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Chapter 8: Introduction to Intrigue

Opening

If Phobos, Soter, Hecate, and Kairos are alive

phobos
(smiles) Ahh... It feels nice to feel safe, for once!
No one jumping out of the shadows to cut our necks!
Just tranquil rivers, quiet peaks and soft winds.
soter
Quite correct, my young friend! I agree wholeheartedly!
I had never been in Glamorgan, besides.
It is as beautiful a land as the bards claim in their songs!
hecate
Yeah, very nice. But you two are wrong.
We are in danger. Or at least, I am.
...Of dying of boredom.
kairos
(smiles) Hah! Oh, how the sinner resents the absence of turmoil.
hecate
Shut your mouth, preacher.
kairos
Don't get me wrong, I'm tempted to agree.
I was just getting used to it...
(Soter squirms.)
soter
F-Father Kairos, it deeply unsettles me to hear a priest speak so...
hecate
(smirks) I take it back. You're all right, preacher.
kairos
Glad to have your endorsement, sinner.
phobos
(frowns) W-Well, either way, I'm just going to enjoy this while it lasts.
I know it won't last... It's all going to fall apart soon.
I know it. I can feel it in my gut.
kairos
May the Mother protect us.
(smiles) ...And if we must fight, may She at least see us safe and our enemies dead!
soter
(closes eyes) Please stop saying things like that...
kairos
(smirks) It's your own fault, Soter. I enjoy rattling you.
elias
Pfft....
phobos
Oh, Elias! You're all the way here in the front?
soter
Outstanding, little boy!
kairos
Truly. You should be proud of yourself.
elias
(frowns) C'mon... I hate when people praise every little thing I do.
hecate
(smiling) Don't worry, slowpoke. I'm here to rain on your parade.
I bet you can't beat me to that tree there, in the distance!
elias
(grinning) You're on!

(Elias and Hecate run off.)

soter
......
phobos
(smiles) Man, I wish I had half the courage that kid has...
kairos
We can't all be blessed with bravery.
But we are all capable of trying our best, Phobos.
soter
(serious) Aye... That we are.

If only Phobos is dead

soter
(smiles) Ahh... Is this not most joyous, my friends?
Tranquil rivers, quiet peaks and soft winds...
No violence! No turmoil! Peace abounds!
I had never been in Glamorgan, and I must say...
It is as beautiful a land as the bards claim in their songs!
hecate
Yeah, very nice. But you are wrong.
We are in danger. Or at least, I am.
...Of dying of boredom.
kairos
(smiles) Hah! Oh, how the sinner resents the absence of turmoil.
hecate
Shut your mouth, preacher.
kairos
Don't get me wrong, I'm tempted to agree.
I was just getting used to it...
(Soter squirms.)
soter
F-Father Kairos, it deeply unsettles me to hear a priest speak so...
hecate
(smirks) I take it back. You're all right, preacher.
kairos
Glad to have your endorsement, sinner.
soter
W-Well, in any event... I shall pray that this placidity lasts.
kairos
May the Mother protect us.
(smiles) ...And if we must fight, may She at least see us safe and our enemies dead!
soter
(closes eyes) Please stop saying things like that...
kairos
(smirks) It's your own fault, Soter. I enjoy rattling you.
elias
Pfft...
soter
Ho, lad! All the way here in the front?
Outstanding, little boy!
kairos
Truly. You should be proud of yourself.
elias
(frowns) C'mon... I hate when people praise every little thing I do.
hecate
(smiling) Don't worry, slowpoke. I'm here to rain on your parade.
I bet you can't beat me to that tree there, in the distance!
elias
(grinning) You're on!

(Elias and Hecate run off.)

soter
......
kairos
I admire that boy. Always trying his best.
We should all strive to be like that.
Would you not agree, Soter?
soter
(serious) Aye... That I do.

If only Hecate is dead

phobos
(smiles) Ahh... It feels nice to feel safe, for once!
No one jumping out of the shadows to cut our necks!
Just tranquil rivers, quiet peaks and soft winds.
soter
Quite correct, my young friend! I agree wholeheartedly!
I had never been in Glamorgan, besides.
It truly is as beautiful a land as the bards claim in their songs!
kairos
I'm not sure if I agree.
I was just getting used to the action.
I am almost tempted to say I am rather bored now...
(Soter squirms.)
soter
F-Father Kairos, it deeply unsettles me to hear a priest speak so...
phobos
W-Well, either way, I'm just going to enjoy this while it lasts.
I know it won't last... It's all going to fall apart soon.
I know it. I can feel it in my gut.
kairos
May the Mother protect us.
(smiles) ...And if we must fight, may She at least see us safe and our enemies dead!
soter
(closes eyes) Please stop saying things like that...
kairos
(smirks) It's your own fault, Soter. I enjoy rattling you.
elias
Pfft...
phobos
Oh, Elias! You're all the way here in the front?
soter
Outstanding, little boy!
kairos
Truly. You should be proud of yourself.
elias
(frowns) C'mon... I hate when people praise every little thing I do.
phobos
(smiles) Yeah, I get you... Okay, then I tell you what.
I'll race you to that tree there, in the distance!
elias
(grinning) You're on!

