Chapter 10: Army of Darkness

Opening

(The heroes enter the castle. Polonius teleports in front of them.)

polonius

(grinning madly) Eeheeheeheehee! Good, good! Well done, one and all!
You are victorious, and a promise is a promise.
I shall now dedicate my full attention to you.

If Fiadh is alive

fiadh

Why don't you dedicate your hands to us instead, so I can put them in chains?

If Fiadh is dead

apate

What a positively tiresome man...

Kyra

This has gone on long enough, don't you think?
Give it up or we might have to break a few bones.

polonius

Heh heh heh heh... Such threatening words. But can you back them up with power?
I can. I have more power than each and every one of you combined!
Writhe in despair and tremble in terror, as I unleash upon you...
The armies of the damned!

(Four revenants and one entombed appear seemingly out of nowhere. Apate steps forward.)

apate

What treachery is this?

Kyra

Treachery? Sorcery! He... He truly can revive the dead!

apate

Have you taken leave of your senses, Kyra?! Come now!

Kyra

Apate, why are you being so stubborn?! Just look at them!
They're rotting away, yet they're standing up!
What other explanation could there be, if not magic?!

apate

......
Explain yourself, miscreant! What have you done?

polonius

Eeheeheeheehee... Heh heh heh...
I am truly pleased to have garnered your admiration, my friends!
And that's not all - I still have some mercenaries left in my employ!
Mercenaries thirsty for the blood of their leader's murderers!
I shall, however, be magnanimous, and grant you one final chance.
Turn back and leave now, and tell the villagers to pay up their dues!
Lest we attack with the fury of a thousand maelstroms!

Kyra

Wait, what? You'd still insist on petty thievery?
Wait! We're not done talking!

(Polonius teleports away and the undead scatter throughout the castle. Kyra tries to lunge for them, but to no avail.)

pericles

Is there no end to this nightmare?
How many more unfathomable abilities does this man possess?!

edward

...Hmmm...

apate

Edward? You appear deep in thought.

edward

Just a hunch, but uh...
I'm thinkin' there's something very strange about those guys.

kyra

Apart from the whole “corpses standing up and threatening to fight us” thing?

edward

No, actually, that's just the thing...
They sure were threatening, weren't they?
Standing there all menacingly while the bloke cackled at us.

kyra

What are you getting at, Redbeard?

edward

All I'm saying is, let's not be too hasty, okay?

pericles

Even you speak in riddles now, sailor?

(Edward becomes agitated.)

edward

Enough already! Who told you I was ever a sailor?
And besides, I really don't think what I said is that hard to understand!

apate

Too much is blanketed in a deep fog of uncertainty.
Caution is imperative in such a situation. Do you not agree?

pericles

Caution?! We are in mortal peril!
We need to kill those... things, before they kill us!

kyra

All right, that's enough bickering from all of you!
The mercenaries are popping out of the woodwork too!
However we choose to proceed, we have to do it fast!

Base Camp

Hestia

kyra

Hey there, Hestia...

hestia

Kyra? What's on your mind, girl?

kyra

Well, I'm just now realizing, I don't know much about you.

hestia

Yeah, that's true. We did just sort of waltz into your life.
What would you like to know, then? Ask away.

kyra

I guess the obvious question is why you left the theocracy.
I can't imagine it was lack of money or poor work conditions.
You wouldn't need to do... unsavory things, like the knights do, either.

hestia

Yeah, it was a really cozy job.
Made tons of weapons and armor, day in, day out, got paid a mountain of gold.
Honestly, it was just Pericles. I wasn't gonna let him and his kid go off alone.

kyra

I guess you were good friends with Agari, huh.

hestia

Well, actually, first I was friends with Pericles.
We met when I was an apprentice and he was a rising star.
I was... a different person. We became fast friends.

kyra

I'm guessing he wasn't the way he is now back then.

hestia

Oh no, he was in his prime. Beyond spirited, devoted to a fault...
Many called him the ideal of a knight.
Some even thought he might make Grand Inquisitor one day.

kyra

Yeah, that's about what I've heard and could've figured.

hestia

The next question would be what changed, wouldn't it?
...I'm afraid I won't speak for him. Sorry.
I can tell you this, though... It was partly because of me.

kyra

How so?
Ah, sorry. I'm starting to pry, aren't I...

hestia

I don't mind. We're just getting to know each other better.
I might tell you the whole thing some other time, but for now...
Suffice to say, I changed. It was a... big change.
It made him reconsider a few things, when he found out.

kyra

That's rather vague. And ominous.

hestia

(smiles) But enough about me. Now it's my turn to be nosy.
So, do you like boys or girls?

