Part 24: Pamitha

: You Understand Me – Gameplay



: Despite how much Inspiration Hedwyn had banked, he couldn’t cash it all in at once. This does, at least, give us a more solid answer on how much Inspiration a person can hand it at once. His next Rite will level him up for sure.






: Pamitha, though, managed to push herself into the next level with this Rite. Just to remind you, the perks currently available to her are the second-level perks Shrike Dash (Pamitha’s dash costs less Stamina. It’s basically Jodariel’s Long Stride perk, but with wings) and Sleight of Wings (Pamitha swaps places with her nearest ally when she Salutes); and the first-level perk Winged Fury (whenever Pamitha gets a banishment, she moves 30% faster for five seconds).

: If that video was any indication, I enjoy dashing with Pamitha probably a little bit more than I should. After all, unlike everyone else, her dash is a little different: it pushes people she runs into, which means it’s actually not great for trying to get kills. I really should be flying with her more often than dashing.

: But, I’m nothing if not a bit indulgent. And I still don’t like Saluting all that much.




: Calling it a ‘pitched’ battle is a bit generous, considering I went into the game with 50 less Pyrepoints than the Essence did.

: Good work back there, my boy. Though, I’m afraid I must pull you away from any revelry, for there is something you should see. Please, join me outside.



: Indeed… somewhere deep in the infinite dark, a single star shines brighter than the rest.




: It’s finally time to say see-you-later to someone else in our group. And I think most of us here are going to enjoy who our opponent is.




Gfy

: The Rites are calling you again to the Fall of Soliam, where one among you may go free, should you prevail.

: …It is as we discussed. The cycle of the Rites is beginning to turn more quickly. Perhaps the Scribes themselves have taken notice. Fortunately, having more-frequent opportunities to free ourselves is not unwelcome in our Plan…. I suppose it’s good for everyone, including the Chastity, who will oppose us next.

: ‘Oppose’ is a strong word to describe what Manley is capable of doing to me.



: Soon, everyone is off to rest, as best as they are able, knowing that another chance at liberty for one of them shall soon present itself.



: So much for being done with the Book for now.

: Tomorrow, we’ll be setting off for Mount Alodiel with the intent of liberating one of our own for a second time. That’s pretty heavy stuff, and whoever’s in that blackwagon, I don’t doubt that they have something on their chest that they’d like to get off.



: … I suppose, of all the people in our triumvirate, it would be Pamitha that would like a word with us the most urgently.

: Despite Pamitha’s mental conditioning, you can tell something is troubling her.

: Have I forgotten how to read expressions and body language? My telepathy has made me dumb!

: …She won’t listen to a word I say. Not one damn word.

: If you’re looking for sympathy, keep in mind, I’m still pretty riled up about what you did. Like, I get she’s your sister and all – but she kinda threatened me, my home, and my loved ones, with death by fire when we first met. I’d like to keep people like that out of my life, if I could.

: If she weren’t my blood-sister, I should think I’d hate her guts as much as she hates mine.

: She shakes her head.

: I should apologize…. To you, and everyone. I sought out Tamitha without asking your leave. Figured I would rather seek forgiveness than permission, you understand.

: My attempts with Tamitha didn’t amount to much, as you well saw. So, at this point, I’m hopeful you’ll be more accepting of apologies than she.

: …

: Though, tell me something, Reader darling… do you suppose I’m going to betray you? You may know better than I do at this point.



: … God damn it.

: Okay… look, by all rights, Pamitha is an upstanding woman and an idol to the rest of the triumvirate. She’s polite and cordial with everyone (even if it was backhanded with Jodariel). Every single time I’ve chosen her route over someone else’s, it resulted in something highly beneficial for the others and me. Whenever I put her in a Rite, even if it’s against Tamitha, she hasn’t, like, tried to disobey my inputs or work against me or something. She’s a powerful ally and she’s been nothing but a red-winged angel since day one.

: And she loves her sister. We don’t know the whole story, but we’ve so far gleaned that Tamitha did something wrong, and Pamitha willingly chased her down here. I can’t fault her for that. There isn’t a lot I wouldn’t do for my own brother or sister.