(Elias and Phobos run off.)

soter
......
kairos
I admire that boy. Always trying his best.
We should all strive to be like that.
Would you not agree, Soter?
soter
Aye... That I do.

If only Kairos is dead

phobos
(smiles) Ahh... It feels nice to feel safe, for once!
No one jumping out of the shadows to cut our necks!
Just tranquil rivers, quiet peaks and soft winds.
soter
Quite correct, my young friend! I agree wholeheartedly!
I had never been in Glamorgan, besides.
It truly is as beautiful a land as the bards claim in their songs!
hecate
Yeah, very nice. But you two are wrong.
We are in danger. Or at least, I am.
...Of dying of boredom.
phobos
W-Well, either way, I'm just going to enjoy this while it lasts.
I know it won't last... It's all going to fall apart soon.
I know it. I can feel it in my gut.
hecate
Gee, thank goodness we have you here to uplift our spirits.
elias
Pfft...
phobos
Oh, Elias! You're all the way here in the front?
soter
Outstanding, little boy!
elias
(frowns) C'mon... I hate when people praise every little thing I do.
hecate
(smiling) Don't worry, slowpoke. I'm here to rain on your parade.
I bet you can't beat me to that tree there, in the distance!
elias
You're on!

(Elias and Hecate run off.)

soter
......
phobos
(smiles) Man, I wish I had half the courage that kid has...
soter
(serious) Aye... He is a brave one.

If only Soter is dead

phobos
(smiles) Ahh... It feels nice to feel safe, for once!
No one jumping out of the shadows to cut our necks!
Just tranquil rivers, quiet peaks and soft winds.
hecate
Yeah, very nice. But you are wrong.
We are in danger. Or at least, I am.
...Of dying of boredom.
kairos
(smiles) Hah! Oh, how the sinner resents the absence of turmoil.
hecate
Shut your mouth, preacher.
kairos
Don't get me wrong, I'm tempted to agree.
I was just getting used to it...
hecate
(smirks) Hah! I take it back. You're all right, preacher.
kairos
Glad to have your endorsement, sinner.
phobos
W-Well, either way, I'm just going to enjoy this while it lasts.
I know it won't last... It's all going to fall apart soon.
I know it. I can feel it in my gut.
kairos
May the Mother protect us.
(smiles) ...And if we must fight, may She at least see us safe and our enemies dead!
hecate
You're not a very good priest, are you?
elias
Pfft....
phobos
Oh, Elias! You're all the way here in the front?
kairos
Very good. You should be proud of yourself.
elias
(frowns) C'mon... I hate when people praise every little thing I do.
hecate
(smiling) Don't worry, slowpoke. I'm here to rain on your parade.
I bet you can't beat me to that tree there, in the distance!
elias
You're on!
phobos
Man, I wish I had half the courage that kid has...
kairos
We can't all be blessed with bravery.
But we are all capable of trying our best, Phobos.
(Hecate [or Phobos, if Hecate is dead] races Elias across the field, brushing past Pheme.)
pheme
W-Whoa! Where are you going so fast?
(grins) Oh, oh! Is there something interesting over there?
I wanna see too! Wait for me!
(Pheme runs after them.)
apate
Will you deign to tell us where we are going this century, Edward?
edward
At your age, milady, you oughta have learned the value of patience.
And manners. Ever heard of the word “please”?
apate
At my age, as you put it, I have learned the importance of time.
It is not to be wasted, much less over some pointless whims.
It is starting to look like we roam aimlessly across the realm!
pericles
I must concur with the here-- Er, with Lady Apate.
We have a momentous task ahead of us. Tell us in truth, Edward.
Do you have a proper plan?
edward
Sigh... No sense of wonder, either of ya.
kyra
Personally, I'm enjoying the break.
It's nice, after all the running and fighting.
edward
(grins) Hah! The great leader's on my side! Looks like I win this round!
apate
Hmph... So infantile...
kyra
...That being said, why don't you just spill the beans now?
Just so these two don't lose their marbles.
edward
Twist my arm, will ya... Okay, okay, I yield!
These pretty pastures we are walking through belong to Wrexham.
Pericles
Yes, it is the margravate that borders with Tartaros.
I believe we all know this.
edward
All right, smarty-pants, then answer me a question.
Do you know who rules over this little slice of heaven?
pericles
If I recall, the current margrave's name is Barlowe.
kyra
Oh! Barlowe?
You're good friends with a Glamorgan guy called Barlowe, right?
edward
(smiles) Eyup. This Barlowe, to be precise.
kyra
You never mentioned he was the margrave of the neighboring territory.
edward
Didn't come up, I guess.
pericles
That's it? We are going to try to sway a foreign leader to our side?
I know we came to Glamorgan seeking allies, but...
Primarily, I was thinking of hiring some mercenaries.
Involving the margrave? I don't feel comfortable with that.
This is our battle, Edward! Not Glamorgan's!
edward
You done? If you've got any better ideas, I'm all ears.