(Kyra starts.)

kyra

W-What kind of a first question is that?!
I've never really... had the time, you know.
I never really cared when I was growing up.
And just when I was starting to get there, Mom and Dad died.
Ever since I've just taken care of Elias and protected Percote.

hestia

I see... Shame.
(smiles) Well, if you figure it out, I want to be the first to know, all right?

kyra

(smiling) ...Y-Yeah. Sure.

Tiresias

tiresias

Mm... That's not quite... So then, this... Hmm...

kyra

Tiresias.

(Tiresias startles.)

tiresias

Gahh!
Ah, do forgive me, Kyra. I didn't know you were there.

kyra

I-I apologize... I forgot...

tiresias

(smiles) No harm done. It takes time to adapt, I know.
What was it that you wished to speak with me about?

kyra

I'm wondering about what you're doing.
Just curiosity, that's all.

tiresias

(grins) You should be wary. A heretic's secrets can be quite terrifying.

kyra

Oh, please. Apate's terrifying. You're a cinnamon roll.

tiresias

I won't argue with you there. That woman unnerves me.
I have tried conversing with her, you know.
I figured we might have common ground, given our... predispositions.
I didn't need sight to tell she was glaring a hole through my skull.

kyra

That's Apate, all right. Don't take it personally.
You know how parents tell their kids to stop scowling,
or their face will stay that way? There's the living example.

tiresias

Ahahahaha! Don't let her hear you said that, Kyra!
She'd do the lifewringing with her bare hands!

kyra

I can believe that.
So, about that research of yours... Do you mind?

tiresias

Not at all, though I would advise against trying to read my tomes.
Not because there's anything particularly private in them,
they're just not books written to be read with the eyes, you understand.

kyra

Well, why don't you tell me, then?

tiresias

Have you heard of the forbidden magics?

kyra

The magic arts of the lifewringers?
Everyone's got some vague idea of them.
If only that the theocracy says it's very bad stuff.

tiresias

I have been attempting to rescue the reviled arts from the clutches of time.

kyra

Oh, wow... No wonder you had to escape Tartaros.
That's definitely not something they'd allow.

tiresias

You said it. Alas, curiosity doth kill the cat.
(smiles) On the other hand, leaving led me to Wulfric.
And now, to you. So I'd say it all turned out well.

kyra

(smiles) ...Goodness, your optimism is something else. You're just such a breath of fresh air!
After Apate, it's nice to know a so-called heretic that's just a pleasant fellow.

tiresias

I'll take that as a compliment, but let me just say...
Being a heretic is not where a heretic begins and ends.
I could tell from our short chats that Apate is a haunted soul.
I don't know what happened to her... But she has suffered. Greatly.

kyra

...You're right, yeah.
Thanks for the pearl of wisdom, Tiresias.

tiresias

(smiles) Any time, my friend. Any time.

Alonso & Teresa

If Teresa is alive

alonso

Prithee, accept my humblest gratitude, brave peer!
Aye, for you have granted me the gift of purpose.
I, Sir Quijano, shalt lay down my very life for your cause!

kyra

Er... Thanks?

teresa

Just play along...

alonso

By my honor and my title as knight, I swear!
Thine quest shalt to the happiest of ends arrive!
Victory we shall seduce, that the Mother may safekeep us,
and our foes condemn to the deepest pits of oblivion eternal!
May our spirits be true and our hearts unyielding!
Alas, I must beg for thy leave. Lethargy threatens to weaken!
Ideal are these moments of torpor, to train thine body and soul!
Hie! To the training grounds we travel!

(Alonso bounces with excitement and runs off.)

kyra

...I'm gonna take a guess that he's always like this.

teresa

What gave it away?

kyra

You, on the other hand, seem decently sane.
Mind if I ask what exactly is the deal with you two?

