Completed Let's play Gods: Lands of Infinitron

[abnaxus]

Part 4 – Sharkan’s Dale

Spoiler

Sharkan’s Dale is a big area; the missing wife is in a small canyon.

There is also a new type of wolf here, way more powerful than the basic wolf.

Yes, I am Eurika. But I’m not going anywhere.

Why do you say that? Darovit is your husband. He surely grieves for you.

What? He’s never cared about me really. And… frankly, I haven’t cared about him either. I was forced to marry him. My parents managed the wedding, that’s our way here.

Girls have little choice when the promise is given between the families. I’ve loved Seorad since I was a little girl. He’s always been an outcast because of his strange powers.

No animal ever attacked him. But he had rebelled against our blind habits, and the people drove him away from the village. Now he lives in the wilderness. This is his hut. We are safe here… and happy.

I promised Darovit to bring you back. He offered gold coins to do so.

Yes, a measly 80 gold. Fuck that loser.

Just say you found my clothes torn to pieces, nothing more.

Might as well go along here. The mayor’s a major ass.

Now to return to the cuckold Mayor.

I’m sorry, but… we found only these clothes, torn to pieces. The monsters took her. Of that, there’s no doubt.

Ah! My beautiful Eurika… dead? What shall I do without her… This is too horrible to bear!

I am really sorry about this. I did my best.

I still need your help. Can you tell me about the Gods that are worshiped here?

Gods? There are no Gods! No God saved my beloved Eurika from this horrible death!

Alright. You tried to help me, so I’ll try to help you. People in my village worship Ladryande, the Goddess of Fertility. Unfortunately, they have had problems with her shrine for some time now.

If you want to know more, you must go and speak to Gorazd. I don’t care about such things anymore.

It’s a pity that you care about such trivial things as mages or gods. We have real problems here, and we could use a brave adventurer such as yourself, truly.

The Northern forests are no longer safe for anyone. Those forests provided us with both food and shelter for as long as I can remember.

For years, we lived in balance with nature. But a few weeks ago… animals started to attack everyone.

Do you know what, or who, is behind it all?

The word is that there is some mad Beastmaster controlling all the animals in the area.

Only the soldiers of Prince Volodimir can solve this problem and save our forest from all evil. Please, go on my behalf to Prince Volodimir and ask for help.

You can count on me, Darovit.

Gorazd, whom Darovit pointed Vivien to, is not far off.

Funnily enough, Gorazd has the exact same portrait as the Mayor.

Can you tell me about the Gods you worship here?

Why are you interested in our Gods?

Darovit told me that you’ve had some problems…

Yes, unfortunately, that is right. Our people worship Ladryande, Goddess of Fertility. She used to take care of us… never before have I experienced hunger or misery. But since…

What happened between you and your goddess?

We had a shrine in Raven Heights built for Ladryande. Every spring on Luvannar we used to have a big festival and ceremonies at the shrine, bringing food sacrifices to Ladryande from our first crop.

Moreover, our maidens used to go to the shrine every first day of the week to take care of the flowers and decorations in the temple.

But this spring, some horrible creatures settled in the Raven Heights and began to breed like mice. Our men tried to banish them but some of them have never returned. Now, more misery comes upon us.

No one dares to go to the shrine and Ladryande, I fear, has turned her sight away from us.

Strange… what if I told you that I need your Goddess as much as you?

You can’t go there alone, you silly girl. Oh Goddess, you will die!

Thanks for you concern. But I think I can take care of myself.

Raven Heights is now marked on the map and Vivien can go there alone, but might as well see Prince Volodimir first.

 

[abnaxus]

Part 5 – Cursed Forest

Spoiler

Back in Slavingrad, the guards will now let Vivien through.

Inside the castle premises is Master Pribina, who can increase Vivien’s fighter level for a fee.

Vivien now finally meets the elusive Prince Volodimir, standing watch over his majestic capital.

I am Vivien. I am here on behalf of your subject, Mayor Darovit and his people.

The North forests are no longer safe for anyone. Your people lived in balance with nature. But a few weeks ago… animals started to attack everyone…

Yes, I have heard of the problem with the Beastmaster in the Cursed Forest. Unfortunately, I have no soldiers right now to solve this problem.

But they are afraid, they need urgent help from you.