Look, I can't exactly guarantee we'll get anything outta this.
But the man's brilliant. He used to be a quite famous strategist.
With his help, we could accomplish anything, I know it.
And he is a genuinely good man. I can promise you that.
If nothing else, I'm sure he'll offer us his hospitality.
It's as good a place to start as any, right?

apate
Good. That is all I wanted to know.
Well? Did it kill you to be forthcoming with us?
edward
Er... Huh...
apate
No pithy comebacks this time?
kyra
...Whoa, that's a lot of armed soldiers!
pericles
The margrave's army is mightier than I would have expected.
edward
...Those ain't soldiers!

Wrexham Keep

Fiadh
I will not ask again, you curs. Leave here or die!
Sinéad
We'll leave... After we take the margrave's head.
Employer's orders. Sorry, pal.
Fiadh
Go ahead. Try. See how that works out for you.
Sinéad
I say to you what you said to me. Leave us to do our work, or die.
Fiadh
Likewise, I'm only leaving when your heads are on pikes!
So shut up and stab me before I can put an arrow in your neck!
(narrows eyes) If you can, that is.
Sinéad
You don't mince words, do you. It's a pity.
Have it your way. You'll all die with the old fool.
Fiadh
Yes, insult him! The angrier you make me, the easier this'll be!
Sinéad
It's time, everyone. No matter what, we'll fulfill our contract.
Kill everybody outside and inside, except...
Well, you know. Don't go killing our paycheck now!
kyra
The castle is surrounded!
edward
Barlowe!!
They're here to kill him, Kyra! There's no other explanation!
He's our only hope for an ally as things stand, Kyra. We--
kyra
You don't have to convince me, Redbeard.
I'm not letting any friend of yours die on my watch.
edward
(smiles) Kyra...
kyra
We take the assassins by storm and dispatch them!
We should meet up with the leader of the guards, too.
Let's go, everyone! Quickly now!
narrator
If Edward or Fiadh die in this map, it is game over.

Base Camp

Hestia & Tiresias

Tiresias
(smiling) Ah, is that you, Kyra?
I wished to thank you once more for welcoming me to your bunch.
kyra
It's not a bother.
I see you're getting along with Hestia there.
Tiresias
That is why I wished to thank you again!
Not only do I get a whole army to keep me safe on the road,
but an impressive craftswoman to geek out with!
If you'll pardon the expression, haha.
hestia
Tiresias here specializes in magic, but it's not so different.
Be molten steel or incorporeal energies, we both just hammer stuff into shape.
Tiresias
In a manner of speaking.
hestia
It is rather nice to have someone I can talk to about our stuff.
kyra
You can talk to me...
hestia
(smiles) Heh, yeah. But you're the one I count on to put my creations to use.
With Tiresias here I can ramble about the more boring details.
Tiresias
Boring details is what I live for.

If Wulfric is alive

kyra
Well, I'm already terrified about what you two are going to whip up together.
Tiresias
Ahahaha, you should be!
Nothing's more dangerous than two crazies experimenting for fun.
hestia
We might set the camp on fire. Be very careful, girl.
kyra
Ahahaha...
P-Please don't. Elias is here...

If Wulfric is dead

kyra
(serious) ...Say... Uh, not to be a downer, but...
tiresias
You want to know how I'm holding up, after Wulfric...
I... I won't lie, I am hurting. Deeply.
I'm trying to keep my mind off of it.
I'll be all right, Kyra. I just... do not wish to speak about it yet.
kyra
Yeah, sorry... Take your time.
hestia
I didn't get to meet him, but the way you've talked to me about him...
I figure he'd want you to keep on fighting the good fight.
tiresias
That's probably right...
(smiles) Let's leave that dreary topic for now. We have things to do!
hestia
Yeah...
kyra
......

