Jump to content
Black Chicken Studios Forums

Rhialto's Marvelous Writings


Rhialto
 Share

Recommended Posts

Feedback is welcomed by me.

Neta Xemutre Ends an Activity

 

 

Notes:

 

 

The player must have the ability “Walk and Talk with Neta Xemutre”; this event is meant to automatically trigger once the PC gains Affection with a female NPC not Neta Xemutre. It cannot trigger if the Player has already experienced this event.

 

Text

 

 

[If PC has Affection with Zoe Melis]

 

 

[If PC has memory Zoe spurned for Gates]

 

 

One of the wonderful things, you think, about having a dear friend, is that tedious, common, and seemingly meaningless activities become wonderful when their experiencer is absorbed by thoughts about the dear friend.

So it is that you, walking through the Academagia’s hallways on your way to bring to one professor another professor’s notes – even though you are taught by neither professor and the requesting professor did not even offer your college any merit for your completing the task – is made at least somewhat enjoyable as you think about Zoe Melis. She is, you now realize, more than a convenient but sickly source of knowledge who sometimes sighs or mutters in Eluminian which you are unfamiliar with. Zoe – whom you, under her instruction, can think of as Cimoneis duena hilea – is, in addition, a wonderful source of support whom you are glad to support in turn as you and she go through your time at the Academagia together. Zoe, moreover, is making subtle signs that she would not be averse to becoming more – especially next year.

As you think these and other pleasant thoughts about Zoe – which serve to ward from your thoughts any sorrows about your not having continued your study of Gates Magic – you are interrupted by a soft voice, calling behind you, “Hey. [PCFirstName].”

Turning around, you see Neta Xemutre, looking at you with slightly worried eyes. When she sees that she has your attention, she says, as if reciting from a memorized script, “Zoe and I were talking about her…deep friendship…with you, and Zoe wants you to know that she does not mind your continuing to meet with me.” Then, sighing in obvious relief, Neta says, “Please do not talk to me about this. I am Zoe’s messenger; she can explain more...if she wants to.”

And then, before you can say anything in response, Neta turns away and rushes off.

 

[If PC has memory Zoe rejected for Gates]

 

 

One of the wonderful things, you think, about having a dear friend, is that tedious, common, and seemingly meaningless activities become wonderful when their experiencer is absorbed by thoughts about the dear friend.

So it is that you, walking through the Academagia’s hallways on your way to bring to one professor another professor’s notes – even though you are taught by neither professor and the requesting professor did not even offer your college any merit for your completing the task – is made at least somewhat enjoyable as you think about Zoe Melis. She is, you now realize, more than a convenient but sickly source of knowledge who sometimes sighs or mutters in Eluminian which you are unfamiliar with. Zoe – whom you, under her instruction, can think of as Cimoneis duena hilea – is, in addition, a wonderful source of support whom you are glad to support in turn as you and she go through your time at the Academagia together. Zoe, moreover, is making subtle signs that she would not be averse to becoming more – especially next year.

As you think these and other pleasant thoughts about Zoe – which serve to ward from your thoughts any concerns about how you will handle your relationship with Zoe and your continued study of Gates Magic – you are interrupted by a soft voice, calling behind you, “Hey. [PCFirstName].”

Turning around, you see Neta Xemutre, looking at you with slightly worried eyes. When she sees that she has your attention, she says, as if reciting from a memorized script, “Zoe and I were talking about her…deep friendship…with you, and Zoe wants you to know that she does not mind your continuing to meet with me.” Then, sighing in obvious relief, Neta says, “Please do not talk to me about this. I am Zoe’s messenger; she can explain more...if she wants to.”

And then, before you can say anything in response, Neta turns away and rushes off.

 

[If PC has neither memory Zoe rejected for Gates nor memory Zoe spurned for Gates]

 

 

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

 

 

One of the wonderful things, you think, about having a dear friend, is that tedious, common, and seemingly meaningless activities become wonderful when their experiencer is absorbed by thoughts about the dear friend.

So it is that you, walking through the Academagia’s hallways on your way to bring to one professor another professor’s notes – even though you are taught by neither professor and the requesting professor did not even offer your college any merit for your completing the task – is made at least somewhat enjoyable as you think about Zoe Melis. She is, you now realize, more than a convenient but sickly source of knowledge who sometimes sighs or mutters in Eluminian which you are unfamiliar with. Zoe – whom you, under her instruction, can think of as Cimoneis duena hilea – is, in addition, a wonderful source of support whom you are glad to support in turn as you and she go through your time at the Academagia together. Zoe, moreover, is making subtle signs that she would not be averse to becoming more – especially next year.

As you think these and other pleasant thoughts about Zoe – which serve to ward from your thoughts any concerns about whether she or you may get in trouble for her efforts as the Homework Helper Heroine last year – you are interrupted by a soft voice, calling behind you, “Hey. [PCFirstName].”

Turning around, you see Neta Xemutre, looking at you with slightly worried eyes. When she sees that she has your attention, she says, as if reciting from a memorized script, “Zoe and I were talking about her…deep friendship…with you, and Zoe wants you to know that she does not mind your continuing to meet with me.” Then, sighing in obvious relief, Neta says, “Please do not talk to me about this. I am Zoe’s messenger; she can explain more...if she wants to.”

And then, before you can say anything in response, Neta turns away and rushes off.

 

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

 

 

One of the wonderful things, you think, about having a dear friend, is that tedious, common, and seemingly meaningless activities become wonderful when their experiencer is absorbed by thoughts about the dear friend.

So it is that you, walking through the Academagia’s hallways on your way to bring to one professor another professor’s notes – even though you are taught by neither professor and the requesting professor did not even offer your college any merit for your completing the task – is made at least somewhat enjoyable as you think about Zoe Melis. She is, you now realize, more than a convenient but sickly source of knowledge who sometimes sighs or mutters in Eluminian which you are unfamiliar with. Zoe – whom you, under her instruction, can think of as Cimoneis duena hilea – is, in addition, a wonderful source of support whom you are glad to support in turn as you and she go through your time at the Academagia together. Zoe, moreover, is making subtle signs that she would not be averse to becoming more – especially next year.

As you think these and other pleasant thoughts about Zoe – which serve to ward from your thoughts any concerns about her strong need for money and great loneliness – you are interrupted by a soft voice, calling behind you, “Hey. [PCFirstName].”

Turning around, you see Neta Xemutre, looking at you with slightly worried eyes. When she sees that she has your attention, she says, as if reciting from a memorized script, “Zoe and I were talking about her…deep friendship…with you, and Zoe wanted me to tell you that she does not mind your continuing to meet with me – and wishes that she could be as friendly with me as you are.” Then, sighing in obvious relief, Neta says, “Please do not talk to me about this. I am Zoe’s messenger; she can explain more...if she wants to.”

And then, before you can say anything in response, Neta turns away and rushes off.

 

 

 

[If PC has Affection with Miya Hikari]

 

 

One of the wonderful things, you think, about having a dear friend, is that tedious, common, and seemingly meaningless activities become wonderful when their experiencer is absorbed by thoughts about the dear friend.

So it is that you, walking through the Academagia’s hallways on your way to bring to one professor another professor’s notes – even though you are taught by neither professor and the requesting professor did not even offer your college any merit for your completing the task – is made at least somewhat enjoyable as you think about Miya Hikari. She is, you now realize, more than an eccentric alleged noble who sometimes sighs or mutters in a language which you are unfamiliar with. Miya is, in addition, a wonderful source of support whom you are glad to support in turn as you and she go through your time at the Academagia together.

As you think these and other pleasant thoughts about Miya, you are interrupted by a soft voice, calling behind you, “Hey. [PCFirstName].”

Turning around, you see Neta Xemutre, looking at you with slightly worried eyes. When she sees that she has your attention, she says, “Miya told me, with some harshness, that she wants to be the only way that you can become an unkaku – which apparently means a dweller among the clouds in whatever language she uses. Not that such an explanation helped me – even when she told be that she would be glad to make her hands dwell among my cloudlike hairs, depending upon how things go with you.” Then, sighing, Neta says, “l know that Miya is never easy to understand – I was not sure whether she was flirting with me, threatening me, or knowingly making a remark which could be interpreted either way – but I do not want to get involved between Miya and you. So, we cannot walk and talk together any more.” In a softer voice, on the verge of tears, Neta says, “Such things are common for me. At least Miya did not obviously insult my ancestry.”

And then, before you can say anything in response, Neta turns away and rushes off.

 

[If PC has Affection with a female NPC not Miya Hikari nor Zoe Melis]

 

 

One of the wonderful things, you think, about having a dear friend, is that tedious, common, and seemingly meaningless activities become wonderful when their experiencer is absorbed by thoughts about the dear friend.

So it is that you, walking through the Academagia’s hallways on your way to bring to one professor another professor’s notes – even though you are taught by neither professor and the requesting professor did not even offer your college any merit for your completing the task – is made at least somewhat enjoyable as you think about [FemaleStudentWithWhomPCHasAffectionFullName]. She is, you now realize, more than a fellow student or acquaintance in studies at the Academagia. [FemaleStudentWithWhomPCHasAffectionFirstName] is, in addition, a wonderful source of support whom you are glad to support in turn as you and she go through your time at the Academagia together.

As you think these and other pleasant thoughts about Miya, you are interrupted by a soft voice, calling behind you, “Hey. [PCFirstName].”

Turning around, you see Neta Xemutre, looking at you with slightly worried eyes. When she sees that she has your attention, she says, “[FemaleStudentWithWhomPCHasAffectionFirstName] told me, with some harshness, that she does not trust me with you, given my...” Neta’s voice trails off, and she winces. Then, sighing, Neta says, “I do not want to get involved between [FemaleStudentWithWhomPCHasAffectionFirstName] and you. So, we cannot walk and talk together any more.” In a softer voice, on the verge of tears, Neta says, “Such things are common for me.”

And then, before you can say anything in response, Neta turns away and rushes off.

 

 

Choice

 

 

Watch Neta leave.

 

 

[If PC has Affection with Zoe Melis]

 

 

[If PC has memory Zoe spurned for Gates]

 

 

As you numbly watch Neta rush away from you, your thoughts wander, against your will, to wondering whether Zoe Melis, despite her clear eagerness to maintain a strong relationship with you, would try to rush away so rapidly if she were to learn that you studied Gates Magic. Or would learning that you gave such studies up in order to get closer to her make her willing to overlook such crimes? Suddenly, the drudgery associated with helping two random professors does not seem nearly as oppressive – but thoughts about Zoe’s interest in you are no longer as comforting. [+ 2 stress, + 1 skill level Character Study, end event]

 

[If PC has memory Zoe rejected for Gates]

 

 

As you numbly watch Neta rush away from you, your thoughts wander, against your will, to wondering whether Zoe Melis, despite her clear eagerness to maintain a strong relationship with you, would try to rush away so rapidly if she were to learn that you are studying Gates Magic. Suddenly, the drudgery associated with helping two random professors does not seem nearly as oppressive – but thoughts about Zoe’s interest in you are no longer as comforting. [+ 2 stress, + 1 skill level Character Study, add memory Zoe and Neta, end event]

 

[If PC has neither memory Zoe rejected for Gates nor memory Zoe spurned for Gates]

 

 

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

 

 

As you numbly watch Neta rush away from you, your thoughts wander, against your will, to wondering whether Zoe Melis, despite her clear eagerness to maintain a strong relationship with you, would be so accommodating if she were healthier and hence more obviously attractive to other males your age. Suddenly, the drudgery associated with helping two random professors does not seem nearly as oppressive – you feel glad that you are able to walk such long distances without even gasping for breath. [+ 1 skill level Character Study, add memory Zoe and Neta, end event]

 

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

 

 

As you numbly watch Neta rush away from you, your thoughts wander, against your will, to wondering whether Zoe Melis, despite her clear eagerness to maintain a strong relationship with you, would be so accommodating if she were healthier and more socially adept – and hence more obviously attractive to other males your age. Suddenly, the drudgery associated with helping two random professors does not seem nearly as oppressive – you feel glad that you are able to walk such long distances without even gasping for breath. [+ 1 skill level Character Study, add memory Zoe and Neta, end event]

 

 

 

[If PC has Affection with Miya Hikari]

 

 

As you numbly watch Neta rush away from you, your thoughts focus upon Miya. One of many reasons why you like her is because she keeps making interesting – and possibly true – statements about her homeland and her role among its people which themselves suggest many questions whose answers you want. What are dwellers among the clouds, how common are they, and why would Miya think that she could make you a dweller among the clouds? Of course, Miya would be unlikely to want to give you a straight answer even if she were capable of it, but if you were unwilling to tolerate such vagueness from Miya, then you would not be such a close friend to her. [+ 1 skill level Worldliness, end event]

 

[If PC has Affection with a female NPC not Miya Hikari nor Zoe Melis]

 

 

As you numbly watch Neta rush away from you, you think about [FemaleStudentWithWhomPCHasAffectionFirstName]. [FemaleStudentWithWhomPCHasAffectionFirstName]’s deep friendship with you might be undermined, you realize, if Neta were to be known to be walking and talking with you, given Neta’s strange qualities and reputation – despite the innocence of your interactions with Neta. So, you are glad that Neta took the step of ending such activity with you – but you vaguely suppose that Neta’s frequently having to do similar things must place stress upon her friendships. [+ 1 skill level Dating, end event]

 

 

 

 

Edited by Rhialto
I added the memory Zoe and Neta to the adventure.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

@Legate of Mineta: I have just edit my adventure "Neta Xemutre Ends an Activity" in order to incorporate the memory Zoe and Neta. Can this change be incorporated into the in-game version? The memory Zoe and Neta is planned to play a role in my next adventure - in order to make it more responsive to events in the game.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Zoe Melis’s Paranoia

Notes:

The prerequisites for this brief adventure are somewhat complex. The PC must have Love or better with Zoe Melis, and must have either or both of completion of the adventure Zoe’s Concerns or the memory Neta and Zoe.

Text:

[If PC completed the adventure Zoe’s Concerns]

[If PC has the memory Neta and Zoe]

[If PC is not a student at the Schohanwicht School]

Between Zoe’s fears about your relationship with Sima Venesico – which, in fairness, even you cannot easily understand or explain even if you were free to be honest with Zoe – and Neta’s words to you about Zoe’s alleged words to her, you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many people, you think, do not like being accused of paranoia – which is what your topics may suggest to her.

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Sima, right? And Neta?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning them?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached you about Sima’s…being special to you and why I approached Neta about her strolls with you? About those things?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did in those situations because I know what I am, all right?”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best.

[If PC is a student at the Schohanwicht School]

[If PC has the memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

Between Zoe’s fears about your relationship with Sima Venesico – which, in fairness, even you cannot easily understand or explain even if you were free to be honest with Zoe – and Neta’s words to you about Zoe’s alleged words to her, you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many people, you think, do not like being accused of paranoia – which is what your topics may suggest to her.

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Sima, right? And Neta?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning them?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached you about Sima’s…being special to you and why I approached Neta about her strolls with you? About those things?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did in those situations because I know what I am, all right? And I could just as easily be the one asking you the questions, after how we parted after the end of last year – but because of what I am, I accept it and I hope that you will be better towards me.”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best. But you are inwardly thrilling with a mixture of terror and excitement. Given what you were – and hope never to be again, for Zoe’s sake – you recognize that Zoe’s statement need not be a reference to her obvious negative qualities.

[If PC has the memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

Between Zoe’s fears about your relationship with Sima Venesico – which, in fairness, even you cannot easily understand or explain even if you were free to be honest with Zoe – and Neta’s words to you about Zoe’s alleged words to her, you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many people, you think, do not like being accused of paranoia – which is what your topics may suggest to her.

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Sima, right? And Neta?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning them?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached you about Sima’s…being special to you and why I approached Neta about her strolls with you? About those things?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did in those situations because I know what I am, all right? And I could just as easily be the one asking you the questions, after how we parted after the end of last year – but because of what I am, I accept it and I hope that you will be better towards me.”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best. But you are inwardly thrilling with a mixture of terror and excitement. Given what you are, you recognize that Zoe’s statement need not be a reference to her obvious negative qualities.

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

Between Zoe’s fears about your relationship with Sima Venesico – which, in fairness, even you cannot easily understand or explain even if you were free to be honest with Zoe – and Neta’s words to you about Zoe’s alleged words to her, you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many people, you think, do not like being accused of paranoia – which is what your topics may suggest to her.

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Sima, right? And Neta?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning them?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached you about Sima’s…being special to you and why I approached Neta about her strolls with you? About those things?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did in those situations because I know what I am, all right?”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best. But you are inwardly thrilling with a mixture of terror and excitement. Given what you are, you recognize that Zoe’s statement need not be a reference to her obvious negative qualities.

[If PC has no memory Neta and Zoe]

[If PC is not a student at the Schohanwicht School]

With Zoe’s fears about your relationship with Sima Venesico – which, in fairness, even you cannot easily understand or explain even if you were free to be honest with Zoe – you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many people, you think, do not like being accused of paranoia – which is what your topics may suggest to her.

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Sima, right?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning that?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached you about Sima’s…being special to you? About that?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did in that situation because I know what I am, all right?”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best.

[If PC is a student at the Schohanwicht School]

[If PC has the memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

With Zoe’s fears about your relationship with Sima Venesico – which, in fairness, even you cannot easily understand or explain even if you were free to be honest with Zoe – you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many people, you think, do not like being accused of paranoia – which is what your topics may suggest to her.

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Sima, right?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning that?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached you about Sima’s…being special to you? About that?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did in that situation because I know what I am, all right? And I could just as easily be the one asking you the questions, after how we parted after the end of last year – but because of what I am, I accept it and I hope that you will be better towards me.”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best. But you are inwardly thrilling with a mixture of terror and excitement. Given what you were – and hope never to be again, for Zoe’s sake – you recognize that Zoe’s statement need not be a reference to her obvious negative qualities.

[If PC has the memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

With Zoe’s fears about your relationship with Sima Venesico – which, in fairness, even you cannot easily understand or explain even if you were free to be honest with Zoe – you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many people, you think, do not like being accused of paranoia – which is what your topics may suggest to her.

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Sima, right?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning that?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached you about Sima’s…being special to you? About that?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did in that situation because I know what I am, all right? And I could just as easily be the one asking you the questions, after how we parted after the end of last year – but because of what I am, I accept it and I hope that you will be better towards me.”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best. But you are inwardly thrilling with a mixture of terror and excitement. Given what you are, you recognize that Zoe’s statement need not be a reference to her obvious negative qualities.

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

With Zoe’s fears about your relationship with Sima Venesico – which, in fairness, even you cannot easily understand or explain even if you were free to be honest with Zoe – you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many people, you think, do not like being accused of paranoia – which is what your topics may suggest to her.

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Sima, right?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning that?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached you about Sima’s…being special to you? About that?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did in that situation because I know what I am, all right?”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best. But you are inwardly thrilling with a mixture of terror and excitement. Given what you are, you recognize that Zoe’s statement need not be a reference to her obvious negative qualities.

[If PC did not complete the adventure Zoe’s Concerns]

[If PC is not a student at the Schohanwicht School]

With Neta’s recent words to you about Zoe’s alleged words to her echoing in your memory, you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many girls at the Academagia, you think, do not like being compared to Neta Xemutre – especially not by boys whom they probably would be dating but for the school’s rules – but such a topic is what you wanted to talk to Zoe about. Maybe you were wrong to raise such a topic…

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Neta, right?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning that girl?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached Neta about her strolls with you? About that?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did with Neta because I know what I am, all right?”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best.

[If PC is a student at the Schohanwicht School]

[If PC has the memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

With Neta’s recent words to you about Zoe’s alleged words to her echoing in your memory, you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many girls at the Academagia, you think, do not like being compared to Neta Xemutre – especially not by boys whom they probably would be dating but for the school’s rules – but such a topic is what you wanted to talk to Zoe about. Maybe you were wrong to raise such a topic…

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Neta, right?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning that girl?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached Neta about her strolls with you? About that?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did with Neta because I know what I am, all right? And I could just as easily be the one asking you the questions, after how we parted after the end of last year – but because of what I am, I accept it and I hope that you will be better towards me.”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best. But you are inwardly thrilling with a mixture of terror and excitement. Given what you were – and hope never to be again, for Zoe’s sake – you recognize that Zoe’s statement need not be a reference to her obvious negative qualities.

[If PC has the memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

With Neta’s recent words to you about Zoe’s alleged words to her echoing in your memory, you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many girls at the Academagia, you think, do not like being compared to Neta Xemutre – especially not by boys whom they probably would be dating but for the school’s rules – but such a topic is what you wanted to talk to Zoe about. Maybe you were wrong to raise such a topic…

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Neta, right?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning that girl?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached Neta about her strolls with you? About that?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did with Neta because I know what I am, all right? And I could just as easily be the one asking you the questions, after how we parted after the end of last year – but because of what I am, I accept it and I hope that you will be better towards me.”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best. But you are inwardly thrilling with a mixture of terror and excitement. Given what you are, you recognize that Zoe’s statement need not be a reference to her obvious negative qualities.

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

With Neta’s recent words to you about Zoe’s alleged words to her echoing in your memory, you think that you need to talk to Zoe in order to try to understand her thoughts. That, you recognize, may allow you to either help her – or to avoid unpleasantness if she were to reveal herself to you to be a smaller and more discreet version of Joana Lio y Rossollo.

With these thoughts, you had asked Zoe to meet with you at a time and place most convenient to her, and she told you that she could met with you outside Professor Sido’s office right around now. To your surprise, though, Zoe comes from within Professor Sido’s office, exclaiming “Vale!” in a cheerful voice. You are relieved, though, that her face does not lose its cheerfulness when it turns towards you.

“[PCFirstName], I have not forgotten about our meeting,” Zoe says. “I was just doing some work with Professor Sido.”

“Was my puzzlement so obvious?” you reply.

“In fairness, many reasons can be found for going to Professor Sido,” Zoe says lightly as she closes the professor’s door, “and he is paying me to tell him about Cimone’s Eluminian dialect among the youngest generation. So, if anyone gets suspicious about our meeting here, you can tell them that you are also interested in Eluminian.”

“Callida es,” you reply. Zoe has taught you at least that much Eluminian.

“But you are not here to state the obvious,” Zoe says. “At least I hope not. Between you and Sido, I would be done with such nugacity for the day.”

“No, Zoe,” you reply. “I really wanted to ask about you – and your concerns about…”

But then you do not know what you should say and your voice trails off. Many girls at the Academagia, you think, do not like being compared to Neta Xemutre – especially not by boys whom they probably would be dating but for the school’s rules – but such a topic is what you wanted to talk to Zoe about. Maybe you were wrong to raise such a topic…

Zoe, however, saves you from further efforts when she says, “This is about Neta, right?”

“Yeah,” you mumble.

“What do you want ask me about concerning that girl?” All traces of her earlier cheerfulness have vanished from her face and voice, and Zoe now radiates intense fear.

“Nothing major,” you say, with what you hope is a soothing voice. “I just want to know why.”

“Why what? Why I approached Neta about her strolls with you? About that?” Despite her words, Zoe’s voice is soft and flat.

“Yeah,” you repeat.

“Sometimes words are failures where a word succeeds,” Zoe muses, as if quoting something. Then, she looks at you with intense eyes.

Emotion returns to Zoe’s voice as she says, “I did what I did with Neta because I know what I am, all right?”

Zoe trembles with emotion and seems to be on the verge of tears. You realize that you have to reply – although you are not sure which reply springing to your mind is best. But you are inwardly thrilling with a mixture of terror and excitement. Given what you are, you recognize that Zoe’s statement need not be a reference to her obvious negative qualities.

Choices:

“Are you talking about your…condition?”

Zoe’s expression conveys a fascinating mixture of surprise and scorn as she says, “Yes.”

“Why do you think that, Zoe? I knew from the beginning that you are different, but we got closer regardless.”

“You do not know my full condition,” Zoe hisses. Then, with a little sob, she says, “I lack such knowledge myself. And the consequences to my life if my condition develops in certain ways in the future terrify me and may terrify you…I read such twisted things in my books…”

“But the present’s Zoe is whom I like,” you say.

“What is present was future – and I worry that you will want another girl – healthier, with less need to go to hospitals and less medical uncertainty surrounding her. And I know that so many girls in Hedi are better than I am in that way. So I fear – but I fear to fear, you know?”

“What?”

Zoe wipes a tear from her eye. “Sorry. I meant that…” Her voice trails off in a sigh, and she says, “So, I read books. They help me to experience so much that I cannot do. They also give advice – including about love.”

“Not all books can be trusted, Zoe. But what do your books about love say?”

“O, I know that much of what they say is false even when it is not fiction – if even one tenth of what they say were true, then there would be no need for marriage brokers, chaperones, or mastery magic. But I have read a novel – Tiro’s “Menandros and Gagana” – in which two parts of the plot seem reasonable. Gagana twice fears that her lover Menandros is secretly involved with another. The first time, she is incorrect but so disgusts him with her paranoia that he leaves her for the next several chapters. The second time, she is correct – but only because he has been seduced by another woman with bad intentions.”

“Wow. What things you have read when not even old enough to date.”

“Well, there are more things that interest me than scholarly subjects.” Zoe is smiling at you now with what you think may be flirtatious eyes. “Plus, learning from books can help in so many ways. Can you imagine how much worse my health would be if I were to try to use Sima’s methods – or the hulking girl from Morvidus – with the sincere belief that no other method exists?”

You laugh aloud and say, “Zoe, the way you are doing things worked for me – after all, I decided to talk things over with you rather than jumping to conclusions about whether I should be so close with you.”

“Such would only be fair given my not assuming anything,” Zoe drawls. “But my books and my experience agree that males and females are often different. As is my language - hence Professor Sido’s interest. I am so glad, though, to be appreciated from my differences by a peer – whose relationship with me I hope will become very interesting next year.”

Having resolved to your satisfaction Zoe’s behaviour with you, you spend a pleasant time talking with Zoe about other topics – including books which she wants to read – before she, sighing, tells you that she has to go in order to study for a major test coming up.

“And my test is so important that I think that I would not have agreed to meet with you now if it had not been for my going out of my way around this time in order to sell knowledge to Professor Sido. In any case, our meeting was wonderful. Be strong!”

As Zoe walks away, you are not sure whether Zoe was joking when she claimed that she only met with you because Professor Sido was paying her to be involved in research with him rather than studying. You suppose that some people would be offended if such a thing were true. But then you shrug. If you were not willing to look beyond Zoe’s scholastic urges and need for money in order to find and be impressed by Zoe’s better qualities, then you would not have tried to clarify your relationship with her when confronted with her strange behaviour. But you made the effort because you are very fond of Zoe – and you are glad that you and she benefitted from this meeting. [+ 1 Luck for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step flirtation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

“What do you mean?”

Zoe’s expression conveys a fascinating mixture of surprise and scorn as she says, “I am very sickly. Other girls are less sickly – and some from Hedi are very alluring.”

“Zoe, I knew from the beginning that you are different, but we got closer regardless.”

“You do not know my full condition,” Zoe hisses. Then, with a little sob, she says, “I lack such knowledge myself. And the consequences to my life if my condition develops in certain ways in the future terrify me and may terrify you…I read such twisted things in my books…”

“But the present’s Zoe is whom I like,” you say.

“What is present was future – and I worry that you will want another girl – healthier, with less need to go to hospitals and less medical uncertainty surrounding her. So I fear – but I fear to fear, you know?”

“What?”

Zoe wipes a tear from her eye. “Sorry. I meant that…” Her voice trails off in a sigh, and she says, “So, I read books. They help me to experience so much that I cannot do. They also give advice – including about love.”

“Not all books can be trusted, Zoe. But what do your books about love say?”

“O, I know that much of what they say is false even when it is not fiction – if even one tenth of what they say were true, then there would be no need for marriage brokers, chaperones, or mastery magic. But I have read a novel – Tiro’s “Menandros and Gagana” – in which two parts of the plot seem reasonable. Gagana twice fears that her lover Menandros is secretly involved with another. The first time, she is incorrect but so disgusts him with her paranoia that he leaves her for the next several chapters. The second time, she is correct – but only because he has been seduced by another woman with bad intentions.”

“Wow. What things you have read when not even old enough to date.”

“Well, there are more things that interest me than scholarly subjects.” Zoe is smiling at you now with what you think may be flirtatious eyes. “Plus, learning from books can help in so many ways. Can you imagine how much worse my health would be if I were to try to use Sima’s methods – or the hulking girl from Morvidus – with the sincere belief that no other method exists?”

You laugh aloud and say, “Zoe, the way you are doing things worked for me – after all, I decided to talk things over with you rather than jumping to conclusions about whether I should be so close with you.”

“Such would only be fair given my not assuming anything,” Zoe drawls. “But my books and my experience agree that males and females are often different. As is my language - hence Professor Sido’s interest. I am so glad, though, to be appreciated from my differences by a peer – whose relationship with me I hope will become very interesting next year.”

Having resolved to your satisfaction Zoe’s behaviour with you, you spend a pleasant time talking with Zoe about other topics – including books which she wants to read – before she, sighing, tells you that she has to go in order to study for a major test coming up.

“And my test is so important that I think that I would not have agreed to meet with you now if it had not been for my going out of my way around this time in order to sell knowledge to Professor Sido. In any case, our meeting was wonderful. Be strong!”

As Zoe walks away, you are not sure whether Zoe was joking when she claimed that she only met with you because Professor Sido was paying her to be involved in research with him rather than studying. You suppose that some people would be offended if such a thing were true. But then you shrug. If you were not willing to look beyond Zoe’s scholastic urges and need for money in order to find and be impressed by Zoe’s better qualities, then you would not have tried to clarify your relationship with her when confronted with her strange behaviour. But you made the effort because you are very fond of Zoe – and you are glad that you and she benefitted from this meeting. [+ 1 Luck for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step flirtation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

“Zoe, I know about you enough to not care about what you are – because you are wonderful to me.”

“You do not know my full condition,” Zoe hisses. Then, with a little sob, she says, “I lack such knowledge myself. And the consequences to my life if my condition develops in certain ways in the future terrify me and may terrify you…I read such twisted things in my books…”

“But the present’s Zoe is whom I like,” you say.

“What is present was future – and I worry that you will want another girl – healthier, with less need to go to hospitals and less medical uncertainty surrounding her. And I know that so many girls in Hedi are better than I am in that way. So I fear – but I fear to fear, you know?”

“What?”

Zoe wipes a tear from her eye. “Sorry. I meant that…” Her voice trails off in a sigh, and she says, “So, I read books. They help me to experience so much that I cannot do. They also give advice – including about love.”

“Not all books can be trusted, Zoe. But what do your books about love say?”

“O, I know that much of what they say is false even when it is not fiction – if even one tenth of what they say were true, then there would be no need for marriage brokers, chaperones, or mastery magic. But I have read a novel – Tiro’s “Menandros and Gagana” – in which two parts of the plot seem reasonable. Gagana twice fears that her lover Menandros is secretly involved with another. The first time, she is incorrect but so disgusts him with her paranoia that he leaves her for the next several chapters. The second time, she is correct – but only because he has been seduced by another woman with bad intentions.”

“Wow. What things you have read when not even old enough to date.”

“Well, there are more things that interest me than scholarly subjects.” Zoe is smiling at you now with what you think may be flirtatious eyes. “Plus, learning from books can help in so many ways. Can you imagine how much worse my health would be if I were to try to use Sima’s methods – or the hulking girl from Morvidus – with the sincere belief that no other method exists?”

You laugh aloud and say, “Zoe, the way you are doing things worked for me – after all, I decided to talk things over with you rather than jumping to conclusions about whether I should be so close with you.”

“Such would only be fair given my not assuming anything,” Zoe drawls. “But my books and my experience agree that males and females are often different. As is my language - hence Professor Sido’s interest. I am so glad, though, to be appreciated from my differences by a peer – whose relationship with me I hope will become very interesting next year.”

Having resolved to your satisfaction Zoe’s behaviour with you, you spend a pleasant time talking with Zoe about other topics – including books which she wants to read – before she, sighing, tells you that she has to go in order to study for a major test coming up.

“And my test is so important that I think that I would not have agreed to meet with you now if it had not been for my going out of my way around this time in order to sell knowledge to Professor Sido. In any case, our meeting was wonderful. Be strong!”

As Zoe walks away, you are not sure whether Zoe was joking when she claimed that she only met with you because Professor Sido was paying her to be involved in research with him rather than studying. You suppose that some people would be offended if such a thing were true. But then you shrug. If you were not willing to look beyond Zoe’s scholastic urges and need for money in order to find and be impressed by Zoe’s better qualities, then you would not have tried to clarify your relationship with her when confronted with her strange behaviour. But you made the effort because you are very fond of Zoe – and you are glad that you and she benefitted from this meeting. [+ 1 Luck for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step flirtation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 1 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

“Zoe, between your vagueness now and…why we are meeting, I cannot do this.”

[If PC is not a student at the Schohanwicht]

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

“Do what?” Zoe’s squeak would be cute, you think, if not for the sorrowful fear flooding across her face.

“Be a…dear friend to you. Dear friends should be able to resolve their differences clearly, not…like you are.”

You are, perhaps to your relief, spared from having to explain more about Zoe’s defects in friendship when Zoe breaks down in loud sobs in front of you.

The ensuing events, however, see you enduring most of the suffering. Professor Sido rushes out from his office, his face distorted in a mixture of anger and concern. After a rapid exchange of what you presume is Eluminian with Zoe, he turns to you and says, “[PCLastName], detention! And be glad that I am not reporting you for trying to date Miss Melis.”

After the horror of a session in detention, you are surprised to be greeted by Zoe Melis, who, still looking tearful, tells you that she simply must apologize and explain. Not wanting to get into more trouble over Zoe, you agree.

“I am aware, see, that I am not very likely to be successful in dating because I am sickly and poor and erudite – all traits that are alarming when isolated and frightening when together.” Zoe says. “I also know that Hedi College has beautiful and healthy girls who are already attracting male attention. So, I fear that one of them will attract you away – perhaps even before the year is over. But I also know that people do not like paranoia from dear friends. It was as difficult for me to figure out how to address my fears as it was for me to explain my fears to you.”

