Skill check catalogue

[omgFIREBALLS]

This is a compilation of all skill checks found in the game.

How it works

The number on the left is the skill required. After that, there are three lines. The line associated with the skill check will be the first or the second; the others are there to provide context. The flow of the conversation is always top to bottom. Sometimes there isn't a line because the check is at the beginning/end of an interaction or it's a ghost node that immediately sends you elsewhere. Because of how conversations can diverge and converge, sometimes there are several options.

If the text is in red, it means this is what you will see if you fail the skill check. Have this much skill to avoid that result. Scripted interactions only. The wrong line of the three may be highlighted, but it generally holds.

What is Party Assist?

Essentially, the party member attempting to pass a skill check uses their full skill plus a portion of the rest of the party's skill. Read more here.

Future work

1. Update current data with alternate ways to pass the skill checks.
2. Update current data with additional requirements - some checks are AND/OR constructs.

Proofreading info

A skill comparison can be <=, <, > or >=. Or =, but it's never used. It can also be negated, so not <= means >. This is a minor brain bomb to parse, so it's possible some stuff ended up wrong. There are also checks that are unreachable (no sequence of interactions will lead to them), but still get found by my parsing and end up in this thread. Some lines will also look strange or not really related to the skill due to the trigger/result problem I described in the first paragraph. 

I will not be fixing individual errors, but if a pattern emerges that speaks of a programming mistake, I will try to fix it and post the info again. It's half an hour two hours of work, so... I'll just make it clear here that both the data digging and the formatting are automated, so "minor adjustments" are not really a thing, just code fixes. It's very cumbersome to edit these posts - their size alone slows my computer down. Think then what happens when added info makes a post too large for the forum to accept it, and I have to redistribute everything.

Thanks to @Kvellen and @Noqn for helping me make sense of the data!

Edited August 14, 2023 by omgFIREBALLS

[omgFIREBALLS]

Watcher, Party Assist

Pretty much all "in the game world" conversations fall under this category, where you still see your party, UI, etc.

Alchemy

Spoiler

15	These notes are written in a strange code. You have no idea what they say.
	[Use your knowledge of the alchemical sciences to decipher the notes.]
	The complexity of the alchemical equations push your understanding of the science to its limits. With a little bit of time and patience, you manage to decipher the finer details of the equations and from there unravel the rest.
15	...But We are not pain-cruel, as Our captors were to Us. We seek to endure, to flower as beautifully as you.
	"Won't the body just immunize itself against you?"
	Before We broke the bonds of Our false enclosure, We considered the possibility of transplant rejection.
11	"ESSENCE OF WHITELEAF, MILLED GAENSVEF SEEDS, POWDERED DRAGON BONE FOR SWEETNESS, EH!" Taking a pinch of the mixture from the pestle, Drowsy Puke sniffs it off the end of its talon, nodding.
	"That dosage could bring down an ogre."
	"EH. MAYBE YOU RIGHT. NOT STRONG ENOUGH." The imp sprinkles more whiteleaf into the pestle.
10	1. "Sorry, mate. Ain't available for the taking." 2. "Wouldn't be a mariner if I turned down a drink of rum... or pour out a dram for the lads."
	[Poison his drink with fungal bile.]
	You slip the poison into the rum as you return to the table.
10	"WIZARDS LIE. WIZARDS WORST PEOPLE. BUT DROWSY PUKE FIX EVERYTHING, EH? HELP YOU RELAX." Winking, the imp gestures toward a collection of refined herbs and narcotics.
	"Something tells me you aren't a trained apothecary."
	"SOMETHING TELLS DROWSY PUKE YOU NEED TO RELAX."
10	The eyeball stares at you before sloughing off and rolling away, leaving behind a wet trail of slime.
	"What you've got here is a classic stage five infestation. Paranoid, territorial, unstable."
	The spore colony stiffens. Ripples of unease travel down its flesh.
6	"Nothing a little ginger root and some bed rest won't cure. Please, let me be." She takes another step, blocking your view of the room beyond. The herbs on the table give off an odor that scratches at your throat.
	"Blood moss and cave coral - that combination clears mucus from the lungs. Someone must be very sick."
	"Could use your skill at the Temple of Gaun." Her chuckle turns into a cough.
6	"Your comforting LIES are unwelcome here. We set our roots down when the archipelago was soft and unformed. Now we are perfection." Her eyes narrow, full of hatred and challenge.
	"There is rot in your bones, lady, no matter how green or majestic you feel."
	She bares her teeth and takes a combative step closer. Her foot sinks into the mud and she pries it up with a wet, sucking sound. She blinks down at the rotted earth.
6	Bearn's breath catches in his throat. He tries again, but the passage is already constricting. He leans over his knees, but loses his balance as tremors begin to move up his legs.
	"Edér, dump the contents of your pipe down his throat. Don't ask."
	Wasting no time, Edér lunges for Bearn, whose body has begun to convulse. He jams his pipe into Bearn's froth-leaking mouth and twists it upside-down.
6	They watch you expectantly.
	"No more grog for [Specified 0]. Svef will be much more effective."
	"Yes, captain. A few days without grog should balance [Specified 0]'s ledger. A few days more will set things right with the crew."
4	"Extinguished or crushed... us all... defiler..." He struggles to speak. The agony of a slow death blazes through the scrawls in his skin, shrouding him with a veil of fire.
	[Mercy kill by administration of poison.] "Drink this and rest easy."
	He closes his ember-hot eyes, a relieved sigh rushing from his chest as you brew up and then tip a vial of poison to his lips. The icy, slushy mixture takes effect immediately, dousing his flames with a sweep of hoarfrost through his veins. It leaves his face cold and ashen and dead.
4	"The grove is our vigil! It is you and the rest of Eora that sours!"
	"Your insides have putrefied. Can you not feel it? There may yet be something alive in your core."
	She studies you with an unreadable expression. Glancing down, she digs one of her talons through the mottled bark and flesh of her midsection. Her fingers come away black with putrid sap.
4	"I've found some unusual stains. I don't think they're blood, but they are rather... odorous." He wrinkles his nose at a streak of something the color of a fresh bruise.
	"That's koīki pulp."
	"So it is. But what would that be doing here?"
4	Bearn's breath catches in his throat. He tries again, but the passage is already constricting. He leans over his knees, but loses his balance as tremors begin to move up his legs.
	[Administer taru taru combined with ripple sponge.]
	Judging the color and consistency of the liquid Bearn consumed, you suspect it's venom from an Aedyran tree viper, and know that taru taru, when combined with ripple sponge, can mitigate its absorption and counteract some of its effects.
3	"So I hide them by the shore, where the sun warms the sand just so. And I wait."
	"Storing fruit in a moderate heat source... not a bad way to ease the seeds open."
	"Ekera. Do you cultivate?" His eyes swell open with hope.
3	"Draught's mercurial." He grins, teeth tinged gray.
	"That's going to kill you."
	He shakes his head.
2	"Now this cannot happen. Our harvest fails because this one puts his empty stomach higher than the gods!"
	"Did anyone think saving the seeds might be a good idea?"
	"This is not done." Mukūmu furrows his brow at you.

Arcana

Spoiler

19 "This is it! Now I remember how I got involved in this mess. I was searching for a celestial catalyst."   "A piece of magically-charged starmetal, correct?"   "Ac, you know already! We should have been research partners!" 18 "Fine. Just hold still while I look at it."   Without inspecting it more closely, you are mainly able to glean that the helmet has a repulsing effect on magic. It's as if any magical energy that might directly affect the helmet were deliberately directed away.   "And so? What do you see?" Despite his initial protest, Copperhead sounds excited to hear your results. 18 "How long do you figure that orb will last?"   "Menzzago was giving the orb its energy. Now that he's dead, the spell will start to fade."   "Well... I needed some time to figure out what I was, how to live with it. "With a little time, maybe I can do the same for everyone else. Ease 'em in." 18 1. "Were there something else you wanted, Watcher? I've got friends to forget." The man doesn't look up from his mug. 2. "Wake up down the way at Vilario's Rest, nothing but the clothes on my back and this coin clutched tight in my grip. Come up here looking for work, for a ship to get me off of this backwater island." He takes a long swig from his mug.   "You think the coin's a blessing, but it's a curse. It's not that you lived. It's that everyone else died."   "That... that makes a strange kind of sense, don't it? And you seem the sort to know your hexes from your curses." His nose wrinkles as he peers down at the coin. 18 1. "And you'd prefer something more ill-defined why exactly?" 2. "Take a grimoire, for example. Misplace an accent mark over a rune, all the logic of a spell collapses around it."   "Order and magic are inseparable."   "Ac, to some of us." 17 And yet... Her head bobs, eyes dimming slightly in thought.   "It won't be easy, but you can theoretically syphon the god's essence, dividing it between yourself and your relic. What you can't contain between the two, you can destroy."   1. "Now I didn't follow all of that, but if Rymrgand ain't broken you down yet, maybe he can't." 2. Yes, I've heard your words, little kith. 3. "It's not... impossible." Aloth chews a knuckle as he thinks. 17 1. "That's very advanced, actually-" Voice shaking, he stares at you, wide-eyed and frightened. 2. "You overcame a false Fyonlecg. A simulacrum. A phantasm. Simple enough spellwork."   "Last I checked, phantasms were conjured essence, not conjured worms."   "Oh, we know. We know - so many things." 17 A twisted chunk of iron-like metal rises from Wael's flesh, leaning to the side like a crooked tooth. The pitted surface gleams with a disorienting array of colors.   You've seen minerals like this on display at museums or sketched in manuscripts. It's a piece of starmetal, forged and shaped far beyond Eora.   The metal radiates soul energy. The whole area is dense with it. Vague emotions reach out to you - anger, fear, and territorial aggression. None of it feels quite right. 16 "Here. What do you make of it?" He passes you a worn sheaf of parchment.   "It seems both magical and... biological?"   "When did you become an expert?" Tayn holds the parchment upside down and squints at it. 15 [Examine the iron collar more closely.]   You suspect that the symbol on the collar has something to do with the same magic that governs the vessels in this place. The spell itself is hard to determine, but you are confident it involves illusion magic.   She struggles to speak to you, but manages only a muffled, garbled yell. 15 -NONE FOUND-   As you peer beneath the surface of the sphere, you identify entropic energy slowly spinning within, as if a necrotic spell had been bound within - entrapped but not quite frozen.   -NONE FOUND- 15 "Fixed them for you. She can have her books back now." Tayn winks and hands you the stack.   "That wasn't fixing. That was tampering."   "Same difference." 15 "Communion." Like a leaf held to a flame, his smile curls at both ends.   "Is that why you're performing this ritual of command?"   1. "I'm not sure he means to compel this creature at all..." 2. "All of the knowledge in these halls - all of the memories - it all descends, flowing into this titanic form." 14 "My grimoire and I are of a kind. We thrive on the stars. Rely on them. If you can reach the tallest point of this facility, maybe there is a window or something?" She returns the book to you.   "I've never heard of a grimoire that required starlight."   "Ac, he is very special." Bekarna nods. 14 -NONE FOUND-   "Llengrath of Llengrath's Safeguard and Llengrath's Warding Staff?"   "What a pleasant surprise. No one ever remembers the defensive spells." Her eyes shine with genuine amusement. 14 1. "I don't believe we've ever formally met, but I've heard much of your exploits." 2. "Have you forgotten me so soon? It's only been five years. "But then, death is unkind to memory." 3. "I suppose I can't fault you for not recognizing me. This body does look substantially different from the one you killed, after all." She smiles serenely.   "Llengrath of Llengrath's Safeguard and Llengrath's Warding Staff?"   "What a pleasant surprise. No one ever remembers the defensive spells." Her eyes shine with genuine amusement. 13 1. "And some of my more boorish friends. That might provide an evening's amusement." 2. "The details, I assure you, aimico, are not fit for polite company. They're really quite... desgant. Foul."   "If anyone can safely handle a little old cursed weapon, it's me."   1. "I'd heard that about you. That you're a thinker." He nods, tapping his chin. 2. "You know how to handle me, all right." 3. "You want it so badly, you take it. Do not come looking for me, though, when it makes a mess of your precious books." 4. He frowns, tapping his chin. "Ac, fine. Since you've made friends among the Príncipi." 13 1. Years. Decades. It matters not. 2. So I had noticed. Her hind claws gouge furrows in the rime-crusted ground. 3. I came here for it. An object of such potency that it defies the deified.   "Your relic - it's a phylactery, right? It's sustaining you here."   The great reptile's head cants to one side as she eyes you. 12 1. Our beloved spellwork. Our Wall of Many Colors. Our Wall of Flames. Our Impenetrable Bulwark. That one turned the Circle's heads. 2. All knew us! For the spells that bore our name if nothing else! Fyonlecg's Wall of Flames. Fyonlecg's Wall of Many Colors. Fyonlecg's Pristine Barrier.   "Well now those spells are nameless, and you're nothing."   The Oracle's eyestalks snap sharply still, each focused intently on you. The great central orb narrows. 8 "I must confess to you, a bit of a problem has arisen. One which speaks to your expertise with the supernatural. We've sighted the Floating Hangman that haunts the Deadfire."   "Have we any sketches of it? I wouldn't mind documenting the phenomenon."   "A few, somewhat crude ones. Not many who encounter the Floating Hangman live to tell the tale - or otherwise record it." 7 While the aumaua shakes his head and says, "Very little," the Aedyran grins and answers, "A thing or two." "Why?" asks the dusky human.   "The geography here... it's like the land has been twisted or broken by some great power."   The Aedyran nods. "Perhaps it has. A great cataclysm shook this realm in ages past." The aumaua shakes his head. "But there's not much we can tell you about it." 6 [Examine the machine.]   You note the speed of the ring's rotation and the subtle pattern of the machine's humming. After a bit of prodding, the pylon's workings make sense to you.   The ring continues its lethargic rotation around the pylon. Up close, it emanates a faint hum. 6 [Examine the machine.]   You note the speed of the ring's rotation and the subtle pattern of the machine's humming. After a bit of prodding, the pylon's workings make sense to you.   The ring continues its lethargic rotation around the pylon. Up close, it emanates a faint hum. 6 [Examine the machine.]   You note the speed of the ring's rotation and the subtle pattern of the machine's humming. After a bit of prodding, the pylon's workings make sense to you.   The ring continues its lethargic rotation around the pylon. Up close, it emanates a faint hum. 5 1. He gives the apprentice an appreciative nod. 2. "I am misled if holding a shell is all it takes to earn Ngati's favor." Tekēhu tosses his hair and chuckles to himself.   "Such artifacts are often imbued with powerful spells. Take care when handling it."   "I keep it locked away - to see and not to touch, ekera! But your words are good warning." He glances nervously around his fine home. 5 "Magic," the voice says. "It summons beasts to harry your enemies. Will save you in a pinch, in a city as dangerous as this. Surely your life's worth a few silver." Torch light glints from the man's teeth. "You want, you follow." The figure withdraws into the darkness.   Though you only caught a glimpse of it, you know that the figurine is no mere trinket. There is untapped power within its form.   "Magic," the voice says. "It summons beasts to harry your enemies. Will save you in a pinch, in a city as dangerous as this. Surely your life's worth a few silver." Torch light glints from the man's teeth. "You want, you follow." The figure withdraws into the darkness. 4 It made the enchantments of this prison and can destroy them. It can set me free. The dragon lashes its tail in eager, repetitive circles.   "Letting you go deprives the watershapers of a useful asset."   The Huana will struggle. If they are worthy, they will endure. 4 You find a man of middle years inspecting a metal tool unlike any you've seen. He has several similarly strange items on his belt, all quite clean and orderly. They look like the tools one might use to pull a tooth or shoe a horse, but much more delicate. He wears pristine, cream-colored robes. The muzzle of an arquebus is visible just over his shoulder. His eyes brighten when he notices you.   The man's robes shimmer with a faint trace of arcane energy. Glyphs stitched into the hems and sleeves seem to be the source of the effect.   "Good day, traveler. I see you've taken an eye to my instruments. If you've any interest in the medical sciences, you need only ask!" 4 "You can't have it! It's mine. Mine!" She glares at you with narrowed, untrusting eyes and gritted teeth.   "Book of Storms is a myth. Only a fool would seek it out."   "Arkemyr didn't believe it was real either - he told me I was mad. But I have proof! I'll show him!" 4 "None of your godsdamned business."   "Animats rarely retain their consciousness, let alone their memories. You're different."   "Nice of you to notice." You hear what can only be a sneer edge Modwyr's voice. 4 "Like it?" She grins. "My father left it for me. Told me that one day I'd defend the Deadfire with it."   "It seemed to have magical properties."   "You're not wrong. I don't understand it myself, but it seemed to confuse the skuldr. Probably saved my life." 3 "FOUND... NEAR VAULT. KEEP SAFE FOR MASTER. TOO SHINY TO LEAVE LYING AROUND."   [Mimic speech.] "EH. GIMME CRYSTAL."   The harsh, discordant parody of speech that erupts from your throat grab the imp's attention immediately. His eyes widen in surprise. 2 "He must have wanted to raise some fast coin. Arkemyr will flay me alive over those damned gloves..." Fassina cradles her brow and groans.   "Strange that the constructs didn't attack him for stealing."   "Is it strange? I don't know. Go consult Arkemyr's grimoire if you're that curious." Flustered, she finds any excuse to look elsewhere. 2 You have the rod and the wherewithal to set me free. I see no reason why we shouldn't leave at the same time! He snaps his jaws with an audible clack.   "I need to understand what kind of magic we're dealing with before I try anything."   The dragon studies you with quiet suspicion. 2 The wards are the bars of my prison, and the rod you carry can bend them apart like stalks of wheat.   "It might be safer to siphon power and let the wards collapse on their own... but I won't bore you with the details."   If you think it prudent. Scyorielaphas raises one of his scaly brows. 2 "You... you done this before?" She braces herself and takes a deep breath.   [Commune with the vine, tell it to release its water and accept death.]   You reach out with your senses, appealing to the vine to, against every natural instinct, purge itself in an act of suicide. 2 "It doesn't matter."   "Animats rarely retain their consciousness, let alone their memories. You're different."   "Nice of you to notice." You hear what can only be a sneer edge Modwyr's voice. 1 "I'll hear no more of it."   "He stole them from the wizard Arkemyr. Do you want that on your conscience?"   "These are Arkemyr's possessions?" Hamuto looks at Bertenno with grudging respect.

Athletics

Spoiler

15 1. [Tear the phylactery from her chest.] 2. "Grab the phylactery!"   Dodging the wyrm's swinging talons, you shove your hand deep into her desiccated chest. You grasp the relic, its warmth pulsing through your fingers, and rip it from the dragon's breast.   The dragon's neck twists, turning her head that she might cast a single balefully glowing eye upon you. 12 -NONE FOUND-   -NONE FOUND-   -NONE FOUND- 12 -NONE FOUND-   -NONE FOUND-   -NONE FOUND- 12 [Climb over.]   You carefully climb and cross the top of the tightly wound brambles.   1. [Turn back and leave the valley.] 2. [Press further into the valley.] 3. "You doing okay?" 4. "Ugh... you still with me?" 5. "I think... we're finally... almost there. How are you... holding out?" 6. [Check on the glow.] 12 [Continue carefully through.]   The island shudders, and the rocks fall from the wall. You leap out of the way, narrowly avoiding the stones.   1. [Turn back and leave the valley.] 2. [Press further into the valley.] 3. "You doing okay?" 4. "Ugh... you still with me?" 5. "I think... we're finally... almost there. How are you... holding out?" 6. [Check on the glow.] 12 [Flee.]   You turn on your heel and sprint down the lane. The mysterious group give half-hearted chase for a few blocks, but eventually split off and disappear into the city.   -NONE FOUND- 12 [Flee.]   You take a few steps back down the street, duck into an alley, and run hard from the ambush. Soon the sound of footsteps fade behind you.   -NONE FOUND- 11 Oh, little morsel. Did you think I would permit you to leave? No, you must stay and feast with me.   [Distract the dragon with some backflips and juggling.]   The dragon swivels her head to one side, watching you with ember-red eyes, intently interested. 10 [Shrug off the suit and make a mad dash for the surface.]   You swim for the surface as fast as you can, feeling exposed now without the diving suit. Eventually you see light up above just as you begin to see spots in your vision. You finally break the surface and gulp down fresh air before clambering aboard your ship.   -NONE FOUND- 10 You work your way down the old well, using the protruding stones as handgrips and footholds along the way. After but a few minutes, your muscles ache and fingers burn...   You reach the bottom of the well only to find yourself hanging from the roof of a large, open cavern. Your muscles burn and the stone bites into your fingers as you lower yourself to a nearby outcropping.   Looking around yourself, you find that the rocky ledge continues deeper into the cavern, the darkness inviting. 8 [Attempt to flee.]   You bolt for the tunnel entrance.   Luckily, pirates do not have the legs for long runs, and you escape via a long, straight sprint. Your pursuers slowly fade from the rear, doubling over and heaving for breath. 7 Kipeha shakes her head and slowly. She takes up her bow and lets loose an arrow, aiming for your head.   You successfully duck aside, avoiding the projectile. Kipeha curses under her breath.   She raises two fingers to her lips and blows a piercing whistle, putting the fortress on full alert. 6 [Slap him in the face.]   "Black Hel!" With a crack, his head whips to the side. Blood sprays, and Benweth fumbles for his weapon.   "**** you!" He drops to one knee. 6 [Punch him in the gut.]   The air gushes from his lungs, and the captain bends double, teeth gritted, lips bloody.   "**** you!" He drops to one knee. 5 [Leap over the counter.]   Palm flat to the countertop for stability, you easily sail up and over the spread of merchandise. You stick a smooth landing then veer right, close on your target's heels.   Weaving after Rust, you arrive at an enclosed intersection of paths. Without glancing back, the assassin hurtles a thin glass vial at your toes. It hits, cracks, and amber-hued smoke hisses up your legs. In seconds, all visibility is obscured in the tight space. 5 [Barrel through the stall.]   Wood splinters as you crash through the stand. You stumble, kicking the tangled, ripped curtain away. Swiftly, you resume your pursuit, legs pumping and powerful.   Weaving after Rust, you arrive at an enclosed intersection of paths. Without glancing back, the assassin hurtles a thin glass vial at your toes. It hits, cracks, and amber-hued smoke hisses up your legs. In seconds, all visibility is obscured in the tight space. 5 The living were meant to forget Ukaizo. Nothing can be gained of remembering it. Amid the general ire of the construct's thoughts, you feel a sharp jab delivered to your mind.   "If I rest my legs while we chat, it'll make for a better fight for us both."   The Gates of Ukaizo regard you in disgruntled, calculating silence. 5 "But my owner, she was really great. I mean, IS really great. Her calluses felt so good on my grip. Can do things with a sword you wouldn't believe -"   "Show me. I'm a quick study."   Modwyr makes dramatic retching noises, pretending to throw up. 4 This young Vailian's attention is so fixed on making a hasty escape from the Dark Cupboard that he doesn't notice you until you nearly collide.   [Grab him.]   You grab him by the elbow, stopping him in his tracks. His gaze snaps in your direction with fear and annoyance. 4 You begin the awkward hand-over-hand climb across the gap.   You to reach the opposite dock without incident.   -NONE FOUND- 4 "I've dealt with worse. Believe me."   "Ekera, I can see that well enough from here."   "Here, the command words. They do me little good." He passes you a tattered scroll and shrugs, smiling wanly. 4 As you make your way up the rope, the loud twang of bowstrings announces that the archers have let loose a volley of arrows.   You hasten your climb, closing the distance too quickly for the archers to anticipate your movements.   You reach the top and swing onto the plateau, steeling yourself for a worthy battle. 3 "Thought I was an armorer, did you? Assumed that my tree stump limbs and barrel chest lend themselves better to the forge than the needle?"   [Grab him by his collar.]   His eyes snap open as you hoist him off the ground. Iolfr clutches your hands and kicks his legs, but he's too terrified to scream. Once your point is made, you lower him back to the ground slowly. 3 Halfway up, you reach a spot where the stairs have crumbled away. Luckily, a narrow ridge remains. It proves sturdy and allows you to easily cross the gap.   You rise to the peak at a brisk pace. Sweat beads the valley of your spine, but it feels good - a relief against the balmy atmosphere. The rote step-scrape, step-scrape to your ascent gives you time to think.   When you reach the top, you stretch and heave a final, relaxed sigh. A survey of your progress leaves you with a satisfied smile. 3 You grab the rope, planting your feet on the edge of the precipice, and begin your descent. Gusts of wind sway you from side to side, forcing you to tightly grip the rope. It digs into your skin with every move.   Despite the effort, your excellent conditioning allows you to reach the tomb's opening without exertion.   You stand on the narrow ledge of the tomb's entrance, its passage leading into darkness. Your rope dangles from the tree, above. 3 As you climb, some of the rocky handholds crumble within your grip, but others hold firm, permitting you first one foot and then another higher, closer toward the waiting window above.   Without even breaking a sweat, you reach the window and crawl through into the waiting darkness. You stand, dusting your hands off as you glance around.   -NONE FOUND- 2 [Slap him.] "Don't hang your hopes on me, Martino."   Martino's head snaps to the side and a spot of blood forms at the edge of his lip.   "You deserve that and more." 2 1. "Have to admit... I was aiming for your face." He gazes up at you, wide-eyed. 2. "So if anyone's going to be doing the throwing, it's going to have to be you." "How about it, tough guy?" He reaches out to give you a shove.   [Punch him in the nose.]   Galian rocks back, clutching at his bloodied nose. He groans piteously from the floor. 2 "It's my leg. Madiccho it hurts even worse than it looks." Irrena's leg bears a bloody gouge along the length of her shin, and the swelling around her knee suggests a nasty break.   "Hang on. I'll carry you back down."   "Quite romantic, casità. I'll try not to hold it against you if you drop me." 2 [Swim through.]   Each taking a last gulp of air at the surface, your party swims into the tunnel, following the cavern wall as it bends.   Partway through, [SkillCheck 0] starts to lag behind. Panic sets in as the remaining distance becomes clear. [SkillCheck 1] returns to help, pulling [SkillCheck 0] forward to safety. 2 [Swim through.]   Your powerful strokes are unhindered by the weight of your gear, propelling you along.   1. You come up into what appears to be another, smaller cavern, where moonlight streams in from an opening in the stone. 2. You come up into what appears to be another, smaller cavern, where sunlight streams in from an opening in the stone. 2 [Scale the hull by hand.]   You climb nimbly up the side of the ship, and reach the top without so much as breaking a sweat.   -NONE FOUND- 2 [Scale the hull by hand.]   You climb nimbly up the side of the ship, and reach the top without so much as breaking a sweat. Edér is not far behind, pulling himself up and over the railing beside you.   -NONE FOUND-

