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Chapter 1: A Debt Unpaid

Opening

narrator
The Theocracy of Tartaros was founded some 400 years ago by Dolus I, who would be its first hierophant.
Founded upon the tenets of the Church of Anima, which reveres the Mother Earth and the blessing of the elements,
it is a powerful and prideful nation that rewards fidelity and harshly punishes all that is deemed heretical.
The current hierophant, Dolus IV, inherits his sacred bloodline's duty to protect the country's way of life.
By mean of the order of the holy knights, the inquisition, he stamps out dissidence wheresoever he finds it...

Percote, Kyra's home

Kyra
Heya, Redbeard.
Edward
(smiles) Lassie! Another job well done, I assume?
Kyra
Of course. We got Begoña's big guy, what's his name...
Edward
Who cares. Important thing is he can bugger people no more.
As head of the guild, yada yada here's your reward.
(Edward gives Kyra 3000 gold.)
Edward
Say, who's your friend?
Kyra
Ah, that's Apate... We saved her from the bandits.
Edward
Scum o' the earth, picking on an old lady like that.
Though you've got a scary enough look in your eye...
(smirks) I'm surprised it alone didn't scare 'em off! Hahaha...
What's yer story, ma'am?
apate
......
Kyra
Er, listen... It's a bit of a long one...
I'd like to see Elias first. That okay with you?
Edward
It's been a good mornin' for him too.
Boy got up early hopin' you'd come back already.
I took him for a walk while we waited.
(smiles) Made it all the way to the church!
Kyra
T-That's great...
Edward
It left him a bit winded, so he's back in bed now.
Still, that's pretty good, don't you think?
Kyra
Thanks, Redbeard.
Edward
Don't mention it. Want me to show your friend to the guest room?
Kyra
I'd like to introduce her to Elias. This way, Apate...
Apate
...Ah... I think I understand...
(They leave.)
Edward
...One thing's for sure, something's up here.
Hmmm...

Elias' Room

kyra
Elias... Are you awake?
Elias
(smiles) Sis... You're back...
Kyra
(smiling) Redbeard says you walked all over town today!
I'm proud of you, big guy.
Elias
T-Thanks... I just couldn't rest easy while you were gone...
apate
...So this is why you reacted the way you did.
To the rest, I was a bad omen. To you... I was a blessing.
kyra
Do you think, if you poke him with your miracle stick...?
apate
Fresh wounds are one thing. Illnesses are another.
First, I would have to take a long, thorough look at him.
And the longer I spend in this room with you both,
the more questions that man will ask himself...
kyra
Redbeard? Nah, he's--
villager
Help! Somebody help!
The brigands! ...T-They're everywhere!
Kyra
What?!
Elias, find somewhere to hide!
elias
What's... What's going on?
(Kyra leaves.)
apate
......
(Apate leaves.)
Elias
...Oh, no...
(Kyra and Apate exit the guild to discover Percote is overrun by bandits.)
Kyra
What do these bastards think they're doing?
They dare to raid Percote...!
Edward
Kyra!
Kyra
Redbeard, please, stay inside. Keep Elias safe!
Edward
Got it. You'll have nothing to worry about out there.
So don't lose focus now, lassie!
(Edward reenters the building.)
Kyra
They will pay for their recklessness.
apate
...There are a lot of them. Let me assist.
Kyra
Thanks... The others are probably already fighting out there, too.
We'll show these ruffians the price of attacking our home!

Enemy Turn 1

Begoña
(grinning) Gehahahahaha!
This is what happens when you cross Begoña, Tartaros's mightiest boss!
Oh, if only I could see the look on their stupid faces!
López
Frankly, I'd rather not see it.
Because seeing the look on their faces means seeing their faces.
And if we're that close to them, next we'll be seeing stars.
Begoña
Don't be such a worrywart, López. We got this!
We tore down their walls, we waltzed through their gates...
(smirks) I dare say we'll be callin' ourselves lords o' this hovel soon! Hahaha...
López
...I just wanna avenge Fango.
Begoña
They'll rue the day they took that moron from us.
NOBODY messes with Begoña's boys!
López
Actually, on second thought, would you leave this one to me, boss?
Fango and I were close, you know, and...
Begoña
'Course, 'course! Have a good time, López.
I'll go back to the hideout and wait for the good news.
Bring me that girl alive and I'll shower you with gold!
(Begoña leaves.)

