Mage General Corneria paid a little visit to Rakche, as was expected, and from there, figured that she could have a way to really bring the heat down on Dain.

"The Dory family's underhanded dealings control the Ulir Archipelago, and consequently the very waters that people so rarely traverse, by virtue of having a certain pirate captain and his fleet in their pocket. Despite that, they've been... having some trouble with the revolutionary efforts of a warrior named Durvan, whose side in a civil war is rumored to be backed by Dain. We ought to be able to work something out if we support them in turn. At the very least, their aid could guarantee that the Southern coast and the Darros region do not fall under Dain's control, and could even open up the possibility of weakening Noba's all-but-outright-declared support of Dain, if they're not completely and utterly cornered by the empire."

Miles agrees to basically "sell" his favor with the Dories to get whoever goes to Ulir their with the protection of Captain Arvo.

Prince Garrus is conflicted as to what part he ought to play in this, between remaining with the parties trying to wrestle the Cord region out of Dain's hands, or being present in Ulir for the key events there. He seeks you out for advice. You will accompany him for whatever he does, as one of his personal guards.

>A. He should set South for the Ulir archipelago.
>B. He should head East to the Cord region.
>C. He should stay right here in Rakche, despite his desire to be more active
>D. Write-in suggestion

>>42483402
Also, since this is a route-defining choice, I should probably set a 20-minute time limit as opposed to a "vaguely ten-fifteen minutes" one.

>>42483576
Okay, er... Time extension. Another... Well, I'll say ten minutes at the least, but after that just however long it takes to get someone.

Sorry I'm late, was shopping.

>>42483868
It's cool, I get it. "Shit comes up" is why this didn't happen yesterday to begin with.

>>42483402
>B. He should head East to the Cord region

Also isn't Arvo Laurinas dad?

>>42483961
Durvan is. Arvo's her old boss.

>>42483981
Ah right. Well he's there too. I assume it's him at least

>>42483402
>A. He should set South for the Ulir archipelago.

>>42484138
Sadly, this is a few minutes late to the punch and I've been working on the >B. post besides, otherwise the very machinations of fate would have been determined by a toss of the dice.

>>42483906
"You said you didn't want to just leave the Cord region behind, right? The Garou, a few Tarvosian Nomads, some of Corneria's magic knights... You and your sister can lead all of them under your banner to reclaim the whole region! The Mage General and the Great Miles can handle Ulir, your highness."

Garrus nods. "You have a point... Yeah, we'll stick around here while they handle that!" He looks around uncertainly and whispers, "I'd... honestly also rather not be the one making deals with pirates and gangsters, you know?"

You nod.

Later that day, you pay a visit to Devon again, much to your surprise, hearing her voice as you approach the door!

"Miles, are you certain it's him?"

"I wouldn't be able to mistake that seal..."

"Then... Duke Kilos really wishes for us to return?"

>A. Say something (specify)
>B. Make your presence known without saying much of note
>C. Listen in some more
>D. Leave this be
>E. Write-in

>>42484212
>A. Say something
I hate to ruin your moment but it's more than likely fake or a trap.

>>42484265
Probably.

That's ice dragon guy right.
Also, op if you want to revote on where we go once we get more people it's cool

>>42484376
Kilos is the duke of Fathom/Miles' father, who disinherited him a few years ago.

Maybe I will have a revote if the time comes, preferably with some way to justify it in-universe. No guarantees, though.

>>42484265
>>42484376
"Wait, Duke Kilos is... Your dad, right?"

"Oh, Ellen, didn't notice you there... yes, though, it is him. My father has apparently been keeping tabs on me this entire time, has finally reconsidered his treatment of me. He... wishes for us to return home as soon as 'whatever our current obligations are' are through. Since we'll be traveling safely through Ulir of all places anyway, I... Think we will all return there."

You frown. "Are you certain that's not a trap? I mean, after all that's been said..."

Miles shakes his head. "What reason would my father have to contact me out of the blue just to lead me into a trap? What reason would anyone have to impersonate him, either, for that matter?"

