Episode 3 Finale Sneak Peek #4

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.

Conditions:

• Any Aeran approval

• Low Solarath approval (below 50)

• MC studied with Sero

“Are you sure you want to do this?” you say. “Fight a Wayfarer?” 

Quirinus’ eyes narrow. 

“Threaten us all you want, it’s all empty bluster. You know what we’re capable of. You know how your magic will crumble at our touch. You may have us outnumbered, but how many among your ranks are prepared to face alassar steel? We can pass through your barriers, slice through your armour. We can cut you down. How many lives are you willing to risk, Grand Archsage? Because of some ancient staff?” 

His gaze darkens. “All of them, if need be,” he says coldly. “Including my own.” 

Your heart clenches. This was a fruitless avenue; there’s no talking sense into someone willing to die for their cause. 

“Still,” he continues. “I will give you this: your loyalty to Umbria Bellaris is impressive for a mercenary. What did she say to you to earn your trust?” 

1. “I just happen to want the same thing as her. The Astrial out of your hands.”
2. “She told me what an ass you are. That was more than enough.”
3. “Umbria Bellaris is not the one I’m loyal to.”
[CHOICE] 4. “Nothing. She’s paying me.” 

He laughs. “Ah, yes. The undeniable pull of money.” 

You give him a flat look. “If you think I’m ashamed of it, I’m not. I do the work. I get paid. That’s it. There’s nothing more to it here.” 

“I admit, I’m intrigued at how unattached to morals you are, bereft of cause and purpose. So much aggrandizing within the Arathian upper echelons, and yet here you are, free from it all.” His gaze flickers from you to Aeran and back again. “It is positively refreshing.” 

“My life isn’t here for your entertainment, Quirinus, refreshing or otherwise.” 

“Then perhaps we can strike a deal after all.” He smirks. “How much did Lethalis offer you to retrieve the Astrial?” 

Your heart thumps in your throat. Is this the way out? Accept payment from Solarath and give them the staff? Can you do that? You would betrayal Lethalis, but you would have your gold. You can leave the city. 

Lethalis would come after you. No amount of crowns will stop them from setting Malsara on you. You will have to contend with her—and anyone else they send after you. You will not know peace until they are neutralized. Is that a risk you are willing to take? 

1. “Three thousand.”
[CHOICE] 2. “I can’t be bought. I stick to my contract.” 

Quirinus sighs. “Your scruples are admirable, $lastname, I’m sure Sero would find your stubborn insistence interesting. They always did prefer hearing out the other side before coming to a measured decision, if only to keep their opponent second guessing. Though I do recall a time when that did not play out in their favour. Not that you would know anything of that, of course. Best remember your dear mentor with fondness. I would not want to stain their memory.” 

You grit your teeth. “Fuck you.” 

“Is that a proposal?” His eyes glitter. “I appreciate the offer, but you should know I have no desire to come within certain personal limits of a magianis. It may prove troublesome.” 

Aeran stiffens. He looks like he is about to vomit. 

“You’re disgusting.” 

Quirinus shrugs. “Oh, I am,” he says. “I will not argue that. My hands are among the filthiest in Rhesainia, and I have no intention to wash them clean. Not until my work is finished.”

 “And what work would that be? I have an idea, but I’d rather hear it from you. Curious how a power-hungry degenerate would explain it—” 

“Unfortunate, then, that you have not earned the right. Though I doubt any explanation I could give would erase the false perspective Umbria has placed in your mind.”