Part 10: A Bald-Faced Lie

: Before we head out, I promised that we’d give Sandra a quick visit.



: How’s it going?

: There is an undulation I have sensed, Reader, which means, I think, that your blackwagon sails the seas, am I not right?

: Of course I am.



: I scarce remember the sea. It has been a little while since I bathed in it, you understand. My memories of it are wistful, nonetheless. Although, if I remember correctly, the Sea of Solis is a disgusting mockery of the emerald seas near to the Empire.

: Do be careful out there, will you? Now, let me cease my prattling, lest I extend my sentence by another such eternity or two. We had best stick to business.

: Okay, talk to you later, Sandra.




: We’re in the middle of the ocean, and the stars have told us to cross the entire goddamn thing. We’re coming from a fresh win against the Pyrehearts and it’s a brand new day, so morale and energy are both high.



: We’ve got two options here, and like literally every other option in the Downside so far, neither option looks particularly friendly.




: We’ve been using Ti’zo a little more often than Rukey lately, so I’ll show bias towards him and head towards the Frothsea.


Gfy

: The imp Ti’zo has been much more animated even than usual.

: What is it, little one?

: (Ti’zo seems to think something very delicious is in these waters.)

: He keeps on screeching? I don’t think I have ever seen him like this! Wait, what is he—

: Just then, Ti’zo dives into the waters, and vanishes into the depths.

: Oh, I hope he can swim.



: (Ti’zo is very disappointed that whatever he attempted to catch eluded him.)

: Mae begins to sob uncontrollably. The two revel is each other’s misery for a time.



: I wonder if Rukey would have lost anything if we went with him instead. These two are acting like they’ll never eat again.



Gfy

: You and your companions look upon the Deathless Tempest. The stars demand you sail beyond it, yet the very thought is beyond reason.

: Then, something in the nearby water stirs, and from it springs something familiar.



: Gilman’s portraits have been reversed; now he’s looking to the right rather than the left. I wonder what the significance of the direction their bodies are facing has, if any.

: What is it now, wyrm. The Rites are ended. We have no further need of you.

: O, but you do!! And in turn, this knight has further need of you, good lady!

: Out with it, then.



: …Can you believe this, Hedwyn?

: Not really, no.

: Nay, look ye not so surprised!! Your valor in the Rites did stir this poor knight’s soul! He swears to you, upon his long-lost honor as a would-be knight-errant of the Sea-Dominion, that he shall serve you to the end!

: What about your wyrm friends back there? The Pyrehearts?



: This knight can no longer abide such spineless characters, having witnessed true glory in our clash upon the Hulk of Ores! Never before have we been trounced so thoroughly!

: And furthermore!! This knight shall aid your passage through the Deathless Tempest! Is it not so that you seek passage to the north? With this knight’s aid, you shall achieve your wish!

: Sir Gilman continues to persuade you for quite some time. He seems to know a way to cross the storm… some sort of long-held secret among wyrms exiled to these waters.

: Jodariel pulls the rest of you aside, after Hedwyn gives her a look.



: ‘Thing’ is kind of a strong word, considering we already have an imp and a talking dog. What’s a talking, very small sea dragon to our ever-expanding zoo?

: Mostly sure. Sandalwood wants someone for each mask. And this one seems about as good as we’re going to get.

: Better Gilman than Deluge, for sure.

: Jodariel glowers back at the wyrm, who tries his best to look presentable. Hedwyn is more gracious. He tells Sir Gilman that if he promises to help you cross the Deathless Tempest, then he can come along, for now.



: Though, first!! This knight requires your consent! Give unto this knight your blessings, in the name of the Nightwings, and thus shall he go forth!



: Uh… knock ‘em dead?

: As you begin to say something in response, Sir Gilman cries out in triumph. He vanishes into the depths. Yet, through this close encounter with him, you cling to some sense of where he is going, and what he intends to do.



: A Bald-Faced Lie – Gameplay

: As the day wears on, there is still no sign of the wyrm-knight. Your companions grow restless. But then…



: Sir Gilman is sopping wet and visibly shaken. He struggles to maintain decorum.

: … so, no change?

: He is, in short, the very image of a wyrm-knight.

: No change.

: And, more importantly!! That little tempest ought no longer pose a threat for now! Behold!!

: As if on cue, the Deathless Tempest begins to simmer and subside.



Gfy

: Would you look at that… he really did it.

: Of course this knight did it!!

: Now… if it would be all right with you, this knight could really use some shut-eye.

: The wyrm-knight then collapses in exhaustion. You and Hedwyn help him up.

: A deal’s a deal, Sir Gilman. Welcome to the Nightwings.





: It’s not going to get any friendlier in there. Let’s not waste Gilman’s efforts – he did kill the children of the Wyrmdevil, basically.