Wulfric

wulfric
Lady Kyra... Words cannot express how grateful I am to you.
kyra
Not another one... What's with you noble dandies and your honorifics?
I'm as common as it gets. Anything beyond Kyra makes me feel weird.
wulfric
(smiles) Ah, pardon me. Tiresias often tells me I need to stop being such a stick-in-the-mud.
(serious) But I am not a nobleman. Not truly.
kyra
You aren't? That's a surprise.
Do you just like talking like that, then?
wulfric
...It's a long story.
kyra
Oh.
wulfric
That aside, I truly am most grateful.
It has been a long time since I could rest easy.
Knowing that Tiresias is safe among friends...
We've been alone on the road for far too long.
kyra
How did you two meet, anyway? You're Glamorgan, right?
wulfric
He and a small cohort of like-minded individuals fled Tartaros years ago.
You can probably hazard a guess as to their reasons.
But those uncaring monsters, they were so worried for their own skin...
They marched at speed. Tiresias fell behind, and they... abandoned him.
kyra
Is that when you found him? Lucky break...
wulfric
No. I found the mangled bodies of his fellow escapees.
Brigands fell upon them. Ironically, being left behind saved Tiresias.
One of them had some strength left. He begged me to seek him out.
So I did. Fortunately he hadn't wandered too far from the path.
kyra
And you've been together ever since...
wulfric
I had not a home nor anybody to call a loved one, and neither did he.
(smiles) Tiresias... He is a wonderful person. You can already tell, right?
He could be cursing the Mother, or anyone else, for his misfortune.
Instead he is quick with a joke, a smile and a hearty laugh.
kyra
(smiles) Only because he has a faithful companion to guide him along.
I can tell that, too. He doesn't need his sight when he has you.
wulfric
......
Please, Kyra, don't hesitate to let me know how I can be of help.

Vasiliki

vasiliki
(smiling) Commander!
kyra
Hey, Vasiliki...
vasiliki
(smiling) You know, I wanted to ask you something.
I've just realized, you're an archer too.
Way better than me, at that.
kyra
Yeah?
vasiliki
...Why would you pick me? You can do everything I could...
kyra
I don't know how to make vulneraries. Only you can make them.
vasiliki
Yeah, maybe a handful by the time my contract is through.
I mean, it'll be great practice for me, but...
kyra
Why are you arguing about my choice to hire you?
vasiliki
......
(smiles) ......
kyra
(smiles) Pfft... Oh, you're so... endearing!
It's such a breath of fresh air. With all that's going on, I needed that.
Thanks. I'm glad I picked you.
vasiliki
(smiling) Uh, happy to help! Teehee...

Scymerius

Scymerius
Ah, the commander. Making the rounds?
kyra
Do you ever take that helmet off?
Scymerius
Occasionally.
It gets stinky in here. Got to wash it from time to time.
When there's people around, though? Never.
kyra
Mind explaining why?
Scymerius
I do, actually. Is that a crime?
kyra
You do know I can fire you any time I want, right?
Scymerius
But you won't. I'm too good to fire.
kyra
Wrong. Get out.
Scymerius
......
kyra
......
(Scymerius squirms.)
Scymerius
Oh, c'mon, don't do this to me.
Getting fired on the first day would destroy my reputation!
kyra
Ah, now I see what lurks beneath.
Not so cool and collected in reality, are you.
Scymerius
Oh, you were... You were bluffing to make me... Ahh, I see, I see.
Very droll, Commander. Most gigglesome.
kyra
Goodness, ease up. No one here's after you.
Scymerius
Sayeth the wolf, from behind the veneer of a sheep.
kyra
Knock yourself out. Just make sure you follow orders.
Scymerius
On that front, we'll get along swimmingly.

Fructuoso

kyra
Still wearing the armor? Wouldn't you rather take it off at camp?
Fructuoso
I don't see you taking your armor off.
kyra
True, but my armor is comfortable.
Yours is, uh... It doesn't look that way.
Fructuoso
Maybe I like it that way.
A lil' discomfort builds character.
kyra
......

(Fructuoso squirms.)

Fructuoso
Okay, look, I know nobody here would do something like that...
But I've lived my whole life like this, so now it's force of habit.

I'm afraid someone will steal pieces of my armor if I take them off!
And then I'll have to scavenge for new ones, and make them fit, and...

kyra
All right, point taken. Keep it on if it makes you feel better.
Fructuoso
......
(smiles) Would you like to know where I got each of them?
They all have a fascinating and riveting story.
kyra
What, you didn't pry them off of corpses?
Fructuoso
Please! I have some dignity.
(smiles) No, I took them from graves that no longer had corpses in them!
Hundreds of years of history in these things, I tell you!
kyra
Yes, because gravedigging is so much more dignified than robbery.
Fructuoso
I asked them if they minded, and they didn't complain.
My conscience is clear.
kyra
......

