Jump to content
Black Chicken Studios Forums

Rhialto's Marvelous Writings


Rhialto
 Share

Recommended Posts

I don't know the word for it, but this reads like these characters are rehearsing for a play and are incredibly uncomfortable with the roles they were assigned. I can't imagine Prudence and Oan, especially an Oan who's adventure the PC finished in Y1, interacting in such a...again don't know the word for it, formal? Adult? Stilted? Anyway, I can't imagine them interacting like this.

Also, of all the things to point out as being odd about Sima, the shape of her eyes probably wouldn't hit the top ten of most students, so signalling that out just looks...out of place. Again, like these characters were given lines and (awkwardly) pretending like they aren't going off script relative to how a real conversation would go.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Definitely better, albeit still a bit overly stiff in places. A friend of PC Oan going "I wish that you and the person whom you are with could have attended the full assembly" seems borderline OOC for her. IIRC, while as friendly as can be, Oan has the stiff upper lip of a winged, rampaging elephant. 'Least around those she trusts.

Beyond that, parts still read like no teenager (except maybe Catherine Chard) would choose to actually say things. Definitely not Prudence, based on how she talks during her Y1 adventure.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Metis: Once again, many thanks for your feedback. I have rewritten the adventure a third time to be even less stilted.

Any feedback from anyone is welcome.

Dear Prudence 01:

 

Adventure

 

[If PC completed the Y1 adventure Just Going About Your Business]

 

[If PC completed Flore Yveuillet’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC has Affection with Flore Yveuillet]

 

Prudence leads you to the Ardica River, after which she turns towards a particular low flat stone that is so covered by thick mosses and overshadowed by plants that, but for her attention to it, you would have thought it to be a clump of vegetation. Writing phemes in rapid succession, Prudence causes the stone slab to rise and move to one side, after which she reached below and pulls out a faintly smeared wooden box. Opening the box, she reveals to you several sheets of blank paper of the quality and size that newspapers are printed upon, some remnants of fishing lures, and a canvas bag, the last of which she hands to you.

“Open the bag and read what is in it,” she says.

Not wanting to risk upsetting Prudence – who has, after all, made such efforts to reveal the bag’s contents rather than having you do all of the work – you silently open the bag, hoping that Prudence will follow her name by not having given you anything too embarrassing – or illegal.

Within the canvas bag, you find a recent copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar, bearing a large headline reading “Prudence the Pirate?”

You begin to read the associated article, whose anonymous author alleges that “certain very trustworthy persons” are claiming that Prudence Cossins must be a pirate – and they have proof! Not sure whether to be more shocked by the allegation about Prudence or by the author’s apparent willingness to provide proof, you numbly read through the rest of the article. It does not provide definite proof, but at least it is more than anti-Auncestrian stereotyping or allegations that all who fight as much as Prudence does must be pirates. The author points out that Prudence interfered during a pirate raid last Juvenalia in such a way that pirates were benefitted, notes that during her arithmetic classes during her first year she was known to reply to instructions with “Aye-aye, cap’n,” notes that it is unusual that a non-noble with no recorded studies at Esteban Contu’s school would be so skilled at incantation, and suggests that it is very peculiar that Prudence would have chosen as her first year courses what she took, given her temperament – unless her education had been financed by a pirate coster that wanted a skilled scholar-mage, come in time. The article includes innuendoes about Prudence’s perhaps using the Belonging Brethren to recruit pirates for her coster, hints that her friendship with Flore Yveuillet is merely part of a plot by her coster to kidnap Flore, and concludes by pointing out that there are accounts of people even younger than Prudence is who have joined pirate crews.

When you look up from the newspaper, you see Prudence looking at you, tensely.

“What do you think?” she croaks.

“My eyes saw and my mind comprehended that at least one pirate vessel operating in the skies near Mineta had a boy even younger than I was last year among its crew-members, but I am not sure what to think about…the rest.” You hope that your words, drawn out and clumsy as they may be, are sufficient to avoid angering Prudence. What if she is a hidden pirate? Would she hate you for exposing her secret? What if she wants to be thought of as a pirate? Would she hate you for not believing her to be one?

Prudence, to her credit, sees your uncertainty and replies rapidly. “I don’t like this story about me. Aaran Ledale – the freaky Aranaz orphan who loves studying law – says that Minetan authorities could hang me if I were convicted of being what this article says. Flore thinks it to be hilarious – I honestly think that she wishes that I were a pirate plotting to kidnap her. Her family could afford her ransom, and her being a pirate’s friend would help her to be less “Castellan’s daughter” and more “tough young woman,” if you know what I mean? But I’m not Flore. I can’t pay for even one lawyer to defend me if I were to be accused of piracy, let alone the several whom she could hire.”

You nod in understanding. Flore has a pleasant side that you are familiar with after much effort and many attempts to help her in achieving her unhealthy social desires, but she has little understanding of the way in which the world works. Being abducted by pirates, as you could tell her but have not due to recurring nightmares about your experience, is nothing fun, and if the Minetan authorities were to charge Prudence with being a pirate, her life could be seriously unpleasant even if she were not convicted.

Prudence’s face softens in relief as she sees your understanding. “So what I would like you to do is listen to me talk about my life, then go to von Kiep and get her to take back this story. We can meet at this place where I go fishing whenever you want. Honestly, it was my love of fishing that got me into this mess to begin with. I have an arrangement with the printers of the school newspaper to buy unused broadsheets for storing fish as I measure and clean them, and one printer thought that I should know what he was printing about me. Now come – let us go back to the Academagia.”

Prudence takes your hand and gestures you away from her fishing place.

[If PC has no Affection with Flore Yveuillet]

 

Prudence leads you to the Ardica River, after which she turns towards a particular low flat stone that is so covered by thick mosses and overshadowed by plants that, but for her attention to it, you would have thought it to be a clump of vegetation. Writing phemes in rapid succession, Prudence causes the stone slab to rise and move to one side, after which she reached below and pulls out a faintly smeared wooden box. Opening the box, she reveals to you several sheets of blank paper of the quality and size that newspapers are printed upon, some remnants of fishing lures, and a canvas bag, the last of which she hands to you.

“Open the bag and read what is in it,” she says.

Not wanting to risk upsetting Prudence – who has, after all, made such efforts to reveal the bag’s contents rather than having you do all of the work – you silently open the bag, hoping that Prudence will follow her name by not having given you anything too embarrassing – or illegal.

Within the canvas bag, you find a recent copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar, bearing a large headline reading “Prudence the Pirate?”

You begin to read the associated article, whose anonymous author alleges that “certain very trustworthy persons” are claiming that Prudence Cossins must be a pirate – and they have proof! Not sure whether to be more shocked by the allegation about Prudence or by the author’s apparent willingness to provide proof, you numbly read through the rest of the article. It does not provide definite proof, but at least it is more than anti-Auncestrian stereotyping or allegations that all who fight as much as Prudence does must be pirates. The author points out that Prudence interfered during a pirate raid last Juvenalia in such a way that pirates were benefitted, notes that during her arithmetic classes during her first year she was known to reply to instructions with “Aye-aye, cap’n,” notes that it is unusual that a non-noble with no recorded studies at Esteban Contu’s school would be so skilled at incantation, and suggests that it is very peculiar that Prudence would have chosen as her first year courses what she took, given her temperament – unless her education had been financed by a pirate coster that wanted a skilled scholar-mage, come in time. The article includes innuendoes about Prudence’s perhaps using the Belonging Brethren to recruit pirates for her coster, hints that her friendship with Flore Yveuillet is merely part of a plot by her coster to kidnap Flore, and concludes by pointing out that there are accounts of people even younger than Prudence is who have joined pirate crews.

When you look up from the newspaper, you see Prudence looking at you, tensely.

“What do you think?” she croaks.

“My eyes saw and my mind comprehended that at least one pirate vessel operating in the skies near Mineta had a boy even younger than I was last year among its crew-members, but I am not sure what to think about…the rest.” You hope that your words, drawn out and clumsy as they may be, are sufficient to avoid angering Prudence. What if she is a hidden pirate? Would she hate you for exposing her secret? What if she wants to be thought of as a pirate? Would she hate you for not believing her to be one?

Prudence, to her credit, sees your uncertainty and replies rapidly. “I don’t like this story about me. Aaran Ledale – the freaky Aranaz orphan who loves studying law – says that Minetan authorities could hang me if I were convicted of being what this article says. Flore thinks it to be hilarious – I honestly think that she wishes that I were a pirate plotting to kidnap her. Her family could afford her ransom, and her being a pirate’s friend would help her to be less “Castellan’s daughter” and more “tough young woman,” if you know what I mean? But I’m not Flore. I can’t pay for even one lawyer to defend me if I were to be accused of piracy, let alone the several whom she could hire.”

You nod. Flore’s efforts to have you help her in achieving her unhealthy social desires suggest that she has little understanding of the way in which the world works. Being abducted by pirates, as you could tell her but have not due to recurring nightmares about your experience, is nothing fun, and if the Minetan authorities were to charge Prudence with being a pirate, her life could be seriously unpleasant even if she were not convicted.

Prudence’s face softens in relief as she sees your understanding. “So what I would like you to do is listen to me talk about my life, then go to von Kiep and get her to take back this story. We can meet at this place where I go fishing whenever you want. Honestly, it was my love of fishing that got me into this mess to begin with. I have an arrangement with the printers of the school newspaper to buy unused broadsheets for storing fish as I measure and clean them, and one printer thought that I should know what he was printing about me. Now come – let us go back to the Academagia.”

Prudence takes your hand and gestures you away from her fishing place.

[If PC did not complete Flore Yveuillet’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC has Affection with Flore Yveuillet]

 

Prudence leads you to the Ardica River, after which she turns towards a particular low flat stone that is so covered by thick mosses and overshadowed by plants that, but for her attention to it, you would have thought it to be a clump of vegetation. Writing phemes in rapid succession, Prudence causes the stone slab to rise and move to one side, after which she reached below and pulls out a faintly smeared wooden box. Opening the box, she reveals to you several sheets of blank paper of the quality and size that newspapers are printed upon, some remnants of fishing lures, and a canvas bag, the last of which she hands to you.

“Open the bag and read what is in it,” she says.

Not wanting to risk upsetting Prudence – who has, after all, made such efforts to reveal the bag’s contents rather than having you do all of the work – you silently open the bag, hoping that Prudence will follow her name by not having given you anything too embarrassing – or illegal.

Within the canvas bag, you find a recent copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar, bearing a large headline reading “Prudence the Pirate?”

You begin to read the associated article, whose anonymous author alleges that “certain very trustworthy persons” are claiming that Prudence Cossins must be a pirate – and they have proof! Not sure whether to be more shocked by the allegation about Prudence or by the author’s apparent willingness to provide proof, you numbly read through the rest of the article. It does not provide definite proof, but at least it is more than anti-Auncestrian stereotyping or allegations that all who fight as much as Prudence does must be pirates. The author points out that Prudence interfered during a pirate raid last Juvenalia in such a way that pirates were benefitted, notes that during her arithmetic classes during her first year she was known to reply to instructions with “Aye-aye, cap’n,” notes that it is unusual that a non-noble with no recorded studies at Esteban Contu’s school would be so skilled at incantation, and suggests that it is very peculiar that Prudence would have chosen as her first year courses what she took, given her temperament – unless her education had been financed by a pirate coster that wanted a skilled scholar-mage, come in time. The article includes innuendoes about Prudence’s perhaps using the Belonging Brethren to recruit pirates for her coster, hints that her friendship with Flore Yveuillet is merely part of a plot by her coster to kidnap Flore, and concludes by pointing out that there are accounts of people even younger than Prudence is who have joined pirate crews.

When you look up from the newspaper, you see Prudence looking at you, tensely.

“What do you think?” she croaks.

“My eyes saw and my mind comprehended that at least one pirate vessel operating in the skies near Mineta had a boy even younger than I was last year among its crew-members, but I am not sure what to think about…the rest.” You hope that your words, drawn out and clumsy as they may be, are sufficient to avoid angering Prudence. What if she is a hidden pirate? Would she hate you for exposing her secret? What if she wants to be thought of as a pirate? Would she hate you for not believing her to be one?

Prudence, to her credit, sees your uncertainty and replies rapidly. “I don’t like this story about me. Aaran Ledale – the freaky Aranaz orphan who loves studying law – says that Minetan authorities could hang me if I were convicted of being what this article says. Flore thinks it to be hilarious – I honestly think that she wishes that I were a pirate plotting to kidnap her. Her family could afford her ransom, and her being a pirate’s friend would help her to be less “Castellan’s daughter” and more “tough young woman,” if you know what I mean? But I’m not Flore. I can’t pay for even one lawyer to defend me if I were to be accused of piracy, let alone the several whom she could hire.”

You shake your head. Flore has a pleasant side that you are familiar with after much effort, but you now realize that she has little understanding of the way in which the world works. Being abducted by pirates, as you could tell her but have not due to recurring nightmares about your experience, is nothing fun, and if the Minetan authorities were to charge Prudence with being a pirate, her life could be seriously unpleasant even if she were not convicted.

Prudence’s face spasms as she sees your puzzlement. “Flore is Flore, and Flore can be weird. But back to me. What I would like you to do is listen to me talk about my life, then go to von Kiep and get her to take back this story. We can meet at this place where I go fishing whenever you want. Honestly, it was my love of fishing that got me into this mess to begin with. I have an arrangement with the printers of the school newspaper to buy unused broadsheets for storing fish as I measure and clean them, and one printer thought that I should know what he was printing about me. Now come – let us go back to the Academagia.”

Prudence takes your hand and gestures you away from her fishing place.

[If PC has no Affection with Flore Yveuillet]

 

Prudence leads you to the Ardica River, after which she turns towards a particular low flat stone that is so covered by thick mosses and overshadowed by plants that, but for her attention to it, you would have thought it to be a clump of vegetation. Writing phemes in rapid succession, Prudence causes the stone slab to rise and move to one side, after which she reached below and pulls out a faintly smeared wooden box. Opening the box, she reveals to you several sheets of blank paper of the quality and size that newspapers are printed upon, some remnants of fishing lures, and a canvas bag, the last of which she hands to you.

“Open the bag and read what is in it,” she says.

Not wanting to risk upsetting Prudence – who has, after all, made such efforts to reveal the bag’s contents rather than having you do all of the work – you silently open the bag, hoping that Prudence will follow her name by not having given you anything too embarrassing – or illegal.

Within the canvas bag, you find a recent copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar, bearing a large headline reading “Prudence the Pirate?”

You begin to read the associated article, whose anonymous author alleges that “certain very trustworthy persons” are claiming that Prudence Cossins must be a pirate – and they have proof! Not sure whether to be more shocked by the allegation about Prudence or by the author’s apparent willingness to provide proof, you numbly read through the rest of the article. It does not provide definite proof, but at least it is more than anti-Auncestrian stereotyping or allegations that all who fight as much as Prudence does must be pirates. The author points out that Prudence interfered during a pirate raid last Juvenalia in such a way that pirates were benefitted, notes that during her arithmetic classes during her first year she was known to reply to instructions with “Aye-aye, cap’n,” notes that it is unusual that a non-noble with no recorded studies at Esteban Contu’s school would be so skilled at incantation, and suggests that it is very peculiar that Prudence would have chosen as her first year courses what she took, given her temperament – unless her education had been financed by a pirate coster that wanted a skilled scholar-mage, come in time. The article includes innuendoes about Prudence’s perhaps using the Belonging Brethren to recruit pirates for her coster, hints that her friendship with Flore Yveuillet is merely part of a plot by her coster to kidnap Flore, and concludes by pointing out that there are accounts of people even younger than Prudence is who have joined pirate crews.

When you look up from the newspaper, you see Prudence looking at you, tensely.

“What do you think?” she croaks.

“My eyes saw and my mind comprehended that at least one pirate vessel operating in the skies near Mineta had a boy even younger than I was last year among its crew-members, but I am not sure what to think about…the rest.” You hope that your words, drawn out and clumsy as they may be, are sufficient to avoid angering Prudence. What if she is a hidden pirate? Would she hate you for exposing her secret? What if she wants to be thought of as a pirate? Would she hate you for not believing her to be one?

Prudence, to her credit, sees your uncertainty and replies rapidly. “I don’t like this story about me. Aaran Ledale – the freaky Aranaz orphan who loves studying law – says that Minetan authorities could hang me if I were convicted of being what this article says. Flore thinks it to be hilarious – I honestly think that she wishes that I were a pirate plotting to kidnap her. Her family could afford her ransom, and her being a pirate’s friend would help her to be less “Castellan’s daughter” and more “tough young woman,” if you know what I mean? But I’m not Flore. I can’t pay for even one lawyer to defend me if I were to be accused of piracy, let alone the several whom she could hire.”

You shake your head. Until Prudence had told you about Flore, you had had no idea that Flore has such little understanding of the way in which the world works. Being abducted by pirates, as you could tell her but have not due to recurring nightmares about your experience, is nothing fun, and if the Minetan authorities were to charge Prudence with being a pirate, her life could be seriously unpleasant even if she were not convicted.

Prudence’s face spasms as she sees your puzzlement. “Flore is Flore, and Flore can be weird. But back to me. What I would like you to do is listen to me talk about my life, then go to von Kiep and get her to take back this story. We can meet at this place where I go fishing whenever you want. Honestly, it was my love of fishing that got me into this mess to begin with. I have an arrangement with the printers of the school newspaper to buy unused broadsheets for storing fish as I measure and clean them, and one printer thought that I should know what he was printing about me. Now come – let us go back to the Academagia.”

Prudence takes your hand and gestures you away from her fishing place.

[If PC did not complete the Y1 adventure Just Going About Your Business]

 

[If PC completed Flore Yveuillet’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC has Affection with Flore Yveuillet]

 

Prudence leads you to the Ardica River, after which she turns towards a particular low flat stone that is so covered by thick mosses and overshadowed by plants that, but for her attention to it, you would have thought it to be a clump of vegetation. Writing phemes in rapid succession, Prudence causes the stone slab to rise and move to one side, after which she reached below and pulls out a faintly smeared wooden box. Opening the box, she reveals to you several sheets of blank paper of the quality and size that newspapers are printed upon, some remnants of fishing lures, and a canvas bag, the last of which she hands to you.

“Open the bag and read what is in it,” she says.

Not wanting to risk upsetting Prudence – who has, after all, made such efforts to reveal the bag’s contents rather than having you do all of the work – you silently open the bag, hoping that Prudence will follow her name by not having given you anything too embarrassing – or illegal.

Within the canvas bag, you find a recent copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar, bearing a large headline reading “Prudence the Pirate?”

You begin to read the associated article, whose anonymous author alleges that “certain very trustworthy persons” are claiming that Prudence Cossins must be a pirate – and they have proof! Not sure whether to be more shocked by the allegation about Prudence or by the author’s apparent willingness to provide proof, you numbly read through the rest of the article. It does not provide definite proof, but at least it is more than anti-Auncestrian stereotyping or allegations that all who fight as much as Prudence does must be pirates. The author points out that Prudence interfered during a pirate raid last Juvenalia in such a way that pirates were benefitted, notes that during her arithmetic classes during her first year she was known to reply to instructions with “Aye-aye, cap’n,” notes that it is unusual that a non-noble with no recorded studies at Esteban Contu’s school would be so skilled at incantation, and suggests that it is very peculiar that Prudence would have chosen as her first year courses what she took, given her temperament – unless her education had been financed by a pirate coster that wanted a skilled scholar-mage, come in time. The article includes innuendoes about Prudence’s perhaps using the Belonging Brethren to recruit pirates for her coster, hints that her friendship with Flore Yveuillet is merely part of a plot by her coster to kidnap Flore, and concludes by pointing out that there are accounts of people even younger than Prudence is who have joined pirate crews.

When you look up from the newspaper, you see Prudence looking at you, tensely.

“What do you think?” she croaks.

“These are serious allegations.” You hope that your words, non-committal as they may be, are sufficient to avoid angering Prudence. What if she is a hidden pirate? Would she hate you for exposing her secret? What if she wants to be thought of as a pirate? Would she hate you for not believing her to be one?

Prudence, to her credit, sees your uncertainty and replies rapidly. “I don’t like this story about me. Aaran Ledale – the freaky Aranaz orphan who loves studying law – says that Minetan authorities could hang me if I were convicted of being what this article says. Flore thinks it to be hilarious – I honestly think that she wishes that I were a pirate plotting to kidnap her. Her family could afford her ransom, and her being a pirate’s friend would help her to be less “Castellan’s daughter” and more “tough young woman,” if you know what I mean? But I’m not Flore. I can’t pay for even one lawyer to defend me if I were to be accused of piracy, let alone the several whom she could hire.”

You nod in understanding. Flore has a pleasant side that you are familiar with after much effort and many attempts to help her in achieving her unhealthy social desires, but she has little understanding of the way in which the world works. If the Minetan authorities were to charge Prudence with being a pirate, her life could be seriously unpleasant even if she were not convicted.

Prudence’s face softens in relief as she sees your understanding. “So what I would like you to do is listen to me talk about my life, then go to von Kiep and get her to take back this story. We can meet at this place where I go fishing whenever you want. Honestly, it was my love of fishing that got me into this mess to begin with. I have an arrangement with the printers of the school newspaper to buy unused broadsheets for storing fish as I measure and clean them, and one printer thought that I should know what he was printing about me. Now come – let us go back to the Academagia.”

Prudence takes your hand and gestures you away from her fishing place.

[If PC has no Affection with Flore Yveuillet]

 

Prudence leads you to the Ardica River, after which she turns towards a particular low flat stone that is so covered by thick mosses and overshadowed by plants that, but for her attention to it, you would have thought it to be a clump of vegetation. Writing phemes in rapid succession, Prudence causes the stone slab to rise and move to one side, after which she reached below and pulls out a faintly smeared wooden box. Opening the box, she reveals to you several sheets of blank paper of the quality and size that newspapers are printed upon, some remnants of fishing lures, and a canvas bag, the last of which she hands to you.

“Open the bag and read what is in it,” she says.

Not wanting to risk upsetting Prudence – who has, after all, made such efforts to reveal the bag’s contents rather than having you do all of the work – you silently open the bag, hoping that Prudence will follow her name by not having given you anything too embarrassing – or illegal.

Within the canvas bag, you find a recent copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar, bearing a large headline reading “Prudence the Pirate?”

You begin to read the associated article, whose anonymous author alleges that “certain very trustworthy persons” are claiming that Prudence Cossins must be a pirate – and they have proof! Not sure whether to be more shocked by the allegation about Prudence or by the author’s apparent willingness to provide proof, you numbly read through the rest of the article. It does not provide definite proof, but at least it is more than anti-Auncestrian stereotyping or allegations that all who fight as much as Prudence does must be pirates. The author points out that Prudence interfered during a pirate raid last Juvenalia in such a way that pirates were benefitted, notes that during her arithmetic classes during her first year she was known to reply to instructions with “Aye-aye, cap’n,” notes that it is unusual that a non-noble with no recorded stuidies at Esteban Contu’s school would be so skilled at incantation, and suggests that it is very peculiar that Prudence would have chosen as her first year courses what she took, given her temperament – unless her education had been financed by a pirate coster that wanted a skilled scholar-mage, come in time. The article includes innuendoes about Prudence’s perhaps using the Belonging Brethren to recruit pirates for her coster, hints that her friendship with Flore Yveuillet is merely part of a plot by her coster to kidnap Flore, and concludes by pointing out that there are accounts of people even younger than Prudence is who have joined pirate crews.

When you look up from the newspaper, you see Prudence looking at you, tensely.

“What do you think?” she croaks.

“These are serious allegations.” You hope that your words, non-committal as they may be, are sufficient to avoid angering Prudence. What if she is a hidden pirate? Would she hate you for exposing her secret? What if she wants to be thought of as a pirate? Would she hate you for not believing her to be one?

Prudence, to her credit, sees your uncertainty and replies rapidly. “I don’t like this story about me. Aaran Ledale – the freaky Aranaz orphan who loves studying law – says that Minetan authorities could hang me if I were convicted of being what this article says. Flore thinks it to be hilarious – I honestly think that she wishes that I were a pirate plotting to kidnap her. Her family could afford her ransom, and her being a pirate’s friend would help her to be less “Castellan’s daughter” and more “tough young woman,” if you know what I mean? But I’m not Flore. I can’t pay for even one lawyer to defend me if I were to be accused of piracy, let alone the several whom she could hire.”

You nod. Flore’s efforts to have you help her in achieving her unhealthy social desires suggest that she has little understanding of the way in which the world works. If the Minetan authorities were to charge Prudence with being a pirate, her life could be seriously unpleasant even if she were not convicted.

Prudence’s face softens in relief as she sees your understanding. “So what I would like you to do is listen to me talk about my life, then go to von Kiep and get her to take back this story. We can meet at this place where I go fishing whenever you want. Honestly, it was my love of fishing that got me into this mess to begin with. I have an arrangement with the printers of the school newspaper to buy unused broadsheets for storing fish as I measure and clean them, and one printer thought that I should know what he was printing about me. Now come – let us go back to the Academagia.”

Prudence takes your hand and gestures you away from her fishing place.

[If PC did not complete Flore Yveuillet’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC has Affection with Flore Yveuillet]

 

Prudence leads you to the Ardica River, after which she turns towards a particular low flat stone that is so covered by thick mosses and overshadowed by plants that, but for her attention to it, you would have thought it to be a clump of vegetation. Writing phemes in rapid succession, Prudence causes the stone slab to rise and move to one side, after which she reached below and pulls out a faintly smeared wooden box. Opening the box, she reveals to you several sheets of blank paper of the quality and size that newspapers are printed upon, some remnants of fishing lures, and a canvas bag, the last of which she hands to you.

“Open the bag and read what is in it,” she says.

Not wanting to risk upsetting Prudence – who has, after all, made such efforts to reveal the bag’s contents rather than having you do all of the work – you silently open the bag, hoping that Prudence will follow her name by not having given you anything too embarrassing – or illegal.

Within the canvas bag, you find a recent copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar, bearing a large headline reading “Prudence the Pirate?”

You begin to read the associated article, whose anonymous author alleges that “certain very trustworthy persons” are claiming that Prudence Cossins must be a pirate – and they have proof! Not sure whether to be more shocked by the allegation about Prudence or by the author’s apparent willingness to provide proof, you numbly read through the rest of the article. It does not provide definite proof, but at least it is more than anti-Auncestrian stereotyping or allegations that all who fight as much as Prudence does must be pirates. The author points out that Prudence interfered during a pirate raid last Juvenalia in such a way that pirates were benefitted, notes that during her arithmetic classes during her first year she was known to reply to instructions with “Aye-aye, cap’n,” notes that it is unusual that a non-noble with no recorded stuidies at Esteban Contu’s school would be so skilled at incantation, and suggests that it is very peculiar that Prudence would have chosen as her first year courses what she took, given her temperament – unless her education had been financed by a pirate coster that wanted a skilled scholar-mage, come in time. The article includes innuendoes about Prudence’s perhaps using the Belonging Brethren to recruit pirates for her coster, hints that her friendship with Flore Yveuillet is merely part of a plot by her coster to kidnap Flore, and concludes by pointing out that there are accounts of people even younger than Prudence is who have joined pirate crews.

When you look up from the newspaper, you see Prudence looking at you, tensely.

“What do you think?” she croaks.

“These are serious allegations.” You hope that your words, non-committal as they may be, are sufficient to avoid angering Prudence. What if she is a hidden pirate? Would she hate you for exposing her secret? What if she wants to be thought of as a pirate? Would she hate you for not believing her to be one?

Prudence, to her credit, sees your uncertainty and replies rapidly. “I don’t like this story about me. Aaran Ledale – the freaky Aranaz orphan who loves studying law – says that Minetan authorities could hang me if I were convicted of being what this article says. Flore thinks it to be hilarious – I honestly think that she wishes that I were a pirate plotting to kidnap her. Her family could afford her ransom, and her being a pirate’s friend would help her to be less “Castellan’s daughter” and more “tough young woman,” if you know what I mean? But I’m not Flore. I can’t pay for even one lawyer to defend me if I were to be accused of piracy, let alone the several whom she could hire.”

You shake your head. Flore has a pleasant side that you are familiar with after much effort, but you now realize that she has little understanding of the way in which the world works. If the Minetan authorities were to charge Prudence with being a pirate, her life could be seriously unpleasant even if she were not convicted.

Prudence’s face spasms as she sees your puzzlement. “Flore is Flore, and Flore can be weird. But back to me. What I would like you to do is listen to me talk about my life, then go to von Kiep and get her to take back this story. We can meet at this place where I go fishing whenever you want. Honestly, it was my love of fishing that got me into this mess to begin with. I have an arrangement with the printers of the school newspaper to buy unused broadsheets for storing fish as I measure and clean them, and one printer thought that I should know what he was printing about me. Now come – let us go back to the Academagia.”

Prudence takes your hand and gestures you away from her fishing place.

[If PC has no Affection with Flore Yveuillet]

 

Prudence leads you to the Ardica River, after which she turns towards a particular low flat stone that is so covered by thick mosses and overshadowed by plants that, but for her attention to it, you would have thought it to be a clump of vegetation. Writing phemes in rapid succession, Prudence causes the stone slab to rise and move to one side, after which she reached below and pulls out a faintly smeared wooden box. Opening the box, she reveals to you several sheets of blank paper of the quality and size that newspapers are printed upon, some remnants of fishing lures, and a canvas bag, the last of which she hands to you.

“Open the bag and read what is in it,” she says.

Not wanting to risk upsetting Prudence – who has, after all, made such efforts to reveal the bag’s contents rather than having you do all of the work – you silently open the bag, hoping that Prudence will follow her name by not having given you anything too embarrassing – or illegal.

Within the canvas bag, you find a recent copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar, bearing a large headline reading “Prudence the Pirate?”

You begin to read the associated article, whose anonymous author alleges that “certain very trustworthy persons” are claiming that Prudence Cossins must be a pirate – and they have proof! Not sure whether to be more shocked by the allegation about Prudence or by the author’s apparent willingness to provide proof, you numbly read through the rest of the article. It does not provide definite proof, but at least it is more than anti-Auncestrian stereotyping or allegations that all who fight as much as Prudence does must be pirates. The author points out that Prudence interfered during a pirate raid last Juvenalia in such a way that pirates were benefitted, notes that during her arithmetic classes during her first year she was known to reply to instructions with “Aye-aye, cap’n,” notes that it is unusual that a non-noble with no recorded stuidies at Esteban Contu’s school would be so skilled at incantation, and suggests that it is very peculiar that Prudence would have chosen as her first year courses what she took, given her temperament – unless her education had been financed by a pirate coster that wanted a skilled scholar-mage, come in time. The article includes innuendoes about Prudence’s perhaps using the Belonging Brethren to recruit pirates for her coster, hints that her friendship with Flore Yveuillet is merely part of a plot by her coster to kidnap Flore, and concludes by pointing out that there are accounts of people even younger than Prudence is who have joined pirate crews.

When you look up from the newspaper, you see Prudence looking at you, tensely.

“What do you think?” she croaks.

“These are serious allegations.” You hope that your words, non-committal as they may be, are sufficient to avoid angering Prudence. What if she is a hidden pirate? Would she hate you for exposing her secret? What if she wants to be thought of as a pirate? Would she hate you for not believing her to be one?

Prudence, to her credit, sees your uncertainty and replies rapidly. “I don’t like this story about me. Aaran Ledale – the freaky Aranaz orphan who loves studying law – says that Minetan authorities could hang me if I were convicted of being what this article says. Flore thinks it to be hilarious – I honestly think that she wishes that I were a pirate plotting to kidnap her. Her family could afford her ransom, and her being a pirate’s friend would help her to be less “Castellan’s daughter” and more “tough young woman,” if you know what I mean? But I’m not Flore. I can’t pay for even one lawyer to defend me if I were to be accused of piracy, let alone the several whom she could hire.”

You shake your head. Until Prudence had told you about Flore, you had had no idea that Flore has such little understanding of the way in which the world works. If the Minetan authorities were to charge Prudence with being a pirate, her life could be seriously unpleasant even if she were not convicted.

Prudence’s face spasms as she sees your puzzlement. “Flore is Flore, and Flore can be weird. But back to me. What I would like you to do is listen to me talk about my life, then go to von Kiep and get her to take back this story. We can meet at this place where I go fishing whenever you want. Honestly, it was my love of fishing that got me into this mess to begin with. I have an arrangement with the printers of the school newspaper to buy unused broadsheets for storing fish as I measure and clean them, and one printer thought that I should know what he was printing about me. Now come – let us go back to the Academagia.”

Prudence takes your hand and gestures you away from her fishing place.

Choices

 

Since Prudence has said that she only wants to talk about her life later, you might as well follow her back to the Academagia’s buildings.

 

[If PC did not complete the Y1 tutorial perfectly (i.e., could not, during Y1, use the ability “Hang out with Oan”)]

 

[If PC completed the Y1 Adventure The Pit(t)s]

 

[If PC is in Avila College]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, she glances significantly at you.

“Hey, you’re…[PCLastName], my mentee from last year, right? Trying to build a reputation among the girls even outside Avila, eh? That Vernin student mage was not exaggerating about you, I guess.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,”Prudence bites out, scraping the ground with one shoe’s heel as if preparing to kick.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies with false cheerfulness. “If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

As Oan rapidly walks away, you and Prudence decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation. [+ 1 skill step Intimidation, + 1 skill level Schoolyard Education for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC is in Vernin College]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, she glances significantly at you.

“Hey, you’re…[PCLastName], my mentee from last year, right? Trying to build a reputation among the girls even outside Avila, eh? That Vernin student mage was not exaggerating about you, I guess. But then, you followed him into Vernin this year, so you must have liked what he said about you.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,”Prudence bites out, scraping the ground with one shoe’s heel as if preparing to kick.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies with false cheerfulness. “If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

As Oan rapidly walks away, you and Prudence decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation. [+ 1 skill step Intimidation, + 1 skill level Schoolyard Education for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC is in Godina College]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, she glances significantly at you.

“Hey, you’re…[PCLastName], my mentee from last year, right? Trying to build a reputation among the girls even outside Avila, eh? That Vernin student mage was not exaggerating about you, I guess. But since you are in Godina now, you must have found Avila’s female students to be too difficult to handle But Godina’s students are athletes and incantors in addition to musicians, so I hope that you were not too disappointed.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,”Prudence bites out, scraping the ground with one shoe’s heel as if preparing to kick.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies with false cheerfulness. “If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

As Oan rapidly walks away, you and Prudence decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation. [+ 1 skill step Intimidation, + 1 skill level Schoolyard Education for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC is in Durand College]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, she glances significantly at you.

“Hey, you’re…[PCLastName], my mentee from last year, right? Trying to build a reputation among the girls your new college like what you had last year in Avila? Or was that Vernin student mage exaggerating about you?”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,”Prudence bites out, scraping the ground with one shoe’s heel as if preparing to kick.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies with false cheerfulness. “If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

As Oan rapidly walks away, you and Prudence decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation. [+ 1 skill step Intimidation, + 1 skill level Schoolyard Education for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC is in College not Durand, Avila, Godina, or Vernin]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, she glances significantly at you.

“Hey, you’re…[PCLastName], my mentee from last year, right? Trying to build a reputation among the girls of all colleges like what you had last year in Avila? That Vernin student mage was not exaggerating about you, I guess.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,”Prudence bites out, scraping the ground with one shoe’s heel as if preparing to kick.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies with false cheerfulness. “If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

As Oan rapidly walks away, you and Prudence decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation. [+ 1 skill step Intimidation, + 1 skill level Schoolyard Education for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC did not complete the Y1 Adventure The Pit(t)s]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, she glances at you, then says a greeting.

“Hey, you’re…[PCLastName], my mentee from last year, right? What are you doing with her?”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says. “We went to my favorite fishing spot in Mineta to talk.”

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies with boredom. “If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

As Oan walks away, you and Prudence decide to split up. It would not be good, Prudence suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation. [+ 1 skill step Fishing, + 1 skill level Social Skills for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC completed the Y1 tutorial perfectly (i.e., could, during Y1, use the ability “Hang out with Oan”)]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with her?”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says. “We went to my favorite fishing spot in Mineta to talk.”

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

As Oan walks away, you and Prudence decide to split up. It would not be good, Prudence suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation. [+ 1 skill step Fishing, + 1 skill level Social Skills for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

[If PC has Affection with neither Sima Venesico nor Miya Hikari]

 

[If PC is male]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down. “We went to my favorite fishing spot in Mineta to talk.”

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

As Oan walks away, you and Prudence decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation. [+ 1 skill step Fishing, + 1 skill level Social Skills for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC is female]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Trying to teach her something related to the assembly that second year students cannot attend?”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says. “We went to my favorite fishing spot in Mineta to talk.”

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

As Oan walks away, you and Prudence decide to split up. It would not be good, Prudence suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation. [+ 1 skill step Fishing, + 1 skill level Social Skills for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC has Affection with Sima Venesico]

 

[If PC did not take Dialectic during Y1]

 

[If PC Completed Sima Venesico’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC Completed the Main Adventure with the Triplets]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Wherever Sima may be from, her interest in jewelry, which she has never satisfactorily explained and rarely justifies through wearing jewelry, can be downright dangerous. You shudder thinking what the spirits guarding the jewels that she sought could have done to her if you had not helped her. Then you give a sigh of pleasure. Whatever else Sima may be, she, Tabin, and Magsa led you in an adventure that solidified your bond with her and her close companions. Certainly, the adventure was dangerous, mysterious, and probably illegal in ways that you cannot even imagine, but it was exciting and established to your satisfaction that Sima is loyal to you. So you will be loyal to her and her friends. You hope, both because of your fondness for Sima and because you fear what she, Tabin, and Magsa could do if you were to become her enemy, that you will never become disloyal to her – and that Prudence will never become her enemy. [+ 1 skill step Rallying and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC Completed the Main Adventure with Ilaro Dati]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Wherever Sima may be from, her interest in jewelry, which she has never satisfactorily explained and rarely justifies through wearing jewelry, can be downright dangerous. You shudder thinking what the spirits guarding the jewels that she sought could have done to her if you had not helped her. Then you give a larger shudder. Sima apparently has some sort of secret relationship with Magsa Nembo and Tabin Furenzti, and given how intimidating even one of those other students can be even without a powerful magical staff, you have not dared to ask her about her relationship with them. You hope that Sima’s relationship with them is not such that she would sic them upon Prudence if Prudence were to offend her, and hope that you have judged Sima correctly as a comparatively harmless person who just happens to have a secretive relationship with intimidating students and an interest in jewelry that can lead her into foolish risks. Sima would not be the only student at the Academagia to have an interest that outstrips competence – potions would have a much better reputation among your classmates, you think, if Cante Caviti were not brewing and trying to use potions with dubious qualities. [+ 1 skill step Jewelry and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC did not Complete the Main Adventure with the Triplets and did not Complete the Main Adventure with Ilaro Dati]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Wherever Sima may be from, her interest in jewelry, which she has never satisfactorily explained and rarely justifies through wearing jewelry, can be downright dangerous. You shudder thinking what the spirits guarding the jewels that she sought could have done to her if you had not helped her. But then you shrug and go on your way. Most students and teachers at the Academagia are taciturn about their origins, yet can be gotten along with easily enough. Catherine Chard and Miya Hikari, with their constant references to their powerful family lineages, are the exceptions, and Miya may not be telling the truth. And she is not the only student at the Academagia to have an interest that outstrips competence – potions would have a much better reputation among your classmates, you think, if Cante Caviti were not brewing and trying to use potions with dubious qualities. Whatever Sima’s origin, you decide that she and you have a wonderful relationship that is closer than that between you and any other person in the Academagia. [+ 1 skill step Jewelry and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC did not Complete Sima Venesico’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC Completed the Main Adventure with the Triplets]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Then you give a sigh of pleasure. Whatever else Sima may be, she, Tabin, and Magsa led you in an adventure that solidified your bond with her and her close companions. Certainly, the adventure was dangerous, mysterious, and probably illegal in ways that you cannot even imagine, but it was exciting and established to your satisfaction that Sima is loyal to you. So you will be loyal to her and her friends. You hope, both because of your fondness for Sima and because you fear what she, Tabin, and Magsa could do if you were to become her enemy, that you will never become disloyal to her – and that Prudence will never become her enemy. [+ 1 skill step Rallying and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC Completed the Main Adventure with Ilaro Dati]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Then you give a little shudder. Sima apparently has some sort of secret relationship with Magsa Nembo and Tabin Furenzti, and given how intimidating even one of those other students can be can be even without a powerful magical staff, you have not dared to ask her about her relationship with them. You hope that Sima’s relationship with them is not such that she would sic them upon Prudence if Prudence were to offend her, and hope that you have judged Sima correctly as a comparatively harmless person who just happens to have a secretive relationship with intimidating students. [+ 1 skill step Fish and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC did not Complete the Main Adventure with the Triplets and did not Complete the Main Adventure with Ilaro Dati]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. But then you shrug and go on your way. Most students and teachers at the Academagia are taciturn about their origins, yet can be gotten along with easily enough. Catherine Chard and Miya Hikari, with their constant references to their powerful family lineages, are the exceptions, and Miya may not be telling the truth. Whatever Sima’s origin, she and you have a wonderful relationship that is closer than that between you and any other person in the Academagia. [+ 1 skill step Temperence and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC took Dialectic during Y1]

 

[If PC Completed Sima Venesico’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC Completed the Main Adventure with the Triplets]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause. I am glad that you at least try to apply something from Dialectic. Professor Sido was interesting, but not a good teacher of what he was trying to teach us.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Wherever Sima may be from, her interest in jewelry, which she has never satisfactorily explained and rarely justifies through wearing jewelry, can be downright dangerous. You shudder thinking what the spirits guarding the jewels that she sought could have done to her if you had not helped her. Then you give a sigh of pleasure. Whatever else Sima may be, she, Tabin, and Magsa led you in an adventure that solidified your bond with her and her close companions. Certainly, the adventure was dangerous, mysterious, and probably illegal in ways that you cannot even imagine, but it was exciting and established to your satisfaction that Sima is loyal to you. So you will be loyal to her and her friends. You hope, both because of your fondness for Sima and because you fear what she, Tabin, and Magsa could do if you were to become her enemy, that you will never become disloyal to her – and that Prudence will never become her enemy. [+ 1 skill step Rally and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC Completed the Main Adventure with Ilaro Dati]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause. I am glad that you at least try to apply something from Dialectic. Professor Sido was interesting, but not a good teacher of what he was trying to teach us.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Wherever Sima may be from, her interest in jewelry, which she has never satisfactorily explained and rarely justifies through wearing jewelry, can be downright dangerous. You shudder thinking what the spirits guarding the jewels that she sought could have done to her if you had not helped her. Then you give a larger shudder. Sima apparently has some sort of secret relationship with Magsa Nembo and Tabin Furenzti, and given how intimidating even one of those other students can be even without a powerful magical staff, you have not dared to ask her about her relationship with them. You hope that Sima’s relationship with them is not such that she would sic them upon Prudence if Prudence were to offend her, and hope that you have judged Sima correctly as a comparatively harmless person who just happens to have a secretive relationship with intimidating students and an interest in jewelry that can lead her into foolish risks. Sima would not be the only student at the Academagia to have an interest that outstrips competence – potions would have a much better reputation among your classmates, you think, if Cante Caviti were not brewing and trying to use potions with dubious qualities. [+ 1 skill step Jewelry and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC did not Completed the Main Adventure with the Triplets and did not Complete the Main Adventure with Ilaro Dati]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause. I am glad that you at least try to apply something from Dialectic. Professor Sido was interesting, but not a good teacher of what he was trying to teach us.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Wherever Sima may be from, her interest in jewelry, which she has never satisfactorily explained and rarely justifies through wearing jewelry, can be downright dangerous. You shudder thinking what the spirits guarding the jewels that she sought could have done to her if you had not helped her. But then you shrug and go on your way. Most students and teachers at the Academagia are taciturn about their origins, yet can be gotten along with easily enough. Catherine Chard and Miya Hikari, with their constant references to their powerful family lineages, are the exceptions, and Miya may not be telling the truth. And she is not the only student at the Academagia to have an interest that outstrips competence – potions would have a much better reputation among your classmates, you think, if Cante Caviti were not brewing and trying to use potions with dubious qualities. Whatever Sima’s origin, you decide that she and you have a wonderful relationship that is closer than that between you and any other person in the Academagia. [+ 1 skill step Temperence and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC did not Complete Sima Venesico’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC Completed the Main Adventure with the Triplets]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause. I am glad that you at least try to apply something from Dialectic. Professor Sido was interesting, but not a good teacher of what he was trying to teach us.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Then you give a sigh of pleasure. Whatever else Sima may be, she, Tabin, and Magsa led you in an adventure that solidified your bond with her and her close companions. Certainly, the adventure was dangerous, mysterious, and probably illegal in ways that you cannot even imagine, but it was exciting and established to your satisfaction that Sima is loyal to you. So you will be loyal to her and her friends. You hope, both because of your fondness for Sima and because you fear what she, Tabin, and Magsa could do if you were to become her enemy, that you will never become disloyal to her – and that Prudence will never become her enemy. [+ 1 skill step Rally and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC Completed the Main Adventure with Ilaro Dati]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause. I am glad that you at least try to apply something from Dialectic. Professor Sido was interesting, but not a good teacher of what he was trying to teach us.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. Then you give a little shudder. Sima apparently has some sort of secret relationship with Magsa Nembo and Tabin Furenzti, and given how intimidating even one of those other students can be even without a powerful magical staff, you have not dared to ask her about her relationship with them. You hope that Sima’s relationship with them is not such that she would sic them upon Prudence if Prudence were to offend her, and hope that you have judged Sima correctly as a comparatively harmless person who just happens to have a secretive relationship with intimidating students. [+ 1 skill step Intimidate and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC did not Completed the Main Adventure with the Triplets and did not Complete the Main Adventure with Ilaro Dati]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Sima Venesico?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Sima and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. She has sometimes said to me that your blonde hair is faintly repulsive to her, reminding her as it does of poorly cleaned teeth. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Sima makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause. I am glad that you at least try to apply something from Dialectic. Professor Sido was interesting, but not a good teacher of what he was trying to teach us.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Sima. She is a very interesting girl, once you get to know her, but she is so mysterious. And, come to think about it, she has never explicitly said that she is from Sung. But then you shrug and go on your way. Most students and teachers at the Academagia are taciturn about their origins, yet can be gotten along with easily enough. Catherine Chard and Miya Hikari, with their constant references to their powerful family lineages, are the exceptions, and Miya may not be telling the truth. Whatever Sima’s origin, she and you have a wonderful relationship that is closer than that between you and any other person in the Academagia. [+ 1 skill step Temperence and Sleuthing, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC has Affection with Miya Hikari]

 

[If PC did not take Dialectic during Y1]

 

[If PC Completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Miya Hikari?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Miya and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. Miya has claimed to me that where she is from, all people have eyes like her eyes, and the only blonde hairs form the furs of monkeys. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Miya makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Miya. She is a very interesting girl to so many people, and you are sometimes still amazed that the close relationship between you and her is not, as far as you can tell, merely another of the tales that she tells for others’ amusement, often little caring how true they are – or part of some plot by her to gain better status within the thieves’ guild. Thieves, you think with a shudder, can be very scary, and the saying that there is no honor among thieves is one that you are constantly mindful of – and reminding Miya about. But then your confidence comes back. If you had wanted a special relationship with a female classmate distinguished by unimpeachable honesty, you could have tried to become close with Els Rottmundyn, Tulia Faspalla, or Cosetta Re. But you have become very fond of the aspiring actress and thief who claims to be a princess from a distant land. You only hope that Miya has a core of honesty that can be the basis for a good relationship. She doesn’t need to be a princess to be interesting to you, but if Miya were to be less fanciful in her words and behaviours, and were to satisfactorily swear to you to refrain from betraying you to her criminal partners, you would not have recurring doubts about whether her true feelings towards you are not what they seem. But you remind yourself that if thieves were truly unrelenting menaces to all other people, no one would tolerate them. It is only because thieves can make themselves useful to some non-thieves that they continue to exist, even though illegally. Having a special relationship with a thief from the thieves’ guild could be very useful for you – especially when the thief is as interesting and reciprocating of your affections as Miya Hikari is. [+ 1 skill step Character Study and Intrigue, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC did not Complete Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Miya Hikari?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Miya and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. Miya has claimed to me that where she is from, all people have eyes like her eyes, and the only blonde hairs form the furs of monkeys. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Miya makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause. I am glad that you at least try to apply something from Dialectic. Professor Sido was interesting, but not a good teacher of what he was trying to teach us.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Miya. She is a very interesting girl to so many people, and you are sometimes still amazed that the close relationship between you and her is not, as far as you can tell, merely another of the tales that she tells for others’ amusement, often little caring how true they are. But then you shrug and go on your way. If you had wanted a special relationship with a female classmate distinguished by unimpeachable honesty, you could have tried to become close with Els Rottmundyn, Tulia Faspalla, or Cosetta Re. But you have become very fond of the aspiring actress who claims to be a princess from a distant land. You only hope that Miya has a core of honesty that can be the basis for a good relationship. She doesn’t need to be a princess to be interesting to you, but if Miya were to be less fanciful in her words and behaviours, you would not have recurring doubts about whether her true feelings towards you are not what they seem. [+ 1 skill step Temperence and Storytelling, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC took Dialectic during Y1]

 

[If PC Completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Miya Hikari?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Miya and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. Miya has claimed to me that where she is from, all people have eyes like her eyes, and the only blonde hairs form the furs of monkeys. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Miya makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause. I am glad that you at least try to apply something from Dialectic. Professor Sido was interesting, but not a good teacher of what he was trying to teach us.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Miya. She is a very interesting girl to so many people, and you are sometimes still amazed that the close relationship between you and her is not, as far as you can tell, merely another of the tales that she tells for others’ amusement, often little caring how true they are – or part of some plot by her to gain better status within the thieves’ guild. Thieves, you think with a shudder, can be very scary, and the saying that there is no honor among thieves is one that you are constantly mindful of – and reminding Miya about. But then your confidence comes back. If you had wanted a special relationship with a female classmate distinguished by unimpeachable honesty, you could have tried to become close with Els Rottmundyn, Tulia Faspalla, or Cosetta Re. But you have become very fond of the aspiring actress and thief who claims to be a princess from a distant land. You only hope that Miya has a core of honesty that can be the basis for a good relationship. She doesn’t need to be a princess to be interesting to you, but if Miya were to be less fanciful in her words and behaviours, and were to satisfactorily swear to you to refrain from betraying you to her criminal partners, you would not have recurring doubts about whether her true feelings towards you are not what they seem. But you remind yourself that if thieves were truly unrelenting menaces to all other people, no one would tolerate them. It is only because thieves can make themselves useful to some non-thieves that they continue to exist, even though illegally. Having a special relationship with a thief from the thieves’ guild could be very useful for you – especially when the thief is as interesting and reciprocating of your affections as Miya Hikari is. [+ 1 skill step Character Study and Intrigue, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

[If PC did not Complete Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

 

With a shrug, you wait for Prudence to pack up the wooden box, place it beneath the slab, and replace the slab. As you and Prudence return to the Academagia’s buildings, you see that older students are leaving the building that the assembly was being held in. One of them, wandering your way, is revealed to be Oan Sung. When she sees you and Prudence, her face brightens and she enthusiastically greets you.

“Hello, [PCFirstName], my friend and former mentee. I wish that you and the Durand girl with you could have attended the full assembly. Briardi gave some very valuable advice about magic and relationships, and she made it so much more interesting than the assembly for all students. What are you doing with this Durand girl? Not dating, Briardi would hope.”

Prudence scowls at Oan so fiercely that Oan apparently forgets that this is a major breach of school decorum between older and younger students. Instead of retaliating, Oan waves her hands in a signal for calm and says, “Hey, I’m sorry! Maybe I presumed too much.”

“I was telling [PCFirstName] that he needs to know more about me. People are spreading horrible rumors about me,” Prudence says after taking a deep breath to calm down.

“Well, good luck with that, [PCFullName],” Oan replies cheerfully. “I’m glad that you have a friend who trusts you so much. If you treat her story as you would any other research topic rather than as an adventure, you can help her easily.”

After Oan has walked away, Prudence looks at you with open curiosity.

“Did your mentor teach you that people with almond-shaped eyes are more than strange people from Sung and other distant lands? Was learning this from her why you were able to get so close to Miya Hikari?”

You are visibly shocked by Prudence’s suggestion. “Miya and I have our relationship due to her personality, Prudence, not due to my being able to look past any strangeness that others may see in her eye shape because I had a mentor from Sung. Miya has claimed to me that where she is from, all people have eyes like her eyes, and the only blonde hairs form the furs of monkeys. But you need to stop thinking of any people as strange merely because of the appearances of their bodies.”

Prudence guffaws, apologizes for her poor use of the skills that she learned in dialectic class, and says that if Professor Sido had used people’s understanding of her hair colour as an example of culturally constructed norms, she might have found his class more interesting.

Then Prudence sighs. “[PCFirstName], I goofed in what I thought and said about why you might be so close with anyone whose features mark him or her as extremely foreign to Renaglians and Auncestrians. I guess that I should be glad that I goofed only where you heard me, or things could have become very tense for you – and for me! Imagine if I had said a similar thing in front of Malthezar or Miya or Sima!”

“Prudence, I know from our efforts to found the Belonging Brethren last year that you are a champion of the powerless who reserves her wrath for wrong-doers and would never deliberately insult people for their physical differences based purely upon their physical differences. But remarks that insult by accident still insult, just like a miscast spell still causes damage. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, and Miya makes mistakes. The important thing to do in response to mistakes is to recognize our weaknesses and work around them, learn from our mistakes, and try to fix any problems that our mistakes cause. I am glad that you at least try to apply something from Dialectic. Professor Sido was interesting, but not a good teacher of what he was trying to teach us.”

You and Prudence then decide to split up. With your reputation, it would not be good, Prudence prudently suggests, to add another possibly underhanded association to her reputation.

But after Prudence has gone on her way, you are forced to pause and think about Miya. She is a very interesting girl to so many people, and you are sometimes still amazed that the close relationship between you and her is not, as far as you can tell, merely another of the tales that she tells for others’ amusement, often little caring how true they are. But then you shrug and go on your way. If you had wanted a special relationship with a female classmate distinguished by unimpeachable honesty, you could have tried to become close with Els Rottmundyn, Tulia Faspalla, or Cosetta Re. But you have become very fond of the aspiring actress who claims to be a princess from a distant land. You only hope that Miya has a core of honesty that can be the basis for a good relationship. She doesn’t need to be a princess to be interesting to you, but if Miya were to be less fanciful in her words and behaviours, you would not have recurring doubts about whether her true feelings towards you are not what they seem. [+ 1 skill step Temperence and Storytelling, + 1 skill level Social Skills and Temperance for Prudence Cossins, inform Location Prudence’s Fishing Place]

Edited by Rhialto
Too much talk about Sung sometimes
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Again, improvement on making it read less stilted. That said it's still rather...what's the word, by the book? For a conversation between, presumably, friends, parts still read too much like it was intended as a PSA. Which I could see being the case for some students, but Prudence and friend Oan? Not so much.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Metis: Alas, I rather was writing this as something of a PSA. Oan basically serves as a tutorial giver in this stage of the adventure, given the fact that the next stage of the adventure is not unlocked until the PC has researched the topic "Prudence Cossins" to 10. Plus, I wanted the story to unambiguously condemn Prudence's racially insensitive comment. But I am glad that I have improved it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Any feedback is welcome. @Legate of Mineta, this is the portion of the adventure  in which the PC may hint to Prudence Cossins that he is a Gates Mage.

Dear Prudence 02:

 

Prerequisites:

 

Research Level in Topic Prudence Cossins = 10

Adventure:

 

[If PC has no Love or Affection with Prudence Cossins]

 

Prudence seems much happier when meeting you at her fishing place than she had in other times.

“Well, [PCFirstName]? When will you tell that horrible Aranaz newshound Rikildis von Kiep to stop spreading rumors about me? I’ve told you about myself, so if the newspaper must write about me, you can give her material.”

[If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins]

 

Prudence seems much happier when meeting you at her fishing place than she had in other times.

“Well, [PCFirstName]? When will you tell that horrible Aranaz newshound Rikildis von Kiep to stop spreading rumors about me? I’ve told you about myself, so if the newspaper must write about me, you can give her material. But no mentioning – either here or to Rikildis – anything about my kissing status, all right?”

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

Prudence seems much happier when meeting you at her fishing place than she had in other times.

“Well, [PCFirstName]? When will you tell that horrible Aranaz newshound Rikildis von Kiep to stop spreading rumors about me? I’ve told you about myself, so if the newspaper must write about me, you can give her material. But no mentioning – either here or to Rikildis – anything about my kissing status, all right? Better, I think, for the two of us to deal with it next year, when professors and staff would not punish us if they were to catch us doing this. Founding the Belonging Brethren with you taught me that building strong relations does not mix well with efforts to prevent them.”

Choices:

 

“Prudence, nothing that you’ve told me contradicts the claim that you are a pirate.”

 

Prudence’s eyes widen, and she slowly nods her head. “I never thought about it that way, but you’re right. Pirates could have great aunts who cook bat meat, I suppose. Still, Rikildis can be gotten to stop through other means, right?”

Judging by the way Prudence scowls when she says her last word, you think that you have some idea of what other means might work. [+ 1 skill level Intimidate for the PC and Prudence Cossins, choose other option]

[If Prudence Cossins failed at least one course during Y1] “Prudence, it would be sad if, having achieved what you have at the Academagia, you were to be kicked out through failing courses.”

 

[If PC has no Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

Prudence’s eyes grow misty with tears, but her voice is happy as she replies, slowly, “Yes, I suppose that I did achieve much last year, between getting through the year, making such fine friends as you, and founding the Belonging Brethren with your help. So…look, if you help me to study for my tests and train in various ways, you would be a great friend to me.” [+ 1 skill level Study Habits for the PC and Prudence Cossins, inform character Prudence Cossins, gain abilities Study with Prudence Cossins and Train with Prudence Cossins, choose other option]

Rewards:

 

Study with Prudence Cossins

 

Description:

 

Prudence is passionate. She can be powerful in certain circumstances, as her nickname suggests. But she has great difficulty in applying her passion and power to her schoolwork. To Prudence’s credit, she is willing to seek help from you, if you will give it. Even seeing how you study is very helpful to her – as is the knowledge that you are her friend. Plus, studying together is a very good way to mend any strife between you and Prudence. Quarreling study partners are bad enough, but can get dangerous when the subject being studied is magic.

Effects:

 

+ 1 study level in subject of choice for the PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill step in random School Survival subskill for PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 to relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins.

Train with Prudence Cossins

 

Description:

 

Prudence is passionate. She can be powerful in certain circumstances, as her nickname suggests. But she has great difficulty in applying her passion and power to certain things, such as school subjects and politeness. To Prudence’s credit, she is willing to seek help from you, if you will give it. Even seeing how you try to learn things is very helpful to her – as is the knowledge that you are her friend. Plus, training together is a very good way to mend any strife between you and Prudence. Quarreling training partners are bad enough, but can get dangerous when the subject being trained in is magic.

Effects:

 

+ 1 skill step in subskill of choice for the PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill step in random School Survival subskill for PC and Prudence Cossins.

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

Prudence’s eyes grow misty with tears, and she gives a little sigh before replying, softly, “Yes, it’d be terrible if I were to get kicked out of here and away from you. Then I would not be able to date you next year...or kiss you. I suppose that I did achieve much last year, between getting through the year, making such fine friends and meeting you, and founding the Belonging Brethren with your help. So…look, if you were to be help me to study for my tests and train in various useful things, I don’t think that even Legate Orsi could complain if we were to be spending a lot of time alone together.”

Looking upon Prudence’s wistful face, you decide to try to cheer her up. “Ah, Prudence, dating is not all that wonderful, I think. So much of it is about wearing fancy clothes and listening to strange music and trying to do formal dancing.”

Prudence raises her face to you and smiles. “Yeah, I’m not that kind of girl. Thanks for liking me though.” [+ 1 skill level Dating for the PC and Prudence Cossins, inform character Prudence Cossins, gain abilities Study-Date with Prudence Cossins, Train and Hang Out with Prudence Cossins, choose other option]

Rewards:

 

Study-Date with Prudence Cossins

 

Description:

 

Prudence is passionate. She can be powerful in certain circumstances, as her nickname suggests. But she has great difficulty in applying her passion and power to her schoolwork. To Prudence’s credit, she is willing to seek help from you, if you will give it. Even seeing how you study is very helpful to her – as is the knowledge that you are her dear friend. You and she only hope that instructors will not misinterpret these study sessions, in which you and she often exchange lingering glances but do nothing that could be seen as romantic, as dates – because Prudence does not like dates, although she likes your company. Plus, studying together is a very good way to mend any strife between you and Prudence. Quarreling study partners are bad enough, but can get dangerous when the subject being studied is magic.

Effects:

 

+ 1 study level in subject of choice for the PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill step in random School Survival subskill for PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill step Temperence for the PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 to relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins.

Train and Hang Out with Prudence Cossins

 

Description:

 

Prudence is passionate. She can be powerful in certain circumstances, as her nickname suggests. But she has great difficulty in applying her passion and power to certain things, such as school subjects and politeness. To Prudence’s credit, she is willing to seek help from you, if you will give it. Even seeing how you try to learn things is very helpful to her – as is the knowledge that you are her dear friend. You and she only hope that instructors will not misinterpret these training sessions, in which you and she grow more comfortable interacting with each other, as dates – because Prudence does not like dates, although she likes your company. Training together is a very good way to mend any strife between you and Prudence. Quarreling training partners are bad enough, but can get dangerous when the subject being trained in is magic.

Effects:

 

+ 1 skill step in subskill of choice for the PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill step in random School Survival subskill for PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill step Temperence for the PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 to relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins.

[If PC is Student at Schohanwicht School] “Prudence, I have my own secrets about what I study and where I study it. Would you hate me for having such knowledge?”

 

[If PC has no Love and no Affection with Prudence Cossins]

 

“It depends,” Prudence says.

You wait a bit to see if she will say anything more, then hesitantly say, “I would never use it against you, Prudence. Any more than you would use your mysteriously great incantation powers to harm me. We are friends too firm for that.”

“I suppose,” Prudence grunts.

But there is between you and her a distance that was not there earlier. If you or Prudence were to admit outright where you learn your magic, trust might develop better between you and Prudence. But you dare not disclose to Prudence, as close a friend to you as she may be, that you study Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School, and Prudence apparently does not trust you enough to reveal some of her thoughts. At least your secret remains safe from her. [+ 1 skill step Leadership, +1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, - 1 relationship with Prudence Cossins, choose other option]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“It depends,” Prudence says. “I mean, some magic is dangerous, or illegal, or hard to know much about.”

You wait a bit to see if she will say anything more, then hesitantly say, “I would never use it against you, Prudence. Any more than you would use your mysteriously great incantation powers to harm me. We are dear friends too firm for that.”

“I suppose,” Prudence grunts. “I trust you enough to believe you, but, you know, some magic is very dangerous.”

You and Prudence faintly smile at each other. If you or Prudence were to admit outright where you learn your magic, trust might develop better between you and Prudence. But you dare not disclose to Prudence, as close and dear a friend to you as she may be, that you study Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School, and Prudence apparently does not trust you enough to reveal where she learned incantation so skillfully. At least your secret remains safe from her. [+ 1 skill step Leadership, +1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, choose other option]

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“It depends,” Prudence says. “I mean, some magic is dangerous, or illegal, or hard to know much about.”

You wait a bit to see if she will say anything more, then hesitantly say, “I would never use it against you, Prudence. Any more than you would use your mysteriously great incantation powers to harm me. We are dearest friends – our relationship is too firm for that.”

“It’s all in how you use it,” Prudence says. “And Flore has really opened my mind about how even Gates magic may be useful after all. Much about that ban is not told. So…not that I am accusing you of anything, but…if you were to have some skill in some type of…barely known… magic in Mineta, I would not hate you unless you were, I don’t know, trying to use it to take over the world or harm people who shouldn’t be harmed.”

Your joy must be extremely obvious upon your face, since Prudence laughs aloud and murmurs your name with soft affection. You feel so relieved by what you have said to Prudence – and what you have learned from her. You are glad that she would not kill you or turn you into the authorities if she were to learn that you study Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School. You also admire Prudence’s clever statement. By saying what she said about your abilities after her talking about her friend Flore’s views about Gates magic, she implied that she would tolerate your being a Gates mage – yet by mentioning your using barely known magic in Mineta, she left open the possibility that you are merely studying some hidden cache of magic such as are possessed by the family of her classmate Durand de Thiomines. [+ 1 skill Level Innuendo for the PC and Prudence Cossins, add memory Prudence Suspects Gates, choose other option]

[If PC can use the ability Study at the Cave of Crystal] “Prudence, I also have abilities that I do not understand.”

 

[If PC has no Love and no Affection with Prudence Cossins]

 

“It depends,” Prudence says.

You wait a bit to see if she will say anything more, then hesitantly say, “I would never use it against you, Prudence. Any more than you would use your mysteriously great incantation powers to harm me. We are friends too firm for that.”

“I suppose,” Prudence grunts.

But there is between you and her a distance that was not there earlier. If you or Prudence were to admit outright where you learn your magic, trust might develop better between you and Prudence. But you dare not disclose to Prudence, as close a friend to you as she may be, that you are learning Mastery magic from cave filled with glowing crystals that communicate with your mind, and Prudence apparently does not trust you enough to reveal some of her thoughts. At least your secret remains safe from her, and you do not need to worry that she will condemn you as crazy – which, honestly, is not an unreasonable response, you suppose, to hearing someone’s claiming to be taught Mastery magic by cave filled with glowing crystals that communicate with your mind. [+ 1 skill step Leadership, +1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, - 1 relationship with Prudence Cossins, choose other option]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“It depends,” Prudence says. “I mean, some magic is dangerous, or illegal, or hard to know much about.”

You wait a bit to see if she will say anything more, then hesitantly say, “I would never use it against you, Prudence. Any more than you would use your mysteriously great incantation powers to harm me. We are dear friends too firm for that.”

“I suppose,” Prudence grunts. “I trust you enough to believe you, but, you know, some magic is very dangerous.”

You and Prudence faintly smile at each other. If you or Prudence were to admit outright where you learn your magic, trust might develop better between you and Prudence. But you dare not disclose to Prudence, as close and dear a friend to you as she may be, that you are learning Mastery magic from cave filled with glowing crystals that communicate with your mind, and Prudence apparently does not trust you enough to reveal some of her thoughts. At least your secret remains safe from her, and you do not need to worry that she will condemn you as crazy – which, honestly, is not an unreasonable response, you suppose, to hearing someone’s claiming to be taught Mastery magic by glowing crystals that communicate with the mind. But the crystals that teach you can be so tempting about Prudence. Whenever they glow yellow, you think of Prudence’s blonde hairs, and you worry that the rocks are implanting within you thoughts of your using Mastery to make Prudence love you. Such would not be unnatural or easy to detect, you sometimes think. Joana is obsessed with Phillippe, but no one has said that she is being Mastered. Phillippe, you often think, is such a fool to not take advantage of Joana’s interest in him. Even a notorious hater of female companionship such as Antonio de Reyez e Irizarry-Vargas would be clever enough to use such obsession for dealing with problems such as ensuring that his clothes would always be clean. But then you jerk. Such thoughts as you are thinking are why Mastery was banned in the first place. Your life would be much simpler, you also often think, if you had never come upon the cave filled with glowing crystals that communicate with your mind. [+ 1 skill step Leadership and Willpower, +1 stress for Prudence Cossins, + 3 stress, choose other option]

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“It depends,” Prudence says. “I mean, some magic is dangerous, or illegal, or hard to know much about.”

You wait a bit to see if she will say anything more, then hesitantly say, “I would never use it against you, Prudence. Any more than you would use your mysteriously great incantation powers to harm me. We are dearest friends – our relationship is too firm for that.”

“It’s all in how you use it,” Prudence says. “And Flore has really opened my mind about how even Gates magic may be useful after all. Much about that ban is not told. So…not that I am accusing you of anything, but…if you were to have some skill in some type of…barely known… magic in Mineta, I would not hate you unless you were, I don’t know, trying to use it to take over the world or harm people who shouldn’t be harmed.”

Your worry must be extremely obvious upon your face, since Prudence jerks in panic, reaches for her wand, and rapidly writes the phemes for a negation spell that targets her. Once the spell is done, Prudence gives a relieved sigh and smiles at you in a relaxed way. You feel compelled to give her a forced smile of your own, but inwardly you seethe with worry. You are glad that Prudence would not kill you or turn you into the authorities if she were to learn that you study Gates magic, but are horrified by her negative reaction to the thought that you are using Mastery. Horrified but not surprised. Mastery is easily the more reviled of the two banned pillars, and its illegal use has, among other things, seriously restricted Academagia students’ dating options. But amidst your stress, you are able to admire Prudence’s clever statement. By saying what she said about your abilities after her talking about her friend Flore’s views about Gates magic, she implied that she would tolerate your being a Gates mage – yet by mentioning your using barely known magic in Mineta, she left open the possibility that you are merely studying some hidden cache of magic such as are possessed by the family of her classmate Durand de Thiomines. You must hope that she will believe this about you. [+ 1 skill Level Innuendo for the PC and Prudence Cossins, +1 skill step Dispassion, + 2 stress for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level Negation Methods for Prudence Cossins, + 2 stress, add memory Prudence Suspects Mastery, choose other option]

[If PC has Mastery skill > 0 or Gates skill > 0 and is not a student at the Schohanwicht School and cannot use the ability Study at the Cave of Crystal] “Prudence, we all have some mysterious traits and knowledge that could seem sinister.”

 

[If PC has no Love and no Affection with Prudence Cossins]

 

“It depends,” Prudence says.

You wait a bit to see if she will say anything more, then hesitantly say, “I would never use it against you, Prudence. Any more than you would use your mysteriously great incantation powers to harm me. We are friends too firm for that.”

“I suppose,” Prudence grunts.

But there is between you and her a distance that was not there earlier. If you or Prudence were to admit outright where you learn your magic, trust might develop better between you and Prudence. But you dare not disclose to Prudence, as close a friend to you as she may be, that you study forbidden magics without a qualified teacher, and Prudence apparently does not trust you enough to reveal some of her thoughts. At least your secret remains safe from her. [+ 1 skill step Leadership, +1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, - 1 relationship with Prudence Cossins, choose other option]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“It depends,” Prudence says. “I mean, some magic is dangerous, or illegal, or hard to know much about.”

You wait a bit to see if she will say anything more, then hesitantly say, “I would never use it against you, Prudence. Any more than you would use your mysteriously great incantation powers to harm me. We are dear friends too firm for that.”

“I suppose,” Prudence grunts. “I trust you enough to believe you, but, you know, some magic is very dangerous.”

You and Prudence faintly smile at each other. If you or Prudence were to admit outright where you learn your magic, trust might develop better between you and Prudence. But you dare not disclose to Prudence, as close and dear a friend to you as she may be, that you study forbidden magic without a qualified teacher, and Prudence apparently does not trust you enough to reveal where she learned incantation so skillfully. At least your secret remains safe from her. [+ 1 skill step Leadership, +1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, choose other option]

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“It depends,” Prudence says. “I mean, some magic is dangerous, or illegal, or hard to know much about.”

You wait a bit to see if she will say anything more, then hesitantly say, “I would never use it against you, Prudence. Any more than you would use your mysteriously great incantation powers to harm me. We are dearest friends – our relationship is too firm for that.”

“It’s all in how you use it,” Prudence says. “And Flore has really opened my mind about how even Gates magic may be useful after all. Much about that ban is not told. So…not that I am accusing you of anything, but…if you were to have some skill in some type of…barely known… magic in Mineta, I would not hate you unless you were, I don’t know, trying to use it to take over the world or harm people who shouldn’t be harmed.”

Your joy must be extremely obvious upon your face, since Prudence laughs aloud and murmurs your name with soft affection. You feel so relieved by what you have said to Prudence – and what you have learned from her. You are glad that she would not kill you or turn you into the authorities if she were to learn that you study forbidden magic without a qualified teacher. You also admire Prudence’s clever statement. By saying what she said about your abilities after her talking about her friend Flore’s views about Gates magic, she implied that she would tolerate your being a Gates mage – yet by mentioning your using barely known magic in Mineta, she left open the possibility that you are merely studying some hidden cache of magic such as are possessed by the family of her classmate Durand de Thiomines. [+ 1 skill Level Innuendo for the PC and Prudence Cossins, add memory Prudence Suspects Gates, choose other option]

“You’re right, Prudence! I’ll go to Rikildis right now!”