>A. You have a point
>B. Suggest something valid
>C. Write-in dialogue

>>42484609
>A. You have a point
He probably just wants to play battleships

>>42484609
>B. Suggest something valid
>You've been offering your services to Neir, with your latest job being an important meeting that could change the tide of war. You don't think an invitation home, to a country sided with Dain, is a bit suspicious?

Also could you put the map in the pastebin? I'm losing track of all these countries.

>>42484754
Changing my vote here>>42484667
to this

>>42484754
>>42484702
>>42484822
"You... have a point, but you need to remember that there's a war going on, Miles, and you've extended your services to Heim and Neir a lot... And Noba's pretty much on Dain's side. There's a lot that could go wrong."

"I know," Miles says, "and recent events have convinced me that... That this is no life I want to keep living. Officially, Noba is considered neutral, and if we can get Ulir's support, and I were to regain a position of authority, all while we're dealing major blows to Dain... At the very least, I could stop the duchies from truly supporting the empire, keep Noba genuinely neutral if not outright supporting Neir and Heim... I understand the risks at hand, but the ends to which everyone would benefit from its success..."

>A. He still has a point
>B. But... (specify)
>C. Don't let your judgement be clouded
>D. Write-in
>E. Remain silent

>>42484931
>I see your point, you see mine too, so just be careful, alright?

>>42484931
>I still think it's a trap but just be careful out there.

>>42485176
Second, Deleting old vote.

>>42485230
>>42485176
"I... know what you mean, but please, for all of your sakes... Don't let your judgement be clouded by wanting to go back to your old life, alright? Be ready for the worst when you go back."

Devon nods. "She's right, Miles... I would love to return to Fathom and finally get married as well, but... You know the sort of fellow your father is..."

Miles sighs. "Yes, but... He is still my father, and according to this, still acknowledges that. I doubt even he would do something foul to his kin under the guise of welcoming."

He goes on like this, fairly stubbornly, and Byrce, Asra, and Laurina all come in later on, also cautiously accepting their boss' judgement.

Laurina has something else to say, though, "so... you guys are gonna help them help out the Dories, then."

Devon frowns. "Oh, no... That's right, Durvan, he's... I'm so sorry, Laurina."

The ex-pirate closes her eyes. "I'm... Not mad. I understand what this is all for. I just... Would rather not be there myself."

>A. Say something (write-in)
>B. Remain silent
>C. Leave. This doesn't involve you.

>>42485481
>Would you like to come with us and instead?

>>42485558
Second

>>42485558
>>42485610
"Well, guess that's f'r the best," Bryce says with a frown. "Take care of yourself, if this means this ain't the end of the road for ya."

"What will you do next?" Asra asks her friend.

"I, uh..."

You pipe in, "Gorman actually wanted to talk to you about what you would do if you left the Great Miles. I... Think he's coming along for the Cord Campaign, so..."

Laurina nods. "I. Guess I'll stick with these guys for awhile."

Miles nods. "Good to know you won't just up and defect or something... Not that I thought you would, of course. It's just good to know you have something in mind."

>A. Say something more
>B. Not much more to say. Get out of there.

>>42485831
>B. Not much more to say. Get out of there.

>>42485831
>B. Not much more to say. Get out of there.
I like Laurina. I don't want her to go

>>42485950
She's the only one who ISN'T going. She'll probably take Gorman up on his partnership offer and they'll both be fixtures of the party for the rest of the adventure, assuming there isn't another massive party upset. Which I don't expect there to be.

>>42486007
Yeah. I meant I wanted to keep her with us, more than miles
She's A team now

File: BaelGBAIcon.gif (2 KB, 78x68)

2 KB GIF

>>42485919
>>42485950
You leave the hospital, end up called in for a training session with Yvette alongside Zoe and Nat, and when the day is done, you and Zoe end up spending quite a bit of time together once more, in terms vaguely-enough described to avoid an embarrassing change in pace for the narrative.

The next day, after typical morning training, you happen across Logan, apparently in the midst of his typical exercise regimen with Cheryl in a courtyard. You feel somewhat ill, which you can soon attribute to Bolse and Katina, accompanied by the young princess Kia, apparently trying to entertain a summoned bael elsewhere in the courtyard. Bovis stares at a wall. You stare at your hands, remembering that you relinquished your ring earlier.