Bluff

Spoiler

20 "Only Nemnok's chosen are allowed here, and we're all full up. I should kill you for even glimpsing this sanctum uninvited." He thumbs his chin and weighs the matter.   "I came to pledge my loyalty to Nemnok."   "You did?" He purses his lips critically. 19 1. The dragon snorts, purple light flickering within her nostrils. You're not sure whether or not she was amused. 2. And yet... Her head bobs, eyes dimming slightly in thought. 3. "Everything ends. Rymrgand included." 4. It does not follow that he fears me. Still... it is curious... Her head rises, canting slightly as she considers your words.   "I'm happy to help, if you need the assistance."   Do not think that I don't recognize what you intend with your words, little one. She growls, long and low. 18 "How do I know he's the real deal? I've had enough plainclothes investigators from Neketaka's palace sniffing around here lately."   He Vailian and he comes from a very old fortune. No connection to Neketaka, whatsoever.   "Suppose I could broker a deal for one or two... to start. See how it pans out." He nods, greed already gleaming in his eyes. 17 "But, then, who could have done this? Everyone loves Vatnir! They respect him! He speaks for the Beast of Winter!"   "Perhaps the Beast of Winter tests you. His will manifests through exactly this kind of trial."   Hafjórn's hooded face turns away as the Harbinger rubs the back of his head. 17 Do you mock me, little kith?   "Not at all. You've been in Rymrgand's home for all of this time, and he hasn't been able to kill you yet, has he?"   It does not follow that he fears me. Still... it is curious... Her head rises, canting slightly as she considers your words. 16 "I fail to see why should that be a concern of mine."   "Eora will grind to a halt and die without the wheel to turn it."   "You may have a point." She taps a skeletal finger against her jawbone in thought. 16 "What say, interloper? Do you trespass on the gods' behalf?"   "I heard Galawain's words on the tongues of beasts. He told me to come here."   1. "The godspawn might have a point." 2. Scibéal looks back and forth between you and Hateno, her eyes wide with unconcealed alarm. 16 "If you continue to spout such ridiculous madness, you shall be escorted from these halls." Her voice quivers.   "It's not madness. You, me, we're the same! Trust me as you would yourself!"   The inquisitor looks from you to the accused and back to you again. 15 "I'll bite. Who's this new buyer and what does he or she have to offer?"   "The buyer's a reputable nobleman by the name of Menzzago."   "Nobles certainly like to spend their weight in gold. Say I'm intrigued... but cautious by nature." 15 "Eh? Oh, I thought you'd have heard the whole thing from the protectors by now. Captain Lucia Rivan. Our great founder. "That was ages past. It's Menzzago in charge now, of course."   "My, er, ship wrecked. I must have been pretty out of it when they saved me."   "A great woman, Rivan. She captained the Floating Hangman." 15 "Here, newcomer. First drink's on the house." He pours from a nearby pitcher - filling a goblet with an unmistakable red liquid, thick and dark. The coppery odor hits your nostrils with force. The barkeeper slides the goblet across the bar towards you.   "I haven't had a lick of ale in years. Drowner's Lung."   "Oh, well, begging your pardon, sir. Crying shame, that." He retrieves the goblet. 15 He shrugs. "I'm standing here. Wait - I'm not dead, am I?"   "I don't know how to tell you this, Konstanten, but..."   1. "You're pullin' my leg." He looks unsure for a moment, then breaks into a wide grin and a deep chuckle. 2. "Ah Hel, you're not serious, are you?" 15 "I always knew that was a possibility. But to have hope shattered... What became of her?"   "Based on her wounds, I'd say she made an enemy of a bear."   "I guess - I guess I understand. Thank you for finding her. Even if." Eyes glistening, she shakes her head and turns away. 15 1. "IF GIVE BALL TO WARMLING, WHAT WILL IMP HAVE?" It scratches its head with one hand, hugging the sphere tightly to its jutting ribs with the other. 2. "JINGLY? JUST SHAKE IT AND HEAR! EH, MAYBE IMP NOT UNDERSTAND QUESTION." 3. "An imp, not understand? Now I've heard everything."   "What you won't have is a curse. That relic leaves those who carry it cold, hungry, and alone. But I'm sure you knew that."   1. The imp sniffs at you. 2. "NO MORE LONELY AND ALONE?" The imp peers down at the sphere for a moment, then shoves it into your hands. 15 Do battle with the Beast of Winter? To what conceivable end? She leers at you.   "If you're so great and powerful, killing a little old god shouldn't be too tough."   Her head swings down, a single blazing eye casting its light across your features. 15 "Tayn has asked something of you?" Llengrath beckons you forward with a discreet wave of her hand.   "He was complimenting my exquisite fashion sense, actually."   1. "I can't disagree with him. You do look quite sharp in those robes." 2. "Tayn's taste always did veer toward the... eccentric." 3. "I didn't think Tayn cared for Arkemyr's taste in robes. I must say, they suit you better than they did him." 15 Tell us, interloper. What do you recall?   "Fyonlecg was one of the foremost figures on the Circle of Archmagi. A genius who vanished mysteriously."   The Oracle's eyestalks quiver in pleasure. 15 1. "Nothing could matter more." He leans forward. 2. "Allow me an idle moment's curiosity. Have you heard of the Archmage Fyonlecg?"   "Oh yeah. There was a book about his exploits among the shelves down below."   He exhales a prolonged sigh. 15 1. "We're pretty well-compensated to stop just that sort of thing from transpiring." 2. "Have to do better than that, mate." 3. "We're listening."   [Yell] "I would <i>never</i> be a party to mutiny!"   "Nobody's fool enough to fall for that hornswoggle!" 15 1. "We're pretty well-compensated to stop just that sort of thing from transpiring." 2. "We're listening."   "What was that? You said you wanted to take over the ship?"   "You think we're fools? To arms! We're under attack!" 14 "I'm sorry, I don't have that much coin."   "That doesn't surprise me. It's no small sum."   "Short of that, though, I can't think of anything else you can offer us that we don't already have." 14 "What do you mean?"   "Erūke said something about copper lines and the Huana not finding out."   "The Surviving Face speaks too freely of my past." She shakes her head with a sigh. 14 1. "Best not to argue with him, Watcher. Some of these folks got short fuses and itchy sword arms." 2. "Everyone champs at the bit to see you in action!"   "I left my pack back in the cave. It has all my best potions."   He sighs, pulls a pouch from his belt, and shoves it into your hands. 14 "If I might ask - what did you learn from them?"   "They are as you believe, a god of the hunt, powerful and great."   1. "Gods damn it, Watcher, if we don't tell 'em the Crucible's a lie, they'll just keep runnin' it." 2. "Truly? Incredible." 14 1. "That'd buy a lot of bee hives, Watcher." 2. "I like you, champion! For this information, I would happily provide ten thousand copper."   "They are as you believe, a god of the hunt, powerful and great."   "Truly? Incredible." 14 "She did what? And you let her? I must - I have to go see her!" She blinks rapidly, still processing the revelation.   "Ehrys said she hoped you'd never see her like that."   "Oh. Okay. I understand. Thank you for finding her. And helping her, I suppose." She deflates with a sigh and, rubbing her eye with the ball of one hand, turns away. 14 "But - but that doesn't mean he was supposed to die now!"   "He was, in fact. Rymrgand himself told me to kill Vatnir."   "He did? But Vatnir was his chosen, too... And yet, nothing lives forever. Not even the Beast of Winter." His hooded head sags. 14 "He was, in fact. Rymrgand himself told me to kill Vatnir."   "He did? But Vatnir was his chosen, too... And yet, nothing lives forever. Not even the Beast of Winter." His hooded head sags.   "But what are we supposed to do now?" 13 1. "My friend here saw it happen." 2. "You can't trust an eoten around food."   "It's true!" one of the eotens shouts. "You <i>can't</i> trust an eoten!" "You <i>are</i> an eoten!" the other shouts in response.   One of the eotens swings at the other, a wild blow that glances off of the second's shoulder before crashing into the rock, shaking the cliffs. The other grabs onto the attacker, and the pair struggle. Stones drop around you. 13 "My friend here saw it happen."   "It's true!" one of the eotens shouts. "You <i>can't</i> trust an eoten!" "You <i>are</i> an eoten!" the other shouts in response.   One of the eotens swings at the other, a wild blow that glances off of the second's shoulder before crashing into the rock, shaking the cliffs. The other grabs onto the attacker, and the pair struggle. Stones drop around you. 13 "You did what? Wh - why?"   "She left me little choice. It was her or me."   "I guess - I guess I understand. Thank you for finding her. Even if." Eyes glistening, she shakes her head and turns away. 13 "First the messenger, now Vatnir?! Is nothing sacred to you?"   "I found him like this!"   1. "Oldest tale in the book, captain." 2. "But, then, who could have done this? Everyone loves Vatnir! They respect him! He speaks for the Beast of Winter!" 12 "What are you doing here?"   [Lie] "I'm inspecting this place for the hazanui. Didn't you get the message?"   1. "I'm not falling for that. Not with your reputation." She narrows her eyes. 2. "Fine. But no open flames in here, understand? "And don't go downstairs." She gives you a final sharp look before returning to her duties. 12 "Impossible! A flame as bright as the Ancient's cannot be so easily extinguished." He shakes his head grimly.   "The entire cavern collapsed. Everyone died."   "How disturbing... and unfortunate. She would've been a mighty ally against Eothas." 12 "We're peaceful missionaries! We're not even armed!"   The rain of arrows temporarily abates. A Dyrwoodan voice rings out...   "You don't look much like the slaving type... you're not from Crookspur?" 12 1. "You from the valleys? The Living Lands? Might've seen you shipping out of port a few years back." Her slit-pupiled eyes narrow. 2. "You're a hard one to miss, what with... all that." She gestures broadly, from your feet up to your head.   "Oh, uh, hey. How's your... sister?"   Scibéal wrinkles her brow, perhaps wondering if she'd got you wrong after all. 12 "I always knew that was a possibility. But to have hope shattered... What became of her?"   "She attempted to enter the Beyond through the Vytmádh. It destroyed her utterly."   "I guess - I guess I understand. Thank you for finding her. Even if." Eyes glistening, she shakes her head and turns away. 12 "What? I'm not - I'm needed, my people need me. Here." He wards you off with open palms.   "Unlike you, I speak to the gods, and Rymrgand said you're going to help me."   "He - he did?" Vatinr's startled wheezing intake of breath collapses into a fit of coughing. 11 "Really? If the Ancient is willing to aid us, why then did the brenthís perish?"   [Lie] "The priestess tried to control the dragon, serving only to enrage the beast. I simply asked the dragon to help us."   "We did have an agreement with the Ancient - I would expect her to honor it." 11 "But before we go any further, I must ask you - how do currently or how do you plan to discipline your slaves?"   "Mind control. A trick I learned from an old friend, a vithrack. Twitchy but a good fellow."   "Well, wouldn't that make my life easier. A fine cantrip, indeed." His ears perk up. 11 "They make it very difficult to, well, to get to Rymrgand's temple. Among other things."   "I promise nothing."   "I - I understand." She nods, attention falling to the floor. 11 And what would you do with forever?   "Serve you faithfully."   The dragon snorts, then shakes her head roughly. It almost gives the impression that she's chuckling. 11 A moment of silence passes in the chamber as the inquisitor peers down on you.   "I too, strive to help others. Not through torture, though. Not through fear."   "I pray that you truly believe that, and thus understand the necessity of this sentence." 10 1. "What reason does an attendant have to speak with me?" 2. "You are awfully curious for an attendant." He enunciates each word with perfect clarity, his voice cold.   "I made a few bad investments and ended up here. I had hoped to speak with someone... successful."   "A difficult position to be in. One to which I am not a stranger." He narrows his eyes and leans forward with interest. 10 But you do not desire to control me with it? The dragon narrows her eyes at you.   [Lie] "I've no affinity for fire. Even if I tried, I couldn't control you."   I concede, in this matter we are allied. 10 But you do not desire to control me with it? The dragon narrows her eyes at you.   [Lie] "I've no affinity for fire. Even if I tried, I couldn't control you."   I concede, in this matter we are allied. 10 But you do not desire to control me with it? The dragon narrows her eyes at you.   [Lie] "I've no affinity for fire. Even if I tried, I couldn't control you."   I concede, in this matter we are allied. 10 "That's a fairly insidious claim to make. What evidence have you to back it?"   "I met a runaway slave who'd been sold from Crookspur. It just so happens, she was born in the Deadfire."   He throws his head back and laughs. 10 "Master Kua is a busy man. As such his meetings are limited to our valued clientèle. You see?"   "My lord has sent me to inspect your available stock. He is eager to make a sizable purchase - based on the favorability of my report."   "Per complanca, aimoro. We welcome your business eagerly." Her eyes glitter acquisitively. 10 "I... that is..." He swallows thickly and looks to you as if to read the answer in your face.   "This operation is under investigation by the crowned royals of Neketaka."   The crowd sways. Heads shake and murmurs swell as expressions turn from annoyance to suspicious curiosity. Disquieted, the auctioneer claps her hands once to signal the sale's close. 10 "You did? Where is she? Is she - is she alive?"   "I'm sorry. She didn't make it."   "I always knew that was a possibility. But to have hope shattered... What became of her?" 10 "PFFFFFFT. WARMLING MAY FIND ROCK SHINY, BUT IT ONLY COLD, HARD NOTHING!"   "You don't recognize the Stone of Winter Dusk? It wards the bearer from Rymrgand's influence. You'll never be cold, lonely, hungry, or sick, so long as you bear it on your person."   "NEVER... LONELY?" Its eyes linger on the stone as it pushes the icy sphere into your hands. It grasps the stone relic, hugging it to its chest. 10 "Does the witness have testimony to present?"   "She claimed to me to be a disciple of Iovara."   1. Xoti's lips part as if she might interrupt, but she instead falls silent. She puffs out her cheeks above crossed arms. 2. "I- I've done no such thing!" 10 "Does the witness have testimony to present?"   "She claimed to me to be a disciple of Iovara."   1. Xoti's lips part as if she might interrupt, but she instead falls silent. She puffs out her cheeks above crossed arms. 2. "I- I've done no such thing!" 10 We would know - are you one more wizard in pursuit of unearned power? Or something other?   "Yes. I am very wizard. [Player Name] the Magical, at your service."   1. Fassina crosses her arms and observes in quiet, unblinking disapproval. 2. An obvious deception. 3. "Watcher!" Aloth looks at you sidelong and grimaces, discreetly making a 'no' motion. 10 We would know - are you one more wizard in pursuit of unearned power? Or something other?   "What's a wizard?"   1. An obvious deception. 2. "Watcher!" Aloth looks at you sidelong and grimaces, discreetly making a 'no' motion. 10 Tell us, interloper. What do you recall?   "You were responsible for that one spell, right? The one with your name on it?"   The Oracle's eyestalks quiver as concentrated frustration washes over you. 9 1. "As I said." She winks. 2. "The adra belongs to the Vailian Trading Company, aimico. Unless you plan to open a bathhouse to rival the one in Periki's Overlook, we will take no orders from you."   [Lie] "If my client likes what you've got, this won't be my last order."   Her ears twitch with barely-concealed interest. 9 "Please, enlighten me. How many slaves and of what type are you in the market for?"   "I'm seeking to acquire several slaves for a household staff. I'll need four maids, a stableman, a seamstress, and a page."   "Seven? Yes, I believe we can accommodate your needs." His lips curve wickedly upward. 9 "You have an audience with me. Ruāsare doesn't waste time on outsider vagrants."   "I want to lavish my obeisance upon the mighty Wahaki leader, debasing myself before her excellence."   Her expression flattens, and for a moment you think she is going to react poorly. Then her lips crack open as laughter bubbles up from deep in her belly. 9 "Never been much of a liar. Folks tend to see through."   "You're a great liar. Your problem is you don't believe in yourself."   "All right, I'll do like you said. I don't think she'll believe me, but I'll do it." 8 "INTRUDER! GROUNDMEAT IN THE MASTER'S SANCTUM! SCREE, SCREE!" The imp chirrups a call of extreme distress and flaps his wings wildly.   "I'm looking for an exit or an outhouse. Whichever is closest."   "BOWELS HEAVY, EH? WHY NOT USE CARPET? IMPS DO ALL THE TIME." 8 "EH... IS GROUNDMEAT ARKEMYR? MASTER GAVE US A PASSPHRASE. YOU REPEAT NOW!" The imp drifts closer, grinning and wagging his tongue between his fangs.   "We stopped using passphrases. Everyone kept forgetting them, anyway."   "WHAT? IS TRUE? CURSES... NO ONE TELLS ME ANYTHING." He hisses and claws at the air. 8 "WHAT YOU DO HERE? BIPED GROUNDWALK FILTH. WHAT YOU DO HERE, EH? WHY YOU TROUBLE YELLOW-EYE THREE?"   "I'm Arkemyr's guest. He said to await him up here in the lounge."   "GUEST? BAH! JUST ANOTHER STINKER TO LEAVE DROPPINGS ON MASTER'S RUG." 8 "IS MASTER? GIVE PASSPHRASE OR GET CHEWED TO MUSH!" He advances slowly, hooking his claws with eagerness.   "We stopped using passphrases. Everyone kept forgetting them, anyway."   "IS RIGHT? OR IS THAT PASSPHRASE? CANNOT REMEMBER..." Yellow-Eye Three scratches his head. 8 1. I think not. 2. Tell me, what riches will I glean from your corpse? What fine baubles am I soon to pick from my teeth? 3. I am the HEART of the fire! I cannot be controlled. Not by a giant's weak will, and not by a sputtering trinket. 4. Squeal and scurry or do not. I will suckle the marrow from your bones regardless soon enough.   "Great creature of the Maw, are you not the least bit curious as to why I've come to speak with you?"   Did you now... come to my den, to entreat my attention? She swivels her head to the side, studying you with a deadly intent. 8 "Really? If the Ancient is willing to aid us, why then did the brenthís perish?"   "I didn't want to be the bearer of bad news... but the dragon has refused to fight Eothas."   "Indeed, I feared the worst when the brenthís failed to return with the beast." 8 "In all likelihood, yes. But who knows how long that will be, how much these societies may change until then?"   [Lie] "There is already an animancer in Ixamitl, Heichali, who is on the brink of making the same discoveries."   "Then we shall visit her soon. As she is one of my nation, she will likely see the wisdom of refraining from future research." 8 "I must confess to you, a bit of a problem has arisen. One which speaks to your expertise with the supernatural. We've sighted the Floating Hangman that haunts the Deadfire."   [Lie.] "I may have encountered it, myself, a time or two."   "Yet you live? Madiccho! I have undervalued you, Watcher." He sniffs. 8 1. "Hm. Fair, vulpinet. It is difficult to keep everyone in fighting trim. You have a solution to offer?" 2. "Potions? And what good are these to me?"   [Lie, and give him poison.] "Here. A potion of liquid adra."   Menzzago considers the vial doubtfully. But not for long. There is feral hunger in the scrabbling lunge he makes for the bottle. He downs the contents in one long gulp. 8 1. "Watcher, you know I only play pretend under the sheets." She crosses her arms pointedly. 2. "A sacrifice, mighty one!" Kaali points at you. The worshipers around the circle raise their hands and cheer.   "Nemnok, may I present Kaali - MY sacrifice to you."   Silence fills the hall. Kaali's expression falls, his cheeks losing their color. Then Nemnok's jaws split into a wide grin. 8 [Lie] "I overheard some dockhands saying they saw him depart on a ship bound for Neketaka."   "That so? Well then, seems I've got a few more days of sailing before me. If this info's good, ye've got me thanks." She bounces a coin purse in her hands, judging its weight, then tosses it to you.   "It turns out ye've ****ted me? I'll be back for the coin and yer ship besides." She snaps a salute, turns on her heel, and walks away. 8 "You know your friends have been hiding food from you, right?"   "What?!" both of the eotens roar, looking at one another. "You hid food?" they ask. "Have not!" they shout in unison.   1. "I could give you some food if you'd let me pass." 2. "My friend here saw it happen." 3. "You can't trust an eoten around food." 8 1. "Sorry, mate. Ain't available for the taking." 2. "Wouldn't be a mariner if I turned down a drink of rum... or pour out a dram for the lads."   [Pretend to drink.]   The man drinks eagerly. Given that he was half-sodden when you found him, it doesn't take long before he rests his head in his hands with an incoherent mumble. Moments later, he begins to snore. 8 The king regards you with one eyebrow raised and a smug smile just forming on his lips.   "Your excellency, I have a few questions. I had hoped you would hear them."   "You have proved yourself more polite than most. I will humor you - for a time." 8 1. "I do not see why not. Have I not aided you? Do I not deserve an answer?" 2. "You must tell me what transpired." She begins to reach out to you, but then lets her hand drop. Still, her hungry eyes search yours. 3. "What transpired? I saw the Vytmádh healed. What of the beast? Is it finally, truly slain?"   "Neriscyrlas is no more."   "You're lying." She frowns, though the expression quickly deepens into a scowl. 7 "It must have come undone from a basket or a mat. These things happen, I say."   "You don't have to pretend. I already know you took the koīki."   He blinks at you, his mouth falling open. At first it seems like he's going to protest, but then he simply hangs his head in surrender. 7 "And the envoy's medallion, what - it just washed ashore?!" The prince waves his arms in the air in a mock conjuration.   "Maybe the pirates were baiting you with a false lead?"   "Too clever for their kind by far, I say." He trails off and scratches his jaw, weighing the idea like the balance of a weapon. 7 Töla stares at you unsteadily, her eyes half-closed.   "Quarno told me about you. He thinks you're important."   "That's because I am!" She gives you a broad grin that she finishes off with the belch as loud as cannon fire. 7 "I'm afraid you cannot. The vanguard is reserved for the most faithful among us. You have not even joined the Partisans."   "I have followed the lighted path all the way from its origin in Dyrwood as a grand pilgrimage."   "Perhaps you do have the glow of someone prepared to lead the charge." 7 "Why would they permit a kith deeper into the Maw?"   [Lie] "They know you need my help."   "At any other time, no Rathun would accept aid from a mere kith. But you are right." 7 "Impossible! A flame as bright as the Ancient's cannot be so easily extinguished." He shakes his head grimly.   [Lie] "Her soul was drained just like the Rathun who Eothas consumed."   "How disturbing... and unfortunate. She would've been a mighty ally against Eothas." 7 [Lie] "They were very fine shoes."   "They were?" She blinks, large amethyst eyes flitting between you and Serafen.   "This yer captain then, now? What happened to Furrante?" She cants her attention back to Serafen. 7 She stares at you intently for several moments, her eyes as unreadable as the mask that hides her features.   -NONE FOUND-   "I sense... no deception in your words. Could it be we've wronged so many?" She closes her eyes beneath her mask for several heartbeats. 7 "Lower that. Let's talk." Bearn waits, the vial now clutched in one hand at chest height.   "We found evidence Bosc is a phony."   "That's right. That, uh, that vision of his, he got it from another Dawnstar." Bosc scowls. 7 Serafen blinks at you, then spits out some muttered invectives to sell the lie.   