 

[If PC Completed Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC has no Love and no Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

With these words you leave Prudence, trying to seem confident. Trying is the key word here, because you know that from helping Rikildis that Rikildis can be utterly dedicated to plotting the humiliation or worse of those who have wronged her. [+ 1 skill step Confidence, advance to Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

With these words you leave Prudence, trying to seem confident. Trying is the key word here, because you know that from helping Rikildis that Rikildis can be utterly dedicated to plotting the humiliation or worse of those who have wronged her. You hope that the special feelings between you and her can make your task easier for both you and Rikildis. [+ 1 skill level Confidence, advance to Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

With these words you leave Prudence, trying to seem confident. Trying is the key word here, because you know that from helping Rikildis that Rikildis can be utterly dedicated to plotting the humiliation or worse of those who have wronged her. You hope that the love between you and her can make your task easier for both you and Rikildis. Rkildis may seem to be only a poison-penned journalist, but she does have a better side that she has allowed you to become aware of. [+ 2 skill levels Confidence, advance to Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC did not Complete Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC has no Love and no Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

With these words you leave Prudence, trying to seem confident. Trying is the key word here, because you know that Rikildis is a journalist who delights in making her stories’ targets uncomfortable. Yielding to Prudence’s demands might be an intolerable weakness for her to display. [+ 1 skill step Confidence, advance to Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

With these words you leave Prudence, trying to seem confident. Trying is the key word here, because you know that Rikildis is a journalist who delights in making her stories’ targets uncomfortable. Yielding to Prudence’s demands would be an intolerable weakness for her to display. You hope that the special feelings between you and Rikildis can make your task easier for both you and Rikildis. [+ 1 skill level Confidence, advance to Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

With these words you leave Prudence, trying to seem confident. Trying is the key word here, because you know that Rikildis is a journalist who delights in making her stories’ targets uncomfortable. Yielding to Prudence’s demands would be an intolerable weakness for her to display. You hope that the love between you and her can make your task easier for both you and Rikildis. Rikildis may seem to be only a poison-penned journalist, but she does have a better side that she has allowed you to become aware of. [+ 2 skill levels Confidence, advance to Dear Prudence 03]

“I’ll see Rikildis when I can, Prudence.”

 

[If PC Completed Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC has no Love and no Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

Prudence looks disappointed as you leave her, but you just don’t feel comfortable meeting Rikildis right away because you know that from helping Rikildis that Rikildis can be utterly dedicated to plotting the humiliation or worse of those who have wronged her. [+ 1 skill step Confidence, access Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

Prudence looks disappointed as you leave her, but you just don’t feel comfortable meeting Rikildis right away because you know that from helping Rikildis that Rikildis can be utterly dedicated to plotting the humiliation or worse of those who have wronged her. You hope that the special feelings between you and her can make your task easier for both you and Rikildis. [+ 1 skill level Confidence, access Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

Prudence looks disappointed as you leave her, but you just don’t feel comfortable meeting Rikildis right away because you know that from helping Rikildis that Rikildis can be utterly dedicated to plotting the humiliation or worse of those who have wronged her. You hope that the love between you and her can make your task easier for both you and Rikildis. Rikildis may seem to be only a poison-penned journalist, but she does have a better side that she has allowed you to become aware of. [+ 2 skill levels Confidence, access Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC did not Complete Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 adventure]

 

[If PC has no Love and no Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

Prudence looks disappointed as you leave her, but you just don’t feel comfortable meeting Rikildis right away because you know that Rikildis is a journalist who delights in making her stories’ targets uncomfortable. Yielding to Prudence’s demands might be an intolerable weakness for her to display. [+ 1 skill step Confidence, access Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

Prudence looks disappointed as you leave her, but you just don’t feel comfortable meeting Rikildis right away because you know that Rikildis is a journalist who delights in making her stories’ targets uncomfortable. Yielding to Prudence’s demands would be an intolerable weakness for her to display. You hope that the special feelings between you and Rikildis can make your task easier for both you and Rikildis. [+ 1 skill level Confidence, access Dear Prudence 03]

[If PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

Prudence looks disappointed as you leave her, but you just don’t feel comfortable meeting Rikildis right away because you know that Rikildis is a journalist who delights in making her stories’ targets uncomfortable. Yielding to Prudence’s demands would be an intolerable weakness for her to display. You hope that the love between you and her can make your task easier for both you and Rikildis. Rikildis may seem to be only a poison-penned journalist, but she does have a better side that she has allowed you to become aware of. [+ 2 skill levels Confidence, access Dear Prudence 03]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have finally completed the adventure. Any feedback is welcome. Happy New Year!

Dear Prudence 03:

 

Adventure:

 

You have come to see Rikildis von Kiep in the hopes of getting her to stop using the school newspaper to allege that Prudence is a pirate, but even meeting with her was difficult. When not striving to be the best student in her classes, Rikildis spends almost all of her spare time either writing for the Logodaedalo’s Roar, gathering information for the Logodaedalo’s Roar, or preparing the Logodaedalo’s Roar for publication. Dealing with angry and upset subjects of articles seems to be a burden that Rikildis bears happily – despite never having formally studied any currently recognized pillar of magic during her first year at the Academagia! But then, based upon how much power Rikildis wields through her journalism, you would not be surprised if you were to learn that she thinks that orthography is still a pillar of magic.

When you finally are able to get a moment to talk to her alone, Rikildis has just finished muttering about how she must get to the bottom of why the Academagia’s food tastes terrible – right after condemning a cringing Grainne Inneith for bringing her a rumour that is so trivial that no one, possibly excepting Professor Monetario, whom she mentions with a snort of disgust – would want to read it. You can see that Rikildis is all journalist now, with no prejudice based upon affection or dislike. Still, Prudence is counting upon you.

So you say to Rikildis, with only a slight quiver of fear, “Rikildis, Prudence Cossins wants you to stop telling people that she is a pirate and fix what you did.”

Rikildis takes out a pen and, writing in a small notebook in a way that is surprisingly swift and ominous, says, “So you want a retraction for Prudence’s sake. Why should I do that? Will Prudence sue me?”

When you say that Prudence cannot afford a lawyer, Rikildis makes a harsh mark in her notebook and says, “Well, then, she’ll have to settle it student to student. Why should I listen to her friend, though?”

Choices:

 

[If PC has Love or Affection with Rikildis von Kiep] “Can’t our relationship allow you to be nice to Prudence for my sake?”

 

[If PC did not complete Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 adventure]

 

Rikildis looks at you with something between affection and pity, then sighs harshly. “What relationship do we have, [PCFirstName]? We aren’t dating until next year – and at this rate that is not guaranteed. More to the point, I can’t allow personal bonds to shape my decisions. If I were to do that, I’d not succeed, my career would not succeed, and this newspaper, which I dedicate so much effort to – would be unread, making it a failure. People like stories that are scandalous – and those who are talked about in such stories are always the minority.”

Although Rikildis’s words are not angry, they suggest that you should try another angle to help Prudence. [+ 1 temporary skill level Negotiate and Story Telling, choose other option]

[If PC Completed Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 adventure]

 

Rikildis looks at you with something between affection and pity, then sighs harshly. “What relationship do we have, [PCFirstName]? Certainly, you helped me with my… little problem last year, but we aren’t dating until next year – and at this rate that is not guaranteed. More to the point, I can’t allow personal bonds to shape my decisions. If I were to do that, I’d not succeed, my career would not succeed, and this newspaper, which I dedicate so much effort to – would be unread, making it a failure. People like stories that are scandalous – and those who are talked about in such stories are always the minority.”

Although Rikildis’s words are not angry, they suggest that you should try another angle to help Prudence. Perhaps alluding to Rikildis’s “little problem” can help to get her more willing to help you. [+ 1 temporary skill level Negotiate, Storytelling, and Blackmail, choose other option]

Intimidate. “It must be difficult to deal with angry subjects of articles, Rikildis.”

 

Success

 

[IF PC has no Love or Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“No more difficult than studying at a school for magic when not studying any recognized pillar of magic,” Rikildis sneers. “How? Report, report, report. The only ways to stop my reporting – once I established this reputation – are punishable by death. But who would risk execution to deal with me – a girl from no great family or realm? No one whom I know! Sure, sometimes I get beaten up, but such people’s reputations are savaged in the Logodaedalo’s Roar – my personal lion! This same source of power allows me to identify anonymous attackers. You would be surprised how many great sleuths in this school are willing to trade good coverage for investigating bullying against me!”

Then Rikildis takes a step forwards and thrusts an ink-smudged hand towards your chest. “So, are you willing to risk my wrath to threaten or bully me? All for Prudence?”

“No, but Prudence might.”

You do not flinch or use magic, but your words stop Rikildis as if she had been bound by incanted bonds – or seized by a strong ogre.

“Ex…plain,” she whispers.

“Well,” you say, drawing the word out in what seems to be a genuine concern, “I am not so foolish as to go against the Logodaedalo’s Roar. I would not dare to tamper with you because of your paper lion – more terrifying than real lions, which can be tricked or easily defeated with magic.”

Then, in a flat voice, you say, “But Prudence might.”

Then, continuing in a more concerned tone, you say, “I have friends who can restrain my worst impulses.”

Then, in a flat voice, you say, “But Prudence does not.”

To bring your speech to a crescendo, you decide to adapt a more conversational tone for your last point. “Other mage students, you know, even as they study a pillar of magic – either at the Academagia or at the Contu School – find it difficult to be great mages and physical fighters. But Prudence is skilled at incantation and fighting – yet she is, as far as I can tell, entirely self-taught as an incantor and as a fighter! Such a mysterious thing – and perhaps accompanied by other self-teachings. So I would not attack you in any way, but Prudence might – through an art unknown to me.”

Rikildis’s eyes are wide as she slowly opens her mouth to speak. “But if I were to publish a retraction, could I avoid having Prudence against me?”

“She only acts against those whom she thinks deserve it.”

Rikildis sighs. “True. Thanks for helping me to deal with this…problem. Now leave me alone to re-arrange the newspaper for tomorrow.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “First Year Students Pranked Prudence Cossins” and in only slightly smaller letters “Falsely Alleged that She was Pirate” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Which Mentors are to Blame?”

The article, as you and Prudence learn, is mostly a criticism of certain onerous and possibly illegal actions that mentors are allegedly forcing their mentees to do, but it opens by claiming that the argument that Prudence is a pirate was created by certain first year students with no knowledge about Prudence as part of a prank by their mentors.

The article causes many rumors to circulate about which students are bad or good mentors – a process made easier by the article’s refusal to name any of the alleged wrong-doers. The result is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and Prudence is happy. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence were right, even if it be accepted that they emerged in very uncertain circumstances. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 charm, + 1 skill level Oratory and Curiosity, +5 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, end adventure]

[If PC has no Love but Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“No more difficult than studying at a school for magic when not studying any recognized pillar of magic,” Rikildis says. “How? Report, report, report. The only ways to stop my reporting – once I established this reputation – are punishable by death. But who would risk execution to deal with me – a girl from no great family or realm? No one whom I know! Sure, sometimes I get beaten up, but such people’s reputations are savaged in the Logodaedalo’s Roar – my personal lion! This same source of power allows me to identify anonymous attackers. You would be surprised how many great sleuths in this school are willing to trade good coverage for investigating bullying against me!”

Then Rikildis takes a step forwards and thrusts an ink-smudged hand towards your chest. “So, are you willing to risk my wrath to threaten or bully me? All for Prudence? What do you see in her?”

“Nothing compared to you, Rikildis, but Prudence might risk your wrath to threaten or bully you.”

You do not flinch or use magic, but your words stop Rikildis as if she had been bound by incanted bonds – or seized by a strong ogre.

“Ex…plain,” she whispers.

“Well,” you say, drawing the word out in genuine concern, “I am not so foolish as to go against the Logodaedalo’s Roar. I would not dare to tamper with you because of your paper lion – more terrifying than real lions, which can be tricked or easily defeated with magic.”

Then, in a flat voice, you say, “But Prudence might.”

Then, continuing in a more concerned tone, you say, “I have friends who can restrain my worst impulses.”

Then, in a flat voice, you say, “But Prudence does not.”

To bring your speech to a crescendo, you decide to adapt a more conversational tone for your last point. “Other mage students, you know, even as they study a pillar of magic – either at the Academagia or at the Contu School – find it difficult to be great mages and physical fighters. But Prudence is skilled at incantation and fighting – yet she is, as far as I can tell, entirely self-taught as an incantor and as a fighter! Such a mysterious thing – and perhaps accompanied by other self-teachings. So I would not attack you in any way, but Prudence might – through an art unknown to me.”

Rikildis’s eyes are wide as she slowly opens her mouth to speak. “But if I were to publish a retraction, could I avoid having Prudence against me?”

“She only acts against those whom she thinks deserve it.”

Rikildis sighs and reaches for your hand. “True. Thanks for helping me to deal with this…problem. People have different roles in each others’ lives, and yours is useful to me now. Now leave me alone to re-arrange the newspaper for tomorrow.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “First Year Students Pranked Prudence Cossins” and in only slightly smaller letters “Falsely Alleged that She was Pirate” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Which Mentors are to Blame?”

The article, as you and Prudence learn, is mostly a criticism of certain onerous and possibly illegal actions that mentors are allegedly forcing their mentees to do, but it opens by claiming that the argument that Prudence is a pirate was created by certain first year students with no knowledge about Prudence as part of a prank by their mentors.

The article causes many rumors to circulate about which students are bad or good mentors – a process made easier by the article’s refusal to name any of the alleged wrong-doers. The result is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and Prudence is happy. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence were right, even if it be accepted that they emerged in very uncertain circumstances. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 charm, + 1 skill level Oratory and Curiosity, +4 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, end adventure]

[If PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“No more difficult than studying at a school for magic when not studying any recognized pillar of magic,” Rikildis says. “How? Report, report, report. The only ways to stop my reporting – once I established this reputation – are punishable by death. But who would risk execution to deal with me – a girl from no great family or realm? No one whom I know! Sure, sometimes I get beaten up, but such people’s reputations are savaged in the Logodaedalo’s Roar – my personal lion! This same source of power allows me to identify anonymous attackers. You would be surprised how many great sleuths in this school are willing to trade good coverage for investigating bullying against me!”

Then Rikildis takes a step forwards and thrusts an ink-smudged hand towards your chest. “So, are you willing to risk my wrath to threaten or bully me? All for Prudence? Do you want to date that dim Durand deodand?”

“I don’t know what a deodand is, Rikildis, but Prudence is nothing to me compared to you. For this reason, I want to warn you that she might risk your wrath to threaten or bully you.”

You do not flinch or use magic, but your words stop Rikildis as if she had been bound by incanted bonds – or seized by a strong ogre.

“Ex…plain,” she whispers.

“Well,” you say, drawing the word out in genuine concern, “I am not so foolish as to go against the Logodaedalo’s Roar. Even if we were not feeling as we are for each other, I would not dare to tamper with you because of your paper lion – more terrifying than real lions, which can be tricked or easily defeated with magic.”

Then, in a flat voice, you say, “But Prudence might.”

Then, continuing in a concerned tone, you say, “I have friends who can restrain my worst impulses.”

Then, in a flat voice, you say, “But Prudence does not.”

To bring your speech to a crescendo, you decide to adapt a more conversational tone for your last point. “Other mage students, you know, even as they study a pillar of magic – either at the Academagia or at the Contu School – find it difficult to be great mages and physical fighters. But Prudence is skilled at incantation and fighting – yet she is, as far as I can tell, entirely self-taught as an incantor and as a fighter! Such a mysterious thing – and perhaps accompanied by other self-teachings. So I would not attack you in any way, but Prudence might – through an art unknown to me.”

Rikildis’s eyes are wide as she slowly opens her mouth to speak. “But if I were to publish a retraction, could I avoid having Prudence against me?”

“She only acts against those whom she thinks deserve it.”

Rikildis sighs and reaches for your hand. “True. Thanks for helping me to deal with this…problem. People have different roles in each others’ lives, and yours is useful to me now. Now leave me alone to re-arrange the newspaper for tomorrow.”

But you, noting Rikildis’s slumping shoulders, ask her whether you can help her to fix the newspaper. She, smiling at you, agrees, and the two of you spend the next several hours writing a new article whose content, Rikildis insists, is almost completely true, rearranging the type upon the printing press, and printing copies of the newly improved student newspaper.

“Good that you came to see me before I had printed the earlier version,” Rikildis tiredly sighs after the two of you staggeringly finish printing the last copy of the student newspaper’s latest issue. “I’ll make a journalist out of you yet, [PCFirstName]! O, to have done what other journalists do as they struggle to deal with deadlines and threats legal and illegal – and at such a young age!” She giggles, then, looking at her dirty hands, says brightly, “I guess that no one can accuse us of using this as an excuse to date or flirt past curfew, given these signs of our efforts.”

“Rikildis,” you say, “I like being with you, but…”

“What? Is Prudence willing to date you despite rules?” And even through Rikildis’s tiredness, you see her anger – and perhaps fear.

“What? No! But Rikildis, you’re so tired that you’re not thinking straight – and neither am I. I must go to sleep now.”

Rikildis embarrassedly agrees, and the two of you go your separate ways.

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “First Year Students Pranked Prudence Cossins” and in only slightly smaller letters “Falsely Alleged that She was Pirate” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Which Mentors are to Blame?”

The article, as you and Prudence learn, is mostly a criticism of certain onerous and possibly illegal actions that mentors are allegedly forcing their mentees to do, but it opens by claiming that the argument that Prudence is a pirate was created by certain first year students with no knowledge about Prudence as part of a prank by their mentors.

The article causes many rumors to circulate about which students are bad or good mentors – a process made easier by the article’s refusal to name any of the alleged wrong-doers. The result is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and Prudence is happy. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence were right, even if it be accepted that they emerged in very uncertain circumstances. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 charm, + 1 skill level Oratory, Curiosity, Puzzles, and Dedication, +4 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

Failure

 

[IF PC has no Love or Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“No more difficult than studying at a school for magic when not studying any recognized pillar of magic,” Rikildis sneers. “How? Report, report, report. The only ways to stop my reporting – once I established this reputation – are punishable by death. But who would risk execution to deal with me – a girl from no great family or realm? No one whom I know! Sure, sometimes I get beaten up, but such people’s reputations are savaged in the Logodaedalo’s Roar – my personal lion! This same source of power allows me to identify anonymous attackers. You would be surprised how many great sleuths in this school are willing to trade good coverage for investigating bullying against me!”

Then Rikildis takes a step forwards and thrusts an ink-smudged hand towards your chest. “So, are you willing to risk my wrath to threaten or bully me? All for Prudence?”

“Yes.”

You try to sound menacing, but the effect is rather spoiled by your flinching as Rikildis advances upon you. She crows in triumph and makes a mark in her notebook that seems to you to be as menacing as what you had meant to seem. So with a sigh, you leave her, not wanting to suffer a tongue-lashing – or her efforts at blackmail. [+ 1 stress, - 1 skill step Intimidation, - 1 relationship with Rikildis von Kiep, pause adventure]

[IF PC has no Love but Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“No more difficult than studying at a school for magic when not studying any recognized pillar of magic,” Rikildis says. “How? Report, report, report. The only ways to stop my reporting – once I established this reputation – are punishable by death. But who would risk execution to deal with me – a girl from no great family or realm? No one whom I know! Sure, sometimes I get beaten up, but such people’s reputations are savaged in the Logodaedalo’s Roar – my personal lion! This same source of power allows me to identify anonymous attackers. You would be surprised how many great sleuths in this school are willing to trade good coverage for investigating bullying against me!”

Then Rikildis takes a step forwards and thrusts an ink-smudged hand towards your chest. “So, are you willing to risk my wrath to threaten or bully me? All for Prudence? What do you see in her?”

“For Prudence I would threaten you.”

You try to sound menacing, but the effect is rather spoiled by your flinching as Rikildis advances upon you. She crows in triumph and makes a mark in her notebook that seems to you to be as menacing as what you had meant to seem. So with a sigh, you leave her, not wanting to suffer a tongue-lashing from Rikildis von Kiep – or her efforts at blackmail. [+ 1 stress, - 1 skill step Intimidation, - 2 relationship with Rikildis von Kiep, pause adventure]

[IF PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“No more difficult than studying at a school for magic when not studying any recognized pillar of magic,” Rikildis says. “How? Report, report, report. The only ways to stop my reporting – once I established this reputation – are punishable by death. But who would risk execution to deal with me – a girl from no great family or realm? No one whom I know! Sure, sometimes I get beaten up, but such people’s reputations are savaged in the Logodaedalo’s Roar – my personal lion! This same source of power allows me to identify anonymous attackers. You would be surprised how many great sleuths in this school are willing to trade good coverage for investigating bullying against me!”

Then Rikildis takes a step forwards and thrusts an ink-smudged hand towards your chest. “So, are you willing to risk my wrath to threaten or bully me? All for Prudence? Do you want to date that dim Durand deodand?”

“For Prudence I would threaten you.”

You try to sound menacing, but the effect is rather spoiled by your flinching as Rikildis advances upon you. She crows in triumph and makes a mark in her notebook that seems to you to be as menacing as what you had meant to seem. So with a sigh, you leave her, not wanting to suffer a tongue-lashing from Rikildis von Kiep – or her efforts at blackmailing you about your formerly close relationship with her. [+ 1 stress, - 1 skill step Intimidation, - 3 relationship with Rikildis von Kiep, pause adventure]

Persuasion. “You can tell better stories about Prudence than alleging that she is a pirate.”

 

Success

 

[IF PC has no Love or Affection with Prudence Cossins]

 

“Really? Such as?” Rikildis’s voice is carefully poised – a slight variation one way or another could turn it into contempt or admiration.

Hoping that she will admire your idea, you state, calmly, “Prudence’s great aunt is a strange hermit who eats bat meat and sometimes feeds guests the bat meat.”

Rikildis, to your relief, seems interested. “So that’s where that rumor about Prudence originated, eh? Funny story. But why should I print it? Many people are interested in reading about pirates and alleged pirates, but fewer people are interested in reading about great aunts with strange cooking habits.”

“The way I see it, for two reasons. First, it is more likely to be true.”

“Concern for truth is often incompatible with profitable journalism,” Rikildis smirks. “If we were to thoroughly research every claim or recent event before reporting, we would be less able to give people what they want – reports about the latest events and alleged events. But you speak well. What is the second reason?”

“If Prudence is not a pirate, then she might bully you in anger. But if she is a pirate, her crewmates might seek to silence the squealers – and those helping them.”

Rikildis gulps and nods. “True. Thanks for telling me about this…problem. Now help me to fix it.”

You tell Rikildis about what Prudence told you about her great aunt and bat meat, then leave her to her newspaper duties.

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate” and in only slightly smaller letters “Shocking Truth About Prudence Revealed” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Prudence’s Mysterious Great aunt”.

The article, as you and Prudence learn, is mostly a discussion of hermits and the wisdom that they may teach – and dangers that they have caused the unwary. But the article opens with a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence that can more easily be explained by Prudence’s great aunt’s eccentricities, which it suggests might be hereditary.

The result of the article is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate. Unfortunately, for a while people act very strangely towards Prudence, as if believing that she will any minute decide to retreat into the Imperial Reserve and eat bat meat willingly. Beatrix von Wetgen, with her usual cheerfulness, even offers to guide Prudence to a place where hermits might live contentedly in the imperial reserve, unbothered by students such as Gwendy Zuyder. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were true. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Intelligence, + 1 skill level Intimidation and Curiosity, +5 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, + 3 stress for Prudence Cossins, end adventure]

[IF PC has no Love but Affection with Prudence Cossins]

 

“Really? Such as?” Rikildis’s voice is carefully poised – a slight variation one way or another could turn it into contempt or admiration.

Hoping that she will admire your idea, you state, calmly, “Prudence’s great aunt is a strange hermit who eats bat meat and sometimes feeds guests the bat meat.”

Rikildis, to your relief, seems interested. “So that’s where that rumor about Prudence originated, eh? Funny story. But why should I print it? Many people are interested in reading about pirates and alleged pirates, but fewer people are interested in reading about great aunts with strange cooking habits.”

“The way I see it, for two reasons. First, it is more likely to be true.”

“Concern for truth is often incompatible with profitable journalism,” Rikildis smirks. “If we were to thoroughly research every claim or recent event before reporting, we would be less able to give people what they want – reports about the latest events and alleged events. But you speak well. What is the second reason?”

“If Prudence is not a pirate, then she might bully you in anger. But if she is a pirate, her crewmates might seek to silence the squealers – and those helping them.”

Rikildis gulps and nods. “True. Thanks for telling me about this…problem. Now help me to fix it.”

You tell Rikildis about what Prudence told you about her great aunt and bat meat, then leave her to her newspaper duties.

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate” and in only slightly smaller letters “Shocking Truth About Prudence Revealed” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Prudence’s Mysterious Great aunt”.

The article, as you and Prudence learn, is mostly a discussion of hermits and the wisdom that they may teach – and dangers that they have caused the unwary. But the article opens with a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence that can more easily be explained by Prudence’s great aunt’s eccentricities, which it suggests might be hereditary.

The result of the article is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate. Unfortunately, for a while people act very strangely towards Prudence, as if believing that she will any minute decide to retreat into the Imperial Reserve and eat bat meat willingly. Beatrix von Wetgen, with her usual cheerfulness, even offers to guide Prudence to a place where hermits might live contentedly in the imperial reserve, unbothered by students such as Gwendy Zuyder. Prudence finds some solace from these new rumors about her when you point out that you do not fear such a thing about her, which she takes very well. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Intelligence, + 1 skill level Intimidation, Curiosity, and Temperance, +5 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, + 2 stress for Prudence Cossins, end adventure]

[IF PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“Really? Such as?” Rikildis’s voice is carefully poised – a slight variation one way or another could turn it into contempt or admiration.

Hoping that she will admire your idea, you state, calmly, “Prudence’s great aunt is a strange hermit who eats bat meat and sometimes feeds guests the bat meat.”

Rikildis, to your relief, seems interested. “So that’s where that rumor about Prudence originated, eh? Funny story. But why should I print it? Many people are interested in reading about pirates and alleged pirates, but fewer people are interested in reading about great aunts with strange cooking habits.”

“The way I see it, for two reasons. First, it is more likely to be true.”

“Concern for truth is often incompatible with profitable journalism,” Rikildis smirks. “If we were to thoroughly research every claim or recent event before reporting, we would be less able to give people what they want – reports about the latest events and alleged events. But you speak well. What is the second reason?”

“If Prudence is not a pirate, then she might bully you in anger. But if she is a pirate, her crewmates might seek to silence the squealers – and those helping them.”

Rikildis gulps and nods. “True. Thanks for telling me about this…problem. Now help me to fix it.”

You tell Rikildis about what Prudence told you about her great aunt and bat meat, then leave her to her newspaper duties.

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate” and in only slightly smaller letters “Shocking Truth About Prudence Revealed” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Prudence’s Mysterious Great aunt”.

The article, as you and Prudence learn, is mostly a discussion of hermits and the wisdom that they may teach – and dangers that they have caused the unwary. But the article opens with a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence that can more easily be explained by Prudence’s great aunt’s eccentricities, which it suggests might be hereditary.

The result of the article is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate. Unfortunately, for a while people act very strangely towards Prudence, as if believing that she will any minute decide to retreat into the Imperial Reserve and eat bat meat willingly. Beatrix von Wetgen, with her usual cheerfulness, even offers to guide Prudence to a place where hermits might live contentedly in the imperial reserve, unbothered by students such as Gwendy Zuyder. Prudence finds some solace from these new rumors about her when you point out that you, with your very close relationship with her, do not fear such a thing about her, and retorts that if she were to go into the Imperial Reserve in order to live as a bat-eating hermit, you would at least be able to visit her. To this you laughingly agree. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Intelligence, + 1 skill level Intimidation, Curiosity, Temperance, +5 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, + 1 stress for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level Flirting for Prudence Cossins and the PC, end adventure]

Failure

 

“Really? Such as?” Rikildis’s voice is neutral.

Hoping that she will admire your idea, you state, “Prudence’s great aunt is a strange hermit who eats bat meat and sometimes feeds guests the bat meat.”

Rikildis brightens and says, “So that’s where that rumor about Prudence originated, eh? Funny story. But why should I print it? Many people are interested in reading about pirates and alleged pirates, but fewer people are interested in reading about great aunts with strange cooking habits.”

“Um, because it’s true?”

“Concern for truth is often incompatible with profitable journalism,” Rikildis smirks. “If we were to thoroughly research every claim or recent event before reporting, we would be less able to give people what they want – reports about the latest events and alleged events. Besides, if people were to accept as true everything that other people claim is true, criminals would very easily be able to avoid conviction. Now leave me alone before I think about writing an article about you that you will not like.” [+ 1 stress, - 1 skill step Persuasion, pause adventure]

Journalism. Try to appeal to Rikildis’s journalistic integrity.

 

Success

 

[IF PC has no Love or Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“Rikildis,” you say, “you are a journalist, not a rumor-monger, spy, or story-teller. Doesn’t this mean that you should have higher standards for what you choose to write or publish? I mean, a novelist or an actor can pretend that almost anything is true, but they are condemned as base artists. Journalists, on the other hand, are committed to reporting what is true.”

Rikildis’s eyes widen, and when she speaks her voice is respectful. “You know, [PCFirstName], you are the first student to say such a thing to me when trying to get me to change my mind about what to publish. It is tempting, I admit, to be thought of as better than Sima Venesico, Lambert Cobo, Miya Hikari – or even my fellow Aranaz student Grainne Inneith.”

“So be better by publishing more responsibly,” you say.

“You sound like Professor Sido! And I will tell you what I told him once.” Rikildis takes a deep breath, then continues. “Journalistic integrity in the Empire of Man is a scam! Certainly, there is greater freedom for people than under dragons, but journalists still are not free. Anything major about dragons or reptiles is easier to not publish, because the temple or the government or both will crack down upon it often – rarely even telling us why it should not be published. Sympathetic reports about Oursouk or Oursoukis? Banned – in favor of xenophobic claims linking them to dragons. And don’t even get me started on Pievre – what one can publish about that horrid place seems to change from week to week. Then there are lèse-majesté concerns that restrict what can be said about governments and defamation laws that are used to muzzle allegations about powerful people. And that is only for adult journalists! Student journalists have to deal with threats of expulsion and detention from the administrators and teachers, as well as harassment, sometimes violent, from students. Given all of these issues, why should I prioritize commitment to an ideal that I cannot meet without getting in trouble rather than giving readers what they want – except for Prudence. But then, whose boss is she, anyway?”

You feel an ache of empathy for Rikildis. It must be so difficult for her to want to get involved in such a controversial, heavily regulated, much suspected position – and the added respectability of journalism must make it worse. At least actors, due to their low associations, can have fun that respectable people such as Regent Badcrumble would only mention in hushed whispers without suffering too much. But journalists must seem respectable because people think that they are respectable.

But that gives you an opening. “Rikildis, you crave your respectability. If you were to lose it, you might suffer from nasty rumors – and perhaps even your name would never go unaccompanied by laughter in the wine shops of foreigners. But the harm would stop there, and a person who was a journalist can become a novelist or playwright. But if Prudence were to lose respectability as an alleged pirate, she could be executed for it. Minetan authorities do not look kindly upon members of pirate crews.”

“Prudence could just plead benefit of clergy,” Rikildis mutters sharply. Then, in a louder voice she says, “I mean, she’s young enough still that she would not need to join a temple.”

“And be branded to prevent her from using it again?” Your words are soft, but they make Rikildis flinch. “Any student at the Academagia who is accused of a crime should, at minimum, only be accused when credible information can be found that, if believed, would mean that an accused committed a crime. But your article does not even have anyone claiming to have seen Prudence as a pirate. Our first Juvenalia at the Academagia was chaotic, with the pirate raid. Less excitable and more experienced mages have caused accidents in calmer circumstances than what Prudence had to work in.”

Rikildis sighs. “I can’t…make even a Durand student go through that, can I? Very well, [PCFullName]. I will prepare a fine editorial for tomorrow’s newspaper.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate” and in only slightly smaller letters “Weak Evidence with Dire Consequences” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Rumors can Kill”.

The article is mostly a discussion of misfortunes that have befallen people who have been accused of crimes on flimsy grounds only to later be found innocent – or the targets of real criminals seeking distractions. But the article opens with a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence that would not hold up in a court of law, which should alone have the right to determine whether people are criminals.

The result of the article is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Insight, + 1 skill level Criminal Law, Civil Law, Curiosity, and Empathy, +3 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Ethics for Rikildis von Kiep, end adventure]

[IF PC has no Love but Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“Rikildis,” you say gently, “you are a journalist, not a rumor-monger, spy, or story-teller. Doesn’t this mean that you should have higher standards for what you choose to write or publish? I mean, a novelist or an actor can pretend that almost anything is true, but they are condemned as base artists. Journalists, on the other hand, are committed to reporting what is true.”

Rikildis’s eyes widen, and when she speaks her voice is respectful. “You know, [PCFirstName], you are the first student to say such a thing to me when trying to get me to change my mind about what to publish. It is tempting, I admit, to be thought of as better than Sima Venesico, Lambert Cobo, Miya Hikari – or even my fellow Aranaz student Grainne Inneith.”

“So be better by publishing more responsibly,” you say. “I believe that you can be a good person.”

“You sound like Professor Sido! And I will tell you what I told him once.” Rikildis takes a deep breath, then continues. “Journalistic integrity in the Empire of Man is a scam! Certainly, there is greater freedom for people than under dragons, but journalists still are not free. Anything major about dragons or reptiles is easier to not publish, because the temple or the government or both will crack down upon it often – rarely even telling us why it should not be published. Sympathetic reports about Oursouk or Oursoukis? Banned – in favor of xenophobic claims linking them to dragons. And don’t even get me started on Pievre – what one can publish about that horrid place seems to change from week to week. Then there are lèse-majesté concerns that restrict what can be said about governments and defamation laws that are used to muzzle allegations about powerful people. And that is only for adult journalists! Student journalists have to deal with threats of expulsion and detention from the administrators and teachers, as well as harassment, sometimes violent, from students. Given all of these issues, why should I prioritize commitment to an ideal that I cannot meet without getting in trouble rather than giving readers what they want – except for Prudence. But then, whose boss is she, anyway? Yours?” Rikildis’s last word is a snarling sob.

You feel an ache of empathy for Rikildis. It must be so difficult for her to want to get involved in such a controversial, heavily regulated, much suspected position – and the added respectability of journalism must make it worse. At least actors, due to their low associations, can have fun that respectable people such as Regent Badcrumble would only mention in hushed whispers without suffering too much. But journalists must seem respectable because people think that they are respectable.

But that gives you an opening. “Rikildis, you crave your respectability. If you were to lose it, you might suffer from nasty rumors that I would not believe without investigation – and perhaps even your name would never go unaccompanied by laughter in the wine shops of foreigners. But the harm would stop there, and a person who was a journalist can become a novelist or playwright. But if Prudence were to lose respectability as an alleged pirate, she could be executed for it. Minetan authorities do not look kindly upon members of pirate crews.”

“Prudence could just plead benefit of clergy,” Rikildis mutters sharply. Then, in a louder voice she says, “I mean, she’s young enough still that she would not need to join a temple.”

“And be branded to prevent her from using it again?” Your words are soft, but they make Rikildis flinch. “Any student at the Academagia who is accused of a crime should, at minimum, only be accused when credible information can be found that, if believed, would mean that an accused committed a crime. But your article does not even have anyone claiming to have seen Prudence as a pirate. Our first Juvenalia at the Academagia was chaotic, with the pirate raid. Less excitable and more experienced mages have caused accidents in calmer circumstances than what Prudence had to work in.”

Rikildis sighs. “I can’t…make even a Durand student go through that, can I? Very well, [PCFullName]. I will prepare a fine editorial for tomorrow’s newspaper. Thanks for being my…conscience.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate” and in only slightly smaller letters “Weak Evidence with Dire Consequences” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Rumors can Kill”.

The article is mostly a discussion of misfortunes that have befallen people who have been accused of crimes on flimsy grounds only to later be found innocent – or the targets of real criminals seeking distractions. But the article opens with a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence that would not hold up in a court of law, which should alone have the right to determine whether people are criminals.

The result of the article is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Insight, + 1 skill level Criminal Law, Civil Law, Curiosity, and Empathy, +2 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Ethics for Rikildis von Kiep, end adventure]

[IF PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“Rikildis,” you say gently, “you are a journalist, not a rumor-monger, spy, or story-teller. Doesn’t this mean that you should have higher standards for what you choose to write or publish? I mean, a novelist or an actor can pretend that almost anything is true, but they are condemned as base artists. Journalists, on the other hand, are committed to reporting what is true.”

Rikildis’s eyes widen, and when she speaks her voice is respectful. “You know, [PCFirstName], you are the first student to say such a thing to me when trying to get me to change my mind about what to publish. It is tempting, I admit, to be thought of as better than Sima Venesico, Lambert Cobo, Miya Hikari – or even my fellow Aranaz student Grainne Inneith.”

“So be better by publishing more responsibly,” you say. “I believe that you can be a good person.”

“You sound like Professor Sido! And I will tell you what I told him once.” Rikildis takes a deep breath, then continues. “Journalistic integrity in the Empire of Man is a scam! Certainly, there is greater freedom for people than under dragons, but journalists still are not free. Anything major about dragons or reptiles is easier to not publish, because the temple or the government or both will crack down upon it often – rarely even telling us why it should not be published. Sympathetic reports about Oursouk or Oursoukis? Banned – in favor of xenophobic claims linking them to dragons. And don’t even get me started on Pievre – what one can publish about that horrid place seems to change from week to week. Then there are lèse-majesté concerns that restrict what can be said about governments and defamation laws that are used to muzzle allegations about powerful people. And that is only for adult journalists! Student journalists have to deal with threats of expulsion and detention from the administrators and teachers, as well as harassment, sometimes violent, from students. Given all of these issues, why should I prioritize commitment to an ideal that I cannot meet without getting in trouble rather than giving readers what they want – except for Prudence. But then, whose boss is she, anyway? Has she become your boss by promising to date you next year, when not beating up Aranaz students such as I am? Or will she date you as soon as I yield to her standards of good journalism – and preserve her bad reputation from becoming terrible?” Rikildis is snarling and almost sobbing by the time she finishes speaking.

You feel an ache of empathy for Rikildis. It must be so difficult for her to want to get involved in such a controversial, heavily regulated, much suspected position – and the added respectability of journalism must make it worse. At least actors, due to their low associations, can have fun that respectable people such as Regent Badcrumble would only mention in hushed whispers without suffering too much. But journalists must seem respectable because people think that they are respectable.

But that gives you an opening. “Rikildis, you crave your respectability. If you were to lose it, you might suffer from nasty rumors that I would not believe without investigation – and perhaps even your name would never go unaccompanied by laughter in the wine shops of foreigners. But the harm would stop there, and a person who was a journalist can become a novelist or playwright. But if Prudence were to lose respectability as an alleged pirate, she could be executed for it. Minetan authorities do not look kindly upon members of pirate crews.”

“Prudence could just plead benefit of clergy,” Rikildis mutters sharply. Then, in a louder voice she says, “I mean, she’s young enough still that she would not need to join a temple.”

“And be branded to prevent her from using it again?” Your words are soft, but they make Rikildis flinch. “Any student at the Academagia who is accused of a crime should, at minimum, only be accused when credible information can be found that, if believed, would mean that an accused committed a crime. But your article does not even have anyone claiming to have seen Prudence as a pirate. Our first Juvenalia at the Academagia was chaotic, with the pirate raid. Less excitable and more experienced mages have caused accidents in calmer circumstances that what Prudence had to work in.”

Rikildis sighs. “I can’t…make even a Durand student go through that, can I? Very well, [PCFullName]. I will prepare a fine editorial for tomorrow’s newspaper. Thanks for being my…conscience.”

But you, noting Rikildis’s slumping shoulders, ask her whether you can help her to fix the newspaper. She, smiling at you, agrees, and the two of you spend the next several hours writing a new article whose content, Rikildis insists, is almost completely true, rearranging the type upon the printing press, and printing copies of the newly improved student newspaper.

“Good that you came to see me before I had printed the earlier version,” Rikildis tiredly sighs after the two of you staggeringly finish printing the last copy of the student newspaper’s latest issue. “I’ll make a journalist out of you yet, [PCFirstName]! O, to have done what other journalists do as they struggle to deal with deadlines and threats legal and illegal – and at such a young age!” She giggles, then, looking at her dirty hands, says brightly, “I guess that no one can accuse us of using this as an excuse to date or flirt past curfew, given these signs of our efforts.”

“Rikildis,” you say, “I like being with you, but…”

“What? Is Prudence willing to date you despite rules?” And even through Rikildis’s tiredness, you see her anger – and perhaps fear.

“What? No! But Rikildis, you’re so tired that you’re not thinking straight – and neither am I. I must go to sleep now.”

Rikildis embarrassedly agrees, and the two of you go your separate ways.

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate” and in only slightly smaller letters “Weak Evidence with Dire Consequences” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Rumors can Kill”.

The article is mostly a discussion of misfortunes that have befallen people who have been accused of crimes on flimsy grounds only to later be found innocent – or the targets of real criminals seeking distractions. But the article opens with a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence that would not hold up in a court of law, which should alone have the right to determine whether people are criminals.

The result of the article is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Insight, + 1 skill level Criminal Law, Civil Law, Curiosity, Puzzles, Dedication, and Empathy, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Ethics for Rikildis von Kiep, end adventure]

Failure

 

[IF PC has no Love or Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“Rikildis,” you say, “you are a journalist, not a rumor-monger, spy, or story-teller. Journalists are committed to reporting what is true.”

“You sound like Professor Sido! And I will tell you what I told him once.” Rikildis takes a deep breath, then continues. “Journalistic integrity in the Empire of Man is a scam! Certainly, there is greater freedom for people than under dragons, but journalists still are not free. Anything major about dragons or reptiles is easier to not publish, because the temple or the government or both will crack down upon it often – rarely even telling us why it should not be published. Sympathetic reports about Oursouk or Oursoukis? Banned – in favor of xenophobic claims linking them to dragons. And don’t even get me started on Pievre – what one can publish about that horrid place seems to change from week to week. Then there are lèse-majesté concerns that restrict what can be said about governments and defamation laws that are used to muzzle allegations about powerful people. And that is only for adult journalists! Student journalists have to deal with threats of expulsion and detention from the administrators and teachers, as well as harassment, sometimes violent, from students. Given all of these issues, why should I prioritize commitment to an ideal that I cannot meet without getting in trouble rather than giving readers what they want – except for Prudence. But then, whose boss is she, anyway?”

You are not really sure how to reply to Rikildis’s words. Stammering, you leave her to her newspaper work. [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill step Journalism, pause adventure]

[IF PC has no Love but Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“Rikildis,” you say, “you are a journalist, not a rumor-monger, spy, or story-teller. Journalists are committed to reporting what is true.”

“You sound like Professor Sido! And I will tell you what I told him once.” Rikildis takes a deep breath, then continues. “Journalistic integrity in the Empire of Man is a scam! Certainly, there is greater freedom for people than under dragons, but journalists still are not free. Anything major about dragons or reptiles is easier to not publish, because the temple or the government or both will crack down upon it often – rarely even telling us why it should not be published. Sympathetic reports about Oursouk or Oursoukis? Banned – in favor of xenophobic claims linking them to dragons. And don’t even get me started on Pievre – what one can publish about that horrid place seems to change from week to week. Then there are lèse-majesté concerns that restrict what can be said about governments and defamation laws that are used to muzzle allegations about powerful people. And that is only for adult journalists! Student journalists have to deal with threats of expulsion and detention from the administrators and teachers, as well as harassment, sometimes violent, from students. Given all of these issues, why should I prioritize commitment to an ideal that I cannot meet without getting in trouble rather than giving readers what they want – except for Prudence. But then, whose boss is she, anyway? Yours?” Rikildis’s last word is a snarling sob.

You are not really sure how to reply to Rikildis’s words beyond saying that Prudence is not your boss with such vehemence that Rikildis believes you. Stammering, you leave her to her newspaper work. [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill step Journalism, pause adventure]

[IF PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

“Rikildis,” you say, “you are a journalist, not a rumor-monger, spy, or story-teller. Journalists are committed to reporting what is true.”

“You sound like Professor Sido! And I will tell you what I told him once.” Rikildis takes a deep breath, then continues. “Journalistic integrity in the Empire of Man is a scam! Certainly, there is greater freedom for people than under dragons, but journalists still are not free. Anything major about dragons or reptiles is easier to not publish, because the temple or the government or both will crack down upon it often – rarely even telling us why it should not be published. Sympathetic reports about Oursouk or Oursoukis? Banned – in favor of xenophobic claims linking them to dragons. And don’t even get me started on Pievre – what one can publish about that horrid place seems to change from week to week. Then there are lèse-majesté concerns that restrict what can be said about governments and defamation laws that are used to muzzle allegations about powerful people. And that is only for adult journalists! Student journalists have to deal with threats of expulsion and detention from the administrators and teachers, as well as harassment, sometimes violent, from students. Given all of these issues, why should I prioritize commitment to an ideal that I cannot meet without getting in trouble rather than giving readers what they want – except for Prudence. But then, whose boss is she, anyway? Has she become your boss by promising to date you next year, when not beating up Aranaz students such as me? Or will she date you as soon as I yield to her standards of good journalism – and preserve her bad reputation from becoming terrible?” Rikildis is snarling and almost sobbing by the time she finishes speaking.

You are not really sure how to reply to Rikildis’s words beyond saying that Prudence is not your boss with such vehemence that Rikildis believes you. Stammering, you leave her to her newspaper work. [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill step Journalism, pause adventure]

[If PC Completed Rikildis’s Y1 adventure] Blackmail. Try to use your efforts with Rikildis last year against her.

 

Success

 

[IF PC has no Love or Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

With studied casualness, you say to Rikildis, “The world is full of people doing illegal deeds. It would be a pity if you were to be revealed as one of them.”

“And how would such news spread?” Rikildis sneers. “The person who would reveal such false claims might frame him or her self due to revealing familiarity with deeds that such a story-teller – I had almost called him or her liar – would falsely attribute to me. Lambert Cobo, whom we had dealings with last year, is not well-respected for reasons involving more than his spying in all types of washrooms – as he loudly insists whenever caught.”

“There are many sources of information, Rikildis,” you reply. “Not all of them are disreputable. The Quiet Girl, for example, is, however she gets her knowledge, very reliable – and very prone to telling people about other people when the mood takes her. Plus, when certain people are harmed within certain locations, the very shortness of the list of suspects, combined with the seriousness of the allegations, may make such people very interested in investigating certain suspects even when the clues come from less reliable sources. By dealing kindly with… certain people about certain things, one source of such allegations may be avoided.”

Rikildis sighs, but her eyes are hard. “Very well, [PCFullName]. In order to better preserve me against false rumours that might spread, I will correct the newspaper.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate” and in only slightly smaller letters “Weak Evidence with Dire Consequences” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Rumors can Kill”.

The article is mostly a discussion of misfortunes that have befallen people who have been accused of crimes based solely upon anonymous or pseudonymous rumors, which may be spread by many people for many reasons. But the article opens with a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence that would not hold up in a court of law, which requires that witnesses be identified and testify about how they knew something.

The result of the article is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Insight, + 1 skill level Criminal Law, Bureaucracy, Journalism, Curiosity, +4 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Innuendo for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, - 1 relationship with Rikildis von Kiep, end adventure]

[IF PC has no Love but Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

With studied casualness, you say to Rikildis, “The world is full of people doing illegal deeds. It would be a pity if you were to be revealed as one of them.”

“And how would such news spread?” Rikildis sneers. “The person who would reveal such false claims might frame him or her self due to revealing familiarity with deeds that such a story-teller – I had almost called him or her liar – would falsely attribute to me. Lambert Cobo, whom we had dealings with last year, is not well-respected for reasons involving more than his spying in all types of washrooms – as he loudly insists whenever caught.”

“There are many sources of information, Rikildis,” you reply. “Not all of them are disreputable. The Quiet Girl, for example, is, however she gets her knowledge, very reliable – and very prone to telling people about other people when the mood takes her. Plus, when certain people are harmed within certain locations, the very shortness of the list of suspects, combined with the seriousness of the allegations, may make such people very interested in investigating certain suspects even when the clues come from less reliable sources. By dealing kindly with… certain people about certain things, one source of such allegations may be avoided.”

Rikildis sighs, but her eyes, to your surprise, lack anger. “Very well, [PCFullName]. In order to better preserve me against false rumours that might spread, I will correct the newspaper. And honestly? Good job! Better to have you as a friend than an enemy.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate” and in only slightly smaller letters “Weak Evidence with Dire Consequences” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Rumors can Kill”.

The article is mostly a discussion of misfortunes that have befallen people who have been accused of crimes based solely upon anonymous or pseudonymous rumors, which may be spread by many people for many reasons. But the article opens with a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence that would not hold up in a court of law, which requires that witnesses be identified and testify about how they knew something.

The result of the article is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Insight, + 1 skill level Criminal Law, Bureaucracy, Journalism, Curiosity, +3 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Innuendo for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[IF PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

With studied casualness, you say to Rikildis, “The world is full of people doing illegal deeds. It would be a pity if you were to be revealed as one of them.”

“And how would such news spread?” Rikildis sneers. “The person who would reveal such false claims might frame him or her self due to revealing familiarity with deeds that such a story-teller – I had almost called him or her liar – would falsely attribute to me. Lambert Cobo, whom we had dealings with last year, is not well-respected for reasons involving more than his spying in all types of washrooms – as he loudly insists whenever caught.”

“There are many sources of information, Rikildis,” you reply. “Not all of them are disreputable. The Quiet Girl, for example, is, however she gets her knowledge, very reliable – and very prone to telling people about other people when the mood takes her. Plus, when certain people are harmed within certain locations, the very shortness of the list of suspects, combined with the seriousness of the allegations, may make such people very interested in investigating certain suspects even when the clues come from less reliable sources. By dealing kindly with… certain people about certain things, one source of such allegations may be avoided.”

Rikildis sighs, but her eyes, to your surprise, lack anger. “Very well, [PCFullName]. In order to better preserve me against false rumours that might spread, I will correct the newspaper. And honestly? Good job! You could be a dangerous enemy to me or a powerful ally. And I much prefer you as an ally – and perhaps more, come in time.”

But you, noting Rikildis’s slumping shoulders, ask her whether you can help her to fix the newspaper. She, smiling at you, agrees, and the two of you spend the next several hours writing a new article whose content, Rikildis insists, is almost completely true, rearranging the type upon the printing press, and printing copies of the newly improved student newspaper.

“Good that you came to see me before I had printed the earlier version,” Rikildis tiredly sighs after the two of you staggeringly finish printing the last copy of the student newspaper’s latest issue. “I’ll make a journalist out of you yet, [PCFirstName]! O, to have done what other journalists do as they struggle to deal with deadlines and threats legal and illegal – and at such a young age!” She giggles, then, looking at her dirty hands, says brightly, “I guess that no one can accuse us of using this as an excuse to date or flirt past curfew, given these signs of our efforts.”

“Rikildis,” you say, “I like being with you, but…”

“What? Is Prudence willing to date you despite rules?” And even through Rikildis’s tiredness, you see her anger – and perhaps fear.

“What? No! But Rikildis, you’re so tired that you’re not thinking straight – and neither am I. I must go to sleep now.”

Rikildis embarrassedly agrees, and the two of you go your separate ways.

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. A large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate” and in only slightly smaller letters “Weak Evidence with Dire Consequences” followed, in smaller letters, by the words “Rumors can Kill”.

The article is mostly a discussion of misfortunes that have befallen people who have been accused of crimes based solely upon anonymous or pseudonymous rumors, which may be spread by many people for many reasons. But the article opens with a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence that would not hold up in a court of law, which requires that witnesses be identified and testify about how they knew something.

The result of the article is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Insight, + 1 skill level Criminal Law, Bureaucracy, Journalism, Curiosity, +3 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Innuendo for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

Failure

 

[IF PC has no Love or Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

You say to Rikildis, “Is your eagerness to stay the course about Prudence willing to yield for the sake of preserving your reputation as a non-burglar?”

“I know that there is an art to indirect communication, buy you’ve got it all wrong. And how would such news spread?” Rikildis sneers. “The person who would reveal such false claims might frame him or her self due to revealing familiarity with deeds that such a story-teller – I had almost called him or her liar – would falsely attribute to me. Lambert Cobo, whom we had dealings with last year, is not well-respected for reasons involving more than his spying in all types of washrooms – as he loudly insists whenever caught.”

Rikildis’s question brings a stop to your congratulatory thoughts. How would you avoid such problems? With a stammered apology, you leave Rikildis, hoping to succeed in a future effort. Based upon Rikildis’s angry glare as you leave her, though, you know that you have failed to help Prudence and angered Rikildis. [+1 stress, - 1 skill step Planning, - 1 relationship with Rikildis von Kiep, + 1 skill level Innuendo for Rikildis von Kiep, pause adventure]

[IF PC has no Love but Affection with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

You say to Rikildis, “Is your eagerness to stay the course about Prudence willing to yield for the sake of preserving your reputation as a non-burglar?”

“I know that there is an art to indirect communication, but you’ve got it all wrong. And how would such news spread?” Rikildis sneers. “The person who would reveal such false claims might frame him or her self due to revealing familiarity with deeds that such a story-teller – I had almost called him or her liar – would falsely attribute to me. Lambert Cobo, whom we had dealings with last year, is not well-respected for reasons involving more than his spying in all types of washrooms – as he loudly insists whenever caught.”

Rikildis’s question brings a stop to your congratulatory thoughts. How would you avoid such problems? With a stammered apology, you leave Rikildis, hoping to succeed in a future effort. Based upon Rikildis’s glare as you leave her, though, you know that you have failed to help Prudence and upset Rikildis. [+1 stress, - 1 skill step Planning, - 1 relationship with Rikildis von Kiep, + 1 skill level Innuendo for Rikildis von Kiep, pause adventure]

[IF PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

You say to Rikildis, “Is your eagerness to stay the course about Prudence willing to yield for the sake of preserving your reputation as a non-burglar?”

“I know that there is an art to indirect communication, but you’ve got it all wrong. And how would such news spread?” Rikildis sneers. “The person who would reveal such false claims might frame him or her self due to revealing familiarity with deeds that such a story-teller – I had almost called him or her liar – would falsely attribute to me. Lambert Cobo, whom we had dealings with last year, is not well-respected for reasons involving more than his spying in all types of washrooms – as he loudly insists whenever caught.”

Rikildis’s question brings a stop to your congratulatory thoughts. How would you avoid such problems? With a stammered apology, you prepare to leave Rikildis, hoping to succeed in a future effort. Rikildis, however, stops you.

“Don’t feel so bad about your efforts,” she says. “Such activity is hard, I know, and by seeing how you don’t succeed, I can get better. Plus, you are so cute when you realize that you have not thought the plan through.”

Well, at least Rikildis is not mad at you, though Prudence’s reputation is yet unsalvaged. [+1 stress, - 1 skill step Planning, - 1 relationship with Rikildis von Kiep, + 1 skill level Innuendo for Rikildis von Kiep, pause adventure]

Negotiate. “Rikildis, I know what you want – a fascinating story. I can give you one.”

 

Success

 

“Really?” Rikildis seems genuinely interested. “You do have a certain reputation – especially after you, Zorzi, and Philippe Marchant got into that confrontation with the street magicians during our first year’s Workshop Day. So, what craziness can you tell me about?”

“Anything that does not get too personal,” you tell her. “And don’t worry – that leaves a lot of them that I can talk about.”

“Fair enough.” Rikildis nods and opens her notebook to a new page. “I’m sure that I don’t want to hear about Amada Kiffer’s hair – or similar things.” [+ 1 skill level Story Telling, hide all options not revealed within this box, choose other option]

Choices:

 

[If PC completed the Main Adventure with the Minetan City Guard During Y1] “Miss von Kiep, you speak to a veteran of the Minetan City Guard’s campaign against the Black Rose Fellowship and related problems last year.”

 

[If PC has neither Affection nor Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your efforts with the Minetan City Guard. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in the Captain’s actions against criminals in Mineta. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Account of Heroism”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less accurate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to claim that you single-handedly charged seven pirates while urging other members of the City Guard to join you? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your bravery in with dealing multiple types of criminals in Mineta, ranging from Ilaro Dati to the Black Rose Fellowship to a family of goblins.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Courage, Leadership, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Command for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, - 1 relationship with Rikildis von Kiep, end adventure]

[If PC has Affection or Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your efforts with the Minetan City Guard. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“Now I understand why every girl is said to like an officer, [PCFirstName].”

“If you were to explain why, Rikildis, I might have to report you. But what about my story. Did you like it?”

Rikildis blushes and says, “I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in the Captain’s actions against criminals in Mineta. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Account of Heroism”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less accurate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to claim that you single-handedly charged seven pirates while urging other members of the City Guard to join you? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your bravery in dealing with multiple types of criminals in Mineta, ranging from Ilaro Dati to the Black Rose Fellowship to a family of goblins.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Courage, Leadership, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Command and Flirting for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC completed the Y1 Adventure Just Going About Your Own Business] “If you want a pirate story, I can give you one.”

 

[If PC has Family: Sky Pirates]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your abduction by a mysterious bounty hunter. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in escaping from the bounty hunter and destroying the bounty hunter’s ship. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Abduction by Pirates!”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to claim that you may have been kidnapped by shapeshifting gorillas? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your bravery in adapting to the engine-room, meeting the bounty hunter, and escaping from the ship while being hunted by the bounty hunter and her crew. You only wish that the article could have emphasized that not all criminals who use airships are as mysteriously cruel and frightening as these ones were. Your family, you hope, are much more reasonable.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Courage, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Infiltration for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC does not have Family: Sky Pirates]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your abduction by a mysterious bounty hunter. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in escaping from the bounty hunter and destroying the bounty hunter’s ship. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Abduction by Pirates!”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to claim that you may have been kidnapped by shapeshifting gorillas? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your bravery in adapting to the engine-room, meeting the bounty hunter, and escaping from the ship while being hunted by the bounty hunter and her crew.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Courage, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Infiltration for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC completed the Y1 Adventure A Day in Frontino]: “I can tell you a story of thwarted lovers, a town riven by feuds – and my role in ending these problems.”

 

[If PC has Love with any character]

 

[If PC has Love with Zoe Melis]

 

[IF PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 Adventure]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

To make matters even better for you, Zoe Melis is apparently awed that you would do what you did to allow lovers to love each other openly. To Prudence’s amusement, she approaches you and says that she is glad, after reading about your deeds in Frontino, that there are more heroes operating at the Academagia than the Homework Helper Heroine. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Flirting for Zoe Melis and the PC, end adventure]

[IF PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 Adventure]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

To make matters even better for you, Zoe Melis is apparently awed that you would do what you did to allow lovers to love each other openly despite the disapproval of people around them. To Prudence’s amusement, she approaches you and says that she hopes that you would be willing to help her as much as you helped strangers in Frontino, and seems impressed when you say that you would. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Romance for Zoe Melis and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep]

 

[IF PC completed Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 Adventure]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

To make matters even better for you, Rikildis von Kiep is apparently impressed that you would do what you did to allow lovers to love each other openly. To Prudence’s amusement, she approaches you and says that she hopes that you would be willing to provide further stories about how you helped lovers to reveal their love openly – regardless of whom they may be. Her knowing eyes make clear to you that she includes herself and you in that list of possible subjects for stories. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture and Flirting for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[IF PC did not complete Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 Adventure]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

To make matters even better for you, Rikildis von Kiep is apparently impressed that you would do what you did to allow lovers to love each other openly. To Prudence’s amusement, she approaches you and says that she hopes that you would be willing to provide further stories about how you helped lovers to reveal their love openly – regardless of whom they may be and what misdeeds they may have committed together. Her knowing eyes make clear to you that she includes herself and you in that list of possible subjects for stories. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture and Flirting for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Love with Sheary Warrington]

 

[IF PC did not complete Sheary Warrington’s Y1 Adventure]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

To make matters even better for you, Sheary Warrington is apparently awed that you would do what you did to allow lovers to love each other openly despite the disapproval of people around them. To Prudence’s amusement, he approaches you and says that he hopes that you would be willing to help him as much as you helped strangers in Frontino, and seems impressed when you say that you would. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Romance for Sheary Warrington and the PC, end adventure]

[IF PC completed Sheary Warrington’s Y1 Adventure]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

To make matters even better for you, Sheary Warrington is apparently awed that you would do what you did to allow lovers to love each other openly despite the disapproval of people around them. To Prudence’s amusement, he approaches you and says that he hopes that you would be willing to help him as much as you helped strangers in Frontino despite what you now know about his motives for goodness, and seems both relieved and impressed when you say that you would. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Romance for Sheary Warrington and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Love with Uliva Valaresso]

 

[IF PC completed Uliva Valaresso’s Y1 Adventure]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

To make matters even better for you, Uliva Valaresso is apparently impressed by what she read about you, although not for the reason that you expected. To Prudence’s amusement, she approaches you and says that she is glad, after reading about your deeds in Frontino, that there are heroes such as you are, operating at the Academagia and capable of helping her to protect snakes. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Animal Husbandry for Uliva Valaresso and the PC, end adventure]

[IF PC did not complete Uliva Valaresso’s Y1 Adventure]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

To make matters even better for you, Uliva Valaresso is apparently impressed by what she read about you, although not for the reason that you expected. To Prudence’s amusement, she approaches you and says that she is glad, after reading about your deeds in Frontino, that there are heroes such as you are, operating at the Academagia and capable of protecting her from students who are creeped out by her love of snakes. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Rallying for Uliva Valaresso and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. To make matters even better for you, Prudence is apparently awed that you would do what you did to allow lovers to love each other openly.

“You really are such a swell friend,” she sighs. “Not just to me, but to others – even strangers! I was so right to use you to help me found the Belonging Brethren.”

And then, seeing your face, she says, “We can be more… next year.”

You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Romance and Patience for Prudence Cossins and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Love with a Character not Rikildis von Kiep, Sheary Warrington, Uliva Valaresso, or Prudence Cossins]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

To make matters even better for you, [FullNameofStudentWhomPCLoves] is apparently awed that you would do what you did to allow lovers to love each other openly despite the disapproval of people around them. To Prudence’s amusement, this student approaches you and to express hopes that you would be willing to help the one whom you love as much as you helped strangers in Frontino, and seems impressed when you say that you would. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Romance for StudentWhomPCLoves and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has no Love with any character]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of your trip to Frontino, and your not unpleasant meeting with some of its residents. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about your role in fixing the Frontino fountain, figuring out why the families were feuding, and creating peace between the two families’ patriarchs. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName]’s Urban War”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less dispassionate than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to present Frontino as a war-zone into which you had travelled? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, your cleverness in fixing the destroyed fountain and negotiating contradictory demands from feuders in order to create peace.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, Dispassion, Memorization, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Architecture for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC completed Beatrix von Wetgen’s Y1 Adventure] “Beatrix von Wetgen and I found some wyvern worshippers in the Imperial Reserve last year.”

 

[If PC has no Affection with Beatrix von Wetgen]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of how your efforts to help Beatrix with her interest in recording information about the Imperial Reserve led the two of you to discover and protect a wyvern. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about going into the Imperial Reserve, discovering wyverns in the Imperial Reserve, and foiling efforts by wyvern cultists to steal their eggs. Who would’ve thought that natural philosophy could be so interesting? Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName] Foils Wyvern Worshippers”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less about you and Beatrix von Wetgen than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to make allegations that the wyvern worshippers must have been Oursouki agents? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, Beatrix’s desire to learn about rare species within the Imperial Reserve and your role in protecting her against the dangers involved in this task – culminating in locating a wyvern and defeating sinister people who wanted to steal its eggs.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Cartography, Wilderness Survival, Seeking Friends in Hidden Places, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Biology for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Affection with Beatrix von Wetgen]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of how your efforts to help Beatrix with her interest in recording information about the Imperial Reserve led the two of you to discover and protect a wyvern. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about going into the Imperial Reserve, discovering wyverns in the Imperial Reserve, and foiling efforts by wyvern cultists to steal their eggs. Who would’ve thought that natural philosophy could be so interesting? Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName] Foils Wyvern Worshippers”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less about you and Beatrix von Wetgen than you had hoped – did Rikildis really need to make allegations that the wyvern worshippers must have been Oursouki agents? – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, Beatrix’s desire to learn about rare species within the Imperial Reserve and your role in protecting her against the dangers involved in this task – culminating in locating a wyvern and defeating sinister people who wanted to steal its eggs.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened.

You fear that Beatrix may take offence with the fact that the article makes so much of your heroism while reducing her to the role of a natural philosopher who needs protection, and tell her this. Beatrix, however, smiles and reassures you.

“Natural philosophy can be dangerous work, [PCFirstName], especially when dealing with places barely known to scholars. I knew the dangers, though, which is why I asked you, with your reputation, to help me. Finding a wyvern’s nest is a great achievement for any explorer or natural philosopher – it would’ve been terrible if the wyvern cultists had damaged it or killed me before I could report about it.” [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Cartography, Wilderness Survival, Seeking Friends in Hidden Places, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Biology for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Danger Sense for Beatrix von Wetgen and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC completed the Y1 Adventure Cloudy Skies Phase 12] “I fought against a Gates mage!”

 

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

[If PC has Gates Skill > 0]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of how you were involved in efforts by the Academagia’s Legate to track down and destroy the long-lived former Legate and Gates mage Mjolnir. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about the hunting down of Mjolnir and the foiling of his plans. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName] Fights Gates Mage”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less about you than you had hoped – Rikildis also had interviewed Regent Finus Piaxenza in order to gain confirmation of your claims – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, how your dream and your talking about the dream had been key to Legate Orsi’s being able to locate Mjolnir, after which you had heroically joined the expedition to Mjolnir’s mountain lair and fought Mjolnir yourself. Few mages since the Bans, you know, can boast of having gone forth to confront a formally trained and experienced gates mage at a place of his or her choosing – and you are one of them.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead as a champion against practitioners of evil and forbidden magics. The good news, you suppose, is that people may be less likely to suspect your own involvement, however fumbling, in Gates magic.

You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 Glory, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Journalism for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Gates Skill = 0]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of how you were involved in efforts by the Academagia’s Legate to track down and destroy the long-lived former Legate and Gates mage Mjolnir. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about the hunting down of Mjolnir and the foiling of his plans. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName] Fights Gates Mage”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less about you than you had hoped – Rikildis also had interviewed Regent Finus Piaxenza in order to gain confirmation of your claims – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, how your dream and your talking about the dream had been key to Legate Orsi’s being able to locate Mjolnir, after which you had heroically joined the expedition to Mjolnir’s mountain lair and fought Mjolnir yourself. Few mages since the Bans, you know, can boast of having gone forth to confront a formally trained and experienced gates mage at a place of his or her choosing – and you are one of them.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead as a champion against practitioners of evil and forbidden magics. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 Glory, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Journalism for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of how you were involved in efforts by the Academagia’s Legate to track down and destroy the long-lived former Legate and Gates mage Mjolnir. When she is done, she looks at you with admiration.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about the hunting down of Mjolnir and the foiling of his plans. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName] Fights Gates Mage”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less about you than you had hoped – Rikildis also had interviewed Regent Finus Piaxenza in order to gain confirmation of your claims – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, how your dream and your talking about the dream had been key to Legate Orsi’s being able to locate Mjolnir, after which you had heroically joined the expedition to Mjolnir’s mountain lair and fought Mjolnir yourself. Few mages since the Bans, you know, can boast of having gone forth to confront a formally trained and experienced gates mage at a place of his or her choosing – and you are one of them. Admittedly, you know that if you were wanting to make a habit of doing so, it would be easier than most people think for you to do so – but since your admitting this would be extremely ill-advised, you merely think this.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead as a champion against practitioners of evil and forbidden magics. The good news, you suppose, is that people may be less likely to suspect your own study and practise of Gates magic.

You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 Glory, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Journalism for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC completed the Y1 Adventure The Door in the Bad Part of Town’s Phase 8] “A rat-girl hiding in Mineta has a cache of treasures.”

 

Rikildis rapidly writes down your account of how you discovered that behind a certain door in a rather unsavory part of Mineta is a tunnel that leads to another building in which a rat-girl has accumulated much treasure. You carefully omit all mentions of Lambert Cobo. Rikildis seems to guess that you are hiding something based upon her smirk to you, but her words reveal that

she is willing to accept your account.

“This is perfect, [PCFirstName]! I’ll definitely be able to make a good newspaper article out of your story about what lies behind certain doors in Mineta. Who would’ve thought that such a person and such treasures could be found in Mineta? I would’ve thought that the Thieves’ Guild would have…well, done something better. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “[PCFullName] Discovers Treasure!”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is less about you than you had hoped – Rikildis really pulled out all of the stops in presenting parts of Mineta as being very dangerous to the unwary – but it does not skimp in portraying, correctly, what you did in order to discover the rat girl’s hide-out and does not exaggerate too much the riches that she has stashed away.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Cartography, Climb, Perception, Curiosity, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Minetan Swagger for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC completed the Y1 Adventure Splash’s Phase 6 and has no memory Rikildis Suspects Orsi of Being Disguised] “Legate Orsi sometimes disguises himself as a student to see how students behave.”

 

“I can believe that,” Rikildis muses. “Guess that I’ll need to be more cautious. But I can’t publish it. Even if Orsi doesn’t sue me for libel – which he might, given the…less than wholesome ways in which staff may be suspected of abusing such powers – he could easily turn the school against me for revealing his secret. So, no thanks. But try another story. Maybe it will be interesting and publishable.” [+ 1 skill level Perception for Rikildis von Kiep, + 1 skill level Civil Law for the PC, as memory Rikildis Suspects Orsi of Being Disguised, choose other option]

Storytelling. Neither you nor Rikildis said that the story had to be true. Make a story up.

 

Success

 

“So, Rikildis, I discovered this amazing manuscript in the Venalicium library written by Noemia’s own hand in which she described how, as part of her founding of the Academagia, she had to subdue various spirits – all without using Gates magic!”

You then tell Rikildis about various wise, humorous, embarrassing, and occasionally magical acts that Noemia had engaged in as she encountered various spirits in the vicinity of the future Academagia. By the time you finish telling her about the spirit whom Noemia banished after tricking it into believing that it was its own parent, Rikildis has tears of laughter in her eyes.

“I will certainly be publishing your lies!” she gasps. “And because I want the rights to that story, I will teach you a spell that I really discovered within the Venalicium. Deal?”

“Sure,” you numbly tell Rikildis. “But why do you dismiss it as a lie?”

“Because Noemia did not found the Academagia, much as people think that she did. Her brother Athanasios did. Furthermore, any manuscript written by Noemia would be treasured as a relic, not left to rot in the Venalicium Library – although its librarians are fierce guards. I care enough to not publish what you said as fact, but some fiction is always welcome. Now leave me to rearrange the newspaper.”

You feel a rush of shame that in all of your story-telling, you had not bothered to keep basic facts and plausibility straight, but are relieved that Rikildis will take what you told her regardless.

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “A Thrilling Tale of the Academagia’s Founding, by [PCFullName]”.

The article that Prudence is most interested in is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence.

The other article is remarkably faithful to your words, but includes, you cannot help but notice, the words “All Rights Reserved”. Later that day, Rikildis ushers you into a room where she allows you to study a manuscript from of all things, a children’s entertainer, containing Glamor phemes before having you sign over to her all rights that are or may be recognized under any code of law in Mineta or Vilocia related to your story.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise you for your funny story instead. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Wit, Sleuthing, Curiosity, learn spell The Tale of Sir William Hopkins, +1 skill level Civil Law for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

Failure

 

“Sure, I can tell you a good story about my adventure, Rikildis,” you tell her. “When I first came to the Academagia, see, I was not sure about whether I wanted to be a mage or a singer. So I resolved, in my spare time, to study all of the nuances of singing. The tuning, the pitch, the volume – and of course the various alleged ways to improve one’s singing voice and prevent it from –”

“Enough about your crazy efforts to learn about music!” Rikildis snaps. “I don’t care about such efforts – if you even did them – and neither will my readers!”

You try to tell Rikildis about the fascinating magical singing match that you were about to get to, but this causes her to scream so loudly that you decide that she should be left alone for now. [+ 1 stress for the PC and Rikildis von Kiep, - 1 skill step Character Study, pause adventure]

Manner of a Champion. Tell Rikildis about your experiences with Prudence, establishing her as a worthy member of Durand College.

 

Success

 

[If PC is not in Durand College nor Aranaz College]

 

[If PC has no Affection nor Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“You really like that article about Prudence Cossins, right, Rikildis? Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“But I can, Rikildis,” you say with only the faintest hint of smugness. “Any fool can attack people, but the person whom Durand College wants as a student is willing to attack only certain types of people in certain circumstances. People who are doing wrong and making life bad for other people.”

“And Prudence is like this?” Rikildis sounds doubtful.

“Indeed she is, Rikildis…”

You tell Rikildis about how Prudence sought your help to create the Belonging Brethren. The whole idea, you emphasize, was hers – you just helped her to advertise it and find a peaceful meeting place. When rimbal players sought to beat up people who were attending the first meeting, Prudence willingly placed herself at risk to protect less skilled or defensive students – even when they were older students. Even when they were Aranaz students.