Don’t worry, Vivien, I am going to declare a reward for the hero, or heroine, willing to kill this mad Beastmaster. The reward is 500 gold coins.

That is a very interesting offer. I’ll take it!

You must be a very brave woman. If you have a map, I’ll show you where it is.

With Cursed Forest marked on the map, Vivien heads there first.

Entering the forest, Vivien espies a seemingly familiar face.

What happened here? Who killed your friends?

Why should I tell you?? A human?! Get lost, or you’ll taste my wrath!

I can understand your sorrow… and anger. But it won’t help you. Nothing can bring them back. But if I could help you in any way…

Who can help me? Dhalien and Antharion were the Masters of Arrows. And they are dead. Now I’ll never accomplish my task. I can’t return to Thyladenyar with that failure… and shame.

A good warrior never gives up. Alone, it would be hard. But if I offer you my sword… you’ll have a better chance to change your destiny. Trust me… and you won’t regret it.

I wouldn’t speak to a human. But I can sense something strange within you. Something strong and mysterious. Who are you?

My name is Vivien, but I can’t tell you anything more about myself.

Very well then, Vivien. I’ll respect your silence on the matter. Maybe it is not an accident that our paths have crossed. I’ll tell you about my misery…

I was sent on a mission to find Malekh and his renegade Elves. But I never thought he could become so strong. He has gained some great power over the renegade Elves who have joined his evil path.

Who is Malekh, and these renegade Elves?

Malekh is the fallen one. He betrayed all our wisdom and values.

For hundreds of years, the elves lived in secrecy and safety within the Northern Forest, far away from all the cruelty and madness of the outer world.

But some of the elves got bored of the peaceful life. They became arrogant and took the path of war.

First they started to slaughter dangerous beasts who threatened us. But then they wanted to control other nations in the fairy forest of Thyladenyar.

And in the end… they killed those who refused obedience. They were punished and excommunicated from the Elven kin.

But they have sworn a cruel revenge. They became a wild and unpredictable force, terrorizing everything and everyone who crossed their path.

Bloodlust blinded their eyes. They feel passion when they kill and rule. My task was to find their main base and report it to the Elven Council. But I have failed…

If your words are true, then all people around the Cursed Forest are in peril. I’ll help you with your task. But it won’t be easy.

I have heard that strange things have happened there. I was sent to set these things right, and to kill the Beastmaster…

If you assist me, I’ll go with you and try to find the camp of the renegade Elves.

Your offer is generous. If there is some way to redress my failure, and to avenge the deaths of my friends, then I must try it! Let’s hesitate no more. We shall head to the Cursed Forest and find the Beastmaster. You give me new strength, Vivien.

Ervin comes with convenient recipe in his inventory and is an Apprentice in magic with some good spells. He shall be mostly used as caster behind Vivien.

Drevin also comes with a squire’s sword that’s better than Vivien’s short sword. She’ll borrow it.

When Vivien and Ervin get close to a blue crystal of sorts, something unexpected happens.

Do you see the blue crystals glowing with magic??? How is it possible? No one from the race of men can see these crystals! Who are you?... ehm… Where are you from?

I am from a distant realm… it is a long story… Tell me, what do the blue crystals do here?

It’s the first line of protection for the Elven Realm. They show the safe path to the Thyladenyar. In the past, this place was called the Maze Forest by men.

No one from the race of men can see these crystals. Without seeing them, they often go astray and become the quarry of the carnivores.

It sounds interesting. OK, let’s go find the Beastmaster!

 

[Azira]

 

[Darth Roxor]

I see dis game has deep C&C

 

[Black]

My potato meter is off the charts.

 

[abnaxus]

Part 6 - Beastmaster

Spoiler

The Cursed Forest consists of a very long winding path that ultimately leads to a shrine of sorts, presumably the Beastmaster’s lair.

One way to handle the encounters is put Drevin behind Vivien from where he’ll cast healing and barrier spell and the occasional Sun Beam.

However, if necessary he can move to the frontline.

Aside from wolves in the forest there are also hillbilly like enemies who live in hobbit holes.

At level 6 Vivien learns the new melee ability Stun, which is a bit of a gamble but might be useful.

In the open parts of the area are triceratops like enemies called Goron. They are easy to defeat as Stun works on them.