Zoe then looks at you with tears in her eyes. “I can trust you – and I fear that no other male with your qualities will be interested in me next year or later. So, I beg you, [PCFirstName], say that you will forgive me – and mean it.”

Faced with Zoe’s obvious low opinion about her attractiveness, you shudder. Then, as Zoe gives a dismayed gasp, you say “I am shocked to think that others could hold you to be so unattractive, Zoe. I forgive you, of course – you meant to avoid strife and accidently were vaguer than I could understand – but you have given me so much to think about.”

Zoe’s disappointed frown as she leaves you haunts your memory for hours afterwards. You suppose that if you had wanted a healthy, socially adept almost-girlfriend, then you would not have been attracted to Zoe Melis. But you are not sure whether you still are attracted to her anymore. Her concerns, self-pity, and difficulty dealing with those issues make her seem less attractive to you. [Detention for the PC, + 1 skill level famous prose for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step dating for the PC, + 2 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, relationship between the PC and Zoe Melis set to 10, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

“Do what?” Zoe’s squeak would be cute, you think, if not for the sorrowful fear flooding across her face.

“Be a…dear friend to you. Dear friends should be able to resolve their differences clearly, not…like you are.”

You are, perhaps to your relief, spared from having to explain more about Zoe’s defects in friendship when Zoe breaks down in loud sobs in front of you.

The ensuing events, however, see you enduring most of the suffering. Professor Sido rushes out from his office, his face distorted in a mixture of anger and concern. After a rapid exchange of what you presume is Eluminian with Zoe, he turns to you and says, “[PCLastName], detention! And be glad that I am not reporting you for trying to date Miss Melis, despite your reputation.”

After the horror of a session in detention, you are surprised to be greeted by Zoe Melis, who, still looking tearful, tells you that she simply must apologize and explain. Not wanting to get into more trouble over Zoe, you agree.

“I am aware, see, that I am not very likely to be successful in dating because I am sickly and poor and erudite – all traits that are alarming when isolated and frightening when together.” Zoe says. “I also know that Hedi College has beautiful and healthy girls who are already attracting male attention. So, I fear that one of them will attract you away – perhaps even before the year is over. But I also know that people do not like paranoia from dear friends. It was as difficult for me to figure out how to address my fears as it was for me to explain my fears to you.”

Zoe then looks at you with tears in her eyes. “I can trust you – and I fear that no other male with your qualities will be interested in me next year or later. So, I beg you, [PCFirstName], say that you will forgive me – and mean it.”

Faced with Zoe’s obvious low opinion about her attractiveness, you shudder. Then, as Zoe gives a dismayed gasp, you say “I am shocked to think that others could hold you to be so unattractive, Zoe. I forgive you, of course – you meant to avoid strife and accidently were vaguer than I could understand – but you have given me so much to think about.”

Zoe’s disappointed frown as she leaves you haunts your memory for hours afterwards. You suppose that if you had wanted a healthy, socially adept almost-girlfriend, then you would not have been attracted to Zoe Melis. But you are not sure whether you still are attracted to her anymore. Her concerns, self-pity, and difficulty dealing with those issues make her seem less attractive to you. [Detention for the PC, + 1 skill level famous prose for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step dating for the PC, + 2 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, relationship between the PC and Zoe Melis set to 10, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC has the memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

“Do what?” Zoe’s squeak would be cute, you think, if not for the sorrowful fear flooding across her face.

“Be a…dear friend to you. Dear friends should be able to resolve their differences clearly, not…like you are.”

You are, perhaps to your relief, spared from having to explain more about Zoe’s defects in friendship when Zoe breaks down in loud sobs in front of you.

The ensuing events, however, see you enduring most of the suffering. Professor Sido rushes out from his office, his face distorted in a mixture of anger and concern. After a rapid exchange of what you presume is Eluminian with Zoe, he turns to you and says, “[PCLastName], detention! And be glad that I am not reporting you for trying to date Miss Melis.”

After the horror of a session in detention, you are surprised to be greeted by Zoe Melis, who, still looking tearful, tells you that she simply must apologize and explain. Not wanting to get into more trouble over Zoe, you agree.

“I am aware, see, that I am not very likely to be successful in dating because I am sickly and poor and erudite – all traits that are alarming when isolated and frightening when together.” Zoe says. “I also know that Hedi College has beautiful and healthy girls who are already attracting male attention. So, I fear that one of them will attract you away – perhaps even before the year is over. But I also know that people do not like paranoia from dear friends. It was as difficult for me to figure out how to address my fears as it was for me to explain my fears to you.”

Zoe then looks at you with tears in her eyes. “I can trust you despite what happened between us during my leaving the Academagia last year – and I fear that no other male with your qualities will be interested in me next year or later. So, I beg you, [PCFirstName], say that you will forgive me – and mean it.”

Faced with Zoe’s obvious low opinion about her attractiveness, you shudder. Then, as Zoe gives a dismayed gasp, you say “I am shocked to think that others could hold you to be so unattractive, Zoe. I forgive you, of course – you meant to avoid strife and accidently were vaguer than I could understand – but you have given me so much to think about.”

Zoe’s disappointed frown as she leaves you haunts you. You suppose that if you had wanted a healthy, socially adept almost-girlfriend, then you would not have been attracted to Zoe Melis. But you are not sure whether you still are attracted to her anymore. Her concerns, self-pity, and difficulty dealing with those issues make her seem less attractive to you.

But then you think about your life, and you become even sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that one of your qualities is that you are secretly studying Gates magic? Perhaps it is best that your relationship with Zoe is cooler now – you will have less stress worrying how she would react if she were to know the truth about you. [Detention for the PC, + 1 skill level famous prose for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step dating for the PC, + 2 stress for Zoe Melis, + 3 stress for the PC, relationship between the PC and Zoe Melis set to 10, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

“Do what?” Zoe’s squeak would be cute, you think, if not for the sorrowful fear flooding across her face.

“Be a…dear friend to you. Dear friends should be able to resolve their differences clearly, not…like you are.”

You are, perhaps to your relief, spared from having to explain more about Zoe’s defects in friendship when Zoe breaks down in loud sobs in front of you.

The ensuing events, however, see you enduring most of the suffering. Professor Sido rushes out from his office, his face distorted in a mixture of anger and concern. After a rapid exchange of what you presume is Eluminian with Zoe, he turns to you and says, “[PCLastName], detention! And be glad that I am not reporting you for trying to date Miss Melis, despite your reputation.”

After the horror of a session in detention, you are surprised to be greeted by Zoe Melis, who, still looking tearful, tells you that she simply must apologize and explain. Not wanting to get into more trouble over Zoe, you agree.

“I am aware, see, that I am not very likely to be successful in dating because I am sickly and poor and erudite – all traits that are alarming when isolated and frightening when together.” Zoe says. “I also know that Hedi College has beautiful and healthy girls who are already attracting male attention. So, I fear that one of them will attract you away – perhaps even before the year is over. But I also know that people do not like paranoia from dear friends. It was as difficult for me to figure out how to address my fears as it was for me to explain my fears to you.”

Zoe then looks at you with tears in her eyes. “I can trust you despite what happened between us during my leaving the Academagia last year – and I fear that no other male with your qualities will be interested in me next year or later. So, I beg you, [PCFirstName], say that you will forgive me – and mean it.”

Faced with Zoe’s obvious low opinion about her attractiveness, you shudder. Then, as Zoe gives a dismayed gasp, you say “I am shocked to think that others could hold you to be so unattractive, Zoe. I forgive you, of course – you meant to avoid strife and accidently were vaguer than I could understand – but you have given me so much to think about.”

Zoe’s disappointed frown as she leaves you haunts you. You suppose that if you had wanted a healthy, socially adept almost-girlfriend, then you would not have been attracted to Zoe Melis. But you are not sure whether you still are attracted to her anymore. Her concerns, self-pity, and difficulty dealing with those issues make her seem less attractive to you.

But then you think about your life, and you become even sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that one of your qualities is that you are secretly studying Gates magic? Perhaps it is best that your relationship with Zoe is cooler now – you will have less stress worrying how she would react if she were to know the truth about you. [Detention for the PC, + 1 skill level famous prose for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step dating for the PC, + 2 stress for Zoe Melis, + 3 stress for the PC, relationship between the PC and Zoe Melis set to 10, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC has the memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

“Do what?” Zoe’s squeak would be cute, you think, if not for the sorrowful fear flooding across her face.

“Be a…dear friend to you. Dear friends should be able to resolve their differences clearly, not…like you are.”

You are, perhaps to your relief, spared from having to explain more about Zoe’s defects in friendship when Zoe breaks down in loud sobs in front of you.

The ensuing events, however, see you enduring most of the suffering. Professor Sido rushes out from his office, his face distorted in a mixture of anger and concern. After a rapid exchange of what you presume is Eluminian with Zoe, he turns to you and says, “[PCLastName], detention! And be glad that I am not reporting you for trying to date Miss Melis.”

After the horror of a session in detention, you are surprised to be greeted by Zoe Melis, who, still looking tearful, tells you that she simply must apologize and explain. Not wanting to get into more trouble over Zoe, you agree.

“I am aware, see, that I am not very likely to be successful in dating because I am sickly and poor and erudite – all traits that are alarming when isolated and frightening when together.” Zoe says. “I also know that Hedi College has beautiful and healthy girls who are already attracting male attention. So, I fear that one of them will attract you away – perhaps even before the year is over. But I also know that people do not like paranoia from dear friends. It was as difficult for me to figure out how to address my fears as it was for me to explain my fears to you.”

Zoe then looks at you with tears in her eyes. “I can trust you despite what happened between us during my leaving the Academagia last year – and I fear that no other male with your qualities will be interested in me next year or later. So, I beg you, [PCFirstName], say that you will forgive me – and mean it.”

Faced with Zoe’s obvious low opinion about her attractiveness, you shudder. Then, as Zoe gives a dismayed gasp, you say “I am shocked to think that others could hold you to be so unattractive, Zoe. I forgive you, of course – you meant to avoid strife and accidently were vaguer than I could understand – but you have given me so much to think about.”

Zoe’s disappointed frown as she leaves you haunts you. You suppose that if you had wanted a healthy, socially adept almost-girlfriend, then you would not have been attracted to Zoe Melis. But you are not sure whether you still are attracted to her anymore. Her concerns, self-pity, and difficulty dealing with those issues make her seem less attractive to you.

But then you think about your life, and you become even sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that one of your qualities is that you studied Gates magic? Perhaps it is best that your relationship with Zoe is cooler now – you will have less stress worrying how she would react if she were to know the truth about you and whether the fact that you gave up your studies for the sake of your relationship with her would mean anything positive to her. [Detention for the PC, + 1 skill level famous prose for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step dating for the PC, + 2 stress for Zoe Melis, + 3 stress for the PC, relationship between the PC and Zoe Melis set to 10, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

“Do what?” Zoe’s squeak would be cute, you think, if not for the sorrowful fear flooding across her face.

“Be a…dear friend to you. Dear friends should be able to resolve their differences clearly, not…like you are.”

You are, perhaps to your relief, spared from having to explain more about Zoe’s defects in friendship when Zoe breaks down in loud sobs in front of you.

The ensuing events, however, see you enduring most of the suffering. Professor Sido rushes out from his office, his face distorted in a mixture of anger and concern. After a rapid exchange of what you presume is Eluminian with Zoe, he turns to you and says, “[PCLastName], detention! And be glad that I am not reporting you for trying to date Miss Melis, despite your reputation.”

After the horror of a session in detention, you are surprised to be greeted by Zoe Melis, who, still looking tearful, tells you that she simply must apologize and explain. Not wanting to get into more trouble over Zoe, you agree.

“I am aware, see, that I am not very likely to be successful in dating because I am sickly and poor and erudite – all traits that are alarming when isolated and frightening when together.” Zoe says. “I also know that Hedi College has beautiful and healthy girls who are already attracting male attention. So, I fear that one of them will attract you away – perhaps even before the year is over. But I also know that people do not like paranoia from dear friends. It was as difficult for me to figure out how to address my fears as it was for me to explain my fears to you.”

Zoe then looks at you with tears in her eyes. “I can trust you despite what happened between us during my leaving the Academagia last year – and I fear that no other male with your qualities will be interested in me next year or later. So, I beg you, [PCFirstName], say that you will forgive me – and mean it.”

Faced with Zoe’s obvious low opinion about her attractiveness, you shudder. Then, as Zoe gives a dismayed gasp, you say “I am shocked to think that others could hold you to be so unattractive, Zoe. I forgive you, of course – you meant to avoid strife and accidently were vaguer than I could understand – but you have given me so much to think about.”

Zoe’s disappointed frown as she leaves you haunts you. You suppose that if you had wanted a healthy, socially adept almost-girlfriend, then you would not have been attracted to Zoe Melis. But you are not sure whether you still are attracted to her anymore. Her concerns, self-pity, and difficulty dealing with those issues make her seem less attractive to you.

But then you think about your life, and you become even sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that one of your qualities is that you studied Gates magic? Perhaps it is best that your relationship with Zoe is cooler now – you will have less stress worrying how she would react if she were to know the truth about you and whether the fact that you gave up your studies for the sake of your relationship with her would mean anything positive to her. [Detention for the PC, + 1 skill level famous prose for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step dating for the PC, + 2 stress for Zoe Melis, + 3 stress for the PC, relationship between the PC and Zoe Melis set to 10, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC is a student at the Schohanwicht but lacks the memories Zoe Rejected for Gates and Zoe Spurned for Gates]

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

“Do what?” Zoe’s squeak would be cute, you think, if not for the sorrowful fear flooding across her face.

“Be a…dear friend to you. Dear friends should be able to resolve their differences clearly, not…like you are.”

You are, perhaps to your relief, spared from having to explain more about Zoe’s defects in friendship when Zoe breaks down in loud sobs in front of you.

The ensuing events, however, see you enduring most of the suffering. Professor Sido rushes out from his office, his face distorted in a mixture of anger and concern. After a rapid exchange of what you presume is Eluminian with Zoe, he turns to you and says, “[PCLastName], detention! And be glad that I am not reporting you for trying to date Miss Melis.”

After the horror of a session in detention, you are surprised to be greeted by Zoe Melis, who, still looking tearful, tells you that she simply must apologize and explain. Not wanting to get into more trouble over Zoe, you agree.

“I am aware, see, that I am not very likely to be successful in dating because I am sickly and poor and erudite – all traits that are alarming when isolated and frightening when together.” Zoe says. “I also know that Hedi College has beautiful and healthy girls who are already attracting male attention. So, I fear that one of them will attract you away – perhaps even before the year is over. But I also know that people do not like paranoia from dear friends. It was as difficult for me to figure out how to address my fears as it was for me to explain my fears to you.”

Zoe then looks at you with tears in her eyes. “I can trust you – and I fear that no other male with your qualities will be interested in me next year or later. So, I beg you, [PCFirstName], say that you will forgive me – and mean it.”

Faced with Zoe’s obvious low opinion about her attractiveness, you shudder. Then, as Zoe gives a dismayed gasp, you say “I am shocked to think that others could hold you to be so unattractive, Zoe. I forgive you, of course – you meant to avoid strife and accidently were vaguer than I could understand – but you have given me so much to think about.”

Zoe’s disappointed frown as she leaves you haunts you. You suppose that if you had wanted a healthy, socially adept almost-girlfriend, then you would not have been attracted to Zoe Melis. But you are not sure whether you still are attracted to her anymore. Her concerns, self-pity, and difficulty dealing with those issues make her seem less attractive to you.

But then you think about your life, and you become even sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that one of your qualities is that you are secretly studying Gates magic? Perhaps it is best that your relationship with Zoe is cooler now – you will have less stress worrying how she would react if she were to know the truth about you. [Detention for the PC, + 1 skill level famous prose for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step dating for the PC, + 2 stress for Zoe Melis, + 3 stress for the PC, relationship between the PC and Zoe Melis set to 10, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

“Do what?” Zoe’s squeak would be cute, you think, if not for the sorrowful fear flooding across her face.

“Be a…dear friend to you. Dear friends should be able to resolve their differences clearly, not…like you are.”

You are, perhaps to your relief, spared from having to explain more about Zoe’s defects in friendship when Zoe breaks down in loud sobs in front of you.

The ensuing events, however, see you enduring most of the suffering. Professor Sido rushes out from his office, his face distorted in a mixture of anger and concern. After a rapid exchange of what you presume is Eluminian with Zoe, he turns to you and says, “[PCLastName], detention! And be glad that I am not reporting you for trying to date Miss Melis, despite your reputation.”

After the horror of a session in detention, you are surprised to be greeted by Zoe Melis, who, still looking tearful, tells you that she simply must apologize and explain. Not wanting to get into more trouble over Zoe, you agree.

“I am aware, see, that I am not very likely to be successful in dating because I am sickly and poor and erudite – all traits that are alarming when isolated and frightening when together.” Zoe says. “I also know that Hedi College has beautiful and healthy girls who are already attracting male attention. So, I fear that one of them will attract you away – perhaps even before the year is over. But I also know that people do not like paranoia from dear friends. It was as difficult for me to figure out how to address my fears as it was for me to explain my fears to you.”

Zoe then looks at you with tears in her eyes. “I can trust you – and I fear that no other male with your qualities will be interested in me next year or later. So, I beg you, [PCFirstName], say that you will forgive me – and mean it.”

Faced with Zoe’s obvious low opinion about her attractiveness, you shudder. Then, as Zoe gives a dismayed gasp, you say “I am shocked to think that others could hold you to be so unattractive, Zoe. I forgive you, of course – you meant to avoid strife and accidently were vaguer than I could understand – but you have given me so much to think about.”

Zoe’s disappointed frown as she leaves you haunts you. You suppose that if you had wanted a healthy, socially adept almost-girlfriend, then you would not have been attracted to Zoe Melis. But you are not sure whether you still are attracted to her anymore. Her concerns, self-pity, and difficulty dealing with those issues make her seem less attractive to you.

But then you think about your life, and you become even sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that one of your qualities is that you are secretly studying Gates magic? Perhaps it is best that your relationship with Zoe is cooler now – you will have less stress worrying how she would react if she were to know the truth about you. [Detention for the PC, + 1 skill level famous prose for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step dating for the PC, + 2 stress for Zoe Melis, + 3 stress for the PC, relationship between the PC and Zoe Melis set to 10, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC is a student at the Schohanwicht but lacks the memories Zoe Rejected for Gates and Zoe Spurned for Gates] “Zoe, what are you talking about? I have my own secret, so I do not want to assume that you are talking about your…condition.”

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe laughs ruefully. “You would not be the only student here with a secret. Within my college alone, I know about Sima’s strange interest in dream magic and hypnotism, Neta’s inhumanness, and how Reitz von Lutersee may not be a noble’s son – but I researched his title only because he is so smug and unlikable. So,” Zoe sighs, “I will not presume to know what your secret is – although given last year’s interest in the Homework Helper Heroine, I guess that maybe you are secretly part of an upstart guild of street-magicians trying to succeed in Mineta.”

But then Zoe’s face becomes serious. “I was referring to my...medical condition, which you do not know everything about,” Zoe hisses. Then, with a little sob, she says, “I lack such knowledge myself. And the consequences to my life if my condition develops in certain ways in the future terrify me and may terrify you…I read such twisted things in my books…”

“But the present’s Zoe is whom I like,” you say.

“What is present was future – and I worry that you will want another girl – healthier, with less need to go to hospitals and less medical uncertainty surrounding her. And I know that so many girls in Hedi are better than I am in that way. So I fear – but I fear to fear, you know?”

“What?”

Zoe wipes a tear from her eye. “Sorry. I meant that…” Her voice trails off in a sigh, and she says, “So, I read books. They help me to experience so much that I cannot do. They also give advice – including about love.”

“Not all books can be trusted, Zoe. But what do your books about love say?”

“O, I know that much of what they say is false even when it is not fiction – if even one tenth of what they say were true, then there would be no need for marriage brokers, chaperones, or mastery magic. But I have read a novel – Tiro’s “Menandros and Gagana” – in which two parts of the plot seem reasonable. Gagana twice fears that her lover Menandros is secretly involved with another. The first time, she is incorrect but so disgusts him with her paranoia that he leaves her for the next several chapters. The second time, she is correct – but only because he has been seduced by another woman with bad intentions.”

“Wow. What things you have read when not even old enough to date.”

“Well, there are more things that interest me than scholarly subjects.” Zoe is smiling at you now with what you think may be flirtatious eyes. “Plus, learning from books can help in so many ways. Can you imagine how much worse my health would be if I were to try to use Sima’s methods – or the hulking girl from Morvidus – with the sincere belief that no other method exists?”

You laugh aloud and say, “Zoe, the way you are doing things worked for me – after all, I decided to talk things over with you rather than jumping to conclusions about whether I should be so close with you.”

“Such would only be fair given my not assuming anything,” Zoe drawls. “But my books and my experience agree that males and females are often different. As is my language - hence Professor Sido’s interest. I am so glad, though, to be appreciated from my differences by a peer – whose relationship with me I hope will become very interesting next year.”

Having resolved to your satisfaction Zoe’s behaviour with you, you spend a pleasant time talking with Zoe about other topics – including books which she wants to read – before she, sighing, tells you that she has to go in order to study for a major test coming up.

“And my test is so important that I think that I would not have agreed to meet with you now if it had not been for my going out of my way around this time in order to sell knowledge to Professor Sido. In any case, our meeting was wonderful. Be strong!”

As Zoe walks away, you are not sure whether Zoe was joking when she claimed that she only met with you because Professor Sido was paying her to be involved in research with him rather than studying. You suppose that some people would be offended if such a thing were true. But then you shrug. If you were not willing to look beyond Zoe’s scholastic urges and need for money in order to find and be impressed by Zoe’s better qualities, then you would not have tried to clarify your relationship with her when confronted with her strange behaviour. But you made the effort because you are very fond of Zoe – and you are glad that you and she benefitted from this meeting.

But then you think about your life, and you become sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that your secret is that you are studying Gates magic? Could she use the same research skills which she used against Reitz in order to uncover your study of Gates magic? You are glad that you did not have to address the stressful morass that your studies of Gates magic are at the same time as you were addressing Zoe’s strange attitude towards you for less serious reasons. [+ 1 Charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step flirtation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 2 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe laughs ruefully. “You would not be the only student here with a secret. Within my college alone, I know about Sima’s strange interest in dream magic and hypnotism, Neta’s inhumanness, and how Reitz von Lutersee may not be a noble’s son – but I researched his title only because he is so smug and unlikable. So,” Zoe sighs, “I will not presume to know what your secret is.”

But then Zoe’s face becomes serious. “I was referring to my...medical condition, which you do not know everything about,” Zoe hisses. Then, with a little sob, she says, “I lack such knowledge myself. And the consequences to my life if my condition develops in certain ways in the future terrify me and may terrify you…I read such twisted things in my books…”

“But the present’s Zoe is whom I like,” you say.

“What is present was future – and I worry that you will want another girl – healthier, with less need to go to hospitals and less medical uncertainty surrounding her. And I know that so many girls in Hedi are better than I am in that way. So I fear – but I fear to fear, you know?”

“What?”

Zoe wipes a tear from her eye. “Sorry. I meant that…” Her voice trails off in a sigh, and she says, “So, I read books. They help me to experience so much that I cannot do. They also give advice – including about love.”

“Not all books can be trusted, Zoe. But what do your books about love say?”

“O, I know that much of what they say is false even when it is not fiction – if even one tenth of what they say were true, then there would be no need for marriage brokers, chaperones, or mastery magic. But I have read a novel – Tiro’s “Menandros and Gagana” – in which two parts of the plot seem reasonable. Gagana twice fears that her lover Menandros is secretly involved with another. The first time, she is incorrect but so disgusts him with her paranoia that he leaves her for the next several chapters. The second time, she is correct – but only because he has been seduced by another woman with bad intentions.”

“Wow. What things you have read when not even old enough to date.”

“Well, there are more things that interest me than scholarly subjects.” Zoe is smiling at you now with what you think may be flirtatious eyes. “Plus, learning from books can help in so many ways. Can you imagine how much worse my health would be if I were to try to use Sima’s methods – or the hulking girl from Morvidus – with the sincere belief that no other method exists?”

You laugh aloud and say, “Zoe, the way you are doing things worked for me – after all, I decided to talk things over with you rather than jumping to conclusions about whether I should be so close with you.”

“Such would only be fair given my not assuming anything,” Zoe drawls. “But my books and my experience agree that males and females are often different. As is my language - hence Professor Sido’s interest. I am so glad, though, to be appreciated from my differences by a peer – whose relationship with me I hope will become very interesting next year.”

Having resolved to your satisfaction Zoe’s behaviour with you, you spend a pleasant time talking with Zoe about other topics – including books which she wants to read – before she, sighing, tells you that she has to go in order to study for a major test coming up.

“And my test is so important that I think that I would not have agreed to meet with you now if it had not been for my going out of my way around this time in order to sell knowledge to Professor Sido. In any case, our meeting was wonderful. Be strong!”

As Zoe walks away, you are not sure whether Zoe was joking when she claimed that she only met with you because Professor Sido was paying her to be involved in research with him rather than studying. You suppose that some people would be offended if such a thing were true. But then you shrug. If you were not willing to look beyond Zoe’s scholastic urges and need for money in order to find and be impressed by Zoe’s better qualities, then you would not have tried to clarify your relationship with her when confronted with her strange behaviour. But you made the effort because you are very fond of Zoe – and you are glad that you and she benefitted from this meeting.

But then you think about your life, and you become sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that your secret is that you are studying Gates magic? Could she use the same research skills which she used against Reitz in order to uncover your study of Gates magic? You are glad that you did not have to address the stressful morass that your studies of Gates magic are at the same time as you were addressing Zoe’s strange attitude towards you for less serious reasons. [+ 1 Charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step flirtation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 2 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC has the memory Zoe Rejected for Gates] “Life would be simpler for both of us if we were average students at the Academagia, Zoe, would it not? But your efforts to be more average are a continued source of inspiration for me as I deal with my secret – while trying to support you. But what are you referring to?”

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe laughs ruefully. “You would not be the only student here with a secret. Within my college alone, I know about Sima’s strange interest in dream magic and hypnotism, Neta’s inhumanness, and how Reitz von Lutersee may not be a noble’s son – but I researched his title only because he is so smug and unlikable. So,” Zoe sighs, “I will not presume to know what your secret is – although given last year’s interest in the Homework Helper Heroine, I guess that maybe you are secretly part of an upstart guild of street-magicians trying to succeed in Mineta. But since we had so much…fun last year, I am glad that I am an inspiration to you.”

But then Zoe’s face becomes serious. “I was referring to my...medical condition, which you do not know everything about,” Zoe hisses. Then, with a little sob, she says, “I lack such knowledge myself. And the consequences to my life if my condition develops in certain ways in the future terrify me and may terrify you…I read such twisted things in my books…”

“But the present’s Zoe is whom I like,” you say.

“What is present was future – and I worry that you will want another girl – healthier, with less need to go to hospitals and less medical uncertainty surrounding her. And I know that so many girls in Hedi are better than I am in that way. So I fear – but I fear to fear, you know?”

“What?”

Zoe wipes a tear from her eye. “Sorry. I meant that…” Her voice trails off in a sigh, and she says, “So, I read books. They help me to experience so much that I cannot do. They also give advice – including about love.”

“Not all books can be trusted, Zoe. But what do your books about love say?”

“O, I know that much of what they say is false even when it is not fiction – if even one tenth of what they say were true, then there would be no need for marriage brokers, chaperones, or mastery magic. But I have read a novel – Tiro’s “Menandros and Gagana” – in which two parts of the plot seem reasonable. Gagana twice fears that her lover Menandros is secretly involved with another. The first time, she is incorrect but so disgusts him with her paranoia that he leaves her for the next several chapters. The second time, she is correct – but only because he has been seduced by another woman with bad intentions.”

“Wow. What things you have read when not even old enough to date.”

“Well, there are more things that interest me than scholarly subjects.” Zoe is smiling at you now with what you think may be flirtatious eyes. “Plus, learning from books can help in so many ways. Can you imagine how much worse my health would be if I were to try to use Sima’s methods – or the hulking girl from Morvidus – with the sincere belief that no other method exists?”

You laugh aloud and say, “Zoe, the way you are doing things worked for me – after all, I decided to talk things over with you rather than jumping to conclusions about whether I should be so close with you.”

“Such would only be fair given my not assuming anything,” Zoe drawls. “But my books and my experience agree that males and females are often different. As is my language - hence Professor Sido’s interest. I am so glad, though, to be appreciated from my differences by a peer – whose relationship with me I hope will become very interesting next year.”

Having resolved to your satisfaction Zoe’s behaviour with you, you spend a pleasant time talking with Zoe about other topics – including books which she wants to read – before she, sighing, tells you that she has to go in order to study for a major test coming up.

“And my test is so important that I think that I would not have agreed to meet with you now if it had not been for my going out of my way around this time in order to sell knowledge to Professor Sido. In any case, our meeting was wonderful. Be strong!”

As Zoe walks away, you are not sure whether Zoe was joking when she claimed that she only met with you because Professor Sido was paying her to be involved in research with him rather than studying. You suppose that some people would be offended if such a thing were true. But then you shrug. If you were not willing to look beyond Zoe’s scholastic urges and need for money in order to find and be impressed by Zoe’s better qualities, then you would not have tried to clarify your relationship with her when confronted with her strange behaviour. But you made the effort because you are very fond of Zoe – and you are glad that you and she benefitted from this meeting.

But then you think about your life, and you become sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that your secret is that you are studying Gates magic? Could she use the same research skills which she used against Reitz in order to uncover your study of Gates magic? You are glad that you did not have to address the stressful morass that your studies of Gates magic are at the same time as you were addressing Zoe’s strange attitude towards you for less serious reasons. [+ 1 Charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step flirtation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 2 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe laughs ruefully. “You would not be the only student here with a secret. Within my college alone, I know about Sima’s strange interest in dream magic and hypnotism, Neta’s inhumanness, and how Reitz von Lutersee may not be a noble’s son – but I researched his title only because he is so smug and unlikable. So,” Zoe sighs, “I will not presume to know what your secret is.”

But then Zoe’s face becomes serious. “I was referring to my...medical condition, which you do not know everything about,” Zoe hisses. Then, with a little sob, she says, “I lack such knowledge myself. And the consequences to my life if my condition develops in certain ways in the future terrify me and may terrify you…I read such twisted things in my books…”

“But the present’s Zoe is whom I like,” you say.

“What is present was future – and I worry that you will want another girl – healthier, with less need to go to hospitals and less medical uncertainty surrounding her. And I know that so many girls in Hedi are better than I am in that way. So I fear – but I fear to fear, you know?”

“What?”

Zoe wipes a tear from her eye. “Sorry. I meant that…” Her voice trails off in a sigh, and she says, “So, I read books. They help me to experience so much that I cannot do. They also give advice – including about love.”

“Not all books can be trusted, Zoe. But what do your books about love say?”

“O, I know that much of what they say is false even when it is not fiction – if even one tenth of what they say were true, then there would be no need for marriage brokers, chaperones, or mastery magic. But I have read a novel – Tiro’s “Menandros and Gagana” – in which two parts of the plot seem reasonable. Gagana twice fears that her lover Menandros is secretly involved with another. The first time, she is incorrect but so disgusts him with her paranoia that he leaves her for the next several chapters. The second time, she is correct – but only because he has been seduced by another woman with bad intentions.”

“Wow. What things you have read when not even old enough to date.”

“Well, there are more things that interest me than scholarly subjects.” Zoe is smiling at you now with what you think may be flirtatious eyes. “Plus, learning from books can help in so many ways. Can you imagine how much worse my health would be if I were to try to use Sima’s methods – or the hulking girl from Morvidus – with the sincere belief that no other method exists?”

You laugh aloud and say, “Zoe, the way you are doing things worked for me – after all, I decided to talk things over with you rather than jumping to conclusions about whether I should be so close with you.”

“Such would only be fair given my not assuming anything,” Zoe drawls. “But my books and my experience agree that males and females are often different. As is my language – hence Professor Sido’s interest. I am so glad, though, to be appreciated from my differences by a peer – whose relationship with me I hope will become very interesting next year.”

Having resolved to your satisfaction Zoe’s behaviour with you, you spend a pleasant time talking with Zoe about other topics – including books which she wants to read – before she, sighing, tells you that she has to go in order to study for a major test coming up.

“And my test is so important that I think that I would not have agreed to meet with you now if it had not been for my going out of my way around this time in order to sell knowledge to Professor Sido. In any case, our meeting was wonderful. Be strong!”

As Zoe walks away, you are not sure whether Zoe was joking when she claimed that she only met with you because Professor Sido was paying her to be involved in research with him rather than studying. You suppose that some people would be offended if such a thing were true. But then you shrug. If you were not willing to look beyond Zoe’s scholastic urges and need for money in order to find and be impressed by Zoe’s better qualities, then you would not have tried to clarify your relationship with her when confronted with her strange behaviour. But you made the effort because you are very fond of Zoe – and you are glad that you and she benefitted from this meeting.

But then you think about your life, and you become sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that your secret is that you are studying Gates magic? Could she use the same research skills which she used against Reitz in order to uncover your study of Gates magic? You are glad that you did not have to address the stressful morass that your studies of Gates magic are at the same time as you were addressing Zoe’s strange attitude towards you for less serious reasons. [+ 1 Charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step flirtation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 2 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC has the memory Zoe Spurned for Gates] “Life would be simpler for both of us if we were average students at the Academagia, Zoe, would it not? But your efforts to be more average inspired me to do likewise with my secret – while trying to support you. But what are you referring to?”

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe laughs ruefully. “You would not be the only student here with a secret. Within my college alone, I know about Sima’s strange interest in dream magic and hypnotism, Neta’s inhumanness, and how Reitz von Lutersee may not be a noble’s son – but I researched his title only because he is so smug and unlikable. So,” Zoe sighs, “I will not presume to know what your secret is – although given last year’s interest in the Homework Helper Heroine, I guess that maybe you are secretly part of an upstart guild of street-magicians trying to succeed in Mineta. But since we had so much…fun last year, I am glad that I am an inspiration to you.”