“And that,” you conclude, “is what being a Durand student is all about – being willing to take great risks to protect others even when the odds seem stacked against you. King Durand, you Aranaz students proclaim, was a fool to try to attack the dragons head on – especially since King Morvidus was not yet known to be approaching with his own army. Much better, you Aranaz students say, if we had followed King Aranaz’s less direct approach. Well, King Durand won the argument, the battle was joined, and Cyve was torn asunder. You Aranaz students think that had King Durand not attacked, this Exile would not have happened, and that had he known what the dragons had been planning, he would have deferred to King Aranaz. But I think that King Durand would have insisted upon attack regardless – and that he would have been right to do so, even if King Aranaz had used all of his cunning and the knowledge about the dragons’ powers and plans to argue for caution. I mean, had the dragons been left undisturbed, who knows what menaces – perhaps involving Gates or Mastery – they could have devised in order to restore slavery to all of humanity? But by attacking the dragons when he did, King Durand so weakened the dragons that they were forced to engage in the Exile – and from that point on, humans would not remain dragons’ slaves or mere rebels against draconic slavery. Prudence Cossins, due to her willingness to try to help people even when the odds are against her, follows in King Durand’s footsteps – and Durand College’s traditions of selfless dedication to helping others.”

Rikildis looks at you thoughtfully, then smiles faintly. “Next you would have us both join Durand College, right? But seriously, the essay that you have dictated to me will be an excellent companion-piece to the story about Prudence that I will be publishing a retraction about. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “The Real Prudence Cossins, by [PCFullName]”.

Prudence and you eagerly look over both articles. The first article is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence. The second article is less hostile to King Aranaz than you remember being, but it does not skimp in recounting how heroic Prudence was in founding the Belonging Brethren, nor in discussing how her virtues align with those promoted by Durand College.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise her instead using her nickname of “Prudence the Powerful”. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Leadership, Command, and Oratory, + 1 glory for Prudence Cossins, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, - 1 relationship with Sixt von Rupprecht for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Strategy for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +2 relationship with Polisena Briardi for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“You really like that article about Prudence Cossins, right, Rikildis? Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“But I can, Rikildis,” you say with only the faintest hint of smugness. “Any fool can attack people, but the person whom Durand College wants as a student is willing to attack only certain types of people in certain circumstances. People who are doing wrong and making life bad for other people.”

“And Prudence is like this?” Rikildis sounds doubtful.

“Indeed she is, Rikildis…”

You tell Rikildis about how Prudence sought your help to create the Belonging Brethren. The whole idea, you emphasize, was hers – you just helped her to advertise it and find a peaceful meeting place. When rimbal players sought to beat up people who were attending the first meeting, Prudence willingly placed herself at risk to protect less skilled or defensive students – even when they were older students. Even when they were Aranaz students.

“And that,” you conclude, “is what being a Durand student is all about – being willing to take great risks to protect others even when the odds seem stacked against you. King Durand, you Aranaz students proclaim, was a fool to try to attack the dragons head on – especially since King Morvidus was not yet known to be approaching with his own army. Much better, you Aranaz students say, if we had followed King Aranaz’s less direct approach. Well, King Durand won the argument, the battle was joined, and Cyve was torn asunder. You Aranaz students think that had King Durand not attacked, this Exile would not have happened, and that had he known what the dragons had been planning, he would have deferred to King Aranaz. But I think that King Durand would have insisted upon attack regardless – and that he would have been right to do so, even if King Aranaz had used all of his cunning and the knowledge about the dragons’ powers and plans to argue for caution. I mean, had the dragons been left undisturbed, who knows what menaces – perhaps involving Gates or Mastery – they could have devised in order to restore slavery to all of humanity? But by attacking the dragons when he did, King Durand so weakened the dragons that they were forced to engage in the Exile – and from that point on, humans would not remain dragons’ slaves or mere rebels against draconic slavery. Prudence Cossins, due to her willingness to try to help people even when the odds are against her, follows in King Durand’s footsteps – and Durand College’s traditions of selfless dedication to helping others.”

Rikildis looks at you thoughtfully, then smiles faintly. “Next you would have us both join Durand College, right? But seriously, the essay that you have dictated to me will be an excellent companion-piece to the story about Prudence that I will be publishing a retraction about. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “The Real Prudence Cossins, by [PCFullName]”.

Prudence and you eagerly look over both articles. The first article is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence. The second article is less hostile to King Aranaz than you remember being, but it does not skimp in recounting how heroic Prudence was in founding the Belonging Brethren, nor in discussing how her virtues align with those promoted by Durand College.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise her instead using her nickname of “Prudence the Powerful”. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. Besides, there are more pleasant things to think about with Prudence.

“I can’t believe that you really think me to be good for Durand College,” Prudence gushes to you for about the third time that day. “So often, people say that I should be in Godina College – and I often agree with them. But thanks to you, I feel that I can succeed in Durand College now.”

This makes you wonder why Prudence did not start in Godina College to begin with, but you figure that you cannot know everything about everybody. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Leadership, Command, and Oratory, + 1 glory for Prudence Cossins, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, - 1 relationship with Sixt von Rupprecht for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Strategy for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +2 relationship with Polisena Briardi for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, Prudence Cossins’s Stress reset to 0, end adventure]

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“You really like that article about Prudence Cossins, right, Rikildis? Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“But I can, Rikildis,” you say with only the faintest hint of smugness. “Any fool can attack people, but the person whom Durand College wants as a student is willing to attack only certain types of people in certain circumstances. People who are doing wrong and making life bad for other people.”

“And Prudence is like this?” Rikildis sounds doubtful.

“Indeed she is, Rikildis…”

You tell Rikildis about how Prudence sought your help to create the Belonging Brethren. The whole idea, you emphasize, was hers – you just helped her to advertise it and find a peaceful meeting place. When rimbal players sought to beat up people who were attending the first meeting, Prudence willingly placed herself at risk to protect less skilled or defensive students – even when they were older students. Even when they were Aranaz students.

“And that,” you conclude, “is what being a Durand student is all about – being willing to take great risks to protect others even when the odds seem stacked against you. King Durand, you Aranaz students proclaim, was a fool to try to attack the dragons head on – especially since King Morvidus was not yet known to be approaching with his own army. Much better, you Aranaz students say, if we had followed King Aranaz’s less direct approach. Well, King Durand won the argument, the battle was joined, and Cyve was torn asunder. You Aranaz students think that had King Durand not attacked, this Exile would not have happened, and that had he known what the dragons had been planning, he would have deferred to King Aranaz. But I think that King Durand would have insisted upon attack regardless – and that he would have been right to do so, even if King Aranaz had used all of his cunning and the knowledge about the dragons’ powers and plans to argue for caution. I mean, had the dragons been left undisturbed, who knows what menaces – perhaps involving Gates or Mastery – they could have devised in order to restore slavery to all of humanity? But by attacking the dragons when he did, King Durand so weakened the dragons that they were forced to engage in the Exile – and from that point on, humans would not remain dragons’ slaves or mere rebels against draconic slavery. Prudence Cossins, due to her willingness to try to help people even when the odds are against her, follows in King Durand’s footsteps – and Durand College’s traditions of selfless dedication to helping others.”

Rikildis looks at you thoughtfully, then smiles faintly. “Next you would have us both join Durand College, right? But seriously, the essay that you have dictated to me will be an excellent companion-piece to the story about Prudence that I will be publishing a retraction about. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “The Real Prudence Cossins, by [PCFullName]”.

Prudence and you eagerly look over both articles. The first article is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence. The second article is less hostile to King Aranaz than you remember being, but it does not skimp in recounting how heroic Prudence was in founding the Belonging Brethren, nor in discussing how her virtues align with those promoted by Durand College.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise her instead using her nickname of “Prudence the Powerful”. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. Besides, there are more pleasant things to think about with Prudence.

“I can’t believe that you really think me to be good for Durand College,” Prudence gushes to you for about the third time that day. “So often, people say that I should be in Godina College – and I often agree with them. But thanks to you, I feel that I can succeed in Durand College now. And if I can continue in the Academagia, I can date you next year.”

This makes you wonder why Prudence did not start in Godina College to begin with, but you figure that you cannot know everything about everybody. Besides, you are sure that Prudence’s secrets, if secrets they are, are not the kind that would prevent you from enjoying a date with her, come in time. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Leadership, Command, and Oratory, + 1 glory for Prudence Cossins, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, - 1 relationship with Sixt von Rupprecht for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Strategy for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +2 relationship with Polisena Briardi for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, Prudence Cossins’s Stress reset to 0, + 1 skill level Dating for the PC and Prudence Cossins, end adventure]

[If PC is in Durand College]

 

[If PC has no Affection nor Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“You really like that article about Prudence Cossins, right, Rikildis? Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“But I can, Rikildis,” you say with only the faintest hint of smugness. “Any fool can attack people, but the person whom Durand College wants as a student is willing to attack only certain types of people in certain circumstances. People who are doing wrong and making life bad for other people.”

“And Prudence is like this?” Rikildis sounds doubtful.

“Indeed she is, Rikildis…”

You tell Rikildis about how Prudence sought your help to create the Belonging Brethren. The whole idea, you emphasize, was hers – you just helped her to advertise it and find a peaceful meeting place. When rimbal players sought to beat up people who were attending the first meeting, Prudence willingly placed herself at risk to protect less skilled or defensive students – even when they were older students. Even when they were Aranaz students.

“And that,” you conclude, “is what being a Durand student is all about – being willing to take great risks to protect others even when the odds seem stacked against you. King Durand, you Aranaz students proclaim, was a fool to try to attack the dragons head on – especially since King Morvidus was not yet known to be approaching with his own army. Much better, you Aranaz students say, if we had followed King Aranaz’s less direct approach. Well, King Durand won the argument, the battle was joined, and Cyve was torn asunder. You Aranaz students think that had King Durand not attacked, this Exile would not have happened, and that had he known what the dragons had been planning, he would have deferred to King Aranaz. But I think that King Durand would have insisted upon attack regardless – and that he would have been right to do so, even if King Aranaz had used all of his cunning and the knowledge about the dragons’ powers and plans to argue for caution. I mean, had the dragons been left undisturbed, who knows what menaces – perhaps involving Gates or Mastery – they could have devised in order to restore slavery to all of humanity? But by attacking the dragons when he did, King Durand so weakened the dragons that they were forced to engage in the Exile – and from that point on, humans would not remain dragons’ slaves or mere rebels against draconic slavery. Prudence Cossins, due to her willingness to try to help people even when the odds are against her, follows in King Durand’s footsteps – and Durand College’s traditions of selfless dedication to helping others.”

Rikildis looks at you thoughtfully, then smiles faintly. “Next you would have me join you and Prudence in Durand College, right? But seriously, the essay that you have dictated to me will be an excellent companion-piece to the story about Prudence that I will be publishing a retraction about. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “The Real Prudence Cossins, by [PCFullName]”.

Prudence and you eagerly look over both articles. The first article is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence. The second article is less hostile to King Aranaz than you remember being, but it does not skimp in recounting how heroic Prudence was in founding the Belonging Brethren, nor in discussing how her virtues align with those promoted by Durand College.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise her instead using her nickname of “Prudence the Powerful”. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Leadership, Command, and Oratory, + 1 glory for Prudence Cossins, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, - 1 relationship with Sixt von Rupprecht for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Strategy for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +2 relationship with Polisena Briardi for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“You really like that article about Prudence Cossins, right, Rikildis? Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“But I can, Rikildis,” you say with only the faintest hint of smugness. “Any fool can attack people, but the person whom Durand College wants as a student is willing to attack only certain types of people in certain circumstances. People who are doing wrong and making life bad for other people.”

“And Prudence is like this?” Rikildis sounds doubtful.

“Indeed she is, Rikildis…”

You tell Rikildis about how Prudence sought your help to create the Belonging Brethren. The whole idea, you emphasize, was hers – you just helped her to advertise it and find a peaceful meeting place. When rimbal players sought to beat up people who were attending the first meeting, Prudence willingly placed herself at risk to protect less skilled or defensive students – even when they were older students. Even when they were Aranaz students.

“And that,” you conclude, “is what being a Durand student is all about – being willing to take great risks to protect others even when the odds seem stacked against you. King Durand, you Aranaz students proclaim, was a fool to try to attack the dragons head on – especially since King Morvidus was not yet known to be approaching with his own army. Much better, you Aranaz students say, if we had followed King Aranaz’s less direct approach. Well, King Durand won the argument, the battle was joined, and Cyve was torn asunder. You Aranaz students think that had King Durand not attacked, this Exile would not have happened, and that had he known what the dragons had been planning, he would have deferred to King Aranaz. But I think that King Durand would have insisted upon attack regardless – and that he would have been right to do so, even if King Aranaz had used all of his cunning and the knowledge about the dragons’ powers and plans to argue for caution. I mean, had the dragons been left undisturbed, who knows what menaces – perhaps involving Gates or Mastery – they could have devised in order to restore slavery to all of humanity? But by attacking the dragons when he did, King Durand so weakened the dragons that they were forced to engage in the Exile – and from that point on, humans would not remain dragons’ slaves or mere rebels against draconic slavery. Prudence Cossins, due to her willingness to try to help people even when the odds are against her, follows in King Durand’s footsteps – and Durand College’s traditions of selfless dedication to helping others.”

Rikildis looks at you thoughtfully, then smiles faintly. “Next you would have me join you and Prudence in Durand College, right? But seriously, the essay that you have dictated to me will be an excellent companion-piece to the story about Prudence that I will be publishing a retraction about. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “The Real Prudence Cossins, by [PCFullName]”.

Prudence and you eagerly look over both articles. The first article is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence. The second article is less hostile to King Aranaz than you remember being, but it does not skimp in recounting how heroic Prudence was in founding the Belonging Brethren, nor in discussing how her virtues align with those promoted by Durand College.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise her instead using her nickname of “Prudence the Powerful”. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. Besides, there are more pleasant things to think about with Prudence.

“I can’t believe that you really think me to be good for Durand College,” Prudence gushes to you for about the third time that day. “So often, people say that I should be in Godina College – and I often agree with them. But thanks to you, I feel that I can succeed in Durand College now – with you, dearest friend, at my side!”

This makes you wonder why Prudence did not start in Godina College to begin with, but you figure that you cannot know everything about everybody. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Leadership, Command, and Oratory, + 1 glory for Prudence Cossins, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, - 1 relationship with Sixt von Rupprecht for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Strategy for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +2 relationship with Polisena Briardi for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, Prudence Cossins’s Stress reset to 0, end adventure]

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“You really like that article about Prudence Cossins, right, Rikildis? Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“But I can, Rikildis,” you say with only the faintest hint of smugness. “Any fool can attack people, but the person whom Durand College wants as a student is willing to attack only certain types of people in certain circumstances. People who are doing wrong and making life bad for other people.”

“And Prudence is like this?” Rikildis sounds doubtful.

“Indeed she is, Rikildis…”

You tell Rikildis about how Prudence sought your help to create the Belonging Brethren. The whole idea, you emphasize, was hers – you just helped her to advertise it and find a peaceful meeting place. When rimbal players sought to beat up people who were attending the first meeting, Prudence willingly placed herself at risk to protect less skilled or defensive students – even when they were older students. Even when they were Aranaz students.

“And that,” you conclude, “is what being a Durand student is all about – being willing to take great risks to protect others even when the odds seem stacked against you. King Durand, you Aranaz students proclaim, was a fool to try to attack the dragons head on – especially since King Morvidus was not yet known to be approaching with his own army. Much better, you Aranaz students say, if we had followed King Aranaz’s less direct approach. Well, King Durand won the argument, the battle was joined, and Cyve was torn asunder. You Aranaz students think that had King Durand not attacked, this Exile would not have happened, and that had he known what the dragons had been planning, he would have deferred to King Aranaz. But I think that King Durand would have insisted upon attack regardless – and that he would have been right to do so, even if King Aranaz had used all of his cunning and the knowledge about the dragons’ powers and plans to argue for caution. I mean, had the dragons been left undisturbed, who knows what menaces – perhaps involving Gates or Mastery – they could have devised in order to restore slavery to all of humanity? But by attacking the dragons when he did, King Durand so weakened the dragons that they were forced to engage in the Exile – and from that point on, humans would not remain dragons’ slaves or mere rebels against draconic slavery. Prudence Cossins, due to her willingness to try to help people even when the odds are against her, follows in King Durand’s footsteps – and Durand College’s traditions of selfless dedication to helping others.”

Rikildis looks at you thoughtfully, then smiles faintly. “Next you would have us both join Durand College, right? But seriously, the essay that you have dictated to me will be an excellent companion-piece to the story about Prudence that I will be publishing a retraction about. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “The Real Prudence Cossins, by [PCFullName]”.

Prudence and you eagerly look over both articles. The first article is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence. The second article is less hostile to King Aranaz than you remember being, but it does not skimp in recounting how heroic Prudence was in founding the Belonging Brethren, nor in discussing how her virtues align with those promoted by Durand College.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise her instead using her nickname of “Prudence the Powerful”. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. Besides, there are more pleasant things to think about with Prudence.

“I can’t believe that you really think me to be good for Durand College,” Prudence gushes to you for about the third time that day. “So often, people say that I should be in Godina College – and I often agree with them. But thanks to you, I feel that I can succeed in Durand College now – with you, my dearest of friends, at my side. And if I can continue in the Academagia, I can date you next year – and we, as fellow Durand students, can terrify those who would hurt people.”

This makes you wonder why Prudence did not start in Godina College to begin with, but you figure that you cannot know everything about everybody. Besides, you are sure that Prudence’s secrets, if secrets they are, are not the kind that would prevent you from enjoying a date with her, come in time. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Leadership, Command, and Oratory, + 1 glory for Prudence Cossins, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, - 1 relationship with Sixt von Rupprecht for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Strategy for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +2 relationship with Polisena Briardi for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, Prudence Cossins’s Stress reset to 0, + 1 skill level Dating for the PC and Prudence Cossins, end adventure]

[If PC is in Aranaz College]

 

[If PC has no Affection nor Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“You really like that article about Prudence Cossins, right, Rikildis? Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“But I can, Rikildis,” you say with only the faintest hint of smugness. “Any fool can attack people, but the person whom Durand College wants as a student is willing to attack only certain types of people in certain circumstances. People who are doing wrong and making life bad for other people.”

“And Prudence is like this?” Rikildis sounds doubtful.

“Indeed she is, Rikildis…”

You tell Rikildis about how Prudence sought your help to create the Belonging Brethren. The whole idea, you emphasize, was hers – you just helped her to advertise it and find a peaceful meeting place. When rimbal players sought to beat up people who were attending the first meeting, Prudence willingly placed herself at risk to protect less skilled or defensive students – even when they were older students. Even when they were Aranaz students.

“And that,” you conclude, “is what being a Durand student is all about – being willing to take great risks to protect others even when the odds seem stacked against you. King Durand, we Aranaz students proclaim, was a fool to try to attack the dragons head on – especially since King Morvidus was not yet known to be approaching with his own army. Much better, we Aranaz students say, if we had followed King Aranaz’s less direct approach. Well, King Durand won the argument, the battle was joined, and Cyve was torn asunder. We Aranaz students think that had King Durand not attacked, this Exile would not have happened, and that had he known what the dragons had been planning, he would have deferred to King Aranaz. But I think that King Durand would have insisted upon attack regardless – and that he would have been right to do so, even if King Aranaz had used all of his cunning and the knowledge about the dragons’ powers and plans to argue for caution. I mean, had the dragons been left undisturbed, who knows what menaces – perhaps involving Gates or Mastery – they could have devised in order to restore slavery to all of humanity? But by attacking the dragons when he did, King Durand so weakened the dragons that they were forced to engage in the Exile – and from that point on, humans would not remain dragons’ slaves or mere rebels against draconic slavery. Prudence Cossins, due to her willingness to try to help people even when the odds are against her, follows in King Durand’s footsteps – and Durand College’s traditions of selfless dedication to helping others.”

Rikildis looks at you thoughtfully, then smiles faintly. “Next you would have us both defect from Aranaz College to join Durand, right? But seriously, the essay that you have dictated to me will be an excellent companion-piece to the story about Prudence that I will be publishing a retraction about. Sometimes, journalistic quality is better than favor from our regent, and this is one such time, I think. Better a slightly angry regent than a wrathful Prudence, I figure. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “The Real Prudence Cossins, by [PCFullName]”.

Prudence and you eagerly look over both articles. The first article is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence. The second article is less hostile to King Aranaz than you remember being, but it does not skimp in recounting how heroic Prudence was in founding the Belonging Brethren, nor in discussing how her virtues align with those promoted by Durand College.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise her instead using her nickname of “Prudence the Powerful”. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. Such as the anger that Regent Sixt von Rupprecht doubtlessly feels towards you for having praised Durand College. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Leadership, Command, and Oratory, + 1 glory for Prudence Cossins, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, - 1 relationship with Sixt von Rupprecht for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Strategy for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +2 relationship with Polisena Briardi for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“You really like that article about Prudence Cossins, right, Rikildis? Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“But I can, Rikildis,” you say with only the faintest hint of smugness. “Any fool can attack people, but the person whom Durand College wants as a student is willing to attack only certain types of people in certain circumstances. People who are doing wrong and making life bad for other people.”

“And Prudence is like this?” Rikildis sounds doubtful.

“Indeed she is, Rikildis…”

You tell Rikildis about how Prudence sought your help to create the Belonging Brethren. The whole idea, you emphasize, was hers – you just helped her to advertise it and find a peaceful meeting place. When rimbal players sought to beat up people who were attending the first meeting, Prudence willingly placed herself at risk to protect less skilled or defensive students – even when they were older students. Even when they were Aranaz students.

“And that,” you conclude, “is what being a Durand student is all about – being willing to take great risks to protect others even when the odds seem stacked against you. King Durand, we Aranaz students proclaim, was a fool to try to attack the dragons head on – especially since King Morvidus was not yet known to be approaching with his own army. Much better, we Aranaz students say, if we had followed King Aranaz’s less direct approach. Well, King Durand won the argument, the battle was joined, and Cyve was torn asunder. We Aranaz students think that had King Durand not attacked, this Exile would not have happened, and that had he known what the dragons had been planning, he would have deferred to King Aranaz. But I think that King Durand would have insisted upon attack regardless – and that he would have been right to do so, even if King Aranaz had used all of his cunning and the knowledge about the dragons’ powers and plans to argue for caution. I mean, had the dragons been left undisturbed, who knows what menaces – perhaps involving Gates or Mastery – they could have devised in order to restore slavery to all of humanity? But by attacking the dragons when he did, King Durand so weakened the dragons that they were forced to engage in the Exile – and from that point on, humans would not remain dragons’ slaves or mere rebels against draconic slavery. Prudence Cossins, due to her willingness to try to help people even when the odds are against her, follows in King Durand’s footsteps – and Durand College’s traditions of selfless dedication to helping others.”

Rikildis looks at you thoughtfully, then smiles faintly. “Next you would have us both defect from Aranaz College to join Durand, right? But seriously, the essay that you have dictated to me will be an excellent companion-piece to the story about Prudence that I will be publishing a retraction about. Sometimes, journalistic quality is better than favor from our regent, and this is one such time, I think. Better a slightly angry regent than a wrathful Prudence, I figure. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “The Real Prudence Cossins, by [PCFullName]”.

Prudence and you eagerly look over both articles. The first article is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence. The second article is less hostile to King Aranaz than you remember being, but it does not skimp in recounting how heroic Prudence was in founding the Belonging Brethren, nor in discussing how her virtues align with those promoted by Durand College.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise her instead using her nickname of “Prudence the Powerful”. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. Such as the anger that Regent Sixt von Rupprecht doubtlessly feels towards you for having praised Durand College. Besides, there are more pleasant things to think about with Prudence -although she reminds you that she could make them unpleasant.

“I can’t believe that you really think me to be good for Durand College,” Prudence gushes to you for about the third time that day. “So often, people say that I should be in Godina College – and I often agree with them. But thanks to you, I feel that I can succeed in Durand College now – even though you, my friend, are in a rival college. If you turn against me, I can just try to thrash you - whether I win or lose against you, I might hurt you so much so that you would stop hurting others.”

This makes you wonder why Prudence did not start in Godina College to begin with, but you figure that you cannot know everything about everybody. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Leadership, Command, and Oratory, + 1 glory for Prudence Cossins, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, - 1 relationship with Sixt von Rupprecht for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +1 skill level Strategy for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +2 relationship with Polisena Briardi for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, Prudence Cossins’s Stress reset to 0, end adventure]

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins]

 

“You really like that article about Prudence Cossins, right, Rikildis? Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“But I can, Rikildis,” you say with only the faintest hint of smugness. “Any fool can attack people, but the person whom Durand College wants as a student is willing to attack only certain types of people in certain circumstances. People who are doing wrong and making life bad for other people.”

“And Prudence is like this?” Rikildis sounds doubtful.

“Indeed she is, Rikildis…”

You tell Rikildis about how Prudence sought your help to create the Belonging Brethren. The whole idea, you emphasize, was hers – you just helped her to advertise it and find a peaceful meeting place. When rimbal players sought to beat up people who were attending the first meeting, Prudence willingly placed herself at risk to protect less skilled or defensive students – even when they were older students. Even when they were Aranaz students.

“And that,” you conclude, “is what being a Durand student is all about – being willing to take great risks to protect others even when the odds seem stacked against you. King Durand, we Aranaz students proclaim, was a fool to try to attack the dragons head on – especially since King Morvidus was not yet known to be approaching with his own army. Much better, we Aranaz students say, if we had followed King Aranaz’s less direct approach. Well, King Durand won the argument, the battle was joined, and Cyve was torn asunder. We Aranaz students think that had King Durand not attacked, this Exile would not have happened, and that had he known what the dragons had been planning, he would have deferred to King Aranaz. But I think that King Durand would have insisted upon attack regardless – and that he would have been right to do so, even if King Aranaz had used all of his cunning and the knowledge about the dragons’ powers and plans to argue for caution. I mean, had the dragons been left undisturbed, who knows what menaces – perhaps involving Gates or Mastery – they could have devised in order to restore slavery to all of humanity? But by attacking the dragons when he did, King Durand so weakened the dragons that they were forced to engage in the Exile – and from that point on, humans would not remain dragons’ slaves or mere rebels against draconic slavery. Prudence Cossins, due to her willingness to try to help people even when the odds are against her, follows in King Durand’s footsteps – and Durand College’s traditions of selfless dedication to helping others.”

Rikildis looks at you thoughtfully, then smiles faintly. “Next you would have us both defect from Aranaz College to join Durand, right? But seriously, the essay that you have dictated to me will be an excellent companion-piece to the story about Prudence that I will be publishing a retraction about. Sometimes, journalistic quality is better than favor from our regent, and this is one such time, I think. Better a slightly angry regent than a wrathful Prudence, I figure. Now leave me alone to do this.”

The next day, you proudly show Prudence the latest copy of the Logodaedalo’s Roar. One large headline proclaims “Prudence Cossins not Pirate”, while another headline proclaims “The Real Prudence Cossins, by [PCFullName]”.

Prudence and you eagerly look over both articles. The first article is a condemnation of the claim that Prudence is a pirate, dismissing it as based upon vague evidence. The second article is less hostile to King Aranaz than you remember being, but it does not skimp in recounting how heroic Prudence was in founding the Belonging Brethren, nor in discussing how her virtues align with those promoted by Durand College.

The result of these articles is that people stop thinking, for the most part, that Prudence is a pirate, and often praise her instead using her nickname of “Prudence the Powerful”. You, however, are left wondering whether the claims about Prudence the pirate were right. But then you think that you will not raise this idea with Prudence – some issues should not be reopened. Such as the anger that Regent Sixt von Rupprecht doubtlessly feels towards you for having praised Durand College. Besides, there are more pleasant things to think about with Prudence -although she reminds you that she could make them unpleasant.

“I can’t believe that you really think me to be good for Durand College,” Prudence gushes to you for about the third time that day. “So often, people say that I should be in Godina College – and I often agree with them. But thanks to you, I feel that I can succeed in Durand College now – even though you, my friend, are in a rival college. And if I can continue in the Academagia, I can date you next year. If you turn against me, I can just try to thrash you - whether I win or lose against you, I might hurt you so much so that you would stop hurting others.”

This makes you wonder why Prudence did not start in Godina College to begin with, but you figure that you cannot know everything about everybody. Besides, you are sure that Prudence’s secrets, if secrets they are, are not the kind that would prevent you from enjoying a date with her, come in time. [+1 Charm, + 1 skill level Leadership, Command, and Oratory, + 1 glory for Prudence Cossins, +1 stress for Rikildis von Kiep, - 1 relationship with Sixt von Rupprecht for Rikildis von Kiep, +1 skill level Strategy for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, +2 relationship with Polisena Briardi for Rikildis von Kiep and the PC, Prudence Cossins’s Stress reset to 0, + 1 skill level Dating for the PC and Prudence Cossins, end adventure]

Failure

 

“Why don’t I try to tell you about why Prudence Cossins is so well suited for Durand College, Rikildis?”

“If that’s what you think will compensate for my retraction, sure.” Rikildis’s voice is carefully neutral. “But I hope that you can move beyond the whole ‘punches people with little provocation’ angle. Godina is the college for athletes and similarly…less cerebral…types, and Philippe Marchant is in Morvidus College.”

“Um…”

Come to think of it, you really had not thought beyond what Rikildis had mentioned, and she very effectively undermined your efforts to link impulsive violence to Durand College. So with a sigh, you say that maybe you need to rethink Prudence.

“Fine by me,” Rikildis replies. “But don’t do it here. I’m busy with the newspaper.”

So you leave Rikildis to her newspaper work as you think about ways to help Prudence. [+ 1 stress, - 1 skill step Planning, + 1 skill step Debate for Rikildis von Kiep, pause adventure]

Failure

 

“Really?” Rikildis seems genuinely interested. “You do have a certain reputation – especially after you, Zorzi, and Philippe Marchant got into that confrontation with the street magicians during our first year’s Workshop Day. So, what craziness can you tell me about?”

“I’m not really sure,” you tell her. “So many adventures that I have had are either highly personal or boring.”

Rikildis snorts in disgust. “Maybe you are a better adventurer that a recounter of adventures. Those whom you help must surely hope so – although given your problems, their willingness to have you help them is unlikely to be based upon your words. My skills as a writer cannot make excitement from nothing for readers – I do enough of that in class.” [ - 1 skill step Story Telling, choose other option]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Feedback is welcome. Can anyone guess who or what inspired the three students whom the PC meets?

Sad at the Schohanwicht:

 

Note:

 

This is a one-shot event that is meant to trigger when the PC first returns to the Schohanwicht and the Academagia after summer vacation.

Requirements:

 

PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates and no affection/love with any character. This event is meant to trigger when the Player uses the action “Train at the Schohanwicht School.”

Event:

 

The grasses bark at each other and some of the flowers playfully snap at your robes, but you are too deep in thought to laugh at, marvel at, or be frightened by their antics as you sit beside a path within the Schohanwicht School’s campus. But you are not thinking about the lesson in Gates magic that you finished earlier today. Rather, you are thinking about whether Gates magic is worth it. Or rather, a closely related question.

Is studying gates magic really worth losing a relationship with Zoe Melis? is the question that keeps flashing through your mind, as repetitively and obviously created by human actions as the patterns of lights that illuminate the Schohanwicht School’s grounds.

You are vaguely aware, from dimly remembered conversations with Euneycia, that if you were a responsible Gates mage, you would be thinking about broader issues, but you cannot find such attempted dispassion comforting. Thinking about whether it is worth studying gates magic even while keeping secret from all whom you might feel close to your illegal actions may be less specific, but it is, if anything, even more likely to bring you sorrow. A sickly Cassetan mage, living in Cimone, driven by poverty, studying in Mineta, and with a loveliness that apparently you were one of the few to see, is rare in Mineta and the Empire of Man and Cyve – and probably the place where the Schohanwicht school is also. But people whom you feel various types of closeness to are much more common. Is the constant fear that all of them would, if they were to learn about your studies, condemn you to death regardless of their friendly relations with you, worth living with in order to study gates magic? Zoe Melis is only the tip of the spear of emotions that wounds you. But she is such a barbed tip…

Before you can try to restore some measure of happiness in response to the negative thoughts that your mind has created through thinking about Zoe and every other person not in the Schohanwicht School whom you are friendly with, a change in the grasses’ barking signals to you that something is happening. Before you can decide whether to freeze in fear at the prospect that some student’s experiment has gone wrong, you see three students standing side by side in front of where you are sitting. By their builds, they seem to be older than you are, and due to the animated discussion that they are having, it is possible for you to distinguish them without having to peer closely at their robes and concealing masks.

“What terrible luck,” a student whose voice is filled with gloom says. “It is as if the gods were working against us when we tried to summon that imp! Who bungled the summoning circle so that we attracted an asura rather than an imp? We could have died – or failed the assignment.”

“I would not be so pessimistic,” a second student says confidently. “Gates magic is by its nature dangerous and unpredictable. The professor and I are of the opinion that the issue was not the summoning circle, but the intervention of a skilled and magically knowledgeable asura or yaksha at the right time. I guess that he wanted to come through instead of a nearby imp who was summoned. Such things have been known to happen, and have led to much worse issues than what we had to deal with. I mean, no life was taken, no blood was shed, and no bones were broken. And we were able to recover from the surprise and capture the asura, who, securely bound, will be interrogated, come in time, by a professor who has promised to credit us. I am elated!”

“But the reason why our summoning brought over an asura rather than an imp remains only a hypothesis,” the gloomy student replies. “I mean, what if we’re wrong? And regardless, this same phenomenon might result in our accidentally summoning something worse than an asura instead. What if we summon a scent eater or a hungry ghost or a demon-corpse while meaning to summon merely an imp? I’m wondering whether studying Gates magic is worthwhile.”

“Stop that thought!” The third student, whose words ooze with charm and friendliness in a way that you cannot quite understand, speaks for the first time. “To study Gates magic is a sacred and fascinating field of study that we are all blessed to have access to. Thanks to the Mother Que’la, we have a privileged understanding of the worlds, with all of their creatures and magics – and our own magic that will, while led by the Mother Herself, save humans from dragons. To abandon such studies because of a minor set-back that we were able to turn into an advantage is a betrayal of the Mother – and of those of Her students who have lost their lives when Gates magic went awry or been killed by fools who think in their narrowness that Gates magic is too dangerous to permit. Others have been too frightened by the laws of the Empire of Man and, unwilling to turn Oursouki or seek refuge among the Bassans, have dropped away willingly – but not admirably – from studying this form of magic. Are you a coward like they are?”

The charming student’s words hang in the air with such sharpness that even the grasses stop their barking, and a few flowers that had nipped at various robes drop the robes with faint whines of fear. You figure that if you want to make your presence known to the students, now would be a good time. If nothing else, they are so distracted that they are unlikely to be able to cast spells against you out of anger for what they would perceive as your spying against them.

Choices:

 

Remain silent.

 

But you decide that the time is not right for you to tell them. Even if they were not able to retaliate against you for what they would doubtlessly understand to be your spying against them, they might hold grudges against you – and you do not want to place too much faith in your own concealing robe and mask when spirits can be summoned that can see beneath such garments and report to summoners.

Besides, any efforts that you might make to dissuade the students from believing that you were not spying against them might be unconvincing, given how stressed you are about Zoe Melis and all of your non-Gates mage friends.

So, with a soft sigh that cannot be heard far away, you resign yourself to thinking about your status as a practitioner of a pillar of magic that could get you executed – and try to convince yourself that Zoe would have sold you to a magistrate for some money for whatever reason she needs so much money. You are not sure how successful you are in resolving your worry, but you are able to avoid hearing with any but the vaguest understanding how the dispute resolves. When you finally stand up to go forth to another place, the bands of light have moved noticeably, and you find yourself once more alone but for the barking grasses and biting flowers. [+ 1 skill step Temperance, remove memory Zoe Spurned for Gates, add memory Zoe Rejected for Gates, end event]

Cry out to the older students.

 

You decide that if you will make yourself known, you had better do so quickly and cleanly. So you cry out, “Hey! I am here, if it makes a difference.”

Almost in unison, the three older students gasp and turn towards you. The gloomy student draws forth a wand, but the charming student raises a hand and addresses you cheerfully.

“Whether you are spirit or student, your presence here is welcome to us!”

“What!” The gloomy student sounds shocked. “Why do you say this? This student – if student he be – could have been spying against us.”

“We could have a worse spy, who would not tell us about his, her, or its presence,” the confident student says. “But I see why this being could be useful to us.”

“So, you understand me!” The charming student takes a step closer to you, and gestures towards you in what you think is meant to be a soothing way. “Whatever you are – and I have no reason to doubt that you are a student at the Schohanwicht School – you can be useful to us. How much of our discussion did you hear?”

“Enough to knew that one of your friends feels doubtful about studying Gates magic any more.”

“That is enough for our purposes,” the confident student says, over the gloomy student’s objections. “Do you struggle with such doubts yourself, though? Maybe this is why you were here so quietly.”

“I had never even thought of that perspective,” the charming student muses. Then, more directly, to you the charming student says, “This is even better. You can ask any of us why we got involved in Gates magic, and we, in answering your question, may assuage two student Gates mages’ doubts.”

You figure that talking to them may be useful for helping you to resolve your own doubts. The question, however, is which student should you ask. [Remove memory Zoe Spurned for Gates, add memory Zoe Rejected for Gates, hide option “Remain Silent”, reveal options related to speaking to the students, choose other option]

Speak to the gloomy student.

 

You decide that one source of doubt should be asked the question. If you can learn what brought such a doubting student into Gates magic, maybe you can understand what would inspire such a doubter to continue studying Gates magic – and maybe such knowledge can help you to boost your own confidence when studying Gates magic.

So you turn to the gloomy student and ask, “What brought you to studying Gates magic?”

For the first time since you heard the gloomy student’s voice, it can be heard not tinged with negative emotions. “Nothing brought me to Gates magic aside from me. Are you a student at the Schohanwicht school who also studies at the Academagia? Because if so, your talent in magic is nothing compared to mine. Mages who study in the Academagia need not study magic as intensely as others, because they may become other things through studying there also, such as lawyers and theologians. But I had no such distractions, and was driven to study magic by skill in magic rather than any desire by me or my parents for scholarly knowledge. Create, as I did, a bronze statue in life size of King Godina, using nothing but incantation and revision and enchantment, and you can call yourself my equal without being mocked by me. Have yourself spoken of as a future archmage by multiple sober adults not of your clan when you are not yet an adult grown, and I will respect you as my equal. But the rank of an archmage means nothing to me. I love to create through magic, and through one hour of Gates magic I can create life that is cleverer by far than the machines that I can create through weeks of incantation and revision and enchantment!”

“So, I take it that you no longer doubt your commitment to study Gates magic?” The charming student sounds hopeful.

“No. Remembering why I resolved to study Gates magic, I understand that the thrill of success in Gates magic is too great a prize for me to throw away because of this setback. Thank you, spy or student, for helping me. If you are a spy, you are welcome to report about me to your master.”

“Now you go too far,” the confident student mutters. “Just because you are no longer wavering does not mean that you should be willing to expose yourself to such risks.”

“O come on,” the charming student laughs. “Both of my friends need to be better. The good thing is that none of us three friends is wavering in our willingness to study the Mother’s teachings. But are you, younger student, still wavering?”

You mumble a vaguely positive answer, and the three older students leave you alone. You are not sure how you will handle the constant stress associated with keeping your practice of Gates magic hidden from friends outside the Schohanwicht School, but you are glad that you are not the only student struggling with the stresses of Gates magic. Then a thought comes to you that is so crazy that you have to laugh.

Maybe Zoe Melis is one of the students at the Schohanwicht School. You know from your own experience how much about a body can be concealed beneath the Schohanwicht School’s uniform of a robe and mask.

With this cheerful thought, you stand up and return to the Schohanwicht School. [+1 skill level Theory of Gates, end event]

Speak to the confident student.

 

You decide that the student who displays such calm confidence without distracting charm despite studying Gates magic should be asked the question. If you can learn what brought such a calmly confident student into Gates magic, maybe you can understand how you and other doubting students of Gates magic can acquire such confidence when studying Gates magic.

So you turn to the confident student and ask, “How are you so confident despite studying Gates magic?”

The confident student’s voice sounds undistorted with pride as the confident student replies. “You ask me the wrong question. Anyone can study magic while being confident, even if the magic is illegal and dangerous. Studying magic, after all, is merely a matter of memorizing phemes, understanding how they should be sequenced, and learning about how to write the phemes in various circumstances. In theory, magic can be studied without casting a single spell – although this is rarely done. Using Gates magic, on the other hand, requires much more confidence than merely studying Gates magic, even though both are illegal. I am confident when I use Gates magic for two reasons. First, I am knowledgeable and skilled when dealing with Gates magic. I realize that Gates magic can be dangerous and can lead to accidents, but I take appropriate precautions, often based upon negation magic, in order to minimize the risks. Furthermore, I have studied and trained with various contingency plans in order to be able to respond usefully if a Gates spell that I cast goes wrong and the negation-based wards that I set up cannot solve the issue. I also keep in mind that Gates magic is not the only pillar of magic that can cause problems – incantation and even enchantment can be dangerous, yet they are legal in the Empire of Man, and only vague rumours about a poorly understood topic at the intersection of magic, draconic power, and natural philosophy allege that Monteon was destroyed because of Gates magic. Do my listeners understand?”

You join the other students in nodding. But then the gloomy student asks, “So, what is the second reason why you are confident when you use Gates magic?”

“Your perspicacity makes you a worthy Gates mage,” the charming student says. “But I also am curious now.”

“The second reason why I am confident,” the confident student says, “is because confidence is an asset when I am doing the form of Gates magic that I love best. Summoned beings from other places are unpredictable at best, and the intelligent beings are often very dangerous. If a serpent-person who collects enemies’ severed heads were to sense any weakness in me, it would attack me and add my head to the collection. But by exuding an aura of confidence, I can make such beings and similar beings less likely to attack me and more likely to engage in the fascinating conversations that to me make Gates magic a worthy field of study. Even Mastery magic, after all, does not bring a mage into contact with beings from distant lands and other worlds, and the beings whom I have summoned, whether polyphloisboian and loathsome or beautifully configured and sweetly sounding, are all interesting when they talk to me. Of course, confidence as a protection against summoned creatures is best if it is based upon careful planning rather than being a bluff, but I do that well enough.”

“Maybe I should learn some negation magic in order to help me be a better a Gates mage,” the gloomy student mutters.

“So, would I be right to say that our doubting friend no longer wavers in commitment to studying Gates magic?” The charming student sounds hopeful.

“No. Hearing what my friend has said about studying Gates magic, I understand that the thrill of success in Gates magic is too great a prize for me to throw away because of this setback. Thank you, spy or student, for helping me. If you are a spy, you are welcome to report about me to your master.”

“Now you go too far,” the confident student mutters. “Just because you are no longer wavering does not mean that you should be willing to expose yourself to such risks.”

“O come on,” the charming student laughs. “Both of my friends need to be better. The good thing is that none of us three friends is wavering in our willingness to study the Mother’s teachings. But are you, younger student, still wavering?”

You mumble a vaguely positive answer, and the three older students leave you alone. You are not sure how you will handle the constant stress associated with keeping your practice of Gates magic hidden from friends outside the Schohanwicht School, but you are glad that you are not the only student struggling with the stresses of Gates magic. Then a thought comes to you that is so crazy that you have to laugh.

Maybe Zoe Melis is one of the students at the Schohanwicht School. You know from your own experience how much about a body can be concealed beneath the Schohanwicht School’s uniform of a robe and mask.

With this cheerful thought, you stand up and return to the Schohanwicht School. [+1 skill level Gates Methods, end event]

Speak to the charming student.

 

[If PC and Katja Quinnecht are in same Clique or PC and Katja Quinnecht have relationship >7]

 

If PC completed Katja Quinnecht’s Y1 adventure

 

You decide that the student who displays such distracting charm despite studying Gates magic should be asked the question. One who is charming, you figure, must be relaxed. If you can learn what brought such a charming student into Gates magic, maybe you and other wavering students can understand how such a student became relaxed enough to be so charming despite Gates magic’s stress.

So you turn to the charming student and ask, “How are you relaxed enough to seem charming even when studying Gates magic?”

The charming student’s voice swells with pride as the confident student replies. “If I were wanting to seem a more powerful mage than I am, I would say that I use glamour spells, or even Mastery.”

Seeing that you and the other two students have jerked with fear at this statement, the charming student laughs. “But such a claim would be dishonest, as well as frightening to my friends and others. Thankfully, the truth is much simpler. I am naturally charming, I suppose, in the same way as other people are naturally skilled athletes or mages or sittuyin players. But just like a naturally skilled athlete can lose after a time with lack of exercise to a trained athlete constantly training, or a naturally skilled mage or sittuyin player can lose to anyone who has studied the rules of magic or sittuyin in order to be better able to set up phemes or pieces and use them effectively, so my natural charm had to be preserved through the stresses of studying Gates magic through training. Otherwise, I dare say, I might have become as frightened as a Bassan in Mineta when a guard wants to see what old books are kept in the back of the trunk that is most difficult to study.”

You join the other students in nodding. But then the gloomy student says, “Guards in Mineta can have a cursedly long reach. So how do you preserve your charm despite stress?”

“It is all in the attitude,” the charming student says. “So many Gates mages are extremely attached to certain things despite how vulnerable such attachment makes them. They are attached to a certain house, a certain tract of wilderness, or a certain person, and seek to live inside that house or within that tract of wilderness or near that person for a long time – despite the danger that such attachment poses. A house can become a besieged prison, a tract of wilderness an ambushers’ stage and dancing-ground, and a person, whether kin or friend or lover, a way to track one and lure one to one’s death. So, I avoid such attachments as best as I can. By maintaining a simple attitude towards the essentials, I am able to flee from village to village, nation to nation, and world to world, as free as the wind. And as light and relaxed as summer’s breeze.”

“What if we can’t bear to be so detached?” the gloomy student grumbles.

“Ah, in that case there is some training that I find applicable even to more stationary Gates mages,” the charming student says. “Treat every act of teleportation that you do as not merely a way to get from one place to another, but as a pleasure in its own right. What I delight in doing, therefore, is teleporting to places that I do not need to be at during my spare time, in order to explore the locations through more conventional means. And when I am exploring, I constantly focus my mind upon how wonderful the place is, both as a place of some type of beauty and as a place to know about for future use. A wilderness in the barely surveyed interior of Oursouk would make a wonderful place for a workshop or home if I must flee where I live now, and I thrill at the thought of taking some special friend – he, she, or it can come from worthy Bassans, the Oursoukis, or from the people at this school – for a pleasant evening’s walking down the Rue d’Auseil, whose only notable prohibition for visitors and dwellers is that, while within the Rue d’Auseil, they must never play stringed instruments that are bowed and fretted. But come. Have my words been helpful?”

“Hearing what my friend has said about studying Gates magic, I understand that the thrill of success in Gates magic is too great a prize for me to throw away because of this setback, the gloomy student says. “Thank you, spy or student, for helping me. If you are a spy, you are welcome to report about me to your master.”

“Now you go too far,” the confident student mutters. “Just because you are no longer wavering does not mean that you should be willing to expose yourself to such risks.”

“O come on,” the charming student laughs. “Both of my friends need to be better. The good thing is that none of us three friends is wavering in our willingness to study the Mother’s teachings. But are you, younger student, still wavering?”

You mumble a vaguely positive answer, and the three older students leave you alone. You are not sure how you will handle the constant stress associated with keeping your practice of Gates magic hidden from friends outside the Schohanwicht School, but you are glad that you are not the only student struggling with the stresses of Gates magic. Then a thought comes to you that is so crazy that you have to laugh.

Maybe Zoe Melis is one of the students at the Schohanwicht School. You know from your own experience how much about a body can be concealed beneath the Schohanwicht School’s uniform of a robe and mask.

With this cheerful thought, you stand up and return to the Schohanwicht School. As you go, you are moved to hope that the Rue d’Auseil is not in Azern – or that if it is in Azern, it is in a place where Katja Quinnecht will not go. Katja may have improved substantially as a mage, but violin remains her great passion, and for her to be forbidden to play it anywhere would be upsetting to her. Then you smile. At least Zoe Melis, for all of the isolating traits that she has, is not a musician. If she were to go to the Rue d’Auseil – and your heart flutters at the thought that such a visit might be with you – she would not care about such a restriction, except perhaps as an object of study – which you also are interested by. Must one, while studying Gates magic, choose between being detached and being wracked by stress? Because despite your efforts, you keep thinking how nice it would be to have a deep relationship with Zoe Melis or some scholarly young woman like her. [+1 skill level Gates Spells, end event]

If PC did not complete Katja Quinnecht’s Y1 adventure

 

You decide that the student who displays such distracting charm despite studying Gates magic should be asked the question. One who is charming, you figure, must be relaxed. If you can learn what brought such a charming student into Gates magic, maybe you and other wavering students can understand how such a student became relaxed enough to be so charming despite Gates magic’s stress.

So, you turn to the charming student and ask, “How are you relaxed enough to seem charming even when studying Gates magic?”

The charming student’s voice swells with pride as the confident student replies. “If I were wanting to seem a more powerful mage than I am, I would say that I use glamour spells, or even Mastery.”

Seeing that you and the other two students have jerked with fear at this statement, the charming student laughs. “But such a claim would be dishonest, as well as frightening to my friends and others. Thankfully, the truth is much simpler. I am naturally charming, I suppose, in the same way as other people are naturally skilled athletes or mages or sittuyin players. But just like a naturally skilled athlete can lose after a time with lack of exercise to a trained athlete constantly training, or a naturally skilled mage or sittuyin player can lose to anyone who has studied the rules of magic or sittuyin in order to be better able to set up phemes or pieces and use them effectively, so my natural charm had to be preserved through the stresses of studying Gates magic through training. Otherwise, I dare say, I might have become as frightened as a Bassan in Mineta when a guard wants to see what old books are kept in the back of the trunk that is most difficult to study.”

You join the other students in nodding. But then the gloomy student says, “Guards in Mineta can have a cursedly long reach. So how do you preserve your charm despite stress?”

“It is all in the attitude,” the charming student says. “So many Gates mages are extremely attached to certain things despite how vulnerable such attachment makes them. They are attached to a certain house, a certain tract of wilderness, or a certain person, and seek to live inside that house or within that tract of wilderness or near that person for a long time – despite the danger that such attachment poses. A house can become a besieged prison, a tract of wilderness an ambushers’ stage and dancing-ground, and a person, whether kin or friend or lover, a way to track one and lure one to one’s death. So, I avoid such attachments as best as I can. By maintaining a simple attitude towards the essentials, I am able to flee from village to village, nation to nation, and world to world, as free as the wind. And as light and relaxed as summer’s breeze.”

“What if we can’t bear to be so detached?” the gloomy student grumbles.

“Ah, in that case there is some training that I find applicable even to more stationary Gates mages,” the charming student says. “Treat every act of teleportation that you do as not merely a way to get from one place to another, but as a pleasure in its own right. What I delight in doing, therefore, is teleporting to places that I do not need to be at during my spare time, in order to explore the locations through more conventional means. And when I am exploring, I constantly focus my mind upon how wonderful the place is, both as a place of some type of beauty and as a place to know about for future use. A wilderness in the barely surveyed interior of Oursouk would make a wonderful place for a workshop or home if I must flee where I live now, and I thrill at the thought of taking some special friend – he, she, or it can come from worthy Bassans, the Oursoukis, or from the people at this school – for a pleasant evening’s walking down the Rue d’Auseil, whose only notable prohibition for visitors and dwellers is that, while within the Rue d’Auseil, they must never play stringed instruments that are bowed and fretted. But come. Have my words been helpful?”

“Hearing what my friend has said about studying Gates magic, I understand that the thrill of success in Gates magic is too great a prize for me to throw away because of this setback, the gloomy student says. “Thank you, spy or student, for helping me. If you are a spy, you are welcome to report about me to your master.”

“Now you go too far,” the confident student mutters. “Just because you are no longer wavering does not mean that you should be willing to expose yourself to such risks.”

“O come on,” the charming student laughs. “Both of my friends need to be better. The good thing is that none of us three friends is wavering in our willingness to study the Mother’s teachings. But are you, younger student, still wavering?”

You mumble a vaguely positive answer, and the three older students leave you alone. You are not sure how you will handle the constant stress associated with keeping your practice of Gates magic hidden from friends outside the Schohanwicht School, but you are glad that you are not the only student struggling with the stresses of Gates magic. Then a thought comes to you that is so crazy that you have to laugh.

Maybe Zoe Melis is one of the students at the Schohanwicht School. You know from your own experience how much about a body can be concealed beneath the Schohanwicht School’s uniform of a robe and mask.

With this cheerful thought, you stand up and return to the Schohanwicht School. As you go, you are moved to hope that the Rue d’Auseil is not in Azern – or that if it is in Azern, it is in a place where Katja Quinnecht will not go. Katja is a very unskilled mage, and for her to be forbidden in any location, regardless of time, to do what she is truly skilled at and enjoys would be extremely upsetting to her. Then you smile. At least Zoe Melis, for all of the isolating traits that she has, is not a musician. If she were to go to the Rue d’Auseil – and your heart flutters at the thought that such a visit might be with you – she would not care about such a restriction, except perhaps as an object of study – which you also are interested by. Must one, while studying Gates magic, choose between being detached and being wracked by stress? Because despite your efforts, you keep thinking how nice it would be to have a deep relationship with Zoe Melis or some scholarly young woman like her. [+1 skill level Gates Spells, end event]

[If PC and Katja Quinnecht are not in same Clique and PC and Katja Quinnecht have relationship <7]

 

You decide that the student who displays such distracting charm despite studying Gates magic should be asked the question. One who is charming, you figure, must be relaxed. If you can learn what brought such a charming student into Gates magic, maybe you and other wavering students can understand how such a student became relaxed enough to be so charming despite Gates magic’s stress.

So, you turn to the charming student and ask, “How are you relaxed enough to seem charming even when studying Gates magic?”

The charming student’s voice swells with pride as the charming student replies. “If I were wanting to seem a more powerful mage than I am, I would say that I use glamour spells, or even Mastery.”

Seeing that you and the other two students have jerked with fear at this statement, the charming student laughs. “But such a claim would be dishonest, as well as frightening to my friends and others. Thankfully, the truth is much simpler. I am naturally charming, I suppose, in the same way as other people are naturally skilled athletes or mages or sittuyin players. But just like a naturally skilled athlete can lose after a time with lack of exercise to a trained athlete constantly training, or a naturally skilled mage or sittuyin player can lose to anyone who has studied the rules of magic or sittuyin in order to be better able to set up phemes or pieces and use them effectively, so my natural charm had to be preserved through the stresses of studying Gates magic through training. Otherwise, I dare say, I might have become as frightened as a Bassan in Mineta when a guard wants to see what old books are kept in the back of the trunk that is most difficult to study.”

You join the other students in nodding. But then the gloomy student says, “Guards in Mineta can have a cursedly long reach. So how do you preserve your charm despite stress?”

“It is all in the attitude,” the charming student says. “So many Gates mages are extremely attached to certain things despite how vulnerable such attachment makes them. They are attached to a certain house, a certain tract of wilderness, or a certain person, and seek to live inside that house or within that tract of wilderness or near that person for a long time – despite the danger that such attachment poses. A house can become a besieged prison, a tract of wilderness an ambushers’ stage and dancing-ground, and a person, whether kin or friend or lover, a way to track one and lure one to one’s death. So, I avoid such attachments as best as I can. By maintaining a simple attitude towards the essentials, I am able to flee from village to village, nation to nation, and world to world, as free as the wind. And as light and relaxed as summer’s breeze.”

“What if we can’t bear to be so detached?” the gloomy student grumbles.

“Ah, in that case there is some training that I find applicable even to more stationary Gates mages,” the charming student says. “Treat every act of teleportation that you do as not merely a way to get from one place to another, but as a pleasure in its own right. What I delight in doing, therefore, is teleporting to places that I do not need to be at during my spare time, in order to explore the locations through more conventional means. And when I am exploring, I constantly focus my mind upon how wonderful the place is, both as a place of some type of beauty and as a place to know about for future use. A wilderness in the barely surveyed interior of Oursouk would make a wonderful place for a workshop or home if I must flee where I live now, and I thrill at the thought of taking some special friend – he, she, or it can come from worthy Bassans, the Oursoukis, or from the people at this school – for a pleasant evening’s walking down the Rue d’Auseil, whose only notable prohibition for visitors and dwellers is that, while within the Rue d’Auseil, they must never play stringed instruments that are bowed and fretted. But come. Have my words been helpful?”

“Hearing what my friend has said about studying Gates magic, I understand that the thrill of success in Gates magic is too great a prize for me to throw away because of this setback, the gloomy student says. “Thank you, spy or student, for helping me. If you are a spy, you are welcome to report about me to your master.”

“Now you go too far,” the confident student mutters. “Just because you are no longer wavering does not mean that you should be willing to expose yourself to such risks.”

“O come on,” the charming student laughs. “Both of my friends need to be better. The good thing is that none of us three friends is wavering in our willingness to study the Mother’s teachings. But are you, younger student, still wavering?”

You mumble a vaguely positive answer, and the three older students leave you alone. You are not sure how you will handle the constant stress associated with keeping your practice of Gates magic hidden from friends outside the Schohanwicht School, but you are glad that you are not the only student struggling with the stresses of Gates magic. Then a thought comes to you that is so crazy that you have to laugh.

Maybe Zoe Melis is one of the students at the Schohanwicht School. You know from your own experience how much about a body can be concealed beneath the Schohanwicht School’s uniform of a robe and mask.

With this cheerful thought, you stand up and return to the Schohanwicht School. [+1 skill level Gates Spells, end event]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Outline of Prelude to Adventure “Beatrix von Wetgen's Visiting Band”:

The adventure “Beatrix von Wetgen's Visiting Band” must be preceded by one of 4 shorter adventures that can allow the PC go through the adventure “Beatrix von Wetgen's Visiting Band”. Each of these shorter adventures has a different set of Y1 Prerequisites.

1.      “Finding Friends” requires the PC to have completed the Y1 adventure Wandering the Corridors and have relationship > 5 with Beatrix von Wetgen.

2.      “Choosing a Chaperone” requires the PC to have completed Flore Yveuillet’s Y1 adventure and have relationship > 5 with Flore Yveuillet.

3.      “Of Litigation and Laboratories” requires the PC to have completed the Y1 adventure “The Clock-Maker’s Daughter” and Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure.

4.      “Journalism’s Journeyperson” requires the PC to have completed Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 adventure and have relationship > 2 with Rikildis von Kiep.

The premises of these adventures are as follows:

1.      “Finding Friends”: In which Beatrix invites the PC to join her, Flore, Malthezar, and Durand in visiting some Satyrs at Satyrius with Regent Storey. The Complication: Storey is not willing to allow this to happen. The Solution: Persuade him that Beatrix and Flore, as young women, need escorts to the satyrs’ gathering… and who better for Flore than her study partner Prudence Cossins…once she has been found? The Resolution: Prudence is located and is eager to meet satyrs.

2.      “Choosing a Chaperone”: In which Flore is sad that she has been told by Regent Briardi that because of her bad reputation, she cannot accept the invitation to meet satyrs with Regent Storey and Beatrix von Wetgen. The Solution: Persuade Briardi that Beatrix and Flore, as young women, need escorts to the satyrs’ gathering… and who better for Flore than her study partner Prudence Cossins…once she has been found? The Resolution: Prudence is located and is eager to meet satyrs.

3.      “Of Litigation and Laboratories”: In which the PC is approached by Zoe Melis, who tells the PC that Pelia has paid Zoe to ask the PC to help her. Pelia has been confronted by various people trying to adopt her (or claiming to be her relatives) because they want access to her alchemical knowledge (and her father's), and she faces litigation about how old she really is. In an attempt to raise money for legal advice, she has decided to try to set up a night’s entertainment for the satyrs of Satyrius, since she thinks that they are reclusive enough that they will not spread in Mineta news about what she can do. The Complication: In order to make more money, she needs help to bring her portable alchemical laboratory to Satyrius. The Solution: Persuade Regent Storey that you can join the trip as an escort for Beatrix. Flore can be escorted by her study partner Prudence Cossins. The Resolution: Regent Storey, impressed by your helping Pelia, makes the arrangements, leaving you to pack Pelia’s better equipment and carry it for her to the satyrs’ meeting.

4.      “Journalism’s Journeyperson”: In which Rikildis says that she has heard that Regent Storey is assembling some students from Morvidus for some sort of outing – and she wants the PC to write an article about the trip for her. If the PC accept, a complication arises: how to get invited. Rikildis has a solution: ask Beatrix von Wetgen. Upon meeting Beatrix, several options are available for how to proceed, but success depends upon the PC’s not having Heritage: Vilocian. If Beatrix can be negotiated with, she invites the PC to join her, Flore, Malthezar, and Durand in visiting some Satyrs at Satyrius with Regent Storey. The Complication: Storey is not willing to allow this to happen. The Solution: Persuade him that Beatrix and Flore, as young women, need escorts to the satyrs’ gathering… and who better for Flore than her study partner Prudence Cossins…once she has been found? The Resolution: Prudence is located and is eager to meet satyrs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

Beatrix Says Farewell:

As usual, any feedback is welcome.

 

Notes

 

This is intended to be a piece for early in Y2, on the day when students who travel onboard airships are leaving Mineta. Should the team accept it, they may choose to make it an automatic event, or they may choose to make it a small time-limited adventure. Regardless, the prerequisites are: PC must have finished Beatrix von Wetgen’s Y1 adventure, must have relationship > 0 with Beatrix von Wetgen.

Event:

 

PC is in Morvidus College

 

PC has relationship < 11 with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Not only is Mairgrete Strakley audible struggling to decide between trying to force her protesting cat into its cage and comforting it, but Vettor Conta has decided to try soaking Eliana Carosi, much to her noisy distress. At least Phillippe Marchant, that perpetual bully, is refraining from open threats, and if the rumors are to be believed, Joana Lio y Rossollo is helping Ana Flavia Bessa in Avila – although with the way rumours go, you would not be surprised to learn that she is in fact either eating candy or spying on Phillippe.

As you are explaining to a scowling senior student that her graduation and already secured job as a game warden to some Vilocian graf does not mean that you should abandon your packing to help her with her efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When the senior student, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, her face slumps into neutrality and she walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in.”

“Thanks for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “Why are you going into the madhouse that is Morvidus today if you are already packed?”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Um…requite?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. But seriously, since we are friends, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC has relationship > 10 with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

PC has no affection with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Not only is Mairgrete Strakley audible struggling to decide between trying to force her protesting cat into its cage and comforting it, but Vettor Conta has decided to try soaking Eliana Carosi, much to her noisy distress. At least Phillippe Marchant, that perpetual bully, is refraining from open threats, and if the rumors are to be believed, Joana Lio y Rossollo is helping Ana Flavia Bessa in Avila – although with the way rumours go, you would not be surprised to learn that she is in fact either eating candy or spying on Phillippe.

As you are explaining to a scowling senior student that her graduation and already secured job as a game warden to some Vilocian graf does not mean that you should abandon your packing to help her with her efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When the senior student, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, her face slumps into neutrality and she walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in.”

“Thanks for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “Why are you going into the madhouse that is Morvidus today if you are already packed?”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a close friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Um…requite?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. But seriously, since we are friends, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC has affection with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Not only is Mairgrete Strakley audible struggling to decide between trying to force her protesting cat into its cage and comforting it, but Vettor Conta has decided to try soaking Eliana Carosi, much to her noisy distress. At least Phillippe Marchant, that perpetual bully, is refraining from open threats, and if the rumors are to be believed, Joana Lio y Rossollo is helping Ana Flavia Bessa in Avila – although with the way rumours go, you would not be surprised to learn that she is in fact either eating candy or spying on Phillippe.

As you are explaining to a scowling senior student that her graduation and already secured job as a game warden to some Vilocian graf does not mean that you should abandon your packing to help her with her efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When the senior student, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, her face slumps into neutrality and she walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in – and that I would have gotten involved in it in order to help you.”

“Your help was much appreciated, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “I am honored that you come into the madhouse that is Morvidus in order to see me, but is there anything that you wanted to talk to me about? If so, I am all ears for your words.”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a very dear friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Requite? Do I really deserve such emotionless language?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. You just cause me to fall back on training in order to express myself. But seriously, since we are so close, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Not only is Mairgrete Strakley audible struggling to decide between trying to force her protesting cat into its cage and comforting it, but Vettor Conta has decided to try soaking Eliana Carosi, much to her noisy distress. At least Phillippe Marchant, that perpetual bully, is refraining from open threats, and if the rumors are to be believed, Joana Lio y Rossollo is helping Ana Flavia Bessa in Avila – although with the way rumours go, you would not be surprised to learn that she is in fact either eating candy or spying on Phillippe.

As you are explaining to a scowling senior student that her graduation and already secured job as a game warden to some Vilocian graf does not mean that you should abandon your packing to help her with her efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When the senior student, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, her face slumps into neutrality and she walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in – and that I would have gotten involved in it in order to help you.”

“Thank for coming, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “You come into the madhouse that is Morvidus and met me me, but is there anything that you wanted to talk to me about?”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a very dear friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Requite? Why such emotionless language?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. But seriously, since we are so close, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC is in Vernin College

 

PC has relationship < 11 with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Not only is Catherine Chard trying to hint to a growing crowd of students that she and her family would be very grateful to all students who can help her in any way, but Rui da Casga’s reputation has made almost everyone – even the regent – a bit tense and more willing to lash out at each other. At least Louise Kandinsky, that perpetual scowler and complainer, is keeping the Hochmeister under control – although this has led her to try to get you to gather her luggage while she handles the bird.

As you are explaining to a scowling Louise and her feathered familiar that her inability to control the Hochmeister is her problem rather than a reason why you should abandon your packing to help her with her efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When Louise, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, her face cracks into a smile and she walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in.”

“Thanks for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “Why are you coming into this college – which is today hostile even to its own members, to say nothing of Morvidus students? Were you hoping to speak to Louise about something? If the Hochmeister has extirpated some small rodent, Louise cannot help you even if she were wanting to help – she can barely control the Hochmeister at the best of times.”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Um…requite?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. But seriously, since we are friends, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC has relationship > 10 with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

PC has no affection with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Not only is Catherine Chard trying to hint to a growing crowd of students that she and her family would be very grateful to all students who can help her in any way, but Rui da Casga’s reputation has made almost everyone – even the regent – a bit tense and more willing to lash out at each other. At least Louise Kandinsky, that perpetual scowler and complainer, is keeping the Hochmeister under control – although this has led her to try to get you to gather her luggage while she handles the bird.

As you are explaining to a scowling Louise and her feathered familiar that her inability to control the Hochmeister is her problem rather than a reason why you should abandon your packing to help her with her efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When Louise, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, her face cracks into a smile and she walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in.”

“Thanks for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “Why are you coming into this college – which is today hostile even to its own members, to say nothing of Morvidus students? Were you hoping to speak to Louise about something? If the Hochmeister has extirpated some small rodent, Louise cannot help you even if she were wanting to help – she can barely control the Hochmeister at the best of times.”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a close friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Um…requite?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. But seriously, since we are close friends, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC has affection with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Not only is Catherine Chard trying to hint to a growing crowd of students that she and her family would be very grateful to all students who can help her in any way, but Rui da Casga’s reputation has made almost everyone – even the regent – a bit tense and more willing to lash out at each other. At least Louise Kandinsky, that perpetual scowler and complainer, is keeping the Hochmeister under control – although this has led her to try to get you to gather her luggage while she handles the bird.

As you are explaining to a scowling Louise and her feathered familiar that her inability to control the Hochmeister is her problem rather than a reason why you should abandon your packing to help her with her efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When Louise, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, her face cracks into a smile and she walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in – and that I would have gotten involved in it in order to help you.”

“I thank you for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “Why are you coming into this college – which is today hostile even to its own members, to say nothing of Morvidus students? I hope that you were here for my sake rather than in order to talk to Louise about something. If the Hochmeister has extirpated some small rodent, Louise cannot help you even if she were wanting to help – she can barely control the Hochmeister at the best of times.”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a very dear friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Requite? Do I really deserve such emotionless language?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. You just cause me to fall back on training in order to express myself. But seriously, since we are so close, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Not only is Catherine Chard trying to hint to a growing crowd of students that she and her family would be very grateful to all students who can help her in any way, but Rui da Casga’s reputation has made almost everyone – even the regent – a bit tense and more willing to lash out at each other. At least Louise Kandinsky, that perpetual scowler and complainer, is keeping the Hochmeister under control – although this has led her to try to get you to gather her luggage while she handles the bird.

As you are explaining to a scowling Louise and her feathered familiar that her inability to control the Hochmeister is her problem rather than a reason why you should abandon your packing to help her with her efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When Louise, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, her face cracks into a smile and she walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in – and that I would have gotten involved in it in order to help you.”

“Thanks for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “Why are you coming into this college – which is today hostile even to its own members, to say nothing of Morvidus students? I hope that you were not here in order to talk to Louise about something. If the Hochmeister has extirpated some small rodent, Louise cannot help you even if she were wanting to help – she can barely control the Hochmeister at the best of times.”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a very dear friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Requite? Why such emotionless language?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. But seriously, since we are so close, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC is in Neither Vernin nor Morvidus College

 

PC has relationship < 11 with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Oriabel Sidot is obsessively trying to hunt down a ghost and seems to be causing more disruption than the destruction of Monteon while doing so, and Alan Driscoll seems to be seeking treasures at a very inconvenient time – and in very inconvenient places.

As you are explaining to a scowling senior student that his graduation and already secured job as a soldier in some Vilocian mercenary company does not mean that you should abandon your packing to help him with his efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When the senior student, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, his face slumps into neutrality and he walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in.”

“Thanks for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “But why do you want to meet me?”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Um…requite?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. But seriously, since we are friends, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC has relationship > 10 with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

PC has no affection with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Oriabel Sidot is obsessively trying to hunt down a ghost and seems to be causing more disruption than the destruction of Monteon while doing so, and Alan Driscoll seems to be seeking treasures at a very inconvenient time – and in very inconvenient places.

As you are explaining to a scowling senior student that his graduation and already secured job as a soldier in some Vilocian mercenary company does not mean that you should abandon your packing to help him with his efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When the senior student, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, his face slumps into neutrality and he walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in.”

“Thanks for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “But why do you want to meet me?”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a close friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Um…requite?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. But seriously, since we are close friends, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC has affection with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Oriabel Sidot is obsessively trying to hunt down a ghost and seems to be causing more disruption than the destruction of Monteon while doing so, and Alan Driscoll seems to be seeking treasures at a very inconvenient time – and in very inconvenient places.

As you are explaining to a scowling senior student that his graduation and already secured job as a soldier in some Vilocian mercenary company does not mean that you should abandon your packing to help him with his efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When the senior student, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, his face slumps into neutrality and he walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in – which I would have intervened in in order to help you.”

“I thank you for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “But why have you sought me out on today of all days? It is not the best time to be…friendly with each other.”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a very dear friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Requite? Do I really deserve such emotionless language?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. You just cause me to fall back on training in order to express myself. But seriously, since we are so close, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

You are finding it very difficult to get your things packed as you leave the place within the Academagia that you called home for the past few months. Not only are older students constantly trying to use their greater size and power within the college to get you to help them with what you need to do for yourself, but your peers are also making matters difficult. Oriabel Sidot is obsessively trying to hunt down a ghost and seems to be causing more disruption than the destruction of Monteon while doing so, and Alan Driscoll seems to be seeking treasures at a very inconvenient time – and in very inconvenient places.

As you are explaining to a scowling senior student that his graduation and already secured job as a soldier in some Vilocian mercenary company does not mean that you should abandon your packing to help him with his efforts, you hear a crisp clicking of boots upon the floor.

Turning around, you see Beatrix von Wetgen brightly beaming – although at what you are not sure. When the senior student, seeing your distraction, notices Beatrix, his face slumps into neutrality and he walks away without another word.

“I am so glad that my cheerfulness is contagious,” Beatrix says with a relieved smile. “I was worried that the time that I had saved by packing efficiently so much earlier would be entirely wasted due to that argument that you were in – which I would have intervened in in order to help you.”

“Thanks for the help, Beatrix,” you say with a smile of your own. “But why have you sought me out on today of all days? It is not the best time to be…friendly with each other.”

“Isn’t it obvious, [PCFirstName]? I wanted to say farewell to you. You are more than just a foe to wyvern cultists and friend to my research – you are also a very dear friend to me, and it would be wrong if I were not to requite your efforts on my behalf.”

“Requite? Why such emotionless language?”

Beatrix laughs aloud. “Sorry for the formal language. But seriously, since we are so close, I just wanted to say farewell to you - and ask whether you wanted to be my penpal over the summer.”

 

Choices:

 

PC has affection with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

“Beatrix, I would love to remain in touch with you.”

