We've spent a lot of time just randomly faffing about, but it's time to complete our training.
What the hell kind of welcome is that?
Bah! Bah! 'Barging in' ... what a load of nonsense! The door was wide open! So it's your own fault!
What's all the racket down here? I had asked for peace and quiet!
Now that looks like a proper mage.
Oh, I see... we have a guest!
You must be Master Tergion Brookbeard. It's an honor to meet you. I have here a letter that explains everything ...
Then please excuse my novice's manners and show me the letter.
Ah ... yes ... interesting. So you're here to complete your training.
Yes, that's right.
As a student of metamagic, you will no doubt be very useful to me. Hmm...
Well... I accept you as an apprentice ... but only if you show me that you can use what you have learned up until now efficiently.
A challenge, at last! Perhaps he will have might fight demons, or send me out to identify rare herbs, or - even better - order me to find and annihilate that snivelling worm of hardbormaster, Orbert.
I'm ready to be tested!
Excellent! Follow me.
Let us see what he has in store for us.
Your first test awaits you in the storeroom behind me.
Excellent! Perhaps he has trapped a mecker dragon there for me to subdue. Or a witch to force occult secrets from. Or...
You'll be locked in there and all lights will be extinguished. If you have any torches with you, please give them to me now.
A key is hidden in the room... Your task is to find it so that you can leave the storeroom again.
Don't be frightened by the darkness - use your magic to bring forth light.
Very well, I'll try.
About as basic a test of magic as you can get, really.
I cast light in the darkness!
And find the key in the very first chest I check.
Good, good. Very good. A 'Light in the Darkness' has lived up to its name! You have passed your first test!
You are now officially accepted as my pupil.
My novice Hesindiana will show you your quarters. You can rest there and put away your belongings.
Later you can come to my study at the top of the tower and we can start with your... emm... lessons.
And he uses transversalis teleport to leave. He's so powerful he doesn't even use stairs.
Apologies that I was so gruff earlier. The problems with the neighboring farmers recently have robbed me of my patience.
Follow me! Your room is right over here.
A nice little room. I've seen no room belonging to Hesindiana in the tower so I guess she's sleeping here too
The chest contains some fairly basic and useless supplies. We talk to Hesindiana again.
Master Brookbeard has also come by a female novice now. That should be a barrel of fun!
Female? Uhhh...
Checking the dialog files, there doesn't seem to be a "male" counterpart to the above line. The scant bugs this game has all seem to be related to its localization.
Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy that you're here. It's just that ... the Master already has so little time, how will he be able to cope with two novices?
Whinge whinge. If I want your opinion I'll give it to you, dear.
Can I ask you a personal question?
Yes, go right ahead. I have no objection.
She's actually a lot more curt with non-mage characters.
What exactly do you do as the Master's apprentice?
I have to wash his robes, clean, cook, carry books from his study down to the laboratory, and from the laboratory back up to the study, and ... oh, yes, procure 'things' for his experiments.
Hah! For a moment I was concerned about Brookbeard's lax ethics, but he is obviously manipulating this girl to do the work that only women are fit for. Speaking of fit, though, she's not half bad...
Such selflessness. It's quite impressive. You must have so many suitors!
Oh, those are duties. That's all. There are far nicer things on Ethra ... if you get my drift ...
Hah, like a puppet dangling from my strings. Still, must stay focused on the task at hand.
Of course. The study of arcane lore and the quest for knowledge cast a warm light on the drudgery of everyday life.
That would be true if Master Brookbeard had more time for teaching.
Is Master Brookbeard always so busy? I wonder what he is actually studying.
I've asked myself the same thing many times. Sometimes it can get a little scary if something doesn't go according to plan. Yet I'll never understand the villagers' fear.
If they speak of things they have no knowledge of, burn them. This is how things should be.
Who inhabited this tower originally?
Well, I don't know all that much about it, either. This tower used to be the dwelling of an old elementalist, who was devoted to researching the sphere of fire. He is said to have perished in the great flood of 284 before Hal.
The master's tower displays quite a bit of magical power. Here is a broom cleaning the floor by itself.
A captured rock goblin. No doubt being used for some experiment.
The room marked "bathroom" contains a tub with a pearl morfu in it. I don't like the implications of that.
Onwards and upwards.