But then Zoe’s face becomes serious. “I was referring to my...medical condition, which you do not know everything about,” Zoe hisses. Then, with a little sob, she says, “I lack such knowledge myself. And the consequences to my life if my condition develops in certain ways in the future terrify me and may terrify you…I read such twisted things in my books…”

“But the present’s Zoe is whom I like,” you say.

“What is present was future – and I worry that you will want another girl – healthier, with less need to go to hospitals and less medical uncertainty surrounding her. And I know that so many girls in Hedi are better than I am in that way. So I fear – but I fear to fear, you know?”

“What?”

Zoe wipes a tear from her eye. “Sorry. I meant that…” Her voice trails off in a sigh, and she says, “So, I read books. They help me to experience so much that I cannot do. They also give advice – including about love.”

“Not all books can be trusted, Zoe. But what do your books about love say?”

“O, I know that much of what they say is false even when it is not fiction – if even one tenth of what they say were true, then there would be no need for marriage brokers, chaperones, or mastery magic. But I have read a novel – Tiro’s “Menandros and Gagana” – in which two parts of the plot seem reasonable. Gagana twice fears that her lover Menandros is secretly involved with another. The first time, she is incorrect but so disgusts him with her paranoia that he leaves her for the next several chapters. The second time, she is correct – but only because he has been seduced by another woman with bad intentions.”

“Wow. What things you have read when not even old enough to date.”

“Well, there are more things that interest me than scholarly subjects.” Zoe is smiling at you now with what you think may be flirtatious eyes. “Plus, learning from books can help in so many ways. Can you imagine how much worse my health would be if I were to try to use Sima’s methods – or the hulking girl from Morvidus – with the sincere belief that no other method exists?”

You laugh aloud and say, “Zoe, the way you are doing things worked for me – after all, I decided to talk things over with you rather than jumping to conclusions about whether I should be so close with you.”

“Such would only be fair given my not assuming anything,” Zoe drawls. “But my books and my experience agree that males and females are often different. As is my language - hence Professor Sido’s interest. I am so glad, though, to be appreciated from my differences by a peer – whose relationship with me I hope will become very interesting next year.”

Having resolved to your satisfaction Zoe’s behaviour with you, you spend a pleasant time talking with Zoe about other topics – including books which she wants to read – before she, sighing, tells you that she has to go in order to study for a major test coming up.

“And my test is so important that I think that I would not have agreed to meet with you now if it had not been for my going out of my way around this time in order to sell knowledge to Professor Sido. In any case, our meeting was wonderful. Be strong!”

As Zoe walks away, you are not sure whether Zoe was joking when she claimed that she only met with you because Professor Sido was paying her to be involved in research with him rather than studying. You suppose that some people would be offended if such a thing were true. But then you shrug. If you were not willing to look beyond Zoe’s scholastic urges and need for money in order to find and be impressed by Zoe’s better qualities, then you would not have tried to clarify your relationship with her when confronted with her strange behaviour. But you made the effort because you are very fond of Zoe – and you are glad that you and she benefitted from this meeting.

But then you think about your life, and you become sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that your secret is that you studied Gates magic? Could she use the same research skills which she used against Reitz in order to uncover your study of Gates magic? Would she care that you gave up your studies for the sake of your relationship with her? You are glad that you did not have to address the stressful morass that your studies of Gates magic are at the same time as you were addressing Zoe’s strange attitude towards you for less serious reasons. [+ 1 Charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step flirtation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 2 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe laughs ruefully. “You would not be the only student here with a secret. Within my college alone, I know about Sima’s strange interest in dream magic and hypnotism, Neta’s inhumanness, and how Reitz von Lutersee may not be a noble’s son – but I researched his title only because he is so smug and unlikable. So,” Zoe sighs, “I will not presume to know what your secret is.”

But then Zoe’s face becomes serious. “I was referring to my...medical condition, which you do not know everything about,” Zoe hisses. Then, with a little sob, she says, “I lack such knowledge myself. And the consequences to my life if my condition develops in certain ways in the future terrify me and may terrify you…I read such twisted things in my books…”

“But the present’s Zoe is whom I like,” you say.

“What is present was future – and I worry that you will want another girl – healthier, with less need to go to hospitals and less medical uncertainty surrounding her. And I know that so many girls in Hedi are better than I am in that way. So I fear – but I fear to fear, you know?”

“What?”

Zoe wipes a tear from her eye. “Sorry. I meant that…” Her voice trails off in a sigh, and she says, “So, I read books. They help me to experience so much that I cannot do. They also give advice – including about love.”

“Not all books can be trusted, Zoe. But what do your books about love say?”

“O, I know that much of what they say is false even when it is not fiction – if even one tenth of what they say were true, then there would be no need for marriage brokers, chaperones, or mastery magic. But I have read a novel – Tiro’s “Menandros and Gagana” – in which two parts of the plot seem reasonable. Gagana twice fears that her lover Menandros is secretly involved with another. The first time, she is incorrect but so disgusts him with her paranoia that he leaves her for the next several chapters. The second time, she is correct – but only because he has been seduced by another woman with bad intentions.”

“Wow. What things you have read when not even old enough to date.”

“Well, there are more things that interest me than scholarly subjects.” Zoe is smiling at you now with what you think may be flirtatious eyes. “Plus, learning from books can help in so many ways. Can you imagine how much worse my health would be if I were to try to use Sima’s methods – or the hulking girl from Morvidus – with the sincere belief that no other method exists?”

You laugh aloud and say, “Zoe, the way you are doing things worked for me – after all, I decided to talk things over with you rather than jumping to conclusions about whether I should be so close with you.”

“Such would only be fair given my not assuming anything,” Zoe drawls. “But my books and my experience agree that males and females are often different. As is my language – hence Professor Sido’s interest. I am so glad, though, to be appreciated from my differences by a peer – whose relationship with me I hope will become very interesting next year.”

Having resolved to your satisfaction Zoe’s behaviour with you, you spend a pleasant time talking with Zoe about other topics – including books which she wants to read – before she, sighing, tells you that she has to go in order to study for a major test coming up.

“And my test is so important that I think that I would not have agreed to meet with you now if it had not been for my going out of my way around this time in order to sell knowledge to Professor Sido. In any case, our meeting was wonderful. Be strong!”

As Zoe walks away, you are not sure whether Zoe was joking when she claimed that she only met with you because Professor Sido was paying her to be involved in research with him rather than studying. You suppose that some people would be offended if such a thing were true. But then you shrug. If you were not willing to look beyond Zoe’s scholastic urges and need for money in order to find and be impressed by Zoe’s better qualities, then you would not have tried to clarify your relationship with her when confronted with her strange behaviour. But you made the effort because you are very fond of Zoe – and you are glad that you and she benefitted from this meeting.

But then you think about your life, and you become sadder. Would Zoe still be so interested in dating you next year if she were knowing that your secret is that you studied Gates magic? Could she use the same research skills which she used against Reitz in order to uncover your study of Gates magic? Would she care that you gave up your studies for the sake of your relationship with her? You are glad that you did not have to address the stressful morass that your studies of Gates magic are at the same time as you were addressing Zoe’s strange attitude towards you for less serious reasons. [+ 1 Charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step flirtation for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 2 stress for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, end adventure]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

A Birthday Gift from Uliva:

 

 

This event has exacting requirements. The PC must have, at minimum, Love with Uliva Valaresso, the trait Initiate into the Aklo Script, and a birthday during the school year. The event will trigger automatically on the PC’s birthday. Ideally, it should be the first event of the day, if possible.

 

Text:

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

[If PC is Student in Morvidus College]

 

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Morvidus College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand.

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you – who probably knows that you hope to date her next year, given your reputation – but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Vernin College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your joy at having transferred from Vernin College. Given your reputation, you cannot believe that any Vernin students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room in Vernin College would have believed that she was not trying to occupy your attention in certain pleasant ways in celebration of your birthday – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you – who probably knows that you hope to date her next year, given your reputation – but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in other College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your joy at having transferred from Vernin College. Given your reputation, you can only barely believe that any [PC’sY1College] students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room in [PC’sY1College] College would have believed that she was not trying to occupy your attention in certain pleasant ways in celebration of your birthday – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you – who probably knows that you hope to date her next year, given your reputation – but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

 

[If PC is Student in Vernin College]

 

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Morvidus College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your pang of regret at having transferred into Vernin College. Given your reputation, you cannot believe that any Vernin students who might catch Uliva during her secret trip to your room would believe that she was not trying to occupy your attention in certain pleasant ways in celebration of your birthday – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you – who probably knows that you hope to date her next year, given your reputation – but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Vernin College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your pang of regret at remaining a student in Vernin College. Given your reputation, you cannot believe that any Vernin students who might catch Uliva during her secret trip to your room would believe that she was not trying to occupy your attention in certain pleasant ways in celebration of your birthday – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you – who probably knows that you hope to date her next year, given your reputation – but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in other College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as do your pangs of regret for having transferred into Vernin College from [PC’sY1College]. Given your reputation, you cannot believe that any Vernin College students who might catch Uliva during her secret trip to your room would believe that she was not trying to occupy your attention in certain pleasant ways in celebration of your birthday – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you – who probably knows that you hope to date her next year, given your reputation – but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

 

[If PC is Student in other College]

 

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Morvidus College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your pang of regret at having transferred into [PC’sCurrentCollege] from Morvidus College. Given your reputation, you cannot believe that any Vernin students who might catch Uliva during her secret trip to your room would believe that she was not trying to occupy your attention in certain pleasant ways in celebration of your birthday – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you – who probably knows that you hope to date her next year, given your reputation – but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Vernin College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as do your pangs of regret for not having transferred into Morvidus College from Vernin College. Given your reputation, you can only barely believe that any [PC’sCurrentCollege] College students who might catch Uliva during her secret trip to your room would believe that she was not trying to occupy your attention in certain pleasant ways in celebration of your birthday – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you! At least you left Vernin – that college’s students would have made your experience even worse – to say nothing of Uliva’s – if any of them had caught her.

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you – who probably knows that you hope to date her next year, given your reputation – but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in other College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as do your pangs of regret for not having transferred into [PC’sCurrentCollege] from [PC’sY1College]. Given your reputation, you can only barely believe that any [PC’sCurrentCollege] College students who might catch Uliva during her secret trip to your room would believe that she was not trying to occupy your attention in certain pleasant ways in celebration of your birthday – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you – who probably knows that you hope to date her next year, given your reputation – but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

 

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

[If PC is Student in Morvidus College]

 

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Morvidus College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand.

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you, but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Vernin College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your joy at having transferred from Vernin College. Given Uliva’s reputation, you cannot believe that any Vernin students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room in Vernin College would have believed that she was not trying to do something disgusting involving snakes – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you, but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in other College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your joy at having transferred from Vernin College. Given Uliva’s reputation, you can only barely believe that any [PC’sY1College] students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room in [PC’sY1College] College would have believed that she was not trying to do something disgusting involving snakes – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you, but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

 

[If PC is Student in Vernin College]

 

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Morvidus College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your pang of regret at having transferred into Vernin College from Morvidus College. Given Uliva’s reputation, you cannot believe that any Vernin students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room in Vernin College would have believed that she was not trying to do something disgusting involving snakes – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you, but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Vernin College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your pang of regret at remaining a student in Vernin College. Given Uliva’s reputation, you cannot believe that any Vernin students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room in Vernin College would have believed that she was not trying to do something disgusting involving snakes – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you, but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in other College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as do your pangs of regret for having transferred from [PC’SY1College] into Vernin College. Given Uliva’s reputation, you cannot believe that any Vernin students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room in Vernin College would have believed that she was not trying to do something disgusting involving snakes – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you, but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

 

[If PC is Student in other College]

 

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Morvidus College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as does your pang of regret at having transferred into [PC’sCurrentCollege] from Morvidus College. Given Uliva’s reputation, you can only barely believe that any [PC’sCurrentCollege] College students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room would have believed that she was not trying to do something disgusting involving snakes – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you, but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in Vernin College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as do your pangs of regret for not having transferred into Morvidus College. Given Uliva’s reputation, you can only barely believe that any [PC’sCurrentCollege] College students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room would have believed that she was not trying to do something disgusting involving snakes – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you! At least you left Vernin – that college’s students would have made your experience even worse – to say nothing of Uliva’s – if any of them had caught her.

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you, but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

[If PC was Student during Y1 in other College]

 

 

Your sound sleep is interrupted by a knocking at your door, but your eyes confirm to you that it is still nighttime. Hoping that you are not in trouble – or the victim of some type of prank – you fumble your way out of bed, stumble towards the door, and open it. Your upsettedness at being awakened during the night, however, is dispelled as easily as if you were the target of a well-executed negation spell when you see Uliva, smiling shyly at you as she brushes the front of her dark clothing with one hand. Not for the first time since you have become so close to Uliva, your appreciation for Morvidus College grows – as do your pangs of regret for not having transferred into Morvidus College. Given Uliva’s reputation, you can only barely believe that any [PC’sCurrentCollege] College students who might have caught Uliva if she had made her secret trip to your room would have believed that she was not trying to do something disgusting involving snakes – making her being caught a dreadful situation for both of you!

“Happy Birthday, [PCFirstName]. I brought you this.”

Uliva’s hand, which had previously been rubbing her clothing, produces for your eyes a dusty package.

You are aware that Uliva is a very dear friend to you, but you know that what Uliva thinks to be a good gift may be distinctly unpopular – if not outright illegal.

 

 

 

Choices:

 

 

“Uliva, I would prefer answers from you.”

 

 

[If PC is Student in Morvidus College]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva’s smile turns into a frown, and she hisses softly before whispering, “Want some thing else? Not from me!”

Then, turning, Uliva stalks away. You are left torn between sorrow at having offended Uliva whom you hope to date next year and relief that she did not give to you what you fear may have been highly dangerous. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 1 skill level Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, Uliva Valaresso receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, relationship between PC and Uliva Valaresso set to 10, end event]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva’s smile turns into a frown, and she hisses softly before whispering, “Want some thing else? Not from me!”

Then, turning, Uliva stalks away. You are left torn between sorrow at having offended Uliva and relief that she did not give to you what you fear may have been highly dangerous. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 1 skill level Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, Uliva Valaresso receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, relationship between PC and Uliva Valaresso set to 10, end event]

 

 

[If PC is Student in Vernin College]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva’s smile turns into a frown, and she hisses softly before whispering, “Want some thing else? Not from me!”

Then, turning, Uliva stalks away. You are left torn between sorrow at having offended Uliva whom you hope to date next year and relief that she did not give to you what you fear may have been highly dangerous. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 3 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, Uliva Valaresso receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, relationship between PC and Uliva Valaresso set to 10, end event]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva’s smile turns into a frown, and she hisses softly before whispering, “Want some thing else? Not from me!”

Then, turning, Uliva stalks away. You are left torn between sorrow at having offended Uliva and relief that she did not give to you what you fear may have been highly dangerous. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 3 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, Uliva Valaresso receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, relationship between PC and Uliva Valaresso set to 10, end event]

 

 

[If PC is Student in other College]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva’s smile turns into a frown, and she hisses softly before whispering, “Want some thing else? Not from me!”

Then, turning, Uliva stalks away. You are left torn between sorrow at having offended Uliva whom you hope to date next year and relief that she did not give to you what you fear may have been highly dangerous. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 2 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, relationship between PC and Uliva Valaresso set to 10, Uliva Valaresso receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, end event]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva’s smile turns into a frown, and she hisses softly before whispering, “Want some thing else? Not from me!”

Then, turning, Uliva stalks away. You are left torn between sorrow at having offended Uliva and relief that she did not give to you what you fear may have been highly dangerous. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 2 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, relationship between PC and Uliva Valaresso set to 10, Uliva Valaresso receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, end event]

 

 

 

“Uliva, I want answers from you.”

 

 

[If PC is Student in Morvidus College]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva grins at you. “I want the same. I would love to know what you do when you leave the Academagia for a few hours. No other student seems to know. I have thought that the quiet girl may have an answer, but she may creep me out. People seek to know about me, see, and the quiet girl serves all who seek help from her.”

Then, with a little shudder, Uliva says, “Not that I think you to be uninterested in me – in many ways –” and here Uliva gives what she may think is a flirtatious smile – “but at least you accept me as what I am without, for example, stroking my scalp and acting surprised when you feel no scales, or wondering whether I would not prefer to be so interested in dogs.”

Your gasp of despair – life would be so much simpler for you if you were a dog-breeder – causes Uliva to sigh gently.

“Ah, but we cannot tell our secrets to each other – not yet. But this gift is not bad or banned.” [+ 1 stress for PC, + 1 skill level Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level listening for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, choose other option]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva grins at you. “I want the same. I would love to know what you do when you leave the Academagia for a few hours. No other student seems to know. I have thought that the quiet girl may have an answer, but she may creep me out. People seek to know about me, see, and the quiet girl serves all who seek help from her.”

Then, with a little shudder, Uliva says, “At least you accept me as what I am without, for example, jerking away from my breath and muttering about venom, or wondering whether I would not prefer to be so interested in dogs.”

Your gasp of despair – life would be so much simpler for you if you were a dog-breeder – causes Uliva to sigh gently.

“Ah, but we cannot tell our secrets to each other – not yet. But this gift is not bad or banned.” [+ 1 stress for PC, + 1 skill level Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level listening for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, choose other option]

 

 

[If PC is Student in Vernin College]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva grins at you. “I want the same. I would love to know what you do when you leave the Academagia for a few hours. No other student seems to know. I have thought that the quiet girl may have an answer, but she may creep me out. People seek to know about me, see, and the quiet girl serves all who seek help from her.”

Then, with a little shudder, Uliva says, “Not that I think you to be uninterested in me – in many ways –” and here Uliva gives what she may think is a flirtatious smile – “but at least you accept me as what I am without, for example, stroking my scalp and acting surprised when you feel no scales, or wondering whether I would not prefer to be so interested in dogs.”

Your gasp of despair – life would be so much simpler for you if you were a dog-breeder – causes Uliva to sigh gently.

“Ah, but we cannot tell our secrets to each other – not yet. But this gift is not bad or banned.” [+ 1 stress for PC, + 3 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level listening for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, choose other option]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva grins at you. “I want the same. I would love to know what you do when you leave the Academagia for a few hours. No other student seems to know. I have thought that the quiet girl may have an answer, but she may creep me out. People seek to know about me, see, and the quiet girl serves all who seek help from her.”

Then, with a little shudder, Uliva says, “At least you accept me as what I am without, for example, jerking away from my breath and muttering about venom, or wondering whether I would not prefer to be so interested in dogs.”

Your gasp of despair – life would be so much simpler for you if you were a dog-breeder – causes Uliva to sigh gently.

“Ah, but we cannot tell our secrets to each other – not yet. But this gift is not bad or banned.” [+ 1 stress for PC, + 3 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level listening for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, choose other option]

 

 

[If PC is Student in other College]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva grins at you. “I want the same. I would love to know what you do when you leave the Academagia for a few hours. No other student seems to know. I have thought that the quiet girl may have an answer, but she may creep me out. People seek to know about me, see, and the quiet girl serves all who seek help from her.”

Then, with a little shudder, Uliva says, “Not that I think you to be uninterested in me – in many ways –” and here Uliva gives what she may think is a flirtatious smile – “but at least you accept me as what I am without, for example, stroking my scalp and acting surprised when you feel no scales, or wondering whether I would not prefer to be so interested in dogs.”

Your gasp of despair – life would be so much simpler for you if you were a dog-breeder – causes Uliva to sigh gently.

“Ah, but we cannot tell our secrets to each other – not yet. But this gift is not bad or banned.” [+ 1 stress for PC, + 2 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level listening for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, choose other option]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva grins at you. “I want the same. I would love to know what you do when you leave the Academagia for a few hours. No other student seems to know. I have thought that the quiet girl may have an answer, but she may creep me out. People seek to know about me, see, and the quiet girl serves all who seek help from her.”

Then, with a little shudder, Uliva says, “At least you accept me as what I am without, for example, jerking away from my breath and muttering about venom, or wondering whether I would not prefer to be so interested in dogs.”

Your gasp of despair – life would be so much simpler for you if you were a dog-breeder – causes Uliva to sigh gently.

“Ah, but we cannot tell our secrets to each other – not yet. But this gift is not bad or banned.” [+ 1 stress for PC, + 2 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level listening for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, choose other option]

 

 

Accept Uliva’s gift.

 

 

[If PC is Student in Morvidus College]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva gently rips the dust paper in her hand away, revealing beneath it a non-descript leatherbound book with no text or design upon it.

“This book is for you,” Uliva says. “It uses the Aklo script for writing Renaglian. And no, I will not say where I found it. But once one learns a skill, one keeps the skill by using it.”

“What is the book about?” you gasp. Between Uliva and you, you know that you and she could easily desire an entirely library of forbidden zoological texts.

“Nothing major,” Uliva says. “But it is, I hope, of interest to both of us despite this lack.”

“The thought counts, Uliva – and not just our thoughts about dating next year!”

With a chuckle, Uliva gives to you the book and slips away. You return to your bedroom and wonder whether you and Uliva will be able to be open with each other about secrets. Well, as you grow older, maybe you will become wiser in dealing with her and with Gates magic. But for now, you just want to return to your bed and sleep until the rest of the school wakes up - which to you will seem even earlier than normal today. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 1 skill level Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level wit for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, the PC receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, end event]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva gently rips the dust paper in her hand away, revealing beneath it a non-descript leatherbound book with no text or design upon it.

“This book is for you,” Uliva says. “It uses the Aklo script for writing Renaglian. And no, I will not say where I found it. But once one learns a skill, one keeps the skill by using it.”

“What is the book about?” you gasp. Between Uliva and you, you know that you and she could easily desire an entirely library of forbidden zoological texts.

“Nothing major,” Uliva says. “But it is, I hope, of interest to both of us despite this lack.”

“The thought counts, Uliva – and not when arguing about missing homework!”

With a chuckle, Uliva gives to you the book and slips away. You return to your bedroom and wonder whether you and Uliva will be able to be open with each other about secrets. Well, as you grow older, maybe you will become wiser in dealing with your studies of Gates magic. But for now, you just want to return to your bed and sleep until the rest of the school wakes up - which to you will seem even earlier than normal today. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 1 skill level Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level wit for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, the PC receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, end event]

 

 

[If PC is Student in Vernin College]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva gently rips the dust paper in her hand away, revealing beneath it a non-descript leatherbound book with no text or design upon it.

“This book is for you,” Uliva says. “It uses the Aklo script for writing Renaglian. And no, I will not say where I found it. But once one learns a skill, one keeps the skill by using it.”

“What is the book about?” you gasp. Between Uliva and you, you know that you and she could easily desire an entirely library of forbidden zoological texts.

“Nothing major,” Uliva says. “But it is, I hope, of interest to both of us despite this lack.”

“The thought counts, Uliva – and not just our thoughts about dating next year!”

With a chuckle, Uliva gives to you the book and slips away. You return to your bedroom and wonder whether you and Uliva will be able to be open with each other about secrets. Well, as you grow older, maybe you will become wiser in dealing with her and with Gates magic. But for now, you just want to return to your bed and sleep until the rest of the school wakes up - which to you will seem even earlier than normal today. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 3 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level wit for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, the PC receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, end event]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva gently rips the dust paper in her hand away, revealing beneath it a non-descript leatherbound book with no text or design upon it.

“This book is for you,” Uliva says. “It uses the Aklo script for writing Renaglian. And no, I will not say where I found it. But once one learns a skill, one keeps the skill by using it.”

“What is the book about?” you gasp. Between Uliva and you, you know that you and she could easily desire an entirely library of forbidden zoological texts.

“Nothing major,” Uliva says. “But it is, I hope, of interest to both of us despite this lack.”

“The thought counts, Uliva – and not when arguing about missing homework!”

With a chuckle, Uliva gives to you the book and slips away. You return to your bedroom and wonder whether you and Uliva will be able to be open with each other about secrets. Well, as you grow older, maybe you will become wiser in dealing with your studies of Gates magic. But for now, you just want to return to your bed and sleep until the rest of the school wakes up - which to you will seem even earlier than normal today. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 3 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level wit for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, the PC receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, end event]

 

 

[If PC is Student in other College]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva gently rips the dust paper in her hand away, revealing beneath it a non-descript leatherbound book with no text or design upon it.

“This book is for you,” Uliva says. “It uses the Aklo script for writing Renaglian. And no, I will not say where I found it. But once one learns a skill, one keeps the skill by using it.”

“What is the book about?” you gasp. Between Uliva and you, you know that you and she could easily desire an entirely library of forbidden zoological texts.

“Nothing major,” Uliva says. “But it is, I hope, of interest to both of us despite this lack.”

“The thought counts, Uliva – and not just our thoughts about dating next year!”

With a chuckle, Uliva gives to you the book and slips away. You return to your bedroom and wonder whether you and Uliva will be able to be open with each other about secrets. Well, as you grow older, maybe you will become wiser in dealing with her and with Gates magic. But for now, you just want to return to your bed and sleep until the rest of the school wakes up - which to you will seem even earlier than normal today. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 2 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level wit for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, the PC receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, end event]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Uliva gently rips the dust paper in her hand away, revealing beneath it a non-descript leatherbound book with no text or design upon it.

“This book is for you,” Uliva says. “It uses the Aklo script for writing Renaglian. And no, I will not say where I found it. But once one learns a skill, one keeps the skill by using it.”

“What is the book about?” you gasp. Between Uliva and you, you know that you and she could easily desire an entirely library of forbidden zoological texts.

“Nothing major,” Uliva says. “But it is, I hope, of interest to both of us despite this lack.”

“The thought counts, Uliva – and not when arguing about missing homework!”

With a chuckle, Uliva gives to you the book and slips away. You return to your bedroom and wonder whether you and Uliva will be able to be open with each other about secrets. Well, as you grow older, maybe you will become wiser in dealing with your studies of Gates magic. But for now, you just want to return to your bed and sleep until the rest of the school wakes up - which to you will seem even earlier than normal today. [+ 1 stress for PC, + 2 skill levels Move Silently for Uliva Valaresso, + 1 skill level wit for the PC and Uliva Valaresso, the PC receives item The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae, end event]

 

 

 

 

 

Reward:

 

 

Name:

 

 

The Girl with a Love for Serpents – Especially Cylindrophiidae

 

Description:

 

 

This book, written using the Aklo script to record Renaglian, is not what you had hoped that Uliva might give to you – an explanation of why she has such keen but condemned interests and strange knowledge – but it is what you imagine other people think Uliva to enjoy reading – an account of a snake-loving girl’s researches into snakes and efforts to acquire live snakes from hunters, despite varying levels of disapproval from other people in her life. You only wish that you could know whether the book was written, as its title’s page claims, by “A person who knew and loved her”.

 

In-Game Benefits:

 

 

Action: Read about a snake-loving girl

 

Description:

 

 

Reading about the deeds and thoughts of a girl who loves snakes is a surprisingly effective way to learn about certain things.

 

Benefits:

 

 

+ 1 skill step negotiation, + 1 skill step passion, + 1 skill step move silently

 

In-Game Features:

 

 

This item must be equipped in order to be used. It fits into the book slot.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...

Tabin’s Trip 00:

 

 

Notes:

 

 

Prerequisites: The PC must have completed all three triplets’ Y1 adventures, the PC must have completed the triplets’ Y1 main adventure, and the PC must have relationship > 3 with all of the triplets.

 

Text:

 

 

[if PC is male]

 

 

[if PC has memory Sima suspects]

 

 

[if PC has affection with Sima Venesico]

 

 

[if PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits. Then, thinking about Sima, you blush.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “Not that I know that personally. But I know a girl who was condemned as suitable for slavery because a cousin was offended by her vague words of invitation to watch games. Of course, Hedi was a dragon’s slave – as the cousin learned from the girl’s retort.”

“Such a girl will make a worthy lady,” you say softly, thinking that saying anything more casual would be inappropriate given what is clearly a story about your very dear friend Sima Venesico. You are well aware that the Triplets are reticent about their origins, so you treasure Tabin’s words as a glimpse of the Sima whose bravery and fierce wit you love.

“On related matters,” Tabin says, looking at you significantly, “I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. Because you may have certain knowledge that would be useful when investigating the act, I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“What knowledge?” you ask, feeling apprehensive. “If you want me to get involved in another confrontation with street magicians…”

“Nothing like that,” Tabin says softly. “But you and a girl in a strange alley had – well, a certain understanding…”

You wince, thinking about how Sima now apparently thinks (correctly) that you are a gates mage but that you cannot confirm such a thing. For once, you are glad that your reputation, which for you is well-deserved, can burden you with other people’s simplistic interpretations of your behaviour. Better to be condemned for precociousness, you think, grimacing, then to be condemned for a crime which would see you swinging from life into death if you were to be convicted of it.

You suppose, though, that the Triplets are familiar with such forms of magic – although you fear more the idea of Sima’s hurting herself through a botched summoning than her being caught. She is so skillfully – and enticingly – mysterious.

Sighing, you look into Tabin’s eyes and say, “I understand what you mean. But…”

“Such knowledge may not be necessary,” Tabin smoothly responds to your dangling, barely formed question. “But if it is necessary, well – you are better than alternatives.”

Then, shuddering, Tabin says, “Do you have any questions not related to your knowledge, or have you made up your mind already?”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

[if PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “Not that I know that personally. But I know a girl who was condemned as suitable for slavery because a cousin was offended by her vague words of invitation to watch games. Of course, Hedi was a dragon’s slave – as the cousin learned from the girl’s retort.”

“Such a girl will make a worthy lady,” you say softly, thinking that saying anything more casual would be inappropriate given what is clearly a story about your very dear friend Sima Venesico. You are well aware that the Triplets are reticent about their origins, so you treasure Tabin’s words as a glimpse of the Sima whose bravery and fierce wit you love.

“On related matters,” Tabin says, looking at you significantly, “I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. Because you may have certain knowledge that would be useful when investigating the act, I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“What knowledge?” you ask, feeling apprehensive. “If you want me to get involved in another confrontation with street magicians…”

“Nothing like that,” Tabin says softly. “But you and a girl in a strange alley had – well, a certain understanding…”

You wince, thinking about how Sima now apparently thinks (correctly) that you are a gates mage but that you cannot confirm such a thing. But then you blush and sigh. Better to be incorrectly thought precocious, you think, grimacing, then to be correctly thought to be engaging in a crime for which you would be forced to swing from life into death.

You suppose, though, that the Triplets are familiar with such forms of magic – although you fear more the idea of Sima’s hurting herself through a botched summoning than her being caught. She is so skillfully – and enticingly – mysterious.

Sighing again, you look into Tabin’s eyes and say, “I understand what you mean. But…”

“Such knowledge may not be necessary,” Tabin smoothly responds to your dangling, barely formed question. “But if it is necessary, well – you are better than alternatives.”

Then, shuddering, Tabin says, “Do you have any questions not related to your knowledge, or have you made up your mind already?”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

 

[if PC has no affection with Sima Venesico]

 

 

[if PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits. Then, thinking about Sima, you blush.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “In related news, I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. Because you may have certain knowledge that would be useful when investigating the act, I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“What knowledge?” you ask, feeling apprehensive. “If you want me to get involved in another confrontation with street magicians…”

“Nothing like that,” Tabin says softly. “But you and a girl in a strange alley had – well, a certain understanding…”

You wince, thinking about how Sima now apparently thinks (correctly) that you are a gates mage but that you cannot confirm such a thing. For once, you are glad that your reputation, which for you is well-deserved, can burden you with other people’s simplistic interpretations of your behaviour. Better to be condemned for precociousness, you think, grimacing, then to be condemned for a crime which would see you swinging from life into death if you were to be convicted of it.

You suppose, though, that the Triplets are familiar with such forms of magic.

Sighing, you look into Tabin’s eyes and say, “I understand what you mean. But…”

“Such knowledge may not be necessary,” Tabin smoothly responds to your dangling, barely formed question. “But if it is necessary, well – you are better than alternatives.”

Then, shuddering, Tabin says, “Do you have any questions not related to your knowledge, or have you made up your mind already?”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

[if PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits. Then, thinking about Sima, you blush.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “In related news, I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. Because you may have certain knowledge that would be useful when investigating the act, I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“What knowledge?” you ask, feeling apprehensive. “If you want me to get involved in another confrontation with street magicians…”

“Nothing like that,” Tabin says softly. “But you and a girl in a strange alley had – well, a certain understanding…”

You wince, thinking about how Sima now apparently thinks (correctly) that you are a gates mage but that you cannot confirm such a thing. But then you blush and sigh. Better to be incorrectly thought precocious, you think, grimacing, then to be correctly thought to be engaging in a crime for which you would be forced to swing from life into death.

You suppose, though, that the Triplets are familiar with such forms of magic.

Sighing again, you look into Tabin’s eyes and say, “I understand what you mean. But…”

“Such knowledge may not be necessary,” Tabin smoothly responds to your dangling, barely formed question. “But if it is necessary, well – you are better than alternatives.”

Then, shuddering, Tabin says, “Do you have any questions not related to your knowledge, or have you made up your mind already?”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

 

 

[if PC has no memory Sima suspects]

 

 

[if PC has affection with Sima Venesico]

 

 

[if PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits. Then, thinking about Sima, you blush.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “Not that I know that personally. But I know a girl who was condemned as suitable for slavery because a cousin was offended by her vague words of invitation to watch games. Of course, Hedi was a dragon’s slave – as the cousin learned from the girl’s retort.”

“Such a girl will make a worthy lady,” you say softly, thinking that saying anything more casual would be inappropriate given what is clearly a story about your very dear friend Sima Venesico. You are well aware that the Triplets are reticent about their origins, so you treasure Tabin’s words as a glimpse of the Sima whose bravery and fierce wit you love.