If Fango was spared

López
...Hmm... Vengeance would be nice, but...
Maybe I should see if that girl'll hear me out.
It's worth a shot. She kept Fango alive, so I hear...

If Fango was killed

López
...Dammit, they killed Fango in cold blood...
I'm next for sure! I better make sure I win this...

Turn 2 (Kairos)

If Soter is alive

(Kairos exits Percote's church.)
Kairos
Well, well, well. What have we here?
A bunch of rowdy rabblerousers plundering our podunk?
(Soter startles.)
Soter
Gah! Father Kairos...!
No, no, this will not do. I beg you to return inside, Your Eminence!
Our placid streets are fraught with danger on this day!
Kairos
I can see that... How'd this happen, Sir Soter?
You and your merc friends are slacking off...
Soter
I... I can only apologize...
Kairos
Well, I got my ceremonial blade with me. Need an extra pair of hands?
These morons would prefer to attack us than the houses, I imagine.
So the more the merrier, eh?
Soter
I could never! You wound me with the mere suggestion!
To bring a priest into bloody combat, it would be a most heinous sin!
Kairos
Perhaps, but it would be my sin. And you don't have to worry about me.
I'm sure the Mother Earth will find it in her to forgive her foolish shepherd.
Soter
(closes eyes) ...I know better than to waste time arguing with you, Father Kairos.
I only beg that you ensure you do not go to the Mother's side on this day.
Kairos
(smirks) So little faith in my abilities.
Allow me to show you what this priest is made of!

If Soter is dead

(Kairos exits Percote's church.)
Kairos
Well, well, well. What have we here?
A bunch of rowdy rabblerousers plundering our podunk?
Those mercs are slacking off... Oh, well.
These morons would prefer to attack us than the houses, I imagine.
I guess it's time I showed them what this priest is made of!

Turn 3 (Pheme)

(Pheme enters from the west.)
Pheme
Kyra! Kyra, are you around here?
kyra
Pheme? Find somewhere to hide, hurry!
pheme
What's going on? Awful lot of noise this way...

(Pheme startles.)

Oh my gosh! Brigands are assaulting Percote?!
I thought they never came this far! What's happening?

kyra
I'll tell you all about it later. Now please, get out of here!
pheme
No, wait! I've got the bow you gave me.
I can lend you a hand to fight them off!
kyra
Are you kidding me?
Look, you're making good progress, I'm not saying you aren't, but...
Shooting humans is harder than shooting rabbits.
Especially when those humans are actively trying to beat you up.
pheme
Kyra, c'mon... I live here too, you know.
I'm one of the few that can help, if only a little. I can't just sit still.
Not to mention my brother...
His leg hasn't healed yet. If they get to our house...
kyra
......
Ohh, fine.
But don't let me catch you trying any heroics, you hear?
Do what you can, and if it looks to get rough, run.
pheme
(smiles) I'm sure I'll be fine.
You'll be by my side, after all!

Conversations

Kyra & López

This conversation can only be performed if Fango was spared in the prologue.

López
Oi! Wait a second there!
Kyra
First you attack our village, then you ask me to wait a second?
No. You don't get a second. All I'm giving you is an arrow.
(López squirms.)
López
Aww, c-c'mon! I hear you spared Fango!
kyra
...Yes, he's been sleeping cozy in a dank cell.
López
Yeah, well... Uh, I'd like to go keep him company, if at all possible.
kyra
Would you? That doesn't look like the reason you came here, does it?
(López backs away.)
López
Ahh, don't give me that look! It's not my fault, y'know!
You really got on the boss's nerves that last time...
She wanted us to put on a show of force, as it were.
kyra
Begoña... She'll answer for this in due time, too.
This time, it's all over for her. And for you.
López
Gee, you don't say.
Look, at this point I just wanna keep my neck nice and uncut.
Clap me in irons and haul me over to one of your dinky cells.
I don't care, I just wanna try livin' till I'm old and wrinkly.
kyra
I will grant your request.
...But first...
(Kyra punches him.)
López
G-Gaahh! Ooww...!
kyra
...That's for the destruction.

López

Engaging Combat

López
And here I thought we stood a chance to win.
You know, since we're such fine fighters and all...

Death

López
I wonder if anyone'll even bother to bury me...

Locations

Phobos' House

Default

Phobos' mother
My boy's a bit of a scaredy cat, but he's capable.
I'm so happy you folks took him under your wing.
You're gonna whip him into shape, I know it.
...Just keep him safe while you're at it, would you?