Elias

kyra
How are you liking Glamorgan, Elias?
elias
It's all right, I guess...
But I'm used to the countryside. I've lived there my whole life!
kyra
That's true, yeah. Here's hoping we get to see something different.
But I'm afraid we aren't going to be visiting THAT place any time soon...
elias
It's all right. It wasn't any closer before we left.
kyra
One day, big guy. Maybe sooner than you think.
The way things are going, we might end up in the capital at the end.
We'll... probably be there to fight, I won't lie, but...
Who knows, maybe I'll be able to take you to the Mother's Font!
elias
(smiling) Do you think it's true that it never runs out, like they say?
kyra
Bah. It's probably just the same water being reused.
elias
Haha, yeah... Still, it's nice to think about it.
What will you pray for, if we get to visit?
kyra
(frowns) I guess I'll pray for our parents' souls, and uh...
I don't know, big guy. You know me. I'm no believer.
What about you?
elias
I'd pray for you.
kyra
For me, huh...
elias
You're always getting into trouble. Often because of me, too...
I just want you to stay safe. That's really all I want.
kyra
...Don't you worry, Elias. I'll be okay.
That's a promise.
elias
That's... not something you can really promise, though, is it?
kyra
...I...
Look, try not to think these dark thoughts, all right?
I won't be in any less risk if you worry yourself sick over me.
elias
Sicker, you mean.
kyra
......
elias
Sorry...
I'm just a bit tired is all. Didn't sleep so well.
kyra
After all that's happened, I can't blame you.
Go early tonight, would you?
I know it's not something you can exactly force, but try to rest up.
elias
Yeah, okay...

NPC Turn 1

fiadh
Bah... Curse these dogs. Too many of them...
Hey, Órlaith! Listen up!
Órlaith
Mm?
fiadh
As much as I hate to admit it, we could use a hand or three.
They've got all directions blocked except the east.
Head that way and see if you can find one of the patrols.
Or the border watch, or a child with a slingshot. I don't care.
Just bring back any help you can find in a timely manner.
Órlaith
Are you sure we can afford to lose the manpower here?
fiadh
It's just one knight. That won't change anything.
And on your lonesome, you'll be able to slip past them unnoticed.
Their eyes are set on the castle. They shouldn't bother you.
At first, at any rate...
Órlaith
...Fair points all. I'll do what I can, but...
I can't imagine help will just rain down on us from the sky.
fiadh
No, but if we don't try to seek it out, we're sure not to find it.
What are you still doing here, then? Get going.
Órlaith
Good luck...

Turn 2

Wrexham Keep

Barlowe
...It appears they move to strike at the castle guard.
We can comfortably assume that they are here for blood.
Delilah
(smiles) Quite the unfortunate situation you find yourself in, Barlowe.
I don't suppose you had anything to do with it, Zaccheus?
Zaccheus
The gall! You dare accuse me of something, Delilah?
If this is anybody's doing, it is yours and none else's!
Delilah
Me? Aww, I couldn't hurt a fly. Hire assassins? Why, I never!
Simeon
Calm yourselves, both of you! We can argue over this later.
For the time being, we must concentrate on our safety.
Zaccheus
Ahh, the whelp speaks! All stand in awe of his wisdom!
Simeon
Zaccheus, cease behaving like a witless child!
It is highly unbecoming of your station!
Zaccheus
A child, calling me a child? Surely you jest!
Why, maybe it was you that called upon these lowlifes!
It is the manner of debauchery that you so love to indulge in.
Simeon
Watch your mouth, Zaccheus. You insult me!
I would never debase myself with such boorish methods!
Zaccheus
(smirks) Hah! A likely story.
Delilah
I do have to agree with him there, Simeon.
Why don't you go out there and face them?
If you get cut to ribbons, we'll know you were innocent.
Then we'll cry on each other's shoulders at your funeral.
Simeon
...A jest in poor taste, and yet not in the least unexpected.
If you were as poor as your taste, you'd be begging for my pocket change!
Delilah
Good one! Absolutely scintillating!
Did you stay up past your bed time rehearsing that one?
Zaccheus
...Barlowe! This is YOUR castle and YOUR life being threatened!
Have you nothing to add?!
Barlowe
To this utterly puerile conversation? No, but by all means, keep going.
I understand that you must keep yourselves entertained.
I shall simply continue to observe the battlefield.
Delilah
You should take some responsibility. Our lives are in peril because of you!
Zaccheus
That's right! This is all your fault!
Simeon
We have all heard the tales of your prodigious military mind, Barlowe.
Yet what I am seeing here today is thoroughly disappointing!
We are cornered like rats! Is this truly the best you can do?
Barlowe
......
(Simeon becomes agitated.)
Simeon
H-How dare you ignore me?! Say something to me, Barlowe!
Zaccheus
(smirks) Hah! Settle down, boy. This is a conversation for the adults.
Simeon
Why, you...!
(The margraves continue bickering with one another.)
Barlowe
...They are many, and they know their way around a blade...
(closes eyes) Fiadh, I pray your bow arm will see us through the day...