“On related matters,” Tabin says, looking at you significantly, “I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

[if PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “Not that I know that personally. But I know a girl who was condemned as suitable for slavery because a cousin was offended by her vague words of invitation to watch games. Of course, Hedi was a dragon’s slave – as the cousin learned from the girl’s retort.”

“Such a girl will make a worthy lady,” you say softly, thinking that saying anything more casual would be inappropriate given what is clearly a story about your very dear friend Sima Venesico. You are well aware that the Triplets are reticent about their origins, so you treasure Tabin’s words as a glimpse of the Sima whose bravery and fierce wit you love.

“On related matters,” Tabin says, looking at you significantly, “I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

 

[if PC has no affection with Sima Venesico]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “in related news, I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

 

 

[if PC is female]

 

 

[if PC has no memory Sima suspects]

 

 

[if PC has affection with Tabin Furenzti]

 

 

[if PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was your dear friend Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced, and smile more broadly. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits. Then, thinking about Tabin, you blush.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “Not that I know that personally. But when communicating plans, especially to people who are not fluent in the language which you communicate in, precision is helpful.”

“Precision is a worthy goal – but pleasant politeness can be useful also,” you say softly, thinking that saying anything more casual would be inappropriate given what is possibly a story about Tabin’s life – certainly, his origins are mysterious enough that his native language may have such features. You are well aware that the Triplets are reticent about their origins, so you treasure Tabin’s words as a glimpse of the Tabin whose careful reserve and clever strategies you love.

“On related matters,” Tabin says, looking at you significantly, “I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

[if PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was your dear friend Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “Not that I know that personally. But when communicating plans, especially to people who are not fluent in the language which you communicate in, precision is helpful.”

“Precision is a worthy goal – but pleasant politeness can be useful also,” you say softly, thinking that saying anything more casual would be inappropriate given what is possibly a story about Tabin’s life – certainly, his origins are mysterious enough that his native language may have such features. You are well aware that the Triplets are reticent about their origins, so you treasure Tabin’s words as a glimpse of the Tabin whose careful reserve and clever strategies you love.

“On related matters,” Tabin says, looking at you significantly, “I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

 

[if PC has no affection with Tabin Furenzti]

 

 

[if PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was your friend Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced, and smile more broadly. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “In related matters, I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

[if PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was your friend Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “In related matters, I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

 

 

[if PC has memory Sima suspects]

 

 

[if PC has affection with Tabin Furenzti]

 

 

[if PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was your dear friend Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced, and smile more broadly. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits. Then, thinking about Tabin, you blush.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “Not that I know that personally. But when communicating plans, especially to people who are not fluent in the language which you communicate in, precision is helpful.”

“Precision is a worthy goal – but pleasant politeness can be useful also,” you say softly, thinking that saying anything more casual would be inappropriate given what is possibly a story about Tabin’s life – certainly, his origins are mysterious enough that his native language may have such features. You are well aware that the Triplets are reticent about their origins, so you treasure Tabin’s words as a glimpse of the Tabin whose careful reserve and clever strategies you love.

“On related matters,” Tabin says, looking at you significantly, “I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. Because you may have certain knowledge that would be useful when investigating the act, I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“What knowledge?” you ask, feeling apprehensive. “If you want me to get involved in another confrontation with street magicians…”

“Nothing like that,” Tabin says softly. “But you and a girl in a strange alley had – well, a certain understanding…”

You wince, thinking about how Sima now apparently thinks (correctly) that you are a gates mage but that you cannot confirm such a thing. For once, you are glad that your reputation, which for you is well-deserved, can burden you with other people’s simplistic interpretations of your behaviour. Better to be condemned for precociousness – and perhaps for going through what some may think to be a phase – you think, grimacing, then to be condemned for a crime which would see you swinging from life into death if you were to be convicted of it.

You suppose, though, that the Triplets are familiar with such forms of magic – although you fear more the idea of Sima’s hurting herself through a botched summoning than her being caught.

Sighing, you look into Tabin’s beautiful eyes and say, “I understand what you mean. But…”

“Such knowledge may not be necessary,” Tabin smoothly responds to your dangling, barely formed question with the type of intelligent words which you love from him. “But if it is necessary, well – you are better than alternatives.”

Then, shuddering, Tabin says, “Do you have any questions not related to your knowledge, or have you made up your mind already?”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

[if PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was your dear friend Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced, and smile more broadly. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “Not that I know that personally. But when communicating plans, especially to people who are not fluent in the language which you communicate in, precision is helpful.”

“Precision is a worthy goal – but pleasant politeness can be useful also,” you say softly, thinking that saying anything more casual would be inappropriate given what is possibly a story about Tabin’s life – certainly, his origins are mysterious enough that his native language may have such features. You are well aware that the Triplets are reticent about their origins, so you treasure Tabin’s words as a glimpse of the Tabin whose careful reserve and clever strategies you love.

“On related matters,” Tabin says, looking at you significantly, “I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. Because you may have certain knowledge that would be useful when investigating the act, I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“What knowledge?” you ask, feeling apprehensive. “If you want me to get involved in another confrontation with street magicians…”

“Nothing like that,” Tabin says softly. “But you and a girl in a strange alley had – well, a certain understanding…”

You wince, thinking about how Sima now apparently thinks (correctly) that you are a gates mage but that you cannot confirm such a thing. For once, you are glad that a reputation, which for you is ill-deserved, may burden you with other people’s simplistic interpretations of your behaviour. Better to be incorrectly thought precocious – and perhaps for going through what some may think to be a phase – you think, grimacing, then to be correctly thought to be engaging in a crime for which you would be forced to swing from life into death.

You suppose, though, that the Triplets are familiar with such forms of magic – although you fear more the idea of Sima’s hurting herself through a botched summoning than her being caught.

Sighing, you look into Tabin’s beautiful eyes and say, “I understand what you mean. But…”

“Such knowledge may not be necessary,” Tabin smoothly responds to your dangling, barely formed question with the type of intelligent words which you love from him. “But if it is necessary, well – you are better than alternatives.”

Then, shuddering, Tabin says, “Do you have any questions not related to your knowledge, or have you made up your mind already?”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

 

[if PC has no affection with Tabin Furenzti]

 

 

[if PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was your friend Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “In related matters, I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. Because you may have certain knowledge that would be useful when investigating the act, I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“What knowledge?” you ask, feeling apprehensive. “If you want me to get involved in another confrontation with street magicians…”

“Nothing like that,” Tabin says softly. “But you and a girl in a strange alley had – well, a certain understanding…”

You wince, thinking about how Sima now apparently thinks (correctly) that you are a gates mage but that you cannot confirm such a thing. For once, you are glad that your reputation, which for you is well-deserved, can burden you with other people’s simplistic interpretations of your behaviour. Better to be condemned for precociousness – and perhaps for going through what some may think to be a phase – you think, grimacing, then to be condemned for a crime which would see you swinging from life into death if you were to be convicted of it.

You suppose, though, that the Triplets are familiar with such forms of magic – although you fear more the idea of Sima’s hurting herself through a botched summoning than her being caught.

Sighing, you look into Tabin’s eyes and say, “I understand what you mean. But…”

“Such knowledge may not be necessary,” Tabin smoothly responds to your dangling, barely formed question. “But if it is necessary, well – you are better than alternatives.”

Then, shuddering, Tabin says, “Do you have any questions not related to your knowledge, or have you made up your mind already?”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

[if PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

You are struggling to decide which homework assignment from which class would be least painfully boring for you to deal with when you hear a knocking on your door.

Eager for this excuse to abandon for the moment considerations about sigh-inducing work, you answer the door with a slight smile on your face.

When you see that the knocker was your dear friend Tabin Furenzti, you are pleased to realize that your smile was not misplaced, and smile more broadly. Tabin, for his part, faintly smiles as he bows his head towards you.

“Is this about…um, our…” You really are not sure what you should say to Tabin, given that eavesdroppers are probably a risk and Tabin is the Triplet whom you regard as being most competent – and most inclined towards secrecy. Still, some openness has its benefits.

“Exclusive plural pronouns would be useful,” Tabin says, chuckling. “In related matters, I want your help with investigating an act at a certain travelling carnival newly come to Mineta. The act has attracted some fame, and I am curious about it. Because you may have certain knowledge that would be useful when investigating the act, I was wondering whether you would like to join me in watching and investigating the act.”

“What knowledge?” you ask, feeling apprehensive. “If you want me to get involved in another confrontation with street magicians…”

“Nothing like that,” Tabin says softly. “But you and a girl in a strange alley had – well, a certain understanding…”

You wince, thinking about how Sima now apparently thinks (correctly) that you are a gates mage but that you cannot confirm such a thing. For once, you are glad that a reputation, which for you is ill-deserved, can burden you with other people’s simplistic interpretations of your behaviour. Better to be incorrectly thought precocious – and perhaps for going through what some may think to be a phase – you think, grimacing, then to be correctly thought to be engaging in a crime for which you would be forced to swing from life into death.

You suppose, though, that the Triplets are familiar with such forms of magic – although you fear more the idea of Sima’s hurting herself through a botched summoning than her being caught.

Sighing, you look into Tabin’s eyes and say, “I understand what you mean. But…”

“Such knowledge may not be necessary,” Tabin smoothly responds to your dangling, barely formed question. “But if it is necessary, well – you are better than alternatives.”

Then, shuddering, Tabin says, “Do you have any questions not related to your knowledge, or have you made up your mind already?”

“Would you hold it against me if I were to do anything besides agreeing with you?” you ask. Sima, you know, is rather impulsive.

“Not every good plan is secret, you know,” Tabin says. “And some plans have been ruined because not enough people knew what they should have known. I mean, if you were thinking that this will be a stealthy or – hmm, disruptive – investigation, then you will be disappointed – and I want no unnecessary...insertion of such things.”

Then, grinning, Tabin says, “In other words, feel free to ask me for more details.”

 

 

 

 

 

Choices:

 

 

[If PC has memory Sima suspects] “Why do you think that my knowledge may be useful?”

 

 

[If PC has Familiar: Platypus]

 

 

Tabin laughs, and then says, “Well, you have a familiar who seems to be an aquatic mammal unknown to Minata’s learned, right?”

“Um, yes,” you say, hoping that Tabin will not ask you to try to create new life. You sigh aloud. If Tabin were not a member of the Triplets, you know that you would not even be thinking about such a possibility. But the Triplets are just strange enough that you think that they might add together the general suspicion that [PC’SPlatypusFamiliar’sName] was created with Gates magic and their suspicion that you practice Gates magic in order to conclude that you can help them by creating life.

Tabin, as if realizing what he has implied, says soothingly, “I just thought that your familiar might allow you to better understand strange aquatic mammals. I want to investigate a dolphin, you see.”

Right. Investigating a dolphin. At a travelling carnival. The incongruity of what you are hearing fills you with relief. The beast will probably be fake, but even wasting your time on that would be better than trying to create life and adding another reason for your life to end. [+ 1 skill step relaxation, hide options “I don’t like the idea of getting involved in this, Tabin. I know so little about it.” and “Sure, Tabin. I can help you.”, reveal options “Thanks for telling me more about what this is about, Tabin. I will help you.” and “Tabin, maybe another person could help you. I mean, dolphins are so rare. I would not want to do anything wrong in such circumstances.”]

 

[If PC has no Familiar: Platypus]

 

 

[If PC has affection with Tabin Furenzti]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Tabin faintly frowns, before whispering, “I think that we should not discuss such things. Not here, and not now. Not when I want to investigate a dolphin.”

You smile in what you hope is a cheerfully flirtatious way and whisper back, “What about in another place and time?”

Tabin smiles sadly and says, “I will not risk learning things about you that could be used against you, [PCFirstName] – not even at the Roses of Coventia while playing sittuyin or xiangqi or caturaṅga or chess. A certain person is bold, but if you were knowing about the claims about this person’s family’s situation, then you would better understand this boldness, which you should not imitate.”

You sigh and look at Tabin with sympathy. Such secretiveness is common for the Triplets and for Gates mages – so you, as a Gates mage helping the Triplets, are needing to be extremely secretive. Innuendo can only get you and Tabin so far. [+ 1 skill step innuendo, + 1 stress for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, hide options “I don’t like the idea of getting involved in this, Tabin. I know so little about it.” and “Sure, Tabin. I can help you.”, reveal options “Thanks for telling me more about what this is about, Tabin. I will help you.” and “Tabin, maybe another person could help you. I mean, dolphins are so rare. I would not want to do anything wrong in such circumstances.”]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Tabin faintly frowns, before whispering, “I think that we should not discuss such things. Not here, and not now. Not when I want to investigate a dolphin.”

You smile in what you hope is a cheerful way and whisper back, “What about in another place and time?”

Tabin smiles sadly and says, “I will not risk learning things about you that could be used against you, [PCFirstName]. A certain person is bold, but if you were knowing about the claims about this person’s family’s situation, then you would better understand this boldness, which you should not imitate.”

You sigh and look at Tabin with sympathy. Such secretiveness is common for the Triplets and for Gates mages – so you, as a Gates mage helping the Triplets, are needing to be extremely secretive. Innuendo can only get you and Tabin so far. [+ 1 skill step innuendo, + 1 stress for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, hide options “I don’t like the idea of getting involved in this, Tabin. I know so little about it.” and “Sure, Tabin. I can help you.”, reveal options “Thanks for telling me more about what this is about, Tabin. I will help you.” and “Tabin, maybe another person could help you. I mean, dolphins are so rare. I would not want to do anything wrong in such circumstances.”]

 

 

[If PC has no affection with Tabin Furenzti]

 

 

Tabin faintly frowns, before whispering, “I think that we should not discuss such things. Not here, and not now. Not when I want to investigate a dolphin.”

You sigh and look at Tabin with sympathy. Such secretiveness is common for the Triplets and for Gates mages – so you, as a Gates mage helping the Triplets, are needing to be extremely secretive. Innuendo can only get you and Tabin so far. [+ 1 skill step innuendo, + 1 stress for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, hide options “I don’t like the idea of getting involved in this, Tabin. I know so little about it.” and “Sure, Tabin. I can help you.”, reveal options “Thanks for telling me more about what this is about, Tabin. I will help you.” and “Tabin, maybe another person could help you. I mean, dolphins are so rare. I would not want to do anything wrong in such circumstances.”]

 

 

 

“What is so noteworthy about this act?”

 

 

“Perhaps nothing at all, and it is just a hoax,” Tabin says.

“But even a hoax can be noteworthy,” you reply. “Otherwise, why would a travelling carnival use it?”

“My point was simply that we should not assume that we will be dealing with the genuinely mysterious,” Tabin says. “I have considered how a skilled revisionist – or even a Glamour mage – could create what seems to be a dolphin.”

“But what role does the dolphin have in the travelling carnival? I can think of many ways in which a travelling carnival could use a fake dolphin, but some of them would require considerably more skill to fake than others.”

Tabin smiles. “Well, if nothing else, we will find watching the travelling carnival’s use of the dolphin to be interesting. It is no mere dead prop in a mage’s stall or melodramatic skit. It is alive, people say, and it moves in response to a trainer’s commands, leaping from a tank and tapping upon boards with a stick that it holds in its mouth in order to communicate with audiences.”

“Impressive, if true,” you drawl, as you think about what types of magical and mundane trickery could explain it. “Have you considered certain…other options?” You dare not mention the words openly, but you strongly suspect that Tabin has at least some knowledge about various illegal magics.

“Certainly, especially given what the dolphin’s handler apparently claims during his shows,” Tabin says. “He claims that the dolphin comes from the far west and from the far east – from lands beyond the Empire of Man’s scholars’ direct knowledge – and communicates in a language that no person in the travelling carnival could understand. Now, though, the dolphin supposedly has been taught a strange form of Renaglian.” [+ 1 skill step creativity, hide options “I don’t like the idea of getting involved in this, Tabin. I know so little about it.” and “Sure, Tabin. I can help you.”, reveal options “Thanks for telling me more about what this is about, Tabin. I will help you.” and “Tabin, maybe another person could help you. I mean, dolphins are so rare. I would not want to do anything wrong in such circumstances.”]

 

“What are we supposed to find out?”

 

 

“A certain travelling carnival in Mineta has a dolphin – or alleged dolphin – in its repertoire. I want to learn whether the dolphin is real and how the travelling carnival acquired the dolphin.”

“Anything else?” Knowing Tabin and the other Triplets, you would not be surprised if he might not want to steal a portion of a dolphin.

Tabin chuckles and says, “No. I think that risking problems from Durand College is enough for me – Morvidus College and the authorities would be too much for me to risk getting too little. It is not as if one could easily sell some dolphin’s parts without attracting attention.” [+ 1 skill step transportation, hide options “I don’t like the idea of getting involved in this, Tabin. I know so little about it.” and “Sure, Tabin. I can help you.”, reveal options “Thanks for telling me more about what this is about, Tabin. I will help you.” and “Tabin, maybe another person could help you. I mean, dolphins are so rare. I would not want to do anything wrong in such circumstances.”]

“Sure, Tabin. I can help you.”

 

 

“Without even knowing anything more about what I want help with? Wow, I am impressed.” Tabin’s face suggests that he is sincere. “But you need to know more about my goal, and I will tell you. A travelling carnival has come to Mineta with what it claims is a live, intelligent, communicating, performing dolphin from distant lands, and I want to learn whether this claim is true. I also want to learn how the travelling carnival acquired the dolphin.”

“When do you want us to do this?”

“Not now. Such things require preparation.”

And with those words, which, coming from a Tabin whom you know to be a member of the Triplets, are ominous to you, Tabin leaves. The Triplets are excellent friends to you, you know, but they are so mysterious. [+ 1 relationship with Tabin Furenzti, + 1 skill-step planning, - 1 stress for Tabin Furenzti, allow access to Tabin’s Trip 01, end stage]

 

[If PC has is female and has Affection with Tabin Furenzti] “Are you not concerned that others may interpret our going to the travelling carnival together as a date?”

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Tabin smirks. “Well, they might not be mistaken, given your interests and your reputation. But we can both be glad, I suppose, that I will be focussing much upon the alleged dolphins, which will, I hope, protect us from the worst of such allegations."

Your heart swells with joy at the thought that Tabin may regard what you will do with him as a date. But then, knowing something about what he and the other Triplets do, you suppose that dating while only being in second year would be a minor thing for him. [+ 1 relationship with Tabin Furenzti, + 1 skill-step dating, - 1 stress for Tabin Furenzti and the PC, choose other option]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

Tabin smirks. “Well, they might not be mistaken. But we can both be glad, I suppose, that I will be focussing much upon the alleged dolphins, which will, I hope, protect us from the worst of such allegations."

Your heart swells with joy at the thought that Tabin may regard what you will do with him as a date. But then, knowing something about what he and the other Triplets do, you suppose that dating while only being in second year would be a minor thing for him. [+ 1 relationship with Tabin Furenzti, + 1 skill-step dating, - 1 stress for Tabin Furenzti and the PC, choose other option]

 

 

[If female PC has no Affection with Tabin Furenzti] “Are you not concerned that people may interpret our going to the travelling carnival together in the wrong way?”

 

 

[If PC is in Avila College]

 

 

“Let them think what they want,” Tabin says with a grimace. “We will in all honesty be able to say that we have no relationship beyond being friends and were only going together in order to see the dolphin. Academagia is not sexually segregated – not since your College allowed male students to enter.” [+ 1 skill-step courage for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, choose other option]

 

[If PC is not in Avila College]

 

 

“Let them think what they want,” Tabin says with a grimace. “We will in all honesty be able to say that we have no relationship beyond being friends and were only going together in order to see the dolphin. Academagia is not sexually segregated – not since Avila College.” [+ 1 skill-step courage for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, choose other option]

 

 

[hidden, at first] “Thanks for telling me more about what this is about, Tabin. I will help you.”

 

 

“Your willingness to help is much appreciated.” Tabin’s face suggests that he is sincere.

“When do you want us to do this?”

“Not now. Such things require preparation.”

And with those words, which, coming from a Tabin whom you know to be a member of the Triplets, are ominous to you, Tabin leaves. The Triplets are excellent friends to you, you know, but they are so mysterious. [+ 1 relationship with Tabin Furenzti, + 1 skill-step planning, - 1 stress for Tabin Furenzti, allow access to Tabin’s Trip 01, end stage]

 

“I don’t like the idea of getting involved in this, Tabin. I know so little about it.”

 

 

“I guess that you will not help me, then,” Tabin snaps. Then, in a calmer tone, he says, “Ah, but given what I and certain others do, your caution is justified.”

So saying, Tabin walks away, leaving you to engage in what you find to be a surprisingly productive and enjoyable session of homework. It is amazing how much more enjoyable homework becomes when you realize that it is an alternative to whatever possibly dangerous things Tabin was planning on doing - and getting you involved with. [+ 1 skill-step study habits, - 1 stress, end adventure].

 

[hidden, at first] “Tabin, maybe another person could help you. I mean, dolphins are so rare. I would not want to do anything wrong in such circumstances.”

 

 

[If PC is in Morvidus College]

 

 

[If PC has affection with Sima Venesico]

 

 

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

[If PC has memory Sima suspects]

 

 

“True,” Tabin muses. “If it were a real dolphin, harming it could bring much trouble upon both of us. But you are in Morvidus College – have they not taught you how to avoid such mistakes?”

”Despite what Vernin’s rumours may claim, we do not learn how to be friends to all living non-draconic animals,” you say. “And besides, dolphins are perhaps mythical, so how could we learn how to deal properly with them?”

Tabin smiles and mutters, “And people say that we in Aranaz College have to deal with bad stereotypes.”

Then, in a stronger voice, he says, “Given what I and certain others do, your caution is justified.”

So saying, Tabin walks away, leaving you to engage in what you find to be a surprisingly productive and enjoyable session of homework. It is amazing how much more enjoyable homework becomes when you realize that it is an alternative to whatever possibly dangerous things Tabin was planning on doing - and getting you involved with. But you know, with a thrill of excitement, that you would be less wary in turning down a proposal from Sima. Hedi College’s stereotypes are supported by Sima – and you neither mind speaking quietly about riddles with her nor engaging in actions associated with such discussions. Others, you think, would dismiss such language from you as referring to flirtation of various sorts – but you and she know that she works with dangerous magics and she – correctly – suspects the same thing about you. [+ 1 skill-step study habits, + 1 skill-step romance, - 1 stress, + 1 skill-step strategy for Tabin Furenzti, end adventure].

 

[If PC has no memory Sima suspects]

 

 

“True,” Tabin muses. “If it were a real dolphin, harming it could bring much trouble upon both of us. But you are in Morvidus College – have they not taught you how to avoid such mistakes?”

”Despite what Vernin’s rumours may claim, we do not learn how to be friends to all living non-draconic animals,” you say. “And besides, dolphins are perhaps mythical, so how could we learn how to deal properly with them?”

Tabin smiles and mutters, “And people say that we in Aranaz College have to deal with bad stereotypes.”

Then, in a stronger voice, he says, “Given what I and certain others do, your caution is justified.”

So saying, Tabin walks away, leaving you to engage in what you find to be a surprisingly productive and enjoyable session of homework. It is amazing how much more enjoyable homework becomes when you realize that it is an alternative to whatever possibly dangerous things Tabin was planning on doing - and getting you involved with. But you know, with a thrill of excitement, that you would be less wary in turning down a proposal from Sima. Hedi College’s stereotypes are supported by Sima – and you neither mind speaking quietly about riddles with her nor engaging in actions associated with such discussions. Others, you think, would dismiss such language from you as referring to flirtation of various sorts – but you and she know that she works with dangerous magics. [+ 1 skill-step study habits, + 1 skill-step romance, - 1 stress, + 1 skill-step strategy for Tabin Furenzti, end adventure].

 

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

 

“True,” Tabin muses. “If it were a real dolphin, harming it could bring much trouble upon both of us. But you are in Morvidus College – have they not taught you how to avoid such mistakes?”

”Despite what Vernin’s rumours may claim, we do not learn how to be friends to all living non-draconic animals,” you say. “And besides, dolphins are perhaps mythical, so how could we learn how to deal properly with them?”

Tabin smiles and mutters, “And people say that we in Aranaz College have to deal with bad stereotypes.”

Then, in a stronger voice, he says, “Given what I and certain others do, your caution is justified.”

So saying, Tabin walks away, leaving you to engage in what you find to be a surprisingly productive and enjoyable session of homework. It is amazing how much more enjoyable homework becomes when you realize that it is an alternative to whatever possibly dangerous things Tabin was planning on doing - and getting you involved with. But you know, with a thrill of excitement, that you would be less wary in turning down a proposal from Sima. Hedi College’s stereotypes are supported by Sima – and you neither mind speaking quietly about riddles with her nor engaging in actions associated with such discussions. [+ 1 skill-step study habits, + 1 skill-step romance, - 1 stress, + 1 skill-step strategy for Tabin Furenzti, end adventure].

 

 

[If PC has no affection with Sima Venesico]

 

 

“True,” Tabin muses. “If it were a real dolphin, harming it could bring much trouble upon both of us. But you are in Morvidus College – have they not taught you how to avoid such mistakes?”

”Despite what Vernin’s rumours may claim, we do not learn how to be friends to all living non-draconic animals,” you say. “And besides, dolphins are perhaps mythical, so how could we learn how to deal properly with them?”

Tabin smiles and mutters, “And people say that we in Aranaz College have to deal with bad stereotypes.”

Then, in a stronger voice, he says, “Given what I and certain others do, your caution is justified.”

So saying, Tabin walks away, leaving you to engage in what you find to be a surprisingly productive and enjoyable session of homework. It is amazing how much more enjoyable homework becomes when you realize that it is an alternative to whatever possibly dangerous things Tabin was planning on doing - and getting you involved with. [+ 1 skill-step study habits, - 1 stress, + 1 skill-step strategy for Tabin Furenzti, end adventure].

 

 

[If PC is not in Morvidus College]

 

 

“True,” Tabin muses. “If it were a real dolphin, harming it could bring much trouble upon both of us.”

Then, in a stronger voice, he says, “And given what I and certain others do, your caution is justified.”

So saying, Tabin walks away, leaving you to engage in what you find to be a surprisingly productive and enjoyable session of homework. It is amazing how much more enjoyable homework becomes when you realize that it is an alternative to whatever possibly dangerous things Tabin was planning on doing - and getting you involved with. [+ 1 skill-step study habits, - 1 stress, + 1 skill-step strategy for Tabin Furenzti, end adventure].

 

 

 

Edited by Rhialto
Edited text to better take into account "On the Prowl".
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 2 weeks later...

@Legate of Mineta, I revised "Zoe’s Concerns" again, adding a memory "Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain" that may be useful in other adventures. Certainly, I hope to use the memory "Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain" in some writing for Academagia.

Zoe’s Concerns:

Notes:

This is a brief (one scene) adventure which can be triggered if the PC is male, has Love (or better, depending upon Y2’s scale of positive emotions) with Zoe Melis, and completed Sima Venesico’s adventure in Y1 and Y2, as well as the Triplets’ adventure in Y1 and Y2.

Text:

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that during your first year at the Academagia, you studied Gates Magic – and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you and by memories of the money which she gained by working with you that year, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. Despite, or, perhaps, because of, your…reputation, you are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend and girls’ charms before settling on Zoe, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that during your first year at the Academagia, you studied Gates Magic – and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. Despite, or, perhaps, because of, your…reputation, you are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend and girls’ charms before settling on Zoe, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that during your first year at the Academagia, you studied Gates Magic – and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you and by memories of the money which she gained by working with you that year, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. You are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that during your first year at the Academagia, you studied Gates Magic – and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. You are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that you are studying Gates Magic despite fears about how such secretive and illegal studies may conflict with your relationship with her–and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you and by memories of the money which she gained by working with you last year, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. Despite, or, perhaps, because of, your…reputation, you are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend and girls’ charms before settling on Zoe, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that you are studying Gates Magic despite fears about how such secretive and illegal studies may conflict with your relationship with her–and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. Despite, or, perhaps, because of, your…reputation, you are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend and girls’ charms before settling on Zoe, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that you are studying Gates Magic despite fears about how such secretive and illegal studies may conflict with your relationship with her–and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you and by memories of the money which she gained by working with you last year, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. You are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that you are studying Gates Magic despite fears about how such secretive and illegal studies may conflict with your relationship with her–and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. You are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC has neither of memories Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates]

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

[If PC is a student at the Schohanwicht School]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that you are studying Gates Magic–and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. Despite, or, perhaps, because of, your…reputation, you are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend and girls’ charms before settling on Zoe, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC is not a student at the Schohanwicht School]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. Despite, or, perhaps, because of, your…reputation, you are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend and girls’ charms before settling on Zoe, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

[If PC is a student at the Schohanwicht School]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns. You hope that she has not learned that you are studying Gates Magic–and further hope that she, driven by feelings for you, may seek only a bribe.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. You are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

[If PC is not a student at the Schohanwicht School]

You are not sure whether you are feeling as worried as Zoe appears to your eyes and mind when you meet with Zoe in an abandoned classroom in order to discuss…come to think of it, you realize that she, in arranging this meeting with you, made no mention of what exactly she wanted to talk about with you.

Judging by her face, she has major concerns.

Zoe, for her part, seems slightly relieved when she sees that you, rather than greeting her, are occupied with your worries, and when she speaks her voice is slow and hesitant.

“[PCFirstName], I have, I hope, prepared myself for the worst in this discussion, but…I would not be surprised – nor angry at you, I suppose. Sima is very…”

Zoe’s voice trails off, and you seek to mask your surprise – and relief – by saying, “Sima? Why has she gotten you so worried?” But then you realize that given Sima’s own interests and actions, she could make Zoe’s life very miserable in many ways – most of which you could not explain even if you were to explain to Zoe what you know about Sima.

“Well, I am in Hedi College with Sima Venesico, and she has a rather…interesting reputation in term of her…interactions with male students. Nothing definitive, though, unlike Neta Xemutre. And yes, I consulted the quiet girl – who was very forthcoming about Sima’s frequently beguiling male students into helping her, but little else about her.” Zoe looks at you, pleading with her eyes, and whispers, “Please do not take me wrong. Nor, if Sima hears of this, should she.”

Zoe’s words, in this context, are strangely comforting to you, since they reveal that, whatever else Zoe is worried about, it is not Gates Magic – you think. But then, given Sima, maybe it is.

“Still,” Zoe’s voice has returned to its normal volume, “Neta has revealed openly that some students work around the ban on dating until next year in many ways – and I noticed that both this year and last year Sima and you kept not appearing in any common places within the Academagia. And when Sima was visible to me again, often you were visible also. Sima also sometimes seemed much happier after such…interludes, and whenever she was happier, so were you at the same time. No one can deny that Sima and you are publicly not enemies. So…I was wondering – is Sima flirting with you? Successfully? Do you have a hidden relationship with her?”

Your jaw drops. Of all the ways in which you had worried that Zoe might be suspicious about your life’s secrets, this is perhaps the most harmless – but unlike too many surprises, this surprise is good.

Zoe, seeing your surprise, says to you gently, “Like I said, I am not angry at you. Many girls are less sickly and more attractive as dates, and Sima Venesico is certainly a girl with great beauty who knows this and…acts accordingly. But I thought, given your apparent feelings for me, that I should not conclude too hastily but should ask you. You are a very good friend to me, whom I would love to date next year. And I want this to not become a vendetta with you, or with Sima, or…anything like that. I just want to know where you and Sima are. I do not want to be a…cover for Sima and you – to be tossed aside, when…” Zoe’s voice trails off into a sob before she gasps out, “But maybe I am overreacting and over-interpreting things. I hope that I am – otherwise I would not have asked you.”

Although you wish that Sima could be with you in order to support you in whatever you say, you suppose that you must answer Zoe now. But surely you, who were brave enough to explore the wonders of being Sima’s friend, can answer Zoe reasonably enough.

Choices:

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates] “Zoe, if you were knowing what Sima and I are actually doing, then any possible romance between me and Sima would be the least of your interests.”

Zoe looks at you with intense eyes, and you fear that maybe your answer, meant to spew forth some portion of the stress which you feel oppressed by due to your studying Gates magic even as your worry about Zoe’s discovering such a secret has at times led you to try to drive her away from you, may have aroused too much curiosity within Zoe.

Zoe, however, presumably noticing your fearful expression, laughs lightly and mutters, “Vale, amice mea.” Then, in Renaglian, she says, “You understand that, right? I mean, so many people have mocked me for my accent when pronouncing Eluminian – one even called me the ‘dwe girl’ – that I often forget how many people here are not fluent in Eluminian. But anyways, you need not fear. I am not the type of person to track down the secrets of my worst enemies – let alone those of such a dear friend as you are. Sima is also safe from me – although maybe both you and Sima should be wary of Tacito Viadana…not that I would encourage him to investigate Sima or you.”

Then, Zoe’s face becomes serious again and she says, “Honestly, as long as you and Sima are not secretly in love with each other, I care not what happens. Although it would be bad if your secrets were to get you in trouble, and good if your secrets were to be profitable to you and me. But you have not answered my concerns directly. So, are you in love with Sima and she with you? Is she…?”

“Sima may be in love with me – she is very mysterious – but I am only interested in you – and Sima and I are not doing anything dating-related.”

Zoe averts her eyes as she moans, and your heart leaps with fear, but then Zoe says, in a breathy voice, “To be interesting – to a young man like you! This is truly a city where wonders happen.”

Then, looking at you, Zoe says brightly, “Thanks for the answer. I am so relieved…and grateful. May we hug quickly before I get back to studying? That is not against the rules – I hope.”

You nod your head weakly, relieved that Zoe is not disbelieving you or trying to determine what your secret is. But as Zoe’s arms wrap around your torso and your hands stroke her shoulders, you wonder what Zoe might discover if she were to investigate Sima Venesico. The quiet girl, you think, is not as learned as Zoe is – and Zoe is not quiet when she, smiling like a typical Morvidus student at the zoo, leaves your arms, murmuring softly words which you suspect that Professor Sido would blush if asked to translate.

