blind.
disciple
Figuratively speaking, of course. Surely, you must have heard-
chalice
It is with great grief that I say I cannot help you, fellow disciple.
It was great to meet you, but I must depart.
(Chalice leaves.)
disciple
It figures that one raised in a place such as Irinde's does not have the same etique-
lilac
The ant knows not why man steps on its home.
(Lilac leaves.)
disciple
Pardon me? Hey! ... The bastards.

Acielle & Iosaf

acielle
(smiling) I think this is it, Iosaf! Are you not excited?
iosaf
What is it?
acielle
The big adventure! The prophesied journey! I hear the call of destiny!
iosaf
All I hear is wind and leaves.
acielle
(frowns) It was figurative, Iosaf. But can't you see the pieces falling into place?
This Green Tide is somehow different and deadlier than the previous, all amidst political turmoil that makes the Crescent helpless!
If this doesn't say, “start of an epic heroic legend”, I don't know what does.
iosaf
That... Maybe it makes sense? I've not read any epic heroic legends.
acielle
I can feel it, Iosaf! We're finally going to meet that mysterious goddess.
Everything is going to make sense.
iosaf
I would like to meet her too. Maybe she'd explain...
acielle
How to become the best?
iosaf
.... That but also... Why I am what I am, when others are not.
acielle
No idea what you meant by that, but that sounds important.
Oh, I am so excited for what tomorrow will bring.
iosaf
We're just camping here tomorrow. What is exciting about that?
acielle
Iosaf, I meant-
Forget it.

Telon, Raylin, & Reiker

telon
There's no art in defeating these soulless automatons.
They have brute strength, but no technique, no warrior's pride.
raylin
(smirks) Are you hearing this guy? Warrior's pride, pft.
reiker
(smirks) By Elis, what a loser.
telon
If you have a problem with me, then let's settle it in a duel!
reiker
Nah. And challenging everyone to a duel doesn't change the fact you're a loser.
telon
...
reiker
What can you do, glower at me? Wow, you're so intimidating.
raylin
Going to go crying to your sister?
(Telon leaves.)
reiker
(subdued) Ha, he thinks he's a huge deal, but he is nowhere near as good an adventurer as us, right? Ray?
raylin
(serious) ...
reiker
Ray, what's the matter?
raylin
Just thinking, Bro. We... We can't keep being adventurers, forever.
reiker
Why not, Sis?
raylin
Our luck can't carry us forever, Rei.
We were only roped into this line to escape House Heron hanging us.
reiker
It used to be luck, but we're getting real good. We can just, not lose?
raylin
That's not how things work.
It's only a matter of time before one mistake gets us.
We need an exit plan.
reiker
But I'm liking how things are now.
raylin
At least Telon can go begging to his sister to get him a job or something.
What do we have? We can't read, can't farm, can't craft, can't sew, can't do anything except fight.
reiker
We could go to the Chief Captain. She wouldn't turn us down, right?
raylin
And do what? More fighting?
reiker
Then let's keep doing what we're good at. It's in demand.
raylin
...

Quilan

oriana
Qiulan? I thought you were still writing that epic on Ellerie.
quilan
I still am, Quartermaster. My trusty quill is never at rest.
But the good Chief's story is taking a short break, so I must follow the action here.
oriana
This Green Tide is said to be the deadliest yet.
Is it worth putting your life at such risk for a few verses?
quilan
For a few verses? No, no, no, Quartermaster, you don't understand.
Without wading through the bloodstained fields, the screams of dying men in my ears, how can my words carry any weight at all?
oriana
You're right, I don't understand.
quilan
This does mean I will be following your adventure for the time being.
oriana
I do not desire nor will I pay for anything written about me.
quilan
Call it a special sense of mine, I can tell it is you that will be at the centre of this new unfurling tale.
You need not concern yourself with my needs.
I shall be behind you no matter the circumstances.
(Quilan leaves.)
oriana
That was an ominous statement.
(Tower approaches.)
tower
Bloody bards.
oriana
I didn't know you held some special opinion on bards, Tower.
tower
Glorifying the horrors of war while pulling no weight themselves.
Leading the youth to seek glory and die pointless deaths.
Turning the real sorrow of good folk into the likes of entertainment.
The worst kind of human being.
oriana
You'll be happy to hear Qiulan has decided she will be joining us.
tower
With any luck, I'll get a chance to put my axe in her.

Frostfires

frostfire 1
Hmm.
frostfire 2
Hmmm.
frostfire 1
Hmmmm.
frostfire 2
Hmmmmm.
frostfire 1
Check.
frostfire 2
Ha.
frostfire 1
Can you castle while in check?
frostfire 2
Why couldn't you? That seems like a silly exception.
frostfire 1
Maybe. Wait... This doesn't make sense.
How did you castle if-
You put your queen and the king the wrong way around!
frostfire 2
What? I thought you set up the board. How did you not notice?
frostfire 1
How did YOU not notice? You were using those pieces!
frostfire 2
Whatever, dude. So, what, we keep going?
frostfire 1
Sure. We've already put in an hour.