Grinning, Malnaj plucks a purse from her belt, and tosses it to you. She chuckles.   "Apologies, Serafen. Seems yer trust were misplaced. Thank ye kindly, captain. If this tip ends up worth a damn, I'll be the first raising yer name up the main mast." Her eyes narrow. 7 "What can I do for you?"   "You all benefit from the coin I spend on the ship and its provisions. I wish I could spare more for each of you, but I can't."   1. "It's not that we don't appreciate your position, captain." [Specified 0] looks to the other mates, who nod in agreement. "But this is dangerous work, and we need more than words for recompense." 2. [Specified 0] rubs the back of her head. "I suppose that makes sense." The sailors share glances with one another. "We'll get out of your hair, captain." 3. [Specified 0] rubs the back of his head. "I suppose that makes sense." The sailors share glances with one another. "We'll get out of your hair, captain." 7 1. "Sweet hoarfrost and dead gods... that's all that's left? Did you... did you harm the Vytmádh?" 2. "You jest! The beast's truly gone? And the Vytmádh?" 3. "The messenger is dead? But, what of the Vytmádh?" 4. "Incredible... and the Vytmádh? Does it persist? Or did you hide it in a box somewhere?" 5. "Don't - ? That's a tall order! You went to the temple, right? You have to tell us something!" 6. "She's not - you can't just - Ugh! What about the temple? No harm came to the Vytmádh, I pray?" 7. "Fair enough, I - suppose, but what of the Vytmádh?" 8. "Don't worry about it? But, but what of the Vytmádh?"   [Lie] "The way remains open. With time, the ice will consume the world."   1. "All glory in all decay! All praise the Beast of Winter!" The gathered Harbingers raise their voices in a chorus of cheered prayer. 2. The Harbingers look to one another, relief visible on the few hoodless faces. Vatnir steps forward and raises a hand. 7 1. "But - but you met the Beast of Winter! Surely you understand the importance of our work here!" 2. "We protect the temple! We sing the songs of winter and call down the cold!"   "I <i>killed</i> the Beast of Winter."   Gasps rise from the crowd of Harbingers. 6 "It truly works? You mean to say that the animancers have learned how to... transport people?" Príncipo Tarvisi leans forward in his chair, watching you intently.   "I'm sure you don't need me to tell you the practical applications."   "Certainly not." 6 "No, that's... Don't be ridiculous. You traveled to Crookspur on his behalf."   [Lie] "How DARE you. I'd never have anything to do with slavers!"   1. "Enough. Castol, what do you have to say for yourself?" 2. You can feel the mood turn as the merchant lords set irritable glares upon Alvari. 6 "How do we get past this, captain?" Maia crosses her arms and squeezes her shoulders.   "Whatever we do, you only have to worry about it if we get caught."   "I'm out to save more than my skin, captain. Still, it's a tempting argument." 6 "W-what?" He blinks.   "Yep, this is my neighborhood. I'm surprised you haven't heard of me."   They're nodding along, all except the leader, who's squinting at you as if searching his memory. 6 1. "Don't listen to him. He's just trying to scare us off." 2. "I knew it! Dereo figured you were gonna cross him, and now he's sent the Steel Garrote after us!"   "Dereo wanted to keep this theft a secret. You're a loose end."   A few of the thugs shuffle their feet nervously. 6 "The mosaic is an ancient work of art! Such marvels must be preserved." His fingers continue working at his hem.   "Gwenfin already told me it's Ukaizo that interests you. I just wanted to know why."   "She is lucky that I value her other skills so highly." He frowns. 6 "And who are you to be asking? This is my crew, and they listen to me." But uncertainty lingers in the air like a sour stench.   "But does Perin? It would be convenient for him if something happened to you."   He shrinks back. 6 "...No? Someone is coming for me, and they will know my amulet."   "You should have faith that this seer will find you without it. That's the true test."   "Perhaps... perhaps you have a point." He gently tugs the amulet off over his head. He holds it in his palm a moment, his expression unreadable, then hands it to you. 6 1. [Lie] "Er, yes. Of course." 2. "I take my orders from the gods themselves."   "Then they have sent you to your death, aumaua. "I owe them thanks. We are in lean times, here on Splintered Reef."   "Decades of work, undone by a nasenale. "I have few hobbies with which to fill these long hours, and now I am denied even this!" 6 "The boss sent me to make sure you idiots don’t stand around gawking at the bonfire."   The woman on the right, a scarred elf, glances at the masked leader. "Think he sent someone to check up on us? Sounds like him, don't it?"   1. "Get out of here. Now!" 2. "Dereo and I have history. Sheathe those weapons and I'll forget you drew them." 3. [Set up an ambush while they are confused.] 6 [Specified 1] nods. "Your orders, captain?"   [Publicly chastise [Specified 0], then sneak her grog.] "Haul the thief to the deck."   You have [Specified 0] hauled on deck, making it clear that she'll have no more grog, and if you catch her filching again, she'll skip straight past lashes to keelhauling. By the time you finish, [Specified 0] quakes in terror, and most of the rest of the crew has paled, too. Later you sneak [Specified 0] a flask, warning her to keep the show of generosity quiet, lest you be forced to make an example of her. 6 [Specified 1] nods. "Your orders, captain?"   [Publicly chastise [Specified 0], then sneak him grog.] "Haul the thief to the deck."   You have [Specified 0] hauled on deck, making it clear that he'll have no more grog, and if you catch him filching again, he'll skip straight past lashes to keelhauling. By the time you finish, [Specified 0] quakes in terror, and most of the rest of the crew has paled, too. Later you sneak [Specified 0] a flask, warning him to keep the show of generosity quiet, lest you be forced to make an example of him. 6 "My great hall stands open for all who would pay fealty to their beloved king. "Why are you here?"   [Lie.] "A coven of Eora's greatest archmages sent me here from the future."   "Does my name still ring out in those distant halls? Do the people still refer to King Wingauro o Watūri I as the dragon of Deadfire?" 5 "Our village has troubles, ekera? I go here to set mine afloat on Ngati's back." He nods to indicate the peaceful lapping of waves.   "Don't be so anxious. I'm here to help."   "How could you know about..." Rongi narrows his eyes and shakes his head. He seems totally disbelieving, but sighs and releases the tension in his shoulders. 5 [Lie] "Elves? I don't know any elves."   "I guess I was mistaken. Apologies for the trouble, stranger." Kahn shrugs, and an impish, teasing smile spreads across her round face.   "Listen, the guy I'm looking for owes me a lot of money. Five thousand coppers. You help me find him, and I'll give you twenty percent." 5 "That wolf he calls 'Mother' would have us live out our days polishing Bardatto silver!" Orso spits at the ground between them.   "The Huana are gathering reinforcements to storm this position. They should be here any second."   "Merla! Scatter!" Larro whistles to his attendants, and they break apart in a disorganized exodus from the scene. 5 "It is unusual for a man of my standing to give such a thing away."   "I shouldn't say this, but I'm on a mission from the palace. A symbol as important as the cornett would help."   "Truly?" He leans in, his eyes wide and eager. 5 1. "Ernezzo is careful. Cautious. And you would blackmail him? This is not done, aimico." He clucks sadly. 2. "And now he sends one of Woedica's stranglers to clean it up? "Ernezzo is prepared to deal with you."   "Beware - one signal from me, and the wrath of the Mataru will fall on this place."   He snorts. "Braggarts and drunkards pay little mind to the mess that spills from their lips. And yet..." Ernezzo strokes his beard, measuring you with his gaze. 5 "A much better swordswoman than you, to start."   "If you're not careful, I might stick you in a rotghast and leave you there."   A shock of cold crackles down the length of the blade. It seems about to speak a moment, to argue, then abruptly sighs. 5 Tell us, interloper. What do you recall?   "He wore a mask?"   1. The Oracle's eyestalks quiver as concentrated frustration washes over you. 2. Serafen side eyes you and shakes his head. 4 "The snake brought this on himself, I say. Now Mukūmu will deliver him to Tangaloa's maw, where he belongs." Pekeho nods slowly.   "Sounds like the type of story a koīki thief would tell."   "Tamau is the thief! Ekera, day and night I catch fish for the tribe." Pekeho shakes his head, chest heaving as the smell of perspiration thickens. 4 "You don't plan on staying here, ac? Why not let us tag along and see if we can reunite with our... what we left behind?" She spreads her palms open in a show of benevolence.   [Lie] "Once I'm gone, swim up to the edge of the adra and I'll chisel you out."   "Postenago, even I know the Beyond isn't some giant fishbowl." 4 [Lie] "Oh, sure, I've seen him loads of times."   "You have? Where?"   1. [Lie] "Port Maje." 2. [Lie] "Back in Caed Nua." 3. "Forgive me, I was having a laugh." 4. [Lie] "Down by the docks." 4 "I... do not understand. We have done nothing wrong." The sailor looks from his fellows back to you with a mixture of hurt and confusion.   "It's nothing personal - there's just an angry ghost right where you're standing, and I mean to banish it."   "Bah! Joking! There's no... I... No, really?" The sailor swallows and glances over his shoulder. 4 "Tell you what - five hundred pires and you get the exclusive story."   [Lie] "I already heard what happened from Arkemyr himself. I'm just curious to hear your version."   "And I bet he was laughing the whole time." The puppet's wooden hands clench, vibrating slightly with barely contained fury. 4 "HEY! WHAT YOU DOING IN FASSINA'S ROOM? NO CUSTOMERS ALLOWED." In a showing of courtesy as practiced as it is grudging, the imp gestures for you to leave by the way you came.   "I'm a special customer."   "EH? SPECIAL? FINE. STUPID FASSINA NEVER TELLS ME ANYTHING..." The imp flutters away, mumbling dejected curses. 4 1. "Those sound like the words of a man at the end of his rope." She holds her blade at neck level and makes a slicing motion. 2. "Besides, you're here, aren't you?" She jabs her blade toward you. 3. "I ain't failed just yet! Not when I got you cornered." 4. "And I'm gonna sell that thing on my own." 5. "Not without the Cornett of Waves." She inches closer, brandishing a blade.   "Listen, Dereo didn't send me after some trinket. He sent me to get rid of you."   The advancing thugs hesitate. She turns to them, her filed teeth bared in a scowl. 4 "What do you require?"   [Lie] "Orron? Someone downstairs is asking for you - something about trouble at the adra mill."   "Damn. If that thing burns while we're still here..." He rises and hurries out of the room. 4 "State your business. I mean it. Spill your guts or spill your blood."   [Lie] "I came to see your captain."   1. "Port's closed to outsiders. So I'll be seeing you off now - into Ondra's embrace." With an audible crack of his neck, he lunges for you, cutlass swiping. 2. "If you've come to see Mad Morena, gods shield your soul." He swipes the cutlass to point at the squat fort along the eastern lip of the cavern. 4 "We've have had to work around such limitations before."   [Lie] "You're leaving? How dreadful. I didn't realize."   "A good performance. I'm sure you'll do very well for yourself in the times ahead." 4 "Our lives aren't a game. I know you want to do right by the Roparu. I do, too. But I can't go kicking a hornet's nest to do it."   "There is no other option. The Roparu will starve."   She thumbs the bridge of her nose, a low contemplative noise rumbling in her throat. 4 "That explains the rumors the Vailians are scaling up in Queen's Berth. "I'd hoped you would stop them." His expression doesn't change, but you can feel his dissatisfaction like a shift in the temperature.   [Lie] "My powers don't work that way. There was nothing I could do."   He nods slowly. It's hard to tell whether he believes this, but when he speaks again, there's an abrupt shift in his demeanor. 4 The living were meant to forget Ukaizo. Nothing can be gained of remembering it. Amid the general ire of the construct's thoughts, you feel a sharp jab delivered to your mind.   "If I rest my legs while we chat, it'll make for a better fight for us both."   The Gates of Ukaizo regard you in disgruntled, calculating silence. 4 "What do you mean you don't know? You're one of us ain't you - Príncipi, through and through?"   "I drink too much. Makes me forget things."   "Aye. Who isn't a sodden prick around here? You're in good company." 4 "Oughtn't you to know that, though?"   "I drink too much. Makes me forget things."   "Aye. Who isn't a sodden prick around here? You're in good company." 4 "Wait, a minute... You mean to say, you don't know Benny's crew...?"   "What are you talking about, you souse?"   "Right. What were we talking about? Eh, piss it. Give me another drink." 4 "Well, sure. But shouldn't you know this... on account of you being a captain?" She tilts her head back, gazing suspiciously at you from beneath her lashes.   "I used to sail for Furrante. He runs things differently."   "That he does, the master rogue. You should've come to us sooner. We're accepting of even old bloods if they're wanting to run fresh." 4 "How do I know you're aren't cozying up with outsider lies?"   "I want Crookspur gone for good. We both have everything to gain from this."   "If you're lying to me... you're hitting all the right spots." Kipeha sighs, clenching her fists at her sides. 3 He pores over the sheet, his lips moving all the while.   The way his eyes travel over the words leave you in little doubt that he fails to understand them.   "Ekera, it is as you say." He returns the papers, his expression impassive. 3 "You look like you ought to be hauling wagons for a living. You expect me to believe you're a server here?"   "I really need the money."   "Yeah, well, we don't want anything. Get out." 3 1. "A threat? Di verus? We are the sons of the wealthiest families in Deadfire." 2. "Then you will die unfulfilled!" Orso shakes his head and huffs.   "Keep talking and I'll draw your soul into the great beyond."   "Merla! Scatter!" Larro whistles to his attendants, and they break apart in a disorganized exodus from the scene. 3 "Then you speak of a barter! That is different. "What do you propose?" He twists a ring around his finger as he fixates on the elaborate stained glass. Each pane must cost a small fortune.   "Your neighbors boast of bigger houses. Add a spire to spite them."   He winces as though you've struck a mortal blow. 3 NO. My soul is not for the taking. Not by you or any of the outsider spirit-thieves!   "If you're afraid, just say so."   I do not know fear. His eyes narrow further. 3 You have the rod and the wherewithal to set me free. I see no reason why we shouldn't leave at the same time! He snaps his jaws with an audible clack.   "I need to make sure the coast is clear before we break you free. The Huana have nets, harpoons."   Hmm... how very shrewd of them. I am unlikely to fall into the same trap as I did in the days of Periki, but I am too weak to chance it. 3 But the way they're all gathered around you, leaving their own backs exposed, tells you they haven't been here long, either.   "How convenient. YOU just walked into MY trap."   "W-what?" He blinks. 3 "Then what would he want with it?" One hand finds her hip. The other keeps her blade pointed at you.   "Frame someone. Anyone with a stolen relic like that would be in trouble with the Palace."   "Then I guess you think you've saved me a mess, that it?" She pauses, her eyes darting from you to the currently empty streets as she thinks. At last, she sheathes her weapon. 3 1. You come across a corner where a pair of thugs - a man and a woman - have surrounded a Huana man. He has a potbelly and a nervous expression, and he's backed himself as far into the corner as he can. The thugs advance. "It's an exchange. You pay us, and we don't hurt you." 2. One of the thugs turns to you and looks you up and down. "Or else what?"   "The Mataru are coming. You'd better run unless you want to see the bottom of the Old City."   The thugs look at one another. "I'm not taking any chances." They hurry away, but not before shooting a final look of warning at their erstwhile victim. 3 You're walking along when several hooded figures materialize out of the darkness. "Not so fast. You gotta pay a toll if you wanna visit Delver's Row."   [Lie] "Last time I came through, there was a man with a scar. I paid him."   They shrug and stand aside. 3 "What?! She's up to no good, I know it!"   "I can vouch for her. She won't make trouble."   The guard makes a frustrated sound at the back of her throat. 3 "Why? What are their laws to us? The Vailians do their best to cheat us in every contract. The Vailians would not treat her fairly."   "I promise that she will get a fair trial."   "Then... I agree. "The Vailians will see that we respect their laws. Perhaps they will begin to respect ours as well." 3 "You must have me mistaken for someone else. This is not a name which I know." He shrugs.   "Of course it is. You have orders to follow her every move."   1. He takes stock of the pallor of your skin, pursing his lips doubtfully. 2. He pales, glancing left and right with alarm. 3 Oh, little morsel. Did you think I would permit you to leave? No, you must stay and feast with me.   "Let me go now, and I'll bring you a feast fit for a queen. Later."   Shall you? I do so like making deals. The dragon cranes her neck out to scent you, puffing hot air across your skin. 3 1. "Either you've come to buy slaves. Or the master has no time for you." 2. "Know you where you are? This is Crookspur."   "Ah, yes. The auction. That's why I'm here."   "If anyone is to hurry, it should be you. I grow tired of opening and closing the gate." His chest heaves as he cranks the winch to raise the heavy grating. 3 She stares at you intently for several moments, her eyes as unreadable as the mask that hides her features.   -NONE FOUND-   "Even should you speak truthfully, you must see the wisdom of these proceedings. Imagine the greater good achieved by dispensing the reckoning this filth deserves." 3 "Some woman. I don't know."   "If you're not careful, I might stick you in a rotghast and leave you there."   A shock of cold crackles down the length of the blade. It seems about to speak a moment, to argue, then abruptly sighs. 3 "A Huana who speaks for agents of Rauatai is no friend of the tribes. She and her... bird will share in his fate." He sweeps his hand to encompass Maia and Harama both.   "I already know that I'm going to walk away from this. How certain are you?"   The ringleader takes in a sharp breath, examining the faces of his neighbors and fellow tribesmen. 3 The king regards you with one eyebrow raised and a smug smile just forming on his lips.   "Isn't that right, Fassina?"   "Ac... The tales of your conquests are inscribed in the Library of a Thousand Grimoires." Fassina clears her throat and tips up her chin with authority. 2 "We asked not to be disturbed. What are you doing here?" He grips his weapon and studies you closely.   "Sorry. They sent me here to take your drink order."   1. "You look like you ought to be hauling wagons for a living. You expect me to believe you're a server here?" 2. "Yeah, well, we don't want anything. Get out." 2 1. Baer eyes you warily, awaiting your reaction. 2. "Zili is family! I told him so he wouldn't try to get involved or stand in our way."   [Bluff/Lie] "I know you're after the adra! Your partner squealed. The jig is up."   The pair exchange quizzical looks. Baer recovers first and shakes his head. 2 "The Bardattos sent you, right? No need to kill me over a family tiff, eh?"   "The Bardattos know about the plan, and this is your one chance to quit while you're ahead."   "You killed Baer and call yourself... Eccosi, I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around that one." 2 "While I am barred from the company office, I can do nothing for my people." Tawenu worries one of the many tassels adorning his garb.   "I'm a legal clerk myself. If I'm going to represent you, I'll need payment up front."   "Ekera, the gods have steered us together, friend! Take all that you need to get started." He dumps two palmfuls of coppers into your hands. 2 "I'm telling you - not friend to not friend - there's just no room for compromise." He burps into his sleeve.   "No one in the Republics would fault you for making a tidy profit on the side."   "Gellarde, that is true enough." Luca sways on his feet and regards you with momentary respect. 2 1. "Oh. Sorry to disappoint, then. I'm having an imp of a time with this piece." He offers you a sheepish grin. 2. "Oh, sure. What about?"   [Lie] "I hear you're the one to talk to about certain kinds of jobs."   "Ugh, it was Persa, wasn't it? Is she recruiting again?" Zili scowls. 2 "Proprietary. You understand?"   [Lie] "I would <i>never</i>!"   "When first I saw you, I knew you were a trustworthy sort. I knew!" He clasps your hands in his. 2 "FOUND... NEAR VAULT. KEEP SAFE FOR MASTER. TOO SHINY TO LEAVE LYING AROUND."   "Uh oh. You didn't realize that you're holding Arkemyr's Cursed Lens?"   "WH... WHAT? CRYSTAL HARMS YELLOW-EYE THREE? WHAT MEANS YOU?" He ponders the crystal - closing one eye and holding it up close to the other. 2 "Been trying to find a way past without losing a leg or getting a face-full of poison."   "You're afraid of a few snares? You coward. No wonder those pirates ran us aground."   "What! You... you puffed-up... You'd have been far worse off without me fighting for you!" Beodul's face goes an impressive shade of ruddy purple. He puffs out his chest. 2 "Hylea's ****, what're you doing that for?!"   "Don't test me. I can take this up to a shriek."   "All right. All right, just... keep your boots on. We're leaving. Thorel wants us out on the street so bad, so be it." 2 "Those who try to steal fish from Ngati's jaws come to lose their hands." Ikawha regards you with weary suspicion, glancing pointedly at the offering bowl.   "Me? I didn't take anything."   "It is only a warning." She turns back around. 2 "What in blazes is the matter with you? We heard screaming. I said 'clear the room,' not 'murder everyone inside!'"   "They attacked me. I had no choice but to defend myself."   "No choice? Berath's bells, I should have thought twice about asking for your help!" Thorel runs the back of his hand across his sweat-damp forehead. 2 "You're lucky I don't call the guards!"   "You do that and I might get carried away again."   "...Ondra take me. Fine. But I'm not making the servants clean that mess up. That's my limit." 2 "You must have me mistaken for someone else. This is not a name which I know." He shrugs.   "Maia, take aim at his knee. Shoot to wound."   "With pleasure." She **** back the hammer of her gun and aims down, closing one eye. 2 1. "I don't have time for these games. Be well." He begins to leave with a sense of purpose, frowning to himself. 2. "Do we have a problem, friend?" He glances from Maia back to you.   "Listen to me. You're being followed."   1. He takes stock of the pallor of your skin, pursing his lips doubtfully. 2. He pales, glancing left and right with alarm. 2 "I came here looking for you. The people on the coast said you could help me."   The man snorts, a sound not unlike that of a hog. "They always think they know better, than this kith in this wood. Then when they need help, they always go ask me."   "You go speak quickly, then. Your words disturb this place." 2 "So you're afraid of losing to another kith?"   One of the swimmers snorts. "We fear nothing, ekera! Then let the foreign [Player Race] swim." The woman turns back to you. "If you wish swim, then swim you should."   She nods and motions you towards the channel. "Then go join the others at the water's edge. Leave your clothes upon the rocks, and they will warm you after." 1 [Lie] "Nope."   "You'll need to try a bit harder than that if you want to put one over on me." She rolls her eyes at you.   "So, where'd you see him?" 1 "You are here for that skinny little Vailian?"   [Lie] "I'm here under Governor Clario's authority."   "He sends you for this? The injured pride of a drunk?" She laughs hoarsely.