You hadn't even realized that the mage general brought her family along.

>A. Say something to one of them (specify)
>B. Stand around and observe them
>C. Look for somebody else (specify)
>D. Write-in

>>42486229
>A. Say something to one of them
Logan, Ask if it's possible to spar with some of the Bael.

>>42486298
Fuck that.
Spar with Bovis.

Let's see how strong we've gotten since he denied our ass in the beginning

>>42486298
Would it be a problem for you if we just went with >>42486387's idea for a sparring partner?

>>42486229
Ask Bolse if he could make a new ring for us.

>>42486485
fine by me.

>>42486387
>>42486521
"Er, Bovis? I... Kind of need an interpreter to ask Bolse something."

The Deadlord formerly known as Lambert turns and nods, wordlessly leading you between Bolse and the giant spider. You also resolve to ask him to spar as soon as you're done speaking to his charge. (read: Ellen will automatically initiate the requested spar with Bovis when you're done with this line of inquiry)

Bovis signs your words, "Bolse, Katina, you two... W-wouldn't happen to be able to make another Curse Ring, would you? I... Had to use mine for something that won't be ready for a month."

Bolse and Katina "talk" to each other for awhile, before the latter answers, "we could see what we can do if you can find us an unenchanted ring nobody's using. The ones we gave you and Quidel were originally heirlooms mom brought all the way from where she used to live... Apparently her sister gave her hers."

"I... think that's the one you had. There were a couple... very small differences." Bolse says slowly as ever.

>A. You'll look for one
>B. You'll ask around for one
>C. You don't think you can find one
>D. Is it okay that I used the ring like that, then?
>E. Write-in

>>42486807
>D. Is it okay that I used the ring like that, then?
>Apologize
Then
>A. You'll look for one

>>42486807
>A. You'll look for one
So any kind of ring will do?
>D. Is it okay that I used the ring like that, then?

>>42486884
>>42486807
Also how long would it take for you to make a new Curse ring?

>>42486881
>>42486884
"Sorry, is it... Is it alright that I used it like that? I mean, I... sort of got this couple in Ladney to add it to a sword..."

Katina is quick to respond, "mom said we could do whatever we liked with them, and we gave them to you and Quidel. Honestly, she would probably be glad you put it to unique use! Mom really seems interested in you for some reason..."

"Okay... Er, how long would it take to make the ring after we have it?"

"Maybe..." Bolse sighs and lets his hands take over.

Bovis continues, "...maybe we do not need it to be a ring in particular, so much as any accessory that can be worn. Smaller metal items, such as jewelry, are just much easier to enchant than armor or weapons, and together my sister and I-that is to say Master Bolse's sister and Master Bolse-could probably get it done in less than an hour."

>A. Ask Cheryl and/or Logan if they can help find something
>B. Look for the Mage General
>C. Give up
>D. Write-in idea/dialogue/suggestion

>>42487268
>Ask Zoe to go jewelry shopping
Or did they leave already?

>>42487268
>B. Look for the Mage General
Time to learn why she's so interested in us.

>>42487268
>Time to spar with Bovis
Finding something metal we can wear is easy. It can wait.

>>42487383
Recent events have done away with the possibility of Salia and co. leaving the party.

>>42487494
This is for after

>>42487394
>>42487494
"Er... Alright, then, we'll just... I can find something small and metal to enchant any time." You cough a bit. "Now, it's... really not an attack on any of you, but... I'd like to leave your presence, Bolse."

Bolse nods as the statement is translated, signing something to and from Bovis. Katina explains, "He wants Bovis to follow you around until you've found something or have to leave."

"Ow..!" Kia whines nearby, apparently still having been playing with the bael and fallen on the ground.

While the others are occupied tending to her, you take the break in conversation as a chance to seek out a certain Mage General. At the very least, you should tell her what you did.

You actually manage to catch her in the midst of a discussion with a Vautou you don't recognize, just outside of the castle. "Yes, let Simia know to avoid attacking members of Arvo's fleet who stray onto land."

"Right away, General Corneria." The winged woman flies off again, quite literally right away.