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “Given your reputation, I am not surprised by this. But sure, I will happily write to you over the summer. I am planning such wonderful…hikes throughout Wetgen, and…”

“I would be interested to read about your travels, Beatrix,” you say. And you mean it. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“I’m glad that you aren’t expecting me to discuss…other matters with you, [PCFirstName]. I am not one of those girls who was looking for love and waiting with great impatience for dating to be permitted – or ignoring that little ban. But you are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve – or have an appropriate relationship with you!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Romance for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Write to Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

“Beatrix, I would love to help you with your report.”

 

If PC has Natural Philosophy > 9

 

If PC is Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “Given your reputation, I am faintly surprised that you are so focussed upon what I am working on. But who am I to turn down free help – especially from you, my dear friend?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the flora and fauna of the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. So few people – and certainly few students – know about it as much as you do, have skill in natural philosophy, and are trying to publish research about it,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“That’s right, isn’t it?” Beatrix says. “One of the reasons why we got so close was because we share an interest in natural philosophy. I’m glad that you aren’t expecting me to discuss…other matters with you, [PCFirstName]. I am not one of those girls who was looking for love and waiting with great impatience for dating to be permitted – or ignoring that little ban. But you are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve or publish my research about the Imperial Reserve – or have an appropriate relationship with you!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer, and she promises that she will much appreciate your help in discussing and critiquing her research. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. But you are also moved into thinking stressed thoughts, as your secret studies often drive you. One of the reasons why you are so skilled in natural philosophy is because Euneycia has told you that great gates mages are skilled in that art – but you would be executed if you were to share your researches in that pillar of magic with the world. You hope – no, fantisize – that Beatrix has some dark secret reason of her own for why she keeps going into the Imperial Reserve. But not all who have dark secrets tolerate gates mages, you think. [+1 stress, + 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

If PC is not Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “Given your reputation, I am faintly surprised that you are so focussed upon what I am working on. But who am I to turn down free help – especially from you, my dear friend?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the flora and fauna of the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. So few people – and certainly few students – know about it as much as you do, have skill in natural philosophy, and are trying to publish research about it,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“That’s right, isn’t it?” Beatrix says. “One of the reasons why we got so close was because we share an interest in natural philosophy. I’m glad that you aren’t expecting me to discuss…other matters with you, [PCFirstName]. I am not one of those girls who was looking for love and waiting with great impatience for dating to be permitted – or ignoring that little ban. But you are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve or publish my research about the Imperial Reserve – or have an appropriate relationship with you!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer, and she promises that she will much appreciate your help in discussing and critiquing her research. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

If PC has Natural Philosophy < 10

 

If PC is Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “Given your reputation, I am faintly surprised that you are so focussed upon what I am working on. But who am I to turn down free help – especially from you, my dear friend?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. I know little about natural philosophy, but would not mind learning about it from you,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“Thanks for not pretending to be a master natural philosopher,” Beatrix says. “Our fine relationship is based upon…other things. But I am not one of those girls who was looking for love and waiting with great impatience for dating to be permitted – or ignoring that little ban. But you are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve or publish my research about the Imperial Reserve – or have an appropriate relationship with you!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer, and she promises that she will much appreciate your help in discussing and critiquing her research. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. But you are also moved into thinking stressed thoughts, as your secret studies often drive you. Euneycia has told you that unless you study natural philosophy well, you cannot become a great gates mage – and you fear that you are creating even more risk for yourself by studying but not mastering a pillar of magic whose study would result in your execution if you were caught. You hope – no, fantasize – that Beatrix has some dark secret reason of her own for why she keeps going into the Imperial Reserve. But not all who have dark secrets tolerate gates mages, you think. [+2 stress, + 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

If PC is not Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “Given your reputation, I am faintly surprised that you are so focussed upon what I am working on. But who am I to turn down free help – especially from you, my dear friend?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. I know little about natural philosophy, but would not mind learning about it from you,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“Thanks for not pretending to be a master natural philosopher,” Beatrix says. “Our fine relationship is based upon…other things. But I am not one of those girls who was looking for love and waiting with great impatience for dating to be permitted – or ignoring that little ban. But you are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve or publish my research about the Imperial Reserve – or have an appropriate relationship with you!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer, and she promises that she will much appreciate your help in discussing and critiquing her research. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

“But what would we talk about, Beatrix?”

 

If PC is Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix appears for a second to be very surprised by your words, then replies, in a cold but polite voice, “Well, I am glad that we learned now that we have nothing on common with each other. Thank the gods that we did not find ourselves in a worse predicament before realizing this.”

Then she turns and swiftly walks away. You are left thinking that is is better to be thought harsh and interested in her than to have gotten into a fight about it later on – or be exposed by Beatrix as a gates mage. [+1 stress, - 2 relationship between the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

If PC is not Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix appears for a second to be very surprised by your words, then replies, in a cold but polite voice, “Well, I am glad that we learned now that we have nothing on common with each other. Thank the gods that we did not find ourselves in a worse predicament before realizing this.”

Then she turns and swiftly walks away. You are left thinking that is is better to be thought harsh and interested in her than to have gotten into a fight about it later on. [- 2 relationship between the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

“With all due respect, Beatrix, I have better things to do this summer – and so so you, I do not doubt.”

 

If PC is Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix blinks at you, then says, in a surprisingly harsh voice, “Are you more interested in Carosi now?”

Your surprise must be visible, because Beatrix shrugs apologeticly and says, “Given your reputatation and how similar Carosi and I are, I was not sure. But is this an attempt…?”

You feel when the right time is to smoothly interject, “No, Beatrix, but it is just that Wetgen is a long way away, and we may not be good at writing letters to each other even were the post reliable.”

Beatrix smiles apologetically. “Fair enough. The way from Wetgen to Mineta is long and hard, and much changes during and after my journey. Still, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that when we meet again we can have a wonderful relationship. I hope that you will pray at Rostra’s temple for me, but only because it is a conventionally dutiful thing for separated people to do. I am not about to become one of those who sees gods’ interventions behind every rustling leaf.”

Beatrix leaves you, smiling. You are not sure whether to be relieved or sad. Relieved, because you will have some time to figure out how to keep your relationship with Beatrix and your study of gates magic going next year – if such is possible. Sad, because if even one tenth of the rumours that you have heard from the more mystically minded students and teachers at the Schohanwicht are true, then conventional religion, as taught in Mineta, is incorrect in many ways. [+ 2 stress, + 1 skill level Temperence for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

If PC is not Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix blinks at you, then says, in a surprisingly harsh voice, “Are you more interested in Carosi now?”

Your surprise must be visible, because Beatrix shrugs apologeticly and says, “Given your reputatation and how similar Carosi and I are, I was not sure. But is this an attempt…?”

You feel when the right time is to smoothly interject, “No, Beatrix, but it is just that Wetgen is a long way away, and we may not be good at writing letters to each other even were the post reliable.”

Beatrix smiles apologetically. “Fair enough. The way from Wetgen to Mineta is long and hard, and much changes during and after my journey. Still, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that when we meet again we can have a wonderful relationship. I hope that you will pray at Rostra’s temple for me, but only because it is a conventionally dutiful thing for separated people to do. I am not about to become one of those who sees gods’ interventions behind every rustling leaf.”

Beatrix leaves you, smiling. You are relieved that the two of you have been able to control your interests for each other. Rumours often swirl, some more plausible than others, about students at the Academagia whose too strong attractions for each other caused much disruption in life – when a life was not ended by it. [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill level Temperence for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

“Beatrix, I am so glad that you want to remain in touch with me.”

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “I am not surprised by this. But sure, I will happily write to you over the summer. I am planning such wonderful…hikes throughout Wetgen, and…”

“I would be interested to read about your travels, Beatrix,” you say. And you mean it. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“I’m glad that you aren’t expecting me to discuss…other matters with you, [PCFirstName]. I am not one of those girls who was looking for love and waiting with great impatience for dating to be permitted – or ignoring that little ban. But you are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Romance for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Write to Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

“Beatrix, may I help you with your report?”

 

If PC has Natural Philosophy > 9

 

If PC is Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “I am faintly surprised that you are so focussed upon what I am working on. But who am I to turn down free help – especially from you?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the flora and fauna of the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. So few people – and certainly few students – know about it as much as you do, have skill in natural philosophy, and are trying to publish research about it,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“That’s right, isn’t it?” Beatrix says. “One of the reasons why we got so close was because we share an interest in natural philosophy. But you are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve or publish my research about the Imperial Reserve!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer, and she promises that she will much appreciate your help in discussing and critiquing her research. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. But you are also moved into thinking stressed thoughts, as your secret studies often drive you. One of the reasons why you are so skilled in natural philosophy is because Euneycia has told you that great gates mages are skilled in that art – but you would be executed if you were to share your researches in that pillar of magic with the world. You hope – no, fantasize – that Beatrix has some dark secret reason of her own for why she keeps going into the Imperial Reserve. But not all who have dark secrets tolerate gates mages, you think. [+1 stress, + 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

If PC is not Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “I am faintly surprised that you are so focussed upon what I am working on. But who am I to turn down free help – especially from you, my friend?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the flora and fauna of the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. So few people – and certainly few students – know about it as much as you do, have skill in natural philosophy, and are trying to publish research about it,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“That’s right, isn’t it?” Beatrix says. “One of the reasons why we got so close was because we share an interest in natural philosophy. But you are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve or publish my research about the Imperial Reserve!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer, and she promises that she will much appreciate your help in discussing and critiquing her research. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

If PC has Natural Philosophy < 10

 

If PC is Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “I am faintly surprised that you are so focussed upon what I am working on. But who am I to turn down free help – especially from you, my friend?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. I know little about natural philosophy, but would not mind learning about it from you,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“Thanks for not pretending to be a master natural philosopher,” Beatrix says. “Our fine relationship is based upon…other things. You are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve or publish my research about the Imperial Reserve!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer, and she promises that she will much appreciate your help in discussing and critiquing her research. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. But you are also moved into thinking stressed thoughts, as your secret studies often drive you. Euneycia has told you that unless you study natural philosophy well, you cannot become a great gates mage – and you fear that you are creating even more risk for yourself by studying but not mastering a pillar of magic whose study would result in your execution if you were caught. You hope – no, fantasize – that Beatrix has some dark secret reason of her own for why she keeps going into the Imperial Reserve. But not all who have dark secrets tolerate gates mages, you think. [+2 stress, + 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

If PC is not Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “I am faintly surprised that you are so focussed upon what I am working on. But who am I to turn down free help – especially from you, my dear friend?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. I know little about natural philosophy, but would not mind learning about it from you,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“Thanks for not pretending to be a master natural philosopher,” Beatrix says. “Our fine relationship is based upon…other things. You are so polite that we developed a…little closeness, shall we say?”

It is your time to laugh now. “Oh, Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know. I can respect you more for these traits than any Hedi student – and not just because their magic focusses upon deceptions.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve or publish my research about the Imperial Reserve!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer, and she promises that she will much appreciate your help in discussing and critiquing her research. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

“But what would we talk about?”

 

If PC is Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix appears for a second to be very surprised by your words, then replies, in a cold but polite voice, “Well, I am glad that we learned now that we have nothing on common with each other.”

Then she turns and swiftly walks away. You are left thinking that is is better to be thought harsh and interested in her than to have gotten into a fight about it later on – or be exposed by Beatrix as a gates mage. [+1 stress, - 2 relationship between the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

If PC is not Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix appears for a second to be very surprised by your words, then replies, in a cold but polite voice, “Well, I am glad that we learned now that we have nothing on common with each other.”

Then she turns and swiftly walks away. You are left thinking that is is better to be thought harsh and interested in her than to have gotten into a fight about it later on. [- 2 relationship between the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

“I have better things to do this summer.”

 

If PC is Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix blinks at you, then says, in a surprisingly harsh voice, “Are you more interested in Carosi now?”

Your surprise must be visible, because Beatrix shrugs apologeticly and says, “Given how similar Carosi and I are, I was not sure. But is this an attempt…?”

You interject, “No, Beatrix, but it is just that Wetgen is a long way away, and we may not be good at writing letters to each other even were the post reliable.”

Beatrix smiles apologetically. “Fair enough. The way from Wetgen to Mineta is long and hard, and much changes during and after my journey. Still, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that when we meet again we can have a wonderful relationship. I hope that you will pray at Rostra’s temple for me, but only because it is a conventionally dutiful thing for separated people to do. I am not about to become one of those who sees gods’ interventions behind every rustling leaf.”

Beatrix leaves you, smiling. You are not sure whether to be relieved or sad. Relieved, because you will have some time to figure out how to keep your relationship with Beatrix and your study of gates magic going next year – if such is possible. Sad, because if even one tenth of the rumours that you have heard from the more mystically minded students and teachers at the Schohanwicht are true, then conventional religion, as taught in Mineta, is incorrect in many ways. [+ 2 stress, + 1 skill level Temperence for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

If PC is not Student at Schohanwicht

 

Beatrix blinks at you, then says, in a surprisingly harsh voice, “Are you more interested in Carosi now?”

Your surprise must be visible, because Beatrix shrugs apologeticly and says, “Given how similar Carosi and I are, I was not sure. But is this an attempt…?”

You interject, “No, Beatrix, but it is just that Wetgen is a long way away, and we may not be good at writing letters to each other even were the post reliable.”

Beatrix smiles apologetically. “Fair enough. The way from Wetgen to Mineta is long and hard, and much changes during and after my journey. Still, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that when we meet again we can have a wonderful relationship. I hope that you will pray at Rostra’s temple for me, but only because it is a conventionally dutiful thing for separated people to do. I am not about to become one of those who sees gods’ interventions behind every rustling leaf.”

Beatrix leaves you, smiling. You are relieved that the two of you have been able to control your interests for each other. Rumours often swirl, some more plausible than others, about students at the Academagia whose too strong attractions for each other caused much disruption in life – when a life was not ended by it. [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill level Temperence for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

PC has no affection with Beatrix von Wetgen

 

Male PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

“Beatrix, I would love to send you beautiful messages this summer.”

 

If PC has Relationship with Beatrix von Wetgen > 10

 

Beatrix faintly grimaces, then says, “Umm, maybe you are misunderstanding me. Certainly, we are very close, but I don’t want us to go in that direction, despite your reputation and kindness to me.”

Without another word, she turns and walks away. For a moment you are sad, but then you remind yourself that there are other girls whom you could get to know – [RandomFamaleNPCStudentnotfromVernin] was looking at you with interest just the other day, if you understood her correctly. [+1 stress, +1 Skill level patience for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

If PC has Relationship with Beatrix von Wetgen < 11

 

Beatrix faintly hisses out a sound that might be a Vilocian word – though you suspect it to be one that even Professor Sido would not teach at the Academagia – and then snarls at you, “Listen! I am not like Sima, constantly seeking boys who are captivated by my beauty. Nor am I like Joana, yearning for a boyfriend. I was hoping that you were ignoring your other talents in creating a friendship with me, but I was wrong. Farewell!”

Without another word, she turns and stomps away. For a moment you are sad, but then you remind yourself that there are other girls whom you could get to know – [RandomFamaleNPCStudentnotfromVernin] was looking at you with interest just the other day, if you understood her correctly. [+2 stress, +1 Skill level patience for the PC, + 1 skill level Passion for Beatrix von Wetgen, -11 relationship with Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

“Sure, remaining in contact with you would be nice.”

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “Sure, I will happily write to you over the summer. I am planning such wonderful…hikes throughout Wetgen, and…”

“I would be interested to read about your travels, Beatrix,” you say. And you mean it. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“I’m glad that you aren’t expecting me to discuss…other matters with you, [PCFirstName]. I am not one of those girls who was looking for love and waiting with great impatience for dating to be permitted – or ignoring that little ban.”

It is your time to laugh now. “Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know – I understand why you are not interested.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Awareness for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Write to Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

“Would you like help with your report about the Imperial Reserve’s animals?”

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “Who am I to turn down free help – especially from you, my friend?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. I would not mind learning about natural philosophy from you,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

Beatrix says, “Our relationship is based upon shared interests and activities – and nothing more, despite your reputation.”

It is your time to laugh now. “Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know – I understand why you are not interested.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

“Thanks for the farewell, but there’s no need for us to be in contact over the summer.”

 

Beatrix shrugs apologetically and says, “Given your reputation, I am not sure. Is this an attempt…?”

You feel when the right time is to smoothly interject, “Wetgen is a long way away, and we may not be good at writing letters to each other even were the post reliable.”

Beatrix smiles apologetically. “Fair enough. The way from Wetgen to Mineta is long and hard, and much changes during and after my journey. Still, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that when we meet again we can have a wonderful relationship. I hope that you will pray at Rostra’s temple for me, but only because it is a conventionally dutiful thing for separated people to do. I am not about to become one of those who sees gods’ interventions behind every rustling leaf.”

Beatrix leaves you, smiling. You are relieved that your reputation has not undermined a friendship with Beatrix von Wetgen. [+ 1 skill level Flawless Timing for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl

 

“Sure, remaining in contact with you would be nice.”

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “Sure, I will happily write to you over the summer. I am planning such wonderful…hikes throughout Wetgen, and…”

“I would be interested to read about your travels, Beatrix,” you say. And you mean it. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

“Thanks. You have no idea how useful is is, as a hiker, to be able to write about hiking trips and discuss hikes.”

It is your time to laugh now. “Beatrix, you are so responsible. But I will gladly help you.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Planning for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Write to Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

“Would you like help with your report about the Imperial Reserve’s animals?”

 

Beatrix smiles at you, but then her mouth breaks into a grin. “Who am I to turn down free help – especially from you, my friend?”

“I would be interested to read your thoughts about the Imperial reserve, Beatrix. I would not mind learning about natural philosophy from you,” you say. And you mean what you say. No person, regardless of other reasons to speak to Beatrix, can become her friend without sharing at least some interest in her hobbies, which so pervade her life.

Beatrix says, “Our relationship is based upon shared interests and activities.”

It is your time to laugh now. “Beatrix, you are so polite and responsible and honest and fun to know – I understand why you are not interested.”

“If I were less responsible, [PCFirstName], then my life would be different. I would not be able to go forth into the Imperial Reserve!”

After you and Beatrix have finished giggling at Beatrix’s words, you write down for Beatrix instructions about how she may write to you over the summer. Then, she leaves, smiling and waving. You are glad that you know Beatrix von Wetgen so well – and not just because she is so constantly cheerful without letting her cheerfulness overshadow her other traits. [+ 1 skill step Biology for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, gain ability Help Beatrix with her Report, end event]

“Thanks for the farewell, but there’s no need for us to be in contact over the summer.”

 

Beatrix shrugs apologeticly and says, “Is this an attempt…?”

You interject, “Wetgen is a long way away, and we may not be good at writing letters to each other even were the post reliable.”

Beatrix smiles apologetically. “Fair enough. The way from Wetgen to Mineta is long and hard, and much changes during and after my journey. Still, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that when we meet again we can have a wonderful relationship. I hope that you will pray at Rostra’s temple for me, but only because it is a conventionally dutiful thing for separated people to do. I am not about to become one of those who sees gods’ interventions behind every rustling leaf.”

Beatrix leaves you, smiling. You are relieved that you have not undermined a friendship with Beatrix von Wetgen. [+ 1 skill level Flawless Timing for the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen, end event]

Description of Benefits:

 

I created this event in part to justify the introduction of two activities that the PC can engage in with Beatrix von Wetgen over the summer vacation in order to avoid relationship decays. I know not how such relationship decay mechanics will be implemented, nor how often such actions may be used. But the two activities, as I have conceived them, have the following bonuses when used (in addition to preventing relationship decay).

 

Write to Beatrix von Wetgen:

 

Flavor Text:

 

Beatrix loves hiking, and like many people with hobbies, she loves talking about her hobby almost as much as she loves the hobby itself. You are willing to be the recipient of her words about her hobby, which Beatrix is very grateful for. Apparently, few people in Wetgen like to talk about hiking with Beatrix.

Benefits:

 

+1 skill step to a random Explore subskill for both the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen.

 

Help Beatrix with her Report:

 

Flavor Text:

 

Even after you and Beatrix von Wetgen defeated the wyvern cultists in the Imperial Reserve, Beatrix is undistracted from her goal of producing a catalogue of the animals that live within the Imperial Reserve. You have agreed to help her in making this report by editing her writings and questioning her whenever her writings are unclear

Benefits:

 

+1 skill step to a random Natural Philosophy and Research subskill for both the PC and Beatrix von Wetgen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 months later...
22 minutes ago, Legate of Mineta said:

Excellent, will pass this along! :)

Does this mean that there will be a Y1 patch that might implement it into Y1?

 

In my proposed ending, I made a careless error:

 

Maybe you can right an article about my sacrifice some time.

should be

Maybe you can write an article about my sacrifice some time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

sacrificing a familiar can bee a useful way to avoid being noticed and exposed as a Gates Mage

Should be

sacrificing a familiar can be a useful way to avoid being noticed and exposed as a Gates Mage

@Legate of Mineta: Will this writing from me be incorporated into a patch? If so, then this would affect whether I want to revise it in order to add content for Zoe Melis.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Legate of Mineta: Here is my revised and expanded piece for Y1 characters with no familiar.

Game Ending with No Familiar

Text:

 

[If PC completed the adventure The Clockmaker’s Daughter]

 

[If Male PC has no Affection or Love with any Character]

 

It is around this time in your preparing to return home that you are forced to choke back a sob. At this time, you are aware, it is normal for students to seek their familiars, if their familiars are not with them, in order to make sure that they are safe on the journey from the Academagia. But you have no familiar – your dearest friend has made the ultimate sacrifice for your sake, and although you have benefitted from it, you will dearly miss your familiar.

 

At this time, your thoughts turn towards Pelia – perhaps in an effort at distraction. She is such a skilled mage that you would not be surprised to learn that her Walking Talking Sneezing Bear is her familiar. If you were not so very busy in preparing to leave, you would love to visit her in order to talk about the losses of dear ones in your lives. Maybe Pelia could make a new familiar for you – and perhaps many wonderful things could arise between you and her, come in time. But for now, all you want is some emotional support, but you cannot get it from her because you are too busy in packing and preparing to leave the Academagia.

[If Male PC has Affection or Love with any Character]

 

It is around this time in your preparing to return home that you are forced to choke back a sob. At this time, you are aware, it is normal for students to seek their familiars, if their familiars are not with them, in order to make sure that they are safe on the journey from the Academagia. But you have no familiar – your dearest friend has made the ultimate sacrifice for your sake, and although you have benefitted from it, you will dearly miss your familiar.

 

At this time, your thoughts turn towards Pelia – perhaps in an effort at distraction. She is such a skilled mage that you would not be surprised to learn that her Walking Talking Sneezing Bear is her familiar. If you were not so very busy in preparing to leave, you would love to visit her in order to talk about the losses of dear ones in your lives. Maybe Pelia could make a new familiar for you – you would even risk the possible suspicion of [Character Whom PC has Affection or Love with]. But for now, all you want is some emotional support. Alas, you cannot get it from Pelia now because you are too busy in packing and preparing to leave the Academagia.

[If Female PC has no Affection or Love with any Character]

 

It is around this time in your preparing to return home that you are forced to choke back a sob. At this time, you are aware, it is normal for students to seek their familiars, if their familiars are not with them, in order to make sure that they are safe on the journey from the Academagia. But you have no familiar – your dearest friend has made the ultimate sacrifice for your sake, and although you have benefitted from it, you will dearly miss your familiar.

 

At this time, your thoughts turn towards Pelia – perhaps in an effort at distraction. She is such a skilled mage that you would not be surprised to learn that her Walking Talking Sneezing Bear is her familiar. If you were not so very busy in preparing to leave, you would love to visit her in order to talk about the losses of dear ones in your lives. Maybe Pelia could make a new familiar for you. But for now, all you want is some emotional support. Alas, you cannot get it from Pelia now because you are too busy in packing and preparing to leave the Academagia.

[If Female PC has Affection or Love with any Character]

 

It is around this time in your preparing to return home that you are forced to choke back a sob. At this time, you are aware, it is normal for students to seek their familiars, if their familiars are not with them, in order to make sure that they are safe on the journey from the Academagia. But you have no familiar – your dearest friend has made the ultimate sacrifice for your sake, and although you have benefitted from it, you will dearly miss your familiar.

 

At this time, your thoughts turn towards Pelia – perhaps in an effort at distraction. She is such a skilled mage that you would not be surprised to learn that her Walking Talking Sneezing Bear is her familiar. If you were not so very busy in preparing to leave, you would love to visit her in order to talk about the losses of dear ones in your lives. Maybe Pelia could make a new familiar for you – you would even risk the possible distraction of [Character Whom PC has Affection or Love with] – although given Pelia’s caustic manners towards strangers, this is unlikely. But for now, all you want is some emotional support. Alas, you cannot get it from Pelia now because you are too busy in packing and preparing to leave the Academagia.

[If PC did not complete the adventure The Clockmaker’s Daughter]

 

It is around this time in your preparing to return home that you are forced to choke back a sob. At this time, you are aware, it is normal for students to seek their familiars, if their familiars are not with them, in order to make sure that they are safe on the journey from the Academagia. But you have no familiar – your dearest friend has made the ultimate sacrifice for your sake, and although you have benefitted from it, you will dearly miss your familiar.

 

Choices

 

[If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins and Completed Prudence Cossins’s Y1 adventure] Seek Prudence.

 

You wander throughout the Academagia until you come upon Prudence.

“Hi, [PCFirstName]. Done packing yet?”

But then, seeing your sorrow and that you are alone, her voice becomes less cheerful. “Look, I don’t know why you and your familiar did what happened, but you’re a good person – don’t let any blighter tell you otherwise.”

“Thanks, Prudence the Powerful. Belonging Brethren we are!”

Buoyed by Prudence’s words, you bid her farewell and go on to the rest of your leave-taking. [Go to next final event]

[If PC has Love with Rikildis von Kiep and Completed Rikildis von Kiep’s Y1 adventure] Seek Rikildis.

 

You wander throughout the Academagia until you come upon Rikildis.

“Hello, [PCFirstName]. I am thrilled to be leaving this place and its horrible music lessons.”

But then, seeing your sorrow and that you are alone, her voice becomes less cheerful. “Look, we all have to make sacrifices in order to succeed in life – and your sacrificing your familiar is not as bad as what other people have done. It was not wrong, just rarely done.”

“You would know all about such things, eh, Rikildis. Maybe you can right an article about my sacrifice some time.”

“Maybe I will – thanks for the idea. You are a wonderful – I don’t want to say what – but your familiar must have felt the same way about you.”

Buoyed by Rikildis’s words, you bid her farewell and go on to the rest of your leave-taking. [Go to next final event]

[If PC has Love with Sheary Warrington and Completed Sheary Warrington’s Y1 adventure]. Seek Sheary.

 

You wander throughout the Academagia until you come upon Sheary.

“Hi, [PCFirstName]. Do you need any help with packing?”

But then, seeing your sorrow and that you are alone, his voice becomes less cheerful. “Look, you and your familiar surely had a good reason for what happened, and Bailiff can be a good enough familiar for both of us if you cannot get a new one.”

“Thanks, Sheary. Helping people yields rewards!”

Buoyed by Sheary’s words, you bid him farewell and go on to the rest of your leave-taking. [Go to next final event]

[If PC has Love with Uliva Valaresso and Completed Uliva Valaresso’s Y1 adventure] Seek Uliva.

 

You wander throughout the Academagia until you come upon Uliva.

“[PCFirstName], how is your trip home plan? Will you pass any ophidiologically interesting place?”

But then, seeing your sorrow and that you are alone, her voice becomes less cheerful. “I’m sure, due to the relationship between Sasha and me, that I can get a new familiar for you if you cannot get one on your own. You have such skill with beasts – as Pomey and Dodey know!”

“Thanks, Uliva. Maybe I will get a serpent also.”

Buoyed by Uliva’s words, you bid her farewell and go on to the rest of your leave-taking. [Go to next final event]

[If PC has Love with Zoe Melis and Completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure] Seek Zoe.

 

[If PC is Student of the Schohanwicht School]

 

You wander throughout the Academagia until you come upon Zoe Melis, who responds to your approach by languidly putting aside a book that she was reading in a window ledge, sitting up, and smiling at you.

“[PCFirstName], I never expected, when I came to the Academagia to study, that my pleasant times reading would be interrupted by such greater pleasure.”

But then, seeing your sorrow and that you are alone, her voice becomes less cheerful. “Of course – you have no familiar. You must think me to be so selfish, right? Always thinking about myself. Even Carol sometimes tells me about this. But you were never, I assume, condemned by your familiar – even when your familiar decided to make the ultimate sacrifice. You are kind beyond my comprehension – helping so many during this year. My desires and the Workshop Days kerfuffle were probably the least of it for you, right?”

“Everyone needs money, Zoe, and few people are contend living with no friends.”

“See – there you help me rather than condemning me or weeping about your familiar. With that sort of friendliness, you will gain a familiar with ease.” Then, after a slight pause, Zoe mutters, “You would probably be able to give Carol better equipment and food than I can. But together, you and I can make me normal and you even better next year – even if you have no familiar.”

Buoyed by Zoe’s words, you bid her farewell and go on to the rest of your leave-taking. Her almost obsequious praise of your good qualities is almost enough to make you happy rather than sad about your secretiveness in studying Gates magic. [Go to next final event]

[If PC is not Student of the Schohanwicht School]

 

You wander throughout the Academagia until you come upon Zoe Melis, who responds to your approach by languidly putting aside a book that she was reading in a window ledge, sitting up, and smiling at you.

“[PCFirstName], I never expected, when I came to the Academagia to study, that my pleasant times reading would be interrupted by such greater pleasure.”

But then, seeing your sorrow and that you are alone, her voice becomes less cheerful. “Of course – you have no familiar. You must think me to be so selfish, right? Always thinking about myself. Even Carol sometimes tells me about this. But you were never, I assume, condemned by your familiar – even when your familiar decided to make the ultimate sacrifice. You are kind beyond my comprehension – helping so many during this year. My desires and the Workshop Days kerfuffle were probably the least of it for you, right?”

“Everyone needs money, Zoe, and few people are contend living with no friends.”

“See – there you help me rather than condemning me or weeping about your familiar. With that sort of friendliness, you will gain a familiar with ease.” Then, after a slight pause, Zoe mutters, “You would probably be able to give Carol better equipment and food than I can. But together, you and I can make me normal and you even better next year – even if you have no familiar.”

Buoyed by Zoe’s words, you bid her farewell and go on to the rest of your leave-taking. [Go to next final event]

[If PC has Love with Oriabel Sidot and Completed Oriabel Sidot’s Y1 adventure] Seek Oriabel.

 

You wander throughout the Academagia until you come upon Oriabel.

“[PCFirstName], are you seeking me and Boo in order to learn whether we are seeking ghosts? Because we are packing.”

But then, seeing your sorrow and that you are alone, her voice becomes less cheerful. “I wonder whether there are stories about ghosts of familiars meeting mages – but in any case, your familiar’s friendship with you remains in your memories. May the memories be comforting to you.”

“Thanks, Oriabel. May you not need to have such help with Boo – ever.”

Buoyed by Oriabel’s words, you bid her farewell and go on to the rest of your leave-taking. [Go to next final event]

[If PC has Love with any other character] Seek your very dear human friend.

 

You find [First Name of Character Whom PC has Love with] walking to the Great Hall, and learn that a break from packing was useful. So, although you can not date [First Name of Character Whom PC has Love with] yet, you are able to talk with [First Name of Character Whom PC has Love with] – and leave reassured that [First Name of Character Whom PC has Love with] does not thinking you a monster for sacrificing your familiar.

[If PC has no Love but Affection with any character] Seek your dear human friend.

 

You find [First Name of Character Whom PC has Affection with] walking to the Great Hall, and learn that a break from packing was useful. So, you are able to talk with [First Name of Character Whom PC has Affection with] – and leave reassured that [First Name of Character Whom PC has Affection with] does not thinking you a monster for sacrificing your familiar. [Go to next final event]

[If PC is a Student in the Schohanwicht School] What would Euneycia say?

 

Eunreycia, you think, would probably tell you that sacrificing a familiar can be a useful way to avoid being noticed and exposed as a Gates Mage – and she would also assure you, you think, that more advanced Gates Mages can create their own familiars with ease. Still, nothing will replace in your mind your first familiar, who made the ultimate sacrifice for you. [Go to next final event]

[If PC can use the ability Hang Out with Oan] Seek Oan.

 

You find Oan walking to the Great Hall, and learn that a break from packing was useful. So, you are able to talk with Oan – and leave reassured that Oan does not thinking you a monster for sacrificing your familiar and that mages of great heroism have sacrificed their familiars without being condemned. The bond between a mage and a familiar is mysterious and sacred, but it is well understood enough for it to be known that no mage sacrifices a familiar without the familiar’s fully informed and valid consent. [Go to next final event]

Sigh and hope for better things in the future.

 

Other people have had problems, you think – and at least you are a student at the Academagia, whom many mages, even those with familiars, would envy. [Go to next final event]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

The Blue Maid’s Farewell:

@Legate of Mineta: Here is my scene for Galitia Nesci and Zoe Melis.

 

Adventure’s Prerequisites:

 

The player must have completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure and must be in the same clique as Zoe Melis and must have rescued Galitia Nesci from the cave and must have a relationship with Zoe Melis > 0.

Adventure’s Exclusions:

 

This adventure, when capable of being played, should supersede the adventure Zoe’s Farewell; the idea is that Zoe, knowing about her friend’s rescuing of Galitia Nesci, has spent a portion of her last day at the Academagia trying to set up a business deal for her benefit.

Text:

 

[If PC is Female]

 

As you are finalizing the packing of your luggage, you hear two pairs of foot steps at your bedroom’s door, accompanied by conversation and soon followed by knocking. Hoping that these sounds do not foretell trouble for you, you open the door and see Zoe Melis, standing beside…whom?

“[PCFullName], I was showing Galitia Nesci around the Academagia for a very modest fee. She was so interested to see how Mineta has changed while she was in stasis, and she wanted to learn how her rescuer was doing. So, I thought that it would be nice if I were to combine her tour of the city with our saying farewell to you.”

Zoe smiles faintly, but you note that she is a bit worried. For the sake of all who are present – as well as those who would be interested in wrongdoings – you should be on your best behaviour. An upset Zoe is one thing, but an angry Mastery mage – even a young one – is a problem of an entirely more serious sort.

Still, Zoe is counting on you to make her tour interesting, so you need to say something.

[If PC is Male]

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

[If PC has Love with Zoe Melis]

 

As you are finalizing the packing of your luggage, you hear two pairs of foot steps at your bedroom’s door, accompanied by conversation and soon followed by knocking. Hoping that these sounds do not foretell trouble for you, you open the door and see Zoe Melis, standing beside…whom? As you realize that Zoe is standing beside a girl or young woman, your face flushes. Has your reputation combined with Zoe’s scholarly social obliviousness to lead to a potentially embarrassing situation?

Zoe, seeing your face, smiles sympathetically.

“Relax, [PCFirstName]. Cyve is full of strange human customs that confuse me also, but I was only showing Galitia Nesci around the Academagia for a very modest fee. She was so interested to see how Mineta has changed while she was in stasis, and she wanted to learn how her rescuer was doing. So, I thought that it would be nice if I were to combine her tour of the city with our saying farewell to you.”

Zoe smiles faintly, but you note that she is a bit worried. For the sake of all who are present – as well as those who would be interested in wrongdoings – you should be on your best behaviour. Upsetting Zoe would be bad enough because of her illness and your relationship with her, but an angry Mastery mage – even a young one – is a problem of an entirely more serious sort.

Still, Zoe is counting on you to make her tour interesting, so you need to say something.

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Zoe Melis]

 

As you are finalizing the packing of your luggage, you hear two pairs of foot steps at your bedroom’s door, accompanied by conversation and soon followed by knocking. Hoping that these sounds do not foretell trouble for you, you open the door and see Zoe Melis, standing beside…whom? As you realize that Zoe is standing beside a girl or young woman, you flinch. Has your reputation combined with Zoe’s love for money in a strange and potentially embarrassing way?

Zoe, seeing your jerk, sighs faintly but sympathetically.

“Relax, [PCFirstName]. I was only showing Galitia Nesci around the Academagia for a very modest fee. She was so interested to see how Mineta has changed while she was in stasis, and she wanted to learn how her rescuer was doing. So, I thought that it would be nice if I were to combine her tour of the city with our saying farewell to you.”

Zoe smiles faintly, but you note that she is a bit worried. For the sake of all who are present – as well as those who would be interested in wrongdoings – you should be on your best behaviour. Upsetting Zoe would be bad enough because of her illness, but an angry Mastery mage – even a young one – is a problem of an entirely more serious sort.

Still, Zoe is counting on you to make her tour interesting, so you need to say something.

[If PC has no Affection with Zoe Melis]

 

As you are finalizing the packing of your luggage, you hear two pairs of foot steps at your bedroom’s door, accompanied by conversation and soon followed by knocking. Hoping that these sounds do not foretell trouble for you, you open the door and see Zoe Melis, standing beside…whom? As you realize that Zoe is standing beside a girl or young woman, you flinch. Has Zoe completely misinterpreted your reputation?

Zoe, seeing your jerk, sighs faintly.

“Relax, [PCFirstName]. I was only showing Galitia Nesci around the Academagia for a very modest fee. She was so interested to see how Mineta has changed while she was in stasis, and she wanted to learn how her rescuer was doing. So, I thought that it would be nice if I were to combine her tour of the city with our saying farewell to you.”

Zoe smiles faintly, but you note that she is a bit worried. For the sake of all who are present – as well as those who would be interested in wrongdoings – you should be on your best behaviour. Upsetting Zoe would be bad enough, but an angry Mastery mage – even a young one – is a problem of an entirely more serious sort.

Still, Zoe is counting on you to make her tour interesting, so you need to say something.

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

[If PC has Love with Zoe Melis]

 

As you are finalizing the packing of your luggage, you hear two pairs of foot steps at your bedroom’s door, accompanied by conversation and soon followed by knocking. Hoping that these sounds do not foretell trouble for you, you open the door and see Zoe Melis, standing beside…whom?

“[PCFullName], I was showing Galitia Nesci around the Academagia for a very modest fee. She was so interested to see how Mineta has changed while she was in stasis, and she wanted to learn how her rescuer was doing. So, I thought that it would be nice if I were to combine her tour of the city with our saying farewell to you – after all, you have benefitted both of us.”

Then, in a soft voice, Zoe mutters, “Thanks for not making this meeting awkward by making wild interpretations, my dear.”

Zoe smiles faintly, but you note that she is a bit worried. For the sake of all who are present – as well as those who would be interested in wrongdoings – you should be on your best behaviour. Upsetting Zoe would be bad enough because of her illness and your relationship with her, but an angry Mastery mage – even a young one – is a problem of an entirely more serious sort.

Still, Zoe is counting on you to make her tour interesting, so you need to say something.

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Zoe Melis]

 

As you are finalizing the packing of your luggage, you hear two pairs of foot steps at your bedroom’s door, accompanied by conversation and soon followed by knocking. Hoping that these sounds do not foretell trouble for you, you open the door and see Zoe Melis, standing beside…whom?

“[PCFullName], I was showing Galitia Nesci around the Academagia for a very modest fee. She was so interested to see how Mineta has changed while she was in stasis, and she wanted to learn how her rescuer was doing. So, I thought that it would be nice if I were to combine her tour of the city with our saying farewell to you – after all, you have benefitted both of us.”

Then, in a soft voice, Zoe mutters, “Thanks for not making this meeting awkward by making wild interpretations, [PCFirstName].”

Zoe smiles faintly, but you note that she is a bit worried. For the sake of all who are present – as well as those who would be interested in wrongdoings – you should be on your best behaviour. Upsetting Zoe would be bad enough because of her illness, but an angry Mastery mage – even a young one – is a problem of an entirely more serious sort.

Still, Zoe is counting on you to make her tour interesting, so you need to say something.

[If PC has no Affection with Zoe Melis]

 

As you are finalizing the packing of your luggage, you hear two pairs of foot steps at your bedroom’s door, accompanied by conversation and soon followed by knocking. Hoping that these sounds do not foretell trouble for you, you open the door and see Zoe Melis, standing beside…whom?

“[PCFullName], I was showing Galitia Nesci around the Academagia for a very modest fee. She was so interested to see how Mineta has changed while she was in stasis, and she wanted to learn how her rescuer was doing. So, I thought that it would be nice if I were to combine her tour of the city with our saying farewell to you – after all, you have benefitted both of us.”

Then, in a soft voice, Zoe mutters, “Thanks for not making this meeting awkward by making wild interpretations.”

Zoe smiles faintly, but you note that she is a bit worried. For the sake of all who are present – as well as those who would be interested in wrongdoings – you should be on your best behaviour. Upsetting Zoe would be bad enough, but an angry Mastery mage – even a young one – is a problem of an entirely more serious sort.

Still, Zoe is counting on you to make her tour interesting, so you need to say something.

Choices:

 

[If PC has Love with Zoe Melis] “Zoe, I hope that your journey to Cimone will be safe – if there is anything that I can do to make your life better, please tell me.”

 

Zoe blushes. “I was told that I would be the one needing to make those sorts of promises,” she murmurs, smiling.

Then, in a more normal voice, she says, “Good for us that I am eager to start writing poetry over the summer – and you can be my critic and co-poet,” Zoe smilingly finishes. “With my training in grammar, my interest in language, and my impecuniousness, poetry is a good way for me to spend my summer – and our…special relationship would allow us to evaluate my efforts with little rancor.”

“You? A poet?” But then you hasten to add, “Not that there is anything wrong with being a poet. I might want to try writing some poetry myself. How hard could it be?”

“Is it difficult for you to comprehend that reclusive, sickly, unworldly Zoe Melis could be a poet? Poetry is very often about making the simple and even ugly seem complicated and beautiful. As I said to Miya when she mocked my aspirations in this regard: ‘Anata ha benkyoushimasen la poesie de la Cimonenne.’ That merely means – or so Miya and the Pievrian whom I hate have said – ‘You study not the female Cimonen’s poetry’ – mine, that is. But by choosing various words – some from Miya’s language, others from Merilien – and arranging them in a given order, I have created a poetic couplet that is especially pleasing to Oncestrian and Vilocian speakers. Creating poetry can be very romantic - and very enjoyable.” As if to reinforce her point, Zoe concludes her words with a soft sigh of pleasure. [+1 skill step romance for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step famous prose for the PC, add action “Exchange Multilingual Poetry with Zoe Melis”, expose option “Say farewell and close the door.”, hide options relating to Zoe, choose other option]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Zoe Melis] “Miss Melis, I hope that your journey to Cimone will be safe. I look forward to keeping in communication with you.”

 

“So do I,” Zoe replies. “But may I ask a favor from you? Or would that be too bold?”

You are immediately moved to think in strange ways, given the feelings that are between you and Zoe, but you merely say, “It depends on the favor, doesn’t it? If you want me to help you with Negation phemes, such could be done, in theory. But if you want me to send to you a portal to Orsourk, then –”

Zoe giggles. “Stop, [PCFirstName]! Point made, and so imaginatively! But my favor is whether I could use you as a way to practise my language skills. I aspire to be a polyglot, you see, and writing to you in various languages – which I would translate for you – would be an efficient way for me to improve my language skills. You, of course, would have the liberty to write to me in some language, bound by the same conditions.”

“Zoe,” you reply, “I would gladly do so. My knowing you has taught me many things, but one of them is that knowing many languages is a gateway to understanding the world’s wonders.”

Zoe then leaves, saying farewell, and you wish her a safe and convenient journey to Cimone. [+1 skill step Worldliness for the PC and Zoe Melis, add action “Write a Multilingual Letter to Zoe Melis”, expose option “Say farewell and close the door.”, hide options relating to Zoe, choose other option]

[If PC has no Affection with Zoe Melis] “Thanks for the business partnership, Miss Melis. We will, I hope, succeed in similar deeds next year.”

 

Zoe looks at you with surprise, but then her lips turn up in an expression that may resemble a smile.

“Well, [PCFirstName], I am relieved that you still want to associate yourself with me at all. We can be so successful together that you would scarcely believe it. If you want, you can correspond with me about business plans this summer. So many people, when they hear about a sickly scholar-mage impecunious, think such a person to be unworthy of being known – they worry that the sickly scholar-mage impecunious may turn to Gates magic or crime or something like that. But you were able to look beyond such, for which I am grateful.”

As you and Zoe stare at each other, not sure whether you have ruined a wonderful relationship, Galitia interjects.

“Maybe you should not interpret [PCFirstName]’s words too harshly, Zoe. This is an awkward time for all of us – I keep worrying that some girl from Avila will strike me down.”

“Yeah – sure. Trust the mindreader. And try to avoid revealing intimate thoughts,” Zoe says with a grimace. Then, in a more cheerful tone, she says to you, “So, I will not take offence at this at all.”

You smile in relief. No attention-grabbing drama – only a reminder that you saved a mage whose magic could make you and Zoe her slaves. [+1 skill step Temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, +1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, add action “Discuss Business Plans with Zoe Melis”, expose option “Say farewell and close the door.”, hide options relating to Zoe, choose other option]

[If PC is Leaving Mineta for the Holidays] “Many thanks, Miss Nesci, for your visit. We will have to stay in touch.”

 

“Stay in touch?” Galitia seems puzzled, and you and Zoe both tense in fear that she is using Mastery in order to read your mind. Her next words only put you and Zoe slightly at ease. “What do you mean, [PCFirstName]?”

“[PCFirstName] is using an idiom that mean ‘to keep in communications’,” Zoe says in a flat voice that makes you suspect that she has been saying a lot of these types of things to Galitia.

“How will we keep in communication?” Galitia asks. “I think that you are not wanting to have dream visions of me again.”

“I can write to you,” you assure Galitia smoothly. “In standard Renaglian so that we will -”

“I prefer to use Eluminian, actually,” Galitia says. “Less confusion and fewer idioms.”

“That you know about,” Zoe smirks with pleasure. [+1 skill step Minetan Swagger for the PC and +1 skill step Patience for Zoe Melis, +1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, add action “Write to Galitia Nesci”, expose option “Say farewell and close the door.”, choose other option]

[If PC is not Leaving Mineta for the Holidays] “Many thanks, Miss Nesci, for your visit. I would love to show you around the Mineta this summer; it has changed much.”

 

[If PC has Love with Zoe Melis]

 

“I would love that,” Galitia says, and for the first time since you encountered the girl, you sense real joy in her. “Can we be meeting at Rostra’s Temple for all of our strolls? I feel that the symbolism is striking – and it is a major landmark that is easy to find.”

“I suppose that I should not object to this, since I cannot guide you from Cimone.” Zoe says. “I just hope, being honest, that you do not –”

“I am barely understanding the physical parts of this new Mineta, so I will not occupy myself with your boyfriend,” Galitia says smoothly, before giggling. Then seeing that you and Zoe are confused, she says, “Occupy was meaning ‘to date’ when I was born.”

As if Galitia’s strange slang and sometimes awkward sentence structure were the most notable strange and frightening things about her! You and Zoe share a significant look, and Zoe needs no Mastery magic to know that you will not abandon her for Galitia. [+1 skill step Awareness for the PC and +1 skill step Dispassion for Zoe Melis, +1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, add action “Walk and Talk with Galitia Nesci”, expose option “Say farewell and close the door.”, choose other option]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Zoe Melis]

 

“I would love that,” Galitia says, and for the first time since you encountered the girl, you sense real joy in her. “Can we be meeting at Rostra’s Temple for all of our strolls? I feel that the symbolism is striking – and it is a major landmark that is easy to find.”

“I suppose that I should not object to this, since I cannot guide you from Cimone.” Zoe says. “I just hope, being honest, that you do not –”

“I am barely understanding the physical parts of this new Mineta, so I will not occupy myself with your special friend,” Galitia says smoothly, before giggling. Then seeing that you and Zoe are confused, she says, “Occupy was meaning ‘to date’ when I was born.”

As if Galitia’s strange slang and sometimes awkward sentence structure were the most notable strange and frightening things about her! You and Zoe share a significant look, and Zoe needs no Mastery magic to know that you will not find Galitia more interesting that you find her to be. [+1 skill step Awareness for the PC and +1 skill step Dispassion for Zoe Melis, +1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, add action “Walk and Talk with Galitia Nesci”, expose option “Say farewell and close the door.”, choose other option]

[If PC has no Affection with Zoe Melis]

 

“I would love that,” Galitia says, and for the first time since you encountered the girl, you sense real joy in her. “Can we be meeting at Rostra’s Temple for all of our strolls? I feel that the symbolism is striking – and it is a major landmark that is easy to find.”

“I suppose that I should not object to this, since I cannot guide you from Cimone.” Zoe says.

“I am barely understanding the physical parts of this new Mineta, so I will appreciate your friend’s help,” Galitia says smoothly.

Well, that is one thing taken care of, you think. If only the rest of the things about Galitia Nesci were so simple. [+1 skill step Dispassion for the PC and for Zoe Melis, add action “Walk and Talk with Galitia Nesci”, expose option “Say farewell and close the door.”, choose other option]

[If PC has at least 1 Mastery subskill level] “Miss Nesci, I am so glad to have made your acquaintance. I also have a passing familiarity with…certain things from your time.”

 

[If PC has Love with Zoe Melis]

 

Galitia frowns at you, then says, “Despite what your…special friend here may think, [PCFirstName], I have no more interest in the topic that you refer to. Because you saved me, though, I will not report you to any authorities.”

Zoe, to your surprise, seems less disturbed than you had thought that she would be. “Well, Miss Nesci, after what you brought [PCFirstName] through, can you really blame him for such an interest? Knowledge is power – and SOMEONE from the past used certain knowledge to turn us in Hedi into something resembling too closely what the Oncestrians once called orcneases.”

Galitia at least has the good fortune to blush, and mutters, “Things were different when I was born – and difficult for me.”

Zoe sighs, and stretches out a hand to Galitia. “What is the major difference, if you would tell us?”

“All who were here – in this school, in this city, in Elumia – were more obviously part of an Empire,” Galitia says shortly, and she instinctively curtsies.

Based upon Galitia’s nervous frown, you think that you will learn nothing else from her now. But you realize that Zoe very carefully steered the conversation in such a way that no-one was accused of using mastery magic, nor was anyone required to confirm that it had been used recently by anyone. [+1 skill level Diplomacy for the PC and for Zoe Melis, expose option “Say farewell and close the door.”, choose other option]

[If PC has Affection but no Love with Zoe Melis]

 

Galitia frowns at you, then says, “Despite what your…friend here may think, [PCFirstName], I have no more interest in the topic that you refer to. Because you saved me, though, I will not report you to any authorities.”

Zoe, whose face has become even paler than normal, says slowly, as if trying to convince all who hear her words, “Being familiar with a form of knowledge is not the same as using the knowledge. Well, Miss Nesci, after what you brought [PCFirstName] through, can you really blame him for such an interest? Knowledge is power – and SOMEONE from the past used certain knowledge to turn us in Hedi into something resembling too closely what the Oncestrians once called orcneases.”

Galitia at least has the good fortune to blush, and mutters, “Things were different when I was born – and difficult for me.”

Zoe sighs, and stretches out a hand to Galitia. “What is the major difference, if you would tell us?”

“All who were here – in this school, in this city, in Elumia – were more obviously part of an Empire,” Galitia says shortly, and she instinctively curtsies.

Based upon Galitia’s nervous frown, you think that you will learn nothing else from her now. But you realize that Zoe very carefully steered the conversation in such a way that no-one was accused of using mastery magic, nor was anyone required to confirm that it had been used recently by anyone. [+1 skill level Diplomacy for the PC and for Zoe Melis, expose option “Say farewell and close the door.”, choose other option]

[If PC has no Affection with Zoe Melis]

 

[If PC has affection with Sima Venesico]

 

[If PC completed Sima Venesico’s Y1 Adventure]

 

[If PC completed the Triplets’ Y1 Adventure]

 

You are not quite sure what happens over the next few minutes. There are scattered images of Zoe, her chalk-white face distorted in terror, frantically trying to back away, and for some strange reason sounds of shrilly shrieked Elumian, but the next thing that you can definitely recall is that Zoe and Galitia are not in front of your bedroom – instead, Sima Venesico, looking at you with a mixture of concern and frustration, is.

“Our dear friends will need to hear about this incident,” she murmurs to you, in a tone that others use for cooing to lovers. “But I cannot fault you for this, given my interests. I would have done the same thing, I suppose.” Then she throws her head back and laughs, for all the world as if the two of you really were flirting. “Still, since no one was killed or permanently injured, I will not hold this against you.”

Before she leaves you, Sima slips to you a piece of paper. Opening it, you read, in her handwriting, a message saying that she is a much safer person to study advanced techniques with. The message also provides instructions about how to write to her over the holidays, as well as instructions to destroy the message once you are done. Following her instructions, you incinerate her message and resume your packing. Stranger things happen with Sima all the time, you think. [+1 skill Level Running for Sima Venesico, +1 skill Level Romance for the PC, add action “Write to Sima about Advanced Techniques”, End event]

[If PC did not complete the Triplets’ Y1 Adventure]

 

You are not quite sure what happens over the next few minutes. There are scattered images of Zoe, her chalk-white face distorted in terror, frantically trying to back away, and for some strange reason sounds of shrilly shrieked Elumian, but the next thing that you can definitely recall is that Zoe and Galitia are not in front of your bedroom – instead, Sima Venesico, looking at you with a mixture of concern and frustration, is.

“This incident was so unfortunate,” she murmurs to you, in a tone that others use for cooing to lovers. “But I cannot fault you for this, given my interests. I would have done the same thing, I suppose.” Then she throws her head back and laughs, for all the world as if the two of you really were flirting. “Still, since no one was killed or permanently injured, I will not hold this against you.”

Before she leaves you, Sima slips to you a piece of paper. Opening it, you read, in her handwriting, a message saying that she is a much safer person to study advanced techniques with. The message also provides instructions about how to write to her over the holidays, as well as instructions to destroy the message once you are done. Following her instructions, you incinerate her message and resume your packing. Stranger things happen with Sima all the time, you think. [+1 skill Level Running for Sima Venesico, +1 skill Level Romance for the PC, add action “Write to Sima about Advanced Techniques”, End event]

[If PC did not complete Sima Venesico’s Y1 Adventure]

 

[If PC completed the Triplets’ Y1 Adventure]

 

You are not quite sure what happens over the next few minutes. There are scattered images of Zoe, her chalk-white face distorted in terror, frantically trying to back away, and for some strange reason sounds of shrilly shrieked Elumian, but the next thing that you can definitely recall is that Zoe and Galitia are not in front of your bedroom – instead, Sima Venesico, looking at you with a mixture of concern and frustration, is.

“Our dear friends will need to hear about this incident,” she murmurs to you, in a tone that others use for cooing to lovers. Then she throws her head back and laughs, for all the world as if the two of you really were flirting. “Still, since no one was killed or permanently injured, I will not hold this against you.”

Before she leaves you, Sima slips to you a piece of paper. Opening it, you read, in her handwriting, a message saying that she is a much safer person to study advanced techniques with. The message also provides instructions about how to write to her over the holidays, as well as instructions to destroy the message once you are done. Following her instructions, you incinerate her message and resume your packing. Stranger things happen with Sima all the time, you think. [+1 skill Level Running for Sima Venesico, +1 skill Level Romance for the PC, add action “Write to Sima about Advanced Techniques”, End event]

[If PC did not complete the Triplets’ Y1 Adventure]

 

You are not quite sure what happens over the next few minutes. There are scattered images of Zoe, her chalk-white face distorted in terror, frantically trying to back away, and for some strange reason sounds of shrilly shrieked Elumian, but the next thing that you can definitely recall is that Zoe and Galitia are not in front of your bedroom – instead, Sima Venesico, looking at you with a mixture of concern and frustration, is.

“This incident was so unfortunate,” she murmurs to you, in a tone that others use for cooing to lovers. Then she throws her head back and laughs, for all the world as if the two of you really were flirting. “Still, since no one was killed or permanently injured, I will not hold this against you.”

Before she leaves you, Sima slips to you a piece of paper. Opening it, you read, in her handwriting, a message saying that she is a much safer person to study advanced techniques with. The message also provides instructions about how to write to her over the holidays, as well as instructions to destroy the message once you are done. Following her instructions, you incinerate her message and resume your packing. Stranger things happen with Sima all the time, you think. [+1 skill Level Running for Sima Venesico, +1 skill Level Romance for the PC, add action “Write to Sima about Advanced Techniques”, End event]

[If PC has no affection with Sima Venesico]

 

[If PC completed Sima Venesico’s Y1 Adventure]

 

[If PC completed the Triplets’ Y1 Adventure]

 

You are not quite sure what happens over the next few minutes. There are scattered images of Zoe, her chalk-white face distorted in terror, frantically trying to back away, and for some strange reason sounds of shrilly shrieked Elumian, but the next thing that you can definitely recall is that Zoe and Galitia are not in front of your bedroom – instead, Sima Venesico, looking at you with a mixture of concern and frustration, is.

“Our dear friends will need to hear about this incident,” she murmurs to you. “But I cannot fault you for this, given my interests. I would have done the same thing, I suppose.” Then she throws her head back and laughs. “Still, since no one was killed or permanently injured, I will not hold this against you.”

Before she leaves you, Sima slips to you a piece of paper. Opening it, you read, in her handwriting, a message saying that she is a much safer person to study advanced techniques with. The message also provides instructions about how to write to her over the holidays, as well as instructions to destroy the message once you are done. Following her instructions, you incinerate her message and resume your packing. Stranger things happen with Sima all the time, you think. [+1 skill Level Running for Sima Venesico, +1 skill Level Playfulness for the PC, add action “Write to Sima about Advanced Techniques”, End event]

[If PC did not complete the Triplets’ Y1 Adventure]

 

You are not quite sure what happens over the next few minutes. There are scattered images of Zoe, her chalk-white face distorted in terror, frantically trying to back away, and for some strange reason sounds of shrilly shrieked Elumian, but the next thing that you can definitely recall is that Zoe and Galitia are not in front of your bedroom – instead, Sima Venesico, looking at you with a mixture of concern and frustration, is.

“This incident was so unfortunate,” she murmurs to you. “But I cannot fault you for this, given my interests. I would have done the same thing, I suppose.” Then she throws her head back and laughs. “Still, since no one was killed or permanently injured, I will not hold this against you.”

Before she leaves you, Sima slips to you a piece of paper. Opening it, you read, in her handwriting, a message saying that she is a much safer person to study advanced techniques with. The message also provides instructions about how to write to her over the holidays, as well as instructions to destroy the message once you are done. Following her instructions, you incinerate her message and resume your packing. Stranger things happen with Sima all the time, you think. [+1 skill Level Running for Sima Venesico, +1 skill Level Playfulness for the PC, add action “Write to Sima about Advanced Techniques”, End event]

[If PC did not complete Sima Venesico’s Y1 Adventure]

 

[If PC completed the Triplets’ Y1 Adventure]

 

You are not quite sure what happens over the next few minutes. There are scattered images of Zoe, her chalk-white face distorted in terror, frantically trying to back away, and for some strange reason sounds of shrilly shrieked Elumian, but the next thing that you can definitely recall is that Zoe and Galitia are not in front of your bedroom – instead, Sima Venesico, looking at you with a mixture of concern and frustration, is.

“Our dear friends will need to hear about this incident,” she murmurs to you. Then she throws her head back and laughs. “Still, since no one was killed or permanently injured, I will not hold this against you.”

Before she leaves you, Sima slips to you a piece of paper. Opening it, you read, in her handwriting, a message saying that she is a much safer person to study advanced techniques with. The message also provides instructions about how to write to her over the holidays, as well as instructions to destroy the message once you are done. Following her instructions, you incinerate her message and resume your packing. Stranger things happen with Sima all the time, you think. [+1 skill Level Running for Sima Venesico, +1 skill Level Playfulness for the PC, add action “Write to Sima about Advanced Techniques”, End event]

[If PC did not complete the Triplets’ Y1 Adventure]

 

You are not quite sure what happens over the next few minutes. There are scattered images of Zoe, her chalk-white face distorted in terror, frantically trying to back away, and for some strange reason sounds of shrilly shrieked Elumian, but the next thing that you can definitely recall is that Zoe and Galitia are not in front of your bedroom – instead, Sima Venesico, looking at you with a mixture of concern and frustration, is.

“This incident was so unfortunate,” she murmurs to you. Then she throws her head back and laughs. “Still, since no one was killed or permanently injured, I will not hold this against you.”

Then Sima leaves you, and you are left thinking that even if Sima is not the most powerful mage-student in Hedi College’s first year, she is the best of all students of Hedi in emulating the College’s namesake. [+1 skill Level Running for Sima Venesico, +1 skill Level Playfulness for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC, End event]

Say farewell and close the door. [this option is initially hidden]

 

After a few similarly unnaturally stiff and formal sentences to Galitia, Zoe saves your sanity by saying, “[PCFirstName] needs to pack. Besides, you will never believe, Galitia, what has happened to the Library of Longshade.”

So, she and Galatia walk off after muttered farewells, and you are left to pack. Zoe is certainly an entrepreneurial student, you think, but you cannot help but wonder why she needs so much money. [+1 skill level Etiquette for the PC, + 10 pims for Zoe Melis, end event]

Rewards:

 

Write to Sima about Advanced Techniques:

 

Flavor Text:

 

Sima Venesico knows so much about powerful Gamour magics – some of which are similar to Mastery magic – and she has evinced a willingness to teach you about them. She does not explain everything about the magic that she knows about, but even such vagueness is educational.

Benefits:

 

+1 skill step to Glamour Theory and Innuendo subskills for both the PC and Sima Venesico. This would be a relationship-decay-preventing action.

Discuss Business Plans with Zoe Melis:

 

Flavor Text:

 

Zoe’s need for money transcends even the limits of the school year…she claims. Even as other students (she thinks) are enjoying summers of leisure after a hard year of studying and exams, Zoe Melis is hard at work trying to make money and make others help her to make more money.

Benefits:

 

+1 skill step to a random Economics subskill for both the PC and Zoe Melis.

Write a Multilingual Letter to Zoe Melis:

 

Flavor Text:

 

Even as Zoe your friend, she remains a scholar who loves languages, and is eager to use you as a way to test her knowledge of various languages. She wants the two of you to write to each other in multiple languages with translations. It could be fun for you – it certainly is enjoyable for her.

Benefits:

 

+ 1 skill step to a random Language subskill for both the PC and Zoe Melis.

Exchange Multilingual Poetry with Zoe Melis

 

Flavor Text:

 

Now that you are so close to Zoe, she has felt willing to seek your help in two key parts of her life, through a form of communication that could, she thinks, earn her only rebukes from less trustworthy people. So, she and you exchange poetry written in various languages, and respectfully critique each others’ writing. What matter that the language is not up to Professor Sido’s standards, or that the sentiments might make Regent-Professor Badcrumble wince about improper use of poetry? Poets must start somewhere if they want to get good enough to be published, and which relationship provides a better foundation for such testing than that between you and Zoe Melis?

Benefits:

 

+ 1 skill step to a random Language subskill and + 1 skill step Romance for both the PC and Zoe Melis.

Write to Galitia Nesci:

 

Flavor Text:

 

Galitia Nesci is always interested in how the world has changed while she was trapped – and she is glad to talk about it in written Eluminian, which is for her the easiest way to discuss such matters.

Benefits:

 

+ 1 skill step to Eluminian and + 1 skill step to a random Gossip subskill for the PC.

Walk and Talk with Galitia Nesci:

 

Flavor Text:

 

Galitia Nesci wants to learning how Mineta has changed since she was trapped, and she finds you to be a useful guide to her for these purposes. You may not have been the savvy street guide whom she needs, but maybe you will become one through helping her

Benefits:

 

+ 1 skill step to Minetan Swagger and + 1 skill step to a random Explore subskill for the PC.

Edited by Rhialto
Edited text in order to make Galitia possibly post-Monteon in birth. Also adjusted prices and the tour's target.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 00:

 

Adventure’s Prerequisites:

 

The player must have completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure and must have Love with Zoe Melis and must be in Morvidus College and must have completed Y1 in Morvidus College and must have a relationship with Eliana Carosi > 1.

Text:

 

[If PC has Familiar: Rock]

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

Zoe Melis is for you a girl with many talents. Not only is she an extremely good student who slashes through homework with quality and speed, but she is also a hard worker who is willing to share any fees that she earns with you. Furthermore, her training – due to your help – has revealed her to be not only beautiful – albeit sickly looking – but also capable of having interesting conversations about topics that you would never have guessed were interesting.

For all of these reasons, you have been spending a lot of time with her despite her and your being too young to date according to the Academagia’s rules. Always, however, you and she have observed the chastest decorum with everything except for eyes. You know that with your deserved reputation, people would not believe any protestations about innocence if you were to do anything more, and Zoe, although confiding to you in her attractively accented and fascinatingly vivid Eluminian that she has read much about dating, is unwilling to go further until she can research – over the summer holidays – how her delicate health may be adversely affected by amatory actions.

Alas, you realize, in your current situation, that Zoe’s delicate health is problematic at other times also.

Zoe and you were standing outside Morvidus College, discussing the claims by certain Cassetan lineages to be descended from Chorian heroes who achieved glory on the surface of Cyve – a discussion that grew out of her writing, for your mutual benefit and her profit, a treatise about the Chorian language – when she suddenly became unsteady on her feet and began to swoon. You, thinking only for her well-being, embraced her while she, mumbling apologies, fumbled within the robes that she calls “sea-purple” for a small bottle of even smaller pills, one of which she popped into her mouth.

Zoe’s recovery from her fit is going well. Other things about the incident, however, are not.

“[PCFirstName]! What are you doing with Zoe?”

You and a surprised Zoe turn to see Eliana Carosi looking with shock at you and Zoe.

“It could have been Reitz,” Zoe murmurs. Then, in a louder voice, she says, “Easy, Eliana! I was just having a bit of fainting during my talk with [PCFirstName] here, and he very kindly supported me rather than having me fall on the ground.”

“Yeah. We are not dating!” You pipe in in an attempt to make Eliana believe Zoe, but unfortunately, your words seem to have the opposite effect, as her mouth and eyes harden.

“I am not Grainne Inneith or a journalist,” Eliana says – rather pompously you think – “But every mage and mage’s familiar in Morvidus knows about you and Zoe.” Here, her voice trails into quiet musing. “Except perhaps for your familiar, [PCFirstName]. Your rock is…often distracted. But,” And here her voice becomes more confident, “I am not so foolish as to believe that your embracing Zoe was a coincidence – not with your reputation. And that makes it dating! And dating is against the rules even for us second year students.”

“And you, as the gods know, are such a rule-obeyer,” Zoe smirks as she taps her shod foot on the ground.

“I follow a calling that harms no one and that the school tolerates. The school does not tolerate dating from younger students. The legate would be furious.”

Zoe sighs. “Maybe [PCFirstName] and I are also following a higher calling. Come on, Eliana – leave us alone.”

Eliana gasps, and says, is voice that is both hushed and loud, “Zoe, you poor thing. [PCFirstName] must be leading you astray. Trusting the gods is good, but serving them does not involve what he was doing to you.”

“When I face my poverty and my illness,” Zoe says coldly, “I deal with the problems when they come! I! Not the gods. The gods will not even grant to me good health, let alone instructions to not have my fine relationship – which is not dating – with [PCFirstName], who helps me in ways that the gods do not. The gods in their cruelty do not manifest their great power by granting me strong legs, but [PCFirstName] in his kindness manifests his lesser power by helping me to stand. I could not serve the gods as you serve the gods – and other actions have brought to me much greater benefit.”

Zoe looks at Eliana with smug satisfaction, but you realize that Zoe, in her efforts to respond to Eliana’s condescension, has made a major miscalculation. Eliana, whose reputation as the most peaceful student in the Academagia has remained unmarred in her second year, seems to be on the verge of losing that quality.

After muttering what you hope are Eluminian prayers, Eliana snarls to you and Zoe, “Listen. Maybe you are dating Zoe and you are dating [PCFirstName] and maybe not. I cannot know for sure! But the gods know! And they must not be insulted as you have done, Zoe! [PCFirstName], why are you wasting your talents with such a girl when others are less inclined to blasphemy?”

At the word “blasphemy”, Zoe moans and strokes her temple with one hand while the other writhes through what you presume are calculations.

Eliana, to her credit, seems shaken by Zoe’s obvious distress, and says, in a much calmer voice, “Maybe I spoke too harshly. I will not report you for blasphemy, Zoe. We all say strange things. But I will report you and your boyfriend for dating.”

“He is not my boyfriend – yet,” Zoe hisses. Then she blushes a bit and says, “Is there nothing that will change your mind?”

“We can understand each other,” Eliana smiles in a way that you think is meant to be kind but to you and a scowling Zoe comes off as smug. “So, as a peer who loves the gods, I am willing to forget that this happened.”

“If,” you find yourself saying. Always there is an “if” in these situations.

“If you and Miss Melis will allow me to show to you that the gods love all humans and benefit us.”

Zoe seems uncertain about how to respond, but she mutters that you should make the choice.

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

Zoe Melis is for you a girl with many talents. Not only is she an extremely good student who slashes through homework with quality and speed, but she is also a hard worker who is willing to share any fees that she earns with you. Furthermore, her training – due to your help – has revealed her to be not only beautiful – albeit sickly looking – but also capable of having interesting conversations about topics that you would never have guessed were interesting.

For all of these reasons, you have been spending a lot of time with her despite her and your being too young to date according to the Academagia’s rules. Always, however, you and she have observed the chastest decorum with everything except for eyes. You know that people would suspect you of dating Zoe if you were to do anything more, and Zoe, although confiding to you in her attractively accented and different Eluminian that she has read much about dating, is unwilling to go further until she can research – over the summer holidays – how her delicate health may be adversely affected by amatory actions.

Alas, you realize, in your current situation, that Zoe’s delicate health is problematic at other times also.

Zoe and you were standing outside Morvidus College, discussing the claims by certain Cassetan lineages to be descended from Chorian heroes who achieved glory on the surface of Cyve – a discussion that grew out of her writing, for your mutual benefit and her profit, a treatise about the Chorian language – when she suddenly became unsteady on her feet and began to swoon. You, thinking only for her well-being, embraced her while she, mumbling apologies, fumbled within the robes that she calls “sea-purple” for a small bottle of even smaller pills, one of which she popped into her mouth.

Zoe’s recovery from her fit is going well. Other things about the incident, however, are not.

“[PCFirstName]! What are you doing with Zoe?”

You and a surprised Zoe turn to see Eliana Carosi looking with shock at you and Zoe.

“It could have been Reitz,” Zoe murmurs. Then, in a louder voice, she says, “Easy, Eliana! I was just having a bit of fainting during my talk with [PCFirstName] here, and he very kindly supported me rather than having me fall on the ground.”

“Yeah. We are not dating!” You pipe in in an attempt to make Eliana believe Zoe, but unfortunately, your words seem to have the opposite effect, as her mouth and eyes harden.

“I am not Grainne Inneith or a journalist,” Eliana says – rather pompously you think – “But every mage and mage’s familiar in Morvidus knows about you and Zoe.” Here, her voice trails into quiet musing. “Except perhaps for your familiar, [PCFirstName]. Your rock is…often distracted. But,” And here her voice becomes more confident, “I am not so foolish as to believe that your embracing Zoe was a coincidence. And that makes it dating! And dating is against the rules even for us second year students.”

“And you, as the gods know, are such a rule-obeyer,” Zoe smirks as she taps her shod foot on the ground.

“I follow a calling that harms no one and that the school tolerates. The school does not tolerate dating from younger students. The legate would be furious.”

Zoe sighs. “Maybe [PCFirstName] and I are also following a higher calling. Come on, Eliana – leave us alone.”

Eliana gasps, and says, is voice that is both hushed and loud, “Zoe, you poor thing. [PCFirstName] must be leading you astray. Trusting the gods is good, but serving them does not involve what he was doing to you.”

“When I face my poverty and my illness,” Zoe says coldly, “I deal with the problems when they come! I! Not the gods. The gods will not even grant to me good health, let alone instructions to not have my fine relationship – which is not dating – with [PCFirstName], who helps me in ways that the gods do not. The gods in their cruelty do not manifest their great power by granting me strong legs, but [PCFirstName] in his kindness manifests his lesser power by helping me to stand. I could not serve the gods as you serve the gods – and other actions have brought to me much greater benefit.”

Zoe looks at Eliana with smug satisfaction, but you realize that Zoe, in her efforts to respond to Eliana’s condescension, has made a major miscalculation. Eliana, whose reputation as the most peaceful student in the Academagia has remained unmarred in her second year, seems to be on the verge of losing that quality.

After muttering what you hope are Eluminian prayers, Eliana snarls to you and Zoe, “Listen. Maybe you are dating Zoe and you are dating [PCFirstName] and maybe not. I cannot know for sure! But the gods know! And they must not be insulted as you have done, Zoe! [PCFirstName], why are you wasting your time with such a girl when others are less inclined to blasphemy?”

At the word “blasphemy”, Zoe moans and strokes her temple with one hand while the other writhes through what you presume are calculations.

Eliana, to her credit, seems shaken by Zoe’s obvious distress, and says, in a much calmer voice, “Maybe I spoke too harshly. I will not report you for blasphemy, Zoe. We all say strange things. But I will report you and your boyfriend for dating.”