(Teresa moves closer.)

teresa

My lord Alonso, he's a noble of a territory far to the north.
He used to not be like this, but his mind has been destroyed.

kyra

Something terrible must've happened to him...

teresa

Boredom.
He was really bored. He started reading these books...
He hated them. Hated them so much he set them on fire.
So he started writing. First poems, then novels, and finally, plays.
He got really into the plays. He even started to rehearse them himself.
He'd go through the whole thing as one character, then again with another.
And he'd just do that for hours upon hours upon hours, until now...

kyra

He fancies himself a character in one of his own plays?

teresa

Something to that effect, I guess.
But I can assure you that he's not a bad person.
He's even kinda strong. We could be of help.

kyra

But you don't even know what we're up to.
Well, he says he does, but I can only wonder what his idea of our [OpenQuote]quest[CloseQuote] is...

teresa

If you were evil folks, you would've mugged us and left us to die in the forest.
You had the numbers and the opportunity. No, you oughta be good people.

kyra

Glad to have your vote of confidence, er...

teresa

Teresa's the name. Just a humble sky warrior.

kyra

Humble's got to be right. You could certainly brag if you wanted.
Fighters of the skies are rare. We're lucky to have you with us.

teresa

(grins) Well, aren't you a charmer. Yeah, you know what?
You're right. I'm really frigging awesome.

kyra

...Okay, okay, don't let it go to your head, please...

If Teresa is dead

alonso

Prithee, accept my humblest gratitude, brave peer!
Aye, for you have granted me the gift of purpose.
I, Sir Quijano, shalt lay down my very life for your cause!

kyra

Er... Thanks?

alonso

kyra

That warrior of the skies that was with you...
I spotted her, but then she vanished...

alonso

Fallen, in glorious combat, brave and undaunted.
Yet blame thyself not... 'Tis my burden to bear,
for 'tis I that cast undue peril upon her...

kyra

...I'm really sorry.

alonso

Alas. Sorrow I shalt bear for the rest of my days.
Yet rest must I not! Thy cause is just unlike most!
Beseecheth me to assist, Teresa would have.
Thus I shalt! Sir Quijano is thine ally, fair heroine!
Hie! To the training grounds we travel!

(Alonso runs off.)

kyra

...Damn... The shock of losing his friend must've driven him mad...

Hecate & Kairos

narrator

You overhear a conversation between your allies...

kairos

(smiling) Well, well. Blessed be this day.

hecate

What are you on about now?

kairos

The Mother has led me to beauty without compare.
'Tis truly a serendipitous encounter.
I must thank Her, next we find one of Her hallowed shrines.

hecate

(smirks) Do you want me to kick you in your hallowed shrine, preacher?

kairos

Hah! What a response. Threatening harm upon a pilgrim of the Mother!
You are quite the bold sinner, my dear friend.

hecate

You don't know the half of it.
My soul's rotten to the core, little choir boy. You should stay away.
It would shake the foundations of your perfect bright little world.

kairos

Do not presume me so naïve.
I enjoy a little bit of daring darkness to go with the stunning beauty.

hecate

Pfft... And you called me bold.
Is there nothing in your tenets against blatantly flirting with unbelievers?

kairos

Oh, against flirting in general. And I follow it, make no mistake.
I'm not the type that goes around pestering any and all girls in sight.

hecate

So I'm getting special treatment? Guess I should be flattered.

kairos

What can I say. I like playing with fire.

hecate

You're one shoddy priest, you know that?

kairos

Some would say the shoddiest.
I like to believe I have an... unconventional approach, yet no less valid for it.

hecate

Heh... Well, dream on, big boy. I enjoy playing hard to get.
You'll have to do a lot better than that to win me over.

kairos

So cold, so cruel. Have I not piqued your interest even slightly?

hecate

...Very slightly.

kairos

Ahh, fantastic.

[Hecate and Kairos gain C-rank support.]

Eupraxia & Pericles

narrator

You overhear a conversation between your allies...

pericles

......

eupraxia

It is rather rude to stare, young man.
Do I have something on my face?
Apart from my spectacles, naturally.

pericles

...I shall assume that you have told nobody.

eupraxia

......
Of course not.

pericles

Hmm...

eupraxia

What comes next? Are you going to throw me into the pond?
It has been so long. I have grown so old. Quite frail, as well.
You could easily best me. My life is yours for the taking.

pericles

Why would you jump to such an absurd conclusion?

eupraxia

I cannot imagine any other intentions you could have.
Blackmail? No, that is asinine. I have nothing you could want.

pericles

My lady, please. It wounds me to hear you speak such words.
I have no desire to see you distressed, much less harmed.
...I merely wished to ascertain my suspicions.

eupraxia

Consider them ascertained. I ask again - What comes next?

pericles

......

eupraxia

......

pericles

I... understand, now.

eupraxia

I see...

pericles

Pardon me. I am being impertinent.
I shall take my leave now and bother you no more.
This I vow to you.

eupraxia

Please, there is no need. I am simply surprised.
I had dreaded the moment this eventuality would come to pass.
And yet, this is... entirely unlike how I had anticipated it to transpire.

pericles

Much has changed, Lady Eupraxia.

eupraxia

Yet at the same time, so little has.
But that is why we are here... Is it not?

pericles

Indeed...