Deeper in the forest are much tougher enemies called Drashawar Guards. They are annoying as they can inflict Stun.

In any case, the path through the forest seems never ending and after so many battles eventually Vivien is overloaded. This means an annoying backtrack to the tanner/city to sell off junk.

With new money in her pocket Vivien buys chain helmet and full set of Assassin’s armour, a decent upgrade over leather.

After some more killing in the forest and another backtrack, Vivien buys Arial’s cloak which has some decent enchantments.

In the final area of the forest are bears but it’s not needed to deal with them immediately.

The Beastmaster shrine is guarded by two unique hillbillies. They hit hard and home in on Vivien, probably due to her D-cups.

After defeating them the way to the Beastmaster’s lair is open.

Vivien confronts the Beastmaster, who’s basically just a slightly more powerful hillbilly.

Tell me one thing before I kill you and end this madness. Why are you doing this?

This is my forest! …for now… until Drashawar is strong enough to come to this world. And then He shall establish a powerful kingdom of raw animal power and neverending fight…

Drashawar? Who is he?

Drashawar is the God of the Wilderness and of all Predators. He gives the power to the strongest, allowing them to rule the weaker beings, and to feed upon their blood. He took me as his first chosen.

He gives me the visions… and power. Power to prepare a place for his arrival. When I train and breed the powerful predators, worthy of Drashawar’s sight, and sacrifice enough blood of the weak… He shall be born!

You should come to your senses, pervert. This forest belongs to the animals, as well as to the humans. If you want a fight, you’ll have it. Not only your beasts have claws. I have my blades.

Hahaha!... As you wish. May this fight please you, Drashawar! Feed on the soul of this fool! Let the madness begin.

Beastmaster comes with two bears, who are very susceptible to Ervin’s Sun Beam.

Without his bears the Beastmaster is but a pussy.

In front of the Beastmaster’s altar is a Flame Arrow crystal, which can be used by Drevin. It is a p. powerful spell to have.

Now backtracking through the forest all remaining enemies can be easily defeated. Vivien also learnt some new melee abilities by now, but nothing too great. Backstab seems useful to a dagger build but daggers are p. crappy weapons already.

The bears in the forest can be easily killed with flame arrow, and drop items that can be sold to the tanner for quite a good price.

The bear hearts are the best item to sell to the tanner, but drop rather rarely.

The only issue still remaining is the matter with the Temple of Ladryande.

 

[Tito Anic]

You should come to your senses, pervert. This forest belongs to the animals, as well as to the humans

 

[abnaxus]

Part 7 – Raven Heights

Spoiler

Before reporting back to Volodimir, Vivien visits Raven Heights, the location of the Temple of Ladryande.

In this area is plenty of thyme needed for the alchemist and a new enemy called Kordosh.

The eyes of the Kordosh fetch a decent price at the tanner’s.

After collecting the 10 thyme it is time to confront whatever there is at the Temple.

Next to the temple is the Goron Matriarch, the root of Petrovce’s problems. She would be difficult to defeat had Vivien come here alone but now is very easy.

The Goron Matriarch can be stunned and Ervin’s flame arrow does tremendous damage.

As soon as the monster is dead, the Goddess Ladryande appears before Vivien.

Help? How can a simple woman help a Goddess?

You are not a simple woman, Vivien. I know everything about you. I see you with different eyes than what usual mortals do.

Why have you forsaken your people, and left them to starve?

I’m the Goddess of Fertility. I can cause vegetation, plans, and trees to grow faster and to prosper. But my power in the physical sphere is limited. When these creatures infested my valley and my temple, I had to act. I used my ways.

As you see, sometimes I have to depend on brave warriors like you. My people were not strong enough.

I am here because I need your help.

I know. I have something that belongs to you. When you came to this world, your divine essence was divided among the deities of this world. Please, take this spark of divine essence. You’ll need it when your day comes.

Thank you, Goddess. Unfortunately, returning my essence was not the reason why I came.

Hmm… You can’t imagine what kind of power you are fighting against. You’ll cause a great disaster if you destroy the death crystals. But many gods will be obligated to you for their life. Oh, you will see.

But the wheels of destiny cannot be broken, and I must help you with this uneasy task. All the Gods of this sphere knew you would come one day.