“He is not my boyfriend – yet,” Zoe hisses. Then she blushes a bit and says, “Is there nothing that will change your mind?”

“We can understand each other,” Eliana smiles in a way that you think is meant to be kind but to you and a scowling Zoe comes off as smug. “So, as a peer who loves the gods, I am willing to forget that this happened.”

“If,” you find yourself saying. Always there is an “if” in these situations.

“If you and Miss Melis will allow me to show to you that the gods love all humans and benefit us.”

Zoe seems uncertain about how to respond, but she mutters that you should make the choice.

[If PC has any other Familiar]

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

Zoe Melis is for you a girl with many talents. Not only is she an extremely good student who slashes through homework with quality and speed, but she is also a hard worker who is willing to share any fees that she earns with you. Furthermore, her training – due to your help – has revealed her to be not only beautiful – albeit sickly looking – but also capable of having interesting conversations about topics that you would never have guessed were interesting.

For all of these reasons, you have been spending a lot of time with her despite her and your being too young to date according to the Academagia’s rules. Always, however, you and she have observed the chastest decorum with everything except for eyes. You know that with your deserved reputation, people would not believe any protestations about innocence if you were to do anything more, and Zoe, although confiding to you in her attractively accented and fascinatingly vivid Eluminian that she has read much about dating, is unwilling to go further until she can research – over the summer holidays – how her delicate health may be adversely affected by amatory actions.

Alas, you realize, in your current situation, that Zoe’s delicate health is problematic at other times also.

Zoe and you were standing outside Morvidus College, discussing the claims by certain Cassetan lineages to be descended from Chorian heroes who achieved glory on the surface of Cyve – a discussion that grew out of her writing, for your mutual benefit and her profit, a treatise about the Chorian language – when she suddenly became unsteady on her feet and began to swoon. You, thinking only for her well-being, embraced her while she, mumbling apologies, fumbled within the robes that she calls “sea-purple” for a small bottle of even smaller pills, one of which she popped into her mouth.

Zoe’s recovery from her fit is going well. Other things about the incident, however, are not.

“[PCFirstName]! What are you doing with Zoe?”

You and a surprised Zoe turn to see Eliana Carosi looking with shock at you and Zoe.

“It could have been Reitz,” Zoe murmurs. Then, in a louder voice, she says, “Easy, Eliana! I was just having a bit of fainting during my talk with [PCFirstName] here, and he very kindly supported me rather than having me fall on the ground.”

“Yeah. We are not dating!” You pipe in in an attempt to make Eliana believe Zoe, but unfortunately, your words seem to have the opposite effect, as her mouth and eyes harden.

“I am not Grainne Inneith or a journalist,” Eliana says – rather pompously you think – “But every mage and mage’s familiar in Morvidus knows about you and Zoe. And I am not so foolish as to believe that your embracing Zoe was a coincidence – not with your reputation. And that makes it dating! And dating is against the rules even for us second year students.”

“And you, as the gods know, are such a rule-obeyer,” Zoe smirks as she taps her shod foot on the ground.

“I follow a calling that harms no one and that the school tolerates. The school does not tolerate dating from younger students. The legate would be furious.”

Zoe sighs. “Maybe [PCFirstName] and I are also following a higher calling. Come on, Eliana – leave us alone.”

Eliana gasps, and says, is voice that is both hushed and loud, “Zoe, you poor thing. [PCFirstName] must be leading you astray. Trusting the gods is good, but serving them does not involve what he was doing to you.”

“When I face my poverty and my illness,” Zoe says coldly, “I deal with the problems when they come! I! Not the gods. The gods will not even grant to me good health, let alone instructions to not have my fine relationship – which is not dating – with [PCFirstName], who helps me in ways that the gods do not. The gods in their cruelty do not manifest their great power by granting me strong legs, but [PCFirstName] in his kindness manifests his lesser power by helping me to stand. I could not serve the gods as you serve the gods – and other actions have brought to me much greater benefit.”

Zoe looks at Eliana with smug satisfaction, but you realize that Zoe, in her efforts to respond to Eliana’s condescension, has made a major miscalculation. Eliana, whose reputation as the most peaceful student in the Academagia has remained unmarred in her second year, seems to be on the verge of losing that quality.

After muttering what you hope are Eluminian prayers, Eliana snarls to you and Zoe, “Listen. Maybe you are dating Zoe and you are dating [PCFirstName] and maybe not. I cannot know for sure! But the gods know! And they must not be insulted as you have done, Zoe! [PCFirstName], why are you wasting your talents with such a girl when others are less inclined to blasphemy?”

At the word “blasphemy”, Zoe moans and strokes her temple with one hand while the other writhes through what you presume are calculations.

Eliana, to her credit, seems shaken by Zoe’s obvious distress, and says, in a much calmer voice, “Maybe I spoke too harshly. I will not report you for blasphemy, Zoe. We all say strange things. But I will report you and your boyfriend for dating.”

“He is not my boyfriend – yet,” Zoe hisses. Then she blushes a bit and says, “Is there nothing that will change your mind?”

“We can understand each other,” Eliana smiles in a way that you think is meant to be kind but to you and a scowling Zoe comes off as smug. “So, as a peer who loves the gods, I am willing to forget that this happened.”

“If,” you find yourself saying. Always there is an “if” in these situations.

“If you and Miss Melis will allow me to show to you that the gods love all humans and benefit us.”

Zoe seems uncertain about how to respond, but she mutters that you should make the choice.

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

Zoe Melis is for you a girl with many talents. Not only is she an extremely good student who slashes through homework with quality and speed, but she is also a hard worker who is willing to share any fees that she earns with you. Furthermore, her training – due to your help – has revealed her to be not only beautiful – albeit sickly looking – but also capable of having interesting conversations about topics that you would never have guessed were interesting.

For all of these reasons, you have been spending a lot of time with her despite her and your being too young to date according to the Academagia’s rules. Always, however, you and she have observed the chastest decorum with everything except for eyes. You know that people would suspect you of dating Zoe if you were to do anything more, and Zoe, although confiding to you in her attractively accented and different Eluminian that she has read much about dating, is unwilling to go further until she can research – over the summer holidays – how her delicate health may be adversely affected by amatory actions.

Alas, you realize, in your current situation, that Zoe’s delicate health is problematic at other times also.

Zoe and you were standing outside Morvidus College, discussing the claims by certain Cassetan lineages to be descended from Chorian heroes who achieved glory on the surface of Cyve – a discussion that grew out of her writing, for your mutual benefit and her profit, a treatise about the Chorian language – when she suddenly became unsteady on her feet and began to swoon. You, thinking only for her well-being, embraced her while she, mumbling apologies, fumbled within the robes that she calls “sea-purple” for a small bottle of even smaller pills, one of which she popped into her mouth.

Zoe’s recovery from her fit is going well. Other things about the incident, however, are not.

“[PCFirstName]! What are you doing with Zoe?”

You and a surprised Zoe turn to see Eliana Carosi looking with shock at you and Zoe.

“It could have been Reitz,” Zoe murmurs. Then, in a louder voice, she says, “Easy, Eliana! I was just having a bit of fainting during my talk with [PCFirstName] here, and he very kindly supported me rather than having me fall on the ground.”

“Yeah. We are not dating!” You pipe in in an attempt to make Eliana believe Zoe, but unfortunately, your words seem to have the opposite effect, as her mouth and eyes harden.

“I am not Grainne Inneith or a journalist,” Eliana says – rather pompously you think – “But every mage and mage’s familiar in Morvidus knows about you and Zoe. And I am not so foolish as to believe that your embracing Zoe was a coincidence. And that makes it dating! And dating is against the rules even for us second year students.”

“And you, as the gods know, are such a rule-obeyer,” Zoe smirks as she taps her shod foot on the ground.

“I follow a calling that harms no one and that the school tolerates. The school does not tolerate dating from younger students. The legate would be furious.”

Zoe sighs. “Maybe [PCFirstName] and I are also following a higher calling. Come on, Eliana – leave us alone.”

Eliana gasps, and says, is voice that is both hushed and loud, “Zoe, you poor thing. [PCFirstName] must be leading you astray. Trusting the gods is good, but serving them does not involve what he was doing to you.”

“When I face my poverty and my illness,” Zoe says coldly, “I deal with the problems when they come! I! Not the gods. The gods will not even grant to me good health, let alone instructions to not have my fine relationship – which is not dating – with [PCFirstName], who helps me in ways that the gods do not. The gods in their cruelty do not manifest their great power by granting me strong legs, but [PCFirstName] in his kindness manifests his lesser power by helping me to stand. I could not serve the gods as you serve the gods – and other actions have brought to me much greater benefit.”

Zoe looks at Eliana with smug satisfaction, but you realize that Zoe, in her efforts to respond to Eliana’s condescension, has made a major miscalculation. Eliana, whose reputation as the most peaceful student in the Academagia has remained unmarred in her second year, seems to be on the verge of losing that quality.

After muttering what you hope are Eluminian prayers, Eliana snarls to you and Zoe, “Listen. Maybe you are dating Zoe and you are dating [PCFirstName] and maybe not. I cannot know for sure! But the gods know! And they must not be insulted as you have done, Zoe! [PCFirstName], why are you wasting your time with such a girl when others are less inclined to blasphemy?”

At the word “blasphemy”, Zoe moans and strokes her temple with one hand while the other writhes through what you presume are calculations.

Eliana, to her credit, seems shaken by Zoe’s obvious distress, and says, in a much calmer voice, “Maybe I spoke too harshly. I will not report you for blasphemy, Zoe. We all say strange things. But I will report you and your boyfriend for dating.”

“He is not my boyfriend – yet,” Zoe hisses. Then she blushes a bit and says, “Is there nothing that will change your mind?”

“We can understand each other,” Eliana smiles in a way that you think is meant to be kind but to you and a scowling Zoe comes off as smug. “So, as a peer who loves the gods, I am willing to forget that this happened.”

“If,” you find yourself saying. Always there is an “if” in these situations.

“If you and Miss Melis will allow me to show to you that the gods love all humans and benefit us.”

Zoe seems uncertain about how to respond, but she mutters that you should make the choice.

Choices:

 

Ask Zoe what she wants to do.

 

Zoe, hearing your question, smiles faintly. “I honestly am not sure. On one hand, avoiding detention is always good. On the other hand, I have been in many detentions and they are predictable, while Eliana’s plans are not. So I mean it when I say that the choice is yours.” [+ 1 skill step Patience for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step Coordination for the PC, choose other option].

Agree to Eliana’s stupid proposal.

 

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

“Well, since Zoe has granted me the privilege of deciding, I decide that we will submit to your efforts to correct Zoe’s opinion about the gods.”

“Wonderful,” Eliana literally jumps with joy when hearing your decision. “I did not want to make any enemies – between the Marchants and Joana, Morvidus College is bad enough – and am glad that we will be able to reconcile. See: I have planned three activities. We will attend a service at the Temple of Iudocia, then we will help some people at a hospital, then we will go boating on Lake Orsi with Girars de Periard. Thanks for agreeing to this.”

“You came up with that plan right now?” Zoe is sounding grudgingly impressed.

“No – I have a special arrangement – not dating – to boat with de Periard at certain times, and the three-fold effort to improve people’s understanding of the gods is based upon something that I read about over the summer. I have been yearning to implement it, and so I thank you, Zoe.”

Eliana then tells you and Zoe more details about her plans before walking away cheerfully.

“I don’t feel like talking anymore with you today,” Zoe whispers. “Eliana really made problems where none were – and I am sorry for getting her on your case, [PCFirstName]. If I had been more careful with my medicine this morning, then we would not be in this situation.”

“Zoe, this situation was not your fault – Eliana’s misinterpretation caused it. Still, I understand your choice. Farewell for now.”

After Zoe has left you, you think, with faint concern, about what Eliana has gotten you and Zoe involved in. [+ 1 skill step Temperance for the PC, + 1 skill step Innuendo for Zoe Melis, end stage, allow access to stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 01]

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

“Well, since Zoe has granted me the privilege of deciding, I decide that we will submit to your efforts to correct Zoe’s opinion about the gods.”

“Wonderful,” Eliana literally jumps with joy when hearing your decision. “I did not want to make any enemies – between the Marchants and Joana, Morvidus College is bad enough – and am glad that we will be able to reconcile. See: I have planned three activities. We will attend a service at the Temple of Iudocia, then we will help some people at a hospital, then we will go boating on Lake Orsi with Girars de Periard. Thanks for agreeing to this.”

“You came up with that plan right now?” Zoe is sounding grudgingly impressed.

“No – I have a special arrangement – not dating – to boat with de Periard at certain times, and the three-fold effort to improve people’s understanding of the gods is based upon something that I read about over the summer. I have been yearning to implement it, and so I thank you, Zoe.”

Eliana then tells you and Zoe more details about her plans before walking away cheerfully.

“I don’t feel like talking anymore with you today,” Zoe whispers. “Eliana really made problems where none were – and I am sorry for getting her on your case, [PCFirstName]. If I had been more careful with my medicine this morning, then we would not be in this situation.”

“Zoe, this situation was not your fault – Eliana’s misinterpretation caused it. Still, I understand your choice. Farewell for now.”

After Zoe has left you, you think, with a mixture of concern and amusement, about what Eliana has gotten you and Zoe involved in. Students and teachers at the Schohanwicht School often believe ideas that would cause both Eliana and Zoe to seem perfectly pious followers of the new gods – and you are not even thinking about only the veneration of the Mother Aminþia Que’la and the endorsement of reincarnation that is more or less the Schohanwicht School’s official religion. Perhaps it is for the best, you think, that you have not resumed your studies at the Schohanwicht School – otherwise you may say things to Eliana that would make her even angrier at you than she was angry at Zoe. [+ 1 skill step Temperance for the PC, + 1 skill step Worldliness for the PC, - 1 stress for the PC, + 1 skill step Innuendo for Zoe Melis, end stage, allow access to stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 01]

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

 

“Well, since Zoe has granted me the privilege of deciding, I decide that we will submit to your efforts to correct Zoe’s opinion about the gods.”

“Wonderful,” Eliana literally jumps with joy when hearing your decision. “I did not want to make any enemies – between the Marchants and Joana, Morvidus College is bad enough – and am glad that we will be able to reconcile. See: I have planned three activities. We will attend a service at the Temple of Iudocia, then we will help some people at a hospital, then we will go boating on Lake Orsi with Girars de Periard. Thanks for agreeing to this.”

“You came up with that plan right now?” Zoe is sounding grudgingly impressed.

“No – I have a special arrangement – not dating – to boat with de Periard at certain times, and the three-fold effort to improve people’s understanding of the gods is based upon something that I read about over the summer. I have been yearning to implement it, and so I thank you, Zoe.”

Eliana then tells you and Zoe more details about her plans before walking away cheerfully.

“I don’t feel like talking anymore with you today,” Zoe whispers. “Eliana really made problems where none were – and I am sorry for getting her on your case, [PCFirstName]. If I had been more careful with my medicine this morning, then we would not be in this situation.”

“Zoe, this situation was not your fault – Eliana’s misinterpretation caused it. Still, I understand your choice. Farewell for now.”

After Zoe has left you, you think, with a mixture of concern and amusement, about what Eliana has gotten you and Zoe involved in. Students and teachers at the Schohanwicht School often believe ideas that would cause both Eliana and Zoe to seem perfectly pious followers of the new gods – and you are not even thinking about only the veneration of the Mother Aminþia Que’la and the endorsement of reincarnation that is more or less the Schohanwicht School’s official religion. You are amazed that you, as far as you can tell, are able to study at the Schohanwicht School while maintaining your close relationship with Zoe. But then you blanch. Can such good things last? [+ 1 skill step Temperance for the PC, + 1 skill step Worldliness for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC, + 1 skill step Innuendo for Zoe Melis, end stage, allow access to stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 01]

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

“Well, since Zoe has granted me the privilege of deciding, I decide that we will submit to your efforts to correct Zoe’s opinion about the gods.”

“Wonderful,” Eliana literally jumps with joy when hearing your decision. “I did not want to make any enemies – between the Marchants and Joana, Morvidus College is bad enough – and am glad that we will be able to reconcile. See: I have planned three activities. We will attend a service at the Temple of Iudocia, then we will help some people at a hospital, then we will go boating on Lake Orsi with Girars de Periard. Thanks for agreeing to this.”

“You came up with that plan right now?” Zoe is sounding grudgingly impressed.

“No – I have a special arrangement – not dating – to boat with de Periard at certain times, and the three-fold effort to improve people’s understanding of the gods is based upon something that I read about over the summer. I have been yearning to implement it, and so I thank you, Zoe.”

Eliana then tells you and Zoe more details about her plans before walking away cheerfully.

“I don’t feel like talking anymore with you today,” Zoe whispers. “Eliana really made problems where none were – and I am sorry for getting her on your case, [PCFirstName]. If I had been more careful with my medicine this morning, then we would not be in this situation.”

“Zoe, this situation was not your fault – Eliana’s misinterpretation caused it. Still, I understand your choice. Farewell for now.”

After Zoe has left you, you think, with a mixture of concern and amusement, about what Eliana has gotten you and Zoe involved in. Students and teachers at the Schohanwicht School often believe ideas that would cause both Eliana and Zoe to seem perfectly pious followers of the new gods – and you are not even thinking about only the veneration of the Mother Aminþia Que’la and the endorsement of reincarnation that is more or less the Schohanwicht School’s official religion. [+ 1 skill step Temperance for the PC, + 1 skill step Worldliness for the PC, + 1 skill step Innuendo for Zoe Melis, end stage, allow access to stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 01]

Eliana’s mixture of cloying piety and accusations are not worth listening to.

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

“I prefer detention, being honest,” you say. “At least there we will be supervised by people who can teach us some useful skills.”

Zoe gives a shrill but genuine giggle. “Yes. Given your miasma, I may fall so sick through being with you, Eliana, that I may have to go to study hall. And that would be even less fun than detention.”

Eliana, frowning, leaves you and Zoe alone, and Zoe is able to complete her discussion about Chorian nobles’ allegations about their ancestors.

Such a fascinating discussion, completed in peace, is almost worth the announcement that you later receive that you and Zoe will have detention with Regent Badcrumble – at least you are getting in trouble for your reputation rather than for what you did. [+ 1 skill level in Politics for the PC, + 1 skill level in Storytelling for Zoe Melis, , - 1 relationship between Eliana Carosi and Zoe Melis, - 1 relationship between Eliana Carosi and the PC, Detention with Kate Badcrumble for the PC and Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

“I prefer detention, being honest,” you say. “At least there we will be supervised by people who can teach us some useful skills.”

Zoe gives a shrill but genuine giggle. “Yes. Given your miasma, I may fall so sick through being with you, Eliana, that I may have to go to study hall. And that would be even less fun than detention.”

Eliana, frowning, leaves you and Zoe alone, and Zoe is able to complete her discussion about Chorian nobles’ allegations about their ancestors.

Such a fascinating discussion, completed in peace, is almost worth the announcement that you later receive that you and Zoe will have detention with Regent Badcrumble – at least you and Zoe will not have to worry about what Eliana had planned. [+ 1 skill level in Politics for the PC, + 1 skill level in Storytelling for Zoe Melis, - 1 relationship between Eliana Carosi and Zoe Melis, - 1 relationship between Eliana Carosi and the PC, Detention with Kate Badcrumble for the PC and Zoe Melis, end adventure]

Edited by Rhialto
Added decline in relationship for refusing to join Eliana.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

My adventure for Zoe Melis is still being worked upon, but today I wrote the following horror-piece. @Schwarzbart, it is based within your caverns of crystal that teach mastery.

 

Mages who walk upon the Air

 

 

Prerequisites:

 

 

The PC must have love with Prudence Cossins, and memory Prudence Suspects Mastery; cannot have the memory Prudence and the Caves. This adventure is meant to trigger the first time a PC with such traits studies in the Cavern of Crystal.

 

Adventure:

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You have been spending a session learning Mastery magic in the Cavern of Crystal, and for once you find that the crystals’ guidance has not been in any way disconcerting. The crystals avoid radically shifting in their glows, their glows are not uncomfortably bright, and the instructions that you are receiving from the crystals seems to make sense. You almost get the feeling that, if you were to be attacked by a law-abiding person, you could defend yourself, at least a bit, using only your Mastery magic. Certainly, such a confrontation would be more peaceful than any confrontation would be if Prudence were defending you. But then you worry – would she be willing to defend you, now that she may suspect that you are studying Mastery?

As you think about Prudence, your mind wanders, as it often does, to thinking about how Prudence’s blonde mane’s colour is pleasingly imitated in some of the crystals’ glows.

Thinking that you have had enough of studying Mastery, you decide to avoid refocussing and instead leave the Cavern of Crystal. Carefully, you go to the exit and slowly climb down the cliff face. Once on the mountain pass, you begin walking at a brisk pace back towards the Academagia.

Your journey back, however, is cut short by a surprise that to you, in the circumstances, is a mixture of terrifying and pleasant.

Prudence Cossins advances towards you on the path, and when she sees you, she smiles and raises a hand in greeting. Neither this friendliness nor the location’s remoteness from any Academagia staff who would catch you if you were to try to date her right here and now can distract you from the fact that Prudence Cossins is not walking upon the ground, but in the air.

“Hey, Pru! What are you doing out here? Surely there are better places to practise incantation. Or are you on a mission for someone?”

Prudence replies, after slight hesitation, with a sigh, and says, “Practising incantation is easy for me where wards are not in place and I have a wand and a good arm. But I am here in order to test my levitation skills in more varied terrain.”

Then, somewhat to your surprise, Prudence switches to Oncestrian, and recites:

“Mages who walk upon the air

Need not fear any ground below.

Since they need not tread through deep snow,

To them the world seems very fair.”

Seeing your surprise, she giggles and says, in Renaglian again, “I just composed the poem right now, but it really captures my thoughts, you know? Incantation is the way to make life better by defeating foes.”

Then she descends onto the ground and, as if remembering your reputation, turns to face where you are walking and extends an arm towards your shoulder. But you are reluctant to accept her implied invitation to walk and talk with her because something about this encounter seems not entirely normal. But why do you have this thought? You realize that you have only a few seconds in which to figure things out without offending Prudence – if she is Prudence.

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You have been spending a session learning Mastery magic in the Cavern of Crystal, and for once you find that the crystals’ guidance has not been in any way disconcerting. The crystals avoid radically shifting in their glows, their glows are not uncomfortably bright, and the instructions that you are receiving from the crystals seems to make sense. You almost get the feeling that, if you were to be attacked by a law-abiding person, you could defend yourself, at least a bit, using only your Mastery magic. Certainly, such a confrontation would be more peaceful than any confrontation would be if Prudence were defending you. But then you worry – would she be willing to defend you, now that she may suspect that you are studying Mastery?

As you think about Prudence, your mind wanders, as it often does, to thinking about how Prudence’s blonde mane’s colour is pleasingly imitated in some of the crystals’ glows.

Thinking that you have had enough of studying Mastery, you decide to avoid refocussing and instead leave the Cavern of Crystal. Carefully, you go to the exit and slowly climb down the cliff face. Once on the mountain pass, you begin walking at a brisk pace back towards the Academagia.

Your journey back, however, is cut short by a surprise.

Prudence Cossins advances towards you on the path, and when she sees you, she smiles and raises a hand in greeting. This friendliness cannot distract you from the fact that Prudence Cossins is not walking upon the ground, but in the air.

“Hey, Pru! What are you doing out here? Surely there are better places to practise incantation. Or are you on a mission for someone?”

Prudence replies, after slight hesitation, with a sigh, and says, “Practising incantation is easy for me where wards are not in place and I have a wand and a good arm. But I am here in order to test my levitation skills in more varied terrain.”

Then, somewhat to your surprise, Prudence switches to Oncestrian, and recites:

“Mages who walk upon the air

Need not fear any ground below.

Since they need not tread through deep snow,

To them the world seems very fair.”

Seeing your surprise, she giggles and says, in Renaglian again, “I just composed the poem right now, but it really captures my thoughts, you know? Incantation is the way to make life better.”

Then she descends onto the ground and turns to face where you are walking. But you are reluctant to accept her implied invitation to walk and talk with her because something about this encounter seems not entirely normal. But why do you have this thought? You realize that you have only a few seconds in which to figure things out without offending Prudence – if she is Prudence.

 

 

Choices:

 

 

Famous Poetry. Is Prudence’s verse typical for her?

 

 

Success

 

 

You recognize that Prudence enjoys alliterative verse, a comparatively rare verse form in the Empire of Man. Other students, admittedly, you could conceive of as changing their interest to another form – but not Prudence. The same bull-headed stubborn loyalty that makes her an excellent ally to her friends and a terrifying foe for her enemies – and weakens her academic performance – has made Prudence into a person whom you can no more imagine changing her taste in verses than leading a peace effort with Aranaz College. So, the person whom you are interacting with cannot be Prudence – or maybe is Prudence being forced into something…

As this stream of thought turns within a few seconds from calm reasoning to paranoia, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Congratulations, [PCFirstname], for seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now. But then the voice continues. <Since you have passed my test, I will give you more advanced training now. If we were in a better place, I could make such training regular. But remember what I teach you now.>

A series of guided lessons about how to test whether what you perceive reflects external reality follows, and when you finish you hope that you will at least be better able observe things that have been often assumed to be so unworthy of notice that people often ignore them. When you finally return to the Academagia, you are thrilled to be on your way to mastering Mastery magic. [+ 3 skill levels Perception, + 3 skill levels observation, + 1 skill step Oncestrian, + 1 insight, + 3 stress, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

Failure

 

 

Prudence enjoys verse, you figure, so it is not impossible that she created a new poem while travelling in this mountain range. Surely there are more prominent students whom others would replace or change – such as Flore Yveuillet.

As this stream of thought turns within a few seconds from reasoning to condemnation of your earlier fears, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Foolish [PCFirstname], not seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now. But then the voice continues. <You must study mastery harder – I wish that the teaching situation were better for us. But we cannot continue this study today – you are too traumatized.>

The crystals become dark. With gloom in you tread you make your way back to the Academagia at a very slow pace, since you must gain control of your emotion before arriving at the school. Mastery is a fascinating field of magic to study, but it is difficult and dangerous – as are its teachers, it seems. [+ 8 stress, + 1 fitness, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

 

Listen. Does this person sound like Prudence?

 

 

Success

 

 

You recognize that Prudence is not the type of student or person to talk about adjusting a training routine in order to deal with varied terrains. She is a much more casual speaker. So, the person whom you are interacting with cannot be Prudence – or maybe is Prudence being forced into something…

As this stream of thought turns within a few seconds from calm reasoning to paranoia, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Congratulations, [PCFirstname], for seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now. But then the voice continues. <Since you have passed my test, I will give you more advanced training now. If we were in a better place, I could make such training regular. But remember what I teach you now.>

A series of guided lessons about how to test whether what you perceive reflects external reality follows, and when you finish you hope that you will at least be better able observe things that have been often assumed to be so unworthy of notice that people often ignore them. When you finally return to the Academagia, you are thrilled to be on your way to mastering Mastery magic. [+ 3 skill levels Perception, + 3 skill levels observation, + 1 skill step passion, + 1 insight, + 3 stress, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

Failure

 

 

Prudence enjoys incantation magic, you figure, so it is not impossible that she would talk about varying the locations in order to improve her levitation. It is not as if levitation is serpent breeding or some even more restricted art. You should rejoice that Prudence has learned better vocabulary – maybe it will help her to avoid fights.

As this stream of thought turns within a few seconds from reasoning to condemnation of your earlier fears, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Foolish [PCFirstname], not seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now. But then the voice continues. <You must study mastery harder – I wish that the teaching situation were better for us. But we cannot continue this study today – you are too traumatized.>

The crystals become dark. With gloom in you tread you make your way back to the Academagia at a very slow pace, since you must gain control of your emotion before arriving at the school. Mastery is a fascinating field of magic to study, but it is difficult and dangerous – as are its teachers, it seems. [+ 8 stress, + 1 fitness, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

 

Tactics. Is this person’s attitude towards conflicts typical for Prudence Cossins?

 

 

Success

 

 

You recognize that Prudence regards her fists, not magic, as the best way to solve any problem involving enemies. Other students, admittedly, would recognize that the weakness of fists against magic should cause them to incorporate magic more into their combat – but not Prudence. The same bull-headed stubborn loyalty that makes her an excellent ally to her friends and a terrifying foe for her enemies – and weakens her academic performance – has made Prudence into a person whom you can no more imagine changing her taste in fighting than leading a peace effort with Aranaz College. So, the person whom you are interacting with cannot be Prudence – or maybe is Prudence being forced into something…

As this stream of thought turns within a few seconds from calm reasoning to paranoia, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Congratulations, [PCFirstname], for seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now. But then the voice continues. <Since you have passed my test, I will give you more advanced training now. If we were in a better place, I could make such training regular. But remember what I teach you now.>

A series of guided lessons about how to test whether what you perceive reflects external reality follows, and when you finish you hope that you will at least be better able observe things that have been often assumed to be so unworthy of notice that people often ignore them. When you finally return to the Academagia, you are thrilled to be on your way to mastering Mastery magic. [+ 3 skill levels Perception, + 3 skill levels observation, + 1 skill step strategy, + 1 insight, + 3 stress, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

Failure

 

 

Prudence enjoys incantation magic, you figure, so it is not impossible that she would have concluded that it should be the basis for her combat style. It is not as if incantation is mastery magic. You should rejoice that Prudence has learned better combat forms – maybe they will help her to win more of the fights that she starts.

As this stream of thought turns within a few seconds from reasoning to condemnation of your earlier fears, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Foolish [PCFirstname], not seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now. But then the voice continues. <You must study mastery harder – I wish that the teaching situation were better for us. But we cannot continue this study today – you are too traumatized.>

The crystals become dark. With gloom in you tread you make your way back to the Academagia at a very slow pace, since you must gain control of your emotion before arriving at the school. Mastery is a fascinating field of magic to study, but it is difficult and dangerous – as are its teachers, it seems. [+ 8 stress, + 1 fitness, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

 

Theory of Incantation. Is Prudence’s incantation skill really as great as this person claims it to be?

 

 

Success

 

 

You recognize that although Prudence’s favorite pillar of magic is incantation, she cannot do it in many circumstances – especially when she has an audience, which weakens her confidence. You are aware that such confidence issues can be overcome, but not instantaneously or nearly so – which is what accepting that Prudence has improved so much would mean. So, the person whom you are interacting with cannot be Prudence – or maybe is Prudence being forced into something…

As this stream of thought turns within a few seconds from calm reasoning to paranoia, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Congratulations, [PCFirstname], for seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now. But then the voice continues. <Since you have passed my test, I will give you more advanced training now. If we were in a better place, I could make such training regular. But remember what I teach you now.>

A series of guided lessons about how to test whether what you perceive reflects external reality follows, and when you finish you hope that you will at least be better able observe things that have been often assumed to be so unworthy of notice that people often ignore them. When you finally return to the Academagia, you are thrilled to be on your way to mastering Mastery magic. [+ 3 skill levels Perception, + 3 skill levels observation, + 1 skill step confidence, + 1 insight, + 3 stress, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

Failure

 

 

Prudence enjoys incantation magic, you figure, so it is not impossible that she would have the skill in it that she claims – even though she has not for a long time. Certainly, such would make her a better mage – which she needs. People can improve, even Prudence, and to be suspicious of her for such improvement is absurd.

As this stream of thought turns within a few seconds from reasoning to condemnation of your earlier fears, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Foolish [PCFirstname], not seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now. But then the voice continues. <You must study mastery harder – I wish that the teaching situation were better for us. But we cannot continue this study today – you are too traumatized.>

The crystals become dark. With gloom in you tread you make your way back to the Academagia at a very slow pace, since you must gain control of your emotion before arriving at the school. Mastery is a fascinating field of magic to study, but it is difficult and dangerous – as are its teachers, it seems. [+ 8 stress, + 1 fitness, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

 

You decide that you do not want to inquire about your fears, since they may anger Prudence.

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You realize that whether you are dealing with Prudence Cossins or someone pretending to be her, each could be very angered by your inquiring. And that, you think, would not be good at all.

So, smiling yourself, you begin to walk alongside her, while not allowing her to touch you or get too close to you. This is somewhat awkward, especially since you want to avoid being obvious about your avoidance, but the process is made easier when Prudence begins telling you about updates in the Belonging Brethren.

Then, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Foolish [PCFirstname], not seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now.

So, you interject, <Surely, though, I deserve some praise.>

Any hopes that you would catch the crystal by surprise are dashed when the voice replies, <yes, for your efforts to avoid provocation some praise is due. Too many, including your special girl Prudence, fight and struggle and investigate even when the circumstances are not right. You must study mastery harder – I wish that the teaching situation were better for us. We cannot continue this study today – you are too traumatized – but I will teach you some subtle alternatives.>

For a second time your hopes are dashed when the crystals, instead of teaching you about flirting and dating, teach you about diplomatic subjects.

Once the crystals become dark with the lesson’s end, you make your way back to the Academagia at a very slow pace, since you must gain control of your emotion before arriving at the school. Mastery is a fascinating field of magic to study, but it is difficult and dangerous – as are its teachers, it seems. And your teacher will not even dedicate every part of every lesson to Mastery! [+ 8 stress, + 1 charm, + 1 skill level Etiquette, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You realize that whether you are dealing with Prudence Cossins or someone pretending to be her, each could be very angered by your inquiring. And that, you think, would not be good at all.

So, smiling yourself, you begin to walk alongside her, while not allowing her to touch you or get too close to you. This is somewhat awkward, especially since you want to avoid being obvious about your avoidance, but the process is made easier when Prudence begins telling you about updates in the Belonging Brethren.

Then, “Prudence” gives you a terrifying smile, followed by a chilling chuckle.

“Foolish [PCFirstname], not seeing through my little game.”

Then, everything that you had thought to be real over the past few minutes vanishes – including your body’s posture – and you find yourself seated within the Cavern of Crystal.

<Why do you think that I did that?>

The telepathic voice from the crystal is somehow even more chilling than it would be if it were angry or in any way maniacal. But it is calm – as if discussing why you had been assigned a given assignment in a normal class.

Before you can attempt to answer, the voice resumes. <Your time is too limited with me to allow you to give an answer. If your answer were right, then I could say it quicker – and it is too important a question to answer wrongly. I did that because you were revealing three flaws in your thoughts. Distraction by a girl’s hairs is not unique to you – all living beings can be so distracted, I think – but distraction can lead to death at the best of times. HOW MUCH MORE DANGEROUS WOULD SUCH DISTRACTION BE when you would be working with the magic that CONTROLS MINDS? You were also developing over-confidence – making carelessness worse. Mastery is NOT A TOY. EVEN IN THE BEST TIMES, it should be used as a last resort by students. EVEN MASTERS OF MASTERY often meet their dooms by overusing mastery when other solutions would work. You are studying at what claims to be the best school for magic in the Empire of Man – so USE THAT OTHER MAGIC as a FIRST RESORT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.>

The voice’s waves of telepathic shouting are somehow even more frightening than their standard equivalents. But you, trembling, dare to think, <Is the third issue Prudence?>

<Prudence is as easy to control as a bloodhound – just give her a stimulus and she will respond predictably. So, she is not the full problem. The problem is that YOU STRONGLY ASSOCIATE certain things with each other – such as the yellow glow in this place with Prudence’s hairs. So, I revealed to you that a person’s senses can be made to make a person a fool through mastery magic – even more than glamour magic – unless you keep your mind sharp and analyse what you perceive. Of course, things can be worse – mastery can seize your senses and mind at the same time. But that, due to its difficulty, is more rarely done.>

There is a slight pause, and you get the strange feeling that a human speaker would be sighing now.

So, you interject, <Surely, though, I deserve some praise.>

Any hopes that you would catch the crystal by surprise are dashed when the voice replies, <yes, for your efforts to avoid provocation some praise is due. Too many, including your special girl Prudence, fight and struggle and investigate even when the circumstances are not right. You must study mastery harder – I wish that the teaching situation were better for us. We cannot continue this study today – you are too traumatized – but I will teach you some subtle alternatives.>

The crystals then teach you about diplomatic subjects.

Once the crystals become dark with the lesson’s end, you make your way back to the Academagia at a very slow pace, since you must gain control of your emotion before arriving at the school. Mastery is a fascinating field of magic to study, but it is difficult and dangerous – as are its teachers, it seems. And your teacher will not even dedicate every part of every lesson to Mastery! [+ 8 stress, + 1 charm, + 1 skill level Etiquette, + 1 skill level Diplomacy, add memory Prudence and the Caves, end adventure]

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Feedback is much welcomed. I hope that nothing in this adventure was inappropriate for the game.

Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 01:

 

 

Text:

 

 

[If PC has Family: Religious]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: Spiritual]

 

 

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

You meet Eliana in the Morvidus common room at the appointed time, and only Eliana’s enthusiastic greeting prevents you from making a snarky comment about her now shod feet and the temple of Iudocia.

“Hello, [PCFullName]! May Iudocia and the other gods bless you. I always feel blessed by the gods whenever I go to the temple.”

You are not unfamiliar with such feelings, so you say, “Indeed, Eliana. I hope that Zoe can feel blessed also.”

“Right! You are familiar with such things – and not just because of your family, to your credit – so I will not need to be your preceptor during the service. Zoe, though…”

Sighing, Eliana leads you out of Morvidus College.

“Why the sighing, Eliana? Are you too sick to go to the temple’s services?”

Zoe’s face and voice do not reveal any sarcasm or joy – knowing Zoe, you recognize that she is merely assuming that Eliana is experiencing what she all too often has gone through – but Eliana takes her remark as an insult.

“No! Unlike you, I seek and receive divine blessings!”

“Clearly those blessings do not include ability to know when I am being sincere in my question,” Zoe says. “Nor patience to respond with friendliness.”

Eliana’s jaw drops, and she blushes while Zoe is pale. But then she recovers.

“Fair enough. I admit where I was wrong – thanks for your advice.”

Then, without giving either you or Zoe any time to accept her apology, Eliana leads you and Zoe from the Academagia to the Temple of Iudocia. The distance is not short, but you are relieved that Zoe is able to keep up with you and Eliana with only a bit of panting near the end.

Once you and Zoe reach the Temple, Zoe, sighing with what you recognize to be a mixture of weariness and exasperation, says, “Eliana, I am surprised that you are still here. I was thinking that you would be the service’s water-pourer.”

“Ah, Zoe, only you could pass as young enough,” Eliana says. “I had to stop being a water pourer when I came to the Academagia. One of several ways in which I became older.”

“And in others, she has regressed,” Zoe mutters to you. Then to a frowning Eliana, Zoe says, “Better to grow in that way than in mine, I guess – medical payments all the time and pressure to work the Temple’s looms.”

“Ah, shush,” Eliana snaps. “Almost all people who need money can earn some with time at the looms and they learn about a trade while doing so – more than what happens in Ruckmarn.”

“Yes,” Zoe gives an ambiguous shudder. “The Ruckmarnians love their steams.”

Any further discussion between Zoe and Eliana is cut short when a man garbed in Iudocia’s robes approaches Eliana, who cheerfully gives to him from a pouch on her belt three pieces of bread.

“Young Mistress Carosi, so good to see you,” he enthuses. Then, frowning, he says, “But your friend should keep silent. It is never good to distract a pious person.”

“We will be silent, Sir,” Zoe says, as she looks at you. You understand Zoe well enough to realize that she, recognizing your reputation for adventures, does not want you to be like Rui da Casga and pull a prank here. Her attitudes – which ironically might give her common grounds with her Pievrian rival if she were able to look past her hatred for Milena di Montors – do not go as far as wanting to disrupt the service.

That having been said, the service, once it begins with a girl – who looks nothing like Eliana – going forth to pour the water, is dreadfully boring for Zoe. Is there no way in which you can discreetly amuse her? Gates magic or discussion of metempsychosis – that foreign doctrine that many in the Schohanwicht School believe – are out of the question, but surely other things are not.

 

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

You meet Eliana in the Morvidus common room at the appointed time, and only Eliana’s enthusiastic greeting prevents you from making a snarky comment about her now shod feet and the temple of Iudocia.

“Hello, [PCFullName]! May Iudocia and the other gods bless you. I always feel blessed by the gods whenever I go to the temple.”

You are not unfamiliar with such feelings, so you say, “Indeed, Eliana. I hope that Zoe can feel blessed also.”

“Right! You are familiar with such things – and not just because of your family, to your credit – so I will not need to be your preceptor during the service. Zoe, though…”

Sighing, Eliana leads you out of Morvidus College.

“Why the sighing, Eliana? Are you too sick to go to the temple’s services?”

Zoe’s face and voice do not reveal any sarcasm or joy – knowing Zoe, you recognize that she is merely assuming that Eliana is experiencing what she all too often has gone through – but Eliana takes her remark as an insult.

“No! Unlike you, I seek and receive divine blessings!”

“Clearly those blessings do not include ability to know when I am being sincere in my question,” Zoe says. “Nor patience to respond with friendliness.”

Eliana’s jaw drops, and she blushes while Zoe is pale. But then she recovers.

“Fair enough. I admit where I was wrong – thanks for your advice.”

Then, without giving either you or Zoe any time to accept her apology, Eliana leads you and Zoe from the Academagia to the Temple of Iudocia. The distance is not short, but you are relieved that Zoe is able to keep up with you and Eliana with only a bit of panting near the end.

Once you and Zoe reach the Temple, Zoe, sighing with what you recognize to be a mixture of weariness and exasperation, says, “Eliana, I am surprised that you are still here. I was thinking that you would be the service’s water-pourer.”

“Ah, Zoe, only you could pass as young enough,” Eliana says. “I had to stop being a water pourer when I came to the Academagia. One of several ways in which I became older.”

“And in others, she has regressed,” Zoe mutters to you. Then to a frowning Eliana, Zoe says, “Better to grow in that way than in mine, I guess – medical payments all the time and pressure to work the Temple’s looms.”

“Ah, shush,” Eliana snaps. “Almost all people who need money can earn some with time at the looms and they learn about a trade while doing so – more than what happens in Ruckmarn.”

“Yes,” Zoe gives an ambiguous shudder. “The Ruckmarnians love their steams.”

Any further discussion between Zoe and Eliana is cut short when a man garbed in Iudocia’s robes approaches Eliana, who cheerfully gives to him from a pouch on her belt three pieces of bread.

“Young Mistress Carosi, so good to see you,” he enthuses. Then, frowning, he says, “But your friend should keep silent. It is never good to distract a pious person.”

“We will be silent, Sir,” Zoe says, as she looks at you. You understand Zoe well enough to realize that she, recognizing your reputation for adventures, does not want you to be like Rui da Casga and pull a prank here. Her attitudes – which ironically might give her common grounds with her Pievrian rival if she were able to look past her hatred for Milena di Montors – do not go as far as wanting to disrupt the service.

That having been said, the service, once it begins with a girl – who looks nothing like Eliana – going forth to pour the water, is dreadfully boring for Zoe. Is there no way in which you can discreetly amuse her?

 

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: Spiritual]

 

 

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

You meet Eliana in the Morvidus common room at the appointed time, and only Eliana’s enthusiastic greeting prevents you from making a snarky comment about her now shod feet and the temple of Iudocia.

“Hello, [PCFullName]! May Iudocia and the other gods bless you. I always feel blessed by the gods whenever I go to the temple.”

You are unfamiliar with such feelings, much to your family’s sorrow, so you say, “Even if I am not blessed by the gods, I can ensure that Zoe participates properly. Services at temples can be complicated.”

“Right! You are familiar with such because of your family, so I will not need to be your preceptor during the service. Zoe, though…”

Sighing, Eliana leads you out of Morvidus College.

“Why the sighing, Eliana? Are you too sick to go to the temple’s services?”

Zoe’s face and voice do not reveal any sarcasm or joy – knowing Zoe, you recognize that she is merely assuming that Eliana is experiencing what she all too often has gone through – but Eliana takes her remark as an insult.

“No! Unlike you, I seek and receive divine blessings!”

“Clearly those blessings do not include ability to know when I am being sincere in my question,” Zoe says. “Nor patience to respond with friendliness.”

Eliana’s jaw drops, and she blushes while Zoe is pale. But then she recovers.

“Fair enough. I admit where I was wrong – thanks for your advice.”

Then, without giving either you or Zoe any time to accept her apology, Eliana leads you and Zoe from the Academagia to the Temple of Iudocia. The distance is not short, but you are relieved that Zoe is able to keep up with you and Eliana with only a bit of panting near the end.

Once you and Zoe reach the Temple, Zoe, sighing with what you recognize to be a mixture of weariness and exasperation, says, “Eliana, I am surprised that you are still here. I was thinking that you would be the service’s water-pourer.”

“Ah, Zoe, only you could pass as young enough,” Eliana says. “I had to stop being a water pourer when I came to the Academagia. One of several ways in which I became older.”

“And in others, she has regressed,” Zoe mutters to you. Then to a frowning Eliana, Zoe says, “Better to grow in that way than in mine, I guess – medical payments all the time and pressure to work the Temple’s looms.”

“Ah, shush,” Eliana snaps. “Almost all people who need money can earn some with time at the looms and they learn about a trade while doing so – more than what happens in Ruckmarn.”

“Yes,” Zoe gives an ambiguous shudder. “The Ruckmarnians love their steams.”

Any further discussion between Zoe and Eliana is cut short when a man garbed in Iudocia’s robes approaches Eliana, who cheerfully gives to him from a pouch on her belt three pieces of bread.

“Young Mistress Carosi, so good to see you,” he enthuses. Then, frowning, he says, “But your friend should keep silent. It is never good to distract a pious person.”

“We will be silent, Sir,” Zoe says, as she looks at you. You understand Zoe well enough to realize that she, recognizing your reputation for adventures, does not want you to be like Rui da Casga and pull a prank here. Her attitudes – which ironically might give her common grounds with her Pievrian rival if she were able to look past her hatred for Milena di Montors – do not go as far as wanting to disrupt the service.

That having been said, the service, once it begins with a girl – who looks nothing like Eliana – going forth to pour the water, is dreadfully boring for Zoe. Is there no way in which you can discreetly amuse her? Gates magic or discussion of metempsychosis – that foreign doctrine that many in the Schohanwicht School believe – are out of the question, but surely other things are not.

 

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

You meet Eliana in the Morvidus common room at the appointed time, and only Eliana’s enthusiastic greeting prevents you from making a snarky comment about her now shod feet and the temple of Iudocia.

“Hello, [PCFullName]! May Iudocia and the other gods bless you. I always feel blessed by the gods whenever I go to the temple.”

You are unfamiliar with such feelings, much to your family’s sorrow, so you say, “Even if I am not blessed by the gods, I can ensure that Zoe participates properly. Services at temples can be complicated.”

“Right! You are familiar with such because of your family, so I will not need to be your preceptor during the service. Zoe, though…”

Sighing, Eliana leads you out of Morvidus College.

“Why the sighing, Eliana? Are you too sick to go to the temple’s services?”

Zoe’s face and voice do not reveal any sarcasm or joy – knowing Zoe, you recognize that she is merely assuming that Eliana is experiencing what she all too often has gone through – but Eliana takes her remark as an insult.

“No! Unlike you, I seek and receive divine blessings!”

“Clearly those blessings do not include ability to know when I am being sincere in my question,” Zoe says. “Nor patience to respond with friendliness.”

Eliana’s jaw drops, and she blushes while Zoe is pale. But then she recovers.

“Fair enough. I admit where I was wrong – thanks for your advice.”

Then, without giving either you or Zoe any time to accept her apology, Eliana leads you and Zoe from the Academagia to the Temple of Iudocia. The distance is not short, but you are relieved that Zoe is able to keep up with you and Eliana with only a bit of panting near the end.

Once you and Zoe reach the Temple, Zoe, sighing with what you recognize to be a mixture of weariness and exasperation, says, “Eliana, I am surprised that you are still here. I was thinking that you would be the service’s water-pourer.”

“Ah, Zoe, only you could pass as young enough,” Eliana says. “I had to stop being a water pourer when I came to the Academagia. One of several ways in which I became older.”

“And in others, she has regressed,” Zoe mutters to you. Then to a frowning Eliana, Zoe says, “Better to grow in that way than in mine, I guess – medical payments all the time and pressure to work the Temple’s looms.”

“Ah, shush,” Eliana snaps. “Almost all people who need money can earn some with time at the looms and they learn about a trade while doing so – more than what happens in Ruckmarn.”

“Yes,” Zoe gives an ambiguous shudder. “The Ruckmarnians love their steams.”

Any further discussion between Zoe and Eliana is cut short when a man garbed in Iudocia’s robes approaches Eliana, who cheerfully gives to him from a pouch on her belt three pieces of bread.

“Young Mistress Carosi, so good to see you,” he enthuses. Then, frowning, he says, “But your friend should keep silent. It is never good to distract a pious person.”

“We will be silent, Sir,” Zoe says, as she looks at you. You understand Zoe well enough to realize that she, recognizing your reputation for adventures, does not want you to be like Rui da Casga and pull a prank here. Her attitudes – which ironically might give her common grounds with her Pievrian rival if she were able to look past her hatred for Milena di Montors – do not go as far as wanting to disrupt the service.

That having been said, the service, once it begins with a girl – who looks nothing like Eliana – going forth to pour the water, is dreadfully boring for Zoe. Is there no way in which you can discreetly amuse her?

 

 

 

[If PC lacks Family: Religious]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: Spiritual]

 

 

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

You meet Eliana in the Morvidus common room at the appointed time, and only Eliana’s enthusiastic greeting prevents you from making a snarky comment about her now shod feet and the temple of Iudocia.

“Hello, [PCFullName]! May Iudocia and the other gods bless you. I always feel blessed by the gods whenever I go to the temple.”

You are not unfamiliar with such feelings, so you say, “Indeed, Eliana. I hope that Zoe can feel blessed also.”

“Right! You are familiar with such things – to your credit – so I will not need to be your preceptor during the service. Zoe, though…”

Sighing, Eliana leads you out of Morvidus College.

“Why the sighing, Eliana? Are you too sick to go to the temple’s services?”

Zoe’s face and voice do not reveal any sarcasm or joy – knowing Zoe, you recognize that she is merely assuming that Eliana is experiencing what she all too often has gone through – but Eliana takes her remark as an insult.

“No! Unlike you, I seek and receive divine blessings!”

“Clearly those blessings do not include ability to know when I am being sincere in my question,” Zoe says. “Nor patience to respond with friendliness.”

Eliana’s jaw drops, and she blushes while Zoe is pale. But then she recovers.

“Fair enough. I admit where I was wrong – thanks for your advice.”

Then, without giving either you or Zoe any time to accept her apology, Eliana leads you and Zoe from the Academagia to the Temple of Iudocia. The distance is not short, but you are relieved that Zoe is able to keep up with you and Eliana with only a bit of panting near the end.

Once you and Zoe reach the Temple, Zoe, sighing with what you recognize to be a mixture of weariness and exasperation, says, “Eliana, I am surprised that you are still here. I was thinking that you would be the service’s water-pourer.”

“Ah, Zoe, only you could pass as young enough,” Eliana says. “I had to stop being a water pourer when I came to the Academagia. One of several ways in which I became older.”

“And in others, she has regressed,” Zoe mutters to you. Then to a frowning Eliana, Zoe says, “Better to grow in that way than in mine, I guess – medical payments all the time and pressure to work the Temple’s looms.”

“Ah, shush,” Eliana snaps. “Almost all people who need money can earn some with time at the looms and they learn about a trade while doing so – more than what happens in Ruckmarn.”

“Yes,” Zoe gives an ambiguous shudder. “The Ruckmarnians love their steams.”

Any further discussion between Zoe and Eliana is cut short when a man garbed in Iudocia’s robes approaches Eliana, who cheerfully gives to him from a pouch on her belt three pieces of bread.

“Young Mistress Carosi, so good to see you,” he enthuses. Then, frowning, he says, “But your friend should keep silent. It is never good to distract a pious person.”

“We will be silent, Sir,” Zoe says, as she looks at you. You understand Zoe well enough to realize that she, recognizing your reputation for adventures, does not want you to be like Rui da Casga and pull a prank here. Her attitudes – which ironically might give her common grounds with her Pievrian rival if she were able to look past her hatred for Milena di Montors – do not go as far as wanting to disrupt the service.

That having been said, the service, once it begins with a girl – who looks nothing like Eliana – going forth to pour the water, is dreadfully boring for Zoe. Is there no way in which you can discreetly amuse her? Gates magic or discussion of metempsychosis – that foreign doctrine that many in the Schohanwicht School believe – are out of the question, but surely other things are not.

 

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

You meet Eliana in the Morvidus common room at the appointed time, and only Eliana’s enthusiastic greeting prevents you from making a snarky comment about her now shod feet and the temple of Iudocia.

“Hello, [PCFullName]! May Iudocia and the other gods bless you. I always feel blessed by the gods whenever I go to the temple.”

You are not unfamiliar with such feelings, so you say, “Indeed, Eliana. I hope that Zoe can feel blessed also.”

“Right! You are familiar with such things – to your credit – so I will not need to be your preceptor during the service. Zoe, though…”

Sighing, Eliana leads you out of Morvidus College.

“Why the sighing, Eliana? Are you too sick to go to the temple’s services?”

Zoe’s face and voice do not reveal any sarcasm or joy – knowing Zoe, you recognize that she is merely assuming that Eliana is experiencing what she all too often has gone through – but Eliana takes her remark as an insult.

“No! Unlike you, I seek and receive divine blessings!”

“Clearly those blessings do not include ability to know when I am being sincere in my question,” Zoe says. “Nor patience to respond with friendliness.”

Eliana’s jaw drops, and she blushes while Zoe is pale. But then she recovers.

“Fair enough. I admit where I was wrong – thanks for your advice.”

Then, without giving either you or Zoe any time to accept her apology, Eliana leads you and Zoe from the Academagia to the Temple of Iudocia. The distance is not short, but you are relieved that Zoe is able to keep up with you and Eliana with only a bit of panting near the end.

Once you and Zoe reach the Temple, Zoe, sighing with what you recognize to be a mixture of weariness and exasperation, says, “Eliana, I am surprised that you are still here. I was thinking that you would be the service’s water-pourer.”

“Ah, Zoe, only you could pass as young enough,” Eliana says. “I had to stop being a water pourer when I came to the Academagia. One of several ways in which I became older.”

“And in others, she has regressed,” Zoe mutters to you. Then to a frowning Eliana, Zoe says, “Better to grow in that way than in mine, I guess – medical payments all the time and pressure to work the Temple’s looms.”

“Ah, shush,” Eliana snaps. “Almost all people who need money can earn some with time at the looms and they learn about a trade while doing so – more than what happens in Ruckmarn.”

“Yes,” Zoe gives an ambiguous shudder. “The Ruckmarnians love their steams.”

Any further discussion between Zoe and Eliana is cut short when a man garbed in Iudocia’s robes approaches Eliana, who cheerfully gives to him from a pouch on her belt three pieces of bread.

“Young Mistress Carosi, so good to see you,” he enthuses. Then, frowning, he says, “But your friend should keep silent. It is never good to distract a pious person.”

“We will be silent, Sir,” Zoe says, as she looks at you. You understand Zoe well enough to realize that she, recognizing your reputation for adventures, does not want you to be like Rui da Casga and pull a prank here. Her attitudes – which ironically might give her common grounds with her Pievrian rival if she were able to look past her hatred for Milena di Montors – do not go as far as wanting to disrupt the service.

That having been said, the service, once it begins with a girl – who looks nothing like Eliana – going forth to pour the water, is dreadfully boring for Zoe. Is there no way in which you can discreetly amuse her?

 

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: Spiritual]

 

 

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

You meet Eliana in the Morvidus common room at the appointed time, and only Eliana’s enthusiastic greeting prevents you from making a snarky comment about her now shod feet and the temple of Iudocia.

“Hello, [PCFullName]! May Iudocia and the other gods bless you. I always feel blessed by the gods whenever I go to the temple.”

You are unfamiliar with such feelings, so you say, “Even if I am not blessed by the gods, I can ensure that Zoe participates properly. Services at temples can be complicated.”

“Right! Zoe, though…”

Sighing, Eliana leads you out of Morvidus College.

“Why the sighing, Eliana? Are you too sick to go to the temple’s services?”

Zoe’s face and voice do not reveal any sarcasm or joy – knowing Zoe, you recognize that she is merely assuming that Eliana is experiencing what she all too often has gone through – but Eliana takes her remark as an insult.

“No! Unlike you, I seek and receive divine blessings!”

“Clearly those blessings do not include ability to know when I am being sincere in my question,” Zoe says. “Nor patience to respond with friendliness.”

Eliana’s jaw drops, and she blushes while Zoe is pale. But then she recovers.

“Fair enough. I admit where I was wrong – thanks for your advice.”

Then, without giving either you or Zoe any time to accept her apology, Eliana leads you and Zoe from the Academagia to the Temple of Iudocia. The distance is not short, but you are relieved that Zoe is able to keep up with you and Eliana with only a bit of panting near the end.

Once you and Zoe reach the Temple, Zoe, sighing with what you recognize to be a mixture of weariness and exasperation, says, “Eliana, I am surprised that you are still here. I was thinking that you would be the service’s water-pourer.”

“Ah, Zoe, only you could pass as young enough,” Eliana says. “I had to stop being a water pourer when I came to the Academagia. One of several ways in which I became older.”

“And in others, she has regressed,” Zoe mutters to you. Then to a frowning Eliana, Zoe says, “Better to grow in that way than in mine, I guess – medical payments all the time and pressure to work the Temple’s looms.”

“Ah, shush,” Eliana snaps. “Almost all people who need money can earn some with time at the looms and they learn about a trade while doing so – more than what happens in Ruckmarn.”

“Yes,” Zoe gives an ambiguous shudder. “The Ruckmarnians love their steams.”

Any further discussion between Zoe and Eliana is cut short when a man garbed in Iudocia’s robes approaches Eliana, who cheerfully gives to him from a pouch on her belt three pieces of bread.

“Young Mistress Carosi, so good to see you,” he enthuses. Then, frowning, he says, “But your friend should keep silent. It is never good to distract a pious person.”

“We will be silent, Sir,” Zoe says, as she looks at you. You understand Zoe well enough to realize that she, recognizing your reputation for adventures, does not want you to be like Rui da Casga and pull a prank here. Her attitudes – which ironically might give her common grounds with her Pievrian rival if she were able to look past her hatred for Milena di Montors – do not go as far as wanting to disrupt the service.

That having been said, the service, once it begins with a girl – who looks nothing like Eliana – going forth to pour the water, is dreadfully boring for Zoe. Is there no way in which you can discreetly amuse her? Gates magic or discussion of metempsychosis – that foreign doctrine that many in the Schohanwicht School believe – are out of the question, but surely other things are not.

 

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

You meet Eliana in the Morvidus common room at the appointed time, and only Eliana’s enthusiastic greeting prevents you from making a snarky comment about her now shod feet and the temple of Iudocia.

“Hello, [PCFullName]! May Iudocia and the other gods bless you. I always feel blessed by the gods whenever I go to the temple.”

You are unfamiliar with such feelings, so you say, “Even if I am not blessed by the gods, I can ensure that Zoe participates properly. Services at temples can be complicated.”

“Right! Zoe, though…”

Sighing, Eliana leads you out of Morvidus College.

“Why the sighing, Eliana? Are you too sick to go to the temple’s services?”

Zoe’s face and voice do not reveal any sarcasm or joy – knowing Zoe, you recognize that she is merely assuming that Eliana is experiencing what she all too often has gone through – but Eliana takes her remark as an insult.

“No! Unlike you, I seek and receive divine blessings!”

“Clearly those blessings do not include ability to know when I am being sincere in my question,” Zoe says. “Nor patience to respond with friendliness.”

Eliana’s jaw drops, and she blushes while Zoe is pale. But then she recovers.

“Fair enough. I admit where I was wrong – thanks for your advice.”

Then, without giving either you or Zoe any time to accept her apology, Eliana leads you and Zoe from the Academagia to the Temple of Iudocia. The distance is not short, but you are relieved that Zoe is able to keep up with you and Eliana with only a bit of panting near the end.

Once you and Zoe reach the Temple, Zoe, sighing with what you recognize to be a mixture of weariness and exasperation, says, “Eliana, I am surprised that you are still here. I was thinking that you would be the service’s water-pourer.”

“Ah, Zoe, only you could pass as young enough,” Eliana says. “I had to stop being a water pourer when I came to the Academagia. One of several ways in which I became older.”

“And in others, she has regressed,” Zoe mutters to you. Then to a frowning Eliana, Zoe says, “Better to grow in that way than in mine, I guess – medical payments all the time and pressure to work the Temple’s looms.”

“Ah, shush,” Eliana snaps. “Almost all people who need money can earn some with time at the looms and they learn about a trade while doing so – more than what happens in Ruckmarn.”

“Yes,” Zoe gives an ambiguous shudder. “The Ruckmarnians love their steams.”

Any further discussion between Zoe and Eliana is cut short when a man garbed in Iudocia’s robes approaches Eliana, who cheerfully gives to him from a pouch on her belt three pieces of bread.

“Young Mistress Carosi, so good to see you,” he enthuses. Then, frowning, he says, “But your friend should keep silent. It is never good to distract a pious person.”

“We will be silent, Sir,” Zoe says, as she looks at you. You understand Zoe well enough to realize that she, recognizing your reputation for adventures, does not want you to be like Rui da Casga and pull a prank here. Her attitudes – which ironically might give her common grounds with her Pievrian rival if she were able to look past her hatred for Milena di Montors – do not go as far as wanting to disrupt the service.

That having been said, the service, once it begins with a girl – who looks nothing like Eliana – going forth to pour the water, is dreadfully boring for Zoe. Is there no way in which you can discreetly amuse her?

 

 

 

 

Choices:

 

 

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht School] Creativity. Create in your mind a thrilling poem – and reflect its emotions in your face for Zoe’s amusement.

 

 

Success

 

 

[If PC has Heritage: Auncish]

 

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been able to learn more about those and other ideas since you stopped attending the Schohanwicht School for Zoe’s sake.

So, as the service goes on, you compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school and, to Zoe’s growing interest and Eliana’s eventual annoyance, reflect the poem’s emotions in your face.

“Far beyond the old Cyve and the new

A world is that no other world can touch,

Where waits our mother with great honour true;

Journalists and spies can describe no such.

Never held the gods such a burden dear

As she in saving both Cyves opprest.

Supplying her with mages lacking fear,

This Cyve from dragons she will wrest.

No empire hates her arts with greater laws

And yet she calms them with her subtlety.

No age has given law courts such claws,

And yet she calms them by her policy.

To her friends I made my sacrifice,

Yet I want Zoe’s love with her steep price.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in your native language that allowed you to explore many emotions.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts, [PCFirstName], only a few of which have to do with me in good ways. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Was the secret why you tried to cut me from your friends before summer vacation? I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But Zoe, I have cut myself off from the secret. And we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“Really? You do that for me? How am I so useful to you?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“You defend us against failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are left wondering whether your solution was best. For you. For Zoe. And for the Schohanwicht School. [+ 1 skill step Famous Poetry for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been formally told about even the foundations for such ideas.

So, as the service goes on, you compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school and, to Zoe’s growing interest and Eliana’s eventual annoyance, reflect the poem’s emotions in your face.

“Far beyond the old Cyve and the new

A world is that no other world can touch,

Where waits our mother with great honour true;

Journalists and spies can describe no such.

Never held the gods such a burden dear

As she in saving both Cyves opprest.

Supplying her with mages lacking fear,

This Cyve from dragons she will wrest.

No empire hates her arts with greater laws

And yet she calms them with her subtlety.

No age has given law courts such claws,

And yet she calms them by her policy.

To her friends I make my sacrifice,

Yet I want Zoe’s love with her steep price.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in your native language that allowed you to explore many emotions.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts, [PCFirstName], only a few of which have to do with me in good ways. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Was the secret why you tried to cut me from your friends before summer vacation? I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But Zoe, I care enough about you that I changed my mind about you. So now we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“How am I so useful to you?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“You defend us against failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are left wondering whether your solution was best. For you. For Zoe. And for the Schohanwicht School. [+ 1 skill step Famous Poetry for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been formally told about even the foundations for such ideas.

So, as the service goes on, you compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school and, to Zoe’s growing interest and Eliana’s eventual annoyance, reflect the poem’s emotions in your face.

“Far beyond the old Cyve and the new

A world is that no other world can touch,

Where waits our mother with great honour true;

Journalists and spies can describe no such.

Never held the gods such a burden dear

As she in saving both Cyves opprest.

Supplying her with mages lacking fear,

This Cyve from dragons she will wrest.

No empire hates her arts with greater laws

And yet she calms them with her subtlety.

No age has given law courts such claws,

And yet she calms them by her policy.

To her friends I make my sacrifice

Yet I want Zoe’s love with her steep price.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in your native language that allowed you to explore many emotions.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts, [PCFirstName], only a few of which have to do with me in good ways. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Not always. But then…I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But, Zoe, we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“Really?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“Yeah. Failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are glad that you were able to address her concerns without discussing your great secret. [+ 1 skill step Famous Poetry for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

 

[If PC has no Heritage: Auncish]

 

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been able to learn more about those and other ideas since you stopped attending the Schohanwicht School for Zoe’s sake.

So, as the service goes on, you compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school and, to Zoe’s growing interest and Eliana’s eventual annoyance, reflect the poem’s emotions in your face.

“Far beyond the old Cyve and the new

A world is that no other world can touch,

Where waits our mother with great honour true;

Journalists and spies can describe no such.

Never held the gods such a burden dear

As she in saving both Cyves opprest.

Supplying her with mages lacking fear,

This Cyve from dragons she will wrest.

No empire hates her arts with greater laws

And yet she calms them with her subtlety.

No age has given law courts such claws,

And yet she calms them by her policy.

To her friends I made my sacrifice,

Yet I want Zoe’s love with her steep price.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in Oncestrian that allowed you to explore many emotions.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts, [PCFirstName], only a few of which have to do with me in good ways. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Was the secret why you tried to cut me from your friends before summer vacation? I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But Zoe, I have cut myself off from the secret. And we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“Really? You do that for me? How am I so useful to you?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“You defend us against failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are left wondering whether your solution was best. For you. For Zoe. And for the Schohanwicht School. [+ 1 skill step Famous Poetry for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been formally told about even the foundations for such ideas.

So, as the service goes on, you compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school and, to Zoe’s growing interest and Eliana’s eventual annoyance, reflect the poem’s emotions in your face.

“Far beyond the old Cyve and the new

A world is that no other world can touch,

Where waits our mother with great honour true;

Journalists and spies can describe no such.

Never held the gods such a burden dear

As she in saving both Cyves opprest.

Supplying her with mages lacking fear,

This Cyve from dragons she will wrest.

No empire hates her arts with greater laws

And yet she calms them with her subtlety.

No age has given law courts such claws,

And yet she calms them by her policy.

To her friends I make my sacrifice,

Yet I want Zoe’s love with her steep price.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in Oncestrian that allowed you to explore many emotions.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts, [PCFirstName], only a few of which have to do with me in good ways. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Was the secret why you tried to cut me from your friends before summer vacation? I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But Zoe, I care enough about you that I changed my mind about you. So now we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“How am I so useful to you?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“You defend us against failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are left wondering whether your solution was best. For you. For Zoe. And for the Schohanwicht School. [+ 1 skill step Famous Poetry for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been formally told about even the foundations for such ideas.

So, as the service goes on, you compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school and, to Zoe’s growing interest and Eliana’s eventual annoyance, reflect the poem’s emotions in your face.

“Far beyond the old Cyve and the new

A world is that no other world can touch,

Where waits our mother with great honour true;

Journalists and spies can describe no such.

Never held the gods such a burden dear

As she in saving both Cyves opprest.

Supplying her with mages lacking fear,

This Cyve from dragons she will wrest.

No empire hates her arts with greater laws

And yet she calms them with her subtlety.

No age has given law courts such claws,

And yet she calms them by her policy.

To her friends I make my sacrifice

Yet I want Zoe’s love with her steep price.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in Oncestrian that allowed you to explore many emotions.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts, [PCFirstName], only a few of which have to do with me in good ways. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Not always. But then…I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But, Zoe, we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“Really?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“Yeah. Failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are glad that you were able to address her concerns without discussing your great secret. [+ 1 skill step Famous Poetry for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

 

 

Failure

 

 

[If PC has Heritage: Auncish]

 

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been able to learn more about those and other ideas since you stopped attending the Schohanwicht School for Zoe’s sake.

So, as the service goes on, you attempt to compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school. Unfortunately, since the process is so dominated by attempt, the emotions on your face only cause Zoe to giggle softly. At least she is not bored, but Eliana is annoyed – as are other members of the crowd.

“Mages who walk upon the air

Fear arrows unlike those who create a living stair.

Mages who turn themselves invisible

Can be crushed by summoned gasses divisible.

Mages who can conquer light true

May be devoured by a summoned grue

Mages whose bones can bend like ropes

Can be teleported beyond their hopes.

Mages’ created machines for strife

Can be crushed by created life.

Mages who trust the stars

Cannot navigate in other worlds – or bars.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in your native language.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Was the secret why you tried to cut me from your friends before summer vacation? I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But Zoe, I have cut myself off from the secret. And we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“Really? You do that for me? How am I so useful to you?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“You defend us against failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are left wondering whether your solution was best. For you. For Zoe. And for the Schohanwicht School. [+ 1 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been formally told about even the foundations for such ideas.

So, as the service goes on, you attempt to compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school. Unfortunately, since the process is so dominated by attempt, the emotions on your face only cause Zoe to giggle softly. At least she is not bored, but Eliana is annoyed – as are other members of the crowd.

“Mages who walk upon the air

Fear arrows unlike those who create a living stair.

Mages who turn themselves invisible

Can be crushed by summoned gasses divisible.

Mages who can conquer light true

May be devoured by a summoned grue

Mages whose bones can bend like ropes

Can be teleported beyond their hopes.

Mages’ created machines for strife

Can be crushed by created life.

Mages who trust the stars

Cannot navigate in other worlds – or bars.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in your native language.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts, [PCFirstName]. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Was the secret why you tried to cut me from your friends before summer vacation? I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But Zoe, I care enough about you that I changed my mind about you. So now we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“How am I so useful to you?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“You defend us against failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are left wondering whether your solution was best. For you. For Zoe. And for the Schohanwicht School. [+ 1 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been formally told about even the foundations for such ideas.

So, as the service goes on, you attempt to compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school. Unfortunately, since the process is so dominated by attempt, the emotions on your face only cause Zoe to giggle softly. At least she is not bored, but Eliana is annoyed – as are other members of the crowd.

“Mages who walk upon the air

Fear arrows unlike those who create a living stair.

Mages who turn themselves invisible

Can be crushed by summoned gasses divisible.

Mages who can conquer light true

May be devoured by a summoned grue

Mages whose bones can bend like ropes

Can be teleported beyond their hopes.

Mages’ created machines for strife

Can be crushed by created life.

Mages who trust the stars

Cannot navigate in other worlds – or bars.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in your native language.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Not always. But then…I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But, Zoe, we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“Really?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“Yeah. Failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are glad that you were able to address her concerns without discussing your great secret. [+ 1 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

 

[If PC has no Heritage: Auncish]

 

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been able to learn more about those and other ideas since you stopped attending the Schohanwicht School for Zoe’s sake.

So, as the service goes on, you attempt to compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school. Unfortunately, since the process is so dominated by attempt, the emotions on your face only cause Zoe to giggle softly. At least she is not bored, but Eliana is annoyed – as are other members of the crowd.

“Mages who walk upon the air

Fear arrows unlike those who create a living stair.

Mages who turn themselves invisible

Can be crushed by summoned gasses divisible.

Mages who can conquer light true

May be devoured by a summoned grue

Mages whose bones can bend like ropes

Can be teleported beyond their hopes.

Mages’ created machines for strife

Can be crushed by created life.

Mages who trust the stars

Cannot navigate in other worlds – or bars.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in Oncestrian.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Was the secret why you tried to cut me from your friends before summer vacation? I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But Zoe, I have cut myself off from the secret. And we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“Really? You do that for me? How am I so useful to you?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“You defend us against failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are left wondering whether your solution was best. For you. For Zoe. And for the Schohanwicht School. [+ 1 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been formally told about even the foundations for such ideas.

So, as the service goes on, you attempt to compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school. Unfortunately, since the process is so dominated by attempt, the emotions on your face only cause Zoe to giggle softly. At least she is not bored, but Eliana is annoyed – as are other members of the crowd.

“Mages who walk upon the air

Fear arrows unlike those who create a living stair.

Mages who turn themselves invisible

Can be crushed by summoned gasses divisible.

Mages who can conquer light true

May be devoured by a summoned grue

Mages whose bones can bend like ropes

Can be teleported beyond their hopes.

Mages’ created machines for strife

Can be crushed by created life.