Rookies

If you looted 2 or more houses in Chapter 17

man 1
...
man 2
...
man 3
...
oriana
They're really wary of us.
Certain reputation cannot be shaken once it has been obtained...
But I will turn this around.

If not

man 1
You go.
man 2
No, what. You.
man 3
Huh?
man 2
Go!
man 3
Uh, hey. So, uh...
man 2
We have this cool thing.
man 3
You can have it.
man 1
It is to help our town.
man 3
It was for helping our town.
man 2
They haven't helped us yet, you dolt.
man 3
Shut up! Yeah, what that guy said.
man 2
Let's go!
(They give Oriana a Sanctuary, then leave.)
oriana
Odd. It is good they've placed their trust in us, at least.

Locations

Lower Dwelling

If you looted 2 or more houses in Chapter 17

man
You'll find no friends of the Seahawks here.
oriana
But we're-
(The man slams the door in Oriana's face.)
oriana
Nevermind.
Show through actions, not words.

If not

man
Seahawks?
oriana
Well, no-
man
Bunch of maniacs you are, but can't be that bad if you're out here.
oriana
But we're not-
man
This is my finest elixir. Drink it and kill the monsters. Maybe not in that order.
oriana
This works too.
(Oriana receives an Elixir.)

Middle Dwelling

young woman
You're great adventurers, aren't you? I implore you, save my companions!
oriana
What is the situation?
young woman
We had left for the Buried City, hoping for gold and glory.
The fools we were! Only I alone escaped, but the rest yet wait for rescue, I know it.
oriana
We are to head that way anyways, we will look for your companions.
Where did you split with them?
young woman
I don't remember, it was dark, and oh Goddess!
All I know is that we had hid in some cave behind a waterfall.
Thank you, everyone else I've asked declined without a thought.
oriana
I will warn you, with the Green Tide, the odds are not favourable.
young woman
I believe you can make a miracle happen!
oriana
We'll do what we can.
(Oriana leaves.)
tower
You didn't even ask for some kind of recompensation. Running a charity?
oriana
She didn't look the type to have anything to give.
And let's not pretend you would've asked either.
tower
I'm just wary of you turning into one of those that'll do anything at no cost,
they don't tend to last long.
oriana
I'm no naive youngster, Tower. But I'll still make exceptions for those really in need.
tower
That's how it always starts.

Quest

A civilian asked us to find her friends lost in the woods. They were last seen in a cave behind a waterfall.
(Chapter 21)

Upper Dwelling

oriana
What an elaborately carved figure. Oh, is this some kind of shrine?
old woman
A pitiful excuse for one, yes. I'm too old to be keeping it in good condition.
oriana
I've never seen one actively maintained, only derelict ruins.
old woman
The Sect must be doing a thorough job, but I do not fear them.
They cannot stifle incense for the Great and Charitable Life Giver.
oriana
Life Giver?
old woman
It's rare to see adventurers such as yourself take an interest in the old ways.
Here, take a seat. Let me tell you of the Life Giver, the most benevolent Lingyue.
oriana
(I've made a huge mistake.)
old woman
The Life Giver was a generous one.
She often answered the calls of her followers and gave them her blessing.
During a year-long drought, she struck her staff deep into the earth, creating a fountain that quenched thirst.
That same fountain still exists today, deep within those woods.
Waiting for the call of a faithful one that so cares for life as she does.
oriana
Thank you for the tale, but I really must be going.
Have the Green Tide to fight, and all that.
old woman
I still have many stories I can tell, but your rest is temporary.
I will pray to Lingxue to grant you and your party safe passage.
(Oriana leaves.)
tower
It's pitiful really, clinging onto worship as if that can save them.
No doubt the Green Tide is brought by the same hands they revere.
oriana
I can see why you chose to not enter.
tower
Did the incense not make it apparent? Can't stand that stuff.
oriana
If the gods were as cruel as they say, it is rather curious that so many remain faithful long after their disappearance.
They must have done a good deal of good as well, not just what the Sect claims.
tower
I do not doubt that, but it is a master giving extra scraps of bread to his slave.
It requires little effort and doesn't change the fact they hold the slave in chains.
Their worship are these chains, fuelling the grip those cruel ones have over humanity.
oriana
Does any of that still matter now?
The Gods are gone for good. Most of what remains is simply traditions, for comfort.
tower
Their foul magic still remains. Who can be sure Elis has banished them for good?
That's why the Disciples of Elis must keep the world pure from their influence.
oriana
All a lot of effort for something that hasn't changed for hundreds of years.
tower
Every generation puts less stock into Elis's teachings. It is a tragic sight to behold.