She turns towards you. "Is something the matter, Ellen?"

>A. Write-in response
>B. Admit to giving her/her sister's ring to Nadiel and Lara
>C. Ask why she's so fond of you
>D. Ask where "where she used to live" is
>E. Never mind

>>42487833
>B. Admit to giving her/her sister's ring to Nadiel and Lara
>C. Ask why she's so fond of you

>>42487833
>C. Ask why she's so fond of you

>>42487833
>B. Admit to giving her/her sister's ring to Nadiel and Lara
>C. Ask why she's so fond of you

>>42487872
>>42487887
>>42487894
You explain to her that you used who Bolse thinks was her sister's, but also could have been Corneria's, family ring as a component in a sword.

"I see... Honestly, though, Dolores-that's my sister's name-probably would have liked to hear that it was put to such a use. Such a sword as what you'd described could be... An exceptional weapon."

"General Corneria, you've always seemed so fond of me, but... I honestly can't place why."

Corneria sighs. "Allow me to preface this with a reminder, that people who have sought refuge from the Ulir Archipelago... Very often change their names."

>A. You know
>B. Your point?
>C. Remain silent
>D. Write-in

>>42488274
>C. Remain silent

>>42488274
>>B. Your point?
Go on?

>>42488274
>B. Your point?

>>42488353
>>42488442
"...no offense, but... your point?"

"Right, right, of course... See, my elder sister and I, when I was... Fifteen at the most, decided we wanted nothing to do with the life we had been born into, even if we were very well-off where we were... This is the life of the Dory merchant family."

>Character limit, continued next post.

>>42488888
"So, you used to be... Part of this family. What's this have to do with me?"

"If I could finish... We ended up needing to part ways, live under assumed names. Our family was looking for us, of course, so staying together... Couldn't be done. In the Darros region, we parted ways, her with a man claiming to be a Tarvosian nomad who had grown... dissatisfied with merely roaming the valley, traveled the continent awhile, and decided his dissatisfaction was with travel in general, and that he'd wanted to simply plant his roots in a village in his homeland. Gods, I don't even remember the man's name, but... Anyway, I headed through Heim on my own, and never saw either of them again. I took on the name Corneria, found myself accepted in Elza Oasis, met my late husband... Then, at least twenty years later, a young woman with fair hair and that man's complexion appears, and I sense within her great potential for magic."

You lost both of your parents before you were old enough to remember things. Lambert's father said that your mother and father were respectively taken away and killed by people he figures must have been bandits, but... Even then, this feels like a stretch. "That's... Are you saying that you think I'm your niece or something? That still... feels like it might be a coincidence, even with all of these factors... And my mother's name wasn't Dolores, it was Meteo. Though that one could admittedly be chalked up to 'islanders changing their names,' it's still..."

Corneria closes her eyes, clearly considering whether she should let her next thought leave her lips. Ultimately, she does so. "My birthname was Ellen Dory. This, coupled with all of the other factors I've mentioned... At the very least, it gives me plenty of reason to suspect something such as this."

>A. Okay cool whatever
>B. Thanks for telling me
>C. Why didn't you mention this earlier
>D. Write-in
>E. Don't say anything

>>42488916
>A. Okay cool whatever
>B. Thanks for telling me

>>42488916
>>D. Write-in
Mind blown. I'm named after you.

>>42488916
>A. Okay cool whatever
Tis what it is, Nothing to fuss over really, I mean Ellen turned out just fine without them or her.

>>42488916
>C. Why didn't you mention this earlier
>Is there any way we could check?

>>42488916
>B. Thanks for telling me

>>42488977
>>42488978
>>42488990
>>42489002
"Alright, cool..."

"You seem underwhelmed."

"I guess I wasn't ever really all that concerned with my background... It's nice to know, but... Is there any way to check? I mean, my mom disappeared before I could even remember things..."

"I could... Possibly find the answer in Ulir, assuming Dolores wasn't truly abducted by bandits, but by hired hands of our old family... Is it fair to assume based on what evidence we have, though?"