Ah, your timing is perfect! Come closer...
...you know, I have been busy researching a new spell for dozens of divine cycles... well... my work is close to completion!
It doesn't exactly fit in with your area of expertise... but the task I have in mind for you does, I believe.
I'm all ears, Master. What part will I be playing in this?
I need your help. A farmer died recently - and it seems he was attacked by a Blood Wolf. The essence of the wolf's raging fury must still be present in his remains.
The poor soul was buried here in our local Boron's Field. That's where you can get his bones for me. The Boron Deont is an old fox, however, and he protects his graveyard very vigilantly.
Since he knows Hesindiana and me, you are the only one who can do this. I'll teach you another spell to help you with this task. Tell me when you are ready.
He judges right that a Novadi trained mage is unlikely to have many qualms about digging up a dead man's bones. First I have some questions for him...
Master. There's something else I wanted to ask you.
What type of experiment are you carrying out?
Well, let me put it this way: It deals with matters I cannot - and may not - let you in on... not at this time anyway. I hope you can understand that.
He barely shows more respect for me than he does for that woman
Hesindiana. So be it, though.
I don't, actually, but that isn't going to change anything.
The harbormaster doesn't seem to like you very much. He threatened to set the bailiffs on you.
Yes, he's not exactly a friend of mine. I sometimes wonder if he has any feelings about anyone or anything at all ...besides his harbor district, of course.
Don't you worry that your secretiveness might someday be your undoing?
If by that remark you are referring to the superstitious villagers and the Deont Thimorn, I can only tell you that those fantasy stories already existed long before my time. In this case, I suppose my function is that of a... catalyst.
I don't know who Deont Thimorn is. The Boron deont, I'd guess.
We can object to desecrating a grave but obviously I will not...
I'm ready. We can start.
Fine, first the spell itself. I'm teaching you the 'Lightning Find You' spell.
Now watch closely: Point to the target with the index and middle fingers of your left hand and say the words
Oculis orbatus sis. The spell creates a dazzling flash of lightning in the mind of the target. The target is blinded and - more importantly - disoriented.
Now go and get a shovel from Hesindiana in the warehouse so you can dig up the bones I need. Don't let that Deont catch you!
By Rastullah's grace, I have indeed grasped this spell immediately. If he can teach me any spell at this speed, this is indeed a worthwhile endeavor.
We head down to Hesindiana.
The Master has sent me to fetch a shovel. Can you tell me where it is?
Hm ... oh yes, the shovel! Silly me, it's right behind me leaning against the crates. Just take it.
Anything else I can do for you?
I'm sure I could think of something. But duty calls. Farewell.
Hurray, a shovel! Truly we are progressing.
There is the deont. You can persuade him or use the spell, but first, let's ask him about this pagan idol of his.
May Boron be with you. Forgive my lack of trust in you, but may I ask what brings you to this sacred place?
"May Boron be with you" is one weird ass blessing.
Your Reverence, please tell me something about your deity.
About Boron? Well... Boron, one of the Twelfgods, is commonly worshipped as the God of Sleep, of Forgetfulness and - last but not least - of Death. His symbol is the raven, and his holy plants are ebony, the mahogany tree, and the black lotus.
He bestows death on human beings, so that their souls do not starve and wither under the burden of memory. His messenger, the divine raven Golgari, carries their souls over the Neversea to him in the afterlife and presides over their further fate.
All the deeds of a human being, good and bad, are weighed on Rethon, the soul scales. It is on Rethon that the decision is made whether souls shall pass into one of the Twelfgod paradises - or be doomed to eternal damnation.
One thing he doesn't mention but you'll see referenced throughout the game is Golgari, the soul raven, who is tasked to carry the souls of the dead over the Neversea. "Hearing Golgari's wings" means being close to death.
Anyway, let's attempt a bit of fast talking.
[Fast Talk] Forgive me if I have disturbed the tranquility of this place. I am here to remember the dead killed by the savage wolves.
[Success] in that case I welcome you to this modest Boron's Field. I'm pleased to have an honest soul like you in this place. Then I can prepare for my next devotions with my mind at rest. May Boron be with you.
Fooled him! This leaves us free to dig up the body.
Only bones remain. Which is odd considering he died recently, but I guess the wolves chewed him up good. We head back.