Phobos Visiting

Phobos' mother
Phobos! I hope you're not making Kyra regret her decision.
phobos
C'mon, Mom... I-I'm doing fine!
Phobos' mother
(smiles) Of course you are, my son. I'm proud of you.
Everyone in the village's always talking about you kids, you know?
To us, you lot are greater heroes than the ones in the legends!
phobos
I-Is that so? Wow, I'm... I'm glad to hear it!
All I want is to keep our town safe...
Phobos' mother
Then get out there and fight without fear, boy!
Phobos
Y-Yes, Mom! Don't you worry about a thing!
They won't lay a finger on the homes!
(Phobos leaves.)
Phobos' mother
Not worried about the homes, boy... I'm worried about you...
But I'm sure she won't let anything happen to you.

If Phobos is dead

Phobos' mother
...Leave my house. I need time alone.
visitor
......
(They leave.)

(Phobos' mother sobs.)

Phobos' mother
My poor boy... Why did this have to happen...?

Church

Default

Priest
Tsk tsk... The Mother surely weeps at such a sorry sight.
There is scarcely little I can do to assist you in this...
But please, I beg you to take this, with my blessing.
I doubt these misguided fools count mages among their ranks,
but the time might come when you can put this to use.
May Her mercy be bestowed upon you.

(He gives the visitor a Pure Water.)

Kairos Visiting

priest
Father Kairos... Is this truly necessary?
kairos
What, you'd rather I sit idly by while our community burns?
Maybe say a prayer and beg for Her mercy?
priest
Well... Indeed, that is what the rest of us are doing.
It is what a good, faithful priest should do...
kairos
Yes, well, I have a more... progressive concept of my duties.
If you're going to pray, pray for our success.
priest
Sigh... Oh, Father Kairos...
Very well. If you insist on this madness, at least have this.
I doubt these misguided fools count mages among their ranks,
but the time might come when you can put this to use.
May Her mercy be bestowed upon you.

(He gives Kairos a Pure Water.)

kairos
(smiles) Reliable man. All right, stay out of trouble now!
(Kairos leaves.)
priest
T-That's what I should be saying to you...

East House

Man
O-Oh man... I hear someone very special's traveling not far from here.
She who is feared all around Tartaros... Heaven's Scythe.
D-Do you think she'd like poppies or roses better...?
(He startles.)
Man
Wha-- In love? Me?! You pullin' my leg or what?
I'm afraid! Scared outta my wits, is what I am!
I've been reading this book I found in the forest, you see...
Now I'm worried it's heresy, and...

(smiles) Oh, I know! You take it.
That way, when the inquisition arrives, it'll be YOUR life on the line!

(He gives the visitor a Secret Book.)

Southeast House

Man
I didn't trust that guildmaster guy at first.
Who needs a mercenary guild in a small town like this?
Let alone one headed by some hotshot from Glamorgan.
...I'll admit, though, been countin' my lucky stars ever since.
Turns out, when your town is tiny and out of the way,
it's a ripe target for pillagers, pickpockets and their ilk.
Here, a token of my appreciation. I think it's about time.
Here's hoping it brings you all good fortune!
(He gives the visitor a Mother's Icon.)

Southwest House

Default

old man
Rumor has it some deserters from the inquisition are in the area.
But who could possibly want to defect from the holy knights?
The most laudable position in our land, and they would squander it. Tsk tsk...

Anyway, back in my day, I was this town's finest archer!
I woulda showed these whippersnappers what for if this was 20 years ago...
...But, well, it ain't, and now the only battles I fight are with lumbago.

If Kyra is visiting

old man
You, though... You remind me of me in my youth.
Bring this bow with you, wouldya? Stronger than the usual kind.
Use it to give those barbarians a walloping for me!

Else

old man
That archer of yours, though... She reminds me of me in my youth.
Give her this bow for me, wouldya? Stronger than the usual kind.
Tell her to give those barbarians a walloping for me!
(He gives the visitor a Steel Bow.)

Pheme Visiting

old man
Rumor has it some deserters from the inquisition are in the area.
But who could possibly want to defect from the holy knights?
The most laudable position in our land, and they would squander it. Tsk tsk...