Yes, Sima is mysterious, you think, when Zoe leaves you after you say a brief “farewell” to her brief “vale!” – but Zoe is learned, much less complicated, and much better for you. But would she think the same about you if she were to know that you are a Gates mage? At least you do not need to know such a thing yet. [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill level romance for Zoe Melis and the PC, + 1 fitness for Zoe Melis and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates] “Zoe, if you were knowing what Sima and I were and are actually doing, then any possible romance between me and Sima would be the least of your interests.”

Zoe looks at you with intense eyes, and you fear that maybe your answer, meant to spew forth some portion of the stress which you feel oppressed by due to your studying Gates magic – stress which, in combination with your complicated and stressful-due-to-Gates-magic relationship with Zoe, drove you to abandon such studies – may have aroused too much curiosity within Zoe.

Zoe, however, presumably noticing your fearful expression, laughs lightly and mutters, “Vale, amice mea.” Then, in Renaglian, she says, “You understand that, right? I mean, so many people have mocked me for my accent when pronouncing Eluminian – one even called me the ‘dwe girl’ – that I often forget how many people here are not fluent in Eluminian. But anyways, you need not fear. I am not the type of person to track down the secrets of my worst enemies – let alone those of such a dear friend as you are. Sima is also safe from me – although maybe both you and Sima should be wary of Tacito Viadana…not that I would encourage him to investigate Sima or you.”

Then, Zoe’s face becomes serious again and she says, “Honestly, as long as you and Sima are not secretly in love with each other, I care not what happens. Although it would be bad if your secrets were to get you in trouble, and good if your secrets were to be profitable to you and me. But you have not answered my concerns directly. So, are you in love with Sima and she with you? Is she…?”

“Sima may be in love with me – she is very mysterious – but I am only interested in you – and Sima and I are not doing anything dating-related.”

Zoe averts her eyes as she moans, and your heart leaps with fear, but then Zoe says, in a breathy voice, “To be interesting – to a young man like you! This is truly a city where wonders happen.”

Then, looking at you, Zoe says brightly, “Thanks for the answer. I am so relieved…and grateful. May we hug quickly before I get back to studying? That is not against the rules – I hope.”

You nod your head weakly, relieved that Zoe is not disbelieving you or trying to determine what your secret is. But as Zoe’s arms wrap around your torso and your hands stroke her shoulders, you wonder what Zoe might discover if she were to investigate Sima Venesico. The quiet girl, you think, is not as learned as Zoe is – and Zoe is not quiet when she, smiling like a typical Morvidus student at the zoo, leaves your arms, murmuring softly words which you suspect that Professor Sido would blush if asked to translate.

Yes, Sima is mysterious, you think, when Zoe leaves you after you say a brief “farewell” to her brief “vale!” – but Zoe is learned, much less complicated, and much better for you. But would she think the same about you if she were to know that you studied gates magic? At least you do not need to know such a thing yet. [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill level romance for Zoe Melis and the PC, + 1 fitness for Zoe Melis and the PC, end adventure]

[If PC is a student at the Schohanwicht School but has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor memory Zoe Spurned for Gates] “Zoe, Sima and I both have our secrets, but these secrets do not include secret flirtation between us or anything like that.”

Zoe looks at you with intense eyes, and you fear that maybe your answer, meant to spew forth some portion of the stress which you feel oppressed by due to your studying Gates magic, may have aroused too much curiosity within Zoe.

Zoe, however, presumably noticing your fearful expression, laughs lightly and mutters, “Vale, amice mea.” Then, in Renaglian, she says, “You understand that, right? I mean, so many people have mocked me for my accent when pronouncing Eluminian – one even called me the ‘dwe girl’ – that I often forget how many people here are not fluent in Eluminian. But anyways, you need not fear. I am not the type of person to track down the secrets of my worst enemies – let alone those of such a dear friend as you are. Sima is also safe from me – although maybe both you and Sima should be wary of Tacito Viadana…not that I would encourage him to investigate Sima or you.”

Then, Zoe’s face becomes serious again and she says, “Honestly, as long as you and Sima are not secretly in love with each other, I care not what happens. Although it would be bad if your secrets were to get you in trouble, and good if your secrets were to be profitable to you and me. But you have not answered my concerns directly. So, are you in love with Sima and she with you? Is she…?”

“Sima may be in love with me – she is very mysterious – but I am only interested in you – and Sima and I are not doing anything dating-related.”

Zoe averts her eyes as she moans, and your heart leaps with fear, but then Zoe says, in a breathy voice, “To be interesting – to a young man like you! This is truly a city where wonders happen.”

Then, looking at you, Zoe says brightly, “Thanks for the answer. I am so relieved…and grateful. May we hug quickly before I get back to studying? That is not against the rules – I hope.”

You nod your head weakly, relieved that Zoe is not disbelieving you or trying to determine what your secret is. But as Zoe’s arms wrap around your torso and your hands stroke her shoulders, you wonder what Zoe might discover if she were to investigate Sima Venesico. The quiet girl, you think, is not as learned as Zoe is – and Zoe is not quiet when she, smiling like a typical Morvidus student at the zoo, leaves your arms, murmuring softly words which you suspect that Professor Sido would blush if asked to translate.

Yes, Sima is mysterious, you think, when Zoe leaves you after you say a brief “farewell” to her brief “vale!” – but Zoe is learned, much less complicated, and much better for you. But would she think the same about you if she were to know that you are a Gates mage? At least you do not need to know such a thing yet. [+ 1 stress, + 1 skill level romance for Zoe Melis and the PC, + 1 fitness for Zoe Melis and the PC, end adventure]

“Sima has her secrets, Zoe, but they do not include secretly flirting with me or anything like that.”

Zoe looks at you with intense eyes, and you fear that maybe your answer may have aroused too much curiosity within Zoe.

Zoe, however, presumably noticing your fearful expression, laughs lightly and mutters, “Vale, amice mea.” Then, in Renaglian, she says, “You understand that, right? I mean, so many people have mocked me for my accent when pronouncing Eluminian – one even called me the ‘dwe girl’ – that I often forget how many people here are not fluent in Eluminian. But anyways, you need not fear. I am not the type of person to track down the secrets of my worst enemies – let alone those of Sima – although maybe Sima should be wary of Tacito Viadana…not that I would encourage him to investigate Sima.”

Then, Zoe’s face becomes serious again and she says, “Honestly, as long as you and Sima are not secretly in love with each other, I care not what happens. Although it would be bad if Sima’s secrets were to get you in trouble, and good if Sima’s secrets were to be profitable to you and me. But you have not answered my concerns directly. So, are you in love with Sima and she with you? Is she…?”

“Sima may be in love with me – she is very mysterious – but I am only interested in you – and Sima and I are not doing anything dating-related.”

Zoe averts her eyes as she moans, and your heart leaps with fear, but then Zoe says, in a breathy voice, “To be interesting – to a young man like you! This is truly a city where wonders happen.”

Then, looking at you, Zoe says brightly, “Thanks for the answer. I am so relieved…and grateful. May we hug quickly before I get back to studying? That is not against the rules – I hope.”

You nod your head, relieved that Zoe is not disbelieving you. But as Zoe’s arms wrap around your torso and your hands stroke her shoulders, you wonder what Zoe might discover if she were to investigate Sima Venesico. The quiet girl, you think, is not as learned as Zoe is – and Zoe is not quiet when she, smiling like a typical Morvidus student at the zoo, leaves your arms, murmuring softly words which you suspect that Professor Sido would blush if asked to translate.

Yes, Sima is mysterious, you think, when Zoe leaves you after you say a brief “farewell” to her brief “vale!” – but Zoe is learned, much less complicated, and much better for you. [+ 1 skill level romance for Zoe Melis and the PC, + 1 fitness for Zoe Melis and the PC, end adventure]

“Zoe, Sima uses me in the gem trade – nothing more.”

“Really?” Zoe seems to be so fascinated by your words that all traces of her earlier worry vanish. “What a fascinating thing. Is it profitable for her? I cannot think that anyone outside of Vernin College could succeed at that – unless maybe she has some familial connections. Does she?”

Feeling relieved that you chose to build upon Sima’s interest in gems – which is to you mysterious – rather than the more innocuous and public theater, you reply, with a twinge of guilt which you wonder if Sima is familiar with, “Ah, I could not dare to speak openly about such details. Gems are so expensive, you know, that any leak of information could…”

“All right. I understand. Still, I am impressed by what you and Sima are doing,” Zoe says, smiling. “So many people, I think, see you as just a student from [PC’sCollege] who likes to get into adventures and had a confrontation with street magicians last year. And Sima…well, she does not try to project any of her trade into her reputation at this school – which I suppose is good policy for her, given what the Marchants can do sometimes. Still,” and here Zoe laughs, “I know about her business now – and I must ask her about it. Maybe she would divulge to a fellow Hedi girl what you are unwilling to divulge. And maybe she can use a model or accountant!”

Blushing slightly, Zoe rushes away from you, leaving you wishing that you were knowing as much about Sima’s alleged client for jewelry as Zoe presumably assumes that you know. But your ruse, you later learn, was not in vain or taken in a bad way by Sima; a note in Sima’s handwriting appears outside your bedroom’s door the next day with the following words: “Zoe and I had a wonderful conversation about our ventures, in the course of which I remembered that I needed to pay you for your latest help. Thanks for being so discreet when talking to Zoe about your relationship with her.”

As you count and take the money, you analyze Sima’s words. They were, you think, not in any way flawed by divulging sensitive information – and to the contrary may deflect any spy’s attention towards you, for having a relationship with Zoe, and towards Zoe, for investigating Sima. Sima could, you realize, have not mentioned her ventures at all (and avoided paying you), but given that she was rather forced to conform your claims in order to avoid inciting Zoe’s suspicion, she had an excuse to act as she did which could allow her to avoid suspicion that her “gem-trading” is really something else. Then, sighing, you shake your head. The Triplets are wonderful friends to you, but they encourage such paranoia within you with their secretiveness and strange habits. [+ 200 pims to Zoe Melis and the PC, - 400 poms to Sima Venesico, + 1 skill level Jewelry for Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level innuendo for the PC, end adventure]

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure] “Well, since we came to know each other as business partners, we can continue as friends and partners without any expectation that we must date or anything like that.”

[If PC has no memory Zoe Rejected for Gates or Zoe spurned for Gates]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. You helped me very much last year, but…maybe that was not the type of foundation upon which good relationships are based – so thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then.”

With a sigh and a wave, Zoe walks off. You are glad that you were able to resolve Zoe’s concern so amicably – you do not doubt that other girls would have challenged you to a duel or sworn a vendetta against you. [+ 1 intelligence for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, end adventure]

[If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. You helped me very much last year, but…maybe that was not the type of foundation upon which good relationships are based – so thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. Certainly, you have changed towards me in the past.”

With a sigh and a wave, Zoe walks off. You are glad that you were able to resolve Zoe’s concern so amicably – you do not doubt that other girls would have challenged you to a duel or sworn a vendetta against you. But then you jerk in fear. Must your concerns about getting into a relationship with Zoe Melis include not only your ongoing study of Gates magic, but also…whatever it is that Sima and her brothers are involved with? No one has ever pretended that being a Gates mage is easy, you know, but Sima pretends to be an aloofly mysterious girl whose full depths such a façade does not hint at. [+ 1 intelligence for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 stress, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, end adventure]

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. You helped me very much last year, but…maybe that was not the type of foundation upon which good relationships are based – so thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. Certainly, you have changed towards me in the past.”

With a sigh and a wave, Zoe walks off. You are glad that you were able to resolve Zoe’s concern so amicably – you do not doubt that other girls would have challenged you to a duel or sworn a vendetta against you. But then you jerk in fear. Must your concerns about getting into a relationship with Zoe Melis include not only your past study of Gates magic, but also…whatever it is that Sima and her brothers are involved with? No one has ever pretended that being a Gates mage is easy, you know, but Sima pretends to be an aloofly mysterious girl whose full depths such a façade does not hint at. [+ 1 intelligence for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 stress, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, end adventure]

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure] “Honestly, if you are so concerned about my relationship with Sima, then maybe you and I would be better as friends only. I mean, I value Sima very much also.”

[If PC is not a student at the Schohanwicht School]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then.”

With a sigh and a wave, Zoe walks off. You are glad that you were able to resolve Zoe’s concern so amicably – you do not doubt that other girls would have challenged you to a duel or sworn a vendetta against you. [+ 1 intelligence for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, end adventure]

[If PC is a student at the Schohanwicht School]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then.”

With a sigh and a wave, Zoe walks off. You are glad that you were able to resolve Zoe’s concern so amicably – you do not doubt that other girls would have challenged you to a duel or sworn a vendetta against you. But then you jerk in fear. Must your concerns about getting into a relationship with Zoe Melis include not only your study of Gates magic, but also…whatever it is that Sima and her brothers are involved with? No one has ever pretended that being a Gates mage is easy, you know, but Sima pretends to be an aloofly mysterious girl whose full depths such a façade does not hint at. [+ 1 intelligence for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 stress, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, end adventure]

[If PC completed Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure and has relationship > 10 with Sima Venesico] “Well, since we came to know each other as business partners, we can continue as friends and partners without any expectation that we must date or anything like that. Sima has a special place in my heart which you have helped me to recognize.”

[If PC has Heritage: Oncestrian]

[If PC completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. You helped me very much last year, but…maybe that was not the type of foundation upon which good relationships are based – so thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian.

 

Are you liking petite clever girls who, despite short dark hair,

ooze adventure from their foreign lips with strange plans for swift gain?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden lair.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to thoughtful introspection by Sima’s seeming knowledge about Miya’s criminal activities. Princess or not, Miya could perhaps learn from Sima about discretion – although you realize that for all you know, the Triplets are so aware of events that even if Miya were as discreet in her...underhanded money-making as Zoe was with you, she might have still become known as a criminal to Sima. Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

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

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. You helped me very much last year, but…maybe that was not the type of foundation upon which good relationships are based – so thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian.

 

Are you liking petite clever girls who, despite short dark hair,

ooze adventure from their foreign lips with strange plans for swift gain?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden lair.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to wonder whether Sima has any inside knowledge that Miya Hikari is involved in crime. Whom else but Miya, you think, could Sima be referring to, with her short dark hair, foreignness even within Mineta, and love for talking about and imitating people engaging in stealthy and criminal activities – was it ninja whom Miya is often claiming to imitate? Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

[If PC has no Heritage: Oncestrian]

[If PC completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. You helped me very much last year, but…maybe that was not the type of foundation upon which good relationships are based – so thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian with an interlinear Renaglian translation.

 

Are you liking petite clever girls who, despite short dark hair,

ooze adventure from their foreign lips with strange plans for swift gain?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden lair.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to thoughtful introspection by Sima’s seeming knowledge about Miya’s criminal activities. Princess or not, Miya could perhaps learn from Sima about discretion – although you realize that for all you know, the Triplets are so aware of events that even if Miya were as discreet in her...underhanded money-making as Zoe was with you, she might have still become known as a criminal to Sima. Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Oncestrian, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

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

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. You helped me very much last year, but…maybe that was not the type of foundation upon which good relationships are based – so thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian with an interlinear Renaglian translation.

 

Are you liking petite clever girls who, despite short dark hair,

ooze adventure from their foreign lips with strange plans for swift gain?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden lair.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to wonder whether Sima has any inside knowledge that Miya Hikari is involved in crime. Whom else but Miya, you think, could Sima be referring to, with her short dark hair, foreignness even within Mineta, and love for talking about and imitating people engaging in stealthy and criminal activities – was it ninja whom Miya is often claiming to imitate? Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

[If PC did not complete Zoe Melis’s Y1 adventure and has relationship > 10 with Sima Venesico] “Honestly, if you are so concerned about my relationship with Sima, then maybe you and I would be better as friends only. I mean, Sima is a very dear friend to me also – for reasons which none understand except for me.”

[If PC has memory Sima suspects]

[If PC has Heritage: Oncestrian]

[If PC completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian.

 

Are you seeking a foreign girl whom you may appreciate,

while learning from her truths about realms whose ways seem insane?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden gate.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to thoughtful introspection by Sima’s seeming knowledge about Miya’s criminal activities. Princess or not, Miya could perhaps learn from Sima about discretion – although you realize that for all you know, the Triplets are so aware of events that even if Miya were discreet in her...underhanded money-making, she might have still become known as a criminal to Sima. Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you.

But then, as you think about Sima, your appreciation for her skill in subtly conveying dangerous messages increases. Her poem, with its references to “a forbidden gate”, learning about strange realm, and your role as a seeker, were clearly meant by her to be references to your role – as she correctly suspects – as a Gates mage, navigating in strange universes and seeking creatures for summoning – all while avoiding any explicit accusations and conveying a coherent message about…well, you must call it a deep friendship for now. Not for the last time, you marvel that Sima was able, through your startled reaction, to assume that you are a Gates mage – and you feel giddy with joy that she is your dear friend rather than a girl with unknown feelings towards you - or, worse yet, an enemy. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level innuendo, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

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

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian.

 

Are you seeking a foreign girl whom you may appreciate,

while learning from her truths about realms whose ways seem insane?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden gate.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to wonder whether Sima has any inside knowledge that Miya Hikari is involved in crime. Whom else but Miya, you think, could Sima be referring to, with her short dark hair, foreignness even within Mineta, and love for talking about and imitating people engaging in stealthy and criminal activities – was it ninja whom Miya is often claiming to imitate? Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you.

But then, as you think about Sima, your appreciation for her skill in subtly conveying dangerous messages increases. Her poem, with its references to “a forbidden gate”, learning about strange realm, and your role as a seeker, were clearly meant by her to be references to your role – as she correctly suspects – as a Gates mage, navigating in strange universes and seeking creatures for summoning – all while avoiding any explicit accusations and conveying a coherent message about…well, you must call it a deep friendship for now. Not for the last time, you marvel that Sima was able, through your startled reaction, to assume that you are a Gates mage – and you feel giddy with joy that she is your dear friend rather than a girl with unknown feelings towards you - or, worse yet, an enemy. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level innuendo, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

[If PC has no Heritage: Oncestrian]

[If PC completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian with an interlinear Renaglian translation.

 

Are you seeking a foreign girl whom you may appreciate,

while learning from her truths about realms whose ways seem insane?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden gate.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to thoughtful introspection by Sima’s seeming knowledge about Miya’s criminal activities. Princess or not, Miya could perhaps learn from Sima about discretion – although you realize that for all you know, the Triplets are so aware of events that even if Miya were discreet in her...underhanded money-making, she might have still become known as a criminal to Sima. Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you.

But then, as you think about Sima, your appreciation for her skill in subtly conveying dangerous messages increases. Her poem, with its references to “a forbidden gate”, learning about strange realm, and your role as a seeker, were clearly meant by her to be references to your role – as she correctly suspects – as a Gates mage, navigating in strange universes and seeking creatures for summoning – all while avoiding any explicit accusations and conveying a coherent message about…well, you must call it a deep friendship for now. Not for the last time, you marvel that Sima was able, through your startled reaction, to assume that you are a Gates mage – and you feel giddy with joy that she is your dear friend rather than a girl with unknown feelings towards you - or, worse yet, an enemy. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level innuendo, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

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

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian with an interlinear Renaglian translation.

 

Are you seeking a foreign girl whom you may appreciate,

while learning from her truths about realms whose ways seem insane?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden gate.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to wonder whether Sima has any inside knowledge that Miya Hikari is involved in crime. Whom else but Miya, you think, could Sima be referring to, with her short dark hair, foreignness even within Mineta, and love for talking about and imitating people engaging in stealthy and criminal activities – was it ninja whom Miya is often claiming to imitate? Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you.

But then, as you think about Sima, your appreciation for her skill in subtly conveying dangerous messages increases. Her poem, with its references to “a forbidden gate”, learning about strange realm, and your role as a seeker, were clearly meant by her to be references to your role – as she correctly suspects – as a Gates mage, navigating in strange universes and seeking creatures for summoning – all while avoiding any explicit accusations and conveying a coherent message about…well, you must call it a deep friendship for now. Not for the last time, you marvel that Sima was able, through your startled reaction, to assume that you are a Gates mage – and you feel giddy with joy that she is your dear friend rather than a girl with unknown feelings towards you - or, worse yet, an enemy. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level innuendo, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

[If PC has no memory Sima suspects]

[If PC has Heritage: Oncestrian]

[If PC completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian.

 

Are you liking petite clever girls who, despite short dark hair,

ooze adventure from their foreign lips with strange plans for swift gain?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden lair.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to thoughtful introspection by Sima’s seeming knowledge about Miya’s criminal activities. Princess or not, Miya could perhaps learn from Sima about discretion – although you realize that for all you know, the Triplets are so aware of events that even if Miya were discreet in her...underhanded efforts, she might have still become known as a criminal to Sima. Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

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

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian.

 

Are you liking petite clever girls who, despite short dark hair,

ooze adventure from their foreign lips with strange plans for swift gain?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden lair.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to wonder whether Sima has any inside knowledge that Miya Hikari is involved in crime. Whom else but Miya, you think, could Sima be referring to, with her short dark hair, foreignness even within Mineta, and love for talking about and imitating people engaging in stealthy and criminal activities – was it ninja whom Miya is often claiming to imitate? Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

[If PC has no Heritage: Oncestrian]

[If PC completed Miya Hikari’s Y1 adventure]

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian with an interlinear Renaglian translation.

 

Are you liking petite clever girls who, despite short dark hair,

ooze adventure from their foreign lips with strange plans for swift gain?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden lair.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to thoughtful introspection by Sima’s seeming knowledge about Miya’s criminal activities. Princess or not, Miya could perhaps learn from Sima about discretion – although you realize that for all you know, the Triplets are so aware of events that even if Miya were discreet in her…underhanded efforts, she might have still become known as a criminal to Sima. Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Oncestrian, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

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

Zoe’s face falls, and she lets out a choked, squeaking sob. But then she shudders and says, “Fair enough. Thanks for at least trying to preserve the friendship.”

Then, with a forced smile, Zoe says, “Besides, we cannot even date until next year – so maybe things will change by then. At least let me tell Sima about this. Please?”

In the face of Zoe’s obvious and barely concealed sorrow, you numbly accept. Zoe rushes off.

A few hours later, you get your response when a grimacing Zoe delivers into your hand a message. Opening it, you find, written in Sima Venesico’s handwriting, a poem written in Oncestrian with an interlinear Renaglian translation.

 

Are you liking petite clever girls who, despite short dark hair,

ooze adventure from their foreign lips with strange plans for swift gain?

I shall gladly take that role for you and can spare you from pain,

which a third girl may cause through entering a forbidden lair.

 

Even as your heart swells with pleasure at knowing that Sima Venesico – the strangely alluring, gem-seeking, incredibly brave Sima Venesico! – is reciprocating your interest in her, you are moved to wonder whether Sima has any inside knowledge that Miya Hikari is involved in crime. Whom else but Miya, you think, could Sima be referring to, with her short dark hair, foreignness even within Mineta, and love for talking about and imitating people engaging in stealthy and criminal activities – was it ninja whom Miya is often claiming to imitate? Still, you are so glad that Sima is willing to get closer to you that you cast such distracting thoughts from your head, instead focussing upon the pleasant emotions associated with Sima Venesico even as a softly weeping Zoe leaves you. [+ 1 charm for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level temperance for the PC and Zoe Melis, + 1 skill level Oncestrian, + 1 stress for Zoe Melis, + 5 pims for Zoe Melis, - 5 pims for Sima Venesico, set relationship between Zoe Melis and the PC to 9, grant Affection to PC and Sima Venesico, add memory Zoe’s loss and Sima’s gain, end adventure]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Minetan Merchants: These are merchants whom I hope, if all go well, to incorporate into some of the adventures for Academagia that I will write. Even if I never get around to such a thing, though, I hope that other people can use these characters in the game and in other adventures. I would not dare to specify what these merchants would sell, because if I understand correctly the economy in future games will be improved in several ways. But I dare to suggest ideas for what they could sell.

Merchants’ Descriptions

Cadys

Quotation

“From a distant land I came as a merchant.”

Description

Cadys wishes that people would not make so much of a fuss about him or his fellow merchants. Certainly, they are satyrs, and certainly, they use a different script and speak a language that is unique to them, but they are not Oursuki agents, underminers of satyrs’ rights in the Empire of Man, or disrupting the Minetan satyrs’ profitable business arrangements. He even brought with him his young daughter Aryenis in order to deflect suspicion from him and his fellow merchants. Alas, satyrs and humans near Mineta are very untrusting of his venture, and he is eager to earn their trust if he can.

Wares

furs, leather, amber – and goods made from such things

Aryenis

Quotation

“I am Aryenis – simple merchant’s daughter. Interested in my things, yes?”

Description

Aryenis seems to have approximately the same mental capacity as a first year student at the Academagia, and her father Cadys is constantly emphasizing her youth to other people as evidence of his good intentions. But determining how intelligent she is is rather difficult, given that the human language that she seems to speak best is Oursouki and she writes in anything not her native script only with great reluctance and clumsiness– “I have one script already – not needing more!”. Still, she is friendly enough, and is actively participating in her father’s business by selling things when she can.

Wares

school supplies

Dharmapala

“As far as most people are concerned, he is only a merchant.” – report by a member of the Minetan Guard.

Description

Dharmapala is truly a merchant. He came to Mineta with many goods and he sells them. But those few people who know get to know him better have learned that he has a fanatical hatred of Gates mages, and has become convinced that in Mineta he can make contact with the Second Circle, which he is convinced is a non-governmental vigilante group dedicated to hunting down and killing Gates Mages and destroying artifacts that use Gates magic, in order to hire Second Circles’ members to help stamping out gates magic in his homeland. One person, learning about these interests and goals, suspected that he was using them as a way to lure anti-gates mages into ambushes for gates mages’ benefits, and so the Minetan Guard investigated. They found a merchant who seems to be sincerely motivated by desire to purge the world of draconic and extra-universal forces, whom he blames for corrupting humans’ wisdom with false teachings and enslavement. Such passions, although not illegal, are rather alarming coming from a foreigner who does not worship the new gods, so Dharmapala is kept under observation by the Minetan Guard.

Wares

tea, silk, silver, silver goods

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I am terrible at title-creation, but I hope that the spell's description and effects are interesting enough.

Warrior’s Training:

Spoiler

Description:

Spoiler

The few people who know about this very useful Mastery spell either lack knowledge of where it originated or claim to lack such knowledge. The even fewer who care to speculate about where this spell originated are quite different in their guesses – if guesses they are. Is the spell from Na, where it is used to train deadly warrior-slaves whose discretion their owners can trust? Was this spell created by the dragons for the same purpose? Or was it devised within the Empire of Man, perhaps using research done by Queen Icanix herself, in order to create elite soldiers for the Emperors? All of these theories have been raised by some people, but whether any of them is true, or none, is itself unknown – as is whether anyone yet living knows the answer.

 

Regardless of this spell’s origin, it is so useful that it may be worth using despite the risk of being executed if caught using it – especially if the alternative would be to die due to more immediate problems that being a skilled warrior can easily overcome.

Effects:

Spoiler

+ 10 to Athletics skill and all Athletics subskills; Blackmail and all Blackmail subskills set to -10.

Difficulty Rating:

Spoiler

25, in Mastery Methods

Duration:

Spoiler

1 day

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Rixenda’s Sorrow

Spoiler

Notes:

Spoiler

This is a Y2 random event that I wrote inspired by the following strange things: the variant name Rixende (itself an obscure name only barely more popular than Rixenda) is often mentioned in connection with the Cathar religious movement (such as Rixende de Telle, the mother superior of the Cathars’ female clergy at their bishops’ fortress at Montsegur); Rixenda La Serena is interested in class struggle, according to 1 Y1 random event, and the Cathars were apparently dedicated to poverty/simplicity; one of the few surviving texts that the Cathars supposedly enjoyed, “The Oxherd”, is about commemorating a woman named Joana; Joana Lio y Rossollo is from Morvidus college and Rixenda La Serena is from Vernin College – Morvidus College’s rival.

Prerequisites:

Spoiler

PC must have affection with Rixenda La Serena.

Text

Spoiler

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht]

Spoiler

[If PC is in Morvidus College]

Spoiler

[If PC was in Morvidus College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even your collegemates who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Morvidus robes, you can help me. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a certain Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, knowing that Joana must have been repeating what a senior student in your college had said about Rixenda – as you know from personal experience. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – devoted Morvidus student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

[If PC was in Vernin College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even your collegemates who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Morvidus robes, you can help me. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a certain Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, knowing that Joana must have been repeating what a senior student in your college had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – Morvidus student as you are – are not condemning me despite having defected from my college, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

 

[If PC was in a college not Morvidus or Vernin College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even your collegemates who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Morvidus robes, you can help me. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a certain Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, knowing that Joana must have been repeating what a senior student in your college had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – Morvidus student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

 

[If PC is in Vernin College]


[If PC was in Morvidus College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even students from Morvidus College who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Vernin robes, you can help me in a way that no other college-mate can – and would be able to even if you had remained in Morvidus. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, assuming that Joana must have been repeating what some smarter student in Morvidus College had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – fellow Vernin student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

[If PC was in Vernin College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even students from Morvidus College who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Vernin robes, you can help me in a way that no other college-mate can. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, assuming that Joana must have been repeating what some smarter student in Morvidus College had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – fellow Vernin student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

[If PC was in a college not Morvidus or Vernin College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even students from Morvidus College who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Vernin robes, you can help me in a way that no other college-mate can – and would be able to even if you had remained outside Vernin. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, assuming that Joana must have been repeating what some smarter student in Morvidus College had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – fellow Vernin student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht]

[If PC is in Morvidus College]

Spoiler

[If PC was in Morvidus College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even your collegemates who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment. Such caution, you hope, will serve you well in concealing your study of Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Morvidus robes, you can help me. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a certain Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, knowing that Joana must have been repeating what a senior student in your college had said about Rixenda – as you know from personal experience. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – devoted Morvidus student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

[If PC was in Vernin College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even your collegemates who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment. Such caution, you hope, will serve you well in concealing your study of Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Morvidus robes, you can help me. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a certain Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, knowing that Joana must have been repeating what a senior student in your college had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – Morvidus student as you are – are not condemning me despite having defected from my college, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

 

[If PC was in a college not Morvidus or Vernin College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even your collegemates who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment. Such caution, you hope, will serve you well in concealing your study of Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Morvidus robes, you can help me. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a certain Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, knowing that Joana must have been repeating what a senior student in your college had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – Morvidus student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

 

 

[If PC is in Vernin College]

Spoiler

[If PC was in Morvidus College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even students from Morvidus College who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment. Such caution, you hope, will serve you well in concealing your study of Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Vernin robes, you can help me in a way that no other college-mate can – and would be able to even if you had remained in Morvidus. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, assuming that Joana must have been repeating what some smarter student in Morvidus College had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – fellow Vernin student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

 

[If PC was in Vernin College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even students from Morvidus College who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment. Such caution, you hope, will serve you well in concealing your study of Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Vernin robes, you can help me in a way that no other college-mate can. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, assuming that Joana must have been repeating what some smarter student in Morvidus College had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – fellow Vernin student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

 

[If PC was in a college not Morvidus or Vernin College during Y1]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious – and not just among your collegemates – for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even students from Morvidus College who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment. Such caution, you hope, will serve you well in concealing your study of Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. Despite your Vernin robes, you can help me in a way that no other college-mate can – and would be able to even if you had remained outside Vernin. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, assuming that Joana must have been repeating what some smarter student in Morvidus College had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you – fellow Vernin student as you are – are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

 

[If PC is not in Morvidus or Vernin College]

Spoiler

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even students from Morvidus College who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. You can help me in a way that no collegemate can. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, assuming that Joana must have been repeating what some smarter student in Morvidus College had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht]

Spoiler

As you walk along an otherwise deserted corridor of the Academagia, trying to decide between trying to study in a library or doing some homework in your room – and wincing inwardly at both prospects – you are surprised to see Rixenda La Serena standing in front of you, looking at what you see as a blank wall. Knowing that your dear friend is notorious for her strange definitions of art, you are moved to tell her, “Rixenda, if you are planning to create something upon the wall that you are looking at, could you please wait until I have left this corridor?”

Rixenda jerks and then turns her whole body towards you, but your initial fear that she is angry with you because of your comment vanishes when you see that her face is stained with tears – and bears a bright smile. Now you are truly puzzled – a state that Rixenda’s words to you do not dispel.

“So, Sima was only half right. But better than Joana, who is completely wrong!”

“What do you mean, Rixenda?” You are aware that even students from Morvidus College who are mocked for their obsessions with strange interests – and not just by Vernin’s students – often take solace from the fact that Rixenda can be – and has been – condemned by other students as crazy. But you were not thinking that Rixenda has hallucinations. Maybe she is seeing an illusion? But with Rixenda, you do not want to rush to any judgment. Such caution, you hope, will serve you well in concealing your study of Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School. Such caution, you hope, will serve you well in concealing your study of Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School.

“Ah, [PCFirstName] – so good to see you. You can help me in a way that no collegemate can. Not with art” and the word is hissed with vehemence “but with becoming happier after a Morvidus student mocked me – Joana!”

“Where does Sima come in?” you ask.

“Joana walked up to me earlier today, looking angry. I told her that I had no candy and braced myself for a blow, but Joana laughed and said that she had learned from Philippe that the best bullies are able to hurt their opponents with words. She then told me that I was a freaky failure within a college of useless art-lovers whose members condemned me as a crazy pretender to art.”

“Harsh words,” you wince, assuming that Joana must have been repeating what some smarter student in Morvidus College had said about Rixenda. “Did Sima join in mocking you?”

“No,” Rixenda says. “Rather, after I left Joana – crying my eyes into pain – Sima came upon me and, upon hearing my explanation for my sorrow, suggested that I could become happy by staring at a wall and imagining a better thing. So I was thinking about how I fit within Vernin College’s tradition of artistic experimentation and creating beauty, while Joana does not live up to any of Morvidus College’s ideals. And I was envisioning my name on a plaque as a great student from Vernin College, while the only monuments to Joana would be discarded candy-wrappers – and perhaps her familiar’s shell.”

Rixenda begins to shed tears again, but her voice remains happy. “Sima’s suggestion did not crush my sorrow, but your coming and assuming that I was engaged in an art project – and not condemning it – did help me. If you are not condemning me, then I must be on the right track in art.”