Elias & Edward

edward

Okay, Kyra. Let's be serious now.
Do you think that necromancer guy can actually revive the dead?

kyra

Apate seems to be against the whole concept.
I'd consider her an authority on these matters, but...
It almost seems like it could be real? I don't know.
At this point anything's possible.

edward

He didn't exactly look like the pinnacle of genius, that guy.
And I'd think it'd take some serious genius to cheat death.
But who knows. Like you said, anything's possible.
People just assume it can't be done. Maybe it's actually really easy.

kyra

I don't know what's going to happen, but I can tell you one thing.
If that clown is the one who has beaten death, life is a bad joke.

(Edward laughs.)

edward

(smiles) Hah! I do have to agree with you there!

elias

Hey... Kyra?

kyra

Yeah, Elias?

elias

Do you think that man... could bring back our parents?

(Kyra starts.)

kyra

W-Whoa... I hadn't even considered that...

edward

...I don't think you should get your hopes up, Eli.

elias

I know. I won't, don't worry.
I don't know why I said that. I'm sorry.

edward

Nah, it was a reasonable thing to say.
Er, reasonable in this context, anyway.
You really miss 'em, don't ya?
...Bah, what a stupid thing to ask. 'Course you do.
Damn, I still miss my ma, and she died 14 years ago!

elias

Oh... Sorry... I didn't mean to remind you...

edward

It was just a regular, peaceful death.
She lived her life. Don't worry about it.

kyra

...Unlike our parents.

edward

O-Oh, but there's no need to talk about this topic, guys.

elias

Actually, we never did tell you how they died, did we?

edward

Oi! What did I just say? How's it any of my business?
There's a reason I've never asked, kids.

kyra

Some stupid traveling merchant had one too many at the alehouse.
He went to leave and whipped his horse so hard, the poor thing panicked.
Threw him into a trough and took off running like its life depended on it.
...Our parents were walking back home. It was just a dumb accident...

elias

It was my fault, too.

kyra

Elias! How many times must I tell you that's not true?

edward

I find that hard to believe, Eli...

(Elias becomes agitated.)

elias

I was the reason they were out that evening!
They went to talk to the town's apothecary about me.
If I was never... I-If I never got sick, they wouldn't have...

edward

Elias, this really should go without saying,
but you can't blame yourself for some jerk having no restraint.
C'mon, a boy your age shouldn't have that kind of regrets.

elias

I know all of that. I keep telling myself, over and over.
I just... feel like such a burden.
Our parents died because they left the house for me.
You risked your life to get me out of that prison.
And don't even get me started on all Kyra's been through for my sake.
Everyone's always suffering because I'm here!
And for what?! We all know that I'm just going to d--

kyra

Elias!!

elias

......

kyra

......

edward

...A-Ahem... Er, so...

elias

I-I...
Can I be alone for just a moment? Please...

(Elias leaves.)

edward

Dammit... Dammit! What have I done?!

kyra

Don't you start too. It's not your fault.
All this is clearly taking a toll on him...
Blast! I need to stop dragging him across the countryside.

edward

Probably got the right of it there. Hmmm...

Enemy Turn 1

goliath

D-Dammit! What in blazes is goin' on in this madhouse?!
The boss's gone who knows where, an army's formin' up at the entrance...
Fight, you curs! Fight! Kick 'em all back out of here!
And someone go look for the boss! We need him!

Beatrix Arrives

(An artificer emerges from a stairwell.)

beatrix

(smiling) ...That was fairly simple.
These boys don't know the meaning of the word “security.”
Ah, well. That just makes my job easier.
I wonder if they've managed to break in already...

Conversations

Kyra & Beatrix

beatrix

(smiles) Oh, hi! Timely arrival. You're good.

kyra

Who are you? You're not with them, are you?

beatrix

What gave it away?
(frowns) Seriously. I'm supposed to be stealthier than this.

kyra

Well, you're prying locks open and fighting our foes, for one.

beatrix

Yeah, that'd do it.
(smiles) They call me Beatrix. I'm in the employ of the old man.

kyra

Margrave Barlowe?

beatrix

It seems the guy believes you could use a hand.
So I'm here to help out. That's not an issue, is it?

kyra

Nah. I appreciate it.

beatrix

Marvelous. Shall we break some legs, then?