Anyway, back in my day, I was this town's finest archer!
I woulda showed these whippersnappers what for if this was 20 years ago...
...But, well, it ain't, and now the only battles I fight are with lumbago.
You, though... You remind me of me in my youth.

pheme
Me? I--
old man
Bring this bow with you, wouldya? Stronger than the usual kind.
Use it to give those barbarians a walloping for me!
(He gives Pheme a Steel Bow.)
pheme
......
I-I don't think I can use this...
Guess I'll give it to Kyra when I see her.

Ending

If Kairos survived:

kyra
The leader's down and the cronies are running off...
The ones that still can, at any rate.
We did it... Phew...
kairos
Looks that way. Impressive display, I'll say.
kyra
Still can't believe you joined the fray, Father Kairos...

If no houses were damaged

kairos
Am I about to get lectured?
Shouldn't I be the one giving the sermons here?
I'm okay, you're okay and so are our neighbors.
That's what matters, right?

If house(s) damaged

kairos
Am I about to get lectured?
Shouldn't I be the one giving the sermons here?
I'm okay, you're okay and... Well, the town took a few hits,
but thankfully, it looks like none of our neighbors got hurt too badly.
That's what matters, right?
kyra
Certainly, but... A priest, fighting like this...
kairos
I wasn't the most outlandish sight out here this morning...
How about that old gal draped in the white rags?
Interesting things I saw her doing, much as she tried to be discreet...
(Kyra starts.)
Kyra
...!
kairos
Settle down, Kyra. She helped to save Percote.
I won't tattle. We owe her that much.
kyra
......
kairos
No words of gratitude?
kyra
What are you plotting, priest?
kairos
(smiles) Hah! Oh, I'm doing nothing so nefarious as “plotting,” trust me.
(Frowns) ...Perhaps I simply do not agree with ALL the tenets of my faith.
Is that so unbelievable?
kyra
...I guess not.
(smiles) Thank you, Father Kairos.
kairos
Just call me Kairos, would you? That title is so garish.
Edward
(smirking) It's all over already? Bah hah! Poor, poor idiot bandits.
Shoulda known better than to mess with Kyra and her jolly posse!
Kyra
How's Elias?
Edward
Well enough. This kind of stress is awful for the poor kid, though...
kyra
Listen, could you--
Edward
Keep an eye on him while you settle the score with Begoña?
As if you even need to ask. My one eye'll be square on him!
So just go already, before she skedaddles!
kyra
(smiles) Thank you, Edward. I mean it.
edward
Oi, don't need to get all sappy on me now.
'Sides, from you, I prefer Redbeard! Hah hah hah...
(Pheme butts in.)
pheme
Kyra, let me go with you!
kyra
Pheme... What did I tell you? I don't want any heroics from you.
I appreciate the aid you gave us, but they were just lashing out here.
The lion's den will be different.
pheme
Oh, please... Is it so wrong to want to help a friend?
kyra
No, but... Don't you think your brother will be worried if you...?
edward
C'mon, Kyra. Don't be mean.
Why should you be the only one that gets to play the hero?
Yer brother worries 'bout you and you never let that stop ya.
kyra
Sigh... Enable her, why don't you.
Fine, fine. I'll bring you along.
pheme
(grins) Thank you so much, Mr. Edward!
edward
Ahh, think nothin' of it, gal.
pheme
Kyra, I swear I'll be super careful. You won't have to worry about a thing!
kyra
I sure hope so!
(Pheme and Edward leave. Apate approaches.)
apate
...Shall we resume our previous endeavor?
kyra
Not yet. We're going to see Begoña, at her hideout in the Foloi Forest.
And then we'll see that she pays for her crimes, once and for all!
apate
Very well. I shall come along.
kyra
No, you've done enough. You can remain here, if you prefer.
apate
......
I wish to continue observing how you conduct yourself.
kyra
Huh...? What does that mean?
apate
......
kyra
...All right, fine. Let's go.
It's time for Begoña to be taught a lesson she's had a long time coming!

Character Descriptions

Kairos
The town priest of Percote. Uncharacteristically lax for a holy man.

Pheme
A young villager from Percote. Kindhearted, if a bit of a busybody.

Nimrod
An aspiring huntress who is still learning the ways of the bow.
Promotions: Archer, Fighter.

Begoña
A boastful and brutal thug who leads a gang of criminals.

López
One of Begoña's henchmen. A bitter, sarcastic scoundrel.

Personal Skill: Stink
This unit stinks. No effect, but other units find this disagreeable.

Purloiner
A small-time ne'er-do-well following Begoña's say.