Rixenda looks at you with eyes filled with a mixture of fearful sorrow and hopeful joy, and you realize that you must try to help this very strange but wonderful girl.

Choices:

Spoiler

“I want to try Sima’s suggestion with you.”

Spoiler

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht]

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

Spoiler

“Really?” Rixenda seems to be as surprised as you felt when you found her gazing at the wall, but then she stops crying. “Well, if you are willing to try Sima’s suggestion, then I cannot be crazy, can I?”

You are not certain that you agree with Rixenda’s reasoning, but her happiness is precious in contrast to her prior sorrow, so you refrain from mentioning your doubts.

Instead, you stand beside Rixenda, stare at the wall, and imagine what you want to happen.

Alas, your imaginings are not simple. They involve revealing to Rixenda that you are studying Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School, leading her to the Schohanwicht school, and thrilling to watch her being inspired by what she sees in a way that leads her to both become a better artist and, embracing you, ask you to date her. But such thoughts are soothing to you.

You are just about to envision what a date with Rixenda would look like when you hear Rixenda moan in disappointment.

“We have to go, [PCFirstName],” she tells you. “I see Tre the janitor approaching.”

Not wanting her or you to get in trouble, you agree to leave this place and do other things. But the blissful joy that Rixenda’s face radiate is to you a gift even more important than the newly discovered practise of wall-gazing. [+ 1 skill step relaxation for the PC, + 2 skill levels Relaxation for Rixenda La Serena, add activity Wall-Gazing to the PC and Rixenda La Serena, Rixenda La Serena’s stress set to 0, - 1 to PC’s stress, + 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, - 100 pims to Sima Venesico, End event]

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

 

Spoiler

“Really?” Rixenda seems to be as surprised as you felt when you found her gazing at the wall, but then she stops crying. “Well, if you are willing to try Sima’s suggestion, then I cannot be crazy, can I?”

You are not certain that you agree with Rixenda’s reasoning, but her happiness is precious in contrast to her prior sorrow, so you refrain from mentioning your doubts.

Instead, you stand beside Rixenda, stare at the wall, and imagine what you want to happen.

Alas, your imaginings are not simple. They involve revealing to Rixenda that you are studying Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School, leading her to the Schohanwicht school, and thrilling to watch her being inspired by what she sees in a way that leads her to both become a better artist and seize you by the hand in love. But such thoughts are soothing to you.

You are just about to envision what art Rixenda could create inspired by the Schohanwicht School when you hear Rixenda moan in disappointment.

“We have to go, [PCFirstName],” she tells you. “I see Tre the janitor approaching.”

Not wanting her or you to get in trouble, you agree to leave this place and do other things. But the blissful joy that Rixenda’s face radiate is to you a gift even more important than the newly discovered practise of wall-gazing. [+ 1 skill step relaxation for the PC, + 2 skill levels Relaxation for Rixenda La Serena, add activity Wall-Gazing to the PC and Rixenda La Serena, Rixenda La Serena’s stress set to 0, - 1 to PC’s stress, + 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, - 100 pims to Sima Venesico, End event]

 

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht]

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

Spoiler

“Really?” Rixenda seems to be as surprised as you felt when you found her gazing at the wall, but then she stops crying. “Well, if you are willing to try Sima’s suggestion, then I cannot be crazy, can I?”

You are not certain that you agree with Rixenda’s reasoning, but her happiness is precious in contrast to her prior sorrow, so you refrain from mentioning your doubts.

Instead, you stand beside Rixenda, stare at the wall, and imagine what you want to happen.

Alas, your imaginings are not simple. They involve revealing to Rixenda that you are studying Gates Magic at the Schohanwicht School, leading her to the Schohanwicht school, and thrilling to watch her being inspired by what she sees in a way that leads her to both become a better artist and, embracing you, ask you to date her. But such thoughts are soothing to you.

You are just about to envision what a date with Rixenda would look like when you hear Rixenda moan in disappointment.

“We have to go, [PCFirstName],” she tells you. “I see Tre the janitor approaching.”

Not wanting her or you to get in trouble, you agree to leave this place and do other things. But the blissful joy that Rixenda’s face radiate is to you a gift even more important than the newly discovered practise of wall-gazing. [+ 1 skill step relaxation for the PC, + 2 skill levels Relaxation for Rixenda La Serena, add activity Wall-Gazing to the PC and Rixenda La Serena, Rixenda La Serena’s stress set to 0, - 1 to PC’s stress, + 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, - 100 pims to Sima Venesico, End event]

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

Spoiler

“Really?” Rixenda seems to be as surprised as you felt when you found her gazing at the wall, but then she stops crying. “Well, if you are willing to try Sima’s suggestion, then I cannot be crazy, can I?”

You are not certain that you agree with Rixenda’s reasoning, but her happiness is precious in contrast to her prior sorrow, so you refrain from mentioning your doubts.

Instead, you stand beside Rixenda, stare at the wall, and imagine what you want to happen.

Alas, your imaginings are not simple. They involve thrilling to watch Rixenda being inspired by you to create her typically strange art in ways that gains love rather than scorn. But such thoughts are soothing to you.

You are just about to envision what art Rixenda could create inspired by you when you hear Rixenda moan in disappointment.

“We have to go, [PCFirstName],” she tells you. “I see Tre the janitor approaching.”

Not wanting her or you to get in trouble, you agree to leave this place and do other things. But the blissful joy that Rixenda’s face radiate is to you a gift even more important than the newly discovered practise of wall-gazing. [+ 1 skill step relaxation for the PC, + 2 skill levels Relaxation for Rixenda La Serena, add activity Wall-Gazing to the PC and Rixenda La Serena, Rixenda La Serena’s stress set to 0, - 2 to PC’s stress, + 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, - 100 pims to Sima Venesico, End event]

 

 

“Rixenda, have you considered maybe becoming more normal in your art?”

Spoiler

“You, you are as bad as Joana, and Piaxenza, and, and - ”

But Rixenda is unable to complete her sentence – or explain to you why Hedi College’s Regent would care about a Vernin College student’s art. Instead, she rushes down the corridor, sobbing loudly. You are left to try to think about how you could have handled Rixenda better. You suppose that you should have raised the matter more delicately – if at all. [+ 2 skill steps Diplomacy for the PC, + 1 skill level Running for Rixenda La Serena, relationship between PC and Rixenda La Serena set to 0, add activity Wall-Gazing to Rixenda La Serena, + 3 to Rixenda La Serena’s stress, +3 to PC’s stress, - 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, + 100 pims to Sima Venesico, End event]

“Have you considered how you would represent what you imagine in art?”

Spoiler

“Of course,” Rixenda exclaims. She then proceeds to describe to you, in great detail, an abstract sculpture group having remarkably little to do with plaques, Vernin College, candy wrappers, or Treasure Chest Tortoises’ shells. Still, given her role as Vernin College’s least liked artist – if even that – and Joana’s willingness to beat up students, you think that her abstract art may be valuable to her – if not for the reason that she thinks.

When Rixenda finally leaves you – all sorrow now vanished from her face along with most of the tears – you are left with a fascinating insight into a budding artist’s mind – even as you realize that you could not explain to others why she would want to create art in these ways rather than in more conventional forms. [+ 2 skill steps Art Appreciation for the PC, + 1 skill level Creativity for Rixenda La Serena, add activity Wall-Gazing to Rixenda La Serena, - 3 to Rixenda La Serena’s stress, - 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, + 100 pims to Sima Venesico, End event]

“Rixenda, you are strange, but I really like you.”

Spoiler

[If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl]

Spoiler

“So do I, [PCFirstName] – otherwise your words would not cheer me so.” Then, Rixenda frowns briefly before saying, “And being strange is not the same as being crazy – otherwise Morvidus College would need to be an insane asylum.”

Then, smiling again, Rixenda says, “As long as I have your support in my life, I can handle easily bullies such as Joana and others. The world will join you in appreciating my artistic genius!”

Rixenda’s last comment is so shocking to you that you barely notice Rixenda leaving you. Certainly, you recognize her as a dear friend, but you are not sure whether you regard her as an artistic genius. You even understand why some people dismiss her as calling her insane actions art and using them to express her insanity. [+ 2 skill steps Empathy for the PC, + 1 skill level Confidence for Rixenda La Serena, add activity Wall-Gazing to Rixenda La Serena, - 3 to Rixenda La Serena’s stress, - 3 to PC’s stress, - 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, + 100 pims to Sima Venesico, End event]

[If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl]

Spoiler

“So do I, [PCFirstName] – otherwise your words would not cheer me so.” Then, Rixenda frowns briefly before saying, “And being strange is not the same as being crazy – otherwise Morvidus College would need to be an insane asylum.”

Then, smiling again, Rixenda says, “As long as I have your support in my life, I can handle easily bullies such as Joana and others. The world will envy you for dating me and having easier access to my artistic genius!”

Rixenda’s last comment is so shocking to you that you barely notice Rixenda leaving you. Certainly, you recognize her as a dear friend whom you hope to date, but you are not sure whether you regard her as an artistic genius. You even understand why some people dismiss her as calling her insane actions art and using them to express her insanity. But you are relieved to know that Rixenda is aware enough to know that you hope to date her – and you thrill at her apparent willingness to reciprocate. [+ 2 skill steps Romance for the PC, + 1 skill level Flirting for Rixenda La Serena, add activity Wall-Gazing to Rixenda La Serena, - 3 to Rixenda La Serena’s stress, - 3 to PC’s stress, - 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, + 100 pims to Sima Venesico, End event]

 

[If PC completed the scene in Y1’s adventure “A summons to the Great Gate” in which Sima Venesico caused Phillippe Marchant to retreat by whispering to him] “Well, Philippe would know from the wrong end about how words can be used to harm people – and Sima would know from the right end!”

Spoiler

“Really?” Rixenda looks at you with vague fascination. “Do you think that Sima is somehow behind this? As in, maybe she got Philippe to tell Joana in order to get Joana to try to harass someone whom Sima could help.”

“Such is possible,” you say, weakly. And you are telling the truth. Although such an idea had not occurred to you before, you know that Sima is mysterious, manipulative, and intelligent enough to do such a thing – although you have no idea why.

“Good thing that you can help me, then,” Rixenda says with a shudder. She looks genuinely happy, though, presumably not knowing the least about how Sima has easily dealt successfully with people much more dangerous than Rixenda and Philippe – or even both of them together.

But you, not wanting to dispel Rixenda’s happiness – or reveal more about Sima’s scheming – decide to let Rixende walk away from you muttering about how Sima and all of Morvidus College cannot stop her from her art projects. [+ 2 skill steps tactics for the PC, + 1 skill level Tactics for Rixenda La Serena, add activity Wall-Gazing to Rixenda La Serena, - 3 to Rixenda La Serena’s stress, - 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, + 100 pims to Sima Venesico, End event]

 

[If PC completed the scene in Y1’s adventure “A summons to the Great Gate” in which Sima Venesico caused Phillippe Marchant to retreat by whispering to him and has the memory Sima suspects] “Sima must have been after Philippe again – and she could easily do the same to me if she were wanting to.”

Spoiler

“Really?” Rixenda’s jaw drops in what you presume is shock. “Do you think that Sima is somehow behind this? As in, maybe she got Philippe to tell Joana in order to get Joana to try to harass me so that you could help.”

“Such is possible,” you say, weakly. And you are telling the truth. Although such an idea had not occurred to you before, you know that Sima is mysterious, manipulative, and intelligent enough to do such a thing – although you have no idea why.

“Ah, I am probably thinking too much about this,” Rixenda says with a shudder. “Any,ways, Joana really has a tendency to bully and you have a tendency to help me, so it’s not as if Sima was creating what could not have arisen – and if she created this at all, then you dealt well with it.” Rixenda looks genuinely happy, though, presumably not knowing the least about how Sima has easily dealt successfully with people much more dangerous than Rixenda and Philippe – or even both of them together.

But you, not wanting to dispel Rixenda’s happiness – or reveal more about Sima’s scheming – decide to let Rixende walk away from you muttering about how Sima and all of Morvidus College cannot stop her from her art projects. You, meanwhile, are left to worry about whether Sima really was behind what happened – and what she could do with her suspicions if she were to turn against you. Not all people are as eccentric as Rixenda, and would be more concerned about what secret information Sima has against you.

As you stand in the corridor, trembling from fear, you hear a soft voice saying “Fear not, [PCFirstName] – I can explain.”

Looking up, you see Sima Venesico, looking at you with concern.

“Having secrets is hard,” Sima sighs, and you assume that she is speaking for you and her at the same time. “But this need not be a secret. Tabin and I made a bet that I could get Rixenda to stand still in front of a blank wall without doing any art until you caused her to leave.”

“What!? Why make such a bet?” You were not aware that Sima was a gambler – although you suppose that if she were to gamble, she would bet about something as obscure as what she claims to have bet upon.

“It was an interesting challenge – and unlikely to succeed,” Sima replies. “Besides, let us just say that the tensions that I have seek release in certain ways – which are not binging on candies or beating people up.”

“If You were not were not whom your actions with me have revealed you to be,” and at this point you pause and indicate through gestures and expressions that you think Sima to be a courageous, loyal, and very stressed girl dealing with issues that would challenge even adult mages for reasons that you cannot fathom – “then I would condemn you as the wickedest villainess in the Academagia. But knowing you as I do, I accept your behaviour, and I appreciate your restraint in not physically harming Rixenda and using pre-existing sources of tension rather than creating new ones.”

Sima gasps when she hears your words, and she chokes out the words, “That means a lot to me, friend – may we remain such!”

“So, can gazing at a wall and imagining better things work as a way to relieve stress, or were you making that up as a non-violent way to win your bet?”

“That depends upon the stress and the person,” Sima says. “I use such techniques successfully sometimes, but I am not a strange artist to whom every unpainted wall may be an unrealized painting and my desires are often simple.”

“What are they?” you ask, before realizing that Sima probably would not answer such questions honestly.

Sima, however, replies quite calmly, with no hesitation, “To see certain evil relatives executed and certain good relatives rewarded.”

You are left so numb with shock at Sima’s words that you barely realize when she waves and walks away.

Later, though, you find a pouch of 100 pims outside your room with a tear-stained note in Sima’s handwriting saying, “I do not choose my life, but I choose my friends. Thanks for being a friend to me despite my life. I will be better.” You also learn from Rixenda that she received an anonymous gift of 400 pims, which she accepts in good humour as a way to pay for art supplies.

[+ 2 skill steps gambling for the PC, + 1 skill level Intrigue for Rixenda La Serena, + 1 skill level Etiquette for Sima Venesico, add activity Wall-Gazing to Rixenda La Serena and to the PC, - 3 to Rixenda La Serena’s stress, + 2 to the PC’s stress, relationship between Sima Venesico and the PC set to 7, - 100 pims to Tabin Furenzti, - 400 pims to Sima Venesico, + 400 pims to Rixenda La Serena, + 100 pims to the PC, End event]

Activity

Spoiler

Name

Spoiler

Wall-Gazing

Description

Spoiler

Sima Venesico indirectly taught you about this strangely effective meditation technique. Just go up to a wall when you are stressed, stare at the wall, and imagine better things. Just try not to let your imagination be confused for reality.

Benefits

Spoiler

+ 1 skill step to Relaxation, + 1 skill step to Creativity, + 1 skill step to Composure, - 1 stress

 

Edited by Rhialto
Added new openings for students from other colleges, made texts and results more consistent.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Feedback is welcomed by me.

Greetings from Prudence:

Spoiler

Notes:

Spoiler

This is an event that is meant to trigger automatically on Juvenalia during Y2 if the following prerequisites are met: PC completed Prudence Cossins’s Y1 adventure and PC has relationship > -1 with Prudence Cossins.

Event:

Spoiler

If PC is in Aranaz College and was in Aranaz College during Y1
 

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia, so I come to you for help.” Prudence’s voice trails off in a faint sigh of what you think is happiness.

 

If PC is in Aranaz College and was in Durand College during Y1

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia despite your defection, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia despite your defection, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia despite your defection, so I come to you for help.” Prudence’s voice trails off in a faint sigh of what you think is happiness.

 

If PC is in Aranaz College and was in College neither Aranaz nor Durand during Y1

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia despite your not joining the best College, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia despite your despite your not joining the best College, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia despite your not joining the best College, so I come to you for help.” Prudence’s voice trails off in a faint sigh of what you think is happiness.

 

If PC is in Durand College and was in Durand College during Y1

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and we Durand students should stick together and help each other, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and we Durand students should stick together and help each other, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and we Durand students should stick together and help each other, so I come to you for help.” Prudence’s voice trails off in a faint sigh of what you think is happiness.

 

If PC is in Durand College and was in Aranaz College during Y1

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I’m so glad that I didn’t have to go to Aranaz College in order to find you; I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and we Durand students should stick together and help each other, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I’m so glad that I didn’t have to go to Aranaz College in order to find you; I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and we Durand students should stick together and help each other, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I’m so glad that I didn’t have to go to Aranaz College in order to find you; I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and we Durand students should stick together and help each other, so I come to you for help.” Prudence’s voice trails off in a faint sigh of what you think is happiness.

 

If PC is in Durand College and was in College neither Aranaz nor Durand during Y1

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I’m so glad that I didn’t have to leave Durand College in order to find you; I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and we Durand students should stick together and help each other, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I’m so glad that I didn’t have to leave Durand College in order to find you; I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and we Durand students should stick together and help each other, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I’m so glad that I didn’t have to leave Durand College in order to find you; I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and we Durand students should stick together and help each other, so I come to you for help.” Prudence’s voice trails off in a faint sigh of what you think is happiness.

 

If PC is in College neither Aranaz nor Durand and was in Durand College during Y1

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia despite your minor defection, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia despite your minor defection, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, and I am not like Tulia despite your minor defection, so I come to you for help.” Prudence’s voice trails off in a faint sigh of what you think is happiness.

 

If PC is in College neither Aranaz nor Durand and was in Aranaz College during Y1
 

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, so I come to you for help. Which is easier for me to explain to Lambert than it would have been last year.”

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, so I come to you for help. Which is easier for me to explain to Lambert than it would have been last year.”

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, so I come to you for help. Which is easier for me to explain to Lambert than it would have been last year.” Prudence’s voice trails off in a faint sigh of what you think is happiness.

 

If PC is in College neither Aranaz nor Durand and was in College neither Aranaz nor Durand during Y1

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, so I come to you for help.”

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

You are just beginning to inspect your recently unpacked property – and trying to judge both whether it should be moved and whether such efforts should be engaged in now – when you hear a rapid and loud knocking at your room’s door.

Instinctively opening the door – who wants to avoid what may be a crucial delivery on the last day before classes begin? – you find yourself face-to-face with Prudence Cossins, who smiles at you with a faint blush as she lowers her hand.

“[PCFirstName], can you help me, Durand’s Deodand? I have so many things planned for the Belonging Brethren this year, so I come to you for help.” Prudence’s voice trails off in a faint sigh of what you think is happiness.

 

 

Choices:
 

Spoiler

“‘Durand’s deodand?’ What is that, and how did you become one?”
 

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

If PC is not student at the Schohanwicht School
 

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?” [+ 1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, choose other option]

If PC is student at the Schohanwicht School

Spoiler

If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes that you are constantly aware, even as you practice them, are punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?”

You are glad that Prudence asked you such an innocent question after telling her story – answering it can distract you from your thoughts about how stressful life can become for you as a gates mage. [+ 1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, + 1 stress for PC, choose other option]

If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes that you are constantly aware, even as you practice them, are punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?”

You are glad that Prudence asked you such an innocent question after telling her story – answering it can distract you from your thoughts about how stressful life can become for you as a gates mage, to say nothing of your thoughts about resuming your study of gates magic that caused you to drive a terrible wedge between you and the supremely intelligent, subtly beautiful Zoe Melis. [+ 1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, + 1 stress for PC, choose other option]

If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes that you are constantly aware, even as you practice them, are punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?”

You are glad that Prudence asked you such an innocent question after telling her story – answering it can distract you from your thoughts about how stressful life can become for you as a gates mage, to say nothing of your thoughts about how your study of gates magic is what caused you to drive a terrible wedge between you and the supremely intelligent, subtly beautiful Zoe Melis. [+ 1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, + 1 stress for PC, choose other option]

 

 

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins

If PC is not student at the Schohanwicht School

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend whom you really like, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?” [+ 1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, choose other option]

If PC is student at the Schohanwicht School

Spoiler

If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend whom you really like, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes that you are constantly aware, even as you practice them, are punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?”

You are glad that Prudence asked you such an innocent question after telling her story – answering it can distract you from your thoughts about how stressful life can become for you as a gates mage. [+ 1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, + 1 stress for PC, choose other option]

If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend whom you really like, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes that you are constantly aware, even as you practice them, are punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?”

You are glad that Prudence asked you such an innocent question after telling her story – answering it can distract you from your thoughts about how stressful life can become for you as a gates mage, to say nothing of your thoughts about resuming your study of gates magic that caused you to drive a terrible wedge between you and the supremely intelligent, subtly beautiful Zoe Melis. But then again, you know that Prudence is beautiful also, and she is a dear friend to you... [+ 1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, + 1 stress for PC, choose other option]

If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend whom you really like, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes that you are constantly aware, even as you practice them, are punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?”

You are glad that Prudence asked you such an innocent question after telling her story – answering it can distract you from your thoughts about how stressful life can become for you as a gates mage, to say nothing of your thoughts about how your study of gates magic is what caused you to drive a terrible wedge between you and the supremely intelligent, subtly beautiful Zoe Melis. But then again, you know that Prudence is beautiful also, and she is a dear friend to you... [+ 1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, + 1 stress for PC, choose other option]

 

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

If PC is not student at the Schohanwicht School
 

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend whom you really like and wouldnt mind dating next year, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?” [1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, choose other option]

If PC is student at the Schohanwicht School

Spoiler

If PC has neither memory Zoe Rejected for Gates nor Zoe Spurned for Gates

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend whom you really like and wouldnt mind dating next year, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes that you are constantly aware, even as you practice them, are punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?”

You are glad that Prudence asked you such an innocent question after telling her story – answering it can distract you from your thoughts about how stressful life can become for you as a gates mage. [1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, + 1 stress for PC, choose other option]

If PC has memory Zoe Rejected for Gates

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend whom you really like and wouldnt mind dating next year, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes that you are constantly aware, even as you practice them, are punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?”

You are glad that Prudence asked you such an innocent question after telling her story – answering it can distract you from your thoughts about how stressful life can become for you as a gates mage, to say nothing of your thoughts about resuming your study of gates magic that caused you to drive a terrible wedge between you and the supremely intelligent, subtly beautiful Zoe Melis. But then again, you know that Prudence is beautiful also, and she is a very dear friend to you... [1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, + 1 stress for PC, choose other option]

If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates

Spoiler

Prudence laughs aloud. “That is a long story,” she says, “But I just can’t resist answering. You know that I’m Oncestrian, right? Well, two other Oncestrian girls from this school – Cordelia Troublepot and Mairgrete Strakley – were in a bit of a dispute as they went home for the summer, and Mairgrete was so angry about being condemned as a cat-loving freak – based upon some stupid new book of tales, apparently – that she went through the trouble of writing to me over the summer and asking me to make an Oncestrian poem insulting Cordelia.”

“Ouch,” you wince. Although you know that Prudence is a loyal friend whom you really like and wouldnt mind dating next year, you have little doubt that her temperament and other interests would allow her to write some seriously obscene Oncestrian vituperative verses – although she would probably use much more colorful cant to tell her hearers about their flaws. “So, let me guess – you got in trouble in some way, making you a deodand, whatever that is?”

“Sometimes, getting in trouble is worth it,” Prudence declares. “This was one such time. I wrote a wonderfully wretched poetic piece condemning Cordelia, and decided to test its impact by reciting it in public.”

“Why?” you gasp, but you already know that Prudence loves publicly demonstrating her talents – as long as they do not involve her confidence issues.

“Well, it wouldn’t’ve been very good if I had sent the poem only for Mairgrete not to like it. So I went to a public street and began proclaiming my poem, and things went a bit too well.”

“How?” you ask, seeing that Prudence is really getting into telling her story, complete with appropriate pauses where you can interject.

“At first, people just gasped and laughed when I described Cordelia’s crazy devices’ destructively fatal flaws, but when I described her as a sorcerous summoner bringing bedlam,” and here Prudence rolls her eyes and sighs, “passersby began to shout in alarm, and a constable was summoned and I was detained. She wanted to know what evidence I had that Cordelia had practiced Gates Magic. Isn’t that crazy? I was using summoner to talk about her bringing magic and material together, not accusing her of being a Gates Mage. But when I explained that to the constable, she arrested me for causing a breach of the peace and for defamatory libel – whatever that is!”

“Yeah, but how much trouble did you get into?” You are neither lawyer nor as interested in the law as certain other students may be, but you have an idea that publicly accusing people of crimes that you are constantly aware, even as you practice them, are punishable by death and then providing no evidence is not something that will earn one much praise – to put it mildly.

“Less than Cordelia – at least at first,” Prudence grimaces. “Cautious constables weren’t willing to take merely my witty words as accidentally implying illegality. So, Cordelia was investigated, from what I understand. But once that was done and her innocence established, things got very bad for me.”

“Fines? Branding?” You are not sure how people do justice in Oncestria, but you are puzzled at how cheerful Prudence is as she describes her punishment. Maybe being a deodand is some type of sworn holy warrior, you think.

“Well, I certainly had to pay Cordelia a heap of money and write a sweet apology to her, or lawyers from her family would have gotten involved,” Prudence says. “But the criminal charges were a nasty problem until my mother got involved. She persuaded them to let me off with a stern warning and public repentance when she promised that she would make me be better.”

Then, Prudence grins. “The public repentance was wonderful – and it made me a deodand!”

“How was it wonderful? And what is a deodand?” You can tell that Prudence is really enjoying telling her story while not answering these key questions.

“A deodand is a thing or a person dedicated to a god,” Prudence says, before giggling. “I never knew that before my diversion from a criminal conviction, but I know now. One of several things that I learned this summer.”

“So, did you join a priesthood? As your public repentance?” The thought of Prudence as a priestess is almost enough to make you giggle yourself.

”That would have been hilariously terrible for both me and them,” Prudence says. “No. it was agreed that, at noon upon a certain day, I would make my way in a public way to a temple, where I would dedicate a lit candle to the gods and describe to all people what I had done and that that I was sorry that I had done it. But…” And here Prudence grins in a way that you find frankly alarming.

“They never told me that I had to make my way to a temple in a solemnly public way. So, I talked to a horse-renter who bet that I would not be willing to make the trip while riding his best horse and dressed in a boy’s clothes.”

“But you did that.” You are not asking a question because you know Prudence too well.

“Yep!” Prudence beams. “I also used incantation so that I would be accompanied by thunder and fire wherever I went so that no one would miss me. And they didn’t! They must’ve come from miles around as I rode the horse to the temple, and it must’ve been at least ten thousand people who saw me make my apology! And so I got into newspapers!”

With a flourish, Prudence produces a series of clippings from various newspapers. From what you can make out, they describe a considerably more modest crowd than what Prudence described, and focus more of their attention upon her irresponsibility in making such public accusations, but you do not want to deflate Prudence’s pride.

“So that is how I became whom certain Aranaz students are calling Durand’s deodand,” Prudence crows. “The money from the horse-renter was fun to collect, especially once I convinced my parents that I had done nothing wrong. And I could not have done it without your help in forming the Belonging Brethren and giving me more confidence!”

Then, in a more subdued voice, she asks, “So…wanna help with the Belonging Brethren again?”

You are glad that Prudence asked you such an innocent question after telling her story – answering it can distract you from your thoughts about how stressful life can become for you as a gates mage, to say nothing of your thoughts about how your study of gates magic is what caused you to drive a terrible wedge between you and the supremely intelligent, subtly beautiful Zoe Melis. But then again, you know that Prudence is beautiful also, and she is a very dear friend to you... [1 skill level storytelling for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level oratory for Prudence Cossins, + 1 skill level listening for the PC, + 1 skill level criminal law for the PC, + 1 stress for PC, choose other option]

 

 

 

“Sure, Prudence! I’d love to help you with the Belonging Brethren.”

Spoiler

If PC has no Affection with Prudence Cossins

“Great!” Prudence says. “Thanks for helping me!”

Spoiler

She then leads you off to the Academagia’s Great Hall, where you and she spend an exhilarating time greeting students, introducing them to the Belonging Brethren, and encouraging them to join the Belonging Brethren. [+ 1 skill level to social skills and persuasion for the PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, add ability Help Prudence with the Belonging Brethren, end event]

If PC has Affection with Prudence Cossins

Spoiler

“Great!” Prudence says. “Thanks for helping me! You are a great friend!”

She then leads you off to the Academagia’s Great Hall, where you and she spend an exhilarating time greeting students, introducing them to the Belonging Brethren, and encouraging them to join the Belonging Brethren. [+ 1 skill level to social skills and persuasion for the PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, add ability Help Prudence with the Belonging Brethren, end event]

If PC has Love with Prudence Cossins
 

Spoiler

“Great!” Prudence says with obvious joy. “Thanks for helping me! You are a great friend!”

She then leads you off to the Academagia’s Great Hall, where you and she spend an exhilarating time greeting students, introducing them to the Belonging Brethren, and encouraging them to join the Belonging Brethren. You can tell, however, the Prudence really likes working with you, and you cannot disagree. [+ 1 skill level to social skills, dating, and persuasion for the PC and Prudence Cossins, + 1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, add ability Help Prudence with the Belonging Brethren, end event]

 

“Actually, Prudence, I have to get my things ready first. Unpacking, you know?”

Spoiler

[If PC is in Durand College]
 

Spoiler

“Ugh, don’t remind me about that,” Prudence sighs. Then she flashes a grin at you and says, “But I understand your point. No one else wants to help me, but you can still help me with the Belonging Brethren once you finish unpacking, right?”

After Prudence leaves you, you are able to get your unpacking done in a better frame of mind than you otherwise would have, buoyed by thoughts about helping Prudence and the Belonging Brethren. [+ 1 skill level to transport for the PC, add ability Help Prudence with the Belonging Brethren, end event]

[If PC is in Aranaz College]

Spoiler

“Ugh, don’t remind me about that,” Prudence sighs. Then she flashes a grin at you and says, “But I understand your point – even though you are an Aranaz student. No one else wants to help me, but you can still help me with the Belonging Brethren once you finish unpacking, right?”

After Prudence leaves you, you are able to get your unpacking done in a better frame of mind than you otherwise would have, buoyed by thoughts about helping Prudence and the Belonging Brethren. [+ 1 skill level to transport for the PC, add ability Help Prudence with the Belonging Brethren, end event]

[If PC is in neither Aranaz nor Durand College]
 

Spoiler

“Ugh, don’t remind me about that,” Prudence sighs. Then she flashes a grin at you and says, “But I understand your point – even though we are in different colleges. No one else wants to help me, but you can still help me with the Belonging Brethren once you finish unpacking, right?”

After Prudence leaves you, you are able to get your unpacking done in a better frame of mind than you otherwise would have, buoyed by thoughts about helping Prudence and the Belonging Brethren. [+ 1 skill level to transport for the PC, add ability Help Prudence with the Belonging Brethren, end event]

 

“Prudence, I have better things to do than help with the Belonging Brethren.”
 

Spoiler

[If PC is in Durand College]
 

Spoiler

[If PC is student in the Schohanwicht School]
 

Spoiler

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates or Zoe Rejected for Gates]
 

Spoiler

Prudence mutters what you assume are words that would get her in trouble if adults were to hear her. Then she frowns at you and says, “Well, at least the Belonging Brethren should make it easier for me to make friends this year.”

After Prudence leaves you, you numbly continue your unpacking, hoping that Prudence will not hold your decision against you for too long. Must you end all such friendships if you want to pursue studying gates magic, or must they all end like your friendships with Prudence and Zoe? Euneycia may know, you think, but you know that you might not like her answers. [+ 2 stress for the PC, + 1 stress for Prudence Cossins, relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins set to -1, end event]

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Spurned for Gates nor Zoe Rejected for Gates]
 

Spoiler

Prudence mutters what you assume are words that would get her in trouble if adults were to hear her. Then she frowns at you and says, “Well, at least the Belonging Brethren should make it easier for me to make friends this year.”

After Prudence leaves you, you numbly continue your unpacking, hoping that Prudence will not hold your decision against you for too long. Must you end all such friendships if you want to pursue studying gates magic? Euneycia may know, you think, but you know that you might not like her answers. [+ 2 stress for the PC, + 2 stress for Prudence Cossins, relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins set to -1, end event]

 

[If PC is not student in the Schohanwicht School]

Spoiler

Prudence mutters what you assume are words that would get her in trouble if adults were to hear her. Then she frowns at you and says, “Well, at least the Belonging Brethren should make it easier for me to make friends this year.”

After Prudence leaves you, you numbly continue your unpacking, hoping that Prudence will not hold your decision against you for too long. [+ 1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins set to -1, end event]

 

[If PC is in Aranaz College]

Spoiler

[If PC is student in the Schohanwicht School]
 

Spoiler

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates or Zoe Rejected for Gates]
 

Spoiler

Prudence mutters what you assume are words that would get her in trouble if adults were to hear her. Then she glares at you and shouts, “Tulia and Lambert were right about Aranaz College’s filth! Well, at least the Belonging Brethren should make it easier for me to make friends this year.”

After Prudence leaves you, you numbly continue your unpacking, hoping that Prudence will not hold your decision against you for too long. Must you end all such friendships if you want to pursue studying gates magic, or must they all end like your friendships with Prudence and Zoe? Euneycia may know, you think, but you know that you might not like her answers. At least you can try to derive comfort from King Aranaz’s cunning, you suppose. [+ 2 stress for the PC, + 1 stress for Prudence Cossins, relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins set to -3, + 1 skill level Honor of Mallen Field for the PC, end event]

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Spurned for Gates nor Zoe Rejected for Gates]
 

Spoiler

Prudence mutters what you assume are words that would get her in trouble if adults were to hear her. Then she glares at you and shouts, “Tulia and Lambert were right about Aranaz College’s filth! Well, at least the Belonging Brethren should make it easier for me to make friends this year.”