Fiadh & Beatrix

fiadh

...Beatrix.

beatrix

Fiadh.

fiadh

Here to help, I assume?

beatrix

What else?

fiadh

I'd rather you stayed behind. Watch over things while I'm gone.

beatrix

Old man's orders. He was really adamant that I came to save you.

fiadh

Save me, eh.
(narows eyes) Are you sure you didn't just abandon him of your own accord?

beatrix

To traipse about some dreary manor filled with cutthroats and worse?
Ah, yes. My ideal of fun.

fiadh

......
Well, don't get in my way. You might regret it.

beatrix

(smiles) I must say, hun, this backdrop really suits your charming personality.
Maybe you should stay here after we wrap things up.
Become the next wicked witch of the haunted castle.

fiadh

And maybe you should shut your piehole before I put my fist in it.

beatrix

(still smiling) Don't strain yourself, Fiadh. I'm not worth it.
I'm nobody that matters, remember?

fiadh

...Hmph.

Goliath

Combat

goliath

Who the devil are you?!
W-What've ya done to the boss...?!

Combat w/ Pluto

pluto

You...
You smell the same as my brother does.

goliath

Huh? The heck's your deal?

pluto

But your blade lacks honor...

I will cut you down!

goliath

Dude, I don't even know who you are!

Death

goliath

(smiles) Heh... Don't think... you've won...
As soon as... the boss gets here...
y'all will regret... this...

Polonius

Combat

polonius

(grinning madly) Eeheeheeheehee! Which curse shall I bestow upon you?!
I have so many to choose from!
I am the most powerful sorcerer alive!

Combat w/ Eupraxia

eupraxia

So this is the famous necromancer.
Hmm... Not quite what I had expected.

polonius

Scared, are you? You should be.
Eeheeheeheehee! Cower before me!
I command truly fearsome power!

eupraxia

No, as a matter of fact, you do not.
Your magical attunement is mediocre at best.

polonius

You DARE insult me!
You, an ignorant ignoramus who knows nothing!
Me, the great necromancer who brings the dead back!

eupraxia

I have been studying the secrets of nature
since before you were born, lad.
(smiles) But you are right. I judge much too prematurely.
By all means, do explain your process to me.
How is it that you restore life to the deceased?
I am all ears, my fellow scholar.

polonius

Eeheeheeheehee! Fool!
A true magician never reveals his secrets...

eupraxia

Hmm... How unfortunate.
I suppose the only way to obtain answers shall be...
an empirical test, so to speak.

polonius

You speak in riddles, hoping to confuse me!
But my mind is ascended! Your tricks work not!

eupraxia

(smiles) There is no riddle, young man. It is quite simple.
I shall test your magic with mine.
Prepare yourself. This may hurt.

Combat w/ Fiadh

fiadh

All right, Count Clowncula or whatever.
Time to be in a lot of pain.

polonius

Eeheeheeheehee! Address me properly!
I am Polonius, the great necromancer!
And you are nothing more than a roach,
soon to be reduced to ashes by my power!

fiadh

I really do not have the patience for this.
We've bigger things to do, so please...
Try to die quickly.

Combat w/ Alonso

alonso

Thou... Thou'st uncovered sorcery most unholy.
Thou'st disturbed the sleep of the fallen.
Thou'st terrorized fair and faultless citizens!

polonius

Eeheeheeheehee! What do we have here?
A little goody-two-shoes, is it?!

alonso

Thou art the great villain!
The great evil sorcerer... Freston!

polonius

Eeheeheeheehee! My name is Polonius,
and my title is Great Necromancer!
Get it right, heroic little pest!

alonso

At last, opponent worthy o' mine blade!
I shalt slay thee!

RAARRRRGH!!

Combat w/ Teresa

polonius

Eeheeheeheehee!
And who would you be, fair damsel?
Here to join my army of darkness, perhaps?
I would certainly welcome you into our dark fold!
You know what they say, the more the merrier!

teresa

...Oh, no... Look at you...
The robes, the hat, the abominations...
Oh, the mustache! No, no, this won't do...

polonius

You dare to imply I am not handsome?!
How dare you! I am among the world's most handsome men!

teresa

I don't know about handsome, but...
You're the exact kind of guy that'll make my liege nervous.
He's far gone enough, I can't let that happen.
So uh, yeah.
I'm going to beat you up now. Sorry.