: Except, as soon as Tamitha’s name comes up in conversation, it’s like Pamitha becomes a completely different person. Putting Tamitha’s needs (even if she herself doesn’t want them!) before our own has always been a part of Pamitha’s agenda. She laughed off Tamitha’s initial threat to kill us and burn our home as if it were typical sibling ribbing. She went behind my back to invite Tamitha into the Nightwings in her place if the opportunity for Pamitha to escape ever came up. This isn’t behaviour I want to encourage.

: I want to be lenient with her given that she’s beating herself up over the whole thing, but she’s only doing that because Tamitha turned her down. Would Pamitha be as repentant if Tamitha had accepted her proposal?

: …



: Pamitha’s proven that I can trust her with anything, provided Tamitha isn’t involved, and even when she is, I can trust that she’ll do as I say if I pit her against her sister in a Rite. Actions speak louder.

: You express to Pamitha that you do not view her efforts to make peace with Tamitha as being contradictory to the group’s larger goals. You understand why she did what she did.

: Well, I mean, that’s not how I would, or did, phrase it.

: She says nothing for a while.

: That’s kind of you to say, darling. May the others see it with such generosity… but if they don’t, you need but tell me to depart, and I’ll be on my way.



: …I’ll be on the roof for a bit, I think. You take care, too, darling.

: Despite Pamitha’s disappointment with the outcome of her confrontation with her blood-sister, you sense she is less troubled now, after your brief conversation.



: No bonuses, permanent or temporary, but I think my decision to confide my trust in her really will go somewhere, later if not sooner. Everyone needs a friend, and as pissed as I was about Pamitha going behind my back and making such an outlandish offer to her sister, I think I’ll be able to forgive her.

: Well. That conversation was a little more intense than I was expecting. Let’s wind down with some reading.


Gfy






: We have quite the journey ahead of us. We’d better not waste any more time; Manley’s face isn’t going to punch itself!



: There’s no preamble to this one: we have one destination and there’s nothing to stop us from going straight there.



: There’s nobody here for us to run into, because the cycle has come to its conclusion. There are no other Rites to watch. The game really just wants us to go north, towards Mount Alodiel, and get on with the Liberation Rite.




: There is, though, a point of interest on the Fall of Soliam. It’s where water flows straight up, so, yeah, that’s pretty interesting.

: Also, I don’t recall if these were there last time we left Mount Alodiel, but the background is a neat stained-glass window tapestry of the emblems of all the triumvirates.



: There’s us; we’re the biggest emblem there (except, apparently, the Pyrehearts, hidden behind the Scribes’ Gate); the Chastity; even the Beyonders are up there, too.



: And, uh… huh.

: Anyway, let’s check out that point of interest.

: The inverted Fall of Soliam roars into the sky. Somewhere beyond it lies the Commonwealth, beyond your vision, and beyond your grasp.

: Alas, that we can’t simply fly on back up to our homeland. This wagon has its limitations, I’m afraid.

: But, we shall return, yet…. Let us continue now, along the path.

: Alright, so, let’s check out our options.





: The last time we saw Rukey in a Rite was the one before last, against the Fate. Pamitha has been the focus of two updates in a row now, and she was used against the Essence last update, so, we’re going with her.



: Volfred finds you after the post-flight inspection.

: We shall have to take the rest of the trip to Fall of Soliam by land. May we soon liberate another of our own there. That should raise the chances that our Plan shall ultimately succeed.

: Kind of a cold way of looking at it, I think – that we’re trying to liberate a guy for the sake of the Plan rather than the sake of their liberation. But whatever, they both mean the same thing.



: Man, Pamitha is just getting all the attention lately. May as well knock this out before moving on to the Scribes’ Gate, and maybe leaf through the Book a little bit more before pushing on.

: So, uh… hey, Sandra.



: Uh… don’t suppose you’re in a talkative mood? Wanna let me know what’s on your mind?

: …I thought I told you to begone.

: She is pushing you away as she did before.

: Perhaps I ought to cease my services to you, if you insist on disrespecting my wishes thus. Would that sound good to you, O Reader?

: I mean, I don’t think–

: Actually, I wouldn’t want to make her madder than she is.