After Prudence leaves you, you numbly continue your unpacking, hoping that Prudence will not hold your decision against you for too long. Must you end all such friendships if you want to pursue studying gates magic? Euneycia may know, you think, but you know that you might not like her answers. At least you can try to derive comfort from King Aranaz’s cunning, you suppose. [+ 2 stress for the PC, + 1 stress for Prudence Cossins, relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins set to -3, + 1 skill level Honor of Mallen Field for the PC, end event]

 

[If PC is not student in the Schohanwicht School]

Spoiler

Prudence mutters what you assume are words that would get her in trouble if adults were to hear her. Then she glares at you and shouts, “Tulia and Lambert were right about Aranaz College’s filth! Well, at least the Belonging Brethren should make it easier for me to make friends this year.”

After Prudence leaves you, you numbly continue your unpacking, hoping that Prudence will not hold your decision against you for too long. At least you can try to derive comfort from King Aranaz’s cunning, you suppose, although you know that Prudence would not like that. [+ 1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins set to -3, + 1 skill level Honor of Mallen Field for the PC, end event]

 

[If PC is in neither Aranaz nor Durand College]
 

Spoiler

[If PC is student in the Schohanwicht School]
 

Spoiler

[If PC has memory Zoe Spurned for Gates or Zoe Rejected for Gates]
 

Spoiler

Prudence mutters what you assume are words that would get her in trouble if adults were to hear her. Then she frowns at you and snaps, “Why did I even seek help outside Durand College? At least the Belonging Brethren should make it easier for me to make friends this year.”

After Prudence leaves you, you numbly continue your unpacking, hoping that Prudence will not hold your decision against you for too long. Must you end all such friendships if you want to pursue studying gates magic, or must they all end like your friendships with Prudence and Zoe? Euneycia may know, you think, but you know that you might not like her answers. [+ 2 stress for the PC, + 1 stress for Prudence Cossins, relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins set to -2, end event]

[If PC has neither memory Zoe Spurned for Gates nor Zoe Rejected for Gates]
 

Spoiler

Prudence mutters what you assume are words that would get her in trouble if adults were to hear her. Then she frowns at you and snaps, “Why did I even seek help outside Durand College? At least the Belonging Brethren should make it easier for me to make friends this year.”

After Prudence leaves you, you numbly continue your unpacking, hoping that Prudence will not hold your decision against you for too long. Must you end all such friendships if you want to pursue studying gates magic? Euneycia may know, you think, but you know that you might not like her answers. [+ 2 stress for the PC, + 2 stress for Prudence Cossins, relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins set to -2, end event]

 

[If PC is not student in the Schohanwicht School]
 

Spoiler

Prudence mutters what you assume are words that would get her in trouble if adults were to hear her. Then she frowns at you and snaps, “Why did I even seek help outside Durand College? At least the Belonging Brethren should make it easier for me to make friends this year.”

After Prudence leaves you, you numbly continue your unpacking, hoping that Prudence will not hold your decision against you for too long. [+ 1 stress for the PC and Prudence Cossins, relationship between PC and Prudence Cossins set to -2, end event]

 

 

 

Activity:

Spoiler

Help Prudence with the Belonging Brethren
 

Spoiler

Description

Spoiler

You help Prudence Cossins in arranging meetings of the Belonging Brethren. They may be a rather socially isolated group of students, but you and they all enjoy fascinating conversations and a respite from cliques’ pressures.

Benefits

Spoiler

+ 1 skill step conversation, + 1 skill step planning, - 1 stress, + 1 relationship with Prudence Cossins

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Tabin’s Farewell
Feedback is welcomed by me.

Spoiler

Notes:

Spoiler

This is a scene that is meant to trigger automatically in Y2 when a PC is preparing to go home for the summer vacation near the game’s beginning. Its prerequisites are: must have completed Tabin Furenzti’s Y1 adventure and the Triplets’ Y1 Main Adventure, must have affection with Tabin Furenzti.

Text:
 

Spoiler

If PC is Prodigy: On the Prowl
 

Spoiler

If PC is in Durand College
 

Spoiler

You sitting in your room in Durand College, trying to calculate how much of your preparation for leaving the Academagia you have yet to do, when you hear a commotion from Durand College’s common room.

Glad for a distraction from some rather unpleasant thoughts about whether you should destroy what you are certain that your parents would condemn as worthless junk, you rush to the common room, where you see a confrontation in progress. Or at least, what Lambert Cobo clearly wants to be a confrontation with the two Aranaz students whom he is interacting with.

“Yes, Aymeri,” he is saying. “I know that you are only here because Tabin wanted your help as he goes to meet [PCFullName], but [PCFirstName] has a bit of a reputation – and you and Tabin are still Aranaz students. You are probably involved in Tabin’s scheme for a reason best known to you and von Rupprecht!”

“As if you are not guided by pretty Polisena, whose reputation I am sure would shatter your dreams,” Aymeri snarls, wand trembling in his hand.

“Briardi is at least pleasant to look at and teaches real magic,” Lambert retorts with a triumphant grin.

As Aymeri responds with a squawk of outrage and begins to trace phemes with his wand, Tabin slips past the two other students – who now seem to be engaged in an impromptu duel – and goes up to you.

“I am glad,” he murmurs, “that my getting Aymeri to help me was not a favor used in vain.”

Then, in a voice that would be clearly audible but for the duel that his actions have provoked, Tabin says, “I came here because I want to talk to you, but this is hardly the best place. Can we go to a quieter place?”

With little hesitation but a pleased smile, you lead Tabin to the corridor outside your room.

“We need not go anywhere else,” Tabin says, once he has ascertained that the corridor is deserted. To your surprise, his face is not cheerful, but is drawn into a gloomy frown.

If Tabin were any other male student, you would think that he would be sad only about leaving you – and perhaps worried about how much trouble you might get him into if a teacher were to catch you living up to your reputation during a tender farewell – but knowing about Tabin as you do – to say nothing about the students whom he calls his siblings – you suspect that Tabin has more on his mind than such lowly things as partings and joinings.

“Is this about your family?” you ask him.

“In a way,” Tabin moans. “A dear female relative realized that I was thinking about you in a rather sad way, and she urged me to be honest with you.”

“How honest?” You thrill at the thought that Tabin may divulge to you where he gained his knowledge of powerful plants and what he and his siblings were doing stealing a powerful artifact from Legate Orsi and exploring a mysterious pirate-infested island.

“Not as honest as I would like to be,” Tabin sighs. But then, looking into your eyes, he smiles faintly. “But honest enough for me to assure you that I would only use mind-controlling plants against my enemies – never against my allies, friends, or dear friends unless they want it. My siblings, whom I have trusted with my life as you know, would agree with me.”

Then, as if aware of how bizarre such a confession may sound, Tabin giggles and, after murmuring something about Aaran Ledale, says, “What I really came here to do, though, aside from say things that seem quite strange out of context, is to assure you that I have sides to myself not associated with such mysterious things that I would love to reveal to you through writing over the summer, if you would permit me.”

Looking into Tabin’s eyes, you see no evidence that Tabin is being dishonest; to the contrary, you are able to interpret his frown and sighs as suggesting that he is terrified that you will bring to an end the very deep friendship that you have with him – that you in all honesty hope will become more in a few years – because he is too mysterious and too obviously involved in activities of questionable legality and ethicality.

Still, the choice is yours, and you can make it regardless of the pain that it may cause to you and to Tabin.

If PC is not in Durand College

Spoiler

You sitting in your room in [PC’s College’s] College, trying to calculate how much of your preparation for leaving the Academagia you have yet to do, when you hear a knocking at your door.

Glad for a distraction from some rather unpleasant thoughts about whether you should destroy what you are certain that your parents would condemn as worthless junk, you rush to open the door, revealing to you Tabin Furenzti.

Tabin says, “I came here because I want to talk to you.”

With little hesitation but a pleased smile, you leave your room and stand with Tabin in the corridor outside your room.

“We need not go anywhere else,” Tabin says, once he has ascertained that the corridor is deserted. To your surprise, his face is not cheerful, but is drawn into a gloomy frown.

If Tabin were any other male student, you would think that he would be sad only about leaving you – and perhaps worried about how much trouble you might get him into if a teacher were to catch you living up to your reputation during a tender farewell – but knowing about Tabin as you do – to say nothing about the students whom he calls his siblings – you suspect that Tabin has more on his mind than such lowly things as partings and joinings.

“Is this about your family?” you ask him.

“In a way,” Tabin moans. “A dear female relative realized that I was thinking about you in a rather sad way, and she urged me to be honest with you.”

“How honest?” You thrill at the thought that Tabin may divulge to you where he gained his knowledge of powerful plants and what he and his siblings were doing stealing a powerful artifact from Legate Orsi and exploring a mysterious pirate-infested island.

“Not as honest as I would like to be,” Tabin sighs. But then, looking into your eyes, he smiles faintly. “But honest enough for me to assure you that I would only use mind-controlling plants against my enemies – never against my allies, friends, or dear friends unless they want it. My siblings, whom I have trusted with my life as you know, would agree with me.”

Then, as if aware of how bizarre such a confession may sound, Tabin giggles and, after murmuring something about Aaran Ledale, says, “What I really came here to do, though, aside from say things that seem quite strange out of context, is to assure you that I have sides to myself not associated with such mysterious things that I would love to reveal to you through writing over the summer, if you would permit me.”

Looking into Tabin’s eyes, you see no evidence that Tabin is being dishonest; to the contrary, you are able to interpret his frown and sighs as suggesting that he is terrified that you will bring to an end the very deep friendship that you have with him – that you in all honesty hope will become more in a few years – because he is too mysterious and too obviously involved in activities of questionable legality and ethicality.

Still, the choice is yours, and you can make it regardless of the pain that it may cause to you and to Tabin.

 

If PC is not Prodigy: On the Prowl

Spoiler

If PC is in Durand College

Spoiler

You sitting in your room in Durand College, trying to calculate how much of your preparation for leaving the Academagia you have yet to do, when you hear a commotion from Durand College’s common room.

Glad for a distraction from some rather unpleasant thoughts about whether you should destroy what you are certain that your parents would condemn as worthless junk, you rush to the common room, where you see a confrontation in progress. Or at least, what Lambert Cobo clearly wants to be a confrontation with the two Aranaz students whom he is interacting with.

“Yes, Aymeri,” he is saying. “I know that you are only here because Tabin wanted your help as he goes to meet [PCFullName], but you and Tabin are still Aranaz students. You are probably involved in Tabin’s scheme for a reason best known to you and von Rupprecht!”

“As if you are not guided by Briardi,” Aymeri snarls, wand trembling in his hand.

“Briardi at least teaches real magic,” Lambert retorts with a triumphant grin.

As Aymeri responds with a squawk of outrage and begins to trace phemes with his wand, Tabin slips past the two other students – who now seem to be engaged in an impromptu duel – and goes up to you.

“I am glad,” he murmurs, “that my getting Aymeri to help me was not a favor used in vain.”

Then, in a voice that would be clearly audible but for the duel that his actions have provoked, Tabin says, “I came here because I want to talk to you, but this is hardly the best place. Can we go to a quieter place?”

With little hesitation, you lead Tabin to the corridor outside your room.

“We need not go anywhere else,” Tabin says, once he has ascertained that the corridor is deserted. To your surprise, his face is not cheerful, but is drawn into a gloomy frown.

If Tabin were any other male student, you would think that he would be sad only about leaving you, but knowing about Tabin as you do – to say nothing about the students whom he calls his siblings – you suspect that Tabin has more on his mind than such lowly things as partings.

“Is this about your family?” you ask him.

“In a way,” Tabin moans. “A dear female relative realized that I was thinking about you in a rather sad way, and she urged me to be honest with you.”

“How honest?” You thrill at the thought that Tabin may divulge to you where he gained his knowledge of powerful plants and what he and his siblings were doing stealing a powerful artifact from Legate Orsi and exploring a mysterious pirate-infested island.

“Not as honest as I would like to be,” Tabin sighs. But then, looking into your eyes, he smiles faintly. “But honest enough for me to assure you that I would only use mind-controlling plants against my enemies – never against my allies, friends, or dear friends unless they want it. My siblings, whom I have trusted with my life as you know, would agree with me.”

Then, as if aware of how bizarre such a confession may sound, Tabin giggles and, after murmuring something about Aaran Ledale, says, “What I really came here to do, though, aside from say things that seem quite strange out of context, is to assure you that I have sides to myself not associated with such mysterious things that I would love to reveal to you through writing over the summer, if you would permit me.”

Looking into Tabin’s eyes, you see no evidence that Tabin is being dishonest; to the contrary, you are able to interpret his frown and sighs as suggesting that he is terrified that you will bring to an end the very deep friendship that you have with him because he is too mysterious and too obviously involved in activities of questionable legality and ethicality.

Still, the choice is yours, and you can make it regardless of the pain that it may cause to you and to Tabin.

If PC is not in Durand College
 

Spoiler

You sitting in your room in [PC’s College’s] College, trying to calculate how much of your preparation for leaving the Academagia you have yet to do, when you hear a knocking at your door.

Glad for a distraction from some rather unpleasant thoughts about whether you should destroy what you are certain that your parents would condemn as worthless junk, you rush to open the door, revealing to you Tabin Furenzti.

Tabin says, “I came here because I want to talk to you.”

With little hesitation, you leave your room and stand with Tabin in the corridor outside your room.

“We need not go anywhere else,” Tabin says, once he has ascertained that the corridor is deserted. To your surprise, his face is not cheerful, but is drawn into a gloomy frown.

If Tabin were any other male student, you would think that he would be sad only about leaving you, but knowing about Tabin as you do – to say nothing about the students whom he calls his siblings – you suspect that Tabin has more on his mind than such lowly things as partings.

“Is this about your family?” you ask him.

“In a way,” Tabin moans. “A dear female relative realized that I was thinking about you in a rather sad way, and she urged me to be honest with you.”

“How honest?” You thrill at the thought that Tabin may divulge to you where he gained his knowledge of powerful plants and what he and his siblings were doing stealing a powerful artifact from Legate Orsi and exploring a mysterious pirate-infested island.

“Not as honest as I would like to be,” Tabin sighs. But then, looking into your eyes, he smiles faintly. “But honest enough for me to assure you that I would only use mind-controlling plants against my enemies – never against my allies, friends, or dear friends unless they want it. My siblings, whom I have trusted with my life as you know, would agree with me.”

Then, as if aware of how bizarre such a confession may sound, Tabin giggles and, after murmuring something about Aaran Ledale, says, “What I really came here to do, though, aside from say things that seem quite strange out of context, is to assure you that I have sides to myself not associated with such mysterious things that I would love to reveal to you through writing over the summer, if you would permit me.”

Looking into Tabin’s eyes, you see no evidence that Tabin is being dishonest; to the contrary, you are able to interpret his frown and sighs as suggesting that he is terrified that you will bring to an end the very deep friendship that you have with him because he is too mysterious and too obviously involved in activities of questionable legality and ethicality.

Still, the choice is yours, and you can make it regardless of the pain that it may cause to you and to Tabin.

 

 

Choices:

Spoiler

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht or completed the adventure The Unseen Arrival] “We both deal in mysterious secrets, Tabin. So why should I let your mysterious secrets get in the way of my relationship with you?”

Spoiler

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht and did not complete the adventure The Unseen Arrival]
 

Spoiler

For the first time since he has met you while interrupting your thoughts about packing, Tabin’s face becomes fully transformed to reveal joy. He beams at you and says, in a voice bubbling with enthusiasm, “That is wonderful, [PCFirstName]. I would not dare to ask what your secrets are, but you are willing to overlook my secrets because we get along so well.”

Tabin then proceeds to describe for you how you can write to a certain address in Porziana, where he will be spending the summer.

“If I cannot reply to you as often as you would like me to,” Tabin says, “then please remember that I will be working as a bookkeeper over the summer. But your words will bring welcome levity to the drudgery that I am aware that bookkeepers deal with.”

After you and Tabin say your farewells to each other, you are left to wonder how Tabin would react if he were knowing that you are studying gates magic at the Schohanwicht. Knowing about how to use plants to control people’s minds is creepy and little-known, but gates magic is illegal – and much rarer, you think, than theft and dealings with pirates. But then you shrug. You are willing to overlook so many taboos in pursuit of knowledge. You will have to deal with your studies’ disclosure when it arises – if it must. Tabin, after all, is hardly revealing everything about himself. [+ 1 skill step relaxation for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, + 1 skill step negotiation for the PC, + I skill step playfulness for Tabin Furenzti, end event]

[If PC is not Student at the Schohanwicht and completed the adventure The Unseen Arrival]

Spoiler

For the first time since he has met you while interrupting your thoughts about packing, Tabin’s face becomes fully transformed to reveal joy. He beams at you and says, in a voice bubbling with enthusiasm, “That is wonderful, [PCFirstName]. I would not dare to ask what your secrets are, but you are willing to overlook my secrets because we get along so well.”

Tabin then proceeds to describe for you how you can write to a certain address in Porziana, where he will be spending the summer.

“If I cannot reply to you as often as you would like me to,” Tabin says, “then please remember that I will be working as a bookkeeper over the summer. But your words will bring welcome levity to the drudgery that I am aware that bookkeepers deal with.”

After you and Tabin say your farewells to each other, you are left to wonder how Tabin would react if he were knowing that you are studying mastery magic in a cave filled with crystals. Knowing about how to use plants to control people’s minds is creepy and little-known, but mastery magic is illegal – and much rarer, you think, than theft and dealings with pirates. But then you shrug. You are willing to overlook so many taboos in pursuit of knowledge. You will have to deal with your studies’ disclosure when it arises – if it must. Tabin, after all, is hardly revealing everything about himself, and he seems to sympathize with certain goals of mastery magic. [+ 1 skill step relaxation for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, + 1 skill step negotiation for the PC, + I skill step playfulness for Tabin Furenzti, end event]

[If PC is Student at the Schohanwicht and completed the adventure The Unseen Arrival]

Spoiler

For the first time since he has met you while interrupting your thoughts about packing, Tabin’s face becomes fully transformed to reveal joy. He beams at you and says, in a voice bubbling with enthusiasm, “That is wonderful, [PCFirstName]. I would not dare to ask what your secrets are, but you are willing to overlook my secrets because we get along so well.”

Tabin then proceeds to describe for you how you can write to a certain address in Porziana, where he will be spending the summer.

“If I cannot reply to you as often as you would like me to,” Tabin says, “then please remember that I will be working as a bookkeeper over the summer. But your words will bring welcome levity to the drudgery that I am aware that bookkeepers deal with.”

After you and Tabin say your farewells to each other, you are left to wonder how Tabin would react if he were knowing that you are studying gates magic in the Schohanwicht and mastery magic in a cave filled with crystals. Knowing about how to use plants to control people’s minds is creepy and little-known, but mastery magic and gates magic are illegal – and much rarer, you think, than theft and dealings with pirates. But then you shrug. You are willing to overlook so many taboos in pursuit of knowledge. You will have to deal with your studies’ disclosure when it arises – if it must. Tabin, after all, is hardly revealing everything about himself, and he seems to sympathize with certain goals of mastery magic. You just hope that you can balance your studies of two pillars of illegal magic, studies in the Academagia, and your social life in a way that does not deny to any its appropriate attention [+ 1 skill step relaxation for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, + 1 skill step negotiation for the PC, + I skill step playfulness for Tabin Furenzti, + 1 stress for the PC, end event]

 

“I would love to stay in contact with you during the summer, Tabin. If I were unwilling to risk things for you, then I would not have helped you on the island.”

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]
 

Spoiler

For the first time since he has met you while interrupting your thoughts about packing, Tabin’s face becomes fully happy. He smiles with his eyes and mouth and says, “Thanks so much, [PCFirstName].”

Tabin then proceeds to describe for you how you can write to a certain address in Porziana, where he will be spending the summer.

“If I cannot reply to you as often as you would like me to,” Tabin says, “then please remember that I will be working as a bookkeeper over the summer. But your words will bring welcome levity to the drudgery that I am aware that bookkeepers deal with.”

After you and Tabin say your farewells to each other, you are left to resume focussing upon your packing. You are so glad that Tabin Furenzti is your very dear friend, and you thrill at the thought of dating him in the future. [+ 1 skill step relaxation for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, end event]

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]
 

Spoiler

For the first time since he has met you while interrupting your thoughts about packing, Tabin’s face becomes fully happy. He smiles with his eyes and mouth and says, “Thanks so much, [PCFirstName].”

Tabin then proceeds to describe for you how you can write to a certain address in Porziana, where he will be spending the summer.

“If I cannot reply to you as often as you would like me to,” Tabin says, “then please remember that I will be working as a bookkeeper over the summer. But your words will bring welcome levity to the drudgery that I am aware that bookkeepers deal with.”

After you and Tabin say your farewells to each other, you are left to resume focussing upon your packing. You are so glad that Tabin Furenzti is your very dear friend. [+ 1 skill step relaxation for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, end event]

 

“I’m sorry, Tabin, but I was expecting more from you given our…feelings for each other.”

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

Tabin mumbles a word that you suspect that few people in Mineta understand and then says, in a voice filled with barely controlled sorrow, “Yeah. She warned me that this might happen. We cannot all be like Cyrus Dawes or Sima Venesico, and, well, I would not be the first to have to choose between relationships.”

Then, in a slightly calmer voice, Tabin says to you, “I can fully understand your decision, though. Between the plants and the pirates, I am hardly the sort of boy whom a girl’s parents would approve of – and that is not even considering the secrecy. Still, I hope that I can earn your trust in later years – you have made many friends for life with me.”

After Tabin, with a small wave, has left you to resume considering your progress in leaving the Academagia, you are distracted not unpleasantly by thinking about his kind sensitivity. He did not condemn you for leading him on, nor did he dismiss your concerns as unreasonable. Rather, he recognized that your concerns were legitimate and respectfully said that he would try to earn your trust.

You have thought about who would make an ideal boyfriend even before you came to the Academagia, and you suppose that a boy like Tabin would be very close to one for you. It is a pity that he is so secretive and has such creepy knowledge! [+ 1 skill step dating for the PC, + 1 skill step romance for the PC, + I skill step willpower for Tabin Furenzti, + I skill step empathy for Tabin Furenzti, relationship between Tabin Furenzti and the PC set to 10, end event]

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

Tabin mumbles a word that you suspect that few people in Mineta understand and then says, in a voice filled with barely controlled sorrow, “Yeah. She warned me that this might happen. We cannot all be like Cyrus Dawes or Sima Venesico, and, well, I would not be the first to have to choose between relationships.”

Then, in a slightly calmer voice, Tabin says to you, “I can fully understand your decision, though. Between the plants and the pirates, I am hardly the sort of boy whom a girl’s parents would approve of – and that is not even considering the secrecy. Still, I hope that I can earn your trust in later years – you have made many friends for life with me.”

After Tabin, with a small wave, has left you to resume considering your progress in leaving the Academagia, you are distracted not unpleasantly by thinking about his kind sensitivity. He did not dismiss your concerns as unreasonable. Rather, he recognized that your concerns were legitimate and respectfully said that he would try to earn your trust.

You suppose that Tabin Furenzti could be a very dear friend to you. It is a pity that he is so secretive and has such creepy knowledge! [+ 1 skill step temperance for the PC, + 1 skill step romance for the PC, + I skill step willpower for Tabin Furenzti, + I skill step empathy for Tabin Furenzti, relationship between Tabin Furenzti and the PC set to 10, end event]

 

 

 

Reward:

Spoiler

Activity

Write to Tabin Furenzti

Description

Spoiler

Despite his comparatively inconspicuous and taciturn personality compared to the people whom he calls his siblings, Tabin is not lacking in interesting ideas and his written correspondence to you reveals a perspicacious and shrewd mind that may, in certain circumstances, be charming even to girls who are not attracted to his foreignness.

In-Game Benefits

Spoiler

+ 1 skill step to a random war subskill for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, + 1 skill step to a random heraldry subskill for the PC and Tabin Furenzti, prevents relationship decay over summer vacation

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sima’s Farewell
 

Spoiler

Notes:

Spoiler

This is a scene that is meant to trigger automatically in Y2 when a PC is preparing to go home for the summer vacation near the game’s beginning. Its prerequisites are: must have completed Sima Venesico’s Y1 adventure and the Triplets’ Y1 Main Adventure, must have affection with Sima Venesico, must be a student at the Schohanwicht School and/or have completed the adventure The Unseen Arrival, must have completed the adventures The Much-Rumored Tower, Magsa's got a new project, and The Door in the Bad Part of Town, and the PC must not be in Hedi College and must have glamor skill < 10. If these criteria seem strict, then the event’s rewards justify it.

Text
 

Spoiler

[If PC completed the adventure The Unseen Arrival so as to be able to study at the Cave of Crystal]
 

Spoiler

[If PC is student at the Schohanwicht School]

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]
 

Spoiler

You are trying to determine whether you really need to preserve a complete set of notes from [RandomY1ClassthatPCTook] – and whether eliminating such notes would drastically improve your time in packing up your room in the Academagia – when you hear a knocking at your door.

Eager for a distraction from such dreary contemplations, you rush to the door, whose opening only increases your joy when you see that Sima Venesico is standing outside your room, bearing a book. Knowing that Sima is interested in areas of magic that overlap with both of your secret (and highly illegal) areas of study, you thrill to think about what Sima could be here to talk to you about. Not every farewell, you suppose, has to be a cliched scene.

But then, looking at Sima’s serious face, you are reminded of another, less happy, aspect of being Sima’s very dear friend. She often has mysterious problems that involve illegal and very dangerous actions.

“Fear not, Sima,” you whisper to her. “I am not expecting anything beyond what you think proper.” You hope that Sima’s seriousness may only be due to concerns that you may have unrealistic expectations about what her farewell might involve, given the wonderful feelings that have arisen between you and Sima.

“[PCFirstName], we need to talk,” Sima says. “About certain things that may cause problems between us. But I want to help you, just like you helped me so much over this past year.”

“What things?” you ask, hoping that Sima is not referring to your reputation for flirting with girls.

“I know that I am mysterious, and I know that you know that I like to get boys to do certain things related to dangerous magics for me,” Sima says. “So I want to assure you that you are more than a tool to me. You are a very precious friend to me, without whom I would not have been able to make the necklace or deal with the whole business about pirates attacking the school. Friendships for life have been based upon less.”

Looking at Sima’s face, you are inclined to believe her words to be sincere. And thinking about the things that you and she have done together, as well as her reactions to them, you believe that you have made a very dear friend for life – if not more, come in time.

As if sensing that you accept her claim, Sima whispers, with a smile that can be seen as flirtatious and sly, “Certainly, you are more competent than Lambert Cobo – and less likely to be caught spying in humiliating places.”

Thrilling to receive such a compliment from Sima, you are not as gobsmacked as you might otherwise be when Sima says, “But we need to talk about another mysterious person whom I thrill to have had help from – you.”

You are, however, still flung into a panic by worrying about what Sima wants you to say about why you are mysterious. Sima, apparently recognizing your fears, raises a hand to her lips.

“I am not wanting to know why you keep disappearing from Mineta and returning battered sometime later, student of the Purple Academy of Thei – although I have little doubt that it is something rather illegal. The staff here are not the only ones who suspect you of illegal magic.”

Then, after a breathy giggle that so resembles something from the beautiful socialite whom she tries to present herself as, Sima coos words that you very much doubt that a true socialite – outside perhaps Malkstrang – would say.

“If I were to limit myself to people always obeying rules, where would my family and friends be?”

Then, in a more serious voice, Sima says, “But you should take precautions, yes? I would so hate to lose such a competent, brave, potential boyfriend because of his violating pesky rules – even if they are only related to illegal prize-fights.”

“That seems reasonable,” you croak, wondering whether Sima would be so calm and flirtatious if she were knowing that you are studying two illegal pillars of magic.

“So glad that you agree,” Sima drawls. “So I used certain connections to get for you a book that may be very helpful for you over the summer vacation.”

Sima thrusts forth the book that she is holding, “Do not be put off by its title. It can make you at least competent in glamor magic, which would grant you the very useful ability to conceal all sorts of important things easily.”

You take the book, not doubting that Sima must have gotten some very interesting book – perhaps from the same source who wanted the necklace that she made with your help – and feeling glad that she is sharing it with you.

But how will you respond to this generosity from your very dear friend?

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

You are trying to determine whether you really need to preserve a complete set of notes from [RandomY1ClassthatPCTook] – and whether eliminating such notes would drastically improve your time in packing up your room in the Academagia – when you hear a knocking at your door.

Eager for a distraction from such dreary contemplations, you rush to the door, whose opening only increases your joy when you see that Sima Venesico is standing outside your room, bearing a book. Knowing that Sima is interested in areas of magic that overlap with both of your secret (and highly illegal) areas of study, you thrill to think about what Sima could be here to talk to you about. Not every farewell, you suppose, has to be a cliched scene.

But then, looking at Sima’s serious face, you are reminded of another, less happy, aspect of being Sima’s very dear friend. She often has mysterious problems that involve illegal and very dangerous actions.

“[PCFirstName], we need to talk,” Sima says. “About certain things that may cause problems between us. But I want to help you, just like you helped me so much over this past year.”

“What things?” you ask.

“I know that I am mysterious, and I know that you know that I like to get boys to do certain things related to dangerous magics for me,” Sima says. “So I want to assure you that you are more than a tool to me. You are a very precious friend to me, without whom I would not have been able to make the necklace or deal with the whole business about pirates attacking the school. Friendships for life have been based upon less.”

Looking at Sima’s face, you are inclined to believe her words to be sincere. And thinking about the things that you and she have done together, as well as her reactions to them, you believe that you have made a very dear friend for life. Certainly, her willingness to assuage your potential concerns about what her relationships with Magsa Nembo, Lambert Cobo, and Alan Driscoll may reveal about her real feelings for you suggests that she recognizes that her mysteriousness has disadvantages – which she tries to deal with rather than ignore. And if she is not revealing her full secrets, you are not either.

As if sensing that you accept her claim, Sima whispers, with a smile that can be seen as flirtatious and sly, “Certainly, you are more competent than Lambert Cobo – and less likely to be caught spying in humiliating places.”

Thrilling to receive such a compliment from Sima, you are not as gobsmacked as you might otherwise be when Sima says, “But we need to talk about another mysterious person whom I thrill to have had help from – you.”

You are, however, still flung into a panic by worrying about what Sima wants you to say about why you are mysterious. Sima, apparently recognizing your fears, raises a hand to her lips.

“I am not wanting to know why you keep disappearing from Mineta and returning battered sometime later, student of the Purple Academy of Thei – although I have little doubt that it is something rather illegal. The staff here are not the only ones who suspect you of illegal magic.”

Then, after a breathy giggle that so resembles something from the beautiful socialite whom she tries to present herself as, Sima coos words that you very much doubt that a true socialite – outside perhaps Malkstrang – would say.

“If I were to limit myself to people always obeying rules, where would my family and friends be?”

Then, in a more serious voice, Sima says, “But you should take precautions, yes? I would so hate to lose such a competent, brave, dear friend because of his violating pesky rules – even if they are only related to illegal prize-fights.”

“That seems reasonable,” you croak, wondering whether Sima would be so calm and flirtatious if she were knowing that you are studying two illegal pillars of magic.

“So glad that you agree,” Sima drawls. “So I used certain connections to get for you a book that may be very helpful for you over the summer vacation.”

Sima thrusts forth the book that she is holding, “Do not be put off by its title. It can make you at least competent in glamor magic, which would grant you the very useful ability to conceal all sorts of important things easily.”

You take the book, not doubting that Sima must have gotten some very interesting book – perhaps from the same source who wanted the necklace that she made with your help – and feeling glad that she is sharing it with you.

But how will you respond to this generosity from your very dear friend?

 

[If PC is not student at the Schohanwicht School]

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

You are trying to determine whether you really need to preserve a complete set of notes from [RandomY1ClassthatPCTook] – and whether eliminating such notes would drastically improve your time in packing up your room in the Academagia – when you hear a knocking at your door.

Eager for a distraction from such dreary contemplations, you rush to the door, whose opening only increases your joy when you see that Sima Venesico is standing outside your room, bearing a book. Knowing that Sima is interested in areas of magic that overlap with your secret (and highly illegal) area of study, you thrill to think about what Sima could be here to talk to you about. Not every farewell, you suppose, has to be a cliched scene.

But then, looking at Sima’s serious face, you are reminded of another, less happy, aspect of being Sima’s very dear friend. She often has mysterious problems that involve illegal and very dangerous actions.

“Fear not, Sima,” you whisper to her. “I am not expecting anything beyond what you think proper.” You hope that Sima’s seriousness may only be due to concerns that you may have unrealistic expectations about what her farewell might involve, given the wonderful feelings that have arisen between you and Sima.

“[PCFirstName], we need to talk,” Sima says. “About certain things that may cause problems between us. But I want to help you, just like you helped me so much over this past year.”

“What things?” you ask, hoping that Sima is not referring to your reputation for flirting with girls.

“I know that I am mysterious, and I know that you know that I like to get boys to do certain things related to dangerous magics for me,” Sima says. “So I want to assure you that you are more than a tool to me. You are a very precious friend to me, without whom I would not have been able to make the necklace or deal with the whole business about pirates attacking the school. Friendships for life have been based upon less.”

Looking at Sima’s face, you are inclined to believe her words to be sincere. And thinking about the things that you and she have done together, as well as her reactions to them, you believe that you have made a very dear friend for life – if not more, come in time.

As if sensing that you accept her claim, Sima whispers, with a smile that can be seen as flirtatious and sly, “Certainly, you are more competent than Lambert Cobo – and less likely to be caught spying in humiliating places.”

Thrilling to receive such a compliment from Sima, you are not as gobsmacked as you might otherwise be when Sima says, “But we need to talk about another mysterious person whom I thrill to have had help from – you.”