>A. You think so
>B. Thanks for your time
>C. You honestly doubt it (explanation preferred)
>D. Write-in

>>42489324
>A. You think so
>B. Thanks for your time

>>42489324
>A. You think so
>B. Thanks for your time
Do none of you actually care that much?

>>42489324
>A. You think so
>B. Thanks for your time
>>42489463
I think it would be cool if Ellen could pick up some magic but she's already in the Hero class now.

>>42489463
I honestly think it's hilarious/fitting how little Ellen cares about her familial history.

>>42489463
I care... the plot hooks. They're going away.

>>42489463
>Do none of you actually care that much?
Just staying in character really, I don't think Ellen would give much of a crap since y'know she may be related by blood but she's not really family to her, And Ellen is a str character as have been proven.

>>42489391
>>42489463
>>42489501
"Yeah, I think... It's quite the coincidence, but it makes a lot of sense with what you've said, General Corneria. Thank you for your time, and... Have fun at the family reunion?"

Corneria chuckles slightly. "I think I will. Bolse and Katina know where their mother came from, and that I had a sister, but... I would rather they not actually meet that side of our family, as long as they're still young and impressionable. Bolse's skillset could come in very handy turning the tides in Cord, and he's even asked to be involved... He and Katina are also trying to talk me into dropping a fortune on cheap jewelry for enchanting purposes."

Your conversation peters out after that, and you speak to Bovis in an open area.

"What do you require?"

>A. Fight me with all you've got
>B. Duel with me
>C. Never mind
>D. Write-in dialogue

>>42489820
>B. Duel with me

>>42489820
>A. Fight me with all you've got

>>42489820
>B. Duel with me

>>42489820
>B. Duel with me
Option A is the trap option.

>>42489820
>>B. Duel with me

>>42489875
>>42489904
>>42489937
>>42489986
"You know how you wiped the floor with me the last time... Well, the last couple times we fought?"

"I only recall one."

"Right, right, thinking of someone else, then... Anyway, I want to see how far I've come, just... Have a friendly duel. You grabbed those practice swords I asked about, right?"

"Correct."

"Alright, then, let's just... have a nice, light-hearted spar, then."

Drawing the harmless weapons, you and Bovis face each other. The face that once belonged to your oldest friend, your brother, even... Is finally able to have a harmless match with you again.

>A. Attack!
>B. Let him try to strike first
>C. Try to withstand his inevitable strikes
>D. Write-in

>>42490091
>B. Let him try to strike first

>>42490091
>A. Attack!
He who strikes first wins!

>>42490091
>A. Attack!

>>42490129
>>42490170
You strike first, your blows being parried by Bovis', an action which he repeats to similar results. Your greater outright strength and more imposing frame manages to stagger him when you knock him away, however, and as the Deadlord regains his balance, you come at him.

>A. Go for his body
>B. Go for his legs
>C. Go for his feet
>D. Go for his sword hand
>E. Write-in

>>42490269
>B. Go for his legs

>>42490269
>B. Go for his legs
Back of the knee

>>42490269
>B. Go for his legs

>>42490313
>>42490320
>>42490390
You aim for his legs, namely going for a strike to the back of his knee with your training sword. Though Bovis does not outwardly express pain (you still don't think Deadlords can actually feel it), his leg stops listening to him uselessly, and his attempts at retaliation are easily brought down.

In a matter of moments, Bovis is on the ground, sword out of his hands. "Have I been... defeated, by the standards of your duel?"

>A. Yes
>B. No, keep fighting
>C. Write-in?

>>42490497
Do you yield?

>>42490540
Second.

>>42490540
>>42490563
"Depends. Do you yield?"

"...I am not used to the concept of loss in battle without death ensuing, but yes. I yield."

You help Bovis up, morbidly curious about if he would have literally killed you if you didn't win, based on what was just said. You don't breach the subject, however, instead focusing on Gorman, apparently looking on and impressed.

The next day, Corneria, several fellow Mage Fighters, Yancy (you didn't notice he was in town, either. He's one arm lighter than last you met) that assistant of hers named Maria, and the Great Miles, minus Laurina, shove off Southwards. A small band of Vautou agree to fly princess Kia to Elza Oasis.

You might have time to talk to someone before you all head East.