I can give you the first part of the counterweapon that you seek. For other parts, you must seek other Gods.

Wait. What did you mean by this great disaster that I will cause? How did all the Gods know I would come one day? Your words are a mystery to me.

I can’t tell you more. I might change the thread of destiny if I did. Farewell, Vivien. Be strong in your quest. I would wish you good luck, but I know you’ll succeed. It all has already been written.

Vivien may have regained one third of her divine essence, it doesn’t affect any of her statistics at all.

 

[Baron Dupek]

Some of these lines gave me Planet Alcatraz vibes, no kidding.
Still better NPCs than average bioware game since ever

 

[abnaxus]

Part 8 - Boran Inc.

Spoiler

After returning the thyme to Odrona and increasing in alchemy level, it is time to return to Volodimir.

Returning to Petrovce to inform Gorazd isn’t really worth it, since the reward is paltry.

Back in Slavingrad Vivien decides to raise fighter job level. It will allow her to use better equipment.

Volodimir himself is very pleased. The 500 gold reward isn’t bad either.

In any case, people from the North are much obliged to you. Here is your reward!

Vivien now takes time to buy some better equipment for Ervin. His breastplate cannot be removed so only strong leather legs, Arial’s cloak and Arial’s boots are bought.

For herself Vivien buys Iron shield and passes the wooden shield on to Ervin.

The rest of the many is used to gain another fighter level for herself and Ervin.

Now it is time to talk to the adventurer blowhards at the tavern again.

Boran & Co will be impressed with Vivien now and indulge her.

I see you bring a companion with you. It’s still not an army but we are not ordinary soldiers. If you still want to join us we are ready to march to Stakatan! Let’s go to find Mayor Zeman first. He hired us to do this task.

Let’s move!

So, off to the border it is.

Alwyra, Kazimir and Boran have p. powerful weapons and armour (which cannot be removed) and have powerful abilities, so it is a good idea to make use of this.

Kazimir even dual-wields, something Vivien unfortunately cannot do herself.

At the border, a trick is pulled on the guards to get past.

We don’t need any armed vagabonds or bandits in our County. Go back where you came from!

We have Prince Bragorad’s signet. We can pass if we show it to the guards.

We should save our strength. Stakatan is full of well-armed soldiers.

Forget about the signet. We’ll crush these guards and warm up before Stakatan!

Non combat solutions are fun. The guards move out of the way.

Where did you get Prince Bragorad’s signet?

We came upon two of Prince Bragorad’s soldiers a week ago as they were trying to rob a merchant. Well… it ended in bloodshed. This was their signet.

Across the border is a merchant who sells the praetorian armour which is a p. nice looking and useful armour to save for.

Right at the end of the border area is another Brian Fargo NPC, lusting for honey.

At any rate, before heading to Ladomyr now is a good time to hit the Spider Highlands.

 

[Darth Roxor]

I'm fairly amazed that this gaem is turn-based, considering it was released at the time of 3D RTWP shovelware onslaught.

 

[Baron Dupek]

Yeah I remember that "onslaught". It was time when I jumped from GBA to PSP, which was chockeful of tactical turn-based titles and watching this RTwP cesspool on PC.

 

[abnaxus]

Part 9 – Eight Legged Freaks

Spoiler

Spider Valley is a p. big and sinister area.

The hibiscus which Vivien needed to raise alchemy level is plentiful.

Since Alwyra has Triple Shot and both Kazimir and Boran have Grand Meelee, and all three hit p. hard any spiders around can be killed extremely quickly.

The poison the spiders drop is not only needed to raise Vivien’s alchemy level, but sell for a p. hefty price too (but can only be sold to the ship captain in Slavingrad.

So Spider Valley is a good area to get some experience and gold for the road ahead.

There are also some other crystals scattered around that can be used for enchanting.

In Spider Valley are two Spider Queens, the only enemies who don’t respawn upon reentering the area.

With current party the Queens are very easy and drop a shitload of poison.

Past one of the queens can be found the spider summon crystal. Spider summon is the second best summon in the game.

After returning once more to Odrona Vivien raises again in alchemy level.

Selling leftover spider poison Vivien upgrades fighter level to Artisan and buys full set of Praetorian armor, plus a Guardian shield.

After some more spider hunting Vivien eventually buys Knight Helmet and Bandit Sabre.