Mages who trust the stars

Cannot navigate in other worlds – or bars.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in Oncestrian.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts, [PCFirstName]. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Was the secret why you tried to cut me from your friends before summer vacation? I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But Zoe, I care enough about you that I changed my mind about you. So now we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“How am I so useful to you?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“You defend us against failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are left wondering whether your solution was best. For you. For Zoe. And for the Schohanwicht School. [+ 1 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You listen to the droning words, interspaced with hymns and all-too-brief demonstrations of magic – all actions that Zoe clearly has no interest in, despite Eliana’s obvious enthusiasm. You idly wonder whether your telling Zoe about the Schohanwicht School would interest her more than it would terrify her. Certainly, the School’s libraries contain books written in script that looks like curling vines, and records languages that are even more exotic than the old Saisynian that Zoe sometimes murmurs and tries to write in logical ways.

But you know, as surely as you study magic, that you cannot tell Zoe about your secret School. That would only create a contest in which your life would be the prize – and Zoe might not gain a reward for you.

Then, you smile. There are other ways to use the Schohanwicht School in order to entertain Zoe. For example, their veneration of Aminþia Que’la as some sort of divine figure who will save Cyve from dragons reveals a fascinating conception of souls, the universe, and cause and effect. And that is not even getting into some of the professors’ ideas about Lokapalas, Gyalpos, and Kami – although you have not been formally told about even the foundations for such ideas.

So, as the service goes on, you attempt to compose, in your mind, a poem about the Schohanwicht school. Unfortunately, since the process is so dominated by attempt, the emotions on your face only cause Zoe to giggle softly. At least she is not bored, but Eliana is annoyed – as are other members of the crowd.

“Mages who walk upon the air

Fear arrows unlike those who create a living stair.

Mages who turn themselves invisible

Can be crushed by summoned gasses divisible.

Mages who can conquer light true

May be devoured by a summoned grue

Mages whose bones can bend like ropes

Can be teleported beyond their hopes.

Mages’ created machines for strife

Can be crushed by created life.

Mages who trust the stars

Cannot navigate in other worlds – or bars.”

The process of composing the poem in your head takes the entire service to complete, but at least it is an interesting example of rhymes in Oncestrian.

After the altar has been rededicated, Eliana leads you and Zoe away from the temple of Iudocia.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, [PCFirstName], you did not enjoy the service. And you, Zoe, were plainly more interested in what he was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events.”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“I understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But I would have rather read some books.”

”Isn’t that always the case with you, Zoe?”

Zoe looks faintly hurt, and says, with a barely detectable quiver to her voice, “Are you trying to end this, now?”

“Why think that, Zoe?”

“Your face during the service revealed that you have many secret thoughts. And I know history.”

“What?”

”When people have secrets and…friends, often their secrets are more valuable. Not always. But then…I know that I am not the best friend. Am unable to defend myself easily from illness, let alone you from others. And my interests are so obscure that they rarely allow for interest. Sima is skilled at making males like her. Isabeau can, at best, find lost things easily and has a glamourous mother. Even Miya loves rimbal when she cares about being comprehensible, if you want to look beyond my college. So, I am always thinking that you will find a better girl, like my body finds worse health.”

“But, Zoe, we defend each other against the greatest threats to our lives!”

“Really?” Zoe looks at you with hopeful eyes that you know are not the product of her efforts to seek compliments from you. Hedi’s students have an interesting reputation, but Zoe is the most straightforward Hedi student whom you know.

“Yeah. Failure and poverty.”

Zoe gives a whoop of laughter that is only faintly wheezy, and then, smiling, leads you back to the Academagia. You are glad that you were able to address her concerns without discussing your great secret. [+ 1 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Character Study for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

 

 

 

[If PC has 1000 pims] Make a spectacular gift.

 

 

[If PC has no special family or background traits]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has History: Descended of Royalty or Station: Nobility and no Family: The Secret Heritage]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, whom more nobles should emulate. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified despite my family, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has History: Descended of Royalty or Station: Nobility and Family: The Secret Heritage and no Family: Black Sheep]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, whom more nobles should emulate. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified despite my family, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you, despite her hatred of Pievre? Being an aristocrat can be such a pain for those who care.”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why couldn’t you have belonged to a less paranoid aristocratic family?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC, - 50 Parental Approval for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has History: Descended of Royalty or Station: Nobility and Family: The Secret Heritage and Family: Black Sheep]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, whom more nobles should emulate. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified despite my family, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple that culminates in a threat to initiate legal action against you if you use their name in order to attempt to avoid paying your debts. A briefly scrawled postscript tells you, in no uncertain terms, that Zoe is not a good partner for the son whom they wished that they had, but is perhaps adequate for their son’s foolishness.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you, despite her hatred of Pievre? Being an aristocrat can be such a pain for those who care.”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why couldn’t you have belonged to a less paranoid aristocratic family?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 10 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has History: Descended from Heroes and no Family: The Secret Heritage]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, and a true upholder of your family’s wonderful past glories when they were blessed by the gods. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified despite my family’s glory, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has History: Descended from Heroes and Family: The Secret Heritage and no Family: Black Sheep]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, and a true upholder of your family’s wonderful past glories when they were blessed by the gods. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified despite my family’s glory, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you? Family reputations can be such a pain for those who care.”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why couldn’t you have belonged to a less paranoid family?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC, - 50 Parental Approval for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has History: Descended from Heroes and Family: The Secret Heritage and Family: Black Sheep]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, and a true upholder of your family’s wonderful past glories when they were blessed by the gods. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified despite my family, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple that culminates in a threat to initiate legal action against you if you use their name in order to attempt to avoid paying your debts. A briefly scrawled postscript tells you, in no uncertain terms, that Zoe is not a good partner for the son whom they wished that they had, but is perhaps adequate for their son’s foolishness.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you? Family reputations can be such a pain for those who care.”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why couldn’t you have belonged to a less paranoid family?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 10 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has Station: Wealthy and none of History: Descended of Royalty or Station: Nobility or History: Descended from Heroes and no Family: The Secret Heritage]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, whom more wealthy people should emulate. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified despite my family’s wealth, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has Station: Wealthy and none of History: Descended of Royalty or Station: Nobility or History: Descended from Heroes and Family: The Secret Heritage and no Family: Black Sheep]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, whom more wealthy people should try to emulate. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified despite my family’s wealth, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you?”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why couldn’t you have belonged to a less paranoid wealthy family?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC, - 50 Parental Approval for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has Station: Wealthy and none of History: Descended of Royalty or Station: Nobility or History: Descended from Heroes and Family: The Secret Heritage and Family: Black Sheep]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, whom more rich people should emulate. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified despite my family’s wealth, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple that culminates in a threat to initiate legal action against you if you use their name in order to attempt to avoid paying your debts. A briefly scrawled postscript tells you, in no uncertain terms, that Zoe is not a good partner for the son whom they wished that they had, but is perhaps adequate for their son’s foolishness.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you?”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why couldn’t you have belonged to a less paranoid wealthy family?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 10 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has Station: Up from Destitution and Family: The Secret Heritage and Family: Black Sheep and none of History: Descended of Royalty or Station: Nobility or History: Descended from Heroes]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, whose piety and skill with money more people should emulate. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has Station: Up from Destitution and Family: The Secret Heritage and no Family: Black Sheep and none of History: Descended of Royalty or Station: Nobility or History: Descended from Heroes]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, whose piety and skill with money more people should emulate. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple that culminates in a threat to initiate legal action against you if you use their name in order to attempt to avoid paying your debts. A briefly scrawled postscript tells you, in no uncertain terms, that Zoe is not a good partner for the son whom they wished that they had, but is perhaps adequate for their son’s foolishness.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you? Do they want to betroth you to some Chard’s child?”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why couldn’t you have belonged to a less paranoid family with more wealth?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC, - 50 Parental Approval for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has Station: Up from Destitution and Family: The Secret Heritage and Family: Black Sheep and none of History: Descended of Royalty or Station: Nobility or History: Descended from Heroes]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people, whose piety and skill with money more people should emulate. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple that culminates in a threat to initiate legal action against you if you use their name in order to attempt to avoid paying your debts. A briefly scrawled postscript tells you, in no uncertain terms, that Zoe is not a good partner for the son whom they wished that they had, but is perhaps adequate for their son’s foolishness.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you? Do they want to betroth you to some Chard’s child?”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why couldn’t you have belonged to a less paranoid family with more wealth?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 10 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has Family: The Secret Heritage and Family: Black Sheep but no exceptional family stations as otherwise noted]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple that culminates in a threat to initiate legal action against you if you use their name in order to attempt to avoid paying your debts. A briefly scrawled postscript tells you, in no uncertain terms, that Zoe is not a good partner for the son whom they wished that they had, but is perhaps adequate for their son’s foolishness.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you?”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why is your family so paranoid? Do they think that I like going every night to the Roses of Coventia with you or something similar?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 10 stress for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has Family: The Secret Heritage and no Family: Black Sheep but no exceptional family stations as otherwise noted]

 

 

You smile sympathetically at Zoe, and you and she try to endure the service throughout its various stages in what is, essentially, an entering and leaving of a large building. But you have a better time enduring it than Zoe does because you have a plan. Not a subtle plan, but certainly a surprising plan. Just after the rest of the crowd, with degrees of happiness ranging from Eliana’s joy to a small child’s whine, have given over their pieces of bread to an officiating priest, you proclaim, with as loud and official a voice as you can muster, that you have a donation, to the value of one thousand pims, that you desire to make. At first, the people – excepting a shocked Eliana and a horrified Zoe – seem inclined to ignore you, but then you brandish a bank’s promissory note and call out that you have proof of what you say.

Then the priestly attendants – who seem to be unsure whether to arrest you or lead you in triumph to the altar – come down and look at the back draft more carefully, following which a cry goes for bankers. When a banker in the congregation is found, he comes forth and, with trembling hands, face, and voice, after an inspection proclaims that the promissory note is authentic – and has been marked as entitling the Temple of Iudocia in Mineta to one thousand pims from the account of [PCFullName].

This having been confirmed, a runner from the temple – despite Eliana’s eagerness to volunteer – is sent forth to the appropriate bank office with a badge indicating his authority on the Temple’s behalf and returns, at a much slower pace, carrying a sack whose thousand pims he pours into a waiting priest’s copper basin.

At this point, all who are at the temple’s service abandon their previous attitudes of hushed expectation in favor of joyful praise of you for your piety – except for Zoe, who only grimaces at you in a way that could, you suppose, be interpreted as a smile. You are brought towards the altar, where the Antisto praises you – as “[PCFullName], from the Academagia’s Morvidus College” – as a wonderful example of true virtue and piety to all students and young people. Then, smiling, he sends you away and concludes the service.

After the altar’s reconsecration’s last words have been said, you and Zoe are trying to walk home with Eliana – but her constant words are a major distraction.

“Based upon your strange grimacings, Zoe, you did not enjoy the service. And you were plainly more interested in what [PCFirstName] was doing than in the service. But can you and [PCFirstName] understand a great benefit that the gods – and Iudocia in particular – give to us?”

“If you talk about a shared sense of community or a blessing from the gods, Eliana, then I know about such things – but my illness often makes it difficult for me to gain such benefits and the gods are not seeming to care enough about me to allow give me health good enough to attend such events. Besides, [PCFirstName]’s actions revealed that money allows one to get better access to Iudocia’s clergy regardless of piety – and I lack pims. Or have you ever been publicly praised like [PCFirstName] was by Iudocia’s clergy, despite your living like a saint?”

You flinch, fearing that Eliana will be driven to anger by Zoe’s words. But Eliana, true to her gentle character, replies calmly enough.

“Iudocia has not helped me in ways that you think obvious, Zoe, but she is wiser than I am. I rejoice in [PCFirstName]’s deed because it benefits my goddess. And I will help you to understand, Zoe. So, when the three of us meet next, I will show you how the gods help sick people like you are through using money such as what [PCFirstName] donated. But now I want to meet with more appreciative people from the service.”

So, with a wave, Eliana runs off.

“Well, she is less pain-creating than Joana,” Zoe mutters. “And she means well. But [PCFirstName], we need to talk.”

Looking at Zoe’s weary eyes, you feel wary. “Are you mad, Zoe? Would you have rather that I had given the money to you rather than to a temple that does not support you in a city where you are a metic?”

“Perfect Chorian, very good reasoning about the temple, good thoughts about the money, and subpar guess about my mood,” Zoe smiles.

“Sometimes, Zoe, your efforts to incorporate rhetorical styles can be effective. But what is the truth from you?”

You and Zoe are both so overcome by laughter discussing Zoe’s efforts to incorporate rhetorical flourishes that she reads about in books into her casual conversations that Zoe leads you into the opening of a near by alley, where she and you laugh without fear of being thought insane.

Then, a flushed Zoe says, “I was so terrified when I demonstrated Elumian declensions to you by vituperating Milena that day – some people always seek praise. Am not angry yet, but can be.”

“Why not?” If Zoe sees what you did as a way at Iudocia’s temple as a way to harm Milena, then you think that she must be better suited to Hedi than she often seems.

“Because you revealed to pretty Eliana that her piety is nothing to the priests unless she spends money for blessings. She did not admit that money rather than gods guides too much religion, but at least she can no longer claim to be the most pious student in our year at the Academagia. That means a lot to me. And you know what?” Zoe looks at you with a faintly predatory grin.

“What?”

“Since you were willing to spend that much money in helping me, I will have greater hopes for you in the future. We can be having such fun together.”

“If you were Catherine Chard, I would be terrified, you know.”

“If I were Catherine Chard, I would not have been so eager to get involved in your excellent business opportunity last year. Inks, books, and an ability to use them properly, my father told me, are riches enough – but we made his words true sooner than he had thought that I could.”

So, giggling lightly, you walk with a beaming Zoe back to the Academagia.

Once at the Academagia’s gate, though, you and a cringing Zoe are confronted by a smirking Flore, who hands to you a letter and tells you that if you do not open it immediately, Regent Briardi will investigate Zoe and you for dating. When Zoe, with trembling hands, rips the letter open before you can, she and you both read a harsh condemnation of your extravagance at a temple.

“So,” Flore asks, breaking through your silence and Zoe’s gasp. “What was so important? Was somebody not thinking that a sickly Cimonian is best for you?”

“If I were to tell you, you would not believe me,” Zoe replies. Then, to you, she whispers, “Why is your family so paranoid?”

Stuttering a vague answer that avoids addressing the illegal reality, you trudge away. [+ 1 skill level Planning for the PC, - 1000 pims for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC, - 50 Parental Approval for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Zoe Melis, add memory Iudocia’s Donor, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

 

[If PC has Synchronicity > 0] Try to form a legal mind-meld with Zoe.

 

 

Success

 

 

[If PC Successfully Completed Y1’s Synchronicity adventure]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful synchronicity spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never dreamed that I would be suspected of being the girlfriend to one of King Kazus’s disciples>, Zoe’s mind says. <With time and research, we could be such. Wonderful is the work that they do – you are so brave to have undertaken training with them.>

You jerk in shock.

<You know about them!? How?>

<Gressel’s Medications is a very good apothecaries’ shop for many people – and I am both sickly and well-read in histories and languages. Since I visited them often and many rumours surrounded the proprietors, I researched their history and figured out what they do. I have no interest in their magics – not profitable, and the preliminary practises seem very hard. Still, when you were hanging around their place so long, and in connection with the Wildgrave’s daughter Gwendy Zuyder, I had to ask them about you. Thanks for remaining my…special friend rather than using your special status and your rescuing Gwendy to get close to her.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her a profound embarrassment about how many thoughts she has shared with you. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. [temporary +20% chance of success, choose other option]

 

[If PC did not Start Y1’s Synchronicity adventure]

 

 

[If PC is not student at the Schohanwicht School and cannot use the ability Study at the Cave of Crystal]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never expected that my alleged boyfriend would be able to use Synchronicity>, Zoe’s mind says.

You jerk in shock.

<What do you know about this type of magic?>

<Studying history and obscure languages can bring great benefits. But I only read about it, nothing else. Go to Gressel’s Medications if you want to learn more.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her concern that she may have shared too much information. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. After the service, you may want to investigate Gressel’s Medications. [temporary +20% chance of success, inform PC and Zoe Melis about Location Gressel’s Medications, choose other option]

 

[If PC is not student at the Schohanwicht School and can use the ability Study at the Cave of Crystal]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never expected that my alleged boyfriend would be able to use Synchronicity>, Zoe’s mind says.

You jerk in shock.

<What do you know about this type of magic?>

<Studying history and obscure languages can bring great benefits. But I only read about it, nothing else. Go to Gressel’s Medications if you want to learn more.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her concern that she may have shared too much information. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. After the service, you may want to investigate Gressel’s Medications. But your heart pounds with terror. The Cave of Crystal is a secret repository of powerful and forbidden magics, but the thought that another could be located in Gressel’s Medications is frightening to you. [temporary +20% chance of success, +1 stress for the PC, inform PC and Zoe Melis about Location Gressel’s Medications, choose other option]

 

[If PC is student at the Schohanwicht School and can use the ability Study at the Cave of Crystal]

 

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never expected that my alleged boyfriend would be able to use Synchronicity>, Zoe’s mind says.

You jerk in shock.

<What do you know about this type of magic?>

<Studying history and obscure languages can bring great benefits. But I only read about it, nothing else. Go to Gressel’s Medications if you want to learn more.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her concern that she may have shared too much information. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. After the service, you may want to investigate Gressel’s Medications. But your heart pounds with terror. The Cave of Crystal is a secret repository of powerful and forbidden magics, and you were studying another type of forbidden magic before you decided that you valued Zoe more than the stress of being a student at the Schohanwicht School, but the thought that yet another source of secretive and forbidden magic could be located in Gressel’s Medications is frightening to you. [temporary +20% chance of success, +1 stress for the PC, inform PC and Zoe Melis about Location Gressel’s Medications, choose other option]

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never expected that my alleged boyfriend would be able to use Synchronicity>, Zoe’s mind says.

You jerk in shock.

<What do you know about this type of magic?>

<Studying history and obscure languages can bring great benefits. But I only read about it, nothing else. Go to Gressel’s Medications if you want to learn more.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her concern that she may have shared too much information. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. After the service, you may want to investigate Gressel’s Medications. But your heart pounds with terror. The Cave of Crystal is a secret repository of powerful and forbidden magics, and you are so eager to study another type of forbidden magic that you decided to repair your relationship with Zoe and keep being a student at the Schohanwicht School, but the thought that yet another source of secretive and forbidden magic could be located in Gressel’s Medications is frightening to you. [temporary +20% chance of success, +1 stress for the PC, inform PC and Zoe Melis about Location Gressel’s Medications, choose other option]

 

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never expected that my alleged boyfriend would be able to use Synchronicity>, Zoe’s mind says.

You jerk in shock.

<What do you know about this type of magic?>

<Studying history and obscure languages can bring great benefits. But I only read about it, nothing else. Go to Gressel’s Medications if you want to learn more.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her concern that she may have shared too much information. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. After the service, you may want to investigate Gressel’s Medications. But your heart pounds with terror. The Cave of Crystal is a secret repository of powerful and forbidden magics, and you are so eager to study another type of forbidden magic that you have ignored Euneycia’s warnings and are very close with Zoe even as you remain a student at the Schohanwicht School, but the thought that yet another source of secretive and forbidden magic could be located in Gressel’s Medications is frightening to you. But you feel a faint glimmer of hope. Zoe’s tolerance for secretive magics may allow her to tolerate your studying mastery and gates magic. [temporary +20% chance of success, inform PC and Zoe Melis about Location Gressel’s Medications, choose other option]

 

 

[If PC is student at the Schohanwicht School and cannot use the ability Study at the Cave of Crystal]

 

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never expected that my alleged boyfriend would be able to use Synchronicity>, Zoe’s mind says.

You jerk in shock.

<What do you know about this type of magic?>

<Studying history and obscure languages can bring great benefits. But I only read about it, nothing else. Go to Gressel’s Medications if you want to learn more.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her concern that she may have shared too much information. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. After the service, you may want to investigate Gressel’s Medications. But your heart pounds with terror. You were studying another type of forbidden magic before you decided that you valued Zoe more than the stress of being a student at the Schohanwicht School, but the thought that another source of secretive and forbidden magic could be located in Gressel’s Medications is frightening to you. [temporary +20% chance of success, +1 stress for the PC, inform PC and Zoe Melis about Location Gressel’s Medications, choose other option]

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never expected that my alleged boyfriend would be able to use Synchronicity>, Zoe’s mind says.

You jerk in shock.

<What do you know about this type of magic?>

<Studying history and obscure languages can bring great benefits. But I only read about it, nothing else. Go to Gressel’s Medications if you want to learn more.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her concern that she may have shared too much information. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. After the service, you may want to investigate Gressel’s Medications. But your heart pounds with terror. You are so eager to study another type of forbidden magic that you decided to repair your relationship with Zoe and keep being a student at the Schohanwicht School, but the thought that another source of secretive and forbidden magic could be located in Gressel’s Medications is frightening to you. [temporary +20% chance of success, +1 stress for the PC, inform PC and Zoe Melis about Location Gressel’s Medications, choose other option]

 

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never expected that my alleged boyfriend would be able to use Synchronicity>, Zoe’s mind says.

You jerk in shock.

<What do you know about this type of magic?>

<Studying history and obscure languages can bring great benefits. But I only read about it, nothing else. Go to Gressel’s Medications if you want to learn more.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her concern that she may have shared too much information. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. After the service, you may want to investigate Gressel’s Medications. But your heart pounds with terror. You are so eager to study another type of forbidden magic that you have ignored Euneycia’s warnings and are very close with Zoe even as you remain a student at the Schohanwicht School, but the thought that another source of secretive and forbidden magic could be located in Gressel’s Medications is frightening to you. But you feel a faint glimmer of hope. Zoe’s tolerance for secretive magics may allow her to tolerate your studying gates magic. [temporary +20% chance of success, inform PC and Zoe Melis about Location Gressel’s Medications, choose other option]

 

 

 

[If PC Started but did not Complete Y1’s Synchronicity adventure]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful synchronicity spell that you know. As the spell takes effect, you notice three thinks. First, your mind becomes calmer. Second, the service becomes less distracting to you, even as a source of boredom. And third, you feel that you are able to understand Zoe’s surface thoughts.

She has boredom, but also fear. Not fear due to her thoughts being eavesdropped upon by you – although you understand that she knows that you are reading her surface thoughts – but due to deeper things that you suspect that legal magics cannot reach. Besides, you respect her privacy enough to not pry.

<I never dreamed that I would be suspected of being the girlfriend to someone whom King Kazus’s lineage refused to train.>, Zoe’s mind says. <But you are apparently taking the same approach to synchronicity as I am with languages - autodidactism.>

You jerk in shock.

<You know about them!? How?>

<Gressel’s Medications is a very good apothecaries’ shop for many people – and I am both sickly and well-read in histories and languages. Since I visited them often and many rumours surrounded the proprietors, I researched their history and figured out what they do. I have no interest in their magics – not profitable, and the preliminary practises seem very hard, as you doubtlessly know. Still, when you were hanging around their place so long, I had to ask them about you due to…certain worries about you that I had.>

Zoe’s thoughts freeze, and you sense from her a great fear about how many thoughts she has shared with you. So, you send waves of calming emotions to Zoe and end the spell.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you at least feel calmer as you decide how you will act. [temporary +20% chance of success, choose other option]

 

 

Failure

 

 

[If PC Successfully Completed Y1’s Synchronicity adventure]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful synchronicity spell that you know. But the spell does not work. You realize that you must have miscast the phemes. You are about to re-write the phemes when Eliana and Zoe both reach out and still your want.

You suppose that casting spells at the service is not appropriate and may cause panic. Besides, you could not appeal to your skill with magic in order to calm such panic given that you were unable to cast the spell properly.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you wish, as you consider what else you can do, that you had studied with Leane, Lotus, and Nhordum more. [+ 1 stress, choose other option]

 

[If PC did not Start Y1’s Synchronicity adventure]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful spell that you know. But the spell does not work. You realize that you must have miscast the phemes. You are about to re-write the phemes when Eliana and Zoe both reach out and still your want.

You suppose that casting spells at the service is not appropriate and may cause panic. Besides, you could not appeal to your skill with magic in order to calm such panic given that you were unable to cast the spell properly.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you wish, as you consider what else you can do, that you had a qualified teacher who could instruct you in the rare form of magic that you discovered. [+ 1 stress, choose other option]

 

[If PC Started but did not Complete Y1’s Synchronicity adventure]

 

 

With mild trepidation, you draw your wand and trace the phemes for a useful synchronicity spell that you know. But the spell does not work. You realize that you must have miscast the phemes. You are about to re-write the phemes when Eliana and Zoe both reach out and still your want.

You suppose that casting spells at the service is not appropriate and may cause panic. Besides, you could not appeal to your skill with magic in order to calm such panic given that you were unable to cast the spell properly.

You still have the rest of the service to deal with, but you wish, as you consider what else you can do, that Nhordum and his family had agreed to teach you. [+ 1 stress, choose other option]

 

 

 

Lipreading. Try to talk silently to Zoe.

 

 

Success

 

 

[If PC is not from Mineta and did not go through the Y1 adventure Just Going About Your Business]

 

 

With great care, you tap Zoe’s shoulder and, turning your face in order to meet her gaze once she turns her head towards you, mouth words that are to you unfamiliar, but to her are common. “Ignava non es, et non otiosus sum. Duena puella, foied volo dicere tecum.”

Zoe, smiling in surprise, mouths back. “Fe? I mean, here?”

When you nod your head, Zoe begins to tell you – entirely through the movement of her lips - about things that interest her.

They are not necessarily matters that you can contribute much to in the way of response, but they are interesting topics that you cannot easily hear much about in other parts of the Academagia.

Zoe has little good to say about Cimone, except that she could be from Cassetta, which has a worse reputation in Mineta – although not as bad as Malkstrang’s. A man in Cimone got in trouble over the summer for protesting against the increase in rent prices. Zoe suggests that the Cimonian government, in addition to its other defects, is dishonest, and should rename itself a zenatuo (“or senatus, as Minetan scholars call it”).

Then, as if worried that she has said something that someone would condemn her for, Zoe switches rather abruptly to lighter fare – well, lighter for her that, is.

She has been trying to see whether the Society of the West or a Coster might be interested in hiring her for part-time translation and research, given her knowledge of obscure languages and skill at researching, but the only people who have been interested in her despite her sickliness, youth, and student’s schedule are some merchants who, inquiring in Bassan, Elumian, and Renaglian even while keeping records and conversing amongst themselves in none of those languages, are eager to learn whether Mineta produces fire-proof cloth.

Zoe fears that her social options are rather limited, even if she were healthier, because certain Aranaz student groups that interest her may, she believes, be unwelcoming to her due to her feud with Milena di Montors.

Despite Zoe’s conversational choices’ being a mixture of obscure, self-centred, and self-pitying, they are, you admit, genuinely fascinating. You had never even considered the possibility that Zoe’s feud with Milena could cause Aranaz’s other students to band against her despite Hedi College’s non-rivalry with any other college, and you praise Zoe for her interest in Cimonian affairs.

“I know that people think that I’m poorly suited for Hedi, but I’m better for it than Cossins or Durand are for Durand College – even though I don’t breathe mysterious allure like some students whom I know.”

“If you were like such students, Zoe, then your life would be even more stressful – dealing with mysterious admirers and maintaining poise would be exhausting, I think.”

Throughout the entire conversation, you and Zoe have been moving when appropriate along with the rest of the congregation, with non-one bothering you or Zoe except to take the bread offerings.

But your conversation with Zoe is interrupted when Eliana taps you upon the back and says, “we should go now. The service is over. But I am thrilled that you and Zoe were so quiet. Dare I hope that you, Zoe, were seized by bliss from the gods?”

Zoe sighs, but falls into pace with you and Eliana on the stroll back to the Academagia.

“I am amazed, Eliana, that you did not understand my silent concentration throughout the service as Iudocia’s blessing.”

“Being interested in something should not mean lacking intelligence – despite Cante Caviti’s foolishness. I know that you were with your not-boyfriend, Zoe, who was similarly focussed – while looking at you. So, divine blessings were not my first explanation.”

“I am glad that you were able to apply some of Sido’s more trivial lessons, Eliana.”

Eliana ignores Zoe’s attempted sarcasm and replies, in full cheerfulness, “And I can teach you a lesson also, Zoe. Wasn’t seeking divine blessings a better thing than a life with no divine blessings?”

Zoe frowns, and then says, “Not particularly. Magic works more reliably – to say nothing of human ingenuity. Time that you spent seeking blessings from gods who might not respond to your prayers I spent talking to [PCFirstName] here making practical plans for how to deal with my issues.”

At this, you feel encouraged to say, in support for Zoe, “And even if all of Zoe’s plans are failures, she benefitted both of us by talking about them. She has interesting ideas, despite her isolation and loneliness.”

Eliana seems rather flustered to hear your words, but she gives a weary smile and says, “Zoe, I fully understand your thoughts – we are all students at a school for mages after all – but this is not a surprise according to the book that I studied. So, our next meeting will address your thoughts.”

“How?” Zoe looks genuinely curious. “Will Iudocia bless me in a special rite or something?”

“If I were to spoil the surprise, then you might not want it,” Eliana says. Then, she rushes off, leaving you and Zoe to make the rest of the journey at a pace better for Zoe.

“Honestly, if Eliana were not with her reputation, I would be worried that she will harm me at our next meeting, like a more subtle Joana,” Zoe says after some walking. Then, looking at you with misty eyes, she says, “Maybe I should pretend to believe that – and seek you to protect me!”

“If you were like that, Zoe, then you would be dishonest and playing a role.”

“And that is why you are my dear friend rather than Isabeau’s or Sima’s,” Zoe smirks. “Being open about what one is has its benefits.”

“Not always,” you whisper – and then you and Zoe look at each other with a mixture of amusement and terror before Zoe breaks into wheezing laughter.

“[PCFirstName], maybe you were belonging in Hedi College with me after all. I was in Hedi, and I succeeded well enough – even without your help in other matters.”

“Well, friendship is our treasure, Zoe,” you say, as you walk with her into the Academagia.

Zoe, who had been about to wave farewell to you in order to go to Hedi College, stops and says, in a voice that you think to be strangely serious, “Would that be a treasure that you cannot share with me?”

“What?” Sometimes, you think, Zoe can be as mysterious as her fellow Hedi students.

Zoe winces, but then says in a soft but clear voice, “Well, you are a Morvidus student, and I am a Hedi student, and Morvidus is all about friendship being the treasure. So, are you only capable of sharing a…special friendship with someone from Morvidus rather than with me?”

“Oh!” You realize the vagueness in your words, and hasten to correct Zoe’s interpretation. “No, Zoe. The treasure is between you and me – not any one else. You are better than any Morvidus student for me.”

“Especially that creepy ophidiophile whom you must share a college with,” Zoe shudders in disgust. Then she says, in a calmer voice, “So you were meaning to say, ‘Kayamanan ang pagkakaibigan natin’, not ‘Kayamanan ang pagkakaibigan namin’, right?”

For a few seconds after hearing Zoe say the unfamiliar words, you are not sure how what she said the second time differs from the first string of syllables. But then you recall that the second sentence ended with namin, rather than natin. Which, in fairness, still means nothing to you.

“Zoe, I know that you like to study obscure languages, and because we are friends and Milena is not near, I assume that you did not say something that could get you in detention if she were to hear it, but what did you say?”

“I said something that cannot be conveyed easily in any language here,” Zoe says.

“Then what use is such a statement?” you ask.

“Well, in Mata ng Daigdig, such sentiments are common enough. They distinguish, in their languages, between first person plural pronouns that include and exclude the person whom a speaker is talking to. In a language from that island, I said, ‘Friendship is our treasure’.”

You laugh. “Mata ng Daigdig? What brought you into learning about such a place that even the Oursukis have not ruled?”

Zoe smiles at you. “People there are going interesting places – literally and figuratively. Jewel-loving dragon-worshippers they may be, but they seem to be getting rich – and I want a part of their wealth! They bring silks and bird feathers and porcelain and spices from beyond Saisyne, and the archon – I mean ruler – whom they title Datu ng Taga-Isang Bundok has been uniting the island and encouraging its captains to trade with the fringes of the Empire of Man. So, I have been studying their language. Taga-Isang Bundok has no verb ‘to be’, which is interesting and a relief for me. Some of their sailors have reached Mineta, and their captains will follow.”

“At which point you hope to be a diplomat at some level, right?” You know that Zoe, due to lacking certain connections and skill, has been worrying that she would be unable to do well in the diplomatic portion of Hedi’s curriculum. But you are amazed at how clever Zoe has been in integrating her college, her interests, and her needs into a coherent plan for success.

“Correct, and you reveal that despite what some of my college-mates say, Morvidus is more than a bunch of creeps who love animals and hate humans too much.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure that they aren’t right. Between Eliana and Joana, hatred of human civilization is certainly represented in many ways.”

Zoe’s appreciative giggling is music to your ears while you lead her to the outside of Hedi College. There, she says to you, “Thanks for making the outing better than your fellow Morvidus student Eliana, [PCFirstName]. I wonder what she has planned for us to do next, but must get to work again.”

With these words – that when said about anyone except for Eliana Carosi would seem very ominous – swirling through your mind, you go on your way. [+1 skill level Intrigue for the PC, + 1 skill level Politics for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step Lipreading for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step Worldliness for the PC, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC is from Mineta and did the Y1 adventure Just Going About Your Business]

 

 

With great care, you tap Zoe’s shoulder and, turning your face in order to meet her gaze once she turns her head towards you, mouth words that are to you unfamiliar, but to her are common. “Ignava non es, et non otiosus sum. Duena puella, foied volo dicere tecum.”

Zoe, smiling in surprise, mouths back. “Fe? I mean, here?”

When you nod your head, Zoe begins to tell you – entirely through the movement of her lips - about things that interest her.

They are not necessarily matters that you can contribute much to in the way of response, but they are interesting topics that you cannot easily hear much about in other parts of the Academagia.

Zoe has little good to say about Cimone, except that she could be from Cassetta, which has a worse reputation in Mineta (at this you flinch at your thought that the strange silent bounty hunter’s crew had had cassettaed you) – although not as bad as Malkstrang’s. A man in Cimone got in trouble over the summer for protesting against the increase in rent prices. Zoe suggests that the Cimonian government, in addition to its other defects, is dishonest, and should rename itself a zenatuo (“or senatus, as your Minetan scholars call it”).

Then, as if worried that she has said something that someone would condemn her for, Zoe switches rather abruptly to lighter fare – well, lighter for her that, is.

She has been trying to see whether the Society of the West or a Coster might be interested in hiring her for part-time translation and research, given her knowledge of obscure languages and skill at researching, but the only people who have been interested in her despite her sickliness, youth, and student’s schedule are some merchants who, inquiring in Bassan, Elumian, and Renaglian even while keeping records and conversing amongst themselves in none of those languages, are eager to learn whether Mineta produces fire-proof cloth.

Zoe fears that her social options are rather limited, even if she were healthier, because certain Aranaz student groups that interest her may, she believes, be unwelcoming to her due to her feud with Milena di Montors.

Despite Zoe’s conversational choices’ being a mixture of obscure, self-centred, and self-pitying, they are, you admit, genuinely fascinating. You had never even considered the possibility that Zoe’s feud with Milena could cause Aranaz’s other students to band against her despite Hedi College’s non-rivalry with any other college, and you praise Zoe for her interest in Cimonian affairs.

“I know that people think that I’m poorly suited for Hedi, but I’m better for it than Cossins or Durand are for Durand College – even though I don’t breathe mysterious allure like some students whom I know.”

“If you were like such students, Zoe, then your life would be even more stressful – dealing with mysterious admirers and maintaining poise would be exhausting, I think.”

Throughout the entire conversation, you and Zoe have been moving when appropriate along with the rest of the congregation, with non-one bothering you or Zoe except to take the bread offerings.

But your conversation with Zoe is interrupted when Eliana taps you upon the back and says, “we should go now. The service is over. But I am thrilled that you and Zoe were so quiet. Dare I hope that you, Zoe, were seized by bliss from the gods?”

Zoe sighs, but falls into pace with you and Eliana on the stroll back to the Academagia.

“I am amazed, Eliana, that you did not understand my silent concentration throughout the service as Iudocia’s blessing.”

“Being interested in something should not mean lacking intelligence – despite Cante Caviti’s foolishness. I know that you were with your not-boyfriend, Zoe, who was similarly focussed – while looking at you. So, divine blessings were not my first explanation.”

“I am glad that you were able to apply some of Sido’s more trivial lessons, Eliana.”

Eliana ignores Zoe’s attempted sarcasm and replies, in full cheerfulness, “And I can teach you a lesson also, Zoe. Wasn’t seeking divine blessings a better thing than a life with no divine blessings?”

Zoe frowns, and then says, “Not particularly. Magic works more reliably – to say nothing of human ingenuity. Time that you spent seeking blessings from gods who might not respond to your prayers I spent talking to [PCFirstName] here making practical plans for how to deal with my issues.”

At this, you feel encouraged to say, in support for Zoe, “And even if all of Zoe’s plans are failures, she benefitted both of us by talking about them. She has interesting ideas, despite her isolation and loneliness.”

Eliana seems rather flustered to hear your words, but she gives a weary smile and says, “Zoe, I fully understand your thoughts – we are all students at a school for mages after all – but this is not a surprise according to the book that I studied. So, our next meeting will address your thoughts.”

“How?” Zoe looks genuinely curious. “Will Iudocia bless me in a special rite or something?”

“If I were to spoil the surprise, then you might not want it,” Eliana says. Then, she rushes off, leaving you and Zoe to make the rest of the journey at a pace better for Zoe.

“Honestly, if Eliana were not with her reputation, I would be worried that she will harm me at our next meeting, like a more subtle Joana,” Zoe says after some walking. Then, looking at you with misty eyes, she says, “Maybe I should pretend to believe that – and seek you to protect me!”

“If you were like that, Zoe, then you would be dishonest and playing a role.”

“And that is why you are my dear friend rather than Isabeau’s or Sima’s,” Zoe smirks. “Being open about what one is has its benefits.”

“Not always,” you whisper – and then you and Zoe look at each other with a mixture of amusement and terror before Zoe breaks into wheezing laughter.

“[PCFirstName], maybe you were belonging in Hedi College with me after all. I was in Hedi, and I succeeded well enough – even without your help in other matters.”

“Well, friendship is our treasure, Zoe,” you say, as you walk with her into the Academagia.

Zoe, who had been about to wave farewell to you in order to go to Hedi College, stops and says, in a voice that you think to be strangely serious, “Would that be a treasure that you cannot share with me?”

“What?” Sometimes, you think, Zoe can be as mysterious as her fellow Hedi students.

Zoe winces, but then says in a soft but clear voice, “Well, you are a Morvidus student, and I am a Hedi student, and Morvidus is all about friendship being the treasure. So, are you only capable of sharing a…special friendship with someone from Morvidus rather than with me?”

“Oh!” You realize the vagueness in your words, and hasten to correct Zoe’s interpretation. “No, Zoe. The treasure is between you and me – not any one else. You are better than any Morvidus student for me.”

“Especially that creepy ophidiophile whom you must share a college with,” Zoe shudders in disgust. Then she says, in a calmer voice, “So you were meaning to say, ‘Kayamanan ang pagkakaibigan natin’, not ‘Kayamanan ang pagkakaibigan namin’, right?”

For a few seconds after hearing Zoe say the unfamiliar words, you are not sure how what she said the second time differs from the first string of syllables. But then you recall that the second sentence ended with namin, rather than natin. Which, in fairness, still means nothing to you.

“Zoe, I know that you like to study obscure languages, and because we are friends and Milena is not near, I assume that you did not say something that could get you in detention if she were to hear it, but what did you say?”

“I said something that cannot be conveyed easily in any language here,” Zoe says.

“Then what use is such a statement?” you ask.

“Well, in Mata ng Daigdig, such sentiments are common enough. They distinguish, in their languages, between first person plural pronouns that include and exclude the person whom a speaker is talking to. In a language from that island, I said, ‘Friendship is our treasure’.”

You laugh. “Mata ng Daigdig? What brought you into learning about such a place that even the Oursukis have not ruled?”

Zoe smiles at you. “People there are going interesting places – literally and figuratively. Jewel-loving dragon-worshippers they may be, but they seem to be getting rich – and I want a part of their wealth! They bring silks and bird feathers and porcelain and spices from beyond Saisyne, and the archon – I mean ruler – whom they title Datu ng Taga-Isang Bundok has been uniting the island and encouraging its captains to trade with the fringes of the Empire of Man. So, I have been studying their language. Taga-Isang Bundok has no verb ‘to be’, which is interesting and a relief for me. Some of their sailors have reached Mineta, and their captains will follow.”

“At which point you hope to be a diplomat at some level, right?” You know that Zoe, due to lacking certain connections and skill, has been worrying that she would be unable to do well in the diplomatic portion of Hedi’s curriculum. But you are amazed at how clever Zoe has been in integrating her college, her interests, and her needs into a coherent plan for success.

“Correct, and you reveal that despite what some of my college-mates say, Morvidus is more than a bunch of creeps who love animals and hate humans too much.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure that they aren’t right. Between Eliana and Joana, hatred of human civilization is certainly represented in many ways.”

Zoe’s appreciative giggling is music to your ears while you lead her to the outside of Hedi College. There, she says to you, “Thanks for making the outing better than your fellow Morvidus student Eliana, [PCFirstName]. I wonder what she has planned for us to do next, but must get to work again.”

With these words – that when said about anyone except for Eliana Carosi would seem very ominous – swirling through your mind, you go on your way. [+1 skill level Intrigue for the PC, + 1 skill level Politics for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step Lipreading for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step Worldliness for the PC, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC is not from Mineta and did the Y1 adventure Just Going About Your Business]

 

 

With great care, you tap Zoe’s shoulder and, turning your face in order to meet her gaze once she turns her head towards you, mouth words that are to you unfamiliar, but to her are common. “Ignava non es, et non otiosus sum. Duena puella, foied volo dicere tecum.”

Zoe, smiling in surprise, mouths back. “Fe? I mean, here?”

When you nod your head, Zoe begins to tell you – entirely through the movement of her lips - about things that interest her.

They are not necessarily matters that you can contribute much to in the way of response, but they are interesting topics that you cannot easily hear much about in other parts of the Academagia.

Zoe has little good to say about Cimone, except that she could be from Cassetta, which has a worse reputation in Mineta (at this you flinch at your thought that the strange silent bounty hunter’s crew had had cassettaed you – and you are not even from Mineta) – although not as bad as Malkstrang’s. A man in Cimone got in trouble over the summer for protesting against the increase in rent prices. Zoe suggests that the Cimonian government, in addition to its other defects, is dishonest, and should rename itself a zenatuo (“or senatus, as your Minetan scholars call it”).

Then, as if worried that she has said something that someone would condemn her for, Zoe switches rather abruptly to lighter fare – well, lighter for her that, is.

She has been trying to see whether the Society of the West or a Coster might be interested in hiring her for part-time translation and research, given her knowledge of obscure languages and skill at researching, but the only people who have been interested in her despite her sickliness, youth, and student’s schedule are some merchants who, inquiring in Bassan, Elumian, and Renaglian even while keeping records and conversing amongst themselves in none of those languages, are eager to learn whether Mineta produces fire-proof cloth.

Zoe fears that her social options are rather limited, even if she were healthier, because certain Aranaz student groups that interest her may, she believes, be unwelcoming to her due to her feud with Milena di Montors.

Despite Zoe’s conversational choices’ being a mixture of obscure, self-centred, and self-pitying, they are, you admit, genuinely fascinating. You had never even considered the possibility that Zoe’s feud with Milena could cause Aranaz’s other students to band against her despite Hedi College’s non-rivalry with any other college, and you praise Zoe for her interest in Cimonian affairs.

“I know that people think that I’m poorly suited for Hedi, but I’m better for it than Cossins or Durand are for Durand College – even though I don’t breathe mysterious allure like some students whom I know.”

“If you were like such students, Zoe, then your life would be even more stressful – dealing with mysterious admirers and maintaining poise would be exhausting, I think.”

Throughout the entire conversation, you and Zoe have been moving when appropriate along with the rest of the congregation, with non-one bothering you or Zoe except to take the bread offerings.

But your conversation with Zoe is interrupted when Eliana taps you upon the back and says, “we should go now. The service is over. But I am thrilled that you and Zoe were so quiet. Dare I hope that you, Zoe, were seized by bliss from the gods?”

Zoe sighs, but falls into pace with you and Eliana on the stroll back to the Academagia.

“I am amazed, Eliana, that you did not understand my silent concentration throughout the service as Iudocia’s blessing.”

“Being interested in something should not mean lacking intelligence – despite Cante Caviti’s foolishness. I know that you were with your not-boyfriend, Zoe, who was similarly focussed – while looking at you. So, divine blessings were not my first explanation.”

“I am glad that you were able to apply some of Sido’s more trivial lessons, Eliana.”

Eliana ignores Zoe’s attempted sarcasm and replies, in full cheerfulness, “And I can teach you a lesson also, Zoe. Wasn’t seeking divine blessings a better thing than a life with no divine blessings?”

Zoe frowns, and then says, “Not particularly. Magic works more reliably – to say nothing of human ingenuity. Time that you spent seeking blessings from gods who might not respond to your prayers I spent talking to [PCFirstName] here making practical plans for how to deal with my issues.”

At this, you feel encouraged to say, in support for Zoe, “And even if all of Zoe’s plans are failures, she benefitted both of us by talking about them. She has interesting ideas, despite her isolation and loneliness.”

Eliana seems rather flustered to hear your words, but she gives a weary smile and says, “Zoe, I fully understand your thoughts – we are all students at a school for mages after all – but this is not a surprise according to the book that I studied. So, our next meeting will address your thoughts.”

“How?” Zoe looks genuinely curious. “Will Iudocia bless me in a special rite or something?”

“If I were to spoil the surprise, then you might not want it,” Eliana says. Then, she rushes off, leaving you and Zoe to make the rest of the journey at a pace better for Zoe.

“Honestly, if Eliana were not with her reputation, I would be worried that she will harm me at our next meeting, like a more subtle Joana,” Zoe says after some walking. Then, looking at you with misty eyes, she says, “Maybe I should pretend to believe that – and seek you to protect me!”

“If you were like that, Zoe, then you would be dishonest and playing a role.”

“And that is why you are my dear friend rather than Isabeau’s or Sima’s,” Zoe smirks. “Being open about what one is has its benefits.”

“Not always,” you whisper – and then you and Zoe look at each other with a mixture of amusement and terror before Zoe breaks into wheezing laughter.

“[PCFirstName], maybe you were belonging in Hedi College with me after all. I was in Hedi, and I succeeded well enough – even without your help in other matters.”

“Well, friendship is our treasure, Zoe,” you say, as you walk with her into the Academagia.

Zoe, who had been about to wave farewell to you in order to go to Hedi College, stops and says, in a voice that you think to be strangely serious, “Would that be a treasure that you cannot share with me?”

“What?” Sometimes, you think, Zoe can be as mysterious as her fellow Hedi students.

Zoe winces, but then says in a soft but clear voice, “Well, you are a Morvidus student, and I am a Hedi student, and Morvidus is all about friendship being the treasure. So, are you only capable of sharing a…special friendship with someone from Morvidus rather than with me?”

“Oh!” You realize the vagueness in your words, and hasten to correct Zoe’s interpretation. “No, Zoe. The treasure is between you and me – not any one else. You are better than any Morvidus student for me.”

“Especially that creepy ophidiophile whom you must share a college with,” Zoe shudders in disgust. Then she says, in a calmer voice, “So you were meaning to say, ‘Kayamanan ang pagkakaibigan natin’, not ‘Kayamanan ang pagkakaibigan namin’, right?”

For a few seconds after hearing Zoe say the unfamiliar words, you are not sure how what she said the second time differs from the first string of syllables. But then you recall that the second sentence ended with namin, rather than natin. Which, in fairness, still means nothing to you.

“Zoe, I know that you like to study obscure languages, and because we are friends and Milena is not near, I assume that you did not say something that could get you in detention if she were to hear it, but what did you say?”

“I said something that cannot be conveyed easily in any language here,” Zoe says.

“Then what use is such a statement?” you ask.

“Well, in Mata ng Daigdig, such sentiments are common enough. They distinguish, in their languages, between first person plural pronouns that include and exclude the person whom a speaker is talking to. In a language from that island, I said, ‘Friendship is our treasure’.”

You laugh. “Mata ng Daigdig? What brought you into learning about such a place that even the Oursukis have not ruled?”

Zoe smiles at you. “People there are going interesting places – literally and figuratively. Jewel-loving dragon-worshippers they may be, but they seem to be getting rich – and I want a part of their wealth! They bring silks and bird feathers and porcelain and spices from beyond Saisyne, and the archon – I mean ruler – whom they title Datu ng Taga-Isang Bundok has been uniting the island and encouraging its captains to trade with the fringes of the Empire of Man. So, I have been studying their language. Taga-Isang Bundok has no verb ‘to be’, which is interesting and a relief for me. Some of their sailors have reached Mineta, and their captains will follow.”

“At which point you hope to be a diplomat at some level, right?” You know that Zoe, due to lacking certain connections and skill, has been worrying that she would be unable to do well in the diplomatic portion of Hedi’s curriculum. But you are amazed at how clever Zoe has been in integrating her college, her interests, and her needs into a coherent plan for success.

“Correct, and you reveal that despite what some of my college-mates say, Morvidus is more than a bunch of creeps who love animals and hate humans too much.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure that they aren’t right. Between Eliana and Joana, hatred of human civilization is certainly represented in many ways.”

Zoe’s appreciative giggling is music to your ears while you lead her to the outside of Hedi College. There, she says to you, “Thanks for making the outing better than your fellow Morvidus student Eliana, [PCFirstName]. I wonder what she has planned for us to do next, but must get to work again.”

With these words – that when said about anyone except for Eliana Carosi would seem very ominous – swirling through your mind, you go on your way. [+1 skill level Intrigue for the PC, + 1 skill level Politics for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step Lipreading for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step Worldliness for the PC, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC is from Mineta and did not go through the Y1 adventure Just Going About Your Business]

 

 

With great care, you tap Zoe’s shoulder and, turning your face in order to meet her gaze once she turns her head towards you, mouth words that are to you unfamiliar, but to her are common. “Ignava non es, et non otiosus sum. Duena puella, foied volo dicere tecum.”

Zoe, smiling in surprise, mouths back. “Fe? I mean, here?”

When you nod your head, Zoe begins to tell you – entirely through the movement of her lips - about things that interest her.

They are not necessarily matters that you can contribute much to in the way of response, but they are interesting topics that you cannot easily hear much about in other parts of the Academagia.

Zoe has little good to say about Cimone, except that she could be from Cassetta, which has a worse reputation in Mineta – although not as bad as Malkstrang’s. A man in Cimone got in trouble over the summer for protesting against the increase in rent prices. Zoe suggests that the Cimonian government, in addition to its other defects, is dishonest, and should rename itself a zenatuo (“or senatus, as your Minetan scholars call it”).

Then, as if worried that she has said something that someone would condemn her for, Zoe switches rather abruptly to lighter fare – well, lighter for her that, is.

She has been trying to see whether the Society of the West or a Coster might be interested in hiring her for part-time translation and research, given her knowledge of obscure languages and skill at researching, but the only people who have been interested in her despite her sickliness, youth, and student’s schedule are some merchants who, inquiring in Bassan, Elumian, and Renaglian even while keeping records and conversing amongst themselves in none of those languages, are eager to learn whether Mineta produces fire-proof cloth.

Zoe fears that her social options are rather limited, even if she were healthier, because certain Aranaz student groups that interest her may, she believes, be unwelcoming to her due to her feud with Milena di Montors.

Despite Zoe’s conversational choices’ being a mixture of obscure, self-centred, and self-pitying, they are, you admit, genuinely fascinating. You had never even considered the possibility that Zoe’s feud with Milena could cause Aranaz’s other students to band against her despite Hedi College’s non-rivalry with any other college, and you praise Zoe for her interest in Cimonian affairs.

“I know that people think that I’m poorly suited for Hedi, but I’m better for it than Cossins or Durand are for Durand College – even though I don’t breathe mysterious allure like some students whom I know.”

“If you were like such students, Zoe, then your life would be even more stressful – dealing with mysterious admirers and maintaining poise would be exhausting, I think.”

Throughout the entire conversation, you and Zoe have been moving when appropriate along with the rest of the congregation, with non-one bothering you or Zoe except to take the bread offerings.

But your conversation with Zoe is interrupted when Eliana taps you upon the back and says, “we should go now. The service is over. But I am thrilled that you and Zoe were so quiet. Dare I hope that you, Zoe, were seized by bliss from the gods?”

Zoe sighs, but falls into pace with you and Eliana on the stroll back to the Academagia.

“I am amazed, Eliana, that you did not understand my silent concentration throughout the service as Iudocia’s blessing.”

“Being interested in something should not mean lacking intelligence – despite Cante Caviti’s foolishness. I know that you were with your not-boyfriend, Zoe, who was similarly focussed – while looking at you. So, divine blessings were not my first explanation.”

“I am glad that you were able to apply some of Sido’s more trivial lessons, Eliana.”

Eliana ignores Zoe’s attempted sarcasm and replies, in full cheerfulness, “And I can teach you a lesson also, Zoe. Wasn’t seeking divine blessings a better thing than a life with no divine blessings?”

Zoe frowns, and then says, “Not particularly. Magic works more reliably – to say nothing of human ingenuity. Time that you spent seeking blessings from gods who might not respond to your prayers I spent talking to [PCFirstName] here making practical plans for how to deal with my issues.”

At this, you feel encouraged to say, in support for Zoe, “And even if all of Zoe’s plans are failures, she benefitted both of us by talking about them. She has interesting ideas, despite her isolation and loneliness.”

Eliana seems rather flustered to hear your words, but she gives a weary smile and says, “Zoe, I fully understand your thoughts – we are all students at a school for mages after all – but this is not a surprise according to the book that I studied. So, our next meeting will address your thoughts.”

“How?” Zoe looks genuinely curious. “Will Iudocia bless me in a special rite or something?”

“If I were to spoil the surprise, then you might not want it,” Eliana says. Then, she rushes off, leaving you and Zoe to make the rest of the journey at a pace better for Zoe.

“Honestly, if Eliana were not with her reputation, I would be worried that she will harm me at our next meeting, like a more subtle Joana,” Zoe says after some walking. Then, looking at you with misty eyes, she says, “Maybe I should pretend to believe that – and seek you to protect me!”

“If you were like that, Zoe, then you would be dishonest and playing a role.”

“And that is why you are my dear friend rather than Isabeau’s or Sima’s,” Zoe smirks. “Being open about what one is has its benefits.”

“Not always,” you whisper – and then you and Zoe look at each other with a mixture of amusement and terror before Zoe breaks into wheezing laughter.

“[PCFirstName], maybe you were belonging in Hedi College with me after all. I was in Hedi, and I succeeded well enough – even without your help in other matters.”

“Well, friendship is our treasure, Zoe,” you say, as you walk with her into the Academagia.

Zoe, who had been about to wave farewell to you in order to go to Hedi College, stops and says, in a voice that you think to be strangely serious, “Would that be a treasure that you cannot share with me?”

“What?” Sometimes, you think, Zoe can be as mysterious as her fellow Hedi students.

Zoe winces, but then says in a soft but clear voice, “Well, you are a Morvidus student, and I am a Hedi student, and Morvidus is all about friendship being the treasure. So, are you only capable of sharing a…special friendship with someone from Morvidus rather than with me?”

“Oh!” You realize the vagueness in your words, and hasten to correct Zoe’s interpretation. “No, Zoe. The treasure is between you and me – not any one else. You are better than any Morvidus student for me.”

“Especially that creepy ophidiophile whom you must share a college with,” Zoe shudders in disgust. Then she says, in a calmer voice, “So you were meaning to say, ‘Kayamanan ang pagkakaibigan natin’, not ‘Kayamanan ang pagkakaibigan namin’, right?”

For a few seconds after hearing Zoe say the unfamiliar words, you are not sure how what she said the second time differs from the first string of syllables. But then you recall that the second sentence ended with namin, rather than natin. Which, in fairness, still means nothing to you.

“Zoe, I know that you like to study obscure languages, and because we are friends and Milena is not near, I assume that you did not say something that could get you in detention if she were to hear it, but what did you say?”

“I said something that cannot be conveyed easily in any language here,” Zoe says.

“Then what use is such a statement?” you ask.

“Well, in Mata ng Daigdig, such sentiments are common enough. They distinguish, in their languages, between first person plural pronouns that include and exclude the person whom a speaker is talking to. In a language from that island, I said, ‘Friendship is our treasure’.”

You laugh. “Mata ng Daigdig? What brought you into learning about such a place that even the Oursukis have not ruled?”

Zoe smiles at you. “People there are going interesting places – literally and figuratively. Jewel-loving dragon-worshippers they may be, but they seem to be getting rich – and I want a part of their wealth! They bring silks and bird feathers and porcelain and spices from beyond Saisyne, and the archon – I mean ruler – whom they title Datu ng Taga-Isang Bundok has been uniting the island and encouraging its captains to trade with the fringes of the Empire of Man. So, I have been studying their language. Taga-Isang Bundok has no verb ‘to be’, which is interesting and a relief for me. Some of their sailors have reached Mineta, and their captains will follow.”

“At which point you hope to be a diplomat at some level, right?” You know that Zoe, due to lacking certain connections and skill, has been worrying that she would be unable to do well in the diplomatic portion of Hedi’s curriculum. But you are amazed at how clever Zoe has been in integrating her college, her interests, and her needs into a coherent plan for success.

“Correct, and you reveal that despite what some of my college-mates say, Morvidus is more than a bunch of creeps who love animals and hate humans too much.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure that they aren’t right. Between Eliana and Joana, hatred of human civilization is certainly represented in many ways.”

Zoe’s appreciative giggling is music to your ears while you lead her to the outside of Hedi College. There, she says to you, “Thanks for making the outing better than your fellow Morvidus student Eliana, [PCFirstName]. I wonder what she has planned for us to do next, but must get to work again.”

With these words – that when said about anyone except for Eliana Carosi would seem very ominous – swirling through your mind, you go on your way. [+1 skill level Intrigue for the PC, + 1 skill level Politics for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step Lipreading for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step Worldliness for the PC, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

 

Failure

 

 

With great care, you tap Zoe’s shoulder and, turning your face in order to meet her gaze once she turns her head towards you, mouth words that are to you unfamiliar, but to her are common. “Ignava non es, et non otiosus sum. Duena puella, foied volo dicere tecum.”

Zoe frowns, and whispers, “Te non intellego.” Then, slightly louder, she hisses, “I don’t understand you.”

“Be quiet, Zoe!” Eliana snaps. “The service is about to begin. And [PCFirstName], stop distracting Zoe.”

So much for that idea. You are glad, though, that Zoe seems angry only at Eliana rather than at you – but there is still a service to deal with [+ 1 stress, - 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, choose other option].

 

 

Voice. Sing well at the appropriate times.

 

 

Success

 

 

You can see that Zoe is already sinking into boredom as the religious service continues – and the Magister Sacrorum has not yet even approached the altar – so you decide to risk Eliana’s admittedly slight wrath by whispering to Zoe, “Be patient. I can make the offerings ceremony more interesting for you.”

“I hope that you will be better than Rui da Casga would be,” Zoe, whispers, but then she hastily whispers, “Not that you should emulate your college’s rival’s most disruptive genius.”

“What are you saying about Rui?” Eliana’s hiss causes Zoe to squeak. “Is some prank in place? Here, of all places? Now, of all times?”

“Easy, Eliana,” you reply. “I was just trying to tell Zoe that I would be singing during the service, so that she would find the service to be more interesting.”

“She would, wouldn’t she?” Eliana mutters. Then, she whispers in a more cheerful voice, “Wonderful. This should help.” She passes to you from beneath her robes a folded pamphlet that, you realize, contains hymns to Iudocia.

Zoe looks faintly more interested as she, from the sides of her eyes, observes you unfolding the pamphlet and reading it during the offerings. You suppose that Zoe regards watching people give bread as less interesting than seeing a dear friend reading.

When the times for singing are at hand during the service, you and Eliana raise your voices in song with the rest of the worshippers. Zoe is not singing. Eliana, however, is so thrilled by your singing that she seems not to care about Zoe.

At least, until the service is over. Then, Eliana says to Zoe, in a faintly tearful voice as she leads you and Zoe away from the temple, “Why, Zoe, were you not singing with us? Isn’t singing beautiful, especially when it exalts the gods?”

Zoe, in a very quiet and serious voice, replies, “Singing is not healthy for me. My illness and singing are…not going well together.” Then, in a more pointed voice, Zoe says, “It would have been wonderful, Eliana, if Iudocia had granted me strength during the service – then I would have been able to sing.”

Eliana sighs in what you presume is pity as she walks along, and even reaches out a hand in an attempt to support Zoe as she walks. When Zoe rejects this support, Eliana says, cheerfully, “Be glad that you can walk, Zoe, despite your illness. As for why the gods were not helping you – or all of us – with problems, the answer lies in theology – which I have not studied yet.”

“Nor can I,” Zoe says, “Since there are so many things that I must study at the Academagia this year.”

“Well, we are the same in this,” Eliana says, clearly trying to boost Zoe’s spirits. Then, seeing that the Academagia is within sight, she says to Zoe, “I remember that I have to do something for my next Advanced Familiar Care class. So, I will tell you later where we should meet again.”

With a wave, Eliana runs off.

Zoe, however, maintains a slower pace – you think due to her desire to talk rather than merely because she is frail. Not that you mind talking to Zoe at this time – or hearing what she wants to tell you.

As if reading your mind, Zoe sighs and says, “Your collegemate Eliana, [PCFirstName] – with her reputation she is either kind and clueless about helping me or training to secretly become an Oursouki spy.”

“She really got you that upset, Zoe?”

“In Hedi, people make barbed kindnesses an art form, so to have one used accidently is, in its way, somewhat refreshing – more reason for me to rejoice in Hedi. But I really do not like it when people try to make me feel better by claiming that I could be sicker.”

You decide, cautiously, to raise a question with Zoe. “Um, were you telling the truth about your health and singing?”

“With me, such a claim is plausible, isn’t it?” Zoe scowls slightly, then smiles at you. “But regardless of why I was not singing, no one was forcing me to sing. My lack of singing at the service will be between me and the gods – if they even care. They care not enough to help me, despite others’ prayers in Cimone for my health – even when I was praying for such a thing myself.”

Seeing your shocked expression, Zoe chuckles. “The Pievrian state teaches even harsher rhetoric, such as how humans led the wars against the dragons. Besides, isn’t Eliana’s cloyingly optimistic friendliness, in combination with her bad hygiene, enough to make her seem annoying even to the most devout people – the type who race between their homes and temples every day? There is a reason why most of Iudocia’s clergy are not like her holy hermits!”

“Next you will tell me that you will reconcile with Milena and make Eliana your rival,” you say, not knowing whether you are joking.

“Ah, the Pievrian witch and sorceress whom I hate actively undermines me even when she is not disagreeing with me about certain very important things – but Eliana at least tries to be helpful to me, even though she is not very successful. So, I cannot hate her. Be annoyed by her? Yes, I very much am annoyed by her. Speaking of which, I will be even more annoyed at her if I do not get back to work. I must not waste a day that has already been occupied in worshipping the gods.”

Zoe, drawing your attention to the fact that you and she have finally reached the outer gates to the Academagia, walks away from you, smiling and waving. It is only as you are making your way to Morvidus College that you realize that Zoe, in a way that her college would doubtlessly delight in, was able to avoid answering your question about singing and her health, while distracting you from her non-answer.

 

 

Pamphlet with hymns to Iudocia

 

 

Description:

 

 

This pamphlet contains the lyrics for some hymns to Iudocia, along with some notes about how to sing the hymns. The pamphlet has been put together very cheaply, but it serves its intended function.

 

Item Slot: Book

Value: 1 pim

Benefits: Allows one to engage in the action Read Hymns to Iudocia.

Action:

 

 

Read Hymns to Iudocia:

 

 

Description:

 

 

By making this pamphlet smooth and looking at its text, you can gain a better understanding of popular Minetan hymns to Iudocia.

 

Benefits:

 

 

+ 1 skill step prayer, + 1 skill step famous poetry

 

 

 

 

[gain item Pamphlet with hymns to Iudocia, - 1 stress, - 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 relationship with Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Manipulation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step composure, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

Failure

 

 

You can see that Zoe is already sinking into boredom as the religious service continues – and the Magister Sacrorum has not yet even approached the altar – so you decide to risk Eliana’s admittedly slight wrath by whispering to Zoe, “Be patient. I can make the offerings ceremony more interesting for you.”

“I hope that you will be better than Rui da Casga would be,” Zoe, whispers, but then she hastily whispers, “Not that you should emulate your college’s rival’s most disruptive genius.”

“What are you saying about Rui?” Eliana’s hiss causes Zoe to squeak. “Is some prank in place? Here, of all places? Now, of all times?”

“Easy, Eliana,” you reply. “I was just trying to tell Zoe that I would be singing during the service, so that she would find the service to be more interesting.”

“She would, wouldn’t she?” Eliana mutters. Then, she whispers in a more cheerful voice, “Wonderful. This should help.” She passes to you from beneath her robes a folded pamphlet that, you realize, contains hymns to Iudocia.

Zoe looks faintly more interested as she, from the sides of her eyes, observes you unfolding the pamphlet and reading it during the offerings. You suppose that Zoe regards watching people give bread as less interesting than seeing a dear friend reading.

When the times for singing are at hand during the service, you and Eliana raise your voices in song with the rest of the worshippers. Zoe, however, is not singing. Eliana, however, is so horrified by the screeching cacophony that is your singing that she seems not to care about Zoe, instead tearing the pamphlet from your hands and gesturing at you until you become silent. Some struggles, you suppose, are best done only at certain times – and in certain places.

After the service is over, Eliana simply sighs heavily at you – and you know that her piety and kindness will not allow her to condemn your abysmal efforts to praise Iudocia in song. Then, Eliana says to Zoe, in a faintly tearful voice as she leads you and Zoe away from the temple, “Why, Zoe, were you not singing with us? Isn’t singing beautiful, especially when it exalts the gods?”

Zoe, in a very quiet and serious voice, replies, “Singing is not not beautiful when [PCFirstName] does it, its it? And singing is not healthy for me. My illness and singing are…not going well together.” Then, in a more pointed voice, Zoe says, “It would have been wonderful, Eliana, if Iudocia had granted me strength during the service – then I would have been able to sing in a way that might have been better that [PCFirstName]. But I guess that Iudocia had other things to do – unlike my magic.”

Eliana sighs in what you presume is pity as she walks along, and even reaches out a hand in an attempt to support Zoe as she walks. When Zoe rejects this support, Eliana says, cheerfully, “Be glad that you can walk, Zoe, despite your illness. As for why the gods were not helping you – or all of us – with problems, the answer lies in theology – which I have not studied yet.”

“Nor can I,” Zoe says, “Since there are so many things that I must study at the Academagia this year.”

“Well, we are the same in this,” Eliana says, clearly trying to boost Zoe’s spirits. Then, seeing that the Academagia is within sight, she says to Zoe, “I remember that I have to do something for my next Advanced Familiar Care class. So, I will tell you later where we should meet again.”

With a wave, Eliana runs off.

Zoe, however, maintains a slower pace – you think due to her desire to talk rather than merely because she is frail. Not that you mind talking to Zoe at this time – or hearing what she wants to tell you.

As if reading your mind, Zoe sighs and says, “Your collegemate Eliana, [PCFirstName] – with her reputation she is either kind and clueless about helping me or training to secretly become an Oursouki spy.”

“She really got you that upset, Zoe?”

“In Hedi, people make barbed kindnesses an art form, so to have one used accidently is, in its way, somewhat refreshing – more reason for me to rejoice in Hedi. But I really do not like it when people try to make me feel better by claiming that I could be sicker.”

You decide, cautiously, to raise a question with Zoe. “Um, were you telling the truth about your health and singing?”

“With me, such a claim is plausible, isn’t it?” Zoe scowls slightly, then smiles at you. “But regardless of why I was not singing, no one was forcing me to sing. My lack of singing at the service will be between me and the gods – if they even care. They care not enough to help me, despite others’ prayers in Cimone for my health – even when I was praying for such a thing myself.”

Seeing your shocked expression, Zoe chuckles. “The Pievrian state teaches even harsher rhetoric, such as how humans led the wars against the dragons. Besides, isn’t Eliana’s cloyingly optimistic friendliness, in combination with her bad hygiene, enough to make her seem annoying even to the most devout people – the type who race between their homes and temples every day? There is a reason why most of Iudocia’s clergy are not like her holy hermits!”

“Next you will tell me that you will reconcile with Milena and make Eliana your rival,” you say, not knowing whether you are joking.

“Ah, the Pievrian witch and sorceress whom I hate actively undermines me even when she is not disagreeing with me about certain very important things – but Eliana at least tries to be helpful to me, even though she is not very successful. So, I cannot hate her. Be annoyed by her? Yes, I very much am annoyed by her. Speaking of which, I will be even more annoyed at her if I do not get back to work. I must not waste a day that has already been occupied in worshipping the gods.”

Zoe, drawing your attention to the fact that you and she have finally reached the outer gates to the Academagia, walks away from you, smiling and waving. It is only as you are making your way to Morvidus College that you realize that Zoe, in a way that her college would doubtlessly delight in, was able to avoid answering your question about singing and her health, while distracting you from her non-answer.

[+ 1 stress, - 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, - 1 relationship with Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Manipulation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step composure, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

 

Dance. Dance for Zoe at the appropriate time.

 

 

Success

 

 

[If PC is Student at Master Whip’s Studio]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You turn towards Zoe and whisper to her, “We can both get thought this service – near the end, I will give to you a wonderful experience.”

Zoe’s eyes widen, and she mutters to you, “I am not Neta. Are you…?”

“Easy, Zoe. Morvidus’s males are not all as obsessive as Vettor is. But the wait will be worth it.”

“Shh,” Eliana hisses. “This is the time for seeking divine blessings, not flirting.”

The service itself is a terrible bore for Zoe, but you think that you can see a faint mixture of hope and curiosity on her face that, you hope, makes her experience bearable.

At last, as the offerings are being carried into the sacred chamber, you tense your legs, knowing that the time soon approaches. When the entire congregation – excepting you and Zoe – raises its voice in song and begins to leave the temple, you begin to dance.

“Dance with me, Zoe,” you cry out, and Zoe, with joy in her eyes, joins you and several other members of the congregation in dancing. To your surprise, Eliana is not among them.

The dancing is a whirl of fascinating movement, as you balance your mind between rhythmic movement and going to the temple’s door. It also allows you to get away from Eliana, and to your pleased surprise you realize that Zoe is keeping pace with you. When you and Zoe step out of the temple, however, Zoe stops, gasping, and turns in order to face you.

“I…never…expected…my first…dance…to be with you in such…circumstances,” Zoe says, between pants. “Maybe…just maybe…I am more like others in my college now. Neta goes further…in love, but she is…Neta – and Sima seems to deal in dreams in addition to studying them.” Then, in a louder voice, she proclaims, with greater confidence, “Let Aranaz’s schemers say what they want about our dancing, but not even you, Eliana, could deny that it was chaste!”

You jerk in surprise, but as Zoe’s words had suggested, Eliana has indeed come back – as Eliana reveals when she taps you upon your shoulder and says, “[PCFirstName], turn around.”

You turn towards Eliana, but she is no longer interested in speaking with you. Rather, she says, looking with faint wonder at Zoe, “Zoe, you were a very good dancer, despite your usual…”

“Ah, just say it, Eliana. Low energy, right?”

“You said it, not I, Zoe, so yes…low energy. Anyways, do you think that you, during your dancing, were dancing because Iudocia or some other god blessed you?”

Zoe smirks and says, “Just because something is possible does not mean that it happens. I can dance, but choose not to dance most of the time because it is exhausting.”

“So? Did Iudocia inspire you to dance?” Eliana’s face looks hopeful still.

Zoe gives a laugh that breaks into a short cough before she says, “You never give up on your hopes, do you, Eliana? But no, I was not inspired to dance by any god. [PCFirstName] started dancing and invited me to join him – so I did.”

“And you were doubtlessly wishing that it had was a proper dance – the type that Hedi’s people flutter through and the Vernin vermin are used to, right?” Eliana’s face is frowning and her voice is softly intense.

“And what if I was?” Zoe’s voice is also lowered, but it sounds weary and wary rather than intense. “So many things in Mineta I cannot afford or do – so why be upset when I was able to be happy with [PCFirstName] here in a permitted way?”

“The gods, Zoe, should not be used as an excuse to indulge desires that can be indulged in other ways and times. When we gather to worship the gods, we must put aside other desires.”

“Whom are you quoting, Eliana? I don’t want to know, any more than I wanted to be at this service. [PCFirstName], understanding this, made it more interesting without breaking some laws or rules. He is a good friend to me – unlike you.”

“I don’t want to be your enemy, Zoe,” Eliana says. Her face is pleading.

“Since you are not a Pievrian from Aranaz College, you are not, Eliana,” Zoe looks at Eliana with what you think to be bored contempt.