Death

polonius

Ahaha...haha... Quite... Quite impressive...

(Polonius jumps up.)

polonius

But I cannot die! Huzzah!

Ending

kyra

Is it... Is it over?
I think it's over, but... This whole thing has me jumping at my own shadow.

If Fiadh is alive

fiadh

Look alive! I hear noises coming from the stairwell!

If Fiadh is dead

edward

Careful! There's rustling coming from the stairwell!

(Undead climb out from the stairwell and surround the heroes.)

kyra

Even more abominations! Raise your weapons, people!

Undead

Wait! No more! We yield!

kyra

...Hold up, did that thing just... speak?

(The "undead" remove their costumes to reveal they are civilians.)

ofelia

Please, I beg of you. Have mercy.

kyra

What... What?

If Fiadh is alive

Fiadh

You have ten seconds to explain the meaning of this.
After that the arrows start flying again. One...

If Fiadh is dead

apate

Explain yourselves! What is the meaning of this?!

ofelia

Please! This has gone far enough!
I confess. The truth is...
We are just actors. That's all.

kyra

...Say what?

Fiadh/
Apate

Actors...?

???

Alas, the trick is revealed!
Like a puppet master, I pulled the strings of this grand affair!
Eeheeheeheeheehee! 'Tis a most joyous occasion!

(Kyra starts.)

kyra

Oh, c'mon, what now?!

(Polonius reappears atop the throne.)

kyra

What-- You?!
But we killed you! I stepped over your corpse on my way to the throne!

polonius

Eeheeheeheehee! The trickery of an experienced performer!
It has been a most fantastic show, would you not agree?

ofelia

...No, you did not kill him. He just played dead.

kyra

P-Played dead...?!

apate

Does this mean that... The armies of the undead were just...

polonius

Roles in this glorious play, carried out by my wonderful company!

ofelia

There was never any magic.
Other than the regular kind, of course.

kyra

...But... You teleported.

ofelia

Just another trick.

kyra

......
No. He teleported.

apate

But why? Why do all this? What was the point?

ofelia

We've had trouble finding jobs.
People just can't tell talent when it's sitting in front of them.
So my brother came up with a totally moronic scheme,
and in our desperation, we agreed to try it out.

kyra

Your brother? Who's that?

(Kyra starts.)

kyra

Wait, there's NO way you and that cheap jester are--

polonius

Eeheeheeheehee! Indeed, 'tis I, the mastermind of this incident!
In order to obtain the riches that we duly deserve...
I put on a grand drama of death upturned and horrors untold!
Who could possibly disobey our say, under such horrible duress?!

ofelia

In simple words, we were trying to scare the nearby villages so we could extort them.
Make a quick buck with which to rebuild our acting company's reputation.

apate

So... It was all a pathetic scam by a bunch of imbeciles.
We have wasted our time, completely and utterly.

kyra

T...That's...

edward

(grins) Gaahahahahahahahaha!
Bravo! Bravo! I love it! What a way for this to turn out!
I had a feeling something wasn't right, but damn, that was convincing.
I dunno 'bout your acting skills, but your make-up artist is a genius!

ofelia

(smiles) That would be me. Thank you kindly, good sir.
If you're interested in seeing more, we can discuss our rates.

polonius

No better entertainment for a group of rowdy fighters than a fun play!
Your morale would soar beyond the skies with us on your side!

(Edward guffaws.)

edward

And now they're trying to talk us into taking them along?!
Bahahahaha! This just gets better and better!

kyra

...We're not... We have a really important mission... We can't...
Oh, why am I still talking to you losers?! Let's go, everyone.

(Ofelia jumps to attention.)

If no "undead" were killed

ofelia

I beg you to reconsider. We could be of use to you!
You've seen for yourself that my foolish little brother is a passable fighter.

polonius

Passable? I would use different words, like “amazing” or “outstanding,” but...

ofelia

As for myself... I take my work VERY seriously.
I have learned a wide array of martial arts for my craft.
I would put my vast abilities to your service.
Any role you see fit to have me perform, I shall.
All of this, free of charge. A good deal, is it not?

polonius

An AWESOME deal! Eeheeheeheehee!

kyra

Free of charge, and you get to not rot in the dungeon for your crimes.

ofelia

W-Well... We haven't harmed anyone, have we?

kyra

......
All right. Sure. Why the heck not.
We do need all the allies we can get.

polonius

Yes! Hahahaha! Your silver tongue does it again, my dear Ofelia!