With this equipment, Vivien won’t be needing anything new for a long time.

Now it is time to head across the border to Ladomyr.

 

[Baron Dupek]

Experience is divided by team number or everyone get same amount of XP no matter how big team is?

 

[abnaxus]

Everyone the same.

 

[abnaxus]

Part 10 - Borderlands

Spoiler

Arriving in Ladomyr, Vivien’s group is immediately accosted by corrupt guards.

Let it be, Darag. Everyone here must pay the toll. The more people that are here, the more gold we’ll get.

Yeah. That’s right. You have to pay the toll. It would cost you… hmmm… let’s say 100 gold coins.

Of course Vivien is not going to pay.

Then we’ll take everything from you.

The guards think it’s a good idea to attack a heavily armed group that outnumbers them.

Ladomyr itself is a picturesque village with hard working peasants.

Vivien needed to speak to the Mayor here.

You have a great opportunity! A big part of Prince Bragorad’s army struck out for the Barbarian lands. Only a minimal garrison has been left to protect Stakatan.

Prince Bragorad is a coward, he must have stayed in Stakatan. Go to Stakatan.

Stakatan it is then.

Stakatan area is dominated by the huge fortress.

Basically what needs be done here is kill every hostile group of soldiers.

Vivien and her group are more than powerful enough to kill everything here. Unfortunately diplomacy is not an option.

We need to talk to Bragorad.

You wanted to say: Prince Bragorad!... He doesn’t have the time for the likes of you. He has some very important personal business to attend to.

Let’s just say that we also have some very important business. Open the gate!

This is not your castle, vagabonds! That’s the difference! Get lost! You can speak to Prince Bragorad when he goes to the village. I warn you. One step towards the gate, and you’ll taste my steel.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

There are 4-5 more groups to kill before Vivien’s group is done with Stakatan.

Eventually Vivien’s group find a soldier than can be reasoned with.

Where is Prince Bragorad? Tell us quickly!

Spudy… is an interesting name.

If you spare my life, I’ll give you 100 gold coins. Here, take it.

What about the innocent people you have robbed or killed? Your crimes can’t be forgotten! Money won’t save you now.

Not all of us were cruel to the people. You can’t judge me according to others. I fought in the Barbarian Wars.

Just let this coward go. Alone, he won’t cause much trouble.

Alone? I bet he’ll become a bandit! He doesn’t have many options. Kill him!

He still might be an honest warrior. The country will need soldiers to protect it.

Fortunately for Spudy, Vivien is a bleeding heart.

At any rate, in the castle are also a couple of civilians that can be rescued.

You are free now. Go back to your family. They grieve for you so much.

The rescued civilians (along with Spudy) will actively trudge out of the Stakatan area, which is neat I guess.

After all hostiles are killed in Stakatan, it is time to report back to the Mayor.

Back in Ladomyr, the Mayor has some new tasks.

We wonder how it all ended. Tell us quickly. What happened to Prince Bragorad?

We saved all the civilians that we could. But Prince Bragorad’s soldiers were tough. We had to slay them all.

Well, except for Spudy.

Unfortunately, Prince Bragorad escaped. But now he has no army to spread terror among you. He is helpless.

There is no way to thank you for your deed. We are all indebted to you. You saved us from the terror we have borne for years. Here is the reward that we promised to you.

Thanks. That’s what we do.

I think you should send a courier to Slavingrad. Your county has no ruler and is now unprotected. I think Prince Volodimir will come here sooner or later. But the county cannot stay unprotected for too long.

Indeed. We heard some rumors about some Barbarians making trouble in the east. Duran, our lumberjack, and his family live in the border forests that divide us from the Barbarian lands.

He hasn’t appeared in Ladomyr for a long time. I wonder if anything bad has happened to him.

Could you go to his hut and check on the situation? If the Barbarians are up to something, we should be aware of it. Look at the map. I can show you where it is…

I’ll go to the lumberjack’s hut and check to see if everything is in order.

 

[Darth Roxor]

ridiculous

 

[Baron Dupek]

Don't know why game remind me mix of Morrowind (Viven's name do this) and Wizardry8 (wandering groups of enemies).

 

[abnaxus]

Part 11 – Invasion

Spoiler

The lumberjack’s dwelling is situated on a central hill with some good defenses.