Eliana, however, seizes upon Zoe’s words and says, cheerfully, “Then let me try to be your friend. Our next meeting, I promise you, will be much more interesting.”

Eliana makes moves as if to walk off, but looks back when she sees that Zoe is not following her.

“Sorry, Eliana – only friends can walk home with me. I am so exhausted.” Zoe listlessly raises a hand in farewell, and Eliana, presumably deciding not to risk another confrontation with Zoe, goes on her way again.

“I’m glad that we no longer have to deal with Eliana,” you tell Zoe, hoping to cheer her up so that she will be willing to walk back to the Academagia sooner. “She made such stupid comments – trying to attribute our dancing to divine blessings rather than choices.”

“They were pleasant choices,” Zoe says, smiling faintly. “Like so many other choices are with you. But Eliana is not the stupid member of your college. She is just focussed upon an interest to an unhealthy level.”

“Am I so flawed?” you ask Zoe.

“According to Milena you must be flawed since you like me, but Milena says anything if it can be an insult to me – and I do the same to her.”

“But what do you think?”

Zoe appears to thinks for a second before replying, “Well, you are studying with Master Whip – which means that you either love dancing or love pain. And since I am not Joana or that girl who keeps blowing things up, I figure that you much like dancing to an unhealthy degree. But we both benefitted from it today, so it cannot all be bad. Certainly, it is better to love dancing than snakes, or cats, or torture, or candy, or –”

“Soaking girls with water while obsessing about their hairs?” you ask.

Zoe laughs and says, with mocking sorrow, “But I like to be wet and cold – and my hair is so beautiful.”

Then, reaching for your hand, she says, “But seriously, I will duel you if you try to be like Vettor and make me be like Beatrix is to him. But I am ready to go back to the Academagia now.”

With a happy mind, you walk to the Academagia with Zoe.

[- 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Dancing for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Patience for Zoe Melis, + 2 skill levels Flawless Timing, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You turn towards Zoe and whisper to her, “We can both get thought this service – near the end, I will give to you a wonderful experience.”

Zoe whispers to you, “What would that be?”

“You will learn, Zoe. The wait will be worth it.”

“Shh,” Eliana hisses. “This is the time for seeking divine blessings, not flirting.”

The service itself is a terrible bore for Zoe, but you think that you can see a faint mixture of hope and curiosity on her face that, you hope, makes her experience bearable.

At last, as the offerings are being carried into the sacred chamber, you tense your legs, knowing that the time soon approaches. When the entire congregation – excepting you and Zoe – raises its voice in song and begins to leave the temple, you begin to dance.

“Dance with me, Zoe,” you cry out, and Zoe, with joy in her eyes, joins you and several other members of the congregation in dancing. To your surprise, Eliana is not among them.

The dancing is a whirl of fascinating movement, as you balance your mind between rhythmic movement and going to the temple’s door. It also allows you to get away from Eliana, and to your pleased surprise you realize that Zoe is keeping pace with you. When you and Zoe step out of the temple, however, Zoe stops, gasping, and turns in order to face you.

“I…never…expected…my first…dance…to be with you in such…circumstances,” Zoe says, between pants. “Maybe…just maybe…I am more like others in my college now. Sima seems to deal in dreams in addition to studying them.” Then, in a louder voice, she proclaims, with greater confidence, “Let Aranaz’s schemers say what they want about our dancing, but not even you, Eliana, could deny that it was chaste!”

You jerk in surprise, but as Zoe’s words had suggested, Eliana has indeed come back – as Eliana reveals when she taps you upon your shoulder and says, “[PCFirstName], turn around.”

You turn towards Eliana, but she is no longer interested in speaking with you. Rather, she says, looking with faint wonder at Zoe, “Zoe, you were a very good dancer, despite your usual…”

“Ah, just say it, Eliana. Low energy, right?”

“You said it, not I, Zoe, so yes…low energy. Anyways, do you think that you, during your dancing, were dancing because Iudocia or some other god blessed you?”

Zoe smirks and says, “Just because something is possible does not mean that it happens. I can dance, but choose not to dance most of the time because it is exhausting.”

“So? Did Iudocia inspire you to dance?” Eliana’s face looks hopeful still.

Zoe gives a laugh that breaks into a short cough before she says, “You never give up on your hopes, do you, Eliana? But no, I was not inspired to dance by any god. [PCFirstName] started dancing and invited me to join him – so I did.”

“And you were doubtlessly wishing that it had was a proper dance – the type that Hedi’s people flutter through and the Vernin vermin are used to, right?” Eliana’s face is frowning and her voice is softly intense.

“And what if I was?” Zoe’s voice is also lowered, but it sounds weary and wary rather than intense. “So many things in Mineta I cannot afford or do – so why be upset when I was able to be happy with [PCFirstName] here in a permitted way?”

“The gods, Zoe, should not be used as an excuse to indulge desires that can be indulged in other ways and times. When we gather to worship the gods, we must put aside other desires.”

“Whom are you quoting, Eliana? I don’t want to know, any more than I wanted to be at this service. [PCFirstName], understanding this, made it more interesting without breaking some laws or rules. He is a good friend to me – unlike you.”

“I don’t want to be your enemy, Zoe,” Eliana says. Her face is pleading.

“Since you are not a Pievrian from Aranaz College, you are not, Eliana,” Zoe looks at Eliana with what you think to be bored contempt.

Eliana, however, seizes upon Zoe’s words and says, cheerfully, “Then let me try to be your friend. Our next meeting, I promise you, will be much more interesting.”

Eliana makes moves as if to walk off, but looks back when she sees that Zoe is not following her.

“Sorry, Eliana – only friends can walk home with me. I am so exhausted.” Zoe listlessly raises a hand in farewell, and Eliana, presumably deciding not to risk another confrontation with Zoe, goes on her way again.

“I’m glad that we no longer have to deal with Eliana,” you tell Zoe, hoping to cheer her up so that she will be willing to walk back to the Academagia sooner. “She made such stupid comments – trying to attribute our dancing to divine blessings rather than choices.”

“They were pleasant choices,” Zoe says, smiling faintly. “Like so many other choices are with you. But Eliana is not the stupid member of your college. She is just focussed upon an interest to an unhealthy level.”

“Am I so flawed?” you ask Zoe.

“According to Milena you must be flawed since you like me, but Milena says anything if it can be an insult to me – and I do the same to her.”

“But what do you think?”

Zoe appears to thinks for a second before replying, “Well, you are studying with Master Whip – which means that you either love dancing or love pain. And since I am not Joana or that girl who keeps blowing things up, I figure that you much like dancing to an unhealthy degree. But we both benefitted from it today, so it cannot all be bad. Certainly, it is better to love dancing than snakes, or cats, or torture, or candy, or –”

“Soaking girls with water?” you ask.

Zoe laughs and says, with mocking sorrow, “But I like to be wet and cold.”

Then, reaching for your hand, she says, “But seriously, I will duel you if you try to be like Vettor and make me be like Beatrix is to him. But I am ready to go back to the Academagia now.”

With a happy mind, you walk to the Academagia with Zoe.

[- 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Dancing for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Patience for Zoe Melis, + 2 skill levels Flawless Timing, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

 

[If PC is not Student at Master Whip’s Studio]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You turn towards Zoe and whisper to her, “We can both get thought this service – near the end, I will give to you a wonderful experience.”

Zoe’s eyes widen, and she mutters to you, “I am not Neta. Are you…?”

“Easy, Zoe. Morvidus’s males are not all as obsessive as Vettor is. But the wait will be worth it.”

“Shh,” Eliana hisses. “This is the time for seeking divine blessings, not flirting.”

The service itself is a terrible bore for Zoe, but you think that you can see a faint mixture of hope and curiosity on her face that, you hope, makes her experience bearable.

At last, as the offerings are being carried into the sacred chamber, you tense your legs, knowing that the time soon approaches. When the entire congregation – excepting you and Zoe – raises its voice in song and begins to leave the temple, you begin to dance.

“Dance with me, Zoe,” you cry out, and Zoe, with joy in her eyes, joins you and several other members of the congregation in dancing. To your surprise, Eliana is not among them.

The dancing is a whirl of fascinating movement, as you balance your mind between rhythmic movement and going to the temple’s door. It also allows you to get away from Eliana, and to your pleased surprise you realize that Zoe is keeping pace with you. When you and Zoe step out of the temple, however, Zoe stops, gasping, and turns in order to face you.

“I…never…expected…my first…dance…to be with you in such…circumstances,” Zoe says, between pants. “Maybe…just maybe…I am more like others in my college now. Neta goes further…in love, but she is…Neta – and Sima seems to deal in dreams in addition to studying them.” Then, in a louder voice, she proclaims, with greater confidence, “Let Aranaz’s schemers say what they want about our dancing, but not even you, Eliana, could deny that it was chaste!”

You jerk in surprise, but as Zoe’s words had suggested, Eliana has indeed come back – as Eliana reveals when she taps you upon your shoulder and says, “[PCFirstName], turn around.”

You turn towards Eliana, but she is no longer interested in speaking with you. Rather, she says, looking with faint wonder at Zoe, “Zoe, you were a very good dancer, despite your usual…”

“Ah, just say it, Eliana. Low energy, right?”

“You said it, not I, Zoe, so yes…low energy. Anyways, do you think that you, during your dancing, were dancing because Iudocia or some other god blessed you?”

Zoe smirks and says, “Just because something is possible does not mean that it happens. I can dance, but choose not to dance most of the time because it is exhausting.”

“So? Did Iudocia inspire you to dance?” Eliana’s face looks hopeful still.

Zoe gives a laugh that breaks into a short cough before she says, “You never give up on your hopes, do you, Eliana? But no, I was not inspired to dance by any god. [PCFirstName] started dancing and invited me to join him – so I did.”

“And you were doubtlessly wishing that it had was a proper dance – the type that Hedi’s people flutter through and the Vernin vermin are used to, right?” Eliana’s face is frowning and her voice is softly intense.

“And what if I was?” Zoe’s voice is also lowered, but it sounds weary and wary rather than intense. “So many things in Mineta I cannot afford or do – so why be upset when I was able to be happy with [PCFirstName] here in a permitted way?”

“The gods, Zoe, should not be used as an excuse to indulge desires that can be indulged in other ways and times. When we gather to worship the gods, we must put aside other desires.”

“Whom are you quoting, Eliana? I don’t want to know, any more than I wanted to be at this service. [PCFirstName], understanding this, made it more interesting without breaking some laws or rules. He is a good friend to me – unlike you.”

“I don’t want to be your enemy, Zoe,” Eliana says. Her face is pleading.

“Since you are not a Pievrian from Aranaz College, you are not, Eliana,” Zoe looks at Eliana with what you think to be bored contempt.

Eliana, however, seizes upon Zoe’s words and says, cheerfully, “Then let me try to be your friend. Our next meeting, I promise you, will be much more interesting.”

Eliana makes moves as if to walk off, but looks back when she sees that Zoe is not following her.

“Sorry, Eliana – only friends can walk home with me. I am so exhausted.” Zoe listlessly raises a hand in farewell, and Eliana, presumably deciding not to risk another confrontation with Zoe, goes on her way again.

“I’m glad that we no longer have to deal with Eliana,” you tell Zoe, hoping to cheer her up so that she will be willing to walk back to the Academagia sooner. “She made such stupid comments – trying to attribute our dancing to divine blessings rather than choices.”

“They were pleasant choices,” Zoe says, smiling faintly. “Like so many other choices are with you. But Eliana is not the stupid member of your college. She is just focussed upon an interest to an unhealthy level.”

“Am I so flawed?” you ask Zoe.

“According to Milena you must be flawed since you like me, but Milena says anything if it can be an insult to me – and I do the same to her.”

“But what do you think?”

Zoe appears to thinks for a second before replying, “Well, you are skilled at dancing, but you are not unhealthily interested in it, as far as I know. Certainly, it is better to love dancing than snakes, or cats, or torture, or candy, or not eating meat.”

“Not all members of Morvidus college are obsessed with strange and creepy things,” you say. “Malthezar is normal.”

Zoe laughs and says, “Since Malthezar and I are both from rather far off the road of civilization as Minetans define it, I would have been so upset if you had said, ‘Malthezar is normal – for a foreigner.”

Then, reaching for your hand, she says, “But I suppose that my foreignness is nothing compared to Miya Hikari’s or Neta’s or even that strange student from Aranaz College - Tabin Furenzti, if I recall his name correctly. Et linguam Elumiae possum dicere, sed Cimoneis hilea ego sum.”

She looks at you with faint hope, and you are able to bmake her smile and nod when you say, “You just said, ‘And I am able to speak Elumia’s language, but I am Cimone’s daughter.’”

“See? We teach each other so many things to our mutual profit. It almost makes me regret that we must go back to the Academagia now. School work will not finish itself.”

With a happy mind, you walk to the Academagia with Zoe.

[- 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Dancing for Zoe Melis, + 2 skill levels Patience for Zoe Melis, + 2 skill levels Flawless Timing, + 1 skill level Elumian, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You turn towards Zoe and whisper to her, “We can both get thought this service – near the end, I will give to you a wonderful experience.”

Zoe whispers to you, “What would that be?”

“You will learn, Zoe. The wait will be worth it.”

“Shh,” Eliana hisses. “This is the time for seeking divine blessings, not flirting.”

The service itself is a terrible bore for Zoe, but you think that you can see a faint mixture of hope and curiosity on her face that, you hope, makes her experience bearable.

At last, as the offerings are being carried into the sacred chamber, you tense your legs, knowing that the time soon approaches. When the entire congregation – excepting you and Zoe – raises its voice in song and begins to leave the temple, you begin to dance.

“Dance with me, Zoe,” you cry out, and Zoe, with joy in her eyes, joins you and several other members of the congregation in dancing. To your surprise, Eliana is not among them.

The dancing is a whirl of fascinating movement, as you balance your mind between rhythmic movement and going to the temple’s door. It also allows you to get away from Eliana, and to your pleased surprise you realize that Zoe is keeping pace with you. When you and Zoe step out of the temple, however, Zoe stops, gasping, and turns in order to face you.

“I…never…expected…my first…dance…to be with you in such…circumstances,” Zoe says, between pants. “Maybe…just maybe…I am more like others in my college now. Sima seems to deal in dreams in addition to studying them.” Then, in a louder voice, she proclaims, with greater confidence, “Let Aranaz’s schemers say what they want about our dancing, but not even you, Eliana, could deny that it was chaste!”

You jerk in surprise, but as Zoe’s words had suggested, Eliana has indeed come back – as Eliana reveals when she taps you upon your shoulder and says, “[PCFirstName], turn around.”

You turn towards Eliana, but she is no longer interested in speaking with you. Rather, she says, looking with faint wonder at Zoe, “Zoe, you were a very good dancer, despite your usual…”

“Ah, just say it, Eliana. Low energy, right?”

“You said it, not I, Zoe, so yes…low energy. Anyways, do you think that you, during your dancing, were dancing because Iudocia or some other god blessed you?”

Zoe smirks and says, “Just because something is possible does not mean that it happens. I can dance, but choose not to dance most of the time because it is exhausting.”

“So? Did Iudocia inspire you to dance?” Eliana’s face looks hopeful still.

Zoe gives a laugh that breaks into a short cough before she says, “You never give up on your hopes, do you, Eliana? But no, I was not inspired to dance by any god. [PCFirstName] started dancing and invited me to join him – so I did.”

“And you were doubtlessly wishing that it had was a proper dance – the type that Hedi’s people flutter through and the Vernin vermin are used to, right?” Eliana’s face is frowning and her voice is softly intense.

“And what if I was?” Zoe’s voice is also lowered, but it sounds weary and wary rather than intense. “So many things in Mineta I cannot afford or do – so why be upset when I was able to be happy with [PCFirstName] here in a permitted way?”

“The gods, Zoe, should not be used as an excuse to indulge desires that can be indulged in other ways and times. When we gather to worship the gods, we must put aside other desires.”

“Whom are you quoting, Eliana? I don’t want to know, any more than I wanted to be at this service. [PCFirstName], understanding this, made it more interesting without breaking some laws or rules. He is a good friend to me – unlike you.”

“I don’t want to be your enemy, Zoe,” Eliana says. Her face is pleading.

“Since you are not a Pievrian from Aranaz College, you are not, Eliana,” Zoe looks at Eliana with what you think to be bored contempt.

Eliana, however, seizes upon Zoe’s words and says, cheerfully, “Then let me try to be your friend. Our next meeting, I promise you, will be much more interesting.”

Eliana makes moves as if to walk off, but looks back when she sees that Zoe is not following her.

“Sorry, Eliana – only friends can walk home with me. I am so exhausted.” Zoe listlessly raises a hand in farewell, and Eliana, presumably deciding not to risk another confrontation with Zoe, goes on her way again.

“I’m glad that we no longer have to deal with Eliana,” you tell Zoe, hoping to cheer her up so that she will be willing to walk back to the Academagia sooner. “She made such stupid comments – trying to attribute our dancing to divine blessings rather than choices.”

“They were pleasant choices,” Zoe says, smiling faintly. “Like so many other choices are with you. But Eliana is not the stupid member of your college. She is just focussed upon an interest to an unhealthy level.”

“Am I so flawed?” you ask Zoe.

“According to Milena you must be flawed since you like me, but Milena says anything if it can be an insult to me – and I do the same to her.”

“But what do you think?”

Zoe appears to thinks for a second before replying, “Well, you are skilled at dancing, but you are not unhealthily interested in it, as far as I know. Certainly, it is better to love dancing than snakes, or cats, or torture, or candy, or not eating meat.”

“Not all members of Morvidus college are obsessed with strange and creepy things,” you say. “Malthezar is normal.”

Zoe laughs and says, “Since Malthezar and I are both from rather far off the road of civilization as Minetans define it, I would have been so upset if you had said, ‘Malthezar is normal – for a foreigner.”

Then, reaching for your hand, she says, “But I suppose that my foreignness is nothing compared to Miya Hikari’s or Neta’s or even that strange student from Aranaz College - Tabin Furenzti, if I recall his name correctly. Et linguam Elumiae possum dicere, sed Cimoneis hilea ego sum.”

She looks at you with faint hope, and you are able to bmake her smile and nod when you say, “You just said, ‘And I am able to speak Elumia’s language, but I am Cimone’s daughter.’”

“See? We teach each other so many things to our mutual profit. It almost makes me regret that we must go back to the Academagia now. School work will not finish itself.”

With a happy mind, you walk to the Academagia with Zoe.

[- 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Dancing for Zoe Melis, + 2 skill levels Patience for Zoe Melis, + 2 skill levels Flawless Timing, + 1 skill level Elumian, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

 

 

Failure

 

 

[If PC is Student at Master Whip’s Studio]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You turn towards Zoe and whisper to her, “We can both get thought this service – near the end, I will give to you a wonderful experience.”

Zoe’s eyes widen, and she mutters to you, “I am not Neta. Are you…?”

“Easy, Zoe. Morvidus’s males are not all as obsessive as Vettor is. But the wait will be worth it.”

“Shh,” Eliana hisses. “This is the time for seeking divine blessings, not flirting.”

The service itself is a terrible bore for Zoe, but you think that you can see a faint mixture of hope and curiosity on her face that, you hope, makes her experience bearable.

At last, as the offerings are being carried into the sacred chamber, you tense your legs, knowing that the time soon approaches. When the entire congregation – excepting you and Zoe – raises its voice in song and begins to leave the temple, you begin to dance.

“Dance with me, Zoe,” you cry out, and Zoe, with joy in her eyes, joins you and several other members of the congregation in dancing. To your surprise, Eliana is not among them.

The dancing is a whirl of fascinating movement – at least from other people. Alas, the fascination that their movements create within you makes it too difficult for you to dance properly. Rather than dancing gracefully, you are reduced to stumbling and wincing at bad impacts. Perhaps this is why so few people leave the service through dancing, you realize. At least your attempts at dancing allow you to get away from Eliana, and to your pleased surprise you realize that Zoe is keeping pace with you – with somewhat more grace. When you and Zoe step out of the temple, however, Zoe stops, gasping, and turns in order to face you.

“I…never…expected…my first…dance…to be with you in such…circumstances,” Zoe says, between pants. “Maybe…just maybe…I am more like others in my college now. Neta goes further…in love, but she is…Neta – and Sima seems to deal in dreams in addition to studying them.” Then, in a louder voice, she proclaims, with greater confidence, “Let Aranaz’s schemers say what they want about our dancing, but not even you, Eliana, could deny that it was chaste!”

You jerk in surprise, but as Zoe’s words had suggested, Eliana has indeed come back – as Eliana reveals when she taps you upon your shoulder and says, “[PCFirstName], turn around.”

You turn towards Eliana, but she is no longer interested in speaking with you. Rather, she says, looking with faint wonder at Zoe, “Zoe, you were a very good dancer, despite your usual…”

“Ah, just say it, Eliana. Low energy, right?”

“You said it, not I, Zoe, so yes…low energy. Anyways, do you think that you, during your dancing, were dancing because Iudocia or some other god blessed you?”

Zoe smirks and says, “Just because something is possible does not mean that it happens. I can dance, but choose not to dance most of the time because it is exhausting.”

“So? Did Iudocia inspire you to dance?” Eliana’s face looks hopeful still.

Zoe gives a laugh that breaks into a short cough before she says, “You never give up on your hopes, do you, Eliana? But no, I was not inspired to dance by any god. [PCFirstName] started dancing and invited me to join him – so I did.”

“And you were doubtlessly wishing that it had was a proper dance – the type that Hedi’s people flutter through and the Vernin vermin are used to, right?” Eliana’s face is frowning and her voice is softly intense.

“And what if I was?” Zoe’s voice is also lowered, but it sounds weary and wary rather than intense. “So many things in Mineta I cannot afford or do – so why be upset when I was able to be happy with [PCFirstName] here in a permitted way?”

“The gods, Zoe, should not be used as an excuse to indulge desires that can be indulged in other ways and times. When we gather to worship the gods, we must put aside other desires.”

“Whom are you quoting, Eliana? I don’t want to know, any more than I wanted to be at this service. [PCFirstName], understanding this, made it more interesting without breaking some laws or rules. He is a good friend to me – unlike you.”

“I don’t want to be your enemy, Zoe,” Eliana says. Her face is pleading.

“Since you are not a Pievrian from Aranaz College, you are not, Eliana,” Zoe looks at Eliana with what you think to be bored contempt.

Eliana, however, seizes upon Zoe’s words and says, cheerfully, “Then let me try to be your friend. Our next meeting, I promise you, will be much more interesting.”

Eliana makes moves as if to walk off, but looks back when she sees that Zoe is not following her.

“Sorry, Eliana – only friends can walk home with me. I am so exhausted.” Zoe listlessly raises a hand in farewell, and Eliana, presumably deciding not to risk another confrontation with Zoe, goes on her way again.

“I’m glad that we no longer have to deal with Eliana,” you tell Zoe, hoping to cheer her up so that she will be willing to walk back to the Academagia sooner. “She made such stupid comments – trying to attribute our dancing to divine blessings rather than choices.”

“They were pleasant choices,” Zoe says, smiling faintly. “Like so many other choices are with you. But Eliana is not the stupid member of your college. She is just focussed upon an interest to an unhealthy level.”

“Am I so flawed?” you ask Zoe.

“According to Milena you must be flawed since you like me, but Milena says anything if it can be an insult to me – and I do the same to her.”

“But what do you think?”

Zoe appears to thinks for a second before replying, “Well, you are studying with Master Whip – which means that you either love dancing or love pain. And since I am not Joana or that girl who keeps blowing things up, I figure that you much like dancing to an unhealthy degree. But we both benefitted from it today, so it cannot all be bad. Certainly, it is better to love dancing than snakes, or cats, or torture, or candy, or –”

“Soaking girls with water while obsessing about their hairs?” you ask.

Zoe laughs and says, with mocking sorrow, “But I like to be wet and cold – and my hair is so beautiful.”

Then, reaching for your hand, she says, “But seriously, I will duel you if you try to be like Vettor and make me be like Beatrix is to him. But I am ready to go back to the Academagia now.”

With a happy mind, you walk to the Academagia with Zoe.

[- 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Dancing for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Patience for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Strategy, - 1 Vitality, + 1 stress, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You turn towards Zoe and whisper to her, “We can both get thought this service – near the end, I will give to you a wonderful experience.”

Zoe whispers to you, “What would that be?”

“You will learn, Zoe. The wait will be worth it.”

“Shh,” Eliana hisses. “This is the time for seeking divine blessings, not flirting.”

The service itself is a terrible bore for Zoe, but you think that you can see a faint mixture of hope and curiosity on her face that, you hope, makes her experience bearable.

At last, as the offerings are being carried into the sacred chamber, you tense your legs, knowing that the time soon approaches. When the entire congregation – excepting you and Zoe – raises its voice in song and begins to leave the temple, you begin to dance.

“Dance with me, Zoe,” you cry out, and Zoe, with joy in her eyes, joins you and several other members of the congregation in dancing. To your surprise, Eliana is not among them.

The dancing is a whirl of fascinating movement – at least from other people. Alas, the fascination that their movements create within you makes it too difficult for you to dance properly. Rather than dancing gracefully, you are reduced to stumbling and wincing at bad impacts. Perhaps this is why so few people leave the service through dancing, you realize. At least your attempts at dancing allow you to get away from Eliana, and to your pleased surprise you realize that Zoe is keeping pace with you – with somewhat more grace. When you and Zoe step out of the temple, however, Zoe stops, gasping, and turns in order to face you.

“I…never…expected…my first…dance…to be with you in such…circumstances,” Zoe says, between pants. “Maybe…just maybe…I am more like others in my college now. Sima seems to deal in dreams in addition to studying them.” Then, in a louder voice, she proclaims, with greater confidence, “Let Aranaz’s schemers say what they want about our dancing, but not even you, Eliana, could deny that it was chaste!”

You jerk in surprise, but as Zoe’s words had suggested, Eliana has indeed come back – as Eliana reveals when she taps you upon your shoulder and says, “[PCFirstName], turn around.”

You turn towards Eliana, but she is no longer interested in speaking with you. Rather, she says, looking with faint wonder at Zoe, “Zoe, you were a very good dancer, despite your usual…”

“Ah, just say it, Eliana. Low energy, right?”

“You said it, not I, Zoe, so yes…low energy. Anyways, do you think that you, during your dancing, were dancing because Iudocia or some other god blessed you?”

Zoe smirks and says, “Just because something is possible does not mean that it happens. I can dance, but choose not to dance most of the time because it is exhausting.”

“So? Did Iudocia inspire you to dance?” Eliana’s face looks hopeful still.

Zoe gives a laugh that breaks into a short cough before she says, “You never give up on your hopes, do you, Eliana? But no, I was not inspired to dance by any god. [PCFirstName] started dancing and invited me to join him – so I did.”

“And you were doubtlessly wishing that it had was a proper dance – the type that Hedi’s people flutter through and the Vernin vermin are used to, right?” Eliana’s face is frowning and her voice is softly intense.

“And what if I was?” Zoe’s voice is also lowered, but it sounds weary and wary rather than intense. “So many things in Mineta I cannot afford or do – so why be upset when I was able to be happy with [PCFirstName] here in a permitted way?”

“The gods, Zoe, should not be used as an excuse to indulge desires that can be indulged in other ways and times. When we gather to worship the gods, we must put aside other desires.”

“Whom are you quoting, Eliana? I don’t want to know, any more than I wanted to be at this service. [PCFirstName], understanding this, made it more interesting without breaking some laws or rules. He is a good friend to me – unlike you.”

“I don’t want to be your enemy, Zoe,” Eliana says. Her face is pleading.

“Since you are not a Pievrian from Aranaz College, you are not, Eliana,” Zoe looks at Eliana with what you think to be bored contempt.

Eliana, however, seizes upon Zoe’s words and says, cheerfully, “Then let me try to be your friend. Our next meeting, I promise you, will be much more interesting.”

Eliana makes moves as if to walk off, but looks back when she sees that Zoe is not following her.

“Sorry, Eliana – only friends can walk home with me. I am so exhausted.” Zoe listlessly raises a hand in farewell, and Eliana, presumably deciding not to risk another confrontation with Zoe, goes on her way again.

“I’m glad that we no longer have to deal with Eliana,” you tell Zoe, hoping to cheer her up so that she will be willing to walk back to the Academagia sooner. “She made such stupid comments – trying to attribute our dancing to divine blessings rather than choices.”

“They were pleasant choices,” Zoe says, smiling faintly. “Like so many other choices are with you. But Eliana is not the stupid member of your college. She is just focussed upon an interest to an unhealthy level.”

“Am I so flawed?” you ask Zoe.

“According to Milena you must be flawed since you like me, but Milena says anything if it can be an insult to me – and I do the same to her.”

“But what do you think?”

Zoe appears to thinks for a second before replying, “Well, you are studying with Master Whip – which means that you either love dancing or love pain. And since I am not Joana or that girl who keeps blowing things up, I figure that you much like dancing to an unhealthy degree. But we both benefitted from it today, so it cannot all be bad. Certainly, it is better to love dancing than snakes, or cats, or torture, or candy, or –”

“Soaking girls with water?” you ask.

Zoe laughs and says, with mocking sorrow, “But I like to be wet and cold.”

Then, reaching for your hand, she says, “But seriously, I will duel you if you try to be like Vettor and make me be like Beatrix is to him. But I am ready to go back to the Academagia now.”

With a happy mind, you walk to the Academagia with Zoe.

[- 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Dancing for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Patience for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Strategy, - 1 Vitality, + 1 stress, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

 

[If PC is not Student at Master Whip’s Studio]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You turn towards Zoe and whisper to her, “We can both get thought this service – near the end, I will give to you a wonderful experience.”

Zoe’s eyes widen, and she mutters to you, “I am not Neta. Are you…?”

“Easy, Zoe. Morvidus’s males are not all as obsessive as Vettor is. But the wait will be worth it.”

“Shh,” Eliana hisses. “This is the time for seeking divine blessings, not flirting.”

The service itself is a terrible bore for Zoe, but you think that you can see a faint mixture of hope and curiosity on her face that, you hope, makes her experience bearable.

At last, as the offerings are being carried into the sacred chamber, you tense your legs, knowing that the time soon approaches. When the entire congregation – excepting you and Zoe – raises its voice in song and begins to leave the temple, you begin to dance.

“Dance with me, Zoe,” you cry out, and Zoe, with joy in her eyes, joins you and several other members of the congregation in dancing. To your surprise, Eliana is not among them.

The dancing is a whirl of fascinating movement – at least from other people. Alas, the fascination that their movements create within you makes it too difficult for you to dance properly. Rather than dancing gracefully, you are reduced to stumbling and wincing at bad impacts. Perhaps this is why so few people leave the service through dancing, you realize. At least your attempts at dancing allow you to get away from Eliana, and to your pleased surprise you realize that Zoe is keeping pace with you – with somewhat more grace. When you and Zoe step out of the temple, however, Zoe stops, gasping, and turns in order to face you.

“I…never…expected…my first…dance…to be with you in such…circumstances,” Zoe says, between pants. “Maybe…just maybe…I am more like others in my college now. Neta goes further…in love, but she is…Neta – and Sima seems to deal in dreams in addition to studying them.” Then, in a louder voice, she proclaims, with greater confidence, “Let Aranaz’s schemers say what they want about our dancing, but not even you, Eliana, could deny that it was chaste!”

You jerk in surprise, but as Zoe’s words had suggested, Eliana has indeed come back – as Eliana reveals when she taps you upon your shoulder and says, “[PCFirstName], turn around.”

You turn towards Eliana, but she is no longer interested in speaking with you. Rather, she says, looking with faint wonder at Zoe, “Zoe, you were a very good dancer, despite your usual…”

“Ah, just say it, Eliana. Low energy, right?”

“You said it, not I, Zoe, so yes…low energy. Anyways, do you think that you, during your dancing, were dancing because Iudocia or some other god blessed you?”

Zoe smirks and says, “Just because something is possible does not mean that it happens. I can dance, but choose not to dance most of the time because it is exhausting.”

“So? Did Iudocia inspire you to dance?” Eliana’s face looks hopeful still.

Zoe gives a laugh that breaks into a short cough before she says, “You never give up on your hopes, do you, Eliana? But no, I was not inspired to dance by any god. [PCFirstName] started dancing and invited me to join him – so I did.”

“And you were doubtlessly wishing that it had was a proper dance – the type that Hedi’s people flutter through and the Vernin vermin are used to, right?” Eliana’s face is frowning and her voice is softly intense.

“And what if I was?” Zoe’s voice is also lowered, but it sounds weary and wary rather than intense. “So many things in Mineta I cannot afford or do – so why be upset when I was able to be happy with [PCFirstName] here in a permitted way?”

“The gods, Zoe, should not be used as an excuse to indulge desires that can be indulged in other ways and times. When we gather to worship the gods, we must put aside other desires.”

“Whom are you quoting, Eliana? I don’t want to know, any more than I wanted to be at this service. [PCFirstName], understanding this, made it more interesting without breaking some laws or rules. He is a good friend to me – unlike you.”

“I don’t want to be your enemy, Zoe,” Eliana says. Her face is pleading.

“Since you are not a Pievrian from Aranaz College, you are not, Eliana,” Zoe looks at Eliana with what you think to be bored contempt.

Eliana, however, seizes upon Zoe’s words and says, cheerfully, “Then let me try to be your friend. Our next meeting, I promise you, will be much more interesting.”

Eliana makes moves as if to walk off, but looks back when she sees that Zoe is not following her.

“Sorry, Eliana – only friends can walk home with me. I am so exhausted.” Zoe listlessly raises a hand in farewell, and Eliana, presumably deciding not to risk another confrontation with Zoe, goes on her way again.

“I’m glad that we no longer have to deal with Eliana,” you tell Zoe, hoping to cheer her up so that she will be willing to walk back to the Academagia sooner. “She made such stupid comments – trying to attribute our dancing to divine blessings rather than choices.”

“They were pleasant choices,” Zoe says, smiling faintly. “Like so many other choices are with you. But Eliana is not the stupid member of your college. She is just focussed upon an interest to an unhealthy level.”

“Am I so flawed?” you ask Zoe.

“According to Milena you must be flawed since you like me, but Milena says anything if it can be an insult to me – and I do the same to her.”

“But what do you think?”

Zoe appears to thinks for a second before replying, “Well, you are skilled at dancing, but you are not unhealthily interested in it, as far as I know. Certainly, it is better to love dancing than snakes, or cats, or torture, or candy, or not eating meat.”

“Not all members of Morvidus college are obsessed with strange and creepy things,” you say. “Malthezar is normal.”

Zoe laughs and says, “Since Malthezar and I are both from rather far off the road of civilization as Minetans define it, I would have been so upset if you had said, ‘Malthezar is normal – for a foreigner.”

Then, reaching for your hand, she says, “But I suppose that my foreignness is nothing compared to Miya Hikari’s or Neta’s or even that strange student from Aranaz College - Tabin Furenzti, if I recall his name correctly. Et linguam Elumiae possum dicere, sed Cimoneis hilea ego sum.”

She looks at you with faint hope, and you are able to bmake her smile and nod when you say, “You just said, ‘And I am able to speak Elumia’s language, but I am Cimone’s daughter.’”

“See? We teach each other so many things to our mutual profit. It almost makes me regret that we must go back to the Academagia now. School work will not finish itself.”

With a happy mind, you walk to the Academagia with Zoe.

[- 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Dancing for Zoe Melis, + 2 skill levels Patience for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Strategy, - 1 Vitality, + 1 stress, + 1 skill level Elumian, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You turn towards Zoe and whisper to her, “We can both get thought this service – near the end, I will give to you a wonderful experience.”

Zoe whispers to you, “What would that be?”

“You will learn, Zoe. The wait will be worth it.”

“Shh,” Eliana hisses. “This is the time for seeking divine blessings, not flirting.”

The service itself is a terrible bore for Zoe, but you think that you can see a faint mixture of hope and curiosity on her face that, you hope, makes her experience bearable.

At last, as the offerings are being carried into the sacred chamber, you tense your legs, knowing that the time soon approaches. When the entire congregation – excepting you and Zoe – raises its voice in song and begins to leave the temple, you begin to dance.

“Dance with me, Zoe,” you cry out, and Zoe, with joy in her eyes, joins you and several other members of the congregation in dancing. To your surprise, Eliana is not among them.

The dancing is a whirl of fascinating movement – at least from other people. Alas, the fascination that their movements create within you makes it too difficult for you to dance properly. Rather than dancing gracefully, you are reduced to stumbling and wincing at bad impacts. Perhaps this is why so few people leave the service through dancing, you realize. At least your attempts at dancing allow you to get away from Eliana, and to your pleased surprise you realize that Zoe is keeping pace with you – with somewhat more grace. When you and Zoe step out of the temple, however, Zoe stops, gasping, and turns in order to face you.

“I…never…expected…my first…dance…to be with you in such…circumstances,” Zoe says, between pants. “Maybe…just maybe…I am more like others in my college now. Sima seems to deal in dreams in addition to studying them.” Then, in a louder voice, she proclaims, with greater confidence, “Let Aranaz’s schemers say what they want about our dancing, but not even you, Eliana, could deny that it was chaste!”

You jerk in surprise, but as Zoe’s words had suggested, Eliana has indeed come back – as Eliana reveals when she taps you upon your shoulder and says, “[PCFirstName], turn around.”

You turn towards Eliana, but she is no longer interested in speaking with you. Rather, she says, looking with faint wonder at Zoe, “Zoe, you were a very good dancer, despite your usual…”

“Ah, just say it, Eliana. Low energy, right?”

“You said it, not I, Zoe, so yes…low energy. Anyways, do you think that you, during your dancing, were dancing because Iudocia or some other god blessed you?”

Zoe smirks and says, “Just because something is possible does not mean that it happens. I can dance, but choose not to dance most of the time because it is exhausting.”

“So? Did Iudocia inspire you to dance?” Eliana’s face looks hopeful still.

Zoe gives a laugh that breaks into a short cough before she says, “You never give up on your hopes, do you, Eliana? But no, I was not inspired to dance by any god. [PCFirstName] started dancing and invited me to join him – so I did.”

“And you were doubtlessly wishing that it had was a proper dance – the type that Hedi’s people flutter through and the Vernin vermin are used to, right?” Eliana’s face is frowning and her voice is softly intense.

“And what if I was?” Zoe’s voice is also lowered, but it sounds weary and wary rather than intense. “So many things in Mineta I cannot afford or do – so why be upset when I was able to be happy with [PCFirstName] here in a permitted way?”

“The gods, Zoe, should not be used as an excuse to indulge desires that can be indulged in other ways and times. When we gather to worship the gods, we must put aside other desires.”

“Whom are you quoting, Eliana? I don’t want to know, any more than I wanted to be at this service. [PCFirstName], understanding this, made it more interesting without breaking some laws or rules. He is a good friend to me – unlike you.”

“I don’t want to be your enemy, Zoe,” Eliana says. Her face is pleading.

“Since you are not a Pievrian from Aranaz College, you are not, Eliana,” Zoe looks at Eliana with what you think to be bored contempt.

Eliana, however, seizes upon Zoe’s words and says, cheerfully, “Then let me try to be your friend. Our next meeting, I promise you, will be much more interesting.”

Eliana makes moves as if to walk off, but looks back when she sees that Zoe is not following her.

“Sorry, Eliana – only friends can walk home with me. I am so exhausted.” Zoe listlessly raises a hand in farewell, and Eliana, presumably deciding not to risk another confrontation with Zoe, goes on her way again.

“I’m glad that we no longer have to deal with Eliana,” you tell Zoe, hoping to cheer her up so that she will be willing to walk back to the Academagia sooner. “She made such stupid comments – trying to attribute our dancing to divine blessings rather than choices.”

“They were pleasant choices,” Zoe says, smiling faintly. “Like so many other choices are with you. But Eliana is not the stupid member of your college. She is just focussed upon an interest to an unhealthy level.”

“Am I so flawed?” you ask Zoe.

“According to Milena you must be flawed since you like me, but Milena says anything if it can be an insult to me – and I do the same to her.”

“But what do you think?”

Zoe appears to thinks for a second before replying, “Well, you are skilled at dancing, but you are not unhealthily interested in it, as far as I know. Certainly, it is better to love dancing than snakes, or cats, or torture, or candy, or not eating meat.”

“Not all members of Morvidus college are obsessed with strange and creepy things,” you say. “Malthezar is normal.”

Zoe laughs and says, “Since Malthezar and I are both from rather far off the road of civilization as Minetans define it, I would have been so upset if you had said, ‘Malthezar is normal – for a foreigner.”

Then, reaching for your hand, she says, “But I suppose that my foreignness is nothing compared to Miya Hikari’s or Neta’s or even that strange student from Aranaz College - Tabin Furenzti, if I recall his name correctly. Et linguam Elumiae possum dicere, sed Cimoneis hilea ego sum.”

She looks at you with faint hope, and you are able to bmake her smile and nod when you say, “You just said, ‘And I am able to speak Elumia’s language, but I am Cimone’s daughter.’”

“See? We teach each other so many things to our mutual profit. It almost makes me regret that we must go back to the Academagia now. School work will not finish itself.”

With a happy mind, you walk to the Academagia with Zoe.

[- 1 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Dancing for Zoe Melis, + 2 skill levels Patience for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Strategy, - 1 Vitality, + 1 stress, + 1 skill level Elumian, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

 

 

 

Observation. What can you see that might be interesting?

 

 

Success

 

 

You figure that the best way to entertain Zoe would be to point out to her something that you could notice that would, you hope, be more interesting than the service that Eliana is pressuring you and Zoe into attending.

With that in mind, you carefully turn your eyeballs, and occasionally your face, in order to look among the people who are attending the service. You realize that unless one of the other attendees is secretly a prankster whom even Vettor and Rui da Casga would unite in learning from, you are unlikely to see a genuine and intentional entertainer. Still, people can be interesting even when standing together, especially in a city as diverse – Zoe, you reflect, would use the word cosmopolitan – as Mineta, where all the ethnicities in the Empire of Man – and many from outside – have representatives.

The crowd of worshippers, to your roving eyes, seems disappointingly ordinary. Certainly, they are, for the most part, dressed in formal clothes, but the clothes are not ostentations – nor even extraordinarily expensive. Iudocia’s worshippers in Mineta are not as poor as Aemean’s tend to be – nor as oppressed – but they tend to not necessarily be members of the elites. Furthermore, you suppose that Alesfans, Sae’onians, Valvilians, and people from even further afield would, if they were inclined to piety in the Imperial religion, be worshipping at Rostra’s temple in Mineta. At least, this may explain why you see no such people whom you might guide Zoe’s attention to as an interesting distraction from the service.

 “Are you seeing anything interesting?”

Zoe’s whisper takes you by surprise, so that you are only able to squeak out, “No, but looking at the people is more interesting than the service for me.”

“Be silent, [PCFirstName]!” Eliana hisses.

You peek back towards Eliana and Zoe and see that while Zoe has apparently joined you in roving with her eyes where her body cannot, Eliana is enraptured by the service. You are glad that you have given Zoe a way to relieve her boredom…

But then, as your eyes drag their ways away from a trio of men who, during the course of the service, have come to be standing near you who look like caricatures of Vilocian mercenaries, you are distracted from your contemplation – concerning whether they are Vilocian mercenaries of the sort who inspired the caricaturists, Vilocian mercenaries deliberately dressing like caricatures, men who want to be thought of as being Vilocian mercenaries when they are not, or simply clueless – by a sight that you suppose that even Eliana might find distracting to her devotions if she were to notice it.

Behind the third man, who stands farthest away from you, you see that a black-haired girl, seeming to be about ten years old and dressed in a ragged coat that is too large for her frail looking body, is slowly reaching her hand forward towards his belt. Although Morvidus students often have reputations for being isolated from human conventions in various ways, you are not foolish enough to miss the significance of what you are seeing. The girl is a pickpocket of some sort. But what should you do with this information? [+ 1 skill step worldliness for the PC and Zoe Melis, +1 skill step perception, hide all options that are not Minetan Swagger, Composure, Sleight of Hand, and Rally, choose other option]

[If PC completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure] Minetan Swagger. Is the girl a member of the Thieves’ Guild?

 

 

Success

 

 

For one of several times since you have begun to attend the Academagia, you feel glad that Miya Hikari invited you into her plans – if not into her heart, unlike Zoe. It is so useful to know some of the ways in which thieves in Mineta who belong to the thieves’ guild distinguish themselves from other people. Harming a thief would be one thing, but harming a member of the thieves’ guild could cause you many problems – including, according to Miya, ryōchi from her if your harm were severe enough. You have no idea what ryōchi is, but Miya could not mention ryōchi without shuddering in horror.

On the other hand, you know that helping a thief from the thieves’ guild could be very helpful to you, especially if Miya were to learn about it. “Hedi College’s Zoe is no sennyo and is unlikely to get you in touch with a sennyo, [PCFirstName], but I know how to give to you a sennyo’s rewards,” Miya had said to you, one night when you were patrolling the halls and she was sneaking in from some thieves’ business. Miya had not explained to you what a sennyo was or why you might want a sennyo’s rewards, but had assured you that the smell upon her was not dragon’s root.

All of these thoughts fly through your mind during the instant that you see the girl in the act of pickpocketing, and your eyes focus intently upon the girl’s clothing. Does the girl’s clothing have one of the secret markings that Miya and you were once shown – after a terrifying recitation of torments that would befall you and Miya if either or both of you were to reveal these secrets – that would mark her as a member of the thieves’ guild?

You see that the girl has no such markings upon her clothes. Admittedly, you strongly suspect that there are thieves’ guild’s markings that neither you nor Miya were shown, but you feel more confident about acting about a thief whom you now are more certain is not a member of the thieves’ guild. Her actions seem so hesitant that you believe that she has not received any training that thieves receive in the thieves’ guild – and is therefore unlikely to be a member of the thieves’ guild. [+ 20% chance of success, + 1 skill step observation, choose other option]

 

Failure

 

 

For one of several times since you have begun to attend the Academagia, you feel glad that Miya Hikari invited you into her plans – if not into her heart, unlike Zoe. It is so useful to know some of the ways in which thieves in Mineta who belong to the thieves’ guild distinguish themselves from other people. Harming a thief would be one thing, but harming a member of the thieves’ guild could cause you many problems – including, according to Miya, ryōchi from her if your harm were severe enough. You have no idea what ryōchi is, but Miya could not mention ryōchi without shuddering in horror.

On the other hand, you know that helping a thief from the thieves’ guild could be very helpful to you, especially if Miya were to learn about it. “Hedi College’s Zoe is no sennyo and is unlikely to get you in touch with a sennyo, [PCFirstName], but I know how to give to you a sennyo’s rewards,” Miya had said to you, one night when you were patrolling the halls and she was sneaking in from some thieves’ business. Miya had not explained to you what a sennyo was or why you might want a sennyo’s rewards, but had assured you that the smell upon her was not dragon’s root.

All of these thoughts fly through your mind during the instant that you see the girl in the act of pickpocketing, and your eyes focus intently upon the girl’s clothing. Does the girl’s clothing have one of the secret markings that Miya and you were once shown – after a terrifying recitation of torments that would befall you and Miya if either or both of you were to reveal these secrets – that would mark her as a member of the thieves’ guild?

You see that the girl has no such markings upon her clothes. But this tells you nothing, you think. You strongly suspect that there are thieves’ guild’s markings that neither you nor Miya were shown, and the girl’s actions seem to be done with such care that it would not surprise you if you were to learn that she has been trained by the thieves’ guild. [+ 1 stress, choose other option]

 

 

Composure. Indicate to Zoe what you see, but do not try to help the girl.

 

 

Success

 

 

You quickly turn your face towards Zoe and whisper to her, “Zoe, carefully see what I see!”

Zoe’s face turns towards yours, and you guide her, using your eyes and lips, to look towards the three men dressed as Vilocian mercenaries. You know that she is seeing what you want her to see when she gives out a little gasp of air. Other people would dismiss her single gasping breath as an audible counterpart to her sickly appearance, but you know her well enough to be able to hear the willing amusement in her gasp.

And well she might gasp at what she and you are looking at. The girl, with a pose that seems to be mixing loose casualness and tense caution in a way that you had not thought to be possible, is slowly moving her fingers in the vicinity of her target’s belt, slipping pims and other small items so that they fall into a cupped hand that waits to seize them from the air. Whenever the hand gets full, the girls slips it into its overly long and ragged sleeve, from which it returns empty. The girl seems to be pacing her actions so that she is doing the riskiest actions when the congregation is most distracted – such as by considering the astrological benediction – and the least risky actions when the congregation is least distracted – such as by making the offerings.

Finally, just when the offerings are being brought into the sacred chamber, the girl puts her hands way from her target and moves away with steady normality, for all the world as if she were an ordinary girl attending a service to Iudocia. You are unable to find anything as interesting to look at during the remainder of the service, but the rest of the service is so brief – and what you perceived was so interesting – that you are also unable to feel bored before the music that accompanies the worshippers out of the temple.

“I hope that your quietness during the service, Zoe, was due to your enjoying it,” Eliana’s remarks, the first to disturb the journey back to the Academagia, serve as a funny reminder to you that she, due to her devoted focus upon the service, completely missed the theft that you and Zoe were watching.

Judging by her expression, Zoe shares your amusement. “Eliana,” she replies in a cheerful voice, “Why do you assume that the reason why I and [PCFirstName] were so quiet is because we enjoyed the service? Surely you have had bad classes also? Or are Morvidus’s students so thrilled by their friendships that they enjoy all classes?”

“Gods, no,” Eliana replies, a mixture of disgust and amusement is her voice. “I could barely keep myself awake for so many of the dialectic classes last year. But why were you so bored, Zoe? Did you not feel that the gods were blessing you during the service?”

“I never said that I was bored, Eliana,” Zoe replies. “But my lack of boredom was not due to any gods’ blessings. Rather, I was thinking about the writings of Thomas Dragon-Resister Deerfield!”

“What! ?” You join Eliana in shrieking in surprise – outwardly over the strange topic, inwardly over Zoe’s clever diversion.

“Why would you read and think about an Auncish writer during a religions service?” Eliana asks.

“Because I learned Auncestrian through Mr. Deerfield’s accounts of the wars against the dragons – written in very archaic form trying to emulate standard Elumian. Also, because my mother will not let me read Susurianus until next year – if I am lucky.”

Eliana gives a little shudder of disgust. “Susurianus? With his lurid tales about gates mages, Oursouki invasions of Bassan states, and women doing things that you…cannot do? Honestly, Zoe, I wonder why I even try to help you. Still, I will arrange for a meeting next time that will be useful for you in many ways.” Sighing, she walks away, and Zoe, with a raised hand, indicates that you should not follow her.

“I had no idea that my little story would be so useful in getting the meddling Eliana away from us,” Zoe says. “So few people have heard about Susurianus in Mineta. I suppose that he must have been mentioned as an author whose writings were condemned by some saint whom Eliana has read about, or something like that.”

“Is such common with books that you want to read?” You had known that Zoe’s ethics are flexible, but you had not assumed that she was interested in controversial or illegal material.

“Surprisingly so. Many books discussing lands and languages outside the Empire in great detail have been controversial in some way or other – if not for being overly sympathetic then for being accused of being veiled criticisms of certain things at home.”

Then, looking at your face’s growing horror, she says, “But don’t worry. I know that rules exist for a reason – and are best obeyed.”

“But circumstances,” you say after some thought, “can require different actions.”

“Indeed. Profit and knowledge are worthy of being seized. But I will not seize from other people’s pockets.”

“That is for other people to do, and for you to consider, eh?”

Zoe is so amused by your words that she giggles, and during the rest of the journey her voice – now occupied only by deliberately noncontroversial topics such as her dislike for a certain Pievrian student – is tinged with a hint of joy.

“[PCFirstName], you made this trip so much more interesting for me than Eliana ever could or did,” Zoe tells you outside the gate to Hedi College. “I hope that you will be able to make Eliana’s next two trips with us into similarly enjoyable experiences. But I must get back to work now.”

You are left to make your way to Morvidus College, but your thoughts are still fixated upon Zoe. She has a willingness to break rules, you know, but you believe that without your guidance she would not be able to apply rulebreaking in a profitable way. And you, of course, lack the knowledge of various topics that allows her rulebreaking to be informative and profitable rather than simply fun or contrary. You are so glad that you and Zoe are in the relationship that you are in – and no interfering from Eliana can end it.

[+ 1 skill level conceal for Zoe Melis and the PC, + 1 skill level move silently for Zoe Melis and the PC, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

Failure

 

 

You quickly turn your face towards Zoe and whisper to her, “Zoe, carefully see what I see!”

Zoe’s face turns towards yours, and you guide her, using your eyes and lips, to look towards the three men dressed as Vilocian mercenaries. Unfortunately, you are so excited that Zoe is confused by your efforts to point out for her where she should look, and when her eyes settle upon the girl, you hear Zoe let out a loud groan of relieved exhaustion.

Zoe’s groan is not loud enough to disturb people who are absorbed in the service, but for other people nearby, it is distracting. Especially if they, like the girl, are occupied with illegal acts that could end with their execution if caught.

The girl simultaneously drops her hands away from her target and turns her face to look where Zoe made the noise. Seeing Zoe’s wide eyes and pale face, the girl twists her body and races out of the temple in a way that is amazing for being both swift and very quietly unobtrusive.

You are unable to find anything as interesting to look at during the remainder of the service, but what you perceived was so interesting – that you are also unable to feel bored before the music that accompanies the worshippers out of the temple.

“I hope that your groan during the service, Zoe, was due to your being blessed by a god,” Eliana’s remarks, the first to disturb the journey back to the Academagia, serve as a funny reminder to you that she, due to her devoted focus upon the service, completely missed the theft that you and Zoe were watching.

Judging by her expression, Zoe shares your amusement. “Eliana,” she replies in a cheerful voice, “Why do you assume that the reason why I groaned is because I was blessed by a god? Surely you have had bad classes also? Or are Morvidus’s students so thrilled by their friendships that they enjoy all classes and are completely oblivious to what bored students will do at certain times?”

“Gods, no,” Eliana replies, a mixture of disgust and amusement is her voice. “I could barely keep myself awake for so many of the dialectic classes last year. But why were you so bored, Zoe? Did you not feel that the gods were blessing you during the service?”

“I never said that I was bored, Eliana,” Zoe replies. “But my lack of boredom was not due to any gods’ blessings. Rather, I was thinking about the writings of Thomas Dragon-Resister Deerfield!”

“What! ?” You join Eliana in shrieking in surprise – outwardly over the strange topic, inwardly over Zoe’s clever diversion.

“Why would you read and think about an Auncish writer during a religions service?” Eliana asks.

“Because I learned Auncestrian through Mr. Deerfield’s accounts of the wars against the dragons – written in very archaic form trying to emulate standard Elumian. Also, because my mother will not let me read Susurianus until next year – if I am lucky.”

Eliana gives a little shudder of disgust. “Susurianus? With his lurid tales about gates mages, Oursouki invasions of Bassan states, and women doing things that you…cannot do? Honestly, Zoe, I wonder why I even try to help you. Still, I will arrange for a meeting next time that will be useful for you in many ways.” Sighing, she walks away, and Zoe, with a raised hand, indicates that you should not follow her.

“I had no idea that my little story would be so useful in getting the meddling Eliana away from us,” Zoe says. “So few people have heard about Susurianus in Mineta. I suppose that he must have been mentioned as an author whose writings were condemned by some saint whom Eliana has read about, or something like that.”

“Is such common with books that you want to read?” You had known that Zoe’s ethics are flexible, but you had not assumed that she was interested in controversial or illegal material.

“Surprisingly so. Many books discussing lands and languages outside the Empire in great detail have been controversial in some way or other – if not for being overly sympathetic then for being accused of being veiled criticisms of certain things at home.”

Then, looking at your face’s growing horror, she says, “But don’t worry. I know that rules exist for a reason – and are best obeyed.”

“But circumstances,” you say after some thought, “can require different actions.”

“Indeed. Profit and knowledge are worthy of being seized – if one can seize them successfully. But I will not seize from other people’s pockets.”

“That is for other people to do, and for you to consider, eh?”

Zoe is so amused by your words that she giggles, and during the rest of the journey her voice – now occupied only by deliberately noncontroversial topics such as her dislike for a certain Pievrian student – is tinged with a hint of joy.

“[PCFirstName], you made this trip so much more interesting for me than Eliana ever could or did,” Zoe tells you outside the gate to Hedi College. “I hope that you will be able to make Eliana’s next two trips with us into similarly enjoyable experiences. But I must get back to work now.”

You are left to make your way to Morvidus College, but your thoughts are still fixated upon Zoe. She has a willingness to break rules, you know, but you believe that without your guidance she would not be able to apply rulebreaking in a profitable way. And you, of course, lack the knowledge of various topics that allows her rulebreaking to be informative and profitable rather than simply fun or contrary. You are so glad that you and Zoe are in the relationship that you are in – and no interfering from Eliana can end it.

[+ 1 skill level innuendo for Zoe Melis, +1 skill step strategy for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level move silently, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

 

Sleight of Hand. Try to get Zoe involved in helping the girl.

 

 

Success

 

 

[If PC completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

 

 

You know that Zoe, in the pursuit of money, has very low moral standards, but higher reluctance to start things that are illegal or violate rules. But you helped her to break rules and make much money last year – so maybe now she can help a girl break the law for a cut of the profits. With that in mind, you swift tear out a piece of paper and a pencil from beneath your robes and write, upon the paper the words “ZOE. WE CAN GET MONEY – LOOK WHERE I LOOK”, and then, tapping Zoe upon her shoulder, give the paper to her.

Zoe reads the paper, furrows her brows briefly, then nods her head. You guide her eyes, using your lips and face, towards the three men dressed as Villocian mercenaries – and the girl who is trying to steal from one of them.

A few seconds later, you feel a tap upon your shoulder, and, turning, see that Zoe has passed to you a piece of paper with the words “I HAVE A PLAN – WATCH WHERE YOU GUIDED ME.”

Turning to face the girl, you see her give a slight jerk, as if in surprise, but then – wait, why is she no longer trying to steal from the man?

You turn to look at Zoe, only to see that she is very carefully tracing phemes in the air with her wand. Carefully, you tap her shoulder and mouth, “The girl is not moving.”

Without missing a twitch in her wand-work, Zoe mouths “All is well.”

Shrugging, you turn your eyes back to the girl. Maybe Zoe is just not interested in helping a criminal.

But when the auspex performs the rite, a bright flash of light, accompanied by loud music, manifests in the temple. Eliana pulls you and Zoe to join the rest of the congregation in prostrations, and the Antisto rushes forth on hands and knees in order to deliver, before the prostrating congregation, a sermon, interrupted with much prayer, about how Iudocia has truly blessed Mineta with an amazing sign that clearly reveals that Iudocia will ensure great fortune for her worshippers. This causes the service to drag on for longer than normal, but when you are permitted to get back onto your feet, you see that Zoe is looking at you with what you recognize as a meaningful glance.

When the service is over, you are surprised to see the girl, whose thieving activities you had drawn Zoe’s attention to earlier, slip up to you and slip out a hand, along with a whispered comment.

“I have something for you.”

Not wanting to let yourself be stolen from by the girl, you carefully seize her extended hand and feel with your other hand around her wrist until she produces into your hand from her sleeve a handful of coins. Then, you push the girl back with one hand while with the other hand placing the coins into your pouch.

The girl looks at you with a mixture of disappointment and admiration.

“Are you the Mleccha Miya’s friend?” she asks. “The girl from Godina has interesting friends. If you and the girl from Hedi whom you are with want to help me more, then ask for Roxan at Callo’s Tavern.”

She then walks away casually, leaving you baffled about what a mleccha is and whether you were in fact interacting with a child or an adult disguised as a child for criminal purposes. Strange things can happen in Mineta, you know.

You turn your attention to Zoe and Eliana, who, you realize, have been occupying themselves as they walk with you from Iudocia’s Temple to the Academagia with a vehement discussion about miracles.

“Sure, Iudocia gave us the miracle at the service,” Zoe says, “but it was a very feeble manifestation of divine grace. Surely a goddess who is truly benevolent could use that power to cure her devotees – or even other people – of their diseases and misfortunes. For this reason, I prefer studying at the Academagia to serving the gods.”

“Ah, Zoe,” Eliana sighs, “If even miracles sent by a god will not convince you to devote yourself to the gods, what will?”

“Thanks for asking, Eliana. Clear evidence, well stated, is effective.”

“Well, you will get such things from me during our future meanings.”

“Don’t remind me!” Zoe’s groan is a mixture of humour and sorrow.

“Well, if you want to go to detention – you and your boyfriend –”

“Fine! We will go to the next two meetings – just…leave us alone for now.”

Eliana turns to you and smiles. “Your girlfriend – or whatever – is very testy with me now. Still, I can make better time to the Academagia on my own. Farewell.”

Once Eliana, by increasing the pacing and extension of her strides, has left you and Zoe behind her, Zoe turns to you.

“Never let it be said,” she says smugly, “that I did not belong in Hedi College. Not now.”

You realize that explicitly mentioning what Zoe had done during the service would be very stupid, so you instead say, “You were, I take it, deliberate in getting Eliana away from us?”

“True. Now. What did she give you?”

You expose the coins that the girl gave to you and divide them between Zoe and you. Then, looking at Zoe, you say, “How did you control her?”

Zoe laughs. “I have no idea what you mean, [PCFirstName]. But as for guidance about how to control people, one need not read Shen Te or other authorities in order to be skilled at control. Many people can be trusted when a voice in the ear gives a choice between being exposed for bad deeds and co-operating doing something in exchange for more money.”

“Impressive.”

Zoe smiles faintly. “If I were healthier, I could be so many other things – but I would prefer to be a healthy student who can attend all of my classes.”

Then, seeing that she and you are back at the Academagia, Zoe says, “But I am a sickly student still, and must get back to my studying. Farewell.”

As you make your way back to Morvidus College, you feel the coins that you have and consider Zoe. She was smart enough to avoid mentioning anything that would link her to an illegal act, and she was clever enough to turn what had been a minor bit of pickpocketing into what your hands reveal was a major theft. You are glad that she is your very dear friend – her skills are so useful to you and her, and her mind and body that use them are to you beautiful. [+ 1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, - 3 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level planning for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level lipreading for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Wresting, inform locations Temple of Iudocia and Callo’s Tavern, add memory Meeting Roxan, + 100 pims for the PC and Zoe Melis, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

[If PC did not complete Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

 

 

You know that Zoe, in the pursuit of money, has very low moral standards, but higher reluctance to start things that are illegal or violate rules. But you helped her to break rules and make much money last year – so maybe now she can help a girl break the law for a cut of the profits. With that in mind, you swift tear out a piece of paper and a pencil from beneath your robes and write, upon the paper the words “ZOE. WE CAN GET MONEY – LOOK WHERE I LOOK”, and then, tapping Zoe upon her shoulder, give the paper to her.

Zoe reads the paper, furrows her brows briefly, then nods her head. You guide her eyes, using your lips and face, towards the three men dressed as Villocian mercenaries – and the girl who is trying to steal from one of them.

A few seconds later, you feel a tap upon your shoulder, and, turning, see that Zoe has passed to you a piece of paper with the words “I HAVE A PLAN – WATCH WHERE YOU GUIDED ME.”

Turning to face the girl, you see her give a slight jerk, as if in surprise, but then – wait, why is she no longer trying to steal from the man?

You turn to look at Zoe, only to see that she is very carefully tracing phemes in the air with her wand. Carefully, you tap her shoulder and mouth, “The girl is not moving.”

Without missing a twitch in her wand-work, Zoe mouths “All is well.”

Shrugging, you turn your eyes back to the girl. Maybe Zoe is just not interested in helping a criminal.

But when the auspex performs the rite, a bright flash of light, accompanied by loud music, manifests in the temple. Eliana pulls you and Zoe to join the rest of the congregation in prostrations, and the Antisto rushes forth on hands and knees in order to deliver, before the prostrating congregation, a sermon, interrupted with much prayer, about how Iudocia has truly blessed Mineta with an amazing sign that clearly reveals that Iudocia will ensure great fortune for her worshippers. This causes the service to drag on for longer than normal, but when you are permitted to get back onto your feet, you see that Zoe is looking at you with what you recognize as a meaningful glance.

When the service is over, you are surprised to see the girl, whose thieving activities you had drawn Zoe’s attention to earlier, slip up to you and slip out a hand, along with a whispered comment.

“I have something for you.”

Not wanting to let yourself be stolen from by the girl, you carefully seize her extended hand and feel with your other hand around her wrist until she produces into your hand from her sleeve a handful of coins. Then, you push the girl back with one hand while with the other hand placing the coins into your pouch.

The girl looks at you with a mixture of disappointment and admiration, before saying softly, “The girl from Hedi is not the only skilled student. Still, a deal is a deal.”

She then walks away casually.

You turn your attention to Zoe and Eliana, who, you realize, have been occupying themselves as they walk with you from Iudocia’s Temple to the Academagia with a vehement discussion about miracles.

“Sure, Iudocia gave us the miracle at the service,” Zoe says, “but it was a very feeble manifestation of divine grace. Surely a goddess who is truly benevolent could use that power to cure her devotees – or even other people – of their diseases and misfortunes. For this reason, I prefer studying at the Academagia to serving the gods.”

“Ah, Zoe,” Eliana sighs, “If even miracles sent by a god will not convince you to devote yourself to the gods, what will?”

“Thanks for asking, Eliana. Clear evidence, well stated, is effective.”

“Well, you will get such things from me during our future meanings.”

“Don’t remind me!” Zoe’s groan is a mixture of humour and sorrow.

“Well, if you want to go to detention – you and your boyfriend –”

“Fine! We will go to the next two meetings – just…leave us alone for now.”

Eliana turns to you and smiles. “Your girlfriend – or whatever – is very testy with me now. Still, I can make better time to the Academagia on my own. Farewell.”

Once Eliana, by increasing the pacing and extension of her strides, has left you and Zoe behind her, Zoe turns to you.

“Never let it be said,” she says smugly, “that I did not belong in Hedi College. Not now.”

You realize that explicitly mentioning what Zoe had done during the service would be very stupid, so you instead say, “You were, I take it, deliberate in getting Eliana away from us?”

“True. Now. What did she give you?”

You expose the coins that the girl gave to you and divide them between Zoe and you. Then, looking at Zoe, you say, “How did you control her?”

Zoe laughs. “I have no idea what you mean, [PCFirstName]. But as for guidance about how to control people, one need not read Shen Te or other authorities in order to be skilled at control. Many people can be trusted when a voice in the ear gives a choice between being exposed for bad deeds and co-operating doing something in exchange for more money.”

“Impressive.”

Zoe smiles faintly. “If I were healthier, I could be so many other things – but I would prefer to be a healthy student who can attend all of my classes.”

Then, seeing that she and you are back at the Academagia, Zoe says, “But I am a sickly student still, and must get back to my studying. Farewell.”

As you make your way back to Morvidus College, you feel the coins that you have and consider Zoe. She was smart enough to avoid mentioning anything that would link her to an illegal act, and she was clever enough to turn what had been a minor bit of pickpocketing into what your hands reveal was a major theft. You are glad that she is your very dear friend – her skills are so useful to you and her, and her mind and body that use them are to you beautiful. [+ 1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, - 3 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level planning for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level lipreading for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Wresting, inform location Temple of Iudocia, + 100 pims for the PC and Zoe Melis, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

 

Failure

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You know that Zoe, in the pursuit of money, has very low moral standards, but higher reluctance to start things that are illegal or violate rules. But you helped her to break rules and make much money last year – so maybe now she can help a girl break the law for a cut of the profits. With that in mind, you swift tear out a piece of paper and a pencil from beneath your robes and write, upon the paper the words “ZOE. WE CAN GET MONEY – LOOK WHERE I LOOK”, and then, tapping Zoe upon her shoulder, give the paper to her.

Zoe reads the paper, furrows her brows briefly, then nods her head. You guide her eyes, using your lips and face, towards the three men dressed as Villocian mercenaries – and the girl who is trying to steal from one of them.

A few seconds later, you feel a tap upon your shoulder, and, turning, see that Zoe has passed to you a piece of paper with the words “I HAVE A PLAN – WATCH WHERE YOU GUIDED ME.”

Turning to face the girl, you see her give a slight jerk, as if in surprise, but then – wait, why is she no longer trying to steal from the man?

You turn to look at Zoe, only to see that she is very carefully tracing phemes in the air with her wand. Carefully, you tap her shoulder and mouth, “The girl is not moving.”

Without missing a twitch in her wand-work, Zoe mouths “All is well.”

Shrugging, you turn your eyes back to the girl. Maybe Zoe is just not interested in helping a criminal.

But when the auspex performs the rite, a bright flash of light, accompanied by loud music, manifests in the temple. Eliana pulls you and Zoe to join the rest of the congregation in prostrations, and the Antisto rushes forth on hands and knees in order to deliver, before the prostrating congregation, a sermon, interrupted with much prayer, about how Iudocia has truly blessed Mineta with an amazing sign that clearly reveals that Iudocia will ensure great fortune for her worshippers. This causes the service to drag on for longer than normal, but when you are permitted to get back onto your feet, you see that Zoe is looking at you with what you recognize as a meaningful glance.

When the service is over, you are surprised to see the girl, whose thieving activities you had drawn Zoe’s attention to earlier, slip up to you and slip out a hand, along with a whispered comment.

“I have something for you.”

Not wanting to let yourself be stolen from by the girl, you carefully seize her extended hand and glare at the girl as she, after first freezing in panic, slowly reaches with her other hand into her coat and passes a small bag to you. Satisfied by its weight and the faint clinking that arises from the bag, you push the girl back with one hand while with the other hand placing the bag into your pouch.

The girl walks away casually, as if she were not finishing a theft.

You turn your attention to Zoe and Eliana, who, you realize, have been occupying themselves as they walk with you from Iudocia’s Temple to the Academagia with a vehement discussion about miracles.

“Sure, Iudocia gave us the miracle at the service,” Zoe says, “but it was a very feeble manifestation of divine grace. Surely a goddess who is truly benevolent could use that power to cure her devotees – or even other people – of their diseases and misfortunes. For this reason, I prefer studying at the Academagia to serving the gods.”

“Ah, Zoe,” Eliana sighs, “If even miracles sent by a god will not convince you to devote yourself to the gods, what will?”

“Thanks for asking, Eliana. Clear evidence, well stated, is effective.”

“Well, you will get such things from me during our future meanings.”

“Don’t remind me!” Zoe’s groan is a mixture of humour and sorrow.

“Well, if you want to go to detention – you and your boyfriend –”

“Fine! We will go to the next two meetings – just…leave us alone for now.”

Eliana turns to you and smiles. “Your girlfriend – or whatever – is very testy with me now. Still, I can make better time to the Academagia on my own. Farewell.”

Once Eliana, by increasing the pacing and extension of her strides, has left you and Zoe behind her, Zoe turns to you.

“Never let it be said,” she says smugly, “that I did not belong in Hedi College. Not now.”

You realize that explicitly mentioning what Zoe had done during the service would be very stupid, so you instead say, “You were, I take it, deliberate in getting Eliana away from us?”

“True. Now. What did she give you?”

You expose small bag that the girl gave to you and open it. Seeing what the bag contains, though, Zoe lets out a soft word that you think that Professor Sido probably does not teach to any student.

You look at what the bag contains and understand that Zoe is right to be upset. You are not holding a bag containing money, but a bag containing disks that, despite being metallically colored and strangely heavy, are clearly not coins. They lack any writing or images upon them.

“Maybe the metal…” you mumble, trying to salvage the situation, but Zoe, reaching out with a fingernail, picks away at one of the disks until she exposes the wooden core over which paint had been applied.

Zoe sighs. “Well, strange things happen when one trusts a person whom one controls through threats. A greater reward is greatest when not shared with another.”

Then Zoe looks at you, and her eyes are hooded with tension. “We need to abandon these – if caught with them, we would be lucky to escape with branding.”

You jerk in fear and, after binding the bag carefully with its drawstring and ensuring that it had not leaked any of its contents, you hurl the bag as far away from you as you can manage. Then, turning to Zoe, you ask her, “Can I help you to get away from here quickly?”

Zoe says in a voice that you think may be trying to be flirtatious, “Well, I am a sickly student who must get back to my studying, and you are healthy. So, why not?”

With a hesitation that decreases when you see Zoe’s growing smile, you reach over and lift Zoe so that she is sitting with her legs astride your shoulders, before carrying her to the Academagia at a pace that is still faster than Zoe’s walking. The stares that you attract and the sweat that Zoe’s weight creates upon your body are nothing compared to the three joys that arise from your helping Zoe in dealing with her weakness, your rapidly escaping any association with a crime, and your feeling Zoe’s body against your body in such a thrilling way that helps her.

Alas, your actions – and Zoe’s willingness – have consequences. No student, seeing the smiling Zoe being carried to the Academagia by you, believes that she was not on some sort of a date with you, and Eliana’s telling you, after your return to Morvidus College, that she is not wanting to provide more opportunities for Zoe and you to date is only the least significant manifestation of anger that includes detentions for you and Zoe with Regent Badcrumble.