 

Edited August 14, 2023 by omgFIREBALLS

[omgFIREBALLS]

Watcher, Party Assist, continued

Diplomacy

Spoiler

23	Unproductive to debate with a vessel. You will understand shortly when your song joins Ours.
	"This is wrong. You're clearly more than some parasite."
	The colony pauses. A dozen eye stalks sprout and observe you in lidless fascination.
20	"If you wish to fault a prisoner for attempting escape, so be it. This seeker will not be caged forever."
	"From one seeker to another, having it all end in violence is a waste of all your efforts. You could still be a seeker - one seeking the mysteries of the Wheel."
	"You would describe the end of a mind in such poetic terms? Did Rymrgand send you?"
17	"An ally of the crown would do anything to preserve our way of life. To see that the Huana prosper, I say!"
	"Without empathy and mercy, you will soon find yourself surrounded by enemies."
	She blinks and raises a hand to her lips as your words sink in. Courtiers around the garden take hesitant steps closer.
17	"I'm just passing through."
	The man stares at you for a long moment before speaking, his brow drawn into a hard knot. Then he grunts, more in annoyance than in anger, and crosses his arms.
	"You may pass, but do not linger. If we should we meet again, there will be no civil exchange of words."
17	"I do not negotiate for the sword."
	"A ship can be replaced, the sword cannot. I'll give you the sword if you exchange your ship for mine."
	"Your ship is a piece of driftwood. But for the sword, I will take it."
17	"Wake up down the way at Vilario's Rest, nothing but the clothes on my back and this coin clutched tight in my grip. Come up here looking for work, for a ship to get me off of this backwater island." He takes a long swig from his mug.
	"It's not your fault, you know. Blame the pirates. Or your captain for fighting."
	"Maybe you ain't wrong. Maybe I'm no soul-weak coward, just a sad, fortune-favored bastard."
17	Maura's head **** to the side slightly, setting her loose eye to swinging back and forth.
	"I'm searching, too. Or rather, I was looking for Maura. Or what Maura was doing."
	The creature's posture straightens, but it head declines in a shallow nod. It almost seems to be considering your words.
16	"You want me to do business with the undead? This is a mad deal, even for me."
	"With the undead as allies, you'd never need to hire mercenaries again.
	"Suppose I could broker a deal for one or two... to start. See how it pans out." He nods, greed already gleaming in his eyes.
16	"Hm. Fair, vulpinet. It is difficult to keep everyone in fighting trim. You have a solution to offer?"
	"You don't need to eat kith, when you can consume luminous adra. The Vailian Trading Company produces potions by the gallon, and I can negotiate a supply."
	"Potions? And what good are these to me?"
16	"Only acolytes, ogres, and nāga go down there, and any of them would chew you to pieces." His smirk grows wider still, flashing a hint of teeth.
	"It's none of your affair if I get myself killed on the way down."
	"Huh. A glimmer of reason pokes through that dense fog." Kinnuq raises his brows.
16	1. "Here, I've this ring. From the temple. Such magic! Trade it for the fluid? Or coin? I've coin. Four thousand coins!" 2. "Oh, of course. I'd be willing to offer this magical ring I found in the temple in trade. Or, if you'd prefer coin, I can offer four thousand copper pires."
	"I want both."
	"Both?" He hisses.
15	"I do not negotiate for the sword."
	"I'll give you the sword <i>and</i> a very good ship - mine in exchange for yours. Why not take the deal?"
	"Your ship appears to be a suitable trade. For the sword, I will take it."
14	Smoke curls from the Ancient's nostrils as she tips her face closer.
	"You are a creature to be revered! Your eminence derives not from your ability to mindlessly slaughter - no, as any dragon could do that - but from your ability to show mercy to your devoted followers."
	The dragon preens, and her eyes flare bright as embers.
14	"You're clearly very upset. Is there anything we can do to help you?"
	The rain of arrows temporarily abates. A Dyrwoodan voice rings out...
	"You're - you're not sent from Crookspur? If you're not here to take us back, you should leave. Leave this island. Gods, leave the Deadfire even!"
14	1. "Were there something else you wanted, Watcher? I've got friends to forget." The man doesn't look up from his mug. 2. "Wake up down the way at Vilario's Rest, nothing but the clothes on my back and this coin clutched tight in my grip. Come up here looking for work, for a ship to get me off of this backwater island." He takes a long swig from his mug.
	"It's not your fault, you know. Blame the pirates. Or your captain for fighting."
	"Maybe you ain't wrong. Maybe I'm no soul-weak coward, just a sad, fortune-favored bastard."
14	1. "Here, I've this ring. From the temple. Such magic! Trade it for the fluid? Or coin? I've coin. Four thousand coins!" 2. "Oh, of course. I'd be willing to offer this magical ring I found in the temple in trade. Or, if you'd prefer coin, I can offer four thousand copper pires."
	"Make it eight thousand copper, and you've got a deal."
	"Well... you did bring back quite a lot of the stuff. Fine. Here."
14	"I hate my limitations, my hungers, my frailty. The Beast can suck my marrow and discard me - this is true perfection." She knocks on the iron shell, this time with more conviction.
	"Or you could accept yourself as you are. Stop indulging in this fantasy of a fresh start."
	"Maybe I'm guilty of... hoping for something I'm not. But there's no room for hope in the Beast's clutches, is there?" Her finger trails away from the construct.
13	1. "Why should we believe you are any different?" Autumn's question is a genuine one. She is intent to hear you out. 2. "Forgive me, captain... but how can I fault anyone for standing their ground against Rauatai? "Disobedience is a lesson that more of us must learn."
	"Your disagreement with the Royal Deadfire Company endangers the island. I want to make peace."
	"Eloquent though your words may be, they will build no peace between us and the invaders. They or we must leave this island, and we shall not be moved."
13	"Easy there. We mean you no harm."
	The xaurip shaman steps forward, feathered headdress swaying. It chitters, points towards the horizon, then points towards a pouch hanging from its waist. The other xaurips nod.
	1. You have no idea what it's trying to say. 2. It seems to be offering you something to go away.
13	1. You begin your grisly work, only to notice too late the sound of boots all around you. A group of brigands, well-armed and armored, have the wagon surrounded. One steps forward, chuckling. "Look at what we've got here. A big fish." 2. The brigands leap to their feet and spin upon you weapons flashing as they slide free of scabbards. One of them blinks, agape. "Seriously? You had us near to sneak-slit and you hailed us? What's your game?"
	"Nobody gets anything out of a fight between us. Let's just go our separate ways."
	1. "These scum will gladly prey on more travelers after we've gone. They don't deserve proper graves, much less mercy." Pallegina sets her jaw and you can already see wisps of flame forming on her fingertips. 2. "Hear that? Nobody gets anything out of a fight here!" The brigands laugh at their leader's statement. His gaze meets yours. "Nobody save the ones who live. Kill them all!"
13	I could teach you much, were I so inclined. I am afraid, however, that we will not be afforded the opportunity.
	"We could have the opportunity. We could have forever."
	1. She cranes her neck, lowering her head towards you. Her breath reeks of rotten meat and mildewed tomes. 2. Silence hangs on the air as the dragon considers your proposal.
13	"If you continue to spout such ridiculous madness, you shall be escorted from these halls." Her voice quivers.
	"You're seeking the truth, aren't you? Then don't blind yourself to it."
	The inquisitor takes a step from you, and beyond her, the accused looks up. Their mouths open in unison, then close again.
12	"I'll talk them into it."
	"How fun. I only wish I might be there to hear the discussion."
	"So be it. We are agreed, aimico. The bargain is struck."
12	"I could give you some food if you'd let me pass."
	The eotens exchange a long look. "Are listening with all ears," one of them says. "What offers little softling?" "Make it good," the second grunts.
	1. [Offer Candied Nuts.] "These are both delicious and healthy." 2. "How about this baby boar? So fresh it's still kicking." 3. [Offer Aged Shark Meat.] "Do you like shark? I've got some finely aged shark meat." 4. "On second thought..." 5. [Offer Hardtack.] "I've got some tasty... bread... here." 6. [Offer Captain's Banquet.] "I've got a full banquet of delicious seafood I could give you." 7. [Offer Vegetables.] "You look like you could use some vegetables. Fresh from Neketaka."
12	"Killing each other only creates more problems. Put down your weapons, and let's discuss this like civilized kith."
	[Specified 0] sneers, but it’s a defeated sort of anger, like a badger caught in a trap. The mariner's weapon falls to the deck, and the other mutineers reluctantly follow suit. [Specified 1] steps forward, baton in hand. "Let them go," [Specified 0] says. "They wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for me. I take full responsibility for this." [Specified 1] looks at you. Diplomacy wouldn’t work if you backslid every time. You spoke for peace...
	1. "Keelhaul [Specified 0]." 2. "Flog them all." 3. "We need to put this behind us. Let them get back to work." 4. "Keelhaul one of them. I don’t care who." 5. "Let them go. But [Specified 0]'s on latrine duty for perpetuity."
12	1. "I'm just here to offer prayers to the gods of death. Surely they want all of the faithful they can get." 2. "All we want is to pray. We'll be out of your hair after, I swear it."
	"Funny thing these Huana believe - that the whole world's inside Berath. I suppose they see one thing straight... There ain't but two kinds of people in the world - the living, and the dead." He looks you over and sighs. "Gods alive, I do believe I'm going soft in my old age. Come on, boys. Let's leave these poor sods to their prayers."
	As the group leaves, you kneel and finish your prayers. When you rise, you feel the eyes of Berath on your actions and her blessing upon your soul.
12	1. "So you killed him? How are we to know you're not lying to us?" 2. "But, then, who could have done this? Everyone loves Vatnir! They respect him! He speaks for the Beast of Winter!"
	"Look around you. He had a secret room. What else was he hiding?"
	Hafjórn's hooded face turns away as the Harbinger rubs the back of his head.
12	"Enough with this madness!"
	"You don't have to keep putting yourself through this."
	The accused's face falls, and you see tears fall from her cheeks.
12	"You have your choice. Accept my chime, or remain here."
	"I'm still a tool of the gods. Why destroy me now?"
	"A tool has finite uses. Cast your eyes across my realm, and see what becomes of the gods' tools when they are through with them."
12	1. "You'll have an archmage's ear. Isn't that enough?" 2. "An archmage will owe you a favor. That's a rare boon."
	"I'd find a new spell crafted by the legendary archmage Llengrath more enticing."
	"That's not an unreasonable request. I'll consider it."
11	"GO AWAY! THIS PLACE NOT YOUR HOME! YOU PROBABLY DIE HERE!"
	"I understand that you're attached to the relic. But perhaps we could find a way we both get what we want..."
	"EH! ALL WANTS IS BALL! HAS BALL ALREADY."
11	Is that why those others cling to you? Your benevolence? The dragon's head cranes to the side as she peers down at you.
	"I'm not beneficent. I just fix what's broken."
	You would fix me, then?
10	I cannot keep Rauatai in check if they do not recognize our strength! The guild can outlast this, but our enemies will test us beyond what we can endure.
	"You can't afford to lose friends, Onekaza."
	"You think I do not know this?" Onekaza's lips peel back in a grimace.
10	"Mind what sort of words you care to toss around - especially about a trader making a profitable go of it at Crookspur."
	[Lower your voice.] "I only meant, it would be in your best interest to gain an ally for your endeavors."
	"Make no mistake, lovesome." After a cautious glance around, Seafol leans closer to mutter her next words.
10	"If what you say is true, well, you'll pay for my losses - with your lifeblood."
	"Once the freed Wahaki report what you've done, you'll be hanged. Your only chance is to flee - now."
	Pale faced, he turns once more toward his guard.
10	"If what you say is true, well, you'll pay for my losses - with your lifeblood."
	"Once the freed Wahaki report what you've done, you'll be hanged. Your only chance is to flee - now."
	Pale faced, he turns once more toward his guard.
10	"We have other interests, of course. Beating back the Vailian incursion, settling colonies, securing our future. Nothing you don't already know, I'm sure."
	"Nation-building is a delicate enterprise."
	"Surely I have no idea what you mean."
10	1. "Unless there's something else you need, I think we're done here." He turns away and begins fiddling with something beneath the bar. As he does, you spy red-handled pistols stuffed into the band of his breeches. 2. "I made my position on that clear. You think I've changed my mind?" He gives you a cold stare.
	"If folks hear you're keeping a debtor as a slave, they might not be so keen to gamble here, savvy?"
	"That's a shrewd observation. Maybe you're not so easy a mark after all." He rubs at the stubble along his jaw, lost in thought. Then he shrugs and flashes you that too-bright grin.
10	"Can [Player Animal Companion] here join in your... grub game?"
	The xaurips examine [Player Animal Companion] warily. The one in the feathered headdress squawks, raising both skinny fists towards the sky, and the others join in, a chorus of shrieking. It seems like an affirmative.
	1. "Go easy on them, [Player Animal Companion]." 2. "Tear those grubs apart!" 3. [Draw your weapons and attack.]
10	"I know these are lean times. As soon as I can get you more food, I will. Just hold out until then."
	The crew nod at your words, exchanging weak smiles. As you finish, [Specified 1] begins a round of clapping which, while heartfelt, is hardly resounding. Reassured, the hands shuffle back towards their duties.
	You seem to have defused the situation... for now.
10	"Killing each other only creates more problems. Put down your weapons, and let's discuss this like civilized kith."
	[Specified 0] sneers, but it’s a defeated sort of anger, like a badger caught in a trap. The mariner's weapon falls to the deck, and the other mutineers reluctantly follow suit. [Specified 1] steps forward, baton in hand. "Let them go," [Specified 0] says. "They wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for me. I take full responsibility for this." [Specified 1] looks at you. Diplomacy wouldn’t work if you backslid every time. You spoke for peace...
	1. "Keelhaul [Specified 0]." 2. "Flog them all." 3. "We need to put this behind us. Let them get back to work." 4. "Keelhaul one of them. I don’t care who." 5. "Let them go. But [Specified 0]'s on latrine duty for perpetuity."
10	1. "I'll - I'll admit him a far walk from perfect, that's for certain. Couldn't hunt a bear to save his life." He peers down at the cooling corpse and sighs. 2. "By your hand!"
	"Between that and the secret room, there's not much left in Vatnir to put stock in."
	Hafjórn's hooded face turns away as the Harbinger rubs the back of his head.
10	You? You who so clearly wear your devotion to your deity upon your spirit?
	"I once served Berath willingly. They lost my devotion when they held my life hostage."
	Ah. That explains the mark upon your soul. I had thought it willingly accepted. Interesting.
10	You? You who so clearly wear your devotion to your deity upon your spirit?
	"Eothas killed me, destroyed my home, and consumed the souls of those I held dear. I will never forgive him."
	Nor should you forgive such betrayal. The dragon examines you, craning her neck to do so.
9	"INTRUDER! GROUNDMEAT IN THE MASTER'S SANCTUM! SCREE, SCREE!" The imp chirrups a call of extreme distress and flaps his wings wildly.
	"Are all of the archmage's closest friends treated like common thieves?"
	"SHOWS WHAT YOU KNOW, EH. MASTER DOESN'T HAVE FRIENDS." He makes a wet, cackling sound that only parodies laughter.
9	"WHAT YOU DO HERE? BIPED GROUNDWALK FILTH. WHAT YOU DO HERE, EH? WHY YOU TROUBLE YELLOW-EYE THREE?"
	"If I was an intruder, would I even be speaking with you like this?"
	"UGLY ONE SPEAKS IN CONFIDENT TONE. NOT BURGLAR, THEN." He relaxes a bit, though his glare loses none of its malice.
9	But why should I barter when I can take it from your corpse?!
	"It'd be an honor to meet such an end, but I'd rather live to tell of your magnificence."
	What would you know of honor and how it relates to a being such as me?
9	1. "We're not here to cause trouble." 2. "I'm not here to cause trouble."
	The Aedyran woman bows slightly at the waist, brown hair falling over her face in loose curls. "In that case, who are we to keep you from our company? Please, join us by our fire." She gestures to the camp.
	The trio guide you among the tents - there seem too many for the few kith you see about. The elf graciously offers you a seat at the fire. The robed figure makes no apparent notice of your arrival, their cowl casting their visage in impenetrable shadow. "We have soup," the aumaua says. "Stew really. And you're welcome to make use of our tents, if you'd care to rest."
8	1. "What reason does an attendant have to speak with me?" 2. "You are awfully curious for an attendant." He enunciates each word with perfect clarity, his voice cold.
	"You have wealth and importance. I aspire to be like you."
	"Hah. I see." He looks at your skeptically, yet leans forward with interest, fingering the torc around his neck.
8	Töla stares at you unsteadily, her eyes half-closed.
	"You must be really important if you can afford to buy out the bathhouse."
	"Flatterer." She grins toothily and attempts to wink, but it ends up looking more like she's got something in her eye.
8	"Our enemies would love nothing more than an excuse to move against us."
	"For eliminating an illegal slaving operation? The Vailians would have to distance themselves, and the Huana would have to thank you."
	He considers your words with a tilted head and a thoughtful expression. At last, he nods.
8	"And who are you to be asking? This is my crew, and they listen to me." But uncertainty lingers in the air like a sour stench.
	"Perin, she's going to get you all killed. Now's the time to step up."
	He hesitates. Widla steps forward, furious.
8	1. I am the HEART of the fire! I cannot be controlled. Not by a giant's weak will, and not by a sputtering trinket. 2. Squeal and scurry or do not. I will suckle the marrow from your bones regardless soon enough.
	"The Rathun failed to honor your magnificence, but I offer my service with humility, Oh Great One."
	Do you now? And what need would one so ancient as I have for one so... tender as you? She settles her large body slightly lower into the magma.
8	Tell me, what riches will I glean from your corpse? What fine baubles am I soon to pick from my teeth?
	"Oh Mighty Ancient One, as your respectful and humble worshiper, surely we might come to an honorable agreement?"
	What would you know of honor and how it relates to a being such as me?
8	"I can't say I'm not disappointed, [Player Name]. Now we'll have to make do without proper coral defenses. We'll be vulnerable." Her lips flatten into a thin line.
	"At least the coral will be as inconvenient to any attackers as it is to you."
	"People have cannons, Watcher." She narrows her eyes, searching your face a hint of the joke you must surely be telling.
8	"You have an audience with me. Ruāsare doesn't waste time on outsider vagrants."
	"I seek a deeper understanding of your tribe."
	1. "Deeper? Deeper how?" Kipeha squints at you. 2. The way her hand drops to her belt, she either doesn't understand or doesn't like the sound of your words.
8	"In all likelihood, yes. But who knows how long that will be, how much these societies may change until then?"
	"You know Giacolo is a good man who has done much to help godlike. Who knows what the next animancer will be like?"
	Tatzatl pauses and considers your words. He looks to his crew, who seem similarly conflicted, then to Giacolo.
8	"But per complanca - Feel free to make your case."
	"I propose a fair trade. I need allies, and you need living essence."
	"Hm. Fair, vulpinet. It is difficult to keep everyone in fighting trim. You have a solution to offer?"
8	"Your comforting LIES are unwelcome here. We set our roots down when the archipelago was soft and unformed. Now we are perfection." Her eyes narrow, full of hatred and challenge.
	"You forget yourself. There is a wrongness on this island, and it deserves to be set right."
	She bares her teeth and takes a combative step closer. Her foot sinks into the mud and she pries it up with a wet, sucking sound. She blinks down at the rotted earth.
8	"THROUGH KNOWLEDGE, I AM STRONGER THAN ANY MORTAL. "SUBMIT TO ME, CHILD. RESIST AND YOU SHALL PERISH." A wail rises from the congregation.
	"What are your terms of surrender?"
	"TERMS?" Nemnok blinks at you.
8	"I will make him proud." It sounds almost like a recitation. Edér's mouth is open but he has no answer. He looks to you, desperation in his eyes.
	"I have seen evidence of the true nature of the gods. You are wise to question."
	"Maybe he's not testing faith. Maybe he's testing if you can think for yourself."
8	She plucks at her furred chin, eyes narrowed.
	"Fair enough, captain. That's no small payday. Suppose we won't be crossing swords this day." She accepts the offered purse.
	-NONE FOUND-
8	"Let's talk about this. We don't need this to come to blows."
	The pirate chuckles. "Such pretty words from such an uninspired face." His head rolls on his shoulders. "How much is a life worth, do you think? Consider that, before I name my price."
	He taps on his chin, making a show of his consideration before he speaks. "Two thousand pire sounds about right."
8	He pads towards you, gesturing in broad swipes of the arm as he speaks. "These imbeciles have gotten us entirely lost! Can you point the way to... was it Queen's Berth, I believe?"
	[Bow] "Greetings, my lord."
	The man smiles broadly. "Ah! A gentleman of culture! A pleasure, sir!" He bows his head.
8	You overhear [Specified 1] noting to the rest of the crew that considering how much money you just dumped overboard, you should be able to pay the hands a little bit better. "I think we deserve to share in the wealth, don't you, captain?" The crew collectively exchange glances and happy nods.
	"As the captain, I save money for emergencies like this. Are you saying you're the equal of Ondra?"
	The crew looks at [Specified 1] with pursed lips and furrowed brows. "Well, I wouldn't go that far, but you have to admit that..." [Specified 1] begins to argue the point, but the crew is already having second thoughts. They shake their heads, mumble, and rub the backs of their necks. It doesn't take long for them to decide that the prospect of money isn't worth the blasphemy. They quietly slink back to their stations, grateful the wind has returned to normal.
8	"I could give you some food if you'd let me pass."
	The eotens exchange a long look. "Are listening with all ears," one of them says. "What offers little softling?" "Make it good," the second grunts.
	1. [Offer Candied Nuts.] "These are both delicious and healthy." 2. "How about this baby boar? So fresh it's still kicking." 3. [Offer Aged Shark Meat.] "Do you like shark? I've got some finely aged shark meat." 4. "On second thought..." 5. [Offer Hardtack.] "I've got some tasty... bread... here." 6. [Offer Captain's Banquet.] "I've got a full banquet of delicious seafood I could give you." 7. [Offer Vegetables.] "You look like you could use some vegetables. Fresh from Neketaka."
8	"Killing each other only creates more problems. Put down your weapons, and let's discuss this like civilized kith."
	[Specified 0] sneers, but it’s a defeated sort of anger, like a badger caught in a trap. The mariner's weapon falls to the deck, and the other mutineers reluctantly follow suit. [Specified 1] steps forward, baton in hand. "Let them go," [Specified 0] says. "They wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for me. I take full responsibility for this." [Specified 1] looks at you. Diplomacy wouldn’t work if you backslid every time. You spoke for peace...
	1. "Keelhaul [Specified 0]." 2. "Flog them all." 3. "We need to put this behind us. Let them get back to work." 4. "Keelhaul one of them. I don’t care who." 5. "Let them go. But [Specified 0]'s on latrine duty for perpetuity."
8	The king regards you with one eyebrow raised and a smug smile just forming on his lips.
	"Your excellency, I have a few questions. I had hoped you would hear them."
	"You have proved yourself more polite than most. I will humor you - for a time."
8	"You think I am a fool? That I will step aside and let you usurp my throne and claim my legacy? I say it is you who is mistaken, not I!"
	"Rymrgand trusted me to be his voice in the Void. Have faith in his judgment, if not in me."
	"The Beast is cold, cruel... but the priests say he does not lie."
7	"I'm afraid you cannot. The vanguard is reserved for the most faithful among us. You have not even joined the Partisans."
	"That I have only just learned of the Partisans is circumstance, not a measure of faith."
	"How right you are. Forgive me, I did not mean to cast doubt on your character."
7	"I still can't let you through."
	"Come on, I can't get into that much trouble - not when this place is so well-guarded."
	"All it would take is one stray flame, one errant spark-" He catches himself and stops, shaking his head.
7	1. "There's some skill required to doing it right, otherwise the victim bleeds out before they can choke to death. "Sure you want to try me?" 2. "Careful what you say next, or I'm likely to make you eat your entrails."
	"I'm here to teach you a lesson, but the price doesn't need to be paid in blood."
	1. "Aye, I've riches aplenty to buy your clemency with. What'll it be then?" 2. He glances around nervously, licks his lips. Sweat trickles down his jaw.
7	"I have an angry Consuaglo to appease. Were I not to hang her, it could be misconstrued as sign of weakness on my end. "I need bring her fleet in line with a display of power."
	"She'll die either way. What does it hurt if it gets us the information?"
	"I will concede to your point. So long as I obtain what I need - the information and Aeldys' death - what matter are the means?"
7	"Your comforting LIES are unwelcome here. We set our roots down when the archipelago was soft and unformed. Now we are perfection." Her eyes narrow, full of hatred and challenge.
	"You forget yourself. There is a wrongness on this island, and it deserves to be set right."
	She bares her teeth and takes a combative step closer. Her foot sinks into the mud and she pries it up with a wet, sucking sound. She blinks down at the rotted earth.
7	"Lower that. Let's talk." Bearn waits, the vial now clutched in one hand at chest height.
	"Hear us out. Decide once you've heard all sides."
	"You can't let him decide for you. You know what Elafa would think of this."
7	"Never been much of a liar. Folks tend to see through."
	"She just needs to see respect one time. She'll drop it after that."
	"All right, I'll do like you said. I don't think she'll believe me, but I'll do it."
7	1. "We're not here to cause trouble." 2. "I'm not here to cause trouble."
	The Aedyran woman bows slightly at the waist, brown hair falling over her face in loose curls. "In that case, who are we to keep you from our company? Please, join us by our fire." She gestures to the camp.
	The trio guide you among the tents - there seem too many for the few kith you see about. The elf graciously offers you a seat at the fire. The robed figure makes no apparent notice of your arrival, their cowl casting their visage in impenetrable shadow. "We have soup," the aumaua says. "Stew really. And you're welcome to make use of our tents, if you'd care to rest."
7	You push your way through the crowd, the air heavy with the scent of sweat and seawater. "Come to see the action, captain?" [Specified 3] asks. "Do you want to put money on it? Mine's on the ugly one. I'll let you guess who that is!" The sailor laughs uproariously at the joke.
	"Let's stow those fists, and I'll break out an extra ration of grog for everyone!"
	The cheer goes up immediately, drowning out any protests from the fighters as the crew breaks them apart. You nod to [Specified 2], an order to break out the libations to calm the crew's spirits. The shanties begin before you make it back to your cabin.
7	"This isn't the way to deal with our problems. Everyone get some grog and cool off. I'll sort things out."
	The gathered hands nod along with your words. "You heard the captain," [Specified 1] calls. "Break this up, and grog rations for everyone!" A half-hearted cheer rises as the crew breaks apart. You've averted the crisis... for the moment.