: …Imagine, not having access to the loathsome trinkets, which I grant to you. Imagine, those idiots of yours having to get by without my tutelage. I can imagine it just fine, myself. I was once a weapon, used to kill an Emperor. Attempt to kill him, anyway. Now, I am, once again, a tool, being exploited. Soon to be discarded….

: Go on, then, leave me be. Go about your business, and let us pretend we do not know fell well how this shall end, between us.

: Tariq once said that the Beyonder Crystal belonged to the Nightwings in their every iteration. It sounds to me that… Sandra might have gotten a little too close with one of the previous ensembles of the Nightwings, and then something happened to them and she was left with nobody but her cellmates in the crystal. Someone in the thread made a similar hypothesis, that Sandra is putting up a wall to protect herself from the heartache of being left behind a second (or more) time.

: …We’ll see.

: In the meantime, Sandra – as a matter of fact, yes, I’d like you to tutor one of my idiots, and for you to give me another trinket. They’ve been pretty useful to me so far.

: Certainly. Who shall be the target of my wrath, then, would you say?



: You ask Sandra to administer one of her special trials for Pamitha.

: Ohh, you mean that feisty harp. She may yet be taught some manners, I should think. I shall attempt to bring her down to size. Let us bring her forth.

: Soon, Pamitha arrives, in heed of the summons.

: You called for me, Reader darling? Ah, it’s that crystal. Then, let’s hash it out, I’m ready.



Gfy

: The apparition Sandra appears, and unfastens her mask.

: Listen well, Harp. You answer to me here.

: Ooh, a bossy one…! Sure, then, go on and tell me more!

: Such a delightful student, for a change…. Come, then, let us see what you can do, left to your own devices… save for your Reader’s vigilance, of course.

: …Let’s show her what she wants to see, then, Reader darling.


: Bossy – Gameplay



: Say, what’s that you have there, darling?




: This Talisman is actually quite a bit stronger than you might think. Pamitha is very fast and her ability to fly protects her from Auras; if she flies (keyword) into a Pyre, she not only does more damage than normal, but she also comes back immediately. Tossing an Orb into the flame is all well and good, but it requires a charge-up time in order to get your maximum value. This Talisman allows her to break one of the fundamental rules of the game.

: Also, the flavour text says that Triesta Tithis couldn’t fly, but she cried for her assailants because ‘they could cry no longer.’ Triesta, if you recall, is the one that killed that horse that’s the size of a building. She’s hard as fuck.

: Anyway, that was a fun diversion with a good payoff. Let’s flip through another few pages before moving on.


Gfy






: Of all the Scribes, Triesta might be the one to appeal to if you’re looking for strength. Either her or Underking Ores. Also, we currently have something of hers; it’d only be right to pay her a visit as thanks.

: Later that day, you accompany Pamitha into the narrow passageways of Emperor’s Ascent, where a monument to Triesta Tithis awaits you. Perhaps due to the nature of this place, you begin to sense Pamitha’s inner thought, as clear as if she were speaking aloud.

: <Talking to the dead, again, Pamitha? Fine, why not. Ought to keep your mind off things. Just don’t go getting your hopes up. Your life back there… it wouldn’t be any better anyway.>

: Soon, you and she are finished paying your respects. You return to the wagon in silence, feeling as though Triesta Tithis has shown you favor. At dawn, you shall begin your ascent. For now, the solitude here is fir for pursuing your Vocations.




: Hmm. We wouldn’t want to keep whoever’s in there waiting. And besides, I’m not sure which Vocation I’d want to focus on at the moment.



: Well, aren’t you just a little chatterbox lately.

: You find Pamitha by herself again, though her expression is grown darker than her custom.

: …Leave me be, would you, Reader darling…? Trying to get some good and proper moping done here, and you’re distracting.

: <Leave me be, Reader. Just leave me be, Reader. Just leave me be. You don’t want to know what’s lurking in my heart or mind. What you’ll find there isn’t pretty.>

: Yet, something about her thought process is different to you now. You know that, with her conditioning, she can resist your scrutiny. But now her thoughts are laid bare to you.