What is this?!
Aaahh!
Hesindiana is rushing to my aid. Who knows what these peasants want.
Speak of the devil!
And you shall see its tail!
And just what is the meaning of this little assembly?!
We're here to burn down this cursed tower! Yessiree!
Idiot! Why don't you tell the warlock our whole plan while you're at it! That's none of his business, he's one of them!
And what a great plan it is.
Why on Ethra would you want to burn down the tower? Have you lost your minds?!
They fear what they don't understand.
What ...? Oh, dear, another one of those ...
We've watched these godless goings-on long enough! Now we're going to put an end to it!
Man these people are dumb. Let's give them one chance to get out of here.
[Intimidate] Don't do anything stupid. We won't allow you to carry out your plan!
[Success] We ... I ...
I don't like it ... maybe it would be better if we ... I mean ...
Take your torches and disappear before I lose my temper.
I just remembered ... I uh ... have something to do ...
And they run off. Good riddance, though it might have been better to burn them down as an example.
They won't cause any more trouble for a while at least.
Come on, we should go and report to the Master.
Hesindiana joins me as a temporary character. That's cool. I wonder if - with her aid - I can try fighting the first wave of enemies in the Dark F...
Oh. All five wolves ganged up on Sayyid and tore him to shreds in the blink of an eye. Good fun.
So. Back to Brookbeard, then.
You are back! Did you succeed in your task?
Here are the bones, Master!
Excellent! Didn't I say you had potential?
Good. So, I'm going to my laboratory now to continue with my experiment.
Shouldn't I come with you?
I can understand why you're interested in this experiment. However, I will need to concentrate fully on what I am doing - so I think it would be better if you're not there.
I see. Good luck, Master.
I'll go in and prepare everything for you, Master...
No, Hesindiana! No one but I may enter my laboratory... is that clear?!
... but ... Master, I...
I do
not wish to be disturbed... and now excuse me please. I have much to do.
Served.
The Master Transversalises away.
Humph. As soon as things get interesting, the likes of us get left out.
I would have liked to have been there. Well, then, at least we can talk to each other a bit ...
Talk? I have a better idea than that...
... why don't you tell me something about yourself ...
Suddenly, a quake shakes the tower!!!
... what the ... a tremor?!
The Master!
We rush down. I can outrun her because I upped the walk/run/sneak speed on the PC. It's kind of necessary to play (or at least to replay) this game.
We find Master Brookbeard hunched over in front of the door the his lab, which is closed.
Phew! ... now that was... a close call. Too close.
Master, what happened?! The whole tower shook!
My... my... experiment failed. The amount of essence of anger in the bones was probably not sufficient to complete the formula.
Should have distilled essence of Codex instead.
Good that the two of you hurried over here. I have a new task for you - for both of you.
I'm ready. What is it, Master?
To slay the wolf that killed the farmer whose bones you brought to me.
It is imperative that we obtain this Blood Wolf's concentrated lifeblood if my experiment is to be successful.
If I had been allowed to help you, the experiment would surely not have...
No insubordination here, please... Only I can conduct this experiment, and I alone! The two of you will hunt the wolf together.
But how will we find this special wolf? It's not going to look any different from the others.
However, I cannot send you to fight this terrible beast unarmed, Sayyid ibn Nasreddin. I will teach you another spell: The 'Culminatio Ball of Lightning'.
You must commit this spell to your memory well: Fix your gaze on your target and close your eyes. Say the magic words,
Fulgur globosum te vulneret and then instantly open your eyes wide.
Two blazing spheres will then be released from your eyes - and join together to form a ball of lightning. When the ball reaches its target, it will explode in a crackling shower of sparks.
Hell yeah, another free spell. Culminatio is a potentially high-damage spell (it uses a D20 for damage points, so occasionally it'll do very little damage too), but expensive and with a long casting time.
Now you are sufficiently armed to face the Wolf. Nevertheless, stay alert! The wolves will be drawn to the artifact constantly.
Well, let's go look for that blood wolf then!
Master Brookbeard's artifact may work a bit too well. Wolves attack the moment we leave the tower.
Well, at least this artifact seems to work. Or on healthy wolves, at least ...
More wolves, but getting closer to our goal (the dark forest).