	-NONE FOUND-
6	"You would spend that goodwill on this one errand?"
	[Wink.] "Surely I needn't spend it <i>all</i>, aimica."
	"Feh, if you insist." She rolls her eyes.
6	1. "You're his captain - his debts are your responsibility! Pay up, damn you, or taste steel." 2. "I'm not looking for trouble. Hand over the money and we'll both walk away from this with our limbs intact."
	"Will you take half? It's all I've got on me."
	"It wasn't what I was hoping for, but I suppose that'll have to do."
6	"Quiet, Martino. Watcher, now would be the time to lay out your reasoning." With an open palm, he gestures for you to continue.
	"I've made allies of former enemies before. I think we can all pull together into a stronger force."
	1. "Ac, raised a stir in the White March mountains. The same could be done here." 2. "A force, Watcher? To what end?" Ezzali glances at Atello. 3. "Yes, well... I'm starting to think those stories were all vastly exaggerated."
6	"Then you speak of a barter! That is different. "What do you propose?" He twists a ring around his finger as he fixates on the elaborate stained glass. Each pane must cost a small fortune.
	"Such treasures are meant to be shared. The Huana must show their glory to the world."
	He grins. "Ekera! Then you will also share my name when you take this back to [Player Culture]?"
6	"Alas, the bath attendants would be most unhappy were I to so freely give it away. I must regretfully say no."
	"Surely they won't notice the loss of just one."
	"Alright, if you're so keen on it, just the one." He laughs.
6	"And your crew's better than most, I take it?"
	"We're the best. You'd make us better."
	"All right, sweet talker. Two hundred and fifty copper and a top bunk. Deal?"
6	"Besides, you're here, aren't you?" She jabs her blade toward you.
	"You really think he'd trust some cheap thugs with a real treasure?"
	"Then what would he want with it?" One hand finds her hip. The other keeps her blade pointed at you.
6	He titters nervously and twists the hem of his robe in his hands, unwilling to meet your eye.
	"Look, I really stuck my neck out here..."
	"You did risk life and limb for me, it's true. And make no mistake, I AM grateful. Really, really grateful. Believe me, I would give you something if I could." His eyes take on a faraway look, and he takes a deep breath.
6	"You can fight me, if you'd like. But you won't be leaving this fort alive."
	"I'm willing to make you a deal."
	"I like me a good deal. The more in my favor the better." He grins, sharklike.
6	"I'm sorry for keeping Serafen at sea for so long, Syri. As captain, the responsibility rests with me."
	"Are ye meaning to tell me that ye've not dropped anchor at Fort Deadlight in the last eight months?" Her furry brows twist as she examines you.
	"Well, come to have a look at ye, I can't say I've ever seen ye before."
6	"I need to know what Serafen's getting my crew into."
	"They both crewed the Sorcerer for a season or six. Remaro were like a father to Serafen, or so he's told me. Taught him the mariner's trade. More than that, ye'd have to ask him yerself."
	"Were there something else ye wanted?"
6	"...No? Someone is coming for me, and they will know my amulet."
	"You should have faith that this seer will find you without it. That's the true test."
	"Perhaps... perhaps you have a point." He gently tugs the amulet off over his head. He holds it in his palm a moment, his expression unreadable, then hands it to you.
6	"The druids have harried us from the moment we made landfall."
	"Your people fought admirably."
	She laughs. "For a bunch pencil-twiddling engineers, you mean?"
6	1. "So you kill them?" 2. "So you killed her?" 3. "That's all you have to say for yourself? You won't even defend your actions?"
	"I hope Iverra's death didn't inconvenience you terribly."
	"You have some gall, Watcher." She grinds out the words between clenched teeth.
6	"Your comforting LIES are unwelcome here. We set our roots down when the archipelago was soft and unformed. Now we are perfection." Her eyes narrow, full of hatred and challenge.
	"You forget yourself. There is a wrongness on this island, and it deserves to be set right."
	She bares her teeth and takes a combative step closer. Her foot sinks into the mud and she pries it up with a wet, sucking sound. She blinks down at the rotted earth.
6	1. "I'm sorry about my mate's behavior, but I can't let you make them unfit to serve. I don’t suppose an apology would suffice?" 2. "A perfectly reasonable way to resolve matters." Aloth looks brightly between the aggrieved parties.
	The sailors look to one another, and one nods. She looks to [Specified 0]. "Let's hear it." [Specified 0] gives you a sad glance, then looks back to the woman. "Sorry, ma'am." "What was that?" The other sailors snicker. "Sorry, ma'am!" The woman salutes you, then turns on her heel. The sailors walk away.
	[Specified 0] approaches you, grinning openly. "Thanks, captain! You truly saved me just now."
5	1. "And if you help me get my money back, I'll give you a twenty percent share as thanks." 2. Kahn looks at you expectantly. 3. "Listen, the guy I'm looking for owes me a lot of money. Five thousand coppers. You help me find him, and I'll give you twenty percent."
	"I don't strap on my adventuring boots for less than half, lady."
	"How about this - I give you sixty percent and we never discuss this again." She lets out a tremendous sigh.
5	"Keep negotiating like this and you'll drive the Huana into the arms of the Royal Deadfire Company."
	"This is... ac, true enough."
	"But breaking a contract for diplomacy's sake is simply not done." Luca worries his brow.
5	"I cannot make the contract disappear. I'm more disposable than their damned paper!" Luca swings his cup around. A splash of liquor arcs over his head.
	"What's say you show those company who really runs business around here?"
	"Ooh, I like the wicked way you think. We'll make a... a respectable clerk out of you in no time!"
5	"Sailing uncharted waters isn't cheap."
	"Ekera, here - for your expenses." He tosses you a lighter pouch.
	"When we know enough, my sister will finance a fleetwide search. Not for breadcrumbs, but lost Ukaizo."
5	"How do we get past this, captain?" Maia crosses her arms and squeezes her shoulders.
	"You want to stay. You'll hate yourself if you don't."
	"Maybe I will. And maybe I can even live with that."
5	"It would mean a lot to a friend of mine if you could help us."
	"Than maybe ye should've brocht yer friend with ye." She smiles sadly.
	1. [Leave] "Farewell." 2. "Tell me where to find Remaro, or I'll kill you." 3. "What brings you to the bathhouse?"
5	1. "Then what would he want with it?" One hand finds her hip. The other keeps her blade pointed at you. 2. "I knew it! Dereo figured you were gonna cross him, and now he's sent the Steel Garrote after us!" 3. "Enough! Or I'll gut you lot alongside this fool." Ateira spins to glare at her people.
	"How about you make this easy on us both and get out of here?"
	"Sounds like someone ain't so confident."
5	1. "Ernezzo is careful. Cautious. And you would blackmail him? This is not done, aimico." He clucks sadly. 2. "And now he sends one of Woedica's stranglers to clean it up? "Ernezzo is prepared to deal with you."
	"Working with me is the only way to make sure the prince leaves you alone."
	He snorts. "Braggarts and drunkards pay little mind to the mess that spills from their lips. And yet..." Ernezzo strokes his beard, measuring you with his gaze.
5	"All ships leaving for Rauatai are laden with luminous adra and other rare goods. "Mercenaries - even of our skill - do not rate so highly."
	[Pay 1000 cp.] "Consider this me making a contract with you."
	He freezes, staring at the coins. After a moment, he divides them into four even stacks and nods.
5	"The queen would have us join our tribes into one raised fist. "She could not let Muhai's crime stand."
	"She gave them bad directions. That's not the same as murdering them."
	"There are those who kill by sword and those who kill by cunning. "To the dead, it makes no difference."
5	1. "Your words hold no weight, kith. Rathun decide their own battles." His words boom from behind his helm without falter, yet he does not strike. With a raised hand, he signals his warriors to wait. 2. "And to do that without my permission, you would need to triumph over the Rathun." He signals for his warriors to close in around you.
	"There's no reason for us to fight when we can be of aid to each other instead."
	He scrubs a hand over the front of his helm, apparently weighing your words.
5	"Captain?" Maia turns to you, her right eye twitching.
	"Pace yourself. We have more important fights ahead of us."
	"Aye aye... sir."
5	"You can fight me, if you'd like. But you won't be leaving this fort alive."
	"Say there was a way to settle this without bloodshed..."
	"Then I'd be listening..." Eyes narrowed, he licks his lips.
5	"Rauataian warships circle Crookspur, and the cries of bondage carry across the waves like the song of injured gulls."
	"You left Crookspur leaderless. You had to expect someone would occupy the vacancy."
	She chews the inside of her cheek and holds her silence.
5	"The grove is our vigil! It is you and the rest of Eora that sours!"
	"You protect only a ruin, a memory. Not what I see around me."
	She bares her teeth and takes a combative step closer. Her foot sinks into the mud and she pries it up with a wet, sucking sound. She blinks down at the rotted earth.
5	"A much better swordswoman than you, to start."
	"There has to be more to her than that. How'd she come by those skills?"
	"Killing troublesome animancers, mostly." Behind Modwyr's words curl a cat's mischievous smile.
4	"But you do not laugh! Then you do not joke? "For what would I do this foolish thing?" She wipes a tear of merriment from the corner of her eye.
	"They have clans and families. What would you do if someone caged your children?"
	1. Her expression hardens. 2. A look of pain and surprise twinges across her face. It reveals an old but raw wound to your shrewd gaze.
4	1. "If you could strike at their heart with more fury than a storm, you should have done so already." 2. "For what should I trust a fleet of iron when I have the gods?" He shakes his head, grimacing. 3. "They would find some other horror to visit upon Tikawara. This I know."
	"I..." He seems ready to dismiss your words, but then winces, glancing away toward the ether.
	1. "This adra, the broken machine... Do you speak truth? I feel no gods here." He hangs his head. 2. "It was my hate which strengthened this place. The gods... they are not here. Ekera?" 3. "Could Ngati have made me lose the Trial of Waves for a reason? Ekera... to meet you?"
4	"I'm sure I don't know who you're talking about. Now, please leave." She gestures toward her door and makes a shooing motion.
	"What if he's in danger? Don't you care about his well-being?"
	"If I knew a man named Oswald, and if that man was in danger, I would still decline to be involved."
4	"You think I'd put myself in pistol range of that old imp?"
	"This feud is cutting into your profits. I think exchanging a few words is more sensible than an elaborate frame-up."
	"Practicality suits you, you know." Ezzali strokes her chin and sighs.
4	"If I'm to sail to Tikawara, I'll need to purchase some supplies."
	"Yes, I take your meaning. Here. A taste of what's to come."
	1. "Until then, I believe we're finished? Return here once you have word of our agents, and our prize. Oh, and take care upon the open sea. There are greater hazards in these waters than a few pirates." 2. "This will be of some use to you, I think. It entitles you to act as a commissioned agent of the Vailian Trading Company. Present it and you will be recognized as such." Alvari presses a document into your hand.
4	"But breaking a contract for diplomacy's sake is simply not done." Luca worries his brow.
	"The company loses nothing by letting go of an island they never had."
	"Hrm. I would be remiss to uphold one contract to the detriment of our operation."
4	"Bah, it's a matter of dignity. You can't ask a respectable clerk to ruin perfectly good paperwork!"
	"You would doom an entire tribe to preserve your dignity?"
	Staring thoughtfully down into his glass, Luca nods to himself.
4	"For what do you deserve to cradle the future of my people in your hands?"
	"I don't see anyone else helping you better than I could."
	"Ekera, ekera." She sighs.
4	"I dearly miss palace gossip. Come, what is it about?"
	"I'd tell you, but I'm sworn to secrecy. You remember what that's like."
	"Not to worry. I learned to keep many secrets in my years guarding the queen." He gives you a sly nod.
4	"Would that it were so! Ganor would make good money, and perhaps I would receive a raise, yes?" The bathhouse steward chuckles heartily.
	"When have you ever known men such as Ganor to share their spoils?"
	"You, I like. We see eye-to-eye on many things, I suspect." He lets out a bark of laughter.
4	"My skills don't come cheap. Make it worth my while - to the tune of, say, seven hundred copper - and I'll consider it."
	"Steady work on a good crew doesn't come around every day."
	"And your crew's better than most, I take it?"
4	1. "Those sound like the words of a man at the end of his rope." She holds her blade at neck level and makes a slicing motion. 2. "Don't listen to him. He's just trying to scare us off." 3. "I ain't failed just yet! Not when I got you cornered." 4. "And I'm gonna sell that thing on my own." 5. "Not without the Cornett of Waves." She inches closer, brandishing a blade.
	"You're an idiot. The cornett is just a shell."
	"That can't be - why else would Dereo send us for it?" Her furred face is a maelstrom of irritation and confusion.
4	"Never let it be said that Dereo does not pay a fair price."
	"Indeed, I would hate for anyone to say that..."
	He gives you a respectful - if strained - smile and nods to one of his attendants, who produces a bag of coin.
4	You're walking along when several hooded figures materialize out of the darkness. "Not so fast. You gotta pay a toll if you wanna visit Delver's Row."
	"Good folk, open markets are vital to a healthy economy. Would you turn away a paying customer?"
	They look at each other and shrug.
4	"Our lives aren't a game. I know you want to do right by the Roparu. I do, too. But I can't go kicking a hornet's nest to do it."
	"Don't worry. This arrangement with the Príncipi need never come to light."
	"And you can promise that? No one'll know of it?"
4	"So too did she act on her own, against her own people. "She does not deserve the honor of walking with the gods."
	"She was still one of you. Her spirit cannot rest. "
	1. "It is good of you to care so for one of our people." 2. "I am told you have been a friend to the queen. That she trusts your judgment. "...Then, I must do the same." 3. "You have been too long away, brother. You have forgotten what is right." 4. "You are an outsider. You know nothing of our ways."
4	"This could get Tuaha killed, and letting a company mission fall into the wrong hands... it could be dangerous."
	"You've never heard of giving your life to a cause?"
	"I'm insulted that you would think otherwise. We are all prepared to sacrifice for Rauatai." Tuaha squares her shoulders and stands taller.
4	"Speak for yourself, you split-tongued gurnet. No outsider's laying a finger on one of ours so long as I'm still standing."
	"I'm here on behalf of the Council of Captains. Care to oppose Furrante, too?"
	"Wh-what? Don't look at me. I wasn't planning to step in to start with."
4	"How do I know you're aren't cozying up with outsider lies?"
	"I'm the one taking on all the risk. Worst case scenario, I get killed on Crookspur and nothing changes for you."
	"Either sounds favorable, I say." Kipeha narrows her eyes.
4	"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Her face is pale, her brow beaded with sweat.
	"I'm a friend, or I could be. I'm here at Modwyr's request."
	"I had thought, I hoped to never -" She rubs a shaking hand across her eyes, which are red-rimmed and bloodshot.
4	"In any case, why are you here?"
	"Stop dancing around my questions. Tell me what's going on."
	"If- if you insist." She takes a step back at your sudden request and clears her throat.
4	"The grove is our vigil! It is you and the rest of Eora that sours!"
	"You protect only a ruin, a memory. Not what I see around me."
	She bares her teeth and takes a combative step closer. Her foot sinks into the mud and she pries it up with a wet, sucking sound. She blinks down at the rotted earth.
4	"You cannot have business on Motare o Kōzi. Leave before I feed your bones to the jungle." He makes a dismissive wave back toward your ship.
	"I come for knowledge, and take nothing but memories."
	"This is no library, outlander. Death herself has touched this jungle." Something about your words causes his temper to even out.
4	"In this - it's her or me, Watcher."
	"Each of your experiences and worldviews are valid. Can you not come to a compromise?"
	Xoti sucks in a deep, rattling breath. After holding it for several heartbeats, she then pushes it slowly out through her nose. Her first attempt to speak comes out in a croak, but finally, she manages.
4	"Guides cost coin, no?"
	Though he nods, the man's eyes narrow. "Yes, yes, you'll get your coin. Here, half up front." He passes you a few ducs.
	1. [Give the noble directions.] 2. [Draw your weapons.] "Your money or your life." 3. "I happen to have a drink. Do you have those thousand gold pieces you mentioned?" 4. [Leave.] "Good luck."
4	"This isn't the way to deal with our problems. Everyone get some grog and cool off. I'll sort things out."
	The gathered hands nod along with your words. "You heard the captain," [Specified 1] calls. "Break this up, and grog rations for everyone!" A half-hearted cheer rises as the crew breaks apart. You've averted the crisis... for the moment.
	-NONE FOUND-
4	The king regards you with one eyebrow raised and a smug smile just forming on his lips.
	"May I present my associate, Ambassador Rekke of Yezuha."
	1. "What? Watcher - !" Alarm gives his voice a sharp edge. 2. Rekke stares at you blankly. After a few long, silent moments, his eyes widen, and he slowly shakes his head.
4	King Wingauro crosses his arms and frowns, the picture of a petulant child.
	"To put it delicately, your highness, your civilization lies in ruins and your soul is trapped in Rymrgand's realm."
	"That is not possible, I say. My empire is the strongest in Eora - no, the greatest empire history has ever known! My reach extends to the edges of the world! Kith on distant shores pay fealty to me, King Wingauro o Watūri I!"
4	"My boy, check your eyes - the Watūri clan reigns the Deadfire. Ukaizo's bounds stretch the breadth of the world. We are at the height of our power!"
	[Echo Prince Edanke.] "No, father. The foreign soul shapers have destroyed our kingdom, and your soul is trapped in Rymrgand's realm."
	1. "I did nothing! How- how dare you!" 2. "That is not possible, I say. My empire is the strongest in Eora - no, the greatest empire history has ever known! My reach extends to the edges of the world! Kith on distant shores pay fealty to me, King Wingauro o Watūri I!" 3. "No! No, this cannot be. The foreigners have tricked you, I say. This is- you- "Do not disrespect me with lies, boy!"
3	"Then you will die unfulfilled!" Orso shakes his head and huffs.
	"Anyone can kill. Fighting to first blood would be enough to prove who's the better man."
	1. "Ac. Our country benefits little from the flowers of its great families cutting each other down in their prime. First blood should satisfy your honor." 2. "If you can't stand the sight of blood, then you have no business telling us our business." Larro spits with disdain. 3. The pair of duelists eye each other warily.
3	"If the tribals cannot understand the basic terms of an agreement, that is their burden to bear." Luca nods to his drink and wipes off the rim of the cup.
	"The Huana may not know contracts, but they know when they're being cheated."
	"That... hmm. And we want the Huana cooperative while we're on the job, don't we?"
3	"You hit upon my curiosity. Speak on." He opens his palm and waits.
	"The Roparu are barely in control of their lives as it is. Don't take this away from them."
	"You are quick to come to their defense, but the Roparu must recall their place in society."
3	"Ifren tried to sneak in. Now he's stuck in a box, telling fortunes for pires." She thumbs over to the fortune telling machine in the northernmost corner of the shop.
	"Can you at least tell me anything useful?"
	"The imps that guard the manor? Idiots."
3	He squirms. "That doesn't release me from my obligation. I must reach Rauatai with all possible haste."
	"If I don't fulfill my contract, it makes all Goldpact Knights look bad."
	He groans and looks at the other paladins. They conduct a brief and silent exchange of nods, shrugs, and raised eyebrows. At last, he sighs.
3	"You've got to make your own way from there. Dereo'll skin me if I say anymore."
	"Discretion and compensation go hand in hand."
	"Then I'll be shaking yours, fresh face." She grasps your hand with a grin, then quietly slips your coin into her pocket.
3	"I know a Mataru trap when I see one, and I'm not looking to be snared. Keep that whats-it to yourself."
	"I've been dispatched by the highest authority in Neketaka. Either comply or stand among the accused - your choice."
	"All right, Captain Fancy Britches, no need to get your bits in a knot."
3	"Unacceptable. I will arrange to have Bertenno taken into servitude. Without incident." He gestures to his men to proceed.
	"Bertenno is worthless if he's injured or dead. Have patience and let me seek payment."
	"Hm. I would not want to end this arrangement at a loss." He crosses his arms and considers.
3	"Cuè?! And how am I supposed to conduct my business?"
	"Why anger one of the largest trading factions in Deadfire? Leave gracefully now and try a smoother entrance later."
	She raises an eyebrow at you.
3	"Why? What are their laws to us? The Vailians do their best to cheat us in every contract. The Vailians would not treat her fairly."
	"Mokeha is one woman. You need to do what is best for the rest of the village."
	"Perhaps you are right... But I know what the Vailians will make of this victory. "They will drag Mokeha before a crowd. Humiliate her."
3	"Ekera, these are not the actions of a queen."
	"You don't think she's just biding her time?"
	"Bah! Then she should never have let the foreigners take a step onto Deadfire soil."
3	"Why should I let you wander Ori o Koīki so freely? We do not leave our flank exposed to outsider spies."
	"Showing generosity to a stranger is the essence of hospitality."
	"Well spoken. You hear how this one shames us, friends?" She glances at Tangara and Burapo before turning back to you.
3	"The grove is our vigil! It is you and the rest of Eora that sours!"
	"You protect only a ruin, a memory. Not what I see around me."
	She bares her teeth and takes a combative step closer. Her foot sinks into the mud and she pries it up with a wet, sucking sound. She blinks down at the rotted earth.
3	"Some woman. I don't know."
	"There has to be more to her than that. How'd she come by those skills?"
	"Killing troublesome animancers, mostly." Behind Modwyr's words curl a cat's mischievous smile.
2	"This is not your feud. If anything, I question your interest."
	"You're a businessman. You would know if my investment was false."
	"You have little to gain by peace between our families, but you speak as if you might." Atello purses his lips.
2	"It is nice to be asked, I suppose. I hardly ever get anyone in here unless they need help with their sums."
	"I don't see why. You probably have the most important job here."
	"That is true, but hardly anyone says so." Sarasso smiles- an earnest, amused smile that brightens her eyes and puts color in her cheeks.
2	"I would not willingly welcome a Bardatto beneath my roof for the sake of a jest."
	"Please, let's try not to sabotage this from the outset."
	"As long as the Valera remembers his place, we shouldn't have any problems."
2	Bardatto and Valera representatives stand arrayed around the dining table wearing expressions of anxiety and resentment. The temperature of the room suggests no more amity than when the discussion began.
	"If we could open by defining each of your grievances and demands..."
	Before you can finish your sentence, Atello cuts you off with a hard wave of his hand.
2	"I may not approve of my family's methods, but I'm not about to sabotage them, either."
	"I'm trying to prevent this feud from escalating. I thought you would want the same."
	"Of course I do, I just..." Zili scratches his cheek and glances over his shoulder.
2	NO. My soul is not for the taking. Not by you or any of the outsider spirit-thieves!
	"It can be done without harming you. I just need to inspect the wards."
	He lets out a distasteful hiss.
2	1. You come across a corner where a pair of thugs - a man and a woman - have surrounded a Huana man. He has a potbelly and a nervous expression, and he's backed himself as far into the corner as he can. The thugs advance. "It's an exchange. You pay us, and we don't hurt you." 2. One of the thugs turns to you and looks you up and down. "Or else what?"
	"Robbing a man who has nothing! Have you no shame?"
	The two thugs look at each other. "Can't afford it. But maybe our friend here can help me out..." They turn back to the cowering Huana.
2	"The grievance with Bertenno is mine, and so is the jurisdiction."
	"I have my own problems with him. Besides, I got here first."
	"Hrm. As you say. Very well, then - I will not belabor the point if it causes strife within the company."
2	"Fancy a look at the wares, my friend?"
	"Any chance you have something Mokeha might like?"
	"You mean she likes things?" "I joke, I joke. She is so serious. Like the guards back in Port Maje."
2	"You're trying to kick us out! Nothing polite about that."
	"Thorel's pretty steamed. Things are only going to get worse."
	Galian looks down at himself, and then out at the fouled bedding and the sticky carpets. His shoulders slump.
2	"I welcome you into our village, as I have all Clario's people. And this is how you repay my trust?"
	"I'm sorry, Ikawha. I did not mean for things to end in violence."
	"Perhaps Ngati sends a sign. I have been a fool, to have endangered my people." "For what? Useless trinkets and foul company."
2	"You are all coldness and hunger. The teachings of your tribe, the tradition... none of it lives on in you." He begins to draw his weapon, his expression a mask of sorrow.
	"She's trying to save your life, which is more than you're doing."
	He stills the movement of his hand, eyeing both you and Maia with deliberate slowness and consideration.
2	"Burn and sink him. It will cause the Príncipi to revere you."
	"This isn't just about me though, is it? If I'm to do you a favor, I want a boon for it."
	The good humor wipes from his face.
2	"The grove is our vigil! It is you and the rest of Eora that sours!"
	"You protect only a ruin, a memory. Not what I see around me."
	She bares her teeth and takes a combative step closer. Her foot sinks into the mud and she pries it up with a wet, sucking sound. She blinks down at the rotted earth.
2	"Your comforting LIES are unwelcome here. We set our roots down when the archipelago was soft and unformed. Now we are perfection." Her eyes narrow, full of hatred and challenge.
	"You forget yourself. There is a wrongness on this island, and it deserves to be set right."
	She bares her teeth and takes a combative step closer. Her foot sinks into the mud and she pries it up with a wet, sucking sound. She blinks down at the rotted earth.
2	The tip of the blade briefly flashes bright red.
	"Clearly there's more to this than you're letting on. Tell me what happened - maybe I can help."
	"She dumped me, okay? She said she couldn't do this anymore and tossed me in a pile of garbage."
2	"Uh, well... Both grew up in Gilded Vale... Same temple..." Edér looks askance at you.
	"You can trust me, you know."
	"All right, all right, we used to uh... you know..."
2	"Captain! This is hardly the time or place to pass around the handsome fish." Tekēhu gives you a warning look.
	[Whisper to Tekēhu.] "You're the prettiest. It's the only way."
	1. "Hm. Just because you are right does not mean I have to enjoy it." Tekēhu sighs and turns to the king wearing a coy expression. 2. "Absolutely not. I'd rather swim to the shallows and watch you flounder." Tekēhu folds his arms and takes a step back.
1	"Merla, she must be desperate! Not so desperate as to come here, on her knees, to beg for herself, but- she sent you. "No. There's my answer. I get my cut. There's no sense in ruining a good thing."
	"Help her out this once and Savia will owe you a favor."
	"A favor. Merla, I should buy her dinner, maybe." Mid-chortle, Ilari's brows draw together. He runs a thumb along his jaw, frowning.
1	"Don't be foolish. Clario will see to him."
	"That isn't how it works. The Vailians have to pay for their food, and pay taxes."
	"His kinsmen would let him starve?" Mokeha's brows furrow, and her eyes search your face.