Still, as Zoe’s spidery handwriting tells you that evening once you open a piece of paper that a trembling first year Hedi student gives to you, it was all worth it because you made her experience so interesting and helped her to return swiftly to the Academagia

You are glad that Zoe is your very dear friend – her skills are so useful to you and her, and her mind and body that use them are to you beautiful. [+ 4 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, - 3 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, - 3 relationship between the PC and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level planning for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level lipreading for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 strength for the PC, + 1 charm for Zoe Melis, add memory Carried Zoe, detention for the PC and Zoe Melis with Kate Badcrumble, inform location Temple of Iudocia, end adventure].

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You know that Zoe, in the pursuit of money, has very low moral standards, but higher reluctance to start things that are illegal or violate rules. But you helped her to break rules and make much money last year – so maybe now she can help a girl break the law for a cut of the profits. With that in mind, you swift tear out a piece of paper and a pencil from beneath your robes and write, upon the paper the words “ZOE. WE CAN GET MONEY – LOOK WHERE I LOOK”, and then, tapping Zoe upon her shoulder, give the paper to her.

Zoe reads the paper, furrows her brows briefly, then nods her head. You guide her eyes, using your lips and face, towards the three men dressed as Villocian mercenaries – and the girl who is trying to steal from one of them.

A few seconds later, you feel a tap upon your shoulder, and, turning, see that Zoe has passed to you a piece of paper with the words “I HAVE A PLAN – WATCH WHERE YOU GUIDED ME.”

Turning to face the girl, you see her give a slight jerk, as if in surprise, but then – wait, why is she no longer trying to steal from the man?

You turn to look at Zoe, only to see that she is very carefully tracing phemes in the air with her wand. Carefully, you tap her shoulder and mouth, “The girl is not moving.”

Without missing a twitch in her wand-work, Zoe mouths “All is well.”

Shrugging, you turn your eyes back to the girl. Maybe Zoe is just not interested in helping a criminal.

But when the auspex performs the rite, a bright flash of light, accompanied by loud music, manifests in the temple. Eliana pulls you and Zoe to join the rest of the congregation in prostrations, and the Antisto rushes forth on hands and knees in order to deliver, before the prostrating congregation, a sermon, interrupted with much prayer, about how Iudocia has truly blessed Mineta with an amazing sign that clearly reveals that Iudocia will ensure great fortune for her worshippers. This causes the service to drag on for longer than normal, but when you are permitted to get back onto your feet, you see that Zoe is looking at you with what you recognize as a meaningful glance.

When the service is over, you are surprised to see the girl, whose thieving activities you had drawn Zoe’s attention to earlier, slip up to you and slip out a hand, along with a whispered comment.

“I have something for you.”

Not wanting to let yourself be stolen from by the girl, you carefully seize her extended hand and glare at the girl as she, after first freezing in panic, slowly reaches with her other hand into her coat and passes a small bag to you. Satisfied by its weight and the faint clinking that arises from the bag, you push the girl back with one hand while with the other hand placing the bag into your pouch.

The girl walks away casually, as if she were not finishing a theft.

You turn your attention to Zoe and Eliana, who, you realize, have been occupying themselves as they walk with you from Iudocia’s Temple to the Academagia with a vehement discussion about miracles.

“Sure, Iudocia gave us the miracle at the service,” Zoe says, “but it was a very feeble manifestation of divine grace. Surely a goddess who is truly benevolent could use that power to cure her devotees – or even other people – of their diseases and misfortunes. For this reason, I prefer studying at the Academagia to serving the gods.”

“Ah, Zoe,” Eliana sighs, “If even miracles sent by a god will not convince you to devote yourself to the gods, what will?”

“Thanks for asking, Eliana. Clear evidence, well stated, is effective.”

“Well, you will get such things from me during our future meanings.”

“Don’t remind me!” Zoe’s groan is a mixture of humour and sorrow.

“Well, if you want to go to detention – you and your boyfriend –”

“Fine! We will go to the next two meetings – just…leave us alone for now.”

Eliana turns to you and smiles. “Your girlfriend – or whatever – is very testy with me now. Still, I can make better time to the Academagia on my own. Farewell.”

Once Eliana, by increasing the pacing and extension of her strides, has left you and Zoe behind her, Zoe turns to you.

“Never let it be said,” she says smugly, “that I did not belong in Hedi College. Not now.”

You realize that explicitly mentioning what Zoe had done during the service would be very stupid, so you instead say, “You were, I take it, deliberate in getting Eliana away from us?”

“True. Now. What did she give you?”

You expose small bag that the girl gave to you and open it. Seeing what the bag contains, though, Zoe lets out a soft word that you think that Professor Sido probably does not teach to any student.

You look at what the bag contains and understand that Zoe is right to be upset. You are not holding a bag containing money, but a bag containing disks that, despite being metallically colored and strangely heavy, are clearly not coins. They lack any writing or images upon them.

“Maybe the metal…” you mumble, trying to salvage the situation, but Zoe, reaching out with a fingernail, picks away at one of the disks until she exposes the wooden core over which paint had been applied.

Zoe sighs. “Well, strange things happen when one trusts a person whom one controls through threats. A greater reward is greatest when not shared with another.”

Then Zoe looks at you, and her eyes are hooded with tension. “We need to abandon these – if caught with them, we would be lucky to escape with branding.”

You jerk in fear and, after binding the bag carefully with its drawstring and ensuring that it had not leaked any of its contents, you hurl the bag as far away from you as you can manage. Then, turning to Zoe, you ask her, “Can I help you to get away from here quickly?”

Zoe says in a voice that you think may be trying to be flirtatious, “Well, I am a sickly student who must get back to my studying, and you are healthy. So, why not?”

With a hesitation that decreases when you see Zoe’s growing smile, you reach over and lift Zoe so that she is sitting with her legs astride your shoulders, before carrying her to the Academagia at a pace that is still faster than Zoe’s walking. The stares that you attract and the sweat that Zoe’s weight creates upon your body are nothing compared to the twin joys that arise from your helping Zoe in dealing with her weakness and rapidly escaping any association with a crime.

Alas, your actions – and Zoe’s willingness – have consequences. No student, seeing the smiling Zoe being carried to the Academagia by you, believes that she was not on some sort of a date with you, and Eliana’s telling you, after your return to Morvidus College, that she is not wanting to provide more opportunities for Zoe and you to date is only the least significant manifestation of anger that includes detentions for you and Zoe with Regent Badcrumble.

Still, as Zoe’s spidery handwriting tells you that evening once you open a piece of paper that a trembling first year Hedi student gives to you, it was all worth it because you made her experience so interesting and helped her to return swiftly to the Academagia

You are glad that Zoe is your very dear friend – her skills are so useful to you and her, and her mind and body that use them are to you beautiful. [+ 4 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, - 3 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, - 3 relationship between the PC and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level planning for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level lipreading for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 strength for the PC, + 1 charm for Zoe Melis, add memory Carried Zoe, inform location Temple of Iudocia, detention for the PC and Zoe Melis with Kate Badcrumble, end adventure].

 

 

 

Rally. Raise the hue and cry.

 

 

Success

 

 

You realize that, whatever your co-operation with Zoe during the previous year may mean about your moral compass, you are not so bad as to watch a man be stolen from – even thought, judging by the garments that he is wearing, he can afford to give much money to the raggedly girl who is stealing from him.

So, you raise your hands to your mouth and shout, “Thief! Stop the thief!”

The girl’s arms leap to her side as she begins to run away – but the worshippers, aside from being confused, seem unwilling to catch her. Then you realize that since you did not identify who the thief is, the crowd of worshippers think that you are either pranking them – or be misguided by your vague instructions. So, you cry out again, “The thief flees from three men dressed in Vilocian clothes!”

The three men whom you have described spring into action – as do people near them. Turning around, the three men rush after the girl with growled exclamations. Other people, you vaguely hear, seem to be moving to block the temple’s exit.

The girl’s flight from the man whom she was stealing from is suddenly greatly impeded when the floor over which she walks becomes slippery and shiny. You hear Eliana give a sigh of satisfaction and realize that she must have turned the dust upon the temple’s floor into an oil.

The girl shrieks as she falls, and a bright light blossoms from her body. Turning, you are reassured to see Zoe’s wand in her hand as she looks at the scene with satisfaction.

It is, you realize, perhaps a good thing that you turned away from the girl when you did, because her shrieks are soon joined by harsh blows of flesh against flesh, tearing cloth, what you hope is not the snapping of bones, and harshly barked words whose rapidity and volume make them difficult to understand.

Zoe, who is looking at the scene, becomes even paler than usual and occasionally shudders, but Eliana races forwards.

Soon, you hear Eliana crying out, “Bring her to trial! Get a guard! Spare her life! Please!”

Zoe, with grim determination, does not shudder after the beating that you hear stops, even when a guard finally arrives and, ignoring the thief’s pained shrieks in a language that you cannot understand, seizes her and drags her away. When you turn around, you see that the temple’s floor is stained with blood and Eliana is neither cheerful nor looking serenely pious.

The rest of the service, once it can be resumed, passes in what to you is a numb blur. Eliana and Zoe, you note, seem to be united with you in feeling – and presumably showing – discomfort about the thief’s arrest.

When the service ends, you, Zoe, and Eliana all walk out of the temple listlessly. After a few steps of walking, Eliana sighs and turns her head in order to face Zoe.

“I suppose,” she says, “that you are planning to use the… unfortunate incident…with the thief in order to make some point about the gods, Zoe.”

“What argument do you think I would make?” Zoe’s voice does not seem smug, but rather expectant.

“Oh, probably something along the lines of how if the gods were truly powerful and loving, they would use their powers in order to protect us from such problems as theft.”

“You made the argument, not I!” Zoe’s voice is faintly smug.

“Only because such issues have been discussed by people wiser than we are, Zoe. So your raising such a point would not surprise me.”

“Ah, but I can surprise you now,” Zoe says. “And not by, I don’t know – becoming a hare for Milena despite the school’s rules and her horrible mind.”

“But I or Eliana would be better able to be the hare as Morvidus students,” you interject, seeing that Eliana seems to be as confused as you are.

Zoe sighs. “Never you mind my reference to a Vilocian insult. But Eliana, my real way of surprising you is to say that discussing what happened from a theological perspective is a waste of time.”

“Why?” Eliana does not seem hostile, and she says, after a short pause, “I mean – I agree that theology is not the best way to deal with what I saw – I intervened rather than praying, after all – but what are your thoughts?”

“Because time that we could spend discussing theological issues could be better spent dealing with issues – whether catching thieves or figuring out why people steal or addressing crime’s causes.”

Eliana sighs again and rubs her hairs. “You raise good points, Zoe, and I do not want you to think that all of my efforts with you and [PCFirstName] will involve such abstract topics as seeking miracles in temples. In fact, my next trip with you and [PCFirstName] will be almost exactly the opposite of this one.”

Zoe smiles at Eliana, and you think that her smile is sincere. Her words are also sincere. “Thanks, Eliana. We are not friends, but we are not enemies either. But [PCFirstName] is my dear friend – and not my boyfriend. So, could you leave us to talk about the thief?”

Eliana smiles softly. “I suppose. Friendship is the treasure, after all.”

Once Eliana has used her greater stamina compared to Zoe to walk a sufficient distance away from you and Zoe, Zoe takes you by the hand and brings you into the mouth of a nearby alleyway, where she surprises you by breaking into wheezing sobs.

“Zoe, are you sick? Can I help you?” You hesitantly reach out a hand, not sure what Zoe would accept as help from you.

Zoe responds by rubbing her tears off with your outstretched hand before saying, with a voice that is both tremulous and fierce, “You wild, savage Morvidus student, living in a college where animals dwell – you would have reduced us to the thieving girl’s level, scavenging for targets in the streets, stealing things to survive, and facing blows for our efforts.”

Zoe’s words startle you, and you say, “But you agreed that such a possible outcome was worth the risk – as it was for us. Besides, as real mages, we would not have been as vulnerably desperate as the thief whom we caught.”

Zoe smiles at you, faintly, and says, “I know – but wandering about as street entertainers would have ruined my health and costed more to maintain, I fear, than honest entertainment could have gotten us. I just…never realized until now how vulnerable such street-people are in Mineta. The men would have killed her – a girl younger than I am and even less fortunate – without any evidence that she had broken a law aside from your shouting. Eliana did a wonderful thing today. If only she had applied such skills to us when she caught me fainting into your arms.”

Then, apparently having gotten her emotions more under her control, Zoe smiles fiercely at you and says, “But you and I are making things better for both of us. I am a sickly student still, but we have more money and you have made me into one who will become a fine young lady rather than a common grisette – as the Pievrian called me once! But I must get back to my studying.”

You and Zoe then go to the Academagia in silence, although Zoe is kind enough to spare you from embarrassment – and potential punishment – by releasing your hand once you and she return to the main streets. At the Academagia, Zoe goes her own way to Hedi College with a slight waving of her hand and a faint smile.

As you make your way back to Morvidus College, you consider Zoe. You are glad that she is your very dear friend – and you are glad that she seems to have a sense of empathy that tempers her willingness to break rules in pursuit of money. [+ 1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 3 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 3 relationship between the PC and Eliana Carosi,+ 1 skill level Strategy for the PC, + 1 skill level Ethics for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Revision Methods for Eliana Carosi, inform location Temple of Iudocia, add memory Roxan Captured, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

Failure

 

 

You realize that, whatever your co-operation with Zoe during the previous year may mean about your moral compass, you are not so bad as to watch a man be stolen from – even thought, judging by the garments that he is wearing, he can afford to give much money to the raggedly girl who is stealing from him.

So, you raise your hands to your mouth and shout, “Thief! Stop the thief!”

The girl’s arms leap to her side as she begins to run away – but the worshippers, aside from being confused, seem unwilling to catch her. So, you cry out again, “The thief is fleeing! Stop her!”

The people at the service are not sure whom to chase after, and the girl takes advantage of this uncertainty by rushing right past you on her way to the exit. You try to seize the girl and call out that you have captured the thief. However, the girl, wriggling like an eel, slips free from the large coat that she was wearing and flees – but not before jabbing you with a hard fist and a cry of “Mlecche!”. Grimacing in pain, you are able to turn around soon enough to see the girl dodging efforts by the few people who are aware that she has escaped from your grasp and before she reaches the temple’s door, which she graps in order to use it to propel herself out into the street.

The girl’s escape into the crowd of people in Mineta’s streets is not the end of the matter for you or the temple’s service. Someone within the temple has summoned a member of the guard, who comes into the temple and takes statements from you and from the three men dressed in Vilocian garments – whom the Minetan guard’s respectful body language makes you suspect really are mercenaries of some sort. Before leaving the Minetan guard seizes the ragged coat, telling you that it must be kept as evidence by him.

The rest of the service, once it can be resumed, passes in what to you is a numb blur. Eliana and Zoe, you note, seem to be united with you in feeling – and presumably showing – discomfort about the thief’s escape.

When the service ends, you, Zoe, and Eliana all walk out of the temple. After a few steps of walking, Eliana sighs and turns her head in order to face Zoe.

“I suppose,” she says, “that you are planning to use the… unfortunate incident…with the thief in order to make some point about the gods, Zoe.”

“What argument do you think I would make?” Zoe’s voice does not seem smug, but rather expectant.

“Oh, probably something along the lines of how if the gods were truly powerful and loving, they would use their powers in order to protect us from such problems as theft.”

“You made the argument, not I!” Zoe’s voice is faintly smug.

“Only because such issues have been discussed by people wiser than we are, Zoe. So your raising such a point would not surprise me.”

“Ah, but I can surprise you now,” Zoe says. “And not by, I don’t know – becoming a hare for Milena despite the school’s rules and her horrible mind.”

“But I or Eliana would be better able to be the hare as Morvidus students,” you interject, seeing that Eliana seems to be as confused as you are.

Zoe sighs. “Never you mind my reference to a Vilocian insult. But Eliana, my real way of surprising you is to say that discussing what happened from a theological perspective is a waste of time.”

“Why?” Eliana does not seem hostile, and she says, after a short pause, “I mean – I agree that theology is not the best way to deal with what happened, but what are your thoughts?”

“Because time that we could spend discussing theological issues could be better spent dealing with issues – whether catching thieves or figuring out why people steal or addressing crime’s causes.”

Eliana sighs again and rubs her hairs. “You raise good points, Zoe, and I do not want you to think that all of my efforts with you and [PCFirstName] will involve such abstract topics as seeking miracles in temples. In fact, my next trip with you and [PCFirstName] will be almost exactly the opposite of this one.”

Zoe smiles at Eliana, and you think that her smile is sincere. Her words are also sincere. “Thanks, Eliana. We are not friends, but we are not enemies either. But [PCFirstName] is my dear friend – and not my boyfriend. So, could you leave us to talk about the thief?”

Eliana smiles softly. “I suppose. Friendship is the treasure, after all.”

Once Eliana has used her greater stamina compared to Zoe to walk a sufficient distance away from you and Zoe, Zoe takes you by the hand and brings you into the mouth of a nearby alleyway, where she surprises you by breaking into wheezing sobs.

“Zoe, are you sick? Can I help you?” You hesitantly reach out a hand, not sure what Zoe would accept as help from you.

Zoe responds by rubbing her tears off with your outstretched hand before saying, with a voice that is both tremulous and fierce, “You wild, savage Morvidus student, living in a college where animals dwell – you would have reduced us to the thieving girl’s level, scavenging for targets in the streets, stealing things to survive, and facing the risk of branding or hanging for our efforts even if we were to succeed.”

Zoe’s words startle you, and you say, “But you agreed that such a possible outcome was worth the risk – as it was for us. Besides, as real mages, we would not have been as vulnerably desperate as the thief whom I tried to catch.”

Zoe smiles at you, faintly, and says, “I know – but wandering about as street entertainers would have ruined my health and costed more to maintain, I fear, than honest entertainment could have gotten us. I just…never realized until now how vulnerable such street people in Mineta can be. The thief was younger than we are but already risking at minimum her skin’s smooth painlessness in order to earn money. And she was not doing it on a lark. She was so thin that I assume that for her, it was a matter of stealing or starving.”

Then, apparently having gotten her emotions more under her control, Zoe smiles fiercely at you and says, “But you and I are making things better for both of us. I am a sickly student still, but we have more money and you have made me into one who will become a fine young lady rather than a common grisette – as the Pievrian called me once! But I must get back to my studying.”

You and Zoe then go to the Academagia in silence, although Zoe is kind enough to spare you from embarrassment – and potential punishment – by releasing your hand once you and she return to the main streets. At the Academagia, Zoe goes her own way to Hedi College with a slight waving of her hand and a faint smile.

As you make your way back to Morvidus College, you consider Zoe. You are glad that she is your very dear friend – and you are glad that she seems to have a sense of empathy that tempers her willingness to break rules in pursuit of money. [- 1 vitality, + 1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 3 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 3 relationship between the PC and Eliana Carosi,+ 1 skill level Tactics for the PC, + 1 skill level Criminal Law for the PC and Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02].

 

 

 

Failure

 

 

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

You figure that the best way to entertain Zoe would be to point out to her something that you would notice that would, you hope, be more interesting than the service that Eliana is pressuring you and Zoe into attending.

With that in mind, you carefully turn your eyeballs, and occasionally your face, in order to look among the people who are attending the service. You realize that unless one of the other attendees is secretly a prankster whom even Vettor and Rui da Casga would unite in learning from, you are unlikely to see a genuine and intentional entertainer. Still, people can be interesting even when standing together, especially in a city as diverse – Zoe, you reflect, would use the word cosmopolitan – as Mineta, where all the ethnicities in the Empire of Man – and many from outside – have representatives.

The crowd of worshippers, to your roving eyes, seems disappointingly ordinary. Certainly, they are, for the most part, dressed in formal clothes, but the clothes are not ostentations – nor even extraordinarily fancy. Iudocia’s worshippers in Mineta are not as poor as Aemean’s tend to be – nor as oppressed – but they tend to not necessarily be members of the elites. Furthermore, you suppose that Alesfans, Sae’onians, Valvilians, and people from even further afield would, if they were inclined to piety in the Imperial religion, be worshipping at Rostra’s temple in Mineta. At least, this may explain why you see no such people whom you might guide Zoe’s attention to as an interesting distraction from the service.

 “Are you seeing anything interesting?”

Zoe’s whisper takes you by surprise, so that you are only able to squeak out, “No, but looking at the people is more interesting than the service for me.”

“Be silent, [PCFirstName]!” Eliana hisses.

You peek back towards Eliana and Zoe and see that while Zoe has apparently joined you in roving with her eyes where her body cannot, Eliana is enraptured by the service. You are glad that you have given Zoe a way to relieve her boredom…

You are unable to find with your roving eyes anything that is truly fascinating to you, but at least you are able to avoid being totally bored by the service. Certainly, you find it an interesting and rather instructive challenge to maintain interest in what your eyes see while avoiding becoming so distracted that you make an obvious fool of yourself during the service.

“[PCFirstName]…we have to go – the service is over.”

You turn your eyes and head away from a particularly fascinating portion of the floor to see that Eliana’s slightly raised voice is in no way accompanied by anger. To the contrary, she looks very relaxed and happy. Zoe, you notice, looks at least not bored, so you suppose that you gave to her some useful guidance about how to endure the service.

“Good to have your mind where your eyes are,” Zoe says. “But Eliana is right – I don’t want to stay here any longer than I have to.”

As Eliana, you, and Zoe walk beck to the Academagia, Eliana tries to start a conversation that is interesting to her.

“So, Zoe, you and [PCFirstName] were very relaxed during the service, and neither of you seemed to be bored. Were you, at least, blessed by the gods during the service?” Then, in a strange voice that you assume arises due to the idea being an afterthought, Eliana says, “And you, [PCFirstName] – were you also feeling blessed by the gods?” Judging by her bliss-filled smile, you suspect that Eliana thinks that she was blessed by the gods during the service.

Thankfully for your friendship with Eliana – and your wonderful relationship with Zoe – you are saved from having to answer Eliana’s question by Zoe’s swift retort – laughter, followed by,

“Eliana, if you think that I or [PCFirstName] were blessed by the gods during the service, then feel free to buy my guide to where Joana keeps her candy.”

Eliana’s face furrows into a frown, and she says, “Why assume that I am gullible, Zoe? Joana could thrash three of you – and I might let her. But when people are contented in a place where gods bestow blessings, it is reasonable to think that the gods may be blessing them with contentment. Certainly, they blessed me at the service.”

Zoe sighs in a way that you know that she has deliberately made louder for dramatic emphasis. “Well, what good fortune for you, having another good thing that I lack. Good health, strong legs, blonde hairs that can be made beautiful, and the ability to easily receive a blessing from the gods. But I have none of those traits – I must flourish as best as I can through my mind.”

“Your mind is a great gift, Zoe, even though you may not be using it appropriately.” Eliana is smiling faintly, and if her reputation were different, you would be worried.

“And let me guess, Eliana – a properly used mind should cultivate appropriate reverence for the gods?” Zoe’s lilting rhythm makes you think that she is quoting from some book, but you cannot identify the author.

“That and peaceful, loving co-operation with other people,” Eliana says. “Your boyfriend – I mean special friend – need not be the only person who can shelter you like a tree shelters a bird.”

“Those words had better be a reference to the parrot feathers that we received last year in Professor Pachait’s class, Eliana, or I will make you wish that you were forcibly recruited crew member within a ship.” Zoe’s face has become even paler than usual, and her voice has a growl of barely supressed fury.

“Ah, Zoe, I really like trees, and would not follow some of my college-mates’ leads by openly insulting or threatening you. Such are behaviours that I would maintain, I hope, even if cassetaed.”

After such a retort, Zoe and Eliana refuse to speak to each other, but walk along in tense silence, occasionally sneaking glances at each other. When Eliana says, after you, Zoe, and Eliana arrive at the Academagia, that her next meeting with Zoe and you is so well planned that she needs no more interaction with Zoe until the next meeting, Zoe lets out a sigh of relief that only ends with a slight sob once Eliana walks away.

“Zoe, why so sad? Eliana was angry at you and you at her, but she is not a bad person to have as a rival – certainly not dangerous.”

“Less dangerous than my Pievrian foe and others from your college to me yes, but still – I had thought until now that an evil pacifist was a fantasy, but Eliana’s carefully crafted insults may make me reconsider the premise.”

“What was so insulting about her comparing me to a tree, Zoe? It was a strange expression, but worse could be made.”

“Such as comparing you to a dragon, right? Well, if you don’t know the answer, then I don’t want to give you any ideas. Some things are better left unexplained. Maybe the idea was mine – I read so many old books that Eliana and many others have never even heard about, after all. Speaking of ideas, I wanted to thank you for the solution to our boredom during the service. Given your reputation, I was half afraid that you would, I don’t know, try to recruit me into an act that would be better than any that even the best street magicians could create. So, staring around at the various things and people near us during the service was a very quiet – and surprisingly enjoyable – alternative.”

Zoe is babbling by now, so you figure that she should be left alone in order to calm down after the terrible insult that Eliana gave to her – perhaps without realizing it. With a smile, you therefore assure her that no insult from Eliana about her would lower your opinion about her, and then go on your way.

[- 1 stress, - 5 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Relaxation for the PC and for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht School]

 

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You figure that the best way to entertain Zoe would be to point out to her something that you would notice that would, you hope, be more interesting than the service that Eliana is pressuring you and Zoe into attending.

With that in mind, you carefully turn your eyeballs, and occasionally your face, in order to look among the people who are attending the service. You realize that unless one of the other attendees is secretly a prankster whom even Vettor and Rui da Casga would unite in learning from, you are unlikely to see a genuine and intentional entertainer. Still, people can be interesting even when standing together, especially in a city as diverse – Zoe, you reflect, would use the word cosmopolitan – as Mineta, where all the ethnicities in the Empire of Man – and many from outside – have representatives.

The crowd of worshippers, to your roving eyes, seems disappointingly ordinary. Certainly, they are, for the most part, dressed in formal clothes, but the clothes are not ostentations – nor even extraordinarily fancy. Iudocia’s worshippers in Mineta are not as poor as Aemean’s tend to be – nor as oppressed – but they tend to not necessarily be members of the elites. Furthermore, you suppose that Alesfans, Sae’onians, Valvilians, and people from even further afield would, if they were inclined to piety in the Imperial religion, be worshipping at Rostra’s temple in Mineta. At least, this may explain why you see no such people whom you might guide Zoe’s attention to as an interesting distraction from the service.

 “Are you seeing anything interesting?”

Zoe’s whisper takes you by surprise, so that you are only able to squeak out, “No, but looking at the people is more interesting than the service for me.”

“Be silent, [PCFirstName]!” Eliana hisses.

You peek back towards Eliana and Zoe and see that while Zoe has apparently joined you in roving with her eyes where her body cannot, Eliana is enraptured by the service. You are glad that you have given Zoe a way to relieve her boredom…

You are unable to find with your roving eyes anything that is truly fascinating to you, but at least you are able to avoid being totally bored by the service. Certainly, you find it an interesting and rather instructive challenge to maintain interest in what your eyes see while avoiding becoming so distracted that you make an obvious fool of yourself during the service.

“[PCFirstName]…we have to go – the service is over.”

You turn your eyes and head away from a particularly fascinating portion of the floor to see that Eliana’s slightly raised voice is in no way accompanied by anger. To the contrary, she looks very relaxed and happy. Zoe, you notice, looks at least not bored, so you suppose that you gave to her some useful guidance about how to endure the service.

“Good to have your mind where your eyes are,” Zoe says. “But Eliana is right – I don’t want to stay here any longer than I have to.”

As Eliana, you, and Zoe walk beck to the Academagia, Eliana tries to start a conversation that is interesting to her.

“So, Zoe, you and [PCFirstName] were very relaxed during the service, and neither of you seemed to be bored. Were you, at least, blessed by the gods during the service?” Then, in a strange voice that you assume arises due to the idea being an afterthought, Eliana says, “And you, [PCFirstName] – were you also feeling blessed by the gods?” Judging by her bliss-filled smile, you suspect that Eliana thinks that she was blessed by the gods during the service.

Thankfully for your friendship with Eliana – and your wonderful relationship with Zoe – you are saved from having to answer Eliana’s question by Zoe’s swift retort – laughter, followed by,

“Eliana, if you think that I or [PCFirstName] were blessed by the gods during the service, then feel free to buy my guide to where Joana keeps her candy.”

Eliana’s face furrows into a frown, and she says, “Why assume that I am gullible, Zoe? Joana could thrash three of you – and I might let her. But when people are contented in a place where gods bestow blessings, it is reasonable to think that the gods may be blessing them with contentment. Certainly, they blessed me at the service.”

Zoe sighs in a way that you know that she has deliberately made louder for dramatic emphasis. “Well, what good fortune for you, having another good thing that I lack. Good health, strong legs, blonde hairs that can be made beautiful, and the ability to easily receive a blessing from the gods. But I have none of those traits – I must flourish as best as I can through my mind.”

“Your mind is a great gift, Zoe, even though you may not be using it appropriately.” Eliana is smiling faintly, and if her reputation were different, you would be worried.

“And let me guess, Eliana – a properly used mind should cultivate appropriate reverence for the gods?” Zoe’s lilting rhythm makes you think that she is quoting from some book, but you cannot identify the author.

“That and peaceful, loving co-operation with other people,” Eliana says. “Your boyfriend – I mean special friend – need not be the only person who can shelter you like a tree shelters a bird.”

“Those words had better be a reference to the parrot feathers that we received last year in Professor Pachait’s class, Eliana, or I will make you wish that you were forcibly recruited crew member within a ship.” Zoe’s face has become even paler than usual, and her voice has a growl of barely supressed fury.

“Ah, Zoe, I really like trees, and would not follow some of my college-mates’ leads by openly insulting or threatening you. Such are behaviours that I would maintain, I hope, even if cassetaed.”

After such a retort, Zoe and Eliana refuse to speak to each other, but walk along in tense silence, occasionally sneaking glances at each other. When Eliana says, after you, Zoe, and Eliana arrive at the Academagia, that her next meeting with Zoe and you is so well planned that she needs no more interaction with Zoe until the next meeting, Zoe lets out a sigh of relief that only ends with a slight sob once Eliana walks away.

“Zoe, why so sad? Eliana was angry at you and you at her, but she is not a bad person to have as a rival – certainly not dangerous.”

“Less dangerous than my Pievrian foe and others from your college to me yes, but still – I had thought until now that an evil pacifist was a fantasy, but Eliana’s carefully crafted insults may make me reconsider the premise.”

“What was so insulting about her comparing me to a tree, Zoe? It was a strange expression, but worse could be made.”

“Such as comparing you to a dragon, right? Well, if you don’t know the answer, then I don’t want to give you any ideas. Some things are better left unexplained. Maybe the idea was mine – I read so many old books that Eliana and many others have never even heard about, after all. Speaking of ideas, I wanted to thank you for the solution to our boredom during the service. Given your reputation, I was half afraid that you would, I don’t know, try to recruit me into an act that would be better than any that even the best street magicians could create. So, staring around at the various things and people near us during the service was a very quiet – and surprisingly enjoyable – alternative.”

Zoe is babbling by now, so you figure that she should be left alone in order to calm down after the terrible insult that Eliana gave to her – perhaps without realizing it. With a smile, you therefore assure her that no insult from Eliana about her would lower your opinion about her, and then go on your way.

But you are seized by fear as you return to Morvidus College. Zoe was so upset because of innuendo that may not even have been intended as an insult – how much harsher in anger and fear she would be towards you as a if she were to learn or suspect that you are a Gates mage is an issue that you do not want to think about. You are glad that you have not yet resumed your studies at the Schohanwicht School – that decision may make it easier for you to withdraw from Gates magic if your relationship with Zoe were to get serious enough.

[- 5 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Relaxation for the PC and for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

 

 

You figure that the best way to entertain Zoe would be to point out to her something that you would notice that would, you hope, be more interesting than the service that Eliana is pressuring you and Zoe into attending.

With that in mind, you carefully turn your eyeballs, and occasionally your face, in order to look among the people who are attending the service. You realize that unless one of the other attendees is secretly a prankster whom even Vettor and Rui da Casga would unite in learning from, you are unlikely to see a genuine and intentional entertainer. Still, people can be interesting even when standing together, especially in a city as diverse – Zoe, you reflect, would use the word cosmopolitan – as Mineta, where all the ethnicities in the Empire of Man – and many from outside – have representatives.

The crowd of worshippers, to your roving eyes, seems disappointingly ordinary. Certainly, they are, for the most part, dressed in formal clothes, but the clothes are not ostentations – nor even extraordinarily fancy. Iudocia’s worshippers in Mineta are not as poor as Aemean’s tend to be – nor as oppressed – but they tend to not necessarily be members of the elites. Furthermore, you suppose that Alesfans, Sae’onians, Valvilians, and people from even further afield would, if they were inclined to piety in the Imperial religion, be worshipping at Rostra’s temple in Mineta. At least, this may explain why you see no such people whom you might guide Zoe’s attention to as an interesting distraction from the service.

 “Are you seeing anything interesting?”

Zoe’s whisper takes you by surprise, so that you are only able to squeak out, “No, but looking at the people is more interesting than the service for me.”

“Be silent, [PCFirstName]!” Eliana hisses.

You peek back towards Eliana and Zoe and see that while Zoe has apparently joined you in roving with her eyes where her body cannot, Eliana is enraptured by the service. You are glad that you have given Zoe a way to relieve her boredom…

You are unable to find with your roving eyes anything that is truly fascinating to you, but at least you are able to avoid being totally bored by the service. Certainly, you find it an interesting and rather instructive challenge to maintain interest in what your eyes see while avoiding becoming so distracted that you make an obvious fool of yourself during the service.

“[PCFirstName]…we have to go – the service is over.”

You turn your eyes and head away from a particularly fascinating portion of the floor to see that Eliana’s slightly raised voice is in no way accompanied by anger. To the contrary, she looks very relaxed and happy. Zoe, you notice, looks at least not bored, so you suppose that you gave to her some useful guidance about how to endure the service.

“Good to have your mind where your eyes are,” Zoe says. “But Eliana is right – I don’t want to stay here any longer than I have to.”

As Eliana, you, and Zoe walk beck to the Academagia, Eliana tries to start a conversation that is interesting to her.

“So, Zoe, you and [PCFirstName] were very relaxed during the service, and neither of you seemed to be bored. Were you, at least, blessed by the gods during the service?” Then, in a strange voice that you assume arises due to the idea being an afterthought, Eliana says, “And you, [PCFirstName] – were you also feeling blessed by the gods?” Judging by her bliss-filled smile, you suspect that Eliana thinks that she was blessed by the gods during the service.

Thankfully for your friendship with Eliana – and your wonderful relationship with Zoe – you are saved from having to answer Eliana’s question by Zoe’s swift retort – laughter, followed by,

“Eliana, if you think that I or [PCFirstName] were blessed by the gods during the service, then feel free to buy my guide to where Joana keeps her candy.”

Eliana’s face furrows into a frown, and she says, “Why assume that I am gullible, Zoe? Joana could thrash three of you – and I might let her. But when people are contented in a place where gods bestow blessings, it is reasonable to think that the gods may be blessing them with contentment. Certainly, they blessed me at the service.”

Zoe sighs in a way that you know that she has deliberately made louder for dramatic emphasis. “Well, what good fortune for you, having another good thing that I lack. Good health, strong legs, blonde hairs that can be made beautiful, and the ability to easily receive a blessing from the gods. But I have none of those traits – I must flourish as best as I can through my mind.”

“Your mind is a great gift, Zoe, even though you may not be using it appropriately.” Eliana is smiling faintly, and if her reputation were different, you would be worried.

“And let me guess, Eliana – a properly used mind should cultivate appropriate reverence for the gods?” Zoe’s lilting rhythm makes you think that she is quoting from some book, but you cannot identify the author.

“That and peaceful, loving co-operation with other people,” Eliana says. “Your boyfriend – I mean special friend – need not be the only person who can shelter you like a tree shelters a bird.”

“Those words had better be a reference to the parrot feathers that we received last year in Professor Pachait’s class, Eliana, or I will make you wish that you were forcibly recruited crew member within a ship.” Zoe’s face has become even paler than usual, and her voice has a growl of barely supressed fury.

“Ah, Zoe, I really like trees, and would not follow some of my college-mates’ leads by openly insulting or threatening you. Such are behaviours that I would maintain, I hope, even if cassetaed.”

After such a retort, Zoe and Eliana refuse to speak to each other, but walk along in tense silence, occasionally sneaking glances at each other. When Eliana says, after you, Zoe, and Eliana arrive at the Academagia, that her next meeting with Zoe and you is so well planned that she needs no more interaction with Zoe until the next meeting, Zoe lets out a sigh of relief that only ends with a slight sob once Eliana walks away.

“Zoe, why so sad? Eliana was angry at you and you at her, but she is not a bad person to have as a rival – certainly not dangerous.”

“Less dangerous than my Pievrian foe and others from your college to me yes, but still – I had thought until now that an evil pacifist was a fantasy, but Eliana’s carefully crafted insults may make me reconsider the premise.”

“What was so insulting about her comparing me to a tree, Zoe? It was a strange expression, but worse could be made.”

“Such as comparing you to a dragon, right? Well, if you don’t know the answer, then I don’t want to give you any ideas. Some things are better left unexplained. Maybe the idea was mine – I read so many old books that Eliana and many others have never even heard about, after all. Speaking of ideas, I wanted to thank you for the solution to our boredom during the service. Given your reputation, I was half afraid that you would, I don’t know, try to recruit me into an act that would be better than any that even the best street magicians could create. So, staring around at the various things and people near us during the service was a very quiet – and surprisingly enjoyable – alternative.”

Zoe is babbling by now, so you figure that she should be left alone in order to calm down after the terrible insult that Eliana gave to her – perhaps without realizing it. With a smile, you therefore assure her that no insult from Eliana about her would lower your opinion about her, and then go on your way.

But you are seized by fear as you return to Morvidus College. Zoe was so upset because of innuendo that may not even have been intended as an insult – how much harsher in anger and fear she would be towards you as a if she were to learn or suspect that you are a Gates mage is an issue that you do not want to think about. Still, after your initial hesitation, you have decided to try to maintain your deep relationship with Zoe while studying Gates magic – and although such balancing is difficult, you believe that it is worthwhile if it is possible. Maybe Zoe can even help you with your Bassan – fusing your interests and Zoe’s interests into one pleasant but secretive whole.

[- 5 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Relaxation for the PC and for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

 

 

You figure that the best way to entertain Zoe would be to point out to her something that you would notice that would, you hope, be more interesting than the service that Eliana is pressuring you and Zoe into attending.

With that in mind, you carefully turn your eyeballs, and occasionally your face, in order to look among the people who are attending the service. You realize that unless one of the other attendees is secretly a prankster whom even Vettor and Rui da Casga would unite in learning from, you are unlikely to see a genuine and intentional entertainer. Still, people can be interesting even when standing together, especially in a city as diverse – Zoe, you reflect, would use the word cosmopolitan – as Mineta, where all the ethnicities in the Empire of Man – and many from outside – have representatives.

The crowd of worshippers, to your roving eyes, seems disappointingly ordinary. Certainly, they are, for the most part, dressed in formal clothes, but the clothes are not ostentations – nor even extraordinarily fancy. Iudocia’s worshippers in Mineta are not as poor as Aemean’s tend to be – nor as oppressed – but they tend to not necessarily be members of the elites. Furthermore, you suppose that Alesfans, Sae’onians, Valvilians, and people from even further afield would, if they were inclined to piety in the Imperial religion, be worshipping at Rostra’s temple in Mineta. At least, this may explain why you see no such people whom you might guide Zoe’s attention to as an interesting distraction from the service.

 “Are you seeing anything interesting?”

Zoe’s whisper takes you by surprise, so that you are only able to squeak out, “No, but looking at the people is more interesting than the service for me.”

“Be silent, [PCFirstName]!” Eliana hisses.

You peek back towards Eliana and Zoe and see that while Zoe has apparently joined you in roving with her eyes where her body cannot, Eliana is enraptured by the service. You are glad that you have given Zoe a way to relieve her boredom…

You are unable to find with your roving eyes anything that is truly fascinating to you, but at least you are able to avoid being totally bored by the service. Certainly, you find it an interesting and rather instructive challenge to maintain interest in what your eyes see while avoiding becoming so distracted that you make an obvious fool of yourself during the service.

“[PCFirstName]…we have to go – the service is over.”

You turn your eyes and head away from a particularly fascinating portion of the floor to see that Eliana’s slightly raised voice is in no way accompanied by anger. To the contrary, she looks very relaxed and happy. Zoe, you notice, looks at least not bored, so you suppose that you gave to her some useful guidance about how to endure the service.

“Good to have your mind where your eyes are,” Zoe says. “But Eliana is right – I don’t want to stay here any longer than I have to.”

As Eliana, you, and Zoe walk beck to the Academagia, Eliana tries to start a conversation that is interesting to her.

“So, Zoe, you and [PCFirstName] were very relaxed during the service, and neither of you seemed to be bored. Were you, at least, blessed by the gods during the service?” Then, in a strange voice that you assume arises due to the idea being an afterthought, Eliana says, “And you, [PCFirstName] – were you also feeling blessed by the gods?” Judging by her bliss-filled smile, you suspect that Eliana thinks that she was blessed by the gods during the service.

Thankfully for your friendship with Eliana – and your wonderful relationship with Zoe – you are saved from having to answer Eliana’s question by Zoe’s swift retort – laughter, followed by,

“Eliana, if you think that I or [PCFirstName] were blessed by the gods during the service, then feel free to buy my guide to where Joana keeps her candy.”

Eliana’s face furrows into a frown, and she says, “Why assume that I am gullible, Zoe? Joana could thrash three of you – and I might let her. But when people are contented in a place where gods bestow blessings, it is reasonable to think that the gods may be blessing them with contentment. Certainly, they blessed me at the service.”

Zoe sighs in a way that you know that she has deliberately made louder for dramatic emphasis. “Well, what good fortune for you, having another good thing that I lack. Good health, strong legs, blonde hairs that can be made beautiful, and the ability to easily receive a blessing from the gods. But I have none of those traits – I must flourish as best as I can through my mind.”

“Your mind is a great gift, Zoe, even though you may not be using it appropriately.” Eliana is smiling faintly, and if her reputation were different, you would be worried.

“And let me guess, Eliana – a properly used mind should cultivate appropriate reverence for the gods?” Zoe’s lilting rhythm makes you think that she is quoting from some book, but you cannot identify the author.

“That and peaceful, loving co-operation with other people,” Eliana says. “Your boyfriend – I mean special friend – need not be the only person who can shelter you like a tree shelters a bird.”

“Those words had better be a reference to the parrot feathers that we received last year in Professor Pachait’s class, Eliana, or I will make you wish that you were forcibly recruited crew member within a ship.” Zoe’s face has become even paler than usual, and her voice has a growl of barely supressed fury.

“Ah, Zoe, I really like trees, and would not follow some of my college-mates’ leads by openly insulting or threatening you. Such are behaviours that I would maintain, I hope, even if cassetaed.”

After such a retort, Zoe and Eliana refuse to speak to each other, but walk along in tense silence, occasionally sneaking glances at each other. When Eliana says, after you, Zoe, and Eliana arrive at the Academagia, that her next meeting with Zoe and you is so well planned that she needs no more interaction with Zoe until the next meeting, Zoe lets out a sigh of relief that only ends with a slight sob once Eliana walks away.

“Zoe, why so sad? Eliana was angry at you and you at her, but she is not a bad person to have as a rival – certainly not dangerous.”

“Less dangerous than my Pievrian foe and others from your college to me yes, but still – I had thought until now that an evil pacifist was a fantasy, but Eliana’s carefully crafted insults may make me reconsider the premise.”

“What was so insulting about her comparing me to a tree, Zoe? It was a strange expression, but worse could be made.”

“Such as comparing you to a dragon, right? Well, if you don’t know the answer, then I don’t want to give you any ideas. Some things are better left unexplained. Maybe the idea was mine – I read so many old books that Eliana and many others have never even heard about, after all. Speaking of ideas, I wanted to thank you for the solution to our boredom during the service. Given your reputation, I was half afraid that you would, I don’t know, try to recruit me into an act that would be better than any that even the best street magicians could create. So, staring around at the various things and people near us during the service was a very quiet – and surprisingly enjoyable – alternative.”

Zoe is babbling by now, so you figure that she should be left alone in order to calm down after the terrible insult that Eliana gave to her – perhaps without realizing it. With a smile, you therefore assure her that no insult from Eliana about her would lower your opinion about her, and then go on your way.

But you are seized by fear as you return to Morvidus College. Zoe was so upset because of innuendo that may not even have been intended as an insult – how much harsher in anger and fear she would be towards you as a if she were to learn or suspect that you are a Gates mage is an issue that you do not want to think about. Still, you are trying to maintain your deep relationship with Zoe while studying Gates magic – and although such balancing is difficult, you believe that it is worthwhile if it is possible. Maybe Zoe can even help you with your Bassan – fusing your interests and Zoe’s interests into one pleasant but secretive whole.

[- 5 relationship between Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi, + 1 skill level Relaxation for the PC and for Zoe Melis, inform location Temple of Iudocia, unlock adventure stage Zoe Melis and Eliana Carosi 02]

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Rhialto
Removed additional memory. Corrected a repetition.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pelia’s Farewell

 

 

Notes:

 

 

This adventure is meant to trigger on the PC’s last day at the Academagia, and has the following prerequisites: the PC must have no affection or love with any student (excepting Oriabel Sidot), must not have fulfilled the requirements that would allow the PC to have Zoe Melis’s farewell scene, and must have completed the Y1 adventure “The Clockmaker’s Daughter”.

 

Text:

 

Spoiler
 

[If PC is male]

Spoiler
 

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl or has love with Oriabel Sidot or has Affection with Oriabel Sidot]

Spoiler
 

[If PC has Love for Oriabel Sidot]

Spoiler
 

You are preparing to leave your bedroom in the Academagia’s Morvidus College for the last time as a First Year student when you hear a brisk knocking at the door. Wondering whether Oriabel has decided to come to you in order to say farewell to you in a way that reflects the deep relationship that has grown between you and her, you make a movement towards the door. Before you can open the door, however, it opens on its own, and you see behind it Pelia. She looks rather stressed, but when she sees that you can see her, she tries to twist her face into a smug smile.

“I am so glad, [PCFirstName], that I was able to have my meeting with Lisle today when I did. I was not wanting to get in any other student’s way, so was planning to leave the Academagia today without seeing you, but then your special friend” – and at this point Pelia’s voice becomes mockingly sharp – “met me outside Lisle’s office and told me that her astrological readings had been correct and that my meeting you would not conflict with her plans. Oriabel,” Pelia hisses, “is hunting ghosts – but she seems to have a letter planned for you. She would not buy a pocket watch in order to better manage her time.”

Then Pelia pauses and her face flushes. “I really need to keep things separate. You do not need to hear about the legal issues that are snipping my sanity. And I will handle them on my own.”

“Legal issues? Are people angry about your gold creation or something?” Your shock must be manifesting in your voice, because Pelia gives a slight smirk before replying.

“I wish that that were my only problem! No, my issues are more boring and more expensive. My father’s estate is very valuable, see, and my age is, shall we say, legally controversial. Three extra years of being a minor can allow unscrupulous people a lot more time to exploit me in various ways. Lisle, wonderful as she is, has told me about some basic legal solutions, and I will try to get a lawyer to handle my case reasonably.”

Then, Pelia shrugs. “I don’t want to be turning this into another summary of my legal woes. I am Pelia the Alchemist, not Pelia the Heiress, Pelia the Ambiguously Aged, or” – and here Pelia’s face contorts in anger – “Pelia the Easily Exploited Potential Victim.”

Then, Pelia calms down. “Plus, I came here to thank you for becoming my friend and helping me and stuff, and that would be rather undermined if I were to get all upset about the problems that I have discovered since you helped me to enter Mineta again.”

“If I weren’t so close to leaving this room for the summer, Pelia, I would invite you to make yourself at home for a while here, but the room is quite chaotic for anyone right now. Even my Familiar is elsewhere while I prepare for leaving.”

“Honestly, given a choice between my shop and your room, I know where I would prefer to be,” Pelia drawls. “So, I will just manifest my friendship in this doorway and not beyond it. But please, spare me your efforts at revision or brewing. I can do better magic when half asleep, and this doorway is not a good place for me to teach you anything or correct your errors.”

Despite Pelia’s slightly caustic words and tone of voice, you know that she really is a good friend to you, and that she can be very helpful to you if you were to seek her help.

[If PC has Affection but no Love for Oriabel Sidot]

Spoiler
 

You are preparing to leave your bedroom in the Academagia’s Morvidus College for the last time as a First Year student when you hear a brisk knocking at the door. Wondering whether Oriabel has decided to come to you in order to say farewell to you in a way that reflects the relationship that has grown between you and her, you make a movement towards the door. Before you can open the door, however, it opens on its own, and you see behind it Pelia. She looks rather stressed, but when she sees that you can see her, she tries to twist her face into a smug smile.

“I am so glad, [PCFirstName], that I was able to have my meeting with Lisle today when I did. I was not wanting to get in any other student’s way, so was planning to leave the Academagia today without seeing you, but then your friend” – and at this point Pelia’s voice becomes mockingly sharp – “met me outside Lisle’s office and told me that her astrological readings had been correct and that my meeting you would not conflict with her plans. Oriabel,” Pelia hisses, “is hunting ghosts – but she seems to have a letter planned for you. She would not buy a pocket watch in order to better manage her time.”

Then Pelia pauses and her face flushes. “I really need to keep things separate. You do not need to hear about the legal issues that are snipping my sanity. And I will handle them on my own.”

“Legal issues? Are people angry about your gold creation or something?” Your shock must be manifesting in your voice, because Pelia gives a slight smirk before replying.

“I wish that that were my only problem! No, my issues are more boring and more expensive. My father’s estate is very valuable, see, and my age is, shall we say, legally controversial. Three extra years of being a minor can allow unscrupulous people a lot more time to exploit me in various ways. Lisle, wonderful as she is, has told me about some basic legal solutions, and I will try to get a lawyer to handle my case reasonably.”

Then, Pelia shrugs. “I don’t want to be turning this into another summary of my legal woes. I am Pelia the Alchemist, not Pelia the Heiress, Pelia the Ambiguously Aged, or” – and here Pelia’s face contorts in anger – “Pelia the Easily Exploited Potential Victim.”

Then, Pelia calms down. “Plus, I came here to thank you for becoming my friend and helping me and stuff, and that would be rather undermined if I were to get all upset about the problems that I have discovered since you helped me to enter Mineta again.”

“If I weren’t so close to leaving this room for the summer, Pelia, I would invite you to make yourself at home for a while here, but the room is quite chaotic for anyone right now. Even my Familiar is elsewhere while I prepare for leaving.”

“Honestly, given a choice between my shop and your room, I know where I would prefer to be,” Pelia drawls. “So, I will just manifest my friendship in this doorway and not beyond it. But please, spare me your efforts at revision or brewing. I can do better magic when half asleep, and this doorway is not a good place for me to teach you anything or correct your errors.”

Despite Pelia’s slightly caustic words and tone of voice, you know that she really is a good friend to you, and that she can be very helpful to you if you were to seek her help.

[If PC has neither Love nor Affection for Oriabel Sidot]

Spoiler
 

You are preparing to leave your bedroom in the Academagia’s Morvidus College for the last time as a First Year student when you hear a brisk knocking at the door. Wondering whether some female student has decided to come to you in order to say farewell to you in a way that reflects your reputation and skills, you make a movement towards the door. Before you can open the door, however, it opens on its own, and you see behind it Pelia. She looks rather stressed, but when she sees that you can see her, she tries to twist her face into a smug smile.

“I am so glad, [PCFirstName], that I was able to guide my meeting with Lisle today how I did. I was not wanting to get in any other student’s way, so was planning to leave the Academagia today without seeing you, but then Lisle told me” – and at this point Pelia’s voice becomes mockingly sharp – “ in her capacity as Professor Aventyrare that despite your reputation among female students, you have no one special whom you might be expecting to greet you at the end of the year. Not that,” and here Pelia frowns, “there is anything wrong with such a reputation, so long as it hurts nobody. Such people seem to be the sort who might benefit from having pocket watches in order to manage time better.”

Then Pelia pauses and her face flushes. “I really need to keep things separate. You do not need to hear about the legal issues that are snipping my sanity. And I will handle them on my own.”

“Legal issues? Are people angry about your gold creation or something?” Your shock must be manifesting in your voice, because Pelia gives a slight smirk before replying.

“I wish that that were my only problem! No, my issues are more boring and more expensive. My father’s estate is very valuable, see, and my age is, shall we say, legally controversial. Three extra years of being a minor can allow unscrupulous people a lot more time to exploit me in various ways. Lisle, wonderful as she is, has told me about some basic legal solutions, and I will try to get a lawyer to handle my case reasonably.”

Then, Pelia shrugs. “I don’t want to be turning this into another summary of my legal woes. I am Pelia the Alchemist, not Pelia the Heiress, Pelia the Ambiguously Aged, or” – and here Pelia’s face contorts in anger – “Pelia the Easily Exploited Potential Victim.”

Then, Pelia calms down. “Plus, I came here to thank you for becoming my friend and helping me and stuff, and that would be rather undermined if I were to get all upset about the problems that I have discovered since you helped me to enter Mineta again.”

“If I weren’t so close to leaving this room for the summer, Pelia, I would invite you to make yourself at home for a while here, but the room is quite chaotic for anyone right now. Even my Familiar is elsewhere while I prepare for leaving.”

“Honestly, given a choice between my shop and your room, I know where I would prefer to be,” Pelia drawls. “So, I will just manifest my friendship in this doorway and not beyond it. But please, spare me your efforts at revision or brewing. I can do better magic when half asleep, and this doorway is not a good place for me to teach you anything or correct your errors.”

Despite Pelia’s slightly caustic words and tone of voice of voice, you know that she really is a good friend to you, and that she can be very helpful to you if you were to seek her help.

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler
 

You are preparing to leave your bedroom in the Academagia’s Morvidus College for the last time as a First Year student when you hear a brisk knocking at the door. Wondering whether some student has decided to come to you in order to say farewell, you make a movement towards the door. Before you can open the door, however, it opens on its own, and you see behind it Pelia. She looks rather stressed, but when she sees that you can see her, she tries to twist her face into a smug smile.

“I am so glad, [PCFirstName], that I was able to have my meeting with Lisle today when I did. It was a very stressful meeting for me, so that if it had been later I might have decided to just to leave the Academagia today without seeing you, but then Lisle told me” – and at this point Pelia’s voice becomes mockingly sharp – “ in her capacity as Professor Aventyrare that you seem to be nearly done packing for going home. If Lisle had arranged for our meeting to be later, I might have tried to sell a pocket watch to her so that she might manage time better.”

Then Pelia pauses and her face flushes. “I really need to keep things separate. You do not need to hear about the legal issues that are snipping my sanity. And I will handle them on my own.”

“Legal issues? Are people angry about your gold creation or something?” Your shock must be manifesting in your voice, because Pelia gives a slight smirk before replying.

“I wish that that were my only problem! No, my issues are more boring and more expensive. My father’s estate is very valuable, see, and my age is, shall we say, legally controversial. Three extra years of being a minor can allow unscrupulous people a lot more time to exploit me in various ways. Lisle, wonderful as she is, has told me about some basic legal solutions, and I will try to get a lawyer to handle my case reasonably.”

Then, Pelia shrugs. “I don’t want to be turning this into another summary of my legal woes. I am Pelia the Alchemist, not Pelia the Heiress, Pelia the Ambiguously Aged, or” – and here Pelia’s face contorts in anger – “Pelia the Easily Exploited Potential Victim.”

Then, Pelia calms down. “Plus, I came here to thank you for becoming my friend and helping me and stuff, and that would be rather undermined if I were to get all upset about the problems that I have discovered since you helped me to enter Mineta again.”

“If I weren’t so close to leaving this room for the summer, Pelia, I would invite you to make yourself at home for a while here, but the room is quite chaotic for anyone right now. Even my Familiar is elsewhere while I prepare for leaving.”

“Honestly, given a choice between my shop and your room, I know where I would prefer to be,” Pelia drawls. “So, I will just manifest my friendship in this doorway and not beyond it. But please, spare me your efforts at revision or brewing. I can do better magic when half asleep, and this doorway is not a good place for me to teach you anything or correct your errors.”

Despite Pelia’s slightly caustic words and tone of voice of voice, you know that she really is a good friend to you, and that she can be very helpful to you if you were to seek her help.

[If PC is female]

Spoiler
 

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler
 

You are preparing to leave your bedroom in the Academagia’s Morvidus College for the last time as a First Year student when you hear a brisk knocking at the door. Wondering whether some male student has decided to come to you in order to say farewell to you in a way that reflects your reputation and skills, you make a movement towards the door. Before you can open the door, however, it opens on its own, and you see behind it Pelia. She looks rather stressed, but when she sees that you can see her, she tries to twist her face into a smug smile.

“I am so glad, [PCFirstName], that I was able to guide my meeting with Lisle today how I did. I was not wanting to get in any other student’s way, so was planning to leave the Academagia today without seeing you, but then Lisle told me” – and at this point Pelia’s voice becomes mockingly sharp – “ in her capacity as Professor Aventyrare that despite your reputation among male students, you have no one special whom you might be expecting to greet you at the end of the year. Not that,” and here Pelia frowns, “there is anything wrong with such a reputation, so long as it hurts nobody. Such people seem to be the sort who might benefit from having pocket watches in order to manage time better.”

Then Pelia pauses and her face flushes. “I really need to keep things separate. You do not need to hear about the legal issues that are snipping my sanity. And I will handle them on my own.”

“Legal issues? Are people angry about your gold creation or something?” Your shock must be manifesting in your voice, because Pelia gives a slight smirk before replying.

“I wish that that were my only problem! No, my issues are more boring and more expensive. My father’s estate is very valuable, see, and my age is, shall we say, legally controversial. Three extra years of being a minor can allow unscrupulous people a lot more time to exploit me in various ways, as you perhaps may guess about. Lisle, wonderful as she is, has told me about some basic legal solutions, and I will try to get a lawyer to handle my case reasonably.”

Then, Pelia shrugs. “I don’t want to be turning this into another summary of my legal woes. I am Pelia the Alchemist, not Pelia the Heiress, Pelia the Ambiguously Aged, or” – and here Pelia’s face contorts in anger – “Pelia the Easily Exploited Potential Victim.”

Then, Pelia calms down. “Plus, I came here to thank you for becoming my friend and helping me and stuff, and that would be rather undermined if I were to get all upset about the problems that I have discovered since you helped me to enter Mineta again.”

“If I weren’t so close to leaving this room for the summer, Pelia, I would invite you to make yourself at home for a while here, but the room is quite chaotic for anyone right now. Even my Familiar is elsewhere while I prepare for leaving.”

“Honestly, given a choice between my shop and your room, I know where I would prefer to be,” Pelia drawls. “So, I will just manifest my friendship in this doorway and not beyond it. But please, spare me your efforts at revision or brewing. I can do better magic when half asleep, and this doorway is not a good place for me to teach you anything or correct your errors.”

Despite Pelia’s slightly caustic words and tone of voice of voice, you know that she really is a good friend to you, and that she can be very helpful to you if you were to seek her help.

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler
 

You are preparing to leave your bedroom in the Academagia’s Morvidus College for the last time as a First Year student when you hear a brisk knocking at the door. Wondering whether some student has decided to come to you in order to say farewell, you make a movement towards the door. Before you can open the door, however, it opens on its own, and you see behind it Pelia. She looks rather stressed, but when she sees that you can see her, she tries to twist her face into a smug smile.

“I am so glad, [PCFirstName], that I was able to have my meeting with Lisle today when I did. It was a very stressful meeting for me, so that if it had been later I might have decided to just to leave the Academagia today without seeing you, but then Lisle told me” – and at this point Pelia’s voice becomes mockingly sharp – “ in her capacity as Professor Aventyrare that you seem to be nearly done packing for going home. If Lisle had arranged for our meeting to be later, I might have tried to sell a pocket watch to her so that she might manage time better.”

Then Pelia pauses and her face flushes. “I really need to keep things separate. You do not need to hear about the legal issues that are snipping my sanity. And I will handle them on my own.”

“Legal issues? Are people angry about your gold creation or something?” Your shock must be manifesting in your voice, because Pelia gives a slight smirk before replying.

“I wish that that were my only problem! No, my issues are more boring and more expensive. My father’s estate is very valuable, see, and my age is, shall we say, legally controversial. Three extra years of being a minor can allow unscrupulous people a lot more time to exploit me in various ways, as you perhaps may guess about. Lisle, wonderful as she is, has told me about some basic legal solutions, and I will try to get a lawyer to handle my case reasonably.”

Then, Pelia shrugs. “I don’t want to be turning this into another summary of my legal woes. I am Pelia the Alchemist, not Pelia the Heiress, Pelia the Ambiguously Aged, or” – and here Pelia’s face contorts in anger – “Pelia the Easily Exploited Potential Victim.”

Then, Pelia calms down. “Plus, I came here to thank you for becoming my friend and helping me and stuff, and that would be rather undermined if I were to get all upset about the problems that I have discovered since you helped me to enter Mineta again.”

“If I weren’t so close to leaving this room for the summer, Pelia, I would invite you to make yourself at home for a while here, but the room is quite chaotic for anyone right now. Even my Familiar is elsewhere while I prepare for leaving.”

“Honestly, given a choice between my shop and your room, I know where I would prefer to be,” Pelia drawls. “So, I will just manifest my friendship in this doorway and not beyond it. But please, spare me your efforts at revision or brewing. I can do better magic when half asleep, and this doorway is not a good place for me to teach you anything or correct your errors.”

Despite Pelia’s slightly caustic words and tone of voice of voice, you know that she really is a good friend to you, and that she can be very helpful to you if you were to seek her help.

Choices:

 

Spoiler
 

“Pelia, could you explain to me your life-creation abilities?”

Spoiler
 

[If PC is student at the Schohanwicht School]

Spoiler
 

[If PC has Love for Oriabel Sidot]

Spoiler
 

Pelia groans aloud, and says, in a voice that you are not sure is angry, “Did Lisle enter her role as Professor Aventyrare in order to test me through you?”

“No,” you assure Pelia. “Aventyrare has tested me in other ways but not in that way. Why would she do such a thing?”

“When I told Lisle that I could create life, she was terrifying in her mixture of anger and sorrow. She went to a supply cupboard, got some junk that her classes use for revision, and smashed it right before my eyes. Then she told me, with tears in her eyes, that worse things would befall me if I were to mention such a skill again. So, I will not tell you anything more.”

You can see from her eyes that Pelia is truly frightened by recounting what she had to recount, and you do not want to test her – or Professor Aventyrare – by asking her about it again. But you also are driven to look at Pelia with such fear in your eyes that she, sighing, murmurs to you, “Relax, [PCFirstName]. Lisle was only so upset with me because I was talking about a practise that would get me swinging from a gallows if caught. In all other times she has been a wonderful friend to me – so she is not a secretly cruel professor.”

You sigh and try to compose yourself. Would all of your friends turn against you in even worse ways than Professor Aventyrare turned against Pelia if they were to learn that you are studying Gates Magic? You do not want to find out. You must keep your studies secret for this reason, you suppose, although you hope that by following up upon the clues that you and Oriabel discovered during your efforts to help her to meet a ghost, you may learn about Gates mages near Mineta – and maybe guide Oriabel to trust your gates magic. It would be wonderful to see Oriabel’s face glowing with happiness as she would meet a ghost that you would summon for her with her knowledge! [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill step Intimidation, + 1 skill step Serenity, + 1 skill step Planning, choose other option]

[If PC has Affection but no Love for Oriabel Sidot]

Spoiler
 

Pelia groans aloud, and says, in a voice that you are not sure is angry, “Did Lisle enter her role as Professor Aventyrare in order to test me through you?”

“No,” you assure Pelia. “Aventyrare has tested me in other ways but not in that way. Why would she do such a thing?”

“When I told Lisle that I could create life, she was terrifying in her mixture of anger and sorrow. She went to a supply cupboard, got some junk that her classes use for revision, and smashed it right before my eyes. Then she told me, with tears in her eyes, that worse things would befall me if I were to mention such a skill again. So, I will not tell you anything more.”

You can see from her eyes that Pelia is truly frightened by recounting what she had to recount, and you do not want to test her – or Professor Aventyrare – by asking her about it again. But you also are driven to look at Pelia with such fear in your eyes that she, sighing, murmurs to you, “Relax, [PCFirstName]. Lisle was only so upset with me because I was talking about a practise that would get me swinging from a gallows if caught. In all other times she has been a wonderful friend to me – so she is not a secretly cruel professor.”

You sigh and try to compose yourself. Would all of your friends turn against you in even worse ways than Professor Aventyrare turned against Pelia if they were to learn that you are studying Gates Magic? You do not want to find out. You must keep your studies secret for this reason, you suppose, although it is a real pity for you and Oriabel. It would be wonderful to see Oriabel’s face glowing with happiness as she would meet a ghost that you would summon for her with her knowledge! [+ 3 stress, + 1 skill step Intimidation, + 1 skill step Serenity, choose other option]

[If PC has neither Love nor Affection for Oriabel Sidot]

Spoiler
 

Pelia groans aloud, and says, in a voice that you are not sure is angry, “Did Lisle enter her role as Professor Aventyrare in order to test me through you?”

“No,” you assure Pelia. “Aventyrare has tested me in other ways but not in that way. Why would she do such a thing?”

“When I told Lisle that I could create life, she was terrifying in her mixture of anger and sorrow. She went to a supply cupboard, got some junk that her classes use for revision, and smashed it right before my eyes. Then she told me, with tears in her eyes, that worse things would befall me if I were to mention such a skill again. So, I will not tell you anything more.”

You can see from her eyes that Pelia is truly frightened by recounting what she had to recount, and you do not want to test her – or Professor Aventyrare – by asking her about it again. But you also are driven to look at Pelia with such fear in your eyes that she, sighing, murmurs to you, “Relax, [PCFirstName]. Lisle was only so upset with me because I was talking about a practise that would get me swinging from a gallows if caught. In all other times she has been a wonderful friend to me – so she is not a secretly cruel professor.”

You sigh and try to compose yourself. Would all of your friends turn against you in even worse ways than Professor Aventyrare turned against Pelia if they were to learn that you are studying Gates Magic? You do not want to find out. You must keep your studies secret for this reason, you suppose. [+ 2 stress, + 1 skill step Intimidation, + 1 skill step Serenity, choose other option]

[If PC is not student at the Schohanwicht School]

[If PC has neither Love nor Affection for Oriabel Sidot and is Prodigy: On the Prowl] “Pelia, would you be interested in dating me?”

Spoiler
 

[If PC is Male]

Spoiler
 

[If PC will be spending the summer vacation in Mineta]

Spoiler
 

Pelia begins to laugh as soon as the words are out of your lips, but then stops, apparently when she realizes that you are serious. Then she looks at you with a face that is, as best as you can determine, not unkind.

“You must think that this is just like one of those stories that…children learn, right? You rescued the heiress, and she will fall in love with you.” Pelia shakes her head. “Things are not simple for me. I have so much to worry about, in addition to leaving stasis, that my going all moon-eyed over any handsome man and cooing to him like a dove is really the last thing on my mind.”

Pelia’s eyes flash with triumph as she grins when your face falls in disappointment. “Wait! I have more to say!” she crows.

Bracing yourself for her harsh words, you feel your mood elevated when Pelia says the following, “That having been said, you are a handsome young man, and you have treated me very well, and I have a lot of stress in my life related to alchemy and revision – so if I were to happen to be out with you during this summer vacation, then I might find myself grudgingly having a good time. But only during vacations until you are in Third Year. Lisle has told me about the rules. Would this be possible for you?

“Yes,” you tell her, smiling.

Pelia smiles as well, and says, “Excellent.” [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill step flirting, add action Quasi-Date with Pelia, choose other option]

Quasi-Date with Pelia

[If PC will not be spending the summer vacation in Mineta]

Spoiler
 

Pelia begins to laugh as soon as the words are out of your lips, but then stops, apparently when she realizes that you are serious. Then she looks at you with a face that is, as best as you can determine, not unkind.

“You must think that this is just like one of those stories that…children learn, right? You rescued the heiress, and she will fall in love with you.” Pelia shakes her head. “Things are not simple for me. I have so much to worry about, in addition to leaving stasis, that my going all moon-eyed over any handsome man and cooing to him like a dove is really the last thing on my mind.”

Pelia’s eyes flash with triumph as she grins when your face falls in disappointment. “Wait! I have more to say!” she crows.

Bracing yourself for her harsh words, you feel your mood elevated when Pelia says the following, “That having been said, you are a handsome young man, and you have treated me very well, and I have a lot of stress in my life related to alchemy and revision – so if I were to happen to be out with you during this summer vacation, then I might find myself grudgingly having a good time. But only during vacations until you are in Third Year. Lisle has told me about the rules. Would this be possible for you?

“No,” you tell her, frowning. “I will not be in Mineta this summer, unfortunately.”

Pelia smiles, though, and says, “Still, I can easily understand why you want to know about me in this way.” [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill step flirting, choose other option]

[If PC is Female]

Spoiler
 

[If PC will be spending the summer vacation in Mineta]

Spoiler
 

Pelia begins to laugh as soon as the words are out of your lips, but then stops, apparently when she realizes that you are serious. Then she looks at you with a face that is, as best as you can determine, not unkind.

“You must think that this is just like one of those stories that…children learn, right? You rescued the heiress, and she will fall in love with you.” Pelia shakes her head. “Things are not simple for me – or us. I have so much to worry about, in addition to leaving stasis, that my going all moon-eyed over any beautiful girl and cooing to her like a dove is really the last thing on my mind.”

Pelia’s eyes flash with triumph as she grins when your face falls in disappointment. “Wait! I have more to say!” she crows.

Bracing yourself for her harsh words, you feel your mood elevated when Pelia says the following, “That having been said, you are a beautiful young woman, and you have treated me very well, and I have a lot of stress in my life related to alchemy and revision – so if I were to happen to be out with you during this summer vacation, then I might find myself grudgingly having a good time. But only during vacations until you are in Third Year. Lisle has told me about the rules. Would this be possible for you?

“Yes,” you tell her, smiling.

Pelia smiles as well, and says, “Excellent.” [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill step flirting, add action Quasi-Date with Pelia, choose other option]

Quasi-Date with Pelia

[If PC will not be spending the summer vacation in Mineta]

Spoiler
 

Pelia begins to laugh as soon as the words are out of your lips, but then stops, apparently when she realizes that you are serious. Then she looks at you with a face that is, as best as you can determine, not unkind.

“You must think that this is just like one of those stories that…children learn, right? You rescued the heiress, and she will fall in love with you.” Pelia shakes her head. “Things are not simple for me – or us. I have so much to worry about, in addition to leaving stasis, that my going all moon-eyed over any beautiful girl and cooing to her like a dove is really the last thing on my mind.”

Pelia’s eyes flash with triumph as she grins when your face falls in disappointment. “Wait! I have more to say!” she crows.

Bracing yourself for her harsh words, you feel your mood elevated when Pelia says the following, “That having been said, you are a beautiful young woman, and you have treated me very well, and I have a lot of stress in my life related to alchemy and revision – so if I were to happen to be out with you during this summer vacation, then I might find myself grudgingly having a good time. But only during vacations until you are in Third Year. Lisle has told me about the rules. Would this be possible for you?

“No,” you tell her, frowning. “I will not be in Mineta this summer, unfortunately.”

Pelia smiles, though, and says, “Still, I can easily understand why you want to know about me in this way. Most girls only like boys in the way that you are asking about.” [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill step flirting, choose other option]

[If PC will be spending the summer vacation in Mineta]“Pelia, is there any way we could meet this summer?”

 

 

“Sure,” Pelia says with a grin. “It will be just like the school year for you with me. Lisle will be so happy!” [Add action Hang Out with Pelia. Choose other option]

Hang Out with Pelia

 

 

Description:

 

 

Pelia is most happy when demonstrating her competence. For Pelia, of course, her average competence in brewing and revision magic is better than your best efforts, so watching and learning from her is very instructive.

 

Benefits:

 

 

+ 1 skill step random revision subskill, + 1 skill step random brew subskill

 

 

 

[If PC will not be spending the summer vacation in Mineta]“Pelia, would you like to stay in touch with me this summer?”

 

 

“Sure,” Pelia says with a grin. “Lisle will be so happy that I will be in touch with you even when you will be outside Mineta!” [Add action Correspond with Pelia. Choose other option]

Correspond with Pelia

 

 

Description:

 

 

Pelia loves writing about her skills – and you are interested in her words because Pelia’s average competence in brewing and revision magic is better than your best efforts, so learning from her is very instructive.

 

Benefits:

 

 

+ 1 skill step random revision subskill, + 1 skill step random brew subskill

 

 

 

“Farewell, Pelia. It was nice getting to know you.”

 

 

“Farewell, [PCFirstName]. Thanks for being such a great friend to me.” Smiling, Pelia closes your door and walks away. [end event]

 

 

[/spoiler]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...