Gfy

: With Sir Gilman’s aid, you managed to breach the tempest.

: You were true to your word, wyrm, I shall give you that…. But, now what?! We are stranded in this cursed storm.

: A most-excellent question! And from one most-fair!

: Call me that once more and I shall tie you in a knot.

: Aahh! And from one most-spirited, as well! This knight was wise to side with ye!

: Just… where do we turn from here? Answer the question, now.



: Bold move, to ignore a direct order from Jodariel.

: If I may… I can corroborate Sir Gilman’s account. We are close to making landfall.

: Then, let me be the first to say… let’s go.



: Say, uh, Tariq…?

: Aye, Rukey, what is it?

: That lute you’re always carrying around… you know how to play that thing, don’t you?

: Why… I suppose I do.

: Good, ‘cause I was thinking it’s a little gloomy here and we could use a little tune to lighten up the mood, know what I mean?

: Aye… then, let me see what I can do.


: Music: Vagrant Song

: Supergiant Games has a habit of either incorporating music directly into its gameplay (such as here, or in Transistor during some of its boss fights), and/or writing songs with lyrics that directly go with what’s currently happening or is otherwise related to the plot somehow. Darren Korb just really likes making music, I guess.

: Also, if you listen to the song, it tells the story of Unfathomable Plurnes and how she was killed. It’s supplemental and unnecessary to the plot of the game, but, like all the lore in this game so far, it’s pretty badass.




Gfy

: At last your wagon rumbles onto solid, jagged ground: the land called Black Basin. Your fellow exiles unpack the wagon so you can take stock of how best to reach your destination.



: We have two discussions awaiting for us in our blackwagon, so let’s not make them wait any longer.



: Also, while we’re here and now that Sir Gilman is a part of our crew, we’ve unlocked his bio page:



: You approach Sir Gilman, who must have just finished practicing his fencing maneuvers. He regards you with his single eye.

: Hail, Master-Reader!! This knight is determined to train harder, having joined the famous Nightwings!

: He shall ensure that this triumvirate continues to live up to its most-feared reputation.

: THIS IS SUCH AN HONOR! And, this knight has a great deal of honor to regain!

: Having fled the Pyrehearts, this knight fully expects now to conduct the Rites in a most-honorable fashion. To the fullest letter of the law, described within the Books!



: But, this is WRONG!! The exile who refuses to obey the rules, as they were written by the Underking Ores and his seven friends, deserves neither his honor, nor his freedom!

: Thusly does this knight have confidence the Master-Reader shall resist any temptations to conduct the Rites in any underhanded fashion.

: Now, then, this knight must undergo a thorough cleansing, having trained until the point of foulness! So, please excuse him, Master-Reader!

: He slithers off, humming some sort of chivalrous tune.

: Gilman’s heart can’t be all that big; he’s got an itty-bitty body. He should probably calm down, all that ‘chivalry’ is going to cost him years.

: Then again, he might also have five of them.

: Even still, you can’t fault him for his enthusiasm. He may be loud and intense, but at least he’s eager to do the right thing.

: Before we head back out and consider our surroundings and our way forward, we should pay Sandra a visit. We’re in a new biome, after all, and she probably has something snarky to say about it.



: What’s shakin’?

: So, then, we are back on solid land, or something like it, hmm?

: Then, this must be Black Basin… flames and noxious fumes on one side, suffocating forest on the other. Lovely, lovely place. So good of you to take me here. You truly would pursue those blasted stars until the farthest corners of this land, it seems.

: Though, I had better cease my blasphemy, or else the Scrubes themselves just might descend from up on high, and strike me with another much-deserved penalty.

: The thrill of such transgressions, Reader! Sometimes it keeps me going, not that I have any real choice. Now, we had best get back to our normal business, as it were.

: She’s a peach.



: You find that Hedwyn has asked for several volunteers to scout the area, and report back.

: All right, everyone. Don’t go too far, and let’s meet back by dusk.

: Please, use caution. The exiles dwelling in these lands are, well… rather territorial.

: Uh, we’re in a volcano. They can keep it.

: For your part, you remain with the blackwagon to keep watch. You see occasional dark shapes soaring across the sky, but none of them draw near enough for you to see in any detail. Eventually, your companions make their way back, and everyone arrives as planned, or earlier.

: Hi, everyone, I’m back, I have come back!

: Mae returns from the east with little to report, save for word that the glowing molten rock there is very, very hot.

: THIS KNIGHT YET LIVES. Although… he has little else to report.

: Hey, in this climate, don’t sell your accomplishments short.

: The newest member of the group, Sir Gilman, returns from a northern pass, visibly shaken. He appears to have discovered an intense fear of heights.

: (Ti’zo wonders whether any species of fish lives in the pools or rock nearby.)