Explosives

Spoiler

17 A parchment-thin shard of adra is positioned inside of a spiked, copper trap. When a current of essence conducts through the adra, the trap will snap shut and complete a circuit. It would take incredible care to extract the soul without setting off the bomb.   [Try to disarm the bomb.]   You carefully reach inside the bomb. In no time at all you're up to your shoulder in delicate gears and cogs, taking care not to displace anything. Something in the guts of the machinery falls off in your hand, but the Godhammer remains inert. 16 The device gurgles quietly. After a prolonged silence, a wet blast of air escapes through the eye of a mounted skull. You can only speculate that the machine is in working order.   [Rig the machine with an explosive.]   In case a traditional bomb won't do, you assemble something vaguely conical in shape and grease it up using some of the machine's drippings. A fleshy panel accepts the bomb with a greedy sucking sound. 10 Through the shimmering gate, a structure of thick stone rises, thronged by soldiers awash in the rosy shades of dawn. The light shifts to the clear bright blue of day, then again to red, all within a matter of moments.   You catch the tangy scent of saltpeter, sulfur, and charred flesh.   1. [Step away.] 2. [Step into the portal.] 10 "Oh, no. I feel something... it's coming on like a sneeze, but bigger. This is all happening again, isn't it?"   "This would be a very bad time for history to repeat itself."   "Keep your distance - it's coming! The cycle's turning back on itself!" Waidwen's soul strains to avoid it, but you feel the pull of an unseen force tearing at him - shredding this moment of clarity. 9 1. [Throw a grenade.] 2. [Throw a blister bomb.] 3. [Throw an immolator.] 4. [Throw a lightning bomb.]   You hurl the explosive directly into the beast's blow hole...   -NONE FOUND- 5 "By his own admission, he was there to blow up Rauatai's black powder stores."   "Wait... are we going to blow something up?"   "You wish for me to spoil the surprise? Ekera, very well." She makes an offhanded gesture of resignation. 4 "As you can see, we have need of it."   "I know a thing or two about explosives. And you're dealing in exceptional quantities."   "Rauataians do not do anything in half measures." A ragged cheer goes up from the other soldiers.

History

Spoiler

18 But- but Sissak gets to leave! This one's progenitor told him, promised him they only need wait a few more generations! This stupid, stupid paper says we must stay? No!   "To be binding, this contract should've been ratified by the Huana monarch or their advisor. It was not."   Does the kith mean... Sissak's clutch is free? That this one may dig a glorious burrow into the earth and dig and dig and keep digging? His many eyes flash, and he emanates a gleeful shriek so high you almost can't hear it. 18 1. "I am nothing like him." 2. We recall young Fyonlecg, promising apprentice of the Cythwood. Indomitable Fyonlecg, the Arcane Knight. Fyonlecg the Unspoiled, Archmage of the Circle. Fyonlecg, Weyc of the Hand Occult. The names, titles, and memories - and the emotions that accompany each - break upon you like the shore.   "I can say with great certainty that history knows of no such archmage."   All knew us! For the spells that bore our name if nothing else! Fyonlecg's Wall of Flames. Fyonlecg's Wall of Many Colors. Fyonlecg's Pristine Barrier. 17 These notes are written in a strange code. You have no idea what they say.   [Use your knowledge of long-forgotten languages to decipher the notes.]   You realize the notes are penned in an ancient language related to Engwithan. You recognize the meaning of a few of the symbols, and with that you manage to tease out the gist of the notes' meaning. 15 1. "You're not here for the contest, then?" Frowning, she scratches the back of her head. 2. "Things change though. The contest has changed."   "I knew there existed blood sports among the ancients of the Deadfire, but I thought modern Huana frowned on it."   "It's tradition. It goes back... I think over a thousand years. All officially sanctioned. ...I think." 15 "Then, of course, there was the cataclysm that rent this island in twain. Knowing Maura, I don't doubt the two are related."   "THE Maura? Maura of the Seven Hills?"   "The very same. You know your archmages." 15 1. "You've had few dealings with the Circle of Archmagi in the past - nonetheless, we know you pursue Eothas, and we might have a way to help." 2. "You've aided the Circle of Archmagi once before. We've found ourselves wondering if you might do so again."   "THE Maura? Maura of the Seven Hills?"   "The very same. You know your archmages." 14 "Now that we - the Faces of the Hunt - have chosen our hunters, the grand winnowing may proceed."   "You were Engwithan."   She nods wordlessly. 14 "She did what? And you let her? I must - I have to go see her!" She blinks rapidly, still processing the revelation.   "She was a pilgrim, and now she's a temple guardian. She'll almost certainly attack you if you find her."   "Oh. Okay. I understand. Thank you for finding her. And helping her, I suppose." She deflates with a sigh and, rubbing her eye with the ball of one hand, turns away. 13 "The inquisitor has been turned!"   "The gods will drop a moon on you before they allow you to retain your current hegemony."   Your words echo through the chamber. The other figures shimmer, strains of essence from throughout the room coalescing before you into a single pulsing mote of essence. 13 1. "Nothing could matter more." He leans forward. 2. "Allow me an idle moment's curiosity. Have you heard of the Archmage Fyonlecg?"   "There's not been an archmage by that name in the recorded history of the Circle."   "That cannot be. Years or no, the Hand could not have expunged so much so quickly." He stares at his open hands. 12 The dragon spreads her wings possessively over her hoard, scaled throat rumbling a growl.   "I understand your desire for that torc. History is full of dragons who hoard relics of power."   1. But you do not desire to control me with it? The dragon narrows her eyes at you. 2. Cherish one of Magran's abject trinkets?! I do no such thing, wretch! I care nothing for her trifles! 12 "WRATH, EH? WHAT WARMLING SQUAWK ABOUT?" The imp cranes its neck to either side, peering into the cavern's icy recesses. It's possible it was trying to lower its voice.   "The Annuqpiaat clan adopted Magran as their favored deity, claiming it better to court fire than appease cold. They vanished the following winter."   "BUT NO WANT TO DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY!" 10 [Study the machine.]   You manage to make out what little of the writing hasn't faded away. You deduce that Cignath Mór was once a place the Engwithans used to study the application of soul energy to enlarge the creatures of the Deadfire. You also learn that the machine is funneling essence into the surrounding flora and fauna from a luminous adra pillar deep beneath the ruins.   You return to the control panel. It glows with a faint light as the machine hums. 10 [Study the machine.]   You manage to make out what little of the writing hasn't faded away. You deduce that Cignath Mór was once a place the Engwithans used to study the application of soul energy to enlarge the creatures of the Deadfire.   You return to the control panel. It glows with a faint light as the machine hums. 9 "On what do you base this claim?"   "Souls exist without the gods. They predate the gods. The gods do not define their purpose."   "You would bring words of heresy into this hallowed hall?" She looks to the gathered witnesses. 9 "Long ago. I know not how you reckon such things."   "Had Aedyr lost control over the Dyrwood yet?"   "The Dyrwood?" She frowns at the word. 9 Beyond the gate, you see ancient architecture, apparently Huana in design, set among glistening reefs and cascading water.   Though clearly not Neketaka, the imagery is that of wealth, influence, and power.   1. [Step away.] 2. [Step into the portal.] 8 "If you have spent any time in the Deadfire at all, the myth of lost Ukaizo can be no mystery." Onekaza leans forward in her chair.   "Wasn't it the capital of the old Huana empire?"   "Ekera, you have the right of it. Some of us would see its purpose restored." 8 "No... no, I say! Ngati close her teeth around your boat and Woedica scrawl your name in her log of disgrace!"   "It is a poor ruler who doesn't recognize what is under her feet, Onekaza."   "How... dare you!" She sits back in her throne to the gasps of her attendants, all of whom give up any pretense of ignoring your exchange. 7 "I ranged for years seeking a balm for the growing pyne. Drink helpt for a time. Svef for anither. Now, only these baths, infuist with adra, dull the agony."   "You fought against the Dyrwood's independence?"   1. "Daes that offend ye? I conne yer tune, Aedyran." 2. "Aye, I did. At the time it seemed richt. Now? I feel less certain." 7 "The mosaic is an ancient work of art! Such marvels must be preserved." His fingers continue working at his hem.   "Ukaizo is rumored to contain untold riches. It certainly makes sense that you'd be looking for it."   "Riches! Any half-awake shiphunter can find a Vailian ship with gold and luminous. "Ukaizo - if it exists - is something more." He considers you before continuing. 7 "Where have you seen anything this ambitious among their works? "The Engwithans, on the other hand, left monuments to their greatness around the world."   "The last time you underestimated the Huana, you lost the Tenets of Iron..."   "We won the Battle of Nakaro Atoll. The sinking of our ship was a child's tantrum." Her face darkens. 7 "Extinguished or crushed... us all... defiler..." He struggles to speak. The agony of a slow death blazes through the scrawls in his skin, shrouding him with a veil of fire.   "You're a fire giant, an elemental servant of Magran's. Aren't you?"   "You are not mistaken." 7 "Extinguished or crushed... us all... defiler..." He struggles to speak. The agony of a slow death blazes through the scrawls in his skin, shrouding him with a veil of fire.   "What <i>are</i> you, creature?"   1. "A kindred, if larger, soul..." He wipes fire blood from his mouth with a palm that could crush a kith's skull. 2. "I am but one... of Magran's elite champions... birthed from her flames. Soon... reunited in glory..." 7 "What do you think I've been trying to provide us? I've grown our strength and numbers ten-fold in the past four years."   "The Príncipi are descendants of Grand Vailian refugees - they uprooted their lives and fled to the Deadfire to survive."   "Aye. you don't get more adaptable nor desperate to survive than us pirates. You think I ought to go with the flow, is that it?" 7 "So it is. But what would that be doing here?"   "Wahaki hunters smear themselves with it. We're near their island, Ori o Koīki."   1. "Of course. The same group we met on Motare o Kōzi, as I recall." 2. "I've heard they're aggressively isolationist. As for what that has to do with the Leaden Key..." He frowns, looking at the key-like symbol painted onto the sail. 7 "Oh, no. I feel something... it's coming on like a sneeze, but bigger. This is all happening again, isn't it?"   "This would be a very bad time for history to repeat itself."   "Keep your distance - it's coming! The cycle's turning back on itself!" Waidwen's soul strains to avoid it, but you feel the pull of an unseen force tearing at him - shredding this moment of clarity. 6 "It truly works? You mean to say that the animancers have learned how to... transport people?" Príncipo Tarvisi leans forward in his chair, watching you intently.   "I'm sure you don't need me to tell you the practical applications."   "Certainly not." 6 "We are six. Three children, two babes, and me."   "Does no one else from the caste look after them?"   "Ekera, it was so in the village. Where Botaro and me came from." 6 "Abuttin yer next and last breath."   "I learned of your history, and so sought you out - the great Yseyr, Aedyran chosen of Berath, and slayer of Lucia Rivan."   The Death Guard seethes at the mention of Rivan's name. Rage, cold but violent, rattles up the skeleton's spine. 6 1. "All stumble and shamble like sun-blind hatchlings." 2. "Many generations ago, the sand-striped ones built great hives across the islands. And bastions around the adra roots." At this, the others hiss angrily.   "Huana civilization spanned the archipelago, but the Engwithans built temples around the adra."   He hisses. "They did not build alone! The sand-striped ones helped. "As they help other fiends now." 6 "You think the queen is cunning, but she is on the brink of losing her power." Ruāsare makes a disgusted, sweeping motion with her hand.   "You're falling for the same trap that the foreigners are - assuming that she's weak on the basis of appearances."   Ruāsare opens her mouth to speak out against you, but stops herself. 6 "I must confess to you, a bit of a problem has arisen. One which speaks to your expertise with the supernatural. We've sighted the Floating Hangman that haunts the Deadfire."   "I've read accounts of an undead ship that flies a Darcozzi flag, yes."   "It would seem I have undervalued you, Watcher." His dark eyes glint with interest. 6 "Haven't you?"   [Shrug.] "Maybe in old stories."   He settles back on his throne, bright eyes blinking rapidly. After a long moment, he laughs. 5 "Our people will bury your tracks with sand. You will be less than the lowest of us." He glares at the rest of the tribe as he says this.   "Neketaka is prosperous for foreign traders. The Vailians would have given you slums, not palaces."   Murmurs of agreement rise from the others. Ruānu regards the nods and whispers. 5 "I would have joined her, but my stomach... something did not agree. Now it is weeks since they should have returned. I am only the galley cook, not a search party!" He nurses his stomach and winces.   "'Vektor' isn't a Vailian name."   "Pargrun. My grandparents gave up their nomadic ways when they moved to the Republics." 5 "No one threatens Cotta, you overstuffed boil!" Celezzia lets out a low growl.   "Clussa's Voyage would be a mercy compared to what I have planned for you."   Cotta flinches and turns to his crew. He studies each of their faces in turn. 5 "Take this if you need proof." He tosses you a silver medallion inscribed with Vailian honorifics.   "A Vailian envoy medallion? The Republics reward these for exemplary service."   "Ekera. You are sharper than my guards for knowing this, I say." 5 "Does the name Ukaizo mean anything to you?" The prince's face is impassive, but he seems to be studying yours with close attention to detail.   "A lost city, if local fables are to be believed."   "Fable? No. History, I say." 5 "What do you know of my watershapers, herald of Berath?" Onekaza leans forward and rests her chin on her fist.   "I know they gave Rauatai no end of trouble in their early advance."   "Ekera. If you recall history then you know why I am protective over the guild." 5 1. "Come again? I don't quite follow your meaning." 2. "Glory were nae to be had. Trowth be telt, I hold luckier than most. The orlans o Eir Glanfath walded blades that sheaved spirit as easilly as flesh. Some of mine fallaes were slauchtered body an soul."   "You speak of the mind hunters, Glanfathan warrior-ciphers."   "Aye, that I do, an a dounricht vicious bunch they are." 5 "Deeper? Deeper how?" Kipeha squints at you.   "I want to know about the people who survived the cataclysms of old."   She nods slowly, her expression guarded. 5 "Some people say he's the Red King."   "The infamous pirate? I'd heard he was lost at sea years ago."   "Aye. I'd heard that, too." 5 "Anyway, I think you should have this, for what you did. And for what you can do with it." She kneels, wipes the blood off of the blade, and slides it into its scabbard before proffering it to you.   "Most Huana in the Gullet don't have your grasp of Aedyran."   "That's Father's doing. He traveled all over, and he insisted that I learn Aedyran, Vailian, and Rauataian." She puffs out her chest. 4 "Now this cannot happen. Our harvest fails because this one puts his empty stomach higher than the gods!"   "Isn't it traditional to eat the whole fruit, seeds and all?"   "Ekera, just so." He nods resolutely. 4 "This is where Vailian scheming ends. Ngati's servant holds the dam closed to flood the living world with her vengeance." He places a hand over the spot his heart once occupied.   "Pushing out Vailia only exchanges a trading post for Rauataian warships."   "Their ships also sink when the winds tip them over, ekera?" A smile slowly spreads from ear to ear. 4 "Ask. I would not have you journeying to Ori o Koīki uninformed." She opens her palm to you and nods.   "Ori o Koīki... the Cursed Land of Corpses?"   "The corpses refer to the pungent koīki trees. The curse..." She shrugs. 4 1. He gives the apprentice an appreciative nod. 2. "I am misled if holding a shell is all it takes to earn Ngati's favor." Tekēhu tosses his hair and chuckles to himself.   "Huana have used conch shells to communicate for centuries. This is likely one such device."   "What a... noble purpose." He expression falls, as if he were hoping for a grander story. 4 "Nowhere in the city does a Roparu sit around the same fire as a Mataru. "Neketaka tests our traditions, I say."   "Don't you see that as a contradiction?"   "What man or woman of the isles does not?" Aruihi chuckles and shakes his head. 4 "Neketaka is either a testament to the ancient Huana's love of labyrinths or their hatred of straight lines." He grimaces and rearranges several of the objects situated around his desk.   "Age, not the Huana, has set the bones of the city at crooked angles."   "Sadly, I did not invite you here for a discussion of city planning." 4 The dragon watches you silently.   "What if we excised the imprisoned portion of your soul from the rest?"   NO. My soul is not for the taking. Not by you or any of the outsider spirit-thieves! 4 "We'd long suspected something unnatural was behind the storms, but we had little evidence." The smile playing at his lips is that of a man who's seen the next three moves in a game of hazatōha.   "Rauatai is plagued with terrible storms. You think there may be a connection."   "Yes." 4 The living were meant to forget Ukaizo. Nothing can be gained of remembering it. Amid the general ire of the construct's thoughts, you feel a sharp jab delivered to your mind.   "I was under the impression that dragons loved to talk. Humor me."   The Gates of Ukaizo regard you in disgruntled, calculating silence. 4 "How much do you know of Rauatai, Watcher?"   "I've studied its history."   "So you have a scholarly understanding. That's not worth nothing." 4 "You step on the grounds of Motare o Kōzi. I can tell from your expression that you have no idea what this means to our tribe." He lets the axe hang at ease by his side, though his fingers release none of their tension.   "I know what it meant to your ancestors. This was part of an ancient Huana evacuation route."   "Ekera, you know your history better than I guessed." 4 You pull out your spyglass and examine the derelict. Nothing moves abovedeck, and you spot a corpse sprawled out on the forecastle. A few more seconds' examination reveals another further aft. Beneath the plague signal, you see a flag depicting a lit candle in an open doorway.   You recognize it as the emblem of the Kind Wayfarers.   1. "Prepare the cannons. Send it to the ocean's floor." 2. "I'm going aboard." 3. Pallegina peers off into the distance. 4. "Continue on our course." 5. [Address the ship's surgeon.] "Your thoughts, [Specified 3]?" 3 There's an inkwell and a wealth of official stamps nearby. With a careful hand you might be able to sneak in a carefully-worded amendment.   [Alter the terms of inheritance so the land will stay with the tribe.]   You adjust the terms of the contract. In the absence of an inheriting son or daughter, ownership of the Duape lands will revert to someone possessing fragments of the ranga's soul. 3 "I dearly miss palace gossip. Come, what is it about?"   "Bringing the Wahaki in line."   "I suspected the palace would deal with them. You will need every advantage you can seize!" 3 "The Harapo Epic belongs to the Huana. The queen sent me to remind you both."   "An intact primary source is a rare find for the Huana."   "Ekera, few outsiders can appreciate what such an artifact could mean to our people." 3 "Go and explore someplace with pleasant views and fresh air. The harbor. Or Periki's Overlook."   "Neketaka has a rich history, and some of it lies buried. I must see it for myself."   He shakes his head. 3 "Thought we'd been through this. I'm waiting for you to bring the goods so we can find Dereo's mosaic and be out of here." Her gaze darts around as if she's expecting something to jump out from the shadows.   "Part of Neketaka collapsed down here long ago. I'm sure there are some pretty pickings in the ruins..."   "Once Dereo's got what he wants, you can dig around all you like." 3 "We answer to him, not to you, and certainly not to some tribal queen of Neketaka!"   "You are safe here by the grace of Queen Onekaza II. Show some respect."   "If you think we're safe, you haven't been in Deadfire long. There's hardly a stretch of sea that doesn't have a pirate or privateer lurking nearby." She looks meaningfully at the Vailian. 3 "This could get Tuaha killed, and letting a company mission fall into the wrong hands... it could be dangerous."   "You've never heard of giving your life to a cause?"   "I'm insulted that you would think otherwise. We are all prepared to sacrifice for Rauatai." Tuaha squares her shoulders and stands taller. 3 [Lean in for a better look at the engraving.]   The runes are in the Naasitaq language, at least half of which spell out a litany of violent and colorful curses.   The chisel goes askew and draws a harsh line across the iron. Tatok's eye twitches. 2 "I warned the Vailians about Poko Kohara, but why listen to the ignorant Huana girl? "Now I remain. They are gone - taken by the curse."   "Vailians are some of the most skilled navigators in the world. They don't just go missing."   "Poko Kohara was not for them. With Ngati's aid, the sea takes and gives in equal measure." She raises her fingers to her brow. 2 "If the tribals cannot understand the basic terms of an agreement, that is their burden to bear." Luca nods to his drink and wipes off the rim of the cup.   "The Huana have a deep memory. They will not look upon company manipulation well in the long run."   "Then it's a good thing we're here only as long as the adra flows." 2 "Meantime, Dereo'll be pleased to hear the news. How about you go tell him and collect your reward."   "What does he want with a mosaic of Ukaizo?"   Her smile freezes on her face. 2 1. "Nearly done, I hope. I sold a consignment of iron and cultured coral and will return to Rauatai with vorlas, murkberries, and Ondra's Stars." She shifts in her chair, tugging at her conspicuously clean and bright clothes. 2. "Anyway, that's what brought me here." She fidgets with her cup.   "I thought Rauataians operated out of the Brass Citadel."   "Most do." She avoids meeting your gaze. Her mouth is pressed into a hard frown. 2 "The Engwithans were masters of engineering. "And with the knowledge of Ukaizo, we could surpass them." She watches you through eyes as bright as embers. A cool draft moves through the room, but a fever-slick sheen of sweat glazes her forehead.   "Ukaizo was originally the Huana capital."   "You think they could have achieved this?" She snorts a stream of smoke. 2 At the bottom of the bowl is a shallow, circular depression.   You recognize the offering bowl, an artifact found in many Engwithan ruins. It would have been intended for use only by Engwithans who held high rank, or had made some great achievement. In an arena such as this, a champion might fulfill that role.   The copper bowl has tarnished to a dull blue-green. Grime and dust coat the surface in a thin film. 2 "I'm sure you'll be astounded to learn the powers that be in Aedyr didn't much like that. The Steel Garrote's been after me for my 'grave' transgression ever since."   "That was over 150 years ago! They've been hunting you all this time?"   "Those Steel Garrote hounds are RELENTLESS." 2 "You're... familiar with the luminous adra trade?"   [Lie] "Of course."   "Of course. I suppose you could hardly spend ten minutes in the Deadfire without hearing all about it." 2 "You're... familiar with the luminous adra trade?"   "I know that Luminous Adra is native to the Deadfire."   "It's also quite valuable. When refined, it sells for considerable sums. "The Trading Company has invested a lot of time and money into locating sites suitable for mining and processing." 2 From between the bars stares a frail and sickly xaurip. It shrinks when you near, pressing itself into the furthest corner of its cage, trembling. Around its neck are the remnants of a bedraggled feather crest. Paint is smeared across its face, but the paint is old, flaking. It hasn't been reapplied in some time.   The xaurip's regalia tells you they must have been an important figure in the tribe - perhaps a High Priest, or a Mother - but its condition makes clear that those days are long past.   1. "What happened to you?" 2. [Leave it be.] 2 Several of the gathered Huana chuckle. The woman merely smiles, bowing her head slightly. "Challenging Osa, it is always done by aumaua to prove strength and stamina in the water. I stay afraid it may be too much for another kith."   "I thought the Huana were traditionally a welcoming people."   She bows her head. "Then what welcome would we provide if we fed our guests unknowing to Ngati?" When her gaze returns to yours, she bears a small smile. "But you are not unknowing, I say." 1 He blinks. "But the queen gave it to me! There is great honor in such a gift."   "The Huana way is prize-share. The shell was passed to you, not given."   He pauses. "If I would pass it to you, then you must gift me its value." 1 -NONE FOUND-   "In Ozia there'd be a crowd in here to taunt you."   Rinco barks a short laugh, then immediately winces.