These defenses however didn’t seem to be enough. The lumberjack was invaded and there are still barbarians prowling around.

Somehow the lumberjack survived.

Uhm…my wife is dead, and my children are gone! I was too weak to protect them!

Please calm down and tell us what happened here. We must report it to Mayor Zeman.

I saw their shadows, sneaking among the trees many times before they attacked. I had reported it to Prince Bragorad’s guards…eh! Argh!...

Prince Bragorad sent out a big battalion of soldiers. But they did not return. I think they fell into a trap. Then the barbarians attacked.

There were many of them. A whole, fully-armed horde… argh…

You must warn Stakatan. They are our only hope!...grgh…

Reporting back to the Mayor, Vivien will somehow need to deal with this invasion.

How do you know about the invasion? I just returned from the lumberjack’s home. He’s dead, and his hut lies in ruins. You were right. They were Barbarians!

Barbarians attacked Stakatan! Yuran just brought the news. Only a few men from the battalion that Prince Bragorad sent against the Barbarians have returned. Now, they are trying to hold Stakatan.

But they have no chance to withstand such a force of Barbarians. You must go and thelp them, else we are all doomed.

Heading to Stakatan however, it will already be too late.

My name is not your concern. What matters is that I fight under the Slawonian banner! We’ll help the Slawonian soldiers to defend Stakatan. Taste my blade!

HaHaHa! To help whom? The Slawonian soldiers are already dead! We slaughtered all that opposed us. You’ve just missed the battle, young one. The fortress is ours! By rule of the strongest!

I don’t believe you. I’ll fight through your forces to Stakatan. Then, we shall send you to the…

Despite Vivien’s uncharacteristic bloodlust, Boran will object.

Don’t hurry, Vivien, we can’t win this battle! We are highly outnumbered! We can do nothing but retreat and inform Mayor Zeman. Otherwise, we all shall die.

Yes, Boran, you are right. We should run away from here and find some reinforcements. Vivien, we have nochance against this horde.

I am afraid you are right. We must retreat and find some reinforcements! Let’s go back to Mayor Zeman.

Back at Ladomyr, there is no option but to enlist the help of Prince Volodimir.

We are lost without Prince Volodimir’s help. You must go quickly to Slavingrad and ask Prince Volodimir for help. We’ve already sent our courier and he went alone. He might not have reached Slavingrad.

I must summon the council and decide whether to arm every man in the village and defend our homes, or to evacuate people to the hills.

Now, go quickly!

Fortunately, Vivien and Volodimir are already acquainted.

Calm down, young one. You underestimate my information sources. I know about the invasion. I’ve already sent two thirds of my army to capture Stakatan back.

Barbarians are nothing but a chaotic horde of fighters. They have no idea about modern battle tactics. We are better equipped and organized. Don’t worry. We will restore the defenses of Slawonia.

But I have a task for you! You have proven to be trustworthy. I need to have you deliver new commands for General Palislav V., who leads our army. By the time you reach him, he should already be in Stakatan.

I’ll deliver the commands. You can rely on me!

Back at Stakatan, indeed the barbarians are already crushed.

Despite being an important man, Palislav has a generic guard avatar.

I carry these commands from Prince Volodimir. Here is the parchment with his signet.

Strange that Prince Volodimir has entrusted these commands to someone like you. But if he trusts you, I’ll do the same.

You are not a regularly paid soldier. So here is your reward.

Do you need anything else from me?

Can you tell me how things are going in Stakatan?

We caught the barbarians as they were plundering the settlements around Stakatan. They were unprepared, and therefore unable to react.

Half of our army captures weakly protected Stakatan, the other half chased the rest of the barbarians back to the border lands.

But one unfortunate thing happened. Prince Volodimir will not be very satisfied. Some barbarians stole the royal scepter from Stakatan.

They royal scepter is one of the three hereditary regalia which are the symbols of power in Slawonia. If it is lost, a civil war might easily break out.

Can I be of any help?

I sent a unit of soldiers to pursue the Barbarians, but they have orders not to proceed into the Barbarian lands. The unit would be an easy target for Barbarians in the open territories. But if someone such as you would pursue them… you could move much faster, and be much more invisible.

If you are successful, Prince Volodimir would reward you well for service of such importance.