: Pamitha asked me to leave her be. I’m already using my telepathy to determine a person’s feelings and whether they’re telling the truth or not; as soon as I use it to actively intrude on a person’s private thoughts explicitly without their permission, I am officially a villain.



: As tempting as it is, of course.

: Pamitha’s thoughts are her own business. The fleeting connection between you soon is severed.

: …Thoughts are loathsome things, Reader. It is difficult to know how best to hide them. Mine are plain enough for you to see by now.

: She exhales and looks askance.

: You know by now why I am in this mess with all of you. You could say I lacked Tamitha’s sense of commitment… her zeal. She lives only to see your nation overthrown. Or something worse, if she could have her way. Centuries of conflict can be quite emboldening that way. Especially when one’s sisters’ leading cause of death is Commonwealth-forged steel.

: Wielded with the utmost of mercy, of course. Well, I had little patience for the senselessness of it, myself. Became a bit of a pariah, I suppose. I know Tamitha was going to get herself and others killed, someday. So, when she was to fly out on this one big mission of hers, I had other arrangements made.



: Tamitha was clipped, and cast down. A mercy, they called it. I did not see it that way. And, in my growing protests of her treatment, I was soon enough to follow.

: She falls silent for a while.

: …I haven’t yet decided if I entirely regret my actions. But, I do seek Tamitha’s forgiveness, and wish that she could see my thoughts for what they are, as it seems you can. Then, she might realize our nation’s people have much more in common than she knows.

: Sometimes I wonder which of them’s the stupider.

: She brushes past you, and out of the wagon for now.




: Pamitha’s crime is that she loved her sister too much and she trusted the wrong people to do what was best for her. Pamitha is a classic case of paving the road to hell with good intentions. Her trying to swap her position in the Nightwings with Tamitha is just another brick in that road.

: The story makes me a lot more sympathetic towards her. She’s doing her best to just be a good sister, but she’s putting her heart before her head, and she’s making a lot of bad decisions because of it. I’m sure we’ve all been there.



: That’s a lot to digest. Let’s try and wash that down with something to keep us busy.

: Last time, I went foraging and I found that Wisdom Trace. I could forage again, there’s nothing stopping me, but I’m not hurting too hard for the cash. Maybe next time.

: I haven’t done any tutoring in a while, but I’m worried that if I tutor someone, it’ll put them too much in favour for liberation. A person’s eligibility is based purely on how much Enlightenment they have, after all, and if I tutor someone, it might rob someone else of the chance to leave. There’s no hard number on how much Enlightenment a person needs in order to qualify, making the decision a little muddier.

: So, fuck it. Let’s read some more books.




: You locate a secluded area nearby where you should be able to study the Book of Rites. Through greater understanding comes the Reader’s Influence.



: We’re topped out on Hope, leaving us with Quickness and Presence.

: Although all characters benefit more immediately from Quickness, we already aren’t hurting in that regard: Sir Gilman is fast as a bullet, and we have runners in Rukey and Mae. Even Ti’zo is light on his feet when he dashes.

: However, ever since the last liberation, there’s been a Jodariel-sized hole in our overall formations, and any boosts we can get to try and fill that gap would be most welcome.

: You attune yourself to the strange and mystic properties of the Book of Rites, embracing such as possible that which cannot be explained or truly known.

: Inspiration comes to you in a flash; whether from the Book or from within, you cannot tell.




: The Fall of Soliam isn’t much further, but we have to make one more layover before we make it to the gate.





: We saw both Sir Gilman and Mae in the Rite against the Fate, but we had voted Mae as our forward, so, we’ll be passing by the Cistern again.

: We went to the Cistern last time we were here; you’d think it would be Gilman that wanted to come here again, not Mae. On top of it being a freshwater spring for him to soak in, it’s the shrine to Underking Ores.



Gfy



: You wish for good fortune in the coming Rite, and in your Plan. As for Mae…

: <Blessed am I to have this audience with you, O, Underking Ores! Your resplendent glory has made this moment possible, and given me so many friends, who are so dear to me. Thank you! Whatever happens, thank you.>

: Whoa, Mae’s mind is a completely different character from her mouth. I’d never have imagined Mae whipping out a word like ‘resplendent.’

