Episode 3 Finale Sneak Peek #2

SPOILER WARNING

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:

• Low Solarath approval (below 50)

• High Lethalis approval (above 50)

• Threatened Sabien Quirinus on the ferry ride to Mahanin

• MC raised too many alerts during their time exploring the tower

• MC destroyed the shroud

• MC is carrying the Astrial

• MC is currently injured 

Notes: the timed choice at the bottom is a bottleneck for this large dialogue branch. Many of the paths through route to here; the fourth option is locked out as taking this particular choice does not unlock something the MC needs to know in order to take that option.

Allegra throws her head back and laughs. 

You blink in surprise, caught off guard. You were expecting her to gnash her teeth or turn red with anger at the goad, perhaps even move to attack you outright. But despite the beauty and the poise and the elegant clothing, an Imperial battlemage is nothing like the airheaded nobles of the Velantian elite. It will take much more than that to get under her skin. 

“There is no conversation to be had, $lastname,” Quirinus says finally. “You have my thanks for releasing Diradan from its devastation. I am grateful, truly—in only a few hours you and Kellis have resolved an issue that has plagued us for a month. Destroyed as it is, the citadel remains of great import to the Guild. In any other circumstances, you should be congratulated.” 

Your skin prickles, the dozen of shallow cuts stinging dully. “I would say you’re welcome, but I would rather accept thanks in form of payment,” you reply. “Or even better—letting us go.” 

“You know I cannot do that.” 

Damn it. It was worth a try. 

You glance at Aeran, once again hoping for help, but he remains unmoved, unchanged. His expression is dead. 

[CHOICE] 1. “Then think of it this way. What happens in the Guild of Mages is of no interest to me. We solved your problem with the shroud. Lethalis gets their Astrial, you get your tower back, and we can go on our merry way. Everyone wins. This doesn’t have to end in bloodshed.”
2. [PERSUASION] “I don’t see why we can’t strike a deal. Surely you’re a reasonable man.”
3. [AGILITY & PERCEPTION] Look for another advantage, anything that will help you make up your mind. 

“We are in agreement on one thing, yes. I, too, do not want this to end in bloodshed—” 

Aeran snorts, anger boiling in his eyes. It’s the first hint of a reaction since Quirinus appeared. 

“—but nonetheless I am prepared for it to be so.” The Grand Archsage’s smile fades, his smug air finally evaporating. The time for games has ended. “I have no interest in killing Wayfarers, $lastname. It would be a great waste to kill you now when there are so few of your kind left. Your order is gone, and with them went whole generations of trained magiani, the likes of which we may never see again. There is a need for people like you. People with your skills, your talents. Without you, the world will lack balance. It would be misaligned. The Farans understand such things, but here in Arathia we are not so cultured. The emperor—” 

“Grand Archsage.” Allegra’s voice is stern, powerful, like thunder rolling in the distance. “Caution, please.” 

He pauses, his smile growing thin. “So, then,” he begins again. “Out of respect for your fallen order—and in an attempt to sway you from any harebrained ideas—I will tell you the two possibilities of how this will unfold, and perhaps you will see sense.” 

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

“One: you hand us the Astrial, and we let you walk through that gate and into the city beyond. Whatever fate awaits you there is none of our concern, but I can guarantee you will see neither hide nor hair of Solarath while you remain in the city. My people will interfere with you no longer. 

“Or two: you keep the Astrial, giving us no choice but to wrest it from your hands. Look at yourself. You are in no fit state to fight. Even if you were—and even if you managed to kill some of us—this route would still lead to your untimely death. Thanks to your activities, the city is on high alert. All eyes are on Diradan. The Red Guard, the Arcanists’ Lodge, the Meissandium, anyone who has a stake in Velantis’ future are watching. They will not be afraid to interfere. By all means, fight us if you wish. Decimate our ranks if you can. But even if you manage to escape, you will them to contend with and they will not be open to negotiations. To kill a single Guild mage—let alone a dozen of them—in the Arathian Empire is treason of the highest order. Your punishment would go far beyond an unpleasant stay in the Themistrya. Last I heard the warden has taken a particular interest in their magiani prisoners. I would not want to count myself among them if I were you.” 

You grimace, your mouth twisting unpleasantly. This has all been for nothing, you’re back to where you were before: break your contract and hand over the Astrial, or keep it and face death and imprisonment. There is no negotiating with Solarath. You have only one thing to offer. 

[TIMED CHOICE] 

1. Hand over the Astrial.
2. Stall for more time. If Lethalis can’t take action, then maybe someone else would. Despite Quirinus’ confidence, he seems rushed. On edge. You doubt he wants the Red Guard interfering as much as you do.
3. Attack.
4. Conditional story requirements have not been met.
[5. Let time run out or choose to do nothing.]