I’ll do everything I can to bring the scepter back.

The Barbarians will attempt to escape through Garwolin Slip. If you move quickly, you can catch them there.

Off to Garwolin Slip it is, then.

 

[Azira]

 

[abnaxus]

Part 12 – Barbarian Queen

Spoiler

Arriving at Garwolin Slip, Ervin will immediately take notice of something.

We must catch him before he escapes… hurry up!

The barbarian is easy to catch but there’s a surprise.

Surrender! You are alone! The Sceptre of Slawonia you’ve stolen is not worth your life. What would such a primitive like you do with it?

My wife needs something for crushing walnuts. I think this would suit her, heheheh!

It doesn’t belong in your dirty hands!

My hands will be dirty from your blood, heheheh!

Then it’s decided. Prepare to die!

Not so fast, darling. I’ve got a surprise for you. Friends!

Very unsurprisingly, Vivien and her group blundered into an ambush.

There’s too many of them. We have no chance to break through.

I should have listened to my mother and run a tavern of my own.

Well, it’s over. There you see. You kill hard all your life, and in the end you can’t even spend your pension.

We’ve lost Stakatan, but we’ve got our plunder – a golden scepter and a few noble slaves, heheheh. Drop your weapons, armour and everything you possess! It’s all ours now.

Say good night! Baaaang!

Vivien is knocked out… and awakens in a cell with Ervin.

Somehow the barbarians did not remove Vivien’s equipment… with good reason as soon will become apparent.

A lone barbarian appears to talk to.

Hah, you’re finally awake. Head hurts a little bit, huh? If you wanted I could give you a massage, heh. We could play together a while. What do you say, honey?

I would play with your teeth if these bars were not between us!

Hey, calm your passion, darling. And spare your energy for battle.

What battle?

You fought bravely at Stakatan and we value good warriors. You want to be free, don’t you? You can fight for freedom in the Steffene Arena. We like entertainment, heh. Especially when a lot of blood is shed, hehehehhh!

What arena do you mean?

If you defeat all our champions, you’ll regain your freedom, heh. But it won’t be easy for you. There are eight rounds that you must win gradually. If you lose a round, you must repeat it again and again. So how about it? Are you interested?

What about my friends?

Your Elf fella can fight, too.

What about the others?

There are just two of you in our camp. The other warriors with that Amazon tricked us and managed to escape. But our men are on their track.

Alright then. I’ll fight for my freedom in the arena. If only you were among my opponents, we could play together as you have desired.

Stop talking and let me introduce my cousin, the Barbarian Utrezen! Welcome to the Steffene Arena!

The first four arena rounds are just against Barbarians; after four rounds more exotic opponents are encountered.

Each Orc attacks twice and hits p. hard; they can however be tricked by summoning a spider to play the tank. Stun also works.

Next round are Minotaurs; however they are weaker than the Orcs.

Next round is a golem; it is nearly immune to all magic and blunt weapons work best; luckily most swords in the game do 20% blunt damage and 80% piercing damage.

Next-to-last round is another Orc who dual-wields… he can be stunned so is easy.

Final round is the arena boss… he has a lot of hp (which disappears quickly with Grand Meelee) who can be stunned.

After winning the arena Vivien and Ervin are freed… and even the Sceptre of Slawonia is returned.

Let’s take the Sceptre to Palislav V. in Stakatan.

At this point Ervin will add another main quest.

I must remind you of your promise, Vivien. I’ve spent too much time in the land of men. We must go to the North and find the base of the Renegade Elves before it’s too late.

I need to do some preparations first and return the Sceptre to Palislav V. I promise we’ll travel to the Northern Forests as soon as we are ready.

Reporting back, obviously Palislav is quite pleased.

No problem. It was easy to get the Sceptre away from those dirty barbarian hands.

Hmm, you talk like a real hero… Do you want to join my army?

No, thanks. We are going to the North… far, far North to the Elven Realm…

As you wish. But don’t forget to take your reward from Prince Volodimir.

Indeed Volodimir will richly reward Vivien with a full suit of armour.

Thank you very much. This tunic looks very nice!

The royal tunic might actually be good enough to last until the end of the game.

Now with leftover money Vivien buys some weapon crystals. Conveniently the bandit sabre has three enchanting slots.