: She says little after paying her respects. However, as you prepare to continue your ascent, you sense that Underking Ores has shown you favor.




Gfy



: Come this way, please.

: The minstrel leads you toward the archway, where his counterpart awaits.

: The exiles of the Nightwings have returned.

: They have. Greetings, Celeste.

: She all but ignores him, and motions to the rest of you.

: Now, then. Each of you, in turn, please state your name and what is it that you seek whilst crossing Scribesgate.

: Please, do just as she says.

: Everyone steps forth, one after another, much like before. Sir Gilman passes through the gate. Pamitha passes through the gate. Hedwyn passes through the gate. Mae passes through the gate. Rukey passes through the gate. Ti’zo passes through the gate. Volfred passes through the gate.

: No one is left to go but you. You step forth, and declare yourself as you did before. The guardian of the Scribesgate regards you with a still expression. Then, she addresses all of you in her formal manner.

: The Eight Scribes bid the Nightwings welcome. Go forth with glory.

: The Lone Minstrel glances up at The Gate Guardian.

: …You have our gratitude, Celeste.

: But, she pays him no heed.

: Trouble in paradise, Tariq?



Gfy




: Looks like we’re all talked out for this visit. This would be one of those ‘we’ve said all we need to say’ situations, I guess, particularly in Pamitha’s case. The past update and a half has been all about her.

: Naturally, we might as well pound out those last few (for now) pages. Relax our heads for a bit before the big game.


Gfy




: Yslach was so terrifying to behold that it drove anyone that looked upon it completely insane – so they sent in a bog-crone to go in and slap one-hundred wards on it, until there was nothing left to see.

: But even though they drained Yslach of its blood and they ripped the skin right off its body, they couldn’t kill it; even now, Yslach is presumably still slumbering in the Pit of Milithe, waiting until it’s regenerated enough to come back and terrorize the Downside some more. Given that we’ve seen the remains of most of the Titans, except Yslach and some others, there might be a ring of truth to this story.

: Well, I’m not relaxed even a little. Wonder what Ron’s got for sale.



: And, g-g-good luck in that big b-b-b-battle thing you got, that’s where you’re going, isn’t it? I h-h-h-heard it’s gonna be exciting, f-f-from my f-f-f-friends.



: The only new things Ron’s got for sale as another pinch of stardust, and a Talisman called Infernal Bloom. When it’s worn, the bearer has a 20% chance to cause an Aura Burst every time they got a banishment by Aura-casting.

: Rukey has this exact same ability as a perk, except it’s 100% of the time. Infernal Bloom also can’t be used by Harps or Saps. And it costs 70 Sol. Pass.

: I’d actually like to buy one of those serums for the big, temporary boost to my stats. I mentioned last update that one of those would be good to have for a special occasion, and a Liberation Rite is about as special as they get.

: Still, the cheapest one is 30 Sol, and I only have 95 to work with. The price intimidates me too much, so… sorry, Ron.

: You’re leaving so soon, guys…?

: Man, I said sorry



: Let’s get this on. There’s a smug tree in the area with a face that’s in dire need of punching.

: The time has come for your second Liberation Rite to commence. You observe The Lone Minstrel and Volfred speaking in hushed tones, but cannot sense the topic or the tone. Then, Volfred looks up at you.

: I trust that you are feeling as prepared as possible, my boy. Each Rite is consequential to our journey in its own respect, though these Liberation Rites have a more-immediate effect.

: It’s somewhat crass, however… I’ve gone and estimated by how much each of our companions may contribute to the outcome of our Plan, should they be liberated here.

: Factors such as their previous occupation, innate tendency to lead, and oratory skill contributed to my assessment. It’s nothing personal, for we are all in this, together.

: Again, reducing their freedom to numbers is a bit cold, especially when you’re determining that one of them and their freedom may be ‘worth more’ to us than others.

: Besides, we all ought to return, in time, if possible. Know simply that, for each one of us who goes… in so doing, he or she shall raise our total chances of success.



: We all have faith in you, my boy. And lo, even the stars agree on this account!