If a player unit approaches Wrexham Keep and the General is still alive

general
Those people... They may have saved our lives!
I better make way so they can speak to Fiadh...

(The General leaves, allowing Kyra to speak to Fiadh.)

Conversations

Kyra & Órlaith

Órlaith
Tch... I've been spotted.
kyra
Hey, where are you going?
Órlaith
Clear the way. I won't ask twice.
kyra
Oh, you're one of the margrave's knights, right?
We'd like to help save the margrave.
Órlaith
And how do I know you're not lying?
kyra
Well... I'm not shooting you in the face, for starters.
Órlaith
......
Fair enough. Let's get back to the castle.
kyra
You aren't injured or anything?
Órlaith
...They sent me to look for help, and I've found it.
C'mon, time is of the essence.
kyra
Right. What's your name--

(Órlaith leaves.)

kyra
O-Oh...
Well, I guess she's right. Can't waste time talking right now.
narrator
Now that she has been seen talking to you, enemies will attack Órlaith.

Kyra & Fiadh

fiadh
A fellow markswoman is to be my next opponent, eh?
You can send the cook at me with a cleaver if you like.
I'm not moving an inch, and you're all going down!
kyra
Relax! I'm not with these people!
fiadh
...Come to think of it, they did seem rather out of it.
Like something else was distracting them...
I'm going to guess you're the distraction, then?
kyra
If by distraction you mean surprise hostile force from behind...
We fled Tartaros, and we came here to meet with Margrave Barlowe.
Oh, but we aren't criminals or anything. You see--

If Sinéad is still alive

fiadh
Frankly, you could be guilty of spitting on the hierophant's shoes for all I care.
Bring me their leader's bloodied head. Then we'll keep talking.
kyra
Yeah, that's probably a good idea.
Stay alive till I come back!

If Sinéad is dead

fiadh
Frankly, you could be guilty of spitting on the hierophant's shoes for all I care.
Their leader lies dead in the mud thanks to you, and the rest we can handle.
Why don't you step inside while I wrap things up out here?
kyra
Thanks. Will do.
(Fiadh looms menacingly.)
fiadh
Just one thing...
Don't imagine for a moment that just because I'm outside,
the margrave is vulnerable. It'd be a fatal mistake on your part...
Do we understand each other?
kyra
Dammit, I'm not an assassin! What more need I do to prove it?
fiadh
Just being careful. Right now, I can't afford the luxury of trust.
...Well? What are you dilly-dallying for? Get going!
kyra
Not even a word of thanks, huh.
I sure hope the margrave isn't this unpleasant...

Edward Death

edward
(smiles) I-It's okay... Long as you're all right, Kyra...
Everything's... okay...

Fiadh Death

Fiadh
I'll be waiting for you... in the depths of Hell...!

Sinéad

Combat

Sinéad
What an unexpected turn of events...
I might actually die today. It makes me feel...

Hmm. It doesn't matter. Let's just see what happens.

Combat w/ Kyra

kyra
You're the one in charge, aren't you?
Who gave you the order to kill the margrave?
Sinéad
Not even going to try asking me to leave?
kyra
That never works.
Sinéad
And asking an assassin about her secrets does?
You should stick to fighting for your life.

Combat w/ Edward

edward
Bastards! What did Barlowe ever do to you, huh?!
Sinéad
Don't be daft. Of course he's done nothing to us.
We're professionals. We got paid, so we'll kill him.
Nothing more to it than that.
edward
Yeah, guess that's true. Silly me.
The only language you scum speak...
is the language of blood and death!
Sinéad
Aptly put. Now, shall we?

Combat w/ López

Sinéad
...Why have you returned to me?
Go. Our mark is that way.
López
What the...
(López starts.)
López
(smiles) (Aha! I know what's goin' on here...)
(Musta confused me for one o' her guys!)
(Don't get WHY she would, but this is my chance!)

(serious) Ahh... Right, chief! Right away, on it!
But uhh, see here, got hit on me noggin'...
Ya remember the name o' our employer?
What was it, it's on da tip o' ma tongue...
It was uhh, uhh... Rick summat?
C'mon, help me out here, boss!

Sinéad
...!
You're not one of my boys, are you?
Then my blade will pierce your neck...
López
Gah! Oh, c'mon! What gave it away?!

Death

Sinéad
A life steeped in darkness... can only end one way...
Kyra
The commander of this pack of killers has breathed her last, has she?
Phew... The rest shouldn't be that hard to handle now.

Default

Let's get back to the castle and see if we can finally meet the margrave.

If Fiadh already spoken to

All that's left is to tell the castle guard the good news.