(Ofelia becomes agitated.)

ofelia

Shut your trap, Polonius...!

If Fiadh is alive

edward

(grins) This is amazing. Barlowe's not gonna believe me when I tell him.
(frowns) ...Say, Pericles? Fiadh? Is something wrong?

pericles

......

fiadh

......

polonius

Y-Yikes! Those are some terrifying gazes! Such fury!
Are you two interested in some work? You'd play fine villains.

ofelia

Idiot, they're not acting! Run!!

If Fiadh is dead

edward

(grins) This is amazing. Barlowe's not gonna believe me when I tell him.
(frowns) ...Say, Pericles? Is something wrong?

pericles

......

polonius

Y-Yikes! That is one terrifying gaze! Such fury!
Are you interested in some work? You'd play a fine villain.

ofelia

Idiot, he's not acting! Run!!

(Polonius starts.)

polonius

Eeheeheeheeheehee!

If any "undead" were killed

ofelia

I beg you to reconsider. We could be of use to you!
I take my work VERY seriously.
I have learned a wide array of martial arts for my craft.
I would put my vast abilities to your service.
Any role you see fit to have me perform, I shall.
All of this, free of charge. A good deal, is it not?

kyra

Free of charge, and you get to not rot in the dungeon for your crimes.

ofelia

W-Well... We haven't harmed anyone, have we?

kyra

......
What about you?

polonius

Alas! I am called to greater designs.
I shall now... take my leave! Farewell, and goodbye!
Eeheeheeheeheehee!

(Polonius teleports away.)

edward

...Can you translate for us?

ofelia

You killed our associates. He was trying not to show it, but...
He will never be able to assist those who murdered them.

kyra

And you can?

ofelia

This is our own fault. We asked for trouble, and we got it.
Now I have to try to keep the rest of us out of the dungeon.
...Please. I swear I'll be helpful. Just give the rest a second chance.

edward

Er, well... Kyra, if you ask me, I'm tempted to agree.
They've learned their lesson. It's cost them, after all...

kyra

You're right... If you want, there's a place among us for you, er...

ofelia

Ofelia. I am pleased to enter your employment.

(Kyra, Apate, Edward, and Ofelia exit the castle to find Pheme lying by the entrance.)

Default

Kyra

What?

(Kyra rushes over to Pheme and shakes her.)

kyra

Pheme!!
Pheme, talk to me! Pheme!

edward

K-Kyra, I... I don't think... she can...
(closes eyes) All the blood... Gah, I'm gonna be sick...

kyra

Apate! Where's Apate?! Do something!

apate

That girl is long dead. There is nothing I can do.

kyra

...W...What... When did this...
We were barely gone for a couple of hours!
What happened?! How did this...?!

ofelia

We had nothing to do with this. I swear on my life, we were all--

kyra

Of course you didn't... Your bunch were all in the castle.
And we made sure the coast was clear before we went in.
There... There shouldn't have been a soul around here...

apate

Our troops.
Any of them would have had plentiful opportunities to do this.
Before the battle started, while we were regrouping.
Or after it, when everyone was scattered throughout the castle.
One of ours... The same one who has been giving information to the inquisition.

kyra

......
She said she just wanted to check something out.
I made fun of her for being a chicken.

(Kyra punches the ground in frustration.)

kyra

D-Dammit! I was relieved! I thought she'd be safer here!
Who... Who could've done this? Why would anyone do this?!

apate

I told you before, Kyra. This is how the inquisition operates.
No doubt she made someone feel threatened.
What she deserved matters not. Her life was forfeit from that moment on.

kyra

Threatened...? Who could've felt threatened by her?
She was just a foolish, meddlesome girl...

apate

......
Look at her hand... She's clutching something.

edward

Looks like a piece of paper... All torn up...

“not there when she”
That's it. That's all I can make out.

apate

No doubt her killer removed the note from her hand,
without realizing they left a piece within her clenched fist.
How unfortunate. These four words tell us nothing...

kyra

It's... It's from her diary. She was keeping notes...
...It's why she was killed...

edward

Kyra...

kyra

E-Edward, I...
...I'll never forgive them... Never.
I... I-I...

(Kyra sobs.)

kyra

(closes eyes) I'm so sorry, Pheme...

If this is a repeat playthrough and Pheme is promoted

kyra

What?

(Kyra rushes over to Pheme and shakes her.)

kyra

Pheme!!
Pheme, talk to me! Pheme!

edward

K-Kyra, I... I don't think... she can...

kyra

Apate! Where's Apate?! Do something!

apate

...Hold. She stirs...