 

Edited August 14, 2023 by omgFIREBALLS

[omgFIREBALLS]

Watcher, Party Assist, continued

Insight

Spoiler

20 [Press your ear to the device.]   Gears click and whir beneath the device's skin. After a few moments listening, a faint <i>tap tap</i> sounds on the inside. <i>Tap, tap.</i> <i>Tap, tap, tap.</i> It stops.   An intricate device crafted from copper and adra sits before you, radiating a low hum. 18 "Theoretically. Though I highly doubt it."   Something in the way she stares at you - as if you're an insect trapped within her web - sets you ill at ease.   "Whehami will not listen to my words, however. I suspect he will only respect force." 18 "Don't you want to see what that little mote of potential can become without kith getting in its way?"   "I'm starting to wonder if you and Maura weren't after the same thing - only she got here first."   Tayn blinks. 18 You carefully sink your hand into the machine's soft flesh. A canal of gore extends deeper than you guessed, and in no time you're shoulder-deep in a panel of drooping skin and exposed muscle. Flesh, gears, and wet, moving parts shudder under your touch.   Your hand brushes something that twitches violently, but you manage to calm it with a compassionate pet.   Reaching deeper, you find a warm, fluid-filled sac and give it a gentle squeeze. 17 "N-no! I won't go back to before! My head all cloudy... If I take it off, I go back into the dream." Copperhead clutches at his helmet, tugging it down around his ears. You hear a muffled growl from within its depths.   Anger and fear, you suspect, exacerbate Copperhead's hunger for essence. On the other hand, the runes appear to have made the other inhabitants relatively docile.   1. "I promise to give it back." 2. "Fine. Just hold still while I look at it." 3. [Take it off his head by force.] 17 "No. We were the first set to this task." A slight frown mars her spiritual features.   In the momentary expression you catch a hint of profound loathing. Whehami, it seems, is not the only Face frustrated by the company he is forced to keep.   "Always us three. I cannot imagine it any other way. It may not even be possible to leave, but Whehami will try." 16 "How do I know he's the real deal? I've had enough plainclothes investigators from Neketaka's palace sniffing around here lately."   "If you're worried about the authorities, send him your most upstanding stock."   "Suppose I could broker a deal for one or two... to start. See how it pans out." He nods, greed already gleaming in his eyes. 15 "Curious. Why?" She cants her head to the side and frowns.   "I was hoping you'd offer me something better if I sabotaged his plan."   "I'd consider it. We can discuss terms if you complete the task as I've asked you to." 15 "This may explain... Hm." She looks past you, eyes unfocused. Thinking.   "To be 'Llengrath' doesn't mean just bearing the name, does it?"   "Keenly observed. Indeed, you're correct." She narrows her eyes and smiles thinly. 15 1. "Ah. A joke. Yes, I'm quite amused. Well done." 2. "I don't know why I expected anything else, knowing who you are." 3. "Don't unnecessarily endanger yourself on my account. We have larger concerns than my academic curiosity." 4. "Your faith isn't misplaced. Still, this tome is unfamiliar to me. Should you find more, I'd be interested in examining them." 5. "I'm not especially keen to embroil myself in whatever Waelian nonsense is afoot here." She shrugs.   You notice her body is strategically angled away from Tayn so he can't hear her. Her hands, too, shake slightly, as if she is possessed by some strong emotion. Perhaps she wants these books more than she lets on.   She shoos you away with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. 15 "Very amusing. Why don't you share your discovery with him, then, and leave me be?"   You notice her body is strategically angled away from Tayn so he can't hear her. Her hands, too, shake slightly, as if she is possessed by some strong emotion. Perhaps she wants these books more than she lets on.   She shoos you away with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. 15 "A compelling vision, but hardly definitive." She crosses and uncrosses her arms, as if she can't quite come to a decision.   You notice her body is strategically angled away from Tayn so he can't hear her. Her hands, too, shake slightly, as if she is possessed by some strong emotion. Perhaps she wants these books more than she lets on.   "Tread cautiously. This place is no doubt full of unseen hazards." 15 "I'd be surprised if the vision were real. Like as not, Wael's agents enchanted the book with a false memory." She exhales a small huff of frustration.   You notice her body is strategically angled away from Tayn so he can't hear her. Her hands, too, shake slightly, as if she is possessed by some strong emotion. Perhaps she wants these books more than she lets on.   "Tread cautiously. This place is no doubt full of unseen hazards." 15 "So why do I get the feeling you're trying to convince me of something?"   "Clever child. It's important for my own reasons that I earn your trust. For now, at least."   "When we ascended to godhood, we did so to provide for a savage people. Our goal was to craft a society whose values were made to last." 14 "What ridiculousness! Do you think us fools?" Arms crossed, the hooded figure scowls at you. You think.   "I get the impression Vatnir may have given you plenty of reason to doubt him."   "I'll - I'll admit him a far walk from perfect, that's for certain. Couldn't hunt a bear to save his life." 14 1. "So you killed him? How are we to know you're not lying to us?" 2. "But, then, who could have done this? Everyone loves Vatnir! They respect him! He speaks for the Beast of Winter!"   "I get the impression Vatnir may have given you plenty of reason to doubt him."   Hafjórn's hooded face turns away as the Harbinger rubs the back of his head. 14 1. "Obviously! That's what you do! That's why you're here!" 2. "The ending comes with or without our aid, as you say. We gather here not because we believe he needs us, but because we know that we need him."   You note a faint quaver in Vatnir's voice. You seem to have struck a nerve.   The congregants again bow their heads, their susurrus prayers stirring the cold air. 14 "No one understands your manic rambling, Tayn. Speak plainly or be quiet."   "You want to use the body somehow, don't you?"   "He gets it." Tayn winks at you. 14 "But I wouldn't call him a parasite."   "You think him a symbiote?"   "That's a matter of perspective, isn't it?" She smiles. 14 1. "Nothing could matter more." He leans forward. 2. "Allow me an idle moment's curiosity. Have you heard of the Archmage Fyonlecg?"   "That's you, I presume?"   He exhales a prolonged sigh. 13 "When you did your bloody work atop the Floe, did you see a woman, about thirty winters my senior, with skin matching mine and hair the color of butter?"   "Family, I take it?"   "My sister, Ehrys." Her nod is but a small movement. 13 It matters not. Nothing matters. I shall claim your essence and use it to escape this place.   "'Nothing matters?' It sounds like this place has made you a part of it."   1. Such cleverness, little kith. 2. It seems the little kith is not quite the fool that it appears. 12 "Who knows what Aeldys would do with the information, were I to release her. She could sabotage our efforts to reach Ukaizo, or steal the Floating Hangman before we have a chance to acquire it."   "Your worries about Aeldys' influence are justified, but accepting exile is the same as bowing to your power."   "This is why you are such a valuable asset, my friend. Ac, let us send her on Clussa's Voyage." 12 "Wake up down the way at Vilario's Rest, nothing but the clothes on my back and this coin clutched tight in my grip. Come up here looking for work, for a ship to get me off of this backwater island." He takes a long swig from his mug.   "You don't sound very happy about it."   "Probably 'cause I ain't. Lot of good people died that day, men and women I liked and respected. And me, here, alive and sodden in Port Maje, all on account of taking a shine to a piece of silver." He sighs again, long and tired. 12 1. I expected a century, but not multiple. 2. So long as will persists, so too does life! 3. Tell me then, little kith, what you would have me do. What would your wisdom demand of me? 4. I will happily introduce you, if you so desire. 5. "We don't desire. Not even a little."   "You sound tired."   You sound small. And edible. 12 "You have your choice. Accept my chime, or remain here."   "Was this your plan all along?"   "If that were so, would it matter now?" 11 "We shall ensure that the slavers do not return by stationing one of our most elite fleets at Crookspur." He watches you as he explains this, eyes searching your face.   "You don't expect me to believe you moved an entire fleet just to keep the slavers out, do you?"   He's silent and still for several seconds. Calculating. At last, he smiles slowly. 11 "On what do you base this claim?"   "This place is formed of trauma - the trauma of an experienced torturer torturing herself."   "If you continue to spout such ridiculous madness, you shall be escorted from these halls." Her voice quivers. 11 1. The animancer nods. 2. "Whatever do you mean?" The other gathered spirits restlessly shift behind you.   "This place is formed of trauma - the trauma of an experienced torturer torturing herself."   The accused elf shudders against her shackles, and the other inquisitors hiss. A rising murmur builds among the witnesses. 11 1. "That's very advanced, actually-" Voice shaking, he stares at you, wide-eyed and frightened. 2. "I'm afraid that we - that I - cannot allow you to interfere, [Player Name]. We've come entirely too close to turn away now." 3. "You overcame a false Fyonlecg. A simulacrum. A phantasm. Simple enough spellwork." 4. "Knowledge flows through us, like water through a pipe, over a wheel, and into a reservoir."   "Listen to yourself. You're losing your identity! You're being subsumed into - whatever this is!"   "I was forgetting myself long before I entered the titan. But through the titan I can restore me." 10 "You must make a fine profit off of kith trafficking."   Seafol clenches a fist by her side. When she scowls at you, her scar blanches starkly against her skin.   "Swabby, I don't make the laws." She traces the scar snaking her right cheek, fingers splayed in a searching sort of manner. 10 [Call out to the archers.]   The kith firing these arrows are clearly hostile. You know you'll need to choose your words with incredible care if there's any chance of them standing down.   1. "The next arrow fired at me is going to get shoved up one of your asses! Sideways!" 2. [Ask a companion to speak to them.] 3. "We're peaceful missionaries! We're not even armed!" 4. "You're clearly very upset. Is there anything we can do to help you?" 5. "You're slaves from Crookspur, aren't you? We're not here to take you back!" 10 "I tell you... something about all that open water." Maia shakes her head.   "You're talking about Ondra's Mortar."   "Knew you were clever." She takes another hearty swig. 10 "How can I?" With a tired shrug, Serafen looks away.   "You're hiding something."   "Ac, that I am. Many things. For many reasons. I learned long ago that it's ofttimes better to hold your tongue." 10 "Taking your hand and leading you through my perversions, my failures... it was not done for my ego alone, captain."   "You were telling me what kind of mate you wanted. Someone who loves you but doesn't enshrine you."   He considers this. Pursing his lips, Tekēhu shrugs. 10 She takes the purse from you in exchange for the flail.   Her fingers linger on the weapon, as if reluctant to let it go, but the weight of the purse seems to decide the issue.   "Thank you. With this... with this, we have a chance." She smiles faintly and bows her head to you. 10 The xaurip shaman steps forward, feathered headdress swaying. It chitters, points towards the horizon, then points towards a pouch hanging from its waist. The other xaurips nod.   It seems to be offering you something to go away.   1. [Nod to them.] 2. [Leave] "I'll go." 3. [Draw your weapons and attack.] 10 "You two may explore one another to your heart's content." She banishes you with a halfhearted wave.   "Aren't you just becoming everything you hated about Arkemyr?"   "Cuè, are you going to tell me that I am a loveless creature who keeps anyone of substance at a distance?" 10 "When you win! When you win of course!"   The spirit flickers as if in doubt. As if hiding something.   "Go! The crowd hungers for carnage! Do not fail them!" 10 "Strictly, uh, speaking in a religious sense."   Her averted glance and stuttered words suggest that she's not sharing the entire truth.   "Was there something else you wanted to know?" 10 "I am a changed woman - asleep no longer. This bloated husk of mine is bound for the worms, but my soul is made for eternal service."   "It sounds more like you hate your body and want a new one."   Something in your words takes her by surprise. She rests a hand on the construct's frozen boiler and steadies herself. 10 I came here for it. An object of such potency that it defies the deified.   "Deified? Not deific? You know then the truth of the gods creation?"   Obviously. My mother was older than your manufactured gods are now when she hatched me. 10 1. "Whether or not you ever truly devoted yourself to the gods, there is no question you once served them." 2. "How do you answer these charges?"   "You mask yourself - are you ashamed of your actions here?"   1. "You abstract your choices in phrases such as 'this body' and 'the tribunal.' You preemptively refuse responsibility for your actions." 2. "Not all who wear masks do so out of shame." 3. "There is no shame to be found in the service of the gods. The masks we wear reflect our roles as mere instruments of a divine will." 10 "I'm wrong inside. Only the stars can make me right again."   "You mentioned a hand. Did the Hand Occult kidnap you?"   "Great big hand. This place, one finger, yes? Many hands. Many fingers." She nods. 10 "Take this. It's a spell that should wake the prisoners up again. Just make sure you read it somewhere they'll all hear it."   "You just <i>happened</i> to have a unique spell for this occasion?"   "Amazing, right?" He sighs. "Okay, you got me. I took the words of my Chaotic Orb and moved a few runes and accents around." 10 1. The spider stares at you. 2. As the sac sways gently to either side, you notice a small spherical object set into it. At first you mistake it for a solid black gem, but then it shifts, and you find eight eyes peering up at you from a fist-sized spider.   [Study the spider.]   The spider studies you back. 9 "Ye've been lucky thus far, ye know. I'm of half a mind to call ye out, and I'm no worse than many with a blade. Least then, perhaps, ye'll give me a lick of satisfaction!" Her hand strays towards her belt.   "You knew Serafen sails. Didn't you want him to leave?"   Syri's eyes bulge, and her arms go slack. She lets her head drop. 9 "On your way, then." She shoos you with a flap of one large, reddish hand.   "I seem to have hit a sore spot. Having trouble selling your goods?"   Face reddening, the aumaua glances away. 9 1. "Strange. You seem familiar." 2. "Do I - do I know you? Have we met?" The spirit's dark, heavily ringed eyes search you for recognition.   "You mean when you were alive?"   "Before this. Before here." 8 "Be that as it may, someone did not wish for this breakthrough to occur. For that alone we have good reason to seek knowledge of her amateurish, if enthusiastic, research." Arkemyr's eyebrows form a steep triangle as he arrives at a page of mathematical figures and coordinates.   "'Someone?' Have a culprit in mind, do you?"   When several gazes turn to you and several mouths open to speak up, Arkemyr silences them all in turn with a loud clearing of his throat. 8 "Do you know who I'm representing?"   Widla is a little too fast to respond. Almost as if she's trying to stop you from saying more.   "I know they've got the cash." 8 "But per complanca - Feel free to make your case."   "You can't get much in the way of conversation around here..."   "Sientere, but if I thought you would content yourself to while out your years in a little cage, I would have proposed it from the beginning." 8 "Aye, captain, though since when've you given one bilge rat's ass what be going on in my head?" Beneath his shaggy moustache, Serafen's lips stretch thin.   [Insight] "I know following me hasn't been easy for you."   "I'd hope so, given you be the one that makes it such." 8 "We're all crew. We bleed and sail together. I know [Specified 0] is a bit strange, but you have more in common than not."   The sailors look to one another, some rubbing the back of their heads, others wringing their hands. "Sorry, captain..." [Specified 3]'s gaze shifts between you and [Specified 0]. "I didn't think about it that way." "Back to work!" [Specified 1] shouts. "Nothing left to see here." The crew breaks apart and returns to their tasks. You've averted the crisis... for the moment.   -NONE FOUND- 8 "The Crucible is my brainchild, the finest web a spider could desire. Why would I harm this place?"   "Clever delivery, I almost didn't sense the sarcasm."   She shakes her head. 8 Hateno stares you down, his expression carefully blank. Scibéal, on the other hand, frowns and fidgets beside him.   Scibéal bites hard on her lip in an unsuccessful attempt to quell her rising panic. Hateno watches her from the corner of his eye, conflict evident in his knit brow.   1. "So nice to see you again, Konstanten." His lips twist into a vicious smirk. 2. "Pass, then, but watch your back." 8 "Heh. Youthful folly. Nothing more to it than that."   "A scalp tattoo isn't something you do on a whim."   "Sure it is. You never been young and stupid? Kids'll do all sorts of dumb **** to stave off boredom." 8 "Oh, no, that's certainly happening. It's simply not my, er, the focus of my attentions."   "The dragon is."   He nods, the white wisps of his hair swaying gently like a light flurry of snow. 8 1. [Echo Prince Edanke.] "You could not save our kingdom, but you can redeem yourself. Help me fight the dragon, Neriscyrlas." 2. "A victory against the dragon would bring glory to my empire. Perhaps- perhaps together we might repair my legacy, too."   Within the folds of his robes, the king's hands shake.   He sighs. "It is settled." 8 Beyond its surface, you see vast pillars of adra wrapped in the stone arches and copper machinery of ancient Engwith.   The quiet whispers seem couched in a mixture of desperate fear and bitter zeal.   1. [Step away.] 2. [Step into the portal.] 8 1. "You've had few dealings with the Circle of Archmagi in the past - nonetheless, we know you pursue Eothas, and we might have a way to help." 2. "You've aided the Circle of Archmagi once before. We've found ourselves wondering if you might do so again."   "Why doesn't the Circle of Archmagi ever solve these world-threatening crises?"   "Perhaps we solve more than you think. Perhaps we simply don't advertise to the common kith how often Eora comes to the brink of destruction." 7 "You did not come this far to serve the crown, I say, but sailing is an expensive hobby. "Loyal service can keep your galley stocked."   "Have any problems with loyalty lately?"   "Neketaka is a city full of friends, I say. We exchange so much between districts." His smile tightens into a hard line. 7 "At night, I even... ah, but it is nothing." She waves the matter aside as if brushing at a moth.   "Have you been dreaming of Ukaizo, highness?"   "Ekera... Since I was a child." Onekaza slowly exhales through her nose. 7 "It would seem we're at an impasse. How's it going to be, then?"   "You're letting your ego guide you rather than thinking realistically."   "Think I should be a martyr for the faction? I'm not the one making a choice that'll incite open war." 7 "Lower that. Let's talk." Bearn waits, the vial now clutched in one hand at chest height.   "You have doubts about this. You're questioning, just like your mother must've taught."   "Your mom knew how to spot a fake. What do you think she'd say about him?" Edér nods toward Bosc. 7 1. "You wouldn't believe how much paperwork it takes to run a navy." 2. "The company has a lot of people working away from headquarters, and Atsura trusted me to get these in the right hands. "Hope that isn't a problem." 3. "Don't take it personally if I'm vague on some of the details. Atsura likes his discretion, even when it comes to boring bureaucratic stuff."   "Aren't you a little overqualified for courier work?"   "Watch out, Ishi - we've got a charmer on our hands." Maia plays at whispering to her bird, though she wears a knowing smile. 7 "It will make a fine inheritance for my many daughters."   "Only daughters? No sons?"   "No sons. Not any longer." 6 1. "Apparently they're having some trouble out there with a hostile tribe. You help them, Furrante helps the Company. "I... You've proven resourceful. You make the logical choice." 2. Serafen's narrowed eyes slide between you, the director, and the floor.   "You're not telling me something."   "I... I would not normally enter into such pacts with the likes of Furrante. "The Company's assets are in some disarray. Our resources are not what they once were." 6 1. "Apparently they're having some trouble out there with a hostile tribe. You help them, Furrante helps the Company. "I... You've proven resourceful. You make the logical choice." 2. Serafen's narrowed eyes slide between you, the director, and the floor.   "Come clean, Castol. You're making me nervous, and that's dangerous."   "I... I would not normally enter into such pacts with the likes of Furrante. "The Company's assets are in some disarray. Our resources are not what they once were." 6 "It truly works? You mean to say that the animancers have learned how to... transport people?" Príncipo Tarvisi leans forward in his chair, watching you intently.   "I'm sure you don't need me to tell you the practical applications."   "Certainly not." 6 1. Yet you see the tension in the way he pinches the fabric of his sleeve. He wants this artifact. Badly. 2. "I do not believe in these superstitions, of course." He frowns. 3. "I do not believe in such superstition, of course." He frowns.   "You don't mean 'valuable' in the monetary sense."   He coughs into his hand to hide his fluster. 6 "The timing's getting tighter. And there is one thing... before the end. Something only one touched by Berath can do."   "You covet something you can't get to, something you can't access because you lack Berath's chime."   "That's right. I've got no hope, but you do." He tugs at a chain about his neck. 6 "The timing's getting tighter. And there is one thing... before the end. Something only one touched by Berath can do."   "You covet something in the catacombs, the ones you can't access because you lack Berath's chime."   "That's right. I've got no hope, but you do." He tugs at a chain about his neck. 6 "Why would they permit a kith deeper into the Maw?"   "What you really want to know is what they saw in me that will aid you against Eothas."   "At any other time, no Rathun would accept aid from a mere kith. But you are right." 6 "If the Circle sent you to interrupt my research, I'll fashion a scarecrow of your remains to deter their next hapless victim."   "You wouldn't be here if you found what you were seeking."   "How astute. Now, if you're finished dissecting my academic setbacks, I am a rather busy lich." 6 "It is a mundane story. I sought out the ship with the longest oversea route departing from the Republics and booked passage."   Though her words are flat and her voice affectless, Ydwin is not calm. She shifts her weight from foot to foot and looks anywhere but at your face. She has the restless, nervous air of a horse about to bolt.   "I had intended to perform a handful of experiments regarding the nature of souls that could only be done safely at sea." 6 "Never been much of a liar. Folks tend to see through."   "Even if it's a bad lie, she'll go along with it because it's what she'd rather believe."   "All right, I'll do like you said. I don't think she'll believe me, but I'll do it." 6 "If you find yourself imperiled, seek Udyne at Magic Water. She can help." Serafen falls silent, staring at the page for a while longer. You hear his breath catch, and he looks up, his expression carefully blank.   [Insight] "Seems like there was more in that letter."   1. "Nay, captain, that be over and done with. Certainly got what I came for, thank you kindly." Serafen quickly folds over the letter twice and then stuffs it in a deep pocket. 2. "Aye, there be a word or two more, but nothing useful to us." He folds the letter over. 6 "But the morning after our coupling, I awoke to him praying at my feet." Tekēhu turns away and exhales through his nose.   "You enjoyed his power over you, but then he betrayed it - is that it?"   "Ekera. Just so." 6 "We're all crew. We bleed and sail together. I know [Specified 0] is a bit strange, but you have more in common than not."   The sailors look to one another, some rubbing the back of their heads, others wringing their hands. "Sorry, captain..." [Specified 3]'s gaze shifts between you and [Specified 0]. "I didn't think about it that way." "Back to work!" [Specified 1] shouts. "Nothing left to see here." The crew breaks apart and returns to their tasks. You've averted the crisis... for the moment.   -NONE FOUND- 6 Muātu's voice seems a mere whisper after the power of a god's. "I felt such rage from that beast. Hunger, too. And beneath all of it, I think, fear."   "Galawain seems pretty unhappy. With more than just my presence here."   "The Lord of the Hunt sent that beast?" Muātu's words rise in pitch and volume. 6 "The temperament of Ngati's chosen is tempestuous indeed." The king plays off Tekēhu's insult with a laugh and the wave his hand.   Though his smiling facade doesn't waver, you notice the king's hands are balled into tight fists on the arms of his throne.   "You have my permission to continue." 5 "He complained until the ranga gave him my finest mats, and then left them out for the sport of beasts. Let the gods sort him." Rongi's lip curls back, but he holds his composure steady.   "So even if Tamau is innocent, you don't care?"   "The tribe has challenges enough without Huana eating from each other's plates." Flaring his nostrils, Rongi glances away from you. 5 His gaze darts to the office guards, but something stops him from calling out.   "But in this case, the company is a degenerate cheat. Say it with me."   "I... I will not. And I'll thank you to keep your voice down. Here! May this still your tongue." He thrusts a pouch of coins at you. 5 "The Watcher has done more for us than Castol ever did."   "You're the governor. Isn't some of this your responsibility?"   "Well, I... "I have done what I can to keep us afloat. But I can only do so much." 5 "You threaten me in my own home? I am one of the queen's finest warriors!" He takes a step toward you, his barrel chest heaving with fury. His apprentices grab their weapons.   "You <i>were</i>. Now, you're just a puffed-up old man."   His face contorts in fury. 5 "Way I see it, you've got two options. You can tell me who sent you. Or I can feed you the shaft of my gun."   Morena's features are harsh, cutting. Her hair is drawn up into a large braid on the top of her head. Feathers and bits of bone - teeth and phalanges wrapped with ribbon - jut from tresses that gleam like red wine in the low light. You don't doubt she'd follow through on her threat - or try to.   1. "Dereo sends his regards." 2. "Enoi told me to find you." 3. "No one sent me. You just have piss-poor security." 4. [Retreat, hands up.] "Took a wrong turn. That's all." 5. [Show her the suolenet.] 6. "I heard there was business being done down here and thought I'd bring a donation." 7. "I've come to assist you as a favor to Captain Aeldys." 5 With a shrug of his meaty shoulders, he steps aside.   "Your fury should burn for Eothas, not me."   Shoulders taut with tension, the warrior eyes the strewn corpses of his fellow Rathun-at-arms. They lie dried like husks, siphoned of their souls. 5 "I am a fleet master of the Rauataian navy stationed at Sayuka, a research colony of the Royal Deadfire Company."   "What are you researching?"   "Ondra's Mortar. Storms that strong, that consistent... I suspect they're not natural." 5 "I seek a deeper understanding of your tribe."   The way her hand drops to her belt, she either doesn't understand or doesn't like the sound of your words.   "Deeper? Deeper how?" Kipeha squints at you. 5 "Yeah, well, the dream only works on folk what have this symbol on their heads. I didn't see it 'til I got the helmet on. "And all of us... dead, or something like it. Feeding off the living to stay alive a little longer."   "Not something you'd want to wake up to."   "Ha. No, it were... A shock, I tell you true. "Maybe I did go a little mad. Just a little." 5 "You might be asking yourself why one of the tribals would be stalking her, and if that has anything to do with our little... mission."   "Mission. Interesting choice of words."   Nodding, Maia sighs. 5 "Atsura set him loose so he can... get to know as many people as possible."   "He's a spy."   "That's one way you could put it." 4 "I'm sure I don't know who you're talking about. Now, please leave." She gestures toward her door and makes a shooing motion.   "It's clear you care quite a bit for him. Let me help."   She chews on a knuckle, brow furrowed, deciding whether she should trust you. Then she sighs heavily and gives you a sheepish smile. 4 "Ekera, punish me appropriately if I misbehave."   "I'll hold you to that, you slippery bastard." Gyntel turns away with a huff, a faint blush coloring the tips of his ears.   "Now, what can I do for ya?" 4 "Did he have any coin on him? Old coot owed my five thousand copper."   Despite her cold words, tears begin to well in her eyes. She blinks them away without comment.   1. [Lie] "Oh, he had loads of coins. Lots of gold, some silver, a huge sack of coppers..." 2. "No, the man was flat broke." 4 "Besides, lying is second nature to the ranga heir and his ignorant gliente."   "You're ashamed of this practice, and you don't want to admit it."   "Postenago! The company has every reason to congratulate itself." 4 "Thank you for standing with us, Watcher. My brother and I are honored to deserve your trust." She dips her head slightly.   "They made a habit of underestimating you. I don't."   "For too long my brother and I shouldered the burden of the trading companies. Now we can focus on what matters in the Deadfire." The queen raises her head and flares her nostrils. 4 "What of Eothas? If you know why he terrorizes the Deadfire, speak on." The queen nods.   "He makes for Magran's Teeth, but I believe that is only a waypoint."   Tapping her chin, Onekaza nods and weighs the matter. At length her even expression spreads into a pleased and knowing smile. 4 "How do we get past this, captain?" Maia crosses her arms and squeezes her shoulders.   "You want to stay. You'll hate yourself if you don't."   "Maybe I will. And maybe I can even live with that." 4 "Ganor may tell you more, if you're curious. He is something of an amateur alchemist, in addition to being a businessman of remarkable skill and insight."   "Next you'll tell me luminous adra grants the bather eternal life."   "Would that it were so! Ganor would make good money, and perhaps I would receive a raise, yes?" The bathhouse steward chuckles heartily. 4 "I would go myself, but, ah, the guards, they bar the doors to me without my casità present. They think I am a thief." He stares at his feet, his hands an anxious, twisting knot in front of him.   "Why can't you ask your casità to retrieve it, then?"   "I would rather her not discover my incompetence." His eyes dart to the side, as if looking for something - or someone - just outside his vision. 4 "The mosaic is an ancient work of art! Such marvels must be preserved." His fingers continue working at his hem.   "You're way too interested in this find - and in keeping it a secret - for this to be about art."   A small gold thread comes away in his fingers. He frowns at it. 4 "You do not know? But you- you-" She stops abruptly, her gaze falling to the ground.   Her bony hands tremble in her lap. She flicks her gaze to you, then looks away quickly, before you can meet her eyes. You frighten her.   1. "But... perhaps the village elder will point you down the right path. He is called Enoi - you can find him in his home." 2. "But... Enoi might know. Though he is blind, there is no part of the Gullet he does not see." 4 "The queen would have us join our tribes into one raised fist. "She could not let Muhai's crime stand."   "So it was a political decision."   "I say, it was done for the good of our people. The Traders, they make war upon themselves. "Each dousing another's flame, they are reduced to embers." 4 1. "And the priorities of its officers do not always align with the long-term interests of the Republics." 2. "A dangerous mix, especially with the Vailian Trading Company becoming a power of its own."   "You think they're growing too fast for their own good."   "Put enough food before a dog, and it will eat itself sick." He interlaces his long, well-manicured fingers. 4 The occasional pedestrian crosses your view, but everyone seems to be going about their business without tarrying for long.   Just as you decide to give up, a passing Huana raises his eyes from scribbling on a page of notes. He pockets the parchment and steps back into the obscurity of the crowd. The gesture is innocuous enough, but the speed and ease of it leave you in doubt.   "You saw that too, right?" Maia nods. 4 As he speaks, you notice that the toes of his soft boots are worn thin. A closer inspection reveals that his robes are unraveling at the hems and are well-patched at the elbows, too.   "You're broke, aren't you."   "How dare you - !" 4 "The common folk do so LOVE an actor. We bring mystery and excitement to their otherwise dreary lives. "Yes, you could say we're doing the gods' work."   As he speaks, you notice that the toes of his soft boots are worn thin. A closer inspection reveals that his robes are unraveling at the hems and are well-patched at the elbows, too.   1. "Your generosity is... inspiring." 2. [Listen.] 3. "You're broke, aren't you." 4 "Who are you? What are you doing here?" Her face is pale, her brow beaded with sweat.   "You act like a hunted woman. Why?"   "I had thought, I hoped to never -" She rubs a shaking hand across her eyes, which are red-rimmed and bloodshot. 4 "So long since you granted me this divine gift."   "If <i>you're</i> here, that means... we're in Rymrgand's realm."   "You have joined me in His clutches, Watcher. Is it not a cozy place?" His bloodless lips curl into a knowing smile, like he references a joke known only to the two you. 4 1. "That's it? That's all you have to say? What's WRONG with you?" 2. "You're not even trying anymore! It's like you don't care if I'm your sword or not." Modwyr pauses, trembling, as if it's trying to tamp down some unvoiced emotion.   "I don't think this is really about me."   "You - you think just because you've held me, used me to slice up countless monsters, that you KNOW me?" The sword shakes itself out of your hands and onto the ground, turning itself away from you. 4 1. "Ke lagahak tetahakus?" He throws his arms up in a helpless, frustrated gesture. 2. "Ke tetahibi?" He sighs deeply and shakes his head. His long hair is tangled from his ordeal at sea. He wrings it out as best he can, then ties it back in a sloppy knot. 3. "Shiyiz ikika?" He shakes his head hard once and grimaces. His tangled hair sends rivulets of water coursing down his face. He dashes them away with a huff. 4. "Shiyiz ikihakus?" He presses his palms to his eyes and takes a deep, shaking breath. His shoulders slump. 5. "Usuyi ikihakus!" He grits his teeth and takes a deep breath. The flash of anger passes quickly, though, and is replaced by a thin-lipped grimace of frustration. 6. "Kun imatak'ihe?" He cants his head to the side and narrows his eyes, as if your words are almost familiar, but he can't quite grasp their meaning. 7. "Lash ku hakusa?" He almost shouts the words, frustration evident in the rawness of his tone. He presses his thumbs and forefingers together and takes a deep breath. When he looks at you again, his quick flare of anger has passed, replaced by a resigned grimace. 8. "Ah, ke tetahun muhan kugatug?" He grimaces and shakes his head. He presses his thumbs and forefingers together and takes a deep breath. 9. "Ku?" He rubs at his forehead, a frown etched deep in his face.   [Point to yourself and slowly say your name.]   "Ah! Ke ked segu kiza Rekke. Reh-kah. Ta?" His eyes light up with the first expression of happiness you've seen from him. As he pronounces his name for you, he taps the center of his forehead. 4 1. "Me and Remaro, we served together back on the Sorcerer. I be owing the man a good turn or two. If I can be making good on that debt, I will." 2. "Were the ship I were on before I sailed out with Furrante."   "You're hiding something."   "Am I?" He shrugs and turns away. 4 "For what should a god worry about such cares, when theirs is the hand on the tiller?" Tekēhu spreads his palms and frowns.   "Are we still talking about Eothas?"   He pauses, blinking at you with a handful of hair pressed between his fingers. 4 "You. You're the one what saw the miracle. When Eothas rose at Caed Nua." Awe and conviction quiver in his voice.   "And you must be Laethärn. You left Hasongo just before Eothas arrived."   "I knew it. Our paths were meant to cross." 4 Harpoon in hand, [Specified 2] leaps from the skiff, using the downward momentum to drive the weapon into the beast's flesh. The creature thrashes, its tail slapping [Specified 2] from its back and into the water. The line from the harpoon to the skiff goes taut as the whale drags the skiff along.   If the whale dives, they're in trouble.   1. [Say nothing.] 2. "Let it go!" 4 1. "I did nothing! How- how dare you!" 2. "That is not possible, I say. My empire is the strongest in Eora - no, the greatest empire history has ever known! My reach extends to the edges of the world! Kith on distant shores pay fealty to me, King Wingauro o Watūri I!"   "You know that's not true."   "My judgment is beyond reproach by you, by the gods, by anyone! "I will not take the blame for what happened, do you hear me? I will not!" 4 "I say you are confused, outlander. A king follows no order but his own!"   "You're afraid to live a life without power. I understand. Think of this as an opportunity to fix your mistakes - a chance to do better."   "Another passage through the belly of death... to be reborn in a new shape, unburdened..." 4 1. "I did nothing! How- how dare you!" 2. "That is not possible, I say. My empire is the strongest in Eora - no, the greatest empire history has ever known! My reach extends to the edges of the world! Kith on distant shores pay fealty to me, King Wingauro o Watūri I!"   [Echo Prince Edanke.] "You know that's not true."   "My judgment is beyond reproach by you, by the gods, by anyone! "I will not take the blame for what happened, do you hear me? I will not!" 4 "Knowing that - what do you want?"   "I was wondering when you would show up."   "I wondered not one whit about you." 3 "Dark clouds surround Poko Kohara, and in my dreams they swallow us all." She looks at the statue next to her, her eyes bright with intensity.   "Do you really believe all of that?"   She sighs deeply, her bony shoulders rising like a vulture's wings. 3 "Ekera, no one could be less surprised. Tamau had this coming."   "You don't seem particularly upset about it."   "Guilty or no, being tossed to the waves is what Tamau deserves. I have no tears for him." 3 "The snake brought this on himself, I say. Now Mukūmu will deliver him to Tangaloa's maw, where he belongs." Pekeho nods slowly.   "Tamau didn't have any koīki, did he?"   He opens his mouth to retort, but closes it and hangs his head. 3 "We feasted, danced, drank, and slept only so we could feast, dance, and drink more." The ghost of a smile flits across his face.   "You were awfully busy for a man claiming to be ill."   "Per complancanet, music and ale are medicine for the soul." He pats a hand over his heart and gives you a sheepish look. 3 1. "We asked not to be disturbed. What are you doing here?" He grips his weapon and studies you closely. 2. "Once is an accident. Twice and you're a little too nosy for your own good." The sizable man balls his fist and cracks his knuckles.   "Aren't you one of the Bardatto guards?"   "Well. That's the end of subtlety." Baer readies his weapon, his features hardening in a resolute expression. 3 "Surrender now and I offer you mercy. I make no promises that I'll follow through." Vilami grins.   The burglar slowly brings her hand closer to a weapon.   "Surrender now and I offer you mercy. I make no promises that I'll follow through." Vilami grins. 3 "It's nothing personal. The crew earned their reputation through murder and thievery, and it would make me sick to see them regain an ounce of their power." She tries for a nonchalant shrug, but it comes off looking like she's got a sore shoulder instead.   As she speaks, Dessiral removes a small suolenet from her pocket and polishes the surface with a corner of her shirt. Her features soften like she's visiting an old memory. Then she stuffs the coin back in her pocket with a barely audible sigh.   1. [Say nothing.] 2. "You're not telling me everything." 3. [Raise an eyebrow.] 4. "What's bothering you?" 3 "It would be better if they took their business elsewhere." When Atello isn't looking, Martino draws his thumb across his throat.   "I'll do it, but I want the Vailian Trading Company to know that I was helpful."   "Was that not implied? Eccosi, consider it done." 3 "This room stifles already. Must you crowd it further?"   [Examine the clerk.]   Luca's shirt is spotted with a number of faded, purple stains that you recognize as droplets of wine. Someone has tried, unsuccessfully, to wash them out. 3 "He must have wanted to raise some fast coin. Arkemyr will flay me alive over those damned gloves..." Fassina cradles her brow and groans.   "Strange that the constructs didn't attack him for stealing."   "Is it strange? I don't know. Go consult Arkemyr's grimoire if you're that curious." Flustered, she finds any excuse to look elsewhere. 3 NO. My soul is not for the taking. Not by you or any of the outsider spirit-thieves!   "No one's taking your soul. We're just letting most of you free. Isn't that what you want?"   HOW, then? You have a plan for this... mad scheme of yours? 3 "It was as I feared, then. Tell me - how did he die? Was it fast, at least? Painless?"   "He was beaten to death. Looked like it went on a while before he died."   "The Gullet claims another life, then." The old man groans, rubbing his knobby-jointed fingers across his eyes. 3 "Thought we'd been through this. I'm waiting for you to bring the goods so we can find Dereo's mosaic and be out of here." Her gaze darts around as if she's expecting something to jump out from the shadows.   "This mosaic must be important. It's obvious you don't like being here."   She bristles. "What're you saying? It's... hot down here. That's all." She shivers again. 3 He squirms. "That doesn't release me from my obligation. I must reach Rauatai with all possible haste."   "This isn't about your contract. This is about you having things your way."   He shifts and wriggles, tugging his sleeves as if to pull them back into place. He says nothing for a moment, but his silently twitching mouth confesses his discomfort. At last, he sighs. 3 1. "Nearly done, I hope. I sold a consignment of iron and cultured coral and will return to Rauatai with vorlas, murkberries, and Ondra's Stars." She shifts in her chair, tugging at her conspicuously clean and bright clothes. 2. "Anyway, that's what brought me here." She fidgets with her cup.   "You seem nervous. Does the Royal Deadfire Company know you're trading here?"   She sets her glass down with a loud clatter. 3 Her nostrils flare. "What did remorse ever accomplish? Besides, this Botaro brought trouble on himself."   She holds her chin high, but you catch a telltale twitch at the corner of her mouth.   "Yes, he should have known how to behave around civilized people." She nods as if convincing herself. 3 "[Player Name] Nui, the hero of Hasongo! I'm pleased you've taken me up on my invitation." He gives you a sleek half-smile that reveals a row of perfect, pointed teeth.   In his careful stare and the pause before he speaks, you recognize that he's studying you.   "Neketaka is full of boastful tongues and bold claims, but none have accomplished what you managed at Hasongo." 3 "[Player Name] Nui, the Lord of Caed Nua." He gives you a sleek half-smile that reveals a row of perfect, pointed teeth.   In his careful stare and the pause before he speaks, you recognize that he's studying you.   "I'm not one for ostentation, but your remarkable display at Queen's Berth suggests that you are an individual with skills, not mere style." 3 1. "Good sailors with a fast ship and no mind for questions." She chomps a little harder on the bit of her pipe. 2. "Let's just say I'm not keen to invite them to a port where we're developing experimental technologies."   "They're smugglers."   "Along with half the population of this storm-tossed archipelago." She shakes her head. 3 "Ahhh, yes. Aha. Yes, indeed." His attention is suddenly diverted by an apparently fascinating stain on the hem of his robe.   "You're broke, aren't you."   "Ye-e-es. U-unfortunate business mishap. You, uh, know how it is, I'm sure." 3 "That's close enough." He scratches his ear, glancing to the left and right.   You almost missed it, but you spot a smudge of ink on his right thumb and index finger. As he brings down his hand, he unconsciously pats a bulge in his pocket.   Nodding to you, Maia makes it clear that she noticed it as well. 3 "You are all coldness and hunger. The teachings of your tribe, the tradition... none of it lives on in you." He begins to