Locations

Central House

Beatrix
(smiles) Oh, hi. We haven't met before, have we?
Well, don't mind me. I'm nobody that matters.
Just passing through the area.
Waiting out the storm before I keep going.
So keep at it! Don't let me stop you.

East House

man
Wrexham Keep is a stone's throw away west of here.
Ours is a beautiful land, but that's not why you're here, is it?
You don't have to worry about a thing.
We get folks running away from Tartaros quite often.
Long as you don't cause trouble, nobody in Wrexham will judge you.
On the other hand, if you have believers among you, well...
They might have trouble finding churches here.

North Village

woman
You... You are not with those horrible creatures, are you?
You look strong. Are you mercenaries?
Please, I beg you, you have to go to Margrave Barlowe's rescue!
He has always been so kind to us. Who could want to hurt him...?
Here, this spear belonged to my husband, from his army days.
You can have it, and our thanks, if you save the margrave!

(She gives the visitor a Short Spear.)

South Village

young woman
Aside from Tartaros to the east, we share borders with three margravates.
Flintshire to the north, Conwy to the south, Powys to the west.
We often see delegates from them going to pay visits to the margrave.
If I'm not mistaken, all three of their margraves are at the castle today.
There's no way that's a coincidence, right?
...Ah, sorry. I'm talking your ear off when you have a fight to finish.
We truly appreciate what you're doing. Please, take this token of our gratitude.

(She gives the visitor a Master Seal.)

Ending

edward
Barlowe!! I know you're here somewhere!
Come out of your hidey-hole and face me, you coward!
barlowe
I should have known. Trouble attracts you like flames attract the moth.

Grrr...

edward
Hmph!
(The two move towards each other.)
barlowe
Hraaah!
edward
Graaahh!
barlowe
Fiddle-dee-dee!
edward
Ho-hum humbug!
barlowe
Nnnnngh...
edward
Mmmmph...!
(The two men begin brawling.)
kyra
...Edward, what is happening? Should I be worried?
(Edward guffaws.)
edward
(smiling) Gehahahahahaha! You haven't changed at all, Barlowe, you old oaf!
barlowe
(smiling) Oh, shut your mouth, you incorrigible miscreant.
It's so good to see you again.
edward
Been way too long, man.
barlowe
But what in the world brings you back?
I thought you'd found yourself a nice, cozy gig in Tartaros!
edward
Ahh, you know how it is. Nothing lasts forever.
Oh, but let me introduce you to Kyra here...
barlowe
Ah, you are she?
Edward spoke so much of you in his letters.
Quite highly, at that, and I see that he was not exaggerating.
Your tactics were unrefined, but no less effective for it.
Such a capable commander, at such a young age...
Oh, it's enough to tug at my nostalgic heartstrings.
kyra
Ah, well, I...
(The other margraves approach.)
zaccheus
So it is to you that we owe our lives?
You do not look like much...
Do you even speak our language?
kyra
...What...?
simeon
You will pardon me if I do not waste time on expressions of gratitude.
Many tasks await me, and this delay has been most unwelcome.
I must ride back to my lands, post-haste.
barlowe
Indeed, I would see the three of you off sooner than later.
I shall figure out which of you is the culprit in due time.
delilah
What?! Have you gone senile over the course of the battle, Barlowe?
Since clearly you have forgotten, let me refresh your aging memory.
All three of us were trapped in this castle with you!
You truly think us so stupid as to sic assassins on ourselves?!
barlowe
No, I think you intelligent enough to make it appear as though you were at risk also.
But you three stand to gain the most from my untimely demise. This is fact.
Please, feel free to save us all the hassle of a tedious investigation. Anyone?
delilah
(smiriks) Hah! Not even a brush with death can quell the great tactician's imagination.
Hey, if it makes you feel better to imagine some grand conspiracy, be my guest.
(scowls) Ready my carriage! I burn with desire to abandon this hovel.
simeon
You will admit your accusations are devoid of all logic and reason.
But I suppose you need to save face after that disgraceful failure.
Your old reputation is in a precarious enough position as it is.
That's just as well. As for me, I have more important things to do.
zaccheus
Even the whelp has more sense than you do, Barlowe.
Truly I do so pity the poor people stuck with you as their margrave.
Go ahead, keep embarrassing yourself as much as you like.
I shall leave you to it. Ta-ta.
(The margraves leave.)
kyra
...Amazing bunch of pals you got there.
barlowe
Politics, Kyra. I would not wish them on my worst enemy.
...But let's talk about you. Surely this is not merely a courtesy call?
edward
Truth is, we got something important to talk with you about.
Bit of a long story. You'd better sit down.
barlowe
Hmm... I would speak with Kyra, if you don't mind, Edward.
You I know well. I should like to get acquainted with her.
Her and her companion in the white robe, if she's willing.
kyra
Wait, Apate? Why?
barlowe
Let us speak in my study. It is this way.
I shall await you and your ally there.
(Barlowe leaves.)
kyra
...He's got to be a slippery one, if he has survived dealing with that rabble.
edward
Slippery's one word to describe him.
But trust me, he's a good man. Just be earnest with him, okay?
kyra
......
kyra
...And thus, Edward brought us here to see you.
barlowe
A rebellion to depose the hierophant himself, huh... A complex problem.
Knowing what I know of you, I would be foolish to speak down to you.
I shall outline the facts as succinctly as I am able.