: According to this, Sung-Gries was slain right here, on Mount Alodiel. Which means that there’s a decent chance that Sung-Gries was either the first boss, or, with a name like ‘Archbeast,’ the final boss, of the Scribes and their own story.

: In our case, invoking Archbeast Sung-Gries in any Rite will give our adversaries an extra 30 Pyrepoints at the start of the game. Combined with Endriga the Widow, we’ll officially start every match going forward at a 60 point deficit, and that’s before anyone using any Talismans that provided additional points or whatever.

: Good. I want Manley to think he has a leg to stand on.




: The Pyres burn, and each of the triumvirates is present and prepared.

: I concur. The Pyres burn, and each of the triumvirates is present and prepared.

: Then, anointed one of the Chastity! Come forth, now, and declare yourself, and pay any respects you have unto your adversaries, the Nightwings.


: Music: Grand Ceremony

: Warmest salutations to you all, upon this blessed eve! I am H. Manley Tinderstauf, and I must say that I am very moved, VERY moved, to be a part of these proceedings! It shall be my humblest of privileges to return, quite soon I hope, unto the Commonwealth, where I shall dedicate myself in full toward the betterment of that society!

: Keep it moving, blowhard.

: I long to be a part of this glorious tradition, even when my freedom is rightfully restored! For is it not the case that exiles such as we are called upon to lead?!

: How you govern in your Commonwealth is not our business here. Your intentions shall mean nothing if you do not prevail in this Rite, Manley Tinderstauf.

: Oh, but I meant no offense, meant no offense at all! I shall serve well these Rites, I promise! Why, I should think I shall be sending many exiles here into the Downside, to replace me! I can think of quite a few who I think would benefit from experiencing this wonderful tradition for themselves!



: Now, as for you, Nightwings? Make no attempt to undermine me here, and nothing shall befall you or your loved ones in the Commonwealth, is that a deal?

: I am going to crush you.



: Now, then. Have the Nightwings reached a decision on whose behalf they shall conduct the Liberation Rite?

: Reader, I am bound to tell you once more: The first companion whom you choose shall go free this very night, if you prevail. Only the enlightened may be thus anointed. Not all among you may yet be ready. The other two chosen for the triumvirate shall lend their aid.

: Nightwings! Make your decision.





: Like with Jodariel, we have only three choices between who we can liberate this time around. Though we can only choose one character to liberate, like before, we can send in anyone from our triumvirate to assist them in getting out.

Who do we anoint for liberation?



Hedwyn has been our most stalwart, adamant companion, eager to see everyone achieve their freedom and wash their hands of the Downside forever. He has always had an optimistic approach to each and every obstacle, and he’s done everything he can to spread his unique, unwavering resolve among the rest of team on our journey here, to the Fall of Soliam. His crime is unknown, and all he wants is to return home to the Commonwealth and know the warmth of his love’s embrace once again.

Do we anoint Hedwyn?



Mae has a spiritual connection with the Scribes and the world around her that nobody, least of all herself, can properly describe. She meets all challenges and peoples with a warm smile, a hearty dance, and some laughter, and she’s attuned to her companions so deeply that she shares in their misery as much as their happiness. She’s even taken to calling the blackwagon itself her ‘little brother.’ Her crime is unknown – Mae mentioned before that she didn’t like it when the Commonwealth had told her to ‘stop being her,’ so it’s entirely possible that her only crime was simply that she was different.

Do we anoint Mae?



Ti’zo is a simple imp that was born and raised in the Downside. He has been with the Nightwings since Volfred’s time, and is therefore more attuned to their practices and properties than anyone else in the triumvirate. Imps of Ti’zo’s intelligence and wit are very rare, and it’s been implied that Ti’zo is directly descended from Ha’ub the Swallow, the first Scribe and author of the Book of Rites, himself. He has committed no crime: as a native born in the Downside, he has no home in the Commonwealth and his only aspiration for freedom is to one day see the world beyond the Downside.

Do we anoint Ti'zo?

One of these three candidates must be the frontman for our triumvirate, although any of the rest of the Nightwings may also participate to help see their anointed companion gain their freedom.

Should we succeed against Manley and the Chastity, our anointed frontman will be permanently removed from the game.

Twenty-four hours. Choose wisely.