There's a couple of dead men, belonging to a caravan, near the entrance to the dark forest. What were they going to do in the dark forest anyway?
Trying to rest a bit here but Brookbeard was right in that single wolves keep appearing and attacking, making the skeleton and Hesindiana - over who I have no direct control - waste valuable AE.
Good god! These lads were really badly mangled! Just look at all those bite marks.
Hm ... these guys do look a little shady, though. I wonder where they were heading with their oxen.
They probably had no idea that the Blood Wolf preys hereabouts. They would have taken a different path otherwise.
Maybe we should venture a look at their load, it might clear up a few things. Let's see ...
Exotic items and foodstuffs. Oh yes - and this letter ... it's signed ""SB"".
Can I take a look?
Here you are. But let's find the Blood Wolf before the Master grows impatient ...
The four different "training" stories iintersect. For instance, rogues and nature (elves or prospector/geode dwarves) will encounter Hesindiana here, alone, on this very same mission. Rogues also have to burglar a warehouse, while guards will catch anonymous rogues burglaring that warehouse in their night patrol.
We'll have to read the letter later. The blood wolf appears, with a bit of a pack with her. The skeleton mage just collapsed because I forgot to renew the casting before heading up here. Woops.
About to test out Culminatio on the blood wolf.
Excellent!
Mopped up the rest of the wolves.
What do you know, we have the blood! The Master will be proud of us.
The letter. I have no real clue what it's about. Warrior background characters will know a bit more, as these characters were stopped at the southern tollgate before the harbor master forces you to let them through. Rogue characters also know they're related to Orbert. Mages and nature characters are left a bit more in the dark.
Ignorance is no reason not to loot the corpses though. A few fairly valuable goods. The Kosh bunting tongues are worth 10D at least.
Back at the tower...
Do you have the blood?
No "hello" or "how are you". Straight to business, this man.
Yes, here it is, Master.
Excellent!
I must say, I'm impressed. That was no easy task...
Before I go back to my experiment, I would like to give you something... follow me.
Doesn't bother to grab it either, he just levitates it over.
When they leave the tower, all my students receive a magic item - more or less a testimonial to their apprenticeship here.
I hope it will prove useful to you.
Thank you, Master.
As a student of metamagic, you were surely able to learn much of interest here, hm?
Please excuse me now. I really must return to my experiment. If you wish to gain more magic knowledge, just use the Book of Spellcasting in my study.
Each "finish your training" mission unlocks the local trainer for the class. In my case, the codex cantiones.
Soulsplitter is the parting gift. It's about as good a weapon as the fighting staff (the -1/-1 bonus is inferior to the fighting staff's 0/1 bonus, those bonuses being applied to attack and parry values, but it does more damage), but the AE+10 bonus is invaluable.
The Codex. I take the opportunity to learn some new spells.
And the collection of leveling points I have to max out a bunch of my most-often-used spells, as well as up a few skells (though Sayyid will mostly focus on magic).
This is also an opportunity to show why Skeletarius is a damn good summoning spell. The skeletons have high RS (damage resistance) which makes them useful as tanks, but the flexibility is what makes this spell really good: with an uneven bonus (the number below the quickbar icon), you summon a skeleton mage, with an even bonus, a skeleton warrior. My max bonus is currently even, but I can adapt the bonus at any time depending on if I need a mage or warrior. The summoned creature becomes more powerful depending on the bonus.
Hesindiana is outside the room for a tearful, sloppy goodby.
I assume that you'll be leaving now to discover the big, wide world, am I right?
It's really too bad. We were a pretty good team, don't you think?
Yes, you're right. I have a score to settle with those river pirates and ... I have a debt to repay to someone. You ... could accompany me if you like.
Always trying to take our wimminz.
I would like that. Very much, in fact ... but it's really not possible. I'm needed here, and my studies are far from complete. Maybe one day ...
One day when my level has far outpaced yours? As if...
Well then ... maybe you?ll come to visit now and then. I would be pleased to see you again, in any event.
Dammit where is my steamy campfire lovescene?!!?!
Adieu! Take good care of yourself! And the Master!
To wild adventures! To be truthful, I have no idea where to head to next. But I have become convinced these lands have the potential to teach me much. I should explore for a while before returning home. We shall see what the future brings.