Surely you understand that I cannot simply declare war on Tartaros.
The margravates have a great deal of freedom, but there are limits.
I would never be allowed to interfere in a Tartaran affair.

kyra
Yeah, that's reasonable.
We won't ask for anything other than a place to stay for a while.
barlowe
You get ahead of yourself, Kyra. I never refused you.
It is imperative, however, that we handle this matter with care.
Indeed, I cannot justify poking my nose in the internal affairs of Tartaros...
Not without the right story to go with it, at the very least.
kyra
What do you mean?
barlowe
Let us say that you do us a favor.
kyra
We already saved your life!
apate
We need not convince the margrave, Kyra. He is clearly already on our side.
It is his troops, his people, and most importantly, his peers we must sway.
barlowe
Keenly observed. Most perspicacious of you, my lady.
A situation so... unorthodox, as what transpired today, would not do.
Rumors would swirl. People would wonder what manner of hold you have over me.
No, what we need is a simple, palatable tale of heroism and justice.
Something akin to a fairy tale, that even children could grasp - and support.
kyra
Yeah, I get what you mean now...
Well, we're at your disposal. What would you have us do, Margrave?
barlowe
(smiles) Barlowe, please. You are Edward's dear friend, thus mine as well.
barlowe
You see, we have had some trouble with a certain group.
They hide in a derelict mansion at the base of the mountains.
They demand tithes of the settlements in north Wrexham.
...In absence of payment, they have sworn to unleash an army of the “undead.”
So far they have been mostly ignored, and their threats ring hollow.
Nevertheless, however likely it is to be no more than bluster, it worries me.
kyra
So, bandit clean-up? That used to be our specialty, before his whole thing started.
barlowe
Theirs are the acts of brigands, true.
However, their leader is, uh... Well, there is no easy way to put this.
He claims to not be merely a powerful sorcerer, but rather, a “necromancer.”
Somebody capable of returning the dead back to their mortal coil...
(Apate starts.)
apate
What?!
barlowe
Does that seem surprising to you, one who can also restore life?
kyra
So you know about that too.
barlowe
(smiles) I had a good vantage point during the battle.
My best guess is that our “necromancer” is another of the so-called heretics.
I wished to ask for Lady Apate's input on this regard, but...
apate
...I cannot tell you anything without more information.
It is best that we see about this individual for ourselves.
But would dealing with them be enough for our purposes?
barlowe
It would do to begin.

...Ah, Fiadh. There you are. You arrive just in time.

(Fiadh enters.)
fiadh
...The scum have returned to the earth, where they belong.
Those who lived will never come back. They are finished.
barlowe
Are you uninjured, Fiadh?
Lady Apate, would you tend to her injuries for me?
fiadh
Margrave, I am the bodyguard. It's me who looks after you.
Besides, I'm perfectly fine. Just tell me what's next.
Which of those backstabbing pigs are we taking on first?
barlowe
Do you recall the reports about the necromancer?
fiadh
...No. I can't believe it.
They just tried to kill you! The assassins' blood is fresh on the ground!
And you want me to go chasing after that idiotic gossip?!
barlowe
Our new friends here shall assist you in that task.
In the meantime, I shall personally investigate today's agitation.
fiadh
Let them go alone! Why do I have to go?
They could try again! I need to stay at your side!
barlowe
Fiadh... I request that you place your trust in my judgment.
fiadh
......
Okay. What's the worst that can happen?
You. I'll take you to where those imbeciles are at.
kyra
Just give me the time to gather my guys and we can get going.
fiadh
No time like the present. Make it quick.
barlowe
Best of luck to you, my friends...

Character Descriptions

Edward
Head of Percote's mercenary guild. A kind man who took Kyra and Elias in after the death of their parents.

Fiadh
An exceptional markswoman who has long served as Margrave Barlowe's bodyguard. Her skill is only matched by her irascibility.

Órlaith
A member of the knights Pyrite. A pensive and quiet woman.

Sinéad
An assassin under orders of an unknown agent, tasked with murdering Margrave Barlowe.

Assassin
Deadly professionals hired to silence Margrave Barlowe.

Pyrite
The order of the knights Pyrite, sworn to Wrexham.