(Pheme is bleeding heavily from a head wound.)

pheme

...Nngh...

kyra

Pheme... Pheme, can you hear me?
We're here now. You're going to be all right.

pheme

(eyes flutter open) ...K...Kyra... I...
I did it... I... won...

kyra

Pheme, no! Stay with me!

pheme

(closes eyes) ...Ahh...

(Pheme falls unconscious again.)

kyra

Pheme?! Oh, please, no...
Apate, don't just stand there! Use your miracle sticks!

apate

What do you think I was doing while you yelled at her?
She will bleed no longer, but my “sticks” cannot do miracles.
This child has suffered a grievous blow to her head.
Healing magic alone cannot restore her consciousness...

kyra

...W...What... When did this...
We were barely gone for a couple of hours!
What happened?! How did this...?!

ofelia

We had nothing to do with this. I swear on my life, we were all--

kyra

Of course you didn't... Your bunch were all in the castle.
And we made sure the coast was clear before we went in.
There... There shouldn't have been a soul around here...

apate

kyra

......
She said she just wanted to check something out.
She was acting so sure of herself. So confident.

(Kyra punches the ground in frustration.)

kyra

D-Dammit! She'd improved so much! I'd stopped worrying about her!
Who... Who could've done this? Why would anyone do this?!

apate

I told you before, Kyra. This is how the inquisition operates.
No doubt she made someone feel threatened.
What she deserved matters not. Her life was forfeit from that moment on.

kyra

Threatened...? Who could've felt threatened by her?
She's just a foolish, meddlesome girl...

apate

......
Look at her hand... She's clutching something.

edward

Looks like a piece of paper... All torn up...

“not there when she”
That's it. That's all I can make out.

apate

No doubt her assailant removed the note from her hand,
without realizing they left a piece within her clenched fist.
How unfortunate. These four words tell us nothing...

kyra

It's... It's from her diary. She was keeping notes...
...It's why she was attacked...

edward

Kyra...

kyra

E-Edward, I...
...I'll never forgive them... Never.
I... I-I...

(Kyra sobs.)

kyra

(closes eyes) I'm so sorry, Pheme...

(The group returns to Wrexham.)

kyra

......
At least we did the job. We have some good news for the margrave.

apate

Tell me in truth, Kyra.
Do you believe this deed will be enough to garner the recognition we need?

kyra

I really doubt it.
We'll probably need to run another errand or three. Then, maybe...

If Fiadh is alive

fiadh

I'm just glad it's over. I was worried sick.
But it looks like everything's quiet. No signs of violence...

kyra

What could possibly have happened back here?
It's only been a couple of days--

???

Dame Fiadh! You have returned at last! Oh, it's awful...!

(Fiadh starts.)

fiadh

What?!

If Fiadh is dead

edward

I'm more worried 'bout how we'll break the bad news to him.
Barlowe was really fond of that girl, and we got her killed...

kyra

Blast... You're right. Fiadh...

apate

That will set us back a few paces.
If it doesn't lose us the margrave's favor entirely.
I must say, I am rather disappointed...

kyra

Hey, you're the one in charge of keeping us alive!
Not doing a great job of it so far!

edward

Okay, okay, let's not fight amongst ourselves.
Just let me do the talking.

???

You have returned at last! Oh, it's awful...!

(Edward starts.)

edward

What?!

steward

Oh, it's awful, awful I tell you!

kyra

What? What is it? What's happened while we were away?

steward

M-Margrave Barlowe...
He has been kidnapped!

(Kyra starts.)

kyra

Are you kidding me?!

apate

......

Character Descriptions

Beatrix
A cheery freelancing spy. Seems trustworthy enough.

Polonius
A magician who claims to have unlocked the secret of eternal life.

Polonius (Playable)
Actor, businessman, part-time “necromancer.” A scoundrel whose love for money trumps his common sense.

Ofelia
An actress in a traveling troupé of performers. A bit of a diva, but her talent is undeniable.

Actress
A performer so talented, she can mimic others perfectly.

[Polonius & Ofelia have C-rank support with each other.]

Goliath
A diminutive man serving as the second-in-command of the mercenaries in the employ of the “necromancer.”

Sellsword
Blades-for-hire looking for monetary opportunities.

Undead
Unimaginable abominations supposedly summoned by the necromancer.

Revenant / Entombed
Some manner of miracle, or nightmare, devised by a sorcerer of great power.