Quest

Legend says there's a staff placed by a goddess within a fountain. Is it merely some tale, or something more?
(Chapter 22)

Thicket

oriana
What's this, shining in the thickets?
... Wow, it's just like that old sword I had at the start of our journey.
I can't believe so much has happened since then... I suppose I'll keep this.
(Oriana receives a Wind Sword.)

Ending

disciple
Master Tower, a real honour to be working with you on this honourable task of defending the Crescent.
tower
Ah, you're... I don't recall.
disciple
I was in the third row during your lessons. The one with the bad handwriting.
tower
Ah, you're... Still got nothing.
disciple
... That's alright. I want you to know I've not fallen for those slanderous lies.
You, a pillar of the Sect, would never turn on it just for some cursed blood wench.
It is a falsehood as clear as day.
tower
Right.
disciple
It is clearly a plot of Merzed and the Reclaimist faction to get you out of the way before the Sectmaster's passing, for you'd never allow their corrupt interpretations to take hold.
I will clear your good name as soon as we return.
tower
I care not for my reputation, but it is laudable for you and your cohort to fight for the common folk, instead of squabbling pointlessly over the Sectmaster's legacy.
disciple
Unlike them, we follow Elis's teachings where it matters. Rest assured, they may have pushed us out now, but our victory over the Tide will provide us the support we need to throw out those wicked Reclaimists.
tower
... Okay. Good for you.
disciple
Elis will witness our cause prevail.
I hear that you are so starved of tomes that you fight using axes of all things.
That simply cannot do. I can provide you one of the Sect's finest tomes in its stead.
tower
Now we are getting somewhere.

Nosferatu

disciple
Oh, that one? It happens to be one of my favourites...
tower
Hmmm? If you insist, I can take the oth-
disciple
No, no! It is an honour for you to take this tome.
Go! Take it!
tower
Alright.

Waste

disciple
Ah, that one! Truly fitting for someone known to lay waste to his enemies!
tower
A fine tome indeed. I'm glad to see quality of production has not reduced.
disciple
Of course! It took a whole squad of indentured servants to make this!
tower
Indentured servants? In the Sect? This is the first I've heard of this.
disciple
Heh, a new development. Not that important.
unari
You've heard about these new super monsters on your stroll through town?
oriana
Indeed, we have. They may require a change in approach than the usual tactics we use.
unari
Of course the Tide has to hit now, while some noble invasion is imminent and the Frostfires are at our weakest.
After all, it is no skin off Ellerie's nose if we all die and lose the whole eastern coast.
oriana
She gave whatever help she could working under those other constraints.
unari
That is certainly what she tells everyone. At least we have the Sect's assistance.
Hunter's Hollow was built to withstand hordes; our best odds of victory lie here.
oriana
This Green Tide is not like the last.
We cannot be sure if we can hold out against the limits of monster production, or if there even is an upper limit.
unari
You intend for us to charge into the deadly woods where they are strongest, where adventurers fall by the dozens, in the middle of a Green Tide?
oriana
Yes, I do intend that.
tower
Our venture into the Workshop has shown they are brought to life by structures.
No different in principle to the Archsage's who you served.
unari
Served is a strong term. I prefer coerced into allying with.
tower
Worthless semantics.
oriana
We must take the initiative and wipe them out at the source.
They're not some arbitrary force of nature. They have an origin.
unari
I can believe that the Green Tide must have some defeatable source, but this is still absurdly audacious.
We'd be fighting in unknown territory, against unknown foes. It's suicide.
oriana
Audacious, but necessary.
If we can destroy this source, we could end the Tide before it reaches its peak.
tower
The source must be in the heart of these woods, and must be an ancient structure.
We would not be searching randomly; there is a famous landmark satisfying this.
The Buried City, to be exact. Partially documented, but yet to be truly conquered.
unari
The Buried City... Yes, I certainly would not send my Frostfires to such a place.
If it was anyone else suggesting this course of action, I'd declare them insane.
But it was your party that conquered the Workshop, I suppose you are the experts.
tower
Leave your men. We need a dedicated band of elites,
the worthless rabble you call adventurers will only hinder us.
unari
Harsh words, but I won't deny that.

If Oriana is unpromoted

oriana
... Phew, I think I've got the nineteenth stroke down.
I'll never be as skilled as my mother with the blade, but my recent training under her should give me more of an edge.
(Oriana promotes.)

Swordmaster
Just like another of Mother's students.

Character Descriptions

Empress
Chickens shouldn't be green, be able to soar through the sky or be untrackable by human eyes. But what do I know?

Adventurer
Another adventurer like myself. Most of them are quite wary of us, as we have wiped out a lot of adventuring bands.

Frostfires
A lot less of them now after that failed campaign, but still big enough to stay in it. What a load of pointless deaths.

Disciple
Can't say I want to tolerate them, but I begrudgingly admit they're putting their lives on the line to defend the Crescent.

Rookie
I can never not admire the bravery of youths taking up such a risky career. Hopefully, this one lasts.

Civilian
We can't forget that the common civilian is the backbone of our little society. It is our duty to defend them from danger.