>A. Speak to Garrus and Yvette
>B. Speak to Eva
>C. Speak to Victoria
>D. Speak to Salia, Zoe, and Monica
>E. Speak to Gorman and Laurina
>F. Speak to someone else (specify)

>>42490768
Did Bolse leave or is he still with us?

>>42490768
What's everyones social ran kwith us?

>>42490768
>D. Speak to Salia, Zoe, and Monica
Pick out our new anticurse thing with Zoe

>>42490941
You spend the last few moments in Rakche for the time being with Princess Salia and the sisters who serve her.

You discuss what the twins mentioned earlier, and how you should really be looking for some accessory to repel the necromancy-related curse, especially since you're about to travel with Bolse for a time again.

"Do you think they'll have time to make it while we're moving around like this?"

>A. ...crap
>B. Surely!
>C. Write-in

>>42491133
>B. Surely!

>>42491133
>B. Surely!
Let's just find something first. He can work on it when there's time.

>>42491133
>B. Surely!
They would have said something otherwise.

>>42491178
>>42491201
>>42491265
"Surely! I mean, we'll be able to take breaks from walking around... In the meantime, let's just figure out what we can use for them..."

Monica down, apparently at her hands, but then shakes her head and doesn't say anything of note. Salia speaks up, though. "I'm... pretty sure that their mom bought a ton of cheap rings the other day for them. I mean, why would she let Bolse come along at all unless they had something in mind for all the Tarvosians in the group?"

>A. She has a point
>B. Corneria actually did that?
>C. Where are they, anyway?
>D. Write-in

>>42491360
>C. Where are they, anyway?

>>42491360
>B. Corneria actually did that?
>C. Where are they, anyway?

>>42491360
>B. Corneria actually did that?
>C. Where are they, anyway?

>>42491360
>So they might be my cousin and niece

>>42491388
>>42491406
>>42491426
"She mentioned that they'd asked her to... You mean she actually did that, though?"

Salia nods, and Zoe adds, "that's really nice of her."

"Yeah, but... Where are her kids, anyway? I know they didn't leave for Ulir with her..."

As if on cue, Logan walks by, hoisting two teenagers on his shoulders, both of whom look very much like they're moments away from passing out. Cheryl flies nearby carrying a box of rings, one of which you quickly grab and throw on to offset the nausea that Bolse's presence has.

"Kids literally spent all night enchanting these things," Logan explains, "only just finished when we were over at the castle looking for them."

"I'm supposed to hand these out to anyone who seems to be made sick by Bolse being near!" Cheryl finishes.

>A. That's great
>B. Say something else (specify)
>C. Write-in
>D. Remain silent

>>42491560
>>A. That's great

>>42491560
>A. That's great
Thanks for doing all that.

>>42491560
>A. That's great

>>42491560
>A. That's great
>Thank you!
>Nat might need one too

>>42491576
>>42491589
>>42491608
>>42491635
"That's great to hear! Er... Thanks for doing all that, you two."

"No problem..." Katina grumbles.

"Also, er... Natalie, Reese, Quidel's uncle, any nomads who might be helping us..."

Logan nods. "We got Antiman one on the way here, were just about to go distribute these to some of the other Tarvosians."

Zoe asks, "oh, do you need help with that?"

Cheryl responds, "I'd love to have your help! Monica, feel like joining us on this noble quest?"

Monica closes her eyes for a moment before responding, "...sure."

The three sisters all head off to do that, Zoe the last to depart with a kiss farewell.

At the very least, one major problem has been addressed.

Now the only thing you'll need to worry about if you should run into Princess Paula again is the horrible reality that an eight year-old is sending undead hordes after your lot.

>To be continued next thread
Thanks for playing.

As always, you can follow our update twitter @qmgrandflocto, ask us shit at ask.fm/qmgrandflocto, or just ask me shit here in the thread.

>>42491768
Thank you for running!

>>42491768
Thanks for running!

>>42491785
>>42491802
Always a pleasure.

As an aside, if Garrus had gone to Ulir, Laurina wouldn't have abstained from going there with the rest of the Great Miles. She would have willingly, though definitely not happily, aided in bringing down Durvan's faction.