Vivien also bought the “Merge Crystals” recipe because it sounded interesting… however turns out there are never three identical crystals to be had in the game. So basically useless.

At any rate, now it is time for Vivien to head to the Elven Realm. First stop: Cursed Forest.

 

[Lorenzen]

I like how the barbarians call themselves "barbarians". Shows they know their place.

 

[Darth Roxor]

Don’t hurry, Vivien, we can’t win this battle!

Boran indeed.

You are not a regularly paid soldier. So here is your reward.

Ah, the classic RPG school of worldbuilding where people walk around with their pockets full of gold, just in case they have to pay an enterprising adventurer.

 

[Baron Dupek]

I like how the barbarians call themselves "barbarians". Shows they know their place.

Bar-bar-bar-bar-bar....

 

[abnaxus]

Part 13 – Elven Realm

Spoiler

Like the first time Vivien had entered the Cursed Forest, she is accosted by an Elf. This time an Elven mage.

Ervin and the mage are acquainted.

I came. I searched. I know everything. I saw everything.

Then, there is nothing to explain. Where are Atharion and Dhalien?

They are at home. I used my portals to transport their bodies.

But you are still here…

I could sense the presence of the Renegades. I followed them.

Are the Renegades around?

They are heading to Thyladenyar. They should be at the bridge by this time.

Then why are you staying here?

They are leaving scouts to cover their march. Saehar duwiel – Silent bows. I would end up like Atharion and Dhalien if I pursued them further. I decided to wait for you. I can sense their presence but I need the battle support.

You have our blades. Let’s go.

Wait. Who is the female?

My name is Vivien. I came to your realm because I need your help. I am on a supremely important mission. I have questions, and I need answers.

What Gods are worshiped in the lands of the Elves?

My people worship Illithien, the Moon Goddess. She’s the Mother of all Elves. She created us and taught us all magic, and the crafts and arts that we can do.

I must speak to your goddess.

The temple of Illithien is our most sacred place. No one from any other race has ever stepped into it. I can’t help you with that. Only Dael’Anuwar, our lord, could grant you permission to enter the Moon Temple of Illithien.

Then you must take me to your lord.

We can take you to Thelminadris, our lake city, but not before we are finished with the Renegades. If they are marching to Thyladenyar, they are planning something big. We must not lose time!

Quenthanar is a mage who comes with two convenient alchemy recipes: strong mana potion and greater mana potion.

The spells contained in his spellbook are the following: giant spider, blade dance, bless and drain life.

Since Quenthanar is a much better mage than Ervin, it is not unwise to switch Flame Arrow between the two.

Vivien’s task now is to reach the Elven bridge located past the shrine where the Beastmaster was killed much earlier.

Before the Elven bridge is another crystal.

It’s p. useful so Vivien adds it to her sword.

Approaching the bridge Quenthanar will start talking.

Einean me Theleas effiel!

The path is open for us now.

However across the bridge Vivien’s group is accosted by Elven guards led by a female.

Atharion and Dhalien… are dead. Their flame is lost.

What?! They are what?!...it can’t be. How could you let this happen?!!!

Breathe An’aria! Calm.

He couldn’t do anything about it.

We were ambushed. You know how silent a lurking elf ranger can be. They had no chance. It was a miracle that I have survived… only because I heard a squirrel and stayed behind.

Antharion and Dhalien are lost. But we must catch those who are responsible for their deaths. The Renegades ceased to play. They started to kill. It’s no longer about pride or punishment. We must stop them or more Elves will die!

Then why are you returning back to Thyladenyar?! How can you face the Council with your failure? We know that Malekh is now in the land of men.

Malekh and his Renegades crossed the bridge. They are heading to Thyladenyar.

It’s impossible! No one can cross the bridge without us having noticed him.

Ervin is right. I feel their track. They passed only a few hours before us. But Malekh was not with them. He has already been operating in Thyladenyar for some days.

We didn’t expect he would dare return so soon. He has still too few men to attack us.

To attack? No. He is not strong enough yet. But he can cause many disasters in the land.

Impossible. We must warn the Council.

You’ll send a courier to the Council, and protect the bridge. We will follow the Renegades. We must not lose time.

Dhain Ill’thien Aaswarenn! May the Goddess protect us!

In any case, Vivien can now enter the Elven lands.