Episode 3 Finale Sneak Peek #5.5

The following preview is of the Episode 3 finale. If you have not played the alpha build up to the very end of its current content, or if you would like to avoid major spoilers for how things play out, you may want to skip this post. As the finale is very dependent on companion and approval levels, prior actions, and player choice, the following is only a sample of what may occur on some routes.

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Allegra’s mouth open as if she was about to interrupt. You smirk, glad you got there first. You’re in control of the conversation again. You have him flustered, frustrated, more prone to make mistakes. If you play this carefully, you may be able to find a way out. 

Your glaze flicks back to him and you wet your lower lip, using the natural pause to quickly consider your options. How do you want to play this? If don’t speak now he’ll use your silence to rebuttal or insult or goad you and you’ll lose whatever ground you’ve gained. 

[TIMED CHOICE] 

1. [PERSUASION] “Regardless of what you say, Quirinus, I am never going to trust a word that comes out of your mouth. You want the Astrial? You’re going to have to make a deal. And if it’s true you have no intentions of slaughtering the last two remaining Wayfarers, then there’s only one way this can go. We walk out of here with the staff, collect our crowns, and be on our way. However you decide to deal with Lethalis afterwards is none of our concern.”

[CHOICE] 2. [PERSUASION] “If you don’t let us go, I’ll break the staff. No matter what magic is in here, it won’t stand against alassar. What will you do then, if your precious ancient artefact is gone?” 

The air stills, the quiet broken only by the sound of the ward’s buzzing hum. 

Sweat drips down the back of your neck. The air is too thick, the sun to bright, and sunlight glints off the staff in your hands. It looks so small, so ordinary. 

Mundane. 

So devastation for this this simple, simple thing. Your threat was a lie, of course, but now you can’t help but wonder if you should destroy it. Perhaps the world would be a better place without it. 

Quirinus passes a hand across his face and lets out a long sigh. 

Allegra stirs beside him, her brow furrowed, a question in her green eyes. “Grand Archsage…?” 

“Go,” he says, gesturing to the gate behind him. “Take it and walk free.” 

You blink. “What?” 

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Aeran tense. His expression turns dark. 

“Take it and walk free, $lastname,” Quirinus repeats. “Seiara’s sacrifice is of greater importance than any individual life, and I will not risk a Wayfarer destroying it. Bring it to Lethalis and complete your contract. Or take it with you and sell it to the highest bidder. Regardless of what you do, it will find its way back to us.” 

Your heart pounds, a beacon of hope rising in your chest. This can’t be true, can it? He will let you walk away, just like that?