You are, however, still flung into a panic by worrying about what Sima wants you to say about why you are mysterious. Sima, apparently recognizing your fears, raises a hand to her lips.

“I am not wanting to know why you keep disappearing from Mineta and returning battered sometime later, student of the Purple Academy of Thei – although I have little doubt that it is something rather illegal. The staff here are not the only ones who suspect you of illegal magic.”

Then, after a breathy giggle that so resembles something from the beautiful socialite whom she tries to present herself as, Sima coos words that you very much doubt that a true socialite – outside perhaps Malkstrang – would say.

“If I were to limit myself to people always obeying rules, where would my family and friends be?”

Then, in a more serious voice, Sima says, “But you should take precautions, yes? I would so hate to lose such a competent, brave, potential boyfriend because of his violating pesky rules – even if they are only related to illegal prize-fights.”

“That seems reasonable,” you croak, feeling relieved that Sima is not asking you to reveal more about your illegal studies.

“So glad that you agree,” Sima drawls. “So I used certain connections to get for you a book that may be very helpful for you over the summer vacation.”

Sima thrusts forth the book that she is holding, “Do not be put off by its title. It can make you at least competent in glamor magic, which would grant you the very useful ability to conceal all sorts of important things easily.”

You take the book, not doubting that Sima must have gotten some very interesting book – perhaps from the same source who wanted the necklace that she made with your help – and feeling glad that she is sharing it with you.

But how will you respond to this generosity from your very dear friend?

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

You are trying to determine whether you really need to preserve a complete set of notes from [RandomY1ClassthatPCTook] – and whether eliminating such notes would drastically improve your time in packing up your room in the Academagia – when you hear a knocking at your door.

Eager for a distraction from such dreary contemplations, you rush to the door, whose opening only increases your joy when you see that Sima Venesico is standing outside your room, bearing a book. Knowing that Sima is interested in areas of magic that overlap with your secret (and highly illegal) area of study, you thrill to think about what Sima could be here to talk to you about. Not every farewell, you suppose, has to be a cliched scene.

But then, looking at Sima’s serious face, you are reminded of another, less happy, aspect of being Sima’s very dear friend. She often has mysterious problems that involve illegal and very dangerous actions.

“[PCFirstName], we need to talk,” Sima says. “About certain things that may cause problems between us. But I want to help you, just like you helped me so much over this past year.”

“What things?” you ask.

“I know that I am mysterious, and I know that you know that I like to get boys to do certain things related to dangerous magics for me,” Sima says. “So I want to assure you that you are more than a tool to me. You are a very precious friend to me, without whom I would not have been able to make the necklace or deal with the whole business about pirates attacking the school. Friendships for life have been based upon less.”

Looking at Sima’s face, you are inclined to believe her words to be sincere. And thinking about the things that you and she have done together, as well as her reactions to them, you believe that you have made a very dear friend for life. Certainly, her willingness to assuage your potential concerns about what her relationships with Magsa Nembo, Lambert Cobo, and Alan Driscoll may reveal about her real feelings for you suggests that she recognizes that her mysteriousness has disadvantages – which she tries to deal with rather than ignore. And if she is not revealing her full secrets, you are not either.

As if sensing that you accept her claim, Sima whispers, with a smile that can be seen as flirtatious and sly, “Certainly, you are more competent than Lambert Cobo – and less likely to be caught spying in humiliating places.”

Thrilling to receive such a compliment from Sima, you are not as gobsmacked as you might otherwise be when Sima says, “But we need to talk about another mysterious person whom I thrill to have had help from – you.”

You are, however, still flung into a panic by worrying about what Sima wants you to say about why you are mysterious. Sima, apparently recognizing your fears, raises a hand to her lips.

“I am not wanting to know why you keep disappearing from Mineta and returning battered sometime later, student of the Purple Academy of Thei – although I have little doubt that it is something rather illegal. The staff here are not the only ones who suspect you of illegal magic.”

Then, after a breathy giggle that so resembles something from the beautiful socialite whom she tries to present herself as, Sima coos words that you very much doubt that a true socialite – outside perhaps Malkstrang – would say.

“If I were to limit myself to people always obeying rules, where would my family and friends be?”

Then, in a more serious voice, Sima says, “But you should take precautions, yes? I would so hate to lose such a competent, brave, dear friend because of his violating pesky rules – even if they are only related to illegal prize-fights.”

“That seems reasonable,” you croak, feeling relieved that Sima is not asking you to reveal more about your illegal studies.

“So glad that you agree,” Sima drawls. “So I used certain connections to get for you a book that may be very helpful for you over the summer vacation.”

Sima thrusts forth the book that she is holding, “Do not be put off by its title. It can make you at least competent in glamor magic, which would grant you the very useful ability to conceal all sorts of important things easily.”

You take the book, not doubting that Sima must have gotten some very interesting book – perhaps from the same source who wanted the necklace that she made with your help – and feeling glad that she is sharing it with you.

But how will you respond to this generosity from your very dear friend?

 

 

[If PC did not complete the adventure The Unseen Arrival so as to be able to study at the Cave of Crystal]
 

Spoiler

[If PC has background: Academy: Purple Academy of Thei]

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

You are trying to determine whether you really need to preserve a complete set of notes from [RandomY1ClassthatPCTook] – and whether eliminating such notes would drastically improve your time in packing up your room in the Academagia – when you hear a knocking at your door.

Eager for a distraction from such dreary contemplations, you rush to the door, whose opening only increases your joy when you see that Sima Venesico is standing outside your room, bearing a book. Knowing that Sima is interested in areas of magic that overlap with your secret (and highly illegal) area of study, you thrill to think about what Sima could be here to talk to you about. Not every farewell, you suppose, has to be a cliched scene.

But then, looking at Sima’s serious face, you are reminded of another, less happy, aspect of being Sima’s very dear friend. She often has mysterious problems that involve illegal and very dangerous actions.

“Fear not, Sima,” you whisper to her. “I am not expecting anything beyond what you think proper.” You hope that Sima’s seriousness may only be due to concerns that you may have unrealistic expectations about what her farewell might involve, given the wonderful feelings that have arisen between you and Sima.

“[PCFirstName], we need to talk,” Sima says. “About certain things that may cause problems between us. But I want to help you, just like you helped me so much over this past year.”

“What things?” you ask, hoping that Sima is not referring to your reputation for flirting with girls.

“I know that I am mysterious, and I know that you know that I like to get boys to do certain things related to dangerous magics for me,” Sima says. “So I want to assure you that you are more than a tool to me. You are a very precious friend to me, without whom I would not have been able to make the necklace or deal with the whole business about pirates attacking the school. Friendships for life have been based upon less.”

Looking at Sima’s face, you are inclined to believe her words to be sincere. And thinking about the things that you and she have done together, as well as her reactions to them, you believe that you have made a very dear friend for life – if not more, come in time.

As if sensing that you accept her claim, Sima whispers, with a smile that can be seen as flirtatious and sly, “Certainly, you are more competent than Lambert Cobo – and less likely to be caught spying in humiliating places.”

Thrilling to receive such a compliment from Sima, you are not as gobsmacked as you might otherwise be when Sima says, “But we need to talk about another mysterious person whom I thrill to have had help from – you.”

You are, however, still flung into a panic by worrying about what Sima wants you to say about why you are mysterious. Sima, apparently recognizing your fears, raises a hand to her lips.

“I am not wanting to know why you keep disappearing from Mineta and returning battered sometime later, student of the Purple Academy of Thei – although I have little doubt that it is something rather illegal. The staff here are not the only ones who suspect you of illegal magic.”

Then, after a breathy giggle that so resembles something from the beautiful socialite whom she tries to present herself as, Sima coos words that you very much doubt that a true socialite – outside perhaps Malkstrang – would say.

“If I were to limit myself to people always obeying rules, where would my family and friends be?”

Then, in a more serious voice, Sima says, “But you should take precautions, yes? I would so hate to lose such a competent, brave, potential boyfriend because of his violating pesky rules – even if they are only related to illegal prize-fights.”

“That seems reasonable,” you croak, feeling relieved that Sima is not asking you to reveal more about your illegal studies and inwardly wincing to remember that despite the suspicion that your studying at the Purple Academy of Thei has brought to you, all of your illegal studies in magic have been with the Schohanwicht School instead.

“So glad that you agree,” Sima drawls. “So I used certain connections to get for you a book that may be very helpful for you over the summer vacation.”

Sima thrusts forth the book that she is holding, “Do not be put off by its title. It can make you at least competent in glamor magic, which would grant you the very useful ability to conceal all sorts of important things easily.”

You take the book, not doubting that Sima must have gotten some very interesting book – perhaps from the same source who wanted the necklace that she made with your help – and feeling glad that she is sharing it with you.

But how will you respond to this generosity from your very dear friend?

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

You are trying to determine whether you really need to preserve a complete set of notes from [RandomY1ClassthatPCTook] – and whether eliminating such notes would drastically improve your time in packing up your room in the Academagia – when you hear a knocking at your door.

Eager for a distraction from such dreary contemplations, you rush to the door, whose opening only increases your joy when you see that Sima Venesico is standing outside your room, bearing a book. Knowing that Sima is interested in areas of magic that overlap with your secret (and highly illegal) area of study, you thrill to think about what Sima could be here to talk to you about. Not every farewell, you suppose, has to be a cliched scene.

But then, looking at Sima’s serious face, you are reminded of another, less happy, aspect of being Sima’s very dear friend. She often has mysterious problems that involve illegal and very dangerous actions.

“[PCFirstName], we need to talk,” Sima says. “About certain things that may cause problems between us. But I want to help you, just like you helped me so much over this past year.”

“What things?” you ask.

“I know that I am mysterious, and I know that you know that I like to get boys to do certain things related to dangerous magics for me,” Sima says. “So I want to assure you that you are more than a tool to me. You are a very precious friend to me, without whom I would not have been able to make the necklace or deal with the whole business about pirates attacking the school. Friendships for life have been based upon less.”

Looking at Sima’s face, you are inclined to believe her words to be sincere. And thinking about the things that you and she have done together, as well as her reactions to them, you believe that you have made a very dear friend for life. Certainly, her willingness to assuage your potential concerns about what her relationships with Magsa Nembo, Lambert Cobo, and Alan Driscoll may reveal about her real feelings for you suggests that she recognizes that her mysteriousness has disadvantages – which she tries to deal with rather than ignore. And if she is not revealing her full secrets, you are not either.

As if sensing that you accept her claim, Sima whispers, with a smile that can be seen as flirtatious and sly, “Certainly, you are more competent than Lambert Cobo – and less likely to be caught spying in humiliating places.”

Thrilling to receive such a compliment from Sima, you are not as gobsmacked as you might otherwise be when Sima says, “But we need to talk about another mysterious person whom I thrill to have had help from – you.”

You are, however, still flung into a panic by worrying about what Sima wants you to say about why you are mysterious. Sima, apparently recognizing your fears, raises a hand to her lips.

“I am not wanting to know why you keep disappearing from Mineta and returning battered sometime later, student of the Purple Academy of Thei – although I have little doubt that it is something rather illegal. The staff here are not the only ones who suspect you of illegal magic.”

Then, after a breathy giggle that so resembles something from the beautiful socialite whom she tries to present herself as, Sima coos words that you very much doubt that a true socialite – outside perhaps Malkstrang – would say.

“If I were to limit myself to people always obeying rules, where would my family and friends be?”

Then, in a more serious voice, Sima says, “But you should take precautions, yes? I would so hate to lose such a competent, brave, dear friend because of his violating pesky rules – even if they are only related to illegal prize-fights.”

“That seems reasonable,” you croak, feeling relieved that Sima is not asking you to reveal more about your illegal studies and inwardly wincing to remember that despite the suspicion that your studying at the Purple Academy of Thei has brought to you, all of your illegal studies in magic have been with the Schohanwicht School instead.

“So glad that you agree,” Sima drawls. “So I used certain connections to get for you a book that may be very helpful for you over the summer vacation.”

Sima thrusts forth the book that she is holding, “Do not be put off by its title. It can make you at least competent in glamor magic, which would grant you the very useful ability to conceal all sorts of important things easily.”

You take the book, not doubting that Sima must have gotten some very interesting book – perhaps from the same source who wanted the necklace that she made with your help – and feeling glad that she is sharing it with you.

But how will you respond to this generosity from your very dear friend?

 

[If PC has no background: Academy: Purple Academy of Thei]

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]
 

Spoiler

You are trying to determine whether you really need to preserve a complete set of notes from [RandomY1ClassthatPCTook] – and whether eliminating such notes would drastically improve your time in packing up your room in the Academagia – when you hear a knocking at your door.

Eager for a distraction from such dreary contemplations, you rush to the door, whose opening only increases your joy when you see that Sima Venesico is standing outside your room, bearing a book. Knowing that Sima is interested in areas of magic that overlap with your secret (and highly illegal) area of study, you thrill to think about what Sima could be here to talk to you about. Not every farewell, you suppose, has to be a cliched scene.

But then, looking at Sima’s serious face, you are reminded of another, less happy, aspect of being Sima’s very dear friend. She often has mysterious problems that involve illegal and very dangerous actions.

“Fear not, Sima,” you whisper to her. “I am not expecting anything beyond what you think proper.” You hope that Sima’s seriousness may only be due to concerns that you may have unrealistic expectations about what her farewell might involve, given the wonderful feelings that have arisen between you and Sima.

“[PCFirstName], we need to talk,” Sima says. “About certain things that may cause problems between us. But I want to help you, just like you helped me so much over this past year.”

“What things?” you ask, hoping that Sima is not referring to your reputation for flirting with girls.

“I know that I am mysterious, and I know that you know that I like to get boys to do certain things related to dangerous magics for me,” Sima says. “So I want to assure you that you are more than a tool to me. You are a very precious friend to me, without whom I would not have been able to make the necklace or deal with the whole business about pirates attacking the school. Friendships for life have been based upon less.”

Looking at Sima’s face, you are inclined to believe her words to be sincere. And thinking about the things that you and she have done together, as well as her reactions to them, you believe that you have made a very dear friend for life – if not more, come in time.

As if sensing that you accept her claim, Sima whispers, with a smile that can be seen as flirtatious and sly, “Certainly, you are more competent than Lambert Cobo – and less likely to be caught spying in humiliating places.”

Thrilling to receive such a compliment from Sima, you are not as gobsmacked as you might otherwise be when Sima says, “But we need to talk about another mysterious person whom I thrill to have had help from – you.”

You are, however, still flung into a panic by worrying about what Sima wants you to say about why you are mysterious. Sima, apparently recognizing your fears, raises a hand to her lips.

“I am not wanting to know why you keep disappearing from Mineta and returning battered sometime later, although given what you have been willing to get up to with me and some others, I would not be very surprised if I were to learn that it involves very secretive and dangerous magic that is, to put it mildly, very much against the rules.”

Then, after a breathy giggle that so resembles something from the beautiful socialite whom she tries to present herself as, Sima coos words that you very much doubt that a true socialite – outside perhaps Malkstrang – would say.

“If I were to limit myself to people always obeying rules, where would my family and friends be?”

Then, in a more serious voice, Sima says, “But you should take precautions, yes? I would so hate to lose such a competent, brave, potential boyfriend because of his violating pesky rules – even if they are only related to illegal prize-fights.”

“That seems reasonable,” you croak, feeling relieved that Sima is not asking you to reveal more about your illegal studies and wondering whether she would be so calm if she were to know that you are in fact studying gates magic – at a school in another universe that you sometimes think to be more of a temple to Aminþia Que’la than a place for unbiased studying of gates magic.

“So glad that you agree,” Sima drawls. “So I used certain connections to get for you a book that may be very helpful for you over the summer vacation.”

Sima thrusts forth the book that she is holding, “Do not be put off by its title. It can make you at least competent in glamor magic, which would grant you the very useful ability to conceal all sorts of important things easily.”

You take the book, not doubting that Sima must have gotten some very interesting book – perhaps from the same source who wanted the necklace that she made with your help – and feeling glad that she is sharing it with you.

But how will you respond to this generosity from your very dear friend?

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

You are trying to determine whether you really need to preserve a complete set of notes from [RandomY1ClassthatPCTook] – and whether eliminating such notes would drastically improve your time in packing up your room in the Academagia – when you hear a knocking at your door.

Eager for a distraction from such dreary contemplations, you rush to the door, whose opening only increases your joy when you see that Sima Venesico is standing outside your room, bearing a book. Knowing that Sima is interested in areas of magic that overlap with your secret (and highly illegal) area of study, you thrill to think about what Sima could be here to talk to you about. Not every farewell, you suppose, has to be a cliched scene.

But then, looking at Sima’s serious face, you are reminded of another, less happy, aspect of being Sima’s very dear friend. She often has mysterious problems that involve illegal and very dangerous actions.

“[PCFirstName], we need to talk,” Sima says. “About certain things that may cause problems between us. But I want to help you, just like you helped me so much over this past year.”

“What things?” you ask.

“I know that I am mysterious, and I know that you know that I like to get boys to do certain things related to dangerous magics for me,” Sima says. “So I want to assure you that you are more than a tool to me. You are a very precious friend to me, without whom I would not have been able to make the necklace or deal with the whole business about pirates attacking the school. Friendships for life have been based upon less.”

Looking at Sima’s face, you are inclined to believe her words to be sincere. And thinking about the things that you and she have done together, as well as her reactions to them, you believe that you have made a very dear friend for life. Certainly, her willingness to assuage your potential concerns about what her relationships with Magsa Nembo, Lambert Cobo, and Alan Driscoll may reveal about her real feelings for you suggests that she recognizes that her mysteriousness has disadvantages – which she tries to deal with rather than ignore. And if she is not revealing her full secrets, you are not either.

As if sensing that you accept her claim, Sima whispers, with a smile that can be seen as flirtatious and sly, “Certainly, you are more competent than Lambert Cobo – and less likely to be caught spying in humiliating places.”

Thrilling to receive such a compliment from Sima, you are not as gobsmacked as you might otherwise be when Sima says, “But we need to talk about another mysterious person whom I thrill to have had help from – you.”

You are, however, still flung into a panic by worrying about what Sima wants you to say about why you are mysterious. Sima, apparently recognizing your fears, raises a hand to her lips.

“I am not wanting to know why you keep disappearing from Mineta and returning battered sometime later, although given what you have been willing to get up to with me and some others, I would not be very surprised if I were to learn that it involves very secretive and dangerous magic that is, to put it mildly, very much against the rules.”

Then, after a breathy giggle that so resembles something from the beautiful socialite whom she tries to present herself as, Sima coos words that you very much doubt that a true socialite – outside perhaps Malkstrang – would say.

“If I were to limit myself to people always obeying rules, where would my family and friends be?”

Then, in a more serious voice, Sima says, “But you should take precautions, yes? I would so hate to lose such a competent, brave, dear friend because of his violating pesky rules – even if they are only related to illegal prize-fights.”

“That seems reasonable,” you croak, feeling relieved that Sima is not asking you to reveal more about your illegal studies and wondering whether she would be so calm if she were to know that you are in fact studying gates magic – at a school in another universe that you sometimes think to be more of a temple to Aminþia Que’la than a place for unbiased studying of gates magic.

“So glad that you agree,” Sima drawls. “So I used certain connections to get for you a book that may be very helpful for you over the summer vacation.”

Sima thrusts forth the book that she is holding, “Do not be put off by its title. It can make you at least competent in glamor magic, which would grant you the very useful ability to conceal all sorts of important things easily.”

You take the book, not doubting that Sima must have gotten some very interesting book – perhaps from the same source who wanted the necklace that she made with your help – and feeling glad that she is sharing it with you.

But how will you respond to this generosity from your very dear friend?

 

 

 

Choices
 

Spoiler

[If PC has Family: Black Sheep] “You are better to me than my family, Sima.”

Spoiler

[If PC during Y1 unlocked the scene in the random event in which Sima Venesico claimed to have an evil uncle]

Spoiler

“Not all families are just neglectful of certain members despite their competence,” Sima says. “I’ve already told you about my evil uncle who would probably try to kill me if I were to become competent enough for him to fear me as a potential threat.”

Then, as if realizing that what she has said is a rather frightening thing for anyone – let alone a first year student at the Academagia with no apparent aristocratic connections – Sima laughs and says, in a voice filled with artificial cheerfulness, “But that is one of many reasons why I pretend to be less competent than I am. My siblings, whom you chose as friends, and you are the only people whom I trust with revealing my true skillfulness. Do you feel that way also?”

“Well, my family has not praised me for my skills as much as you have, nor become as friendly as you and the others have been – even when I reveal my talents,” you say, with a slight hint of bitterness in your voice. [+ 1 stress for Sima Venesico and the PC, + 1 skill level Character study for Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step mimicry for the PC, choose other option]

[If PC during Y1 did not unlock the scene in the random event in which Sima Venesico claimed to have an evil uncle]

Spoiler

“Not all families are just neglectful of certain members despite their competence,” Sima says. “I have an evil uncle who would probably try to kill me if I were to become competent enough for him to fear me as a potential threat.”

Then, as if realizing that what she has said is a rather frightening thing for anyone – let alone a first year student at the Academagia with no apparent aristocratic connections – Sima laughs and says, in a voice filled with artificial cheerfulness, “But that is one of many reasons why I pretend to be less competent than I am. My siblings, whom you chose as friends, and you are the only people whom I trust with revealing my true skillfulness. Do you feel that way also?”

“Well, my family has not praised me for my skills as much as you have, nor become as friendly as you and the others have been – even when I reveal my talents,” you say, with a slight hint of bitterness in your voice. [+ 1 stress for Sima Venesico and the PC, + 1 skill level Character study for Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step mimicry for the PC, choose other option]

 

[If PC during Y1 unlocked the scene in the random event in which Sima Venesico claimed to have an evil uncle] “Will you be safe from your evil uncle during the summer, Sima?”

Spoiler

[If PC has no Family: Black Sheep]
 

Spoiler

“Believe me,” Sima says, “when I say that even if he were to attack me, I feel so much more confident because of what I did with you – and the friends whom my achievements made – that I do not fear an attach from him. Besides, he has other things to deal with – such as other family members who oppose him.”

Relieved to hear Sima’s confident assessment of her situation, you turn your mind to other things. [+ 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 1 skill level confidence for Sima Venesico, choose other option]

[If PC has Family: Black Sheep]

Spoiler

“Believe me,” Sima says, “when I say that even if he were to attack me, I feel so much more confident because of what I did with you – and the friends whom my achievements made – that I do not fear an attach from him. Besides, he has other things to deal with – such as other family members who oppose him.”

Relieved to hear Sima’s confident assessment of her situation – and hoping that her family will support her as much as your family does not – you turn your mind to other things. [+ 1 skill step strategy for the PC, + 1 skill level confidence for Sima Venesico, choose other option]

 

[If Sima Venesico has glamor skill < 10] “Sima, what about your skill in glamor?”

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]
 

Spoiler

Sima laughs. “[PCFirstName], if you think that I need to rely only upon glamour magic to succeed, then you do not understand me! This,” and here she gestures to her head, “has surprised Legate Orsi himself, and allows me to study advanced magic that Regent Piaxenza’s fame is based upon. Let other students in Hedi focus upon glamour; I have better things to learn about.”

“Were you in your words inspired by some play?” you ask. Then, in order to forestall Sima’s taking your words in the wrong way, you say, with full sincerity, “Not that I am not believing you. I mean, any other Hedi student I would dismiss as crazy or lazy, but you actually seem to have the skill and ambition to succeed in your course of study.”

“Thanks for the confidence, [PCFirstName] – it means a lot to me.”

Then, looking at you with a sly grin, Sima coos, “Of course, you are no stranger to ambitions related to me – and have at least one about me yourself!”

You make a face of mock horror before falling into laugher. Dating Sima, you think, would be a wonderful thing. [+ 1 skill level flirting, diction, concentration, and phemes for Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step confidence and acting for the PC, choose other option]

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]
 

Spoiler

Sima laughs. “[PCFirstName], if you think that I need to rely only upon glamour magic to succeed, then you do not understand me! This,” and here she gestures to her head, “has surprised Legate Orsi himself, and allows me to study advanced magic that Regent Piaxenza’s fame is based upon. Let other students in Hedi focus upon glamour; I have better things to learn about.”

“Were you in your words inspired by some play?” you ask. Then, in order to forestall Sima’s taking your words in the wrong way, you say, with full sincerity, “Not that I am not believing you. I mean, any other Hedi student I would dismiss as crazy or lazy, but you actually seem to have the skill and ambition to succeed in your course of study.”

“Thanks for the confidence, [PCFirstName] – it means a lot to me.” [+ 1 skill level diction, concentration, and phemes for Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step confidence for the PC, choose other option]

 

[If PC has jade necklace (item)] “Sima, I want to give you something in return.”
 

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]
 

Spoiler

“What?” Sima asks. There is no surprise within her voice – only a friendly curiosity untainted with suspicion.

When you present to her, with trembling hands, a jade necklace, Sima looks at you with thoughtful eyes.

“Is this to replace the necklace that you helped me to make,” she asks.

“If that would make you like the necklace more, then you can think of it that way,” you reply. “But in all honesty, I had a necklace, I did not know what to do with it, I know that you like jewelry, and I really like you – so I gave it to you.”

“Your gift is beautiful, as is your reasoning,” Sima says. Sighing in contentment, she slips it beneath her robes before saying, “But if you were fully honest, you would say that you hope to date me as soon as the school permits it. This necklace would look beautiful during a date between us.”

“And if you were truly honest,” you say, as a blush rises to your cheeks, “then you would admit for whom you were preparing the necklace that I helped you to make.”

“Good thing that full honesty is not necessary for a good relationship,” Sima sighs. “I mean, I do not need to know what color of undershirt you wear – if any at all.”

Sima’s tinkling laughter reassures you that she really appreciates your gift and has not taken your comment as an insult. [PC loses Jade Necklace (item), Sima Venesico gains Jade Necklace (item), add memory Sima’s necklace, + 1 skill level dating and romance for the PC and Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step reasoning for the PC, choose other option]

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

“What?” Sima asks. There is no surprise within her voice – only a friendly curiosity untainted with suspicion.

When you present to her, with trembling hands, a jade necklace, Sima looks at you with thoughtful eyes.

“Is this to replace the necklace that you helped me to make,” she asks.

“If that would make you like the necklace more, then you can think of it that way,” you reply. “But in all honesty, I had a necklace, I did not know what to do with it, I know that you like jewelry, and I really like you – so I gave it to you.”

“Your gift is beautiful, as is your reasoning,” Sima says. Sighing in contentment, she slips it beneath her robes. [PC loses Jade Necklace (item), Sima Venesico gains Jade Necklace (item), add memory Sima’s necklace, + 1 skill level romance for the PC and Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step reasoning for the PC, choose other option]

 

“Many thanks, Sima. You are a very good friend.”

Spoiler

[If PC is Prodigy: on the Prowl]
 

Spoiler

[If PC has memory Sima’s necklace]
 

Spoiler

“The feeling is mutual, [PCFirstName],” Sima says with a smile. “And we might become more in time. But I really hope that we can keep in contact through writing over the summer.”

Then, adding to the pleasure that her visit and the exchange of gifts have caused, Sima describes to you how you will be able to write to her in a certain villa in Braida, where she will be spending the summer.

“What about…you know?” you ask.

“They will be…otherwise occupied this summer,” Sima says with a faint frown. “I am not the only person amongst us who must suffer in various ways. My shoes were burned off when my feet were in them, but I will not be working as a bookkeeper or living in an almshouse.”

You are not sure which of her brothers would be doing which – nor can you imagine which one would suffer more from such a thing, but you suppose that getting Sima to reveal more details would be an exercise in futility.

As if sensing what you are thinking, Sima chuckles and says, “Yeah, I wish that I could reveal so many things about me and family, but I have to keep secrets – at least for now.”

With that, she turns away from your doorway and says, “And even if I were wanting to reveal such things, I would never reveal them here. But farewell for now – I hope that our next year of studying together will be even better.”

After Sima has left you, you are left thinking about her. She is a very mysterious girl, whom you are so glad to have as a dear friend – but you are rather relieved that she is not your enemy. [Add Write to Sima Venesico (action), add to the PC’s inventory and inform The Fairy Presents Fruits (item), + 1 skill level awareness and Danger Sense for Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step Danger Sense and conversation for the PC, end event]

[If PC has no memory Sima’s necklace]

Spoiler

“The feeling is mutual, [PCFirstName],” Sima says with a smile. “And we might become more in time. But I really hope that we can keep in contact through writing over the summer.”

Then, adding to the pleasure that her visit and her gift to you have caused, Sima describes to you how you will be able to write to her in a certain villa in Braida, where she will be spending the summer.

“What about…you know?” you ask.

“They will be…otherwise occupied this summer,” Sima says with a faint frown. “I am not the only person amongst us who must suffer in various ways. My shoes were burned off when my feet were in them, but I will not be working as a bookkeeper or living in an almshouse.”

You are not sure which of her brothers would be doing which – nor can you imagine which one would suffer more from such a thing, but you suppose that getting Sima to reveal more details would be an exercise in futility.

As if sensing what you are thinking, Sima chuckles and says, “Yeah, I wish that I could reveal so many things about me and family, but I have to keep secrets – at least for now.”

With that, she turns away from your doorway and says, “And even if I were wanting to reveal such things, I would never reveal them here. But farewell for now – I hope that our next year of studying together will be even better.”

After Sima has left you, you are left thinking about her. She is a very mysterious girl, whom you are so glad to have as a dear friend – but you are rather relieved that she is not your enemy. [Add Write to Sima Venesico (action), add to the PC’s inventory and inform The Fairy Presents Fruits (item), + I skill level awareness and Danger Sense for Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step Danger Sense and conversation for the PC, end event]

 

[If PC is not Prodigy: on the Prowl]

Spoiler

[If PC has memory Sima’s necklace]
 

Spoiler

“The feeling is mutual, [PCFirstName],” Sima says with a smile. “And I really hope that we can keep in contact through writing over the summer.”

Then, adding to the pleasure that her visit and the exchange of gifts have caused, Sima describes to you how you will be able to write to her in a certain villa in Braida, where she will be spending the summer.

“What about…you know?” you ask.

“They will be…otherwise occupied this summer,” Sima says with a faint frown. “I am not the only person amongst us who must suffer in various ways. My shoes were burned off when my feet were in them, but I will not be working as a bookkeeper or living in an almshouse.”

You are not sure which of her brothers would be doing which – nor can you imagine which one would suffer more from such a thing, but you suppose that getting Sima to reveal more details would be an exercise in futility.

As if sensing what you are thinking, Sima chuckles and says, “Yeah, I wish that I could reveal so many things about me and family, but I have to keep secrets – at least for now.”

With that, she turns away from your doorway and says, “And even if I were wanting to reveal such things, I would never reveal them here. But farewell for now – I hope that our next year of studying together will be even better.”

After Sima has left you, you are left thinking about her. She is a very mysterious girl, whom you are so glad to have as a dear friend – but you are rather relieved that she is not your enemy. [Add Write to Sima Venesico (action), add to the PC’s inventory and inform The Fairy Presents Fruits (item), + 1 skill level awareness and Danger Sense for Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step Danger Sense and conversation for the PC, end event]

[If PC has no memory Sima’s necklace]

Spoiler

“The feeling is mutual, [PCFirstName],” Sima says with a smile. “And I really hope that we can keep in contact through writing over the summer.”

Then, adding to the pleasure that her visit and her gift to you have caused, Sima describes to you how you will be able to write to her in a certain villa in Braida, where she will be spending the summer.

“What about…you know?” you ask.

“They will be…otherwise occupied this summer,” Sima says with a faint frown. “I am not the only person amongst us who must suffer in various ways. My shoes were burned off when my feet were in them, but I will not be working as a bookkeeper or living in an almshouse.”

You are not sure which of her brothers would be doing which – nor can you imagine which one would suffer more from such a thing, but you suppose that getting Sima to reveal more details would be an exercise in futility.

As if sensing what you are thinking, Sima chuckles and says, “Yeah, I wish that I could reveal so many things about me and family, but I have to keep secrets – at least for now.”

With that, she turns away from your doorway and says, “And even if I were wanting to reveal such things, I would never reveal them here. But farewell for now – I hope that our next year of studying together will be even better.”

After Sima has left you, you are left thinking about her. She is a very mysterious girl, whom you are so glad to have as a dear friend – but you are rather relieved that she is not your enemy. [Add Write to Sima Venesico (action), add to the PC’s inventory and inform The Fairy Presents Fruits (item), + 1 skill level awareness and Danger Sense for Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step Danger Sense and conversation for the PC, end event]

 

 

 

Rewards
 

Spoiler

Write to Sima Venesico (action):

Spoiler

Description:

Spoiler

Sima Venesico is a very mysterious girl, but she is willing to correspond with you over the summer – to mutual benefit – about many interesting topics that she finds interesting. It is a pity, as she says, that she cannot explore her true love for acting with you through letters, but you get the feeling that there are many interests that Sima has that are subject to such limitations. As are some of yours, in fairness.

In-Game Benefits:

Spoiler

+ 1 skill step to a random beguile subskill for the PC and Sima Venesico, + 1 skill step to a random compete subskill for the PC and Sima Venesico, prevents relationship decay over summer vacation

 

 

The Fairy Presents Fruits (item)

Spoiler

Slot:

Spoiler

Book

Description:

Spoiler

Despite its whimsical title, this book is an allegorized course in glamour magic. Its allegorical content, moreover, seems to allow you to better understand some of the guiding principles behind Hedi College. Of course, reading the book is mentally exhausting because of these very allegories, and you rather suspect that if you were following casting instructions from a normal book, you would not feel so sore afterwards. But even holding the book reminds you that what seems to mean one thing may really mean another thing.

Ability (when equipped):

Spoiler

Read the book The Fairy Presents Fruits

In-Game Benefits When Equipped:

Spoiler

+ 1 to innuendo

In-Game Benefits of Ability:

Spoiler

+ 1 skill-step to all glamor subskills that were present in Y1, + 1 skill-step to Speaking Quietly of Riddles, + 1 stress, - 1 vitality.

 

 

 

 

Edited by Rhialto
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...