: The little imp Ti’zo seems disappointed to have left the water behind. He remains with you, near to the wagon.



: Begging your pardon… I do not wish to contradict your strategy, madam, though, in my experience, we shall not remain hidden for long during the climb toward the Nest of Triesta.

: The exiles of the Highwing Remnants… you may have no love for them, inherently, but they have no such qualms with me, for now. I may be able to negotiate safe passage.

: Negotiate? With them?

: Then Hedwyn steps in as The Lone Minstrel bows and backs away.

: Hey… let’s not decide on this just yet

: Music: Shattered Lands

: We’re not going anywhere right now, that much we can agree on. We’ll decide on how best to go ahead come morning. For now, let’s take the rest of the afternoon and get our bearings.

: Jodariel glares at the sky as everyone else disperses.




: I don’t think about this one too hard. The stat buffs and the tutoring are both solid options, but I’m getting a little frustrated at my missteps when it comes to getting some spending money, so I make a beeline for the foraging.



: Whenever you forage for supplies, you’re given two unique options. Like some of our route choices, they come down to ‘do you want X’ or ‘do you want Y.’ Namely, in this case, do we want Stardust, or do we want vendor trash?



: I came here for some spending money, so gimme that vendor trash.

: Well chum, had enough scrounging for one day? Usually there isn’t much, but if you never look you never get! And believe you me it adds up!



: Yes. Yes, this will do nicely.

: Once we’re finished dumpster-diving, there’s nothing left for us in this pit stop, so let’s just mosey on along. I’d rather get to the ‘suffocating forest’ than stay too long in an active hot spot.




: The discussion our party had last night came down to heading west and trying to cut through the desert sands without garnering the attention of the Highwings, or heading south and trying to negotiate with them.




: When it comes to routes suggested by Tariq, it gets a little cloudier as to which I should choose, so I guess I’ll leave that up to myself. And, I’m going to go with Jodariel this time – she’d probably not appreciate it if we had to barter with her sworn enemies, and I feel like I’ve been stiffing her and her suggestions this whole time, so maybe she’ll pull through for us this time.


Gfy

: The shattered lands of Black Shore prove difficult to traverse for the blackwagon. Jodariel searches for a solid path forward, to little avail.

: Fie on these blasted lands. How are we to proceed through this?

: Perhaps I may be of some assistance…. This place is not so unfamiliar to me, nor are its hidden denizens. Please remain with the others until I return, madam. I shall not be long.

: The minstrel disappears into the cliffs before Jodariel can protest. In the meantime, you and she continue to keep watch, sensing unseen eyes.

: The last time that one disappeared on us, we searched for him for days.

: ….But this time, he soon returns.

: I have secured safe passage through the Nest of Triesta. We may proceed.

: Secured safe passage with whom, exactly?



: …She soars away, without a word…. The Lone Minstrel says nothing more, either.

: Jodariel’s scowl deepens. For centuries, the Commonwealth withstood the Highwing Remnants’ treacherous assaults, thanks to soldiers such as she.



: I can never leave Flagging Hands.

: I’m pretty sure this was a ‘heads-I-win-tails-you-lose’ scenario that Pyre threw at me. Either we get caught in the sand and ask the birds to help us out, or we skip the sands and go straight to the birds. Jodariel is going to lose Hope either way, but the choice impacts how much she loses, since following her suggestion led directly to us getting stuck.

: Or, at least, I think. I didn’t pick the other route, after all. Maybe I would have got another 50 Sol for picking the other route, idk



Gfy

: At last you arrive at the Nest of Triesta, where the next Rite is soon to commence. You cannot shake the feeling that unseen eyes watched your wagon’s ascent, and remain watching now.



: Interestingly, nobody’s in a particularly chatty mood right now. That’s cool; less work for me. Before we pop on over to the Slugmarket, let’s check out that book.


Gfy



: This update has been going for a little while, but all that’s left is to visit Ron and get the Rite started. Keep tight!




: First thing’s first, of course.



: The new wares that Ron’s got in stock are the Righteous Flame and the Sunken Shadow Talismans. Sunken Shadow forces any adversary banished by anyone wielding it to remain banished for one second longer, while the Righteous Flame restores the bearer’s Pyre by 5 Pyrepoints whenever the bearer gets a dunk. Also, one of his newer Pinches of Stardust is going for a paltry three coins, so I’m taking that, no contest.

: Sunken Shadow sounds kind of weak, all told; it only comes into effect when the bearer gets the banishment; it’s only for one second; and it costs a whopping 180 Sol. So we couldn’t afford it even if we wanted to.

: Righteous Flame, however, is only going for 65 Sol, and it would work wonders if my opponents get in a few hits themselves when it’s put on one of our speedsters. I’ll go ahead and take that, and end my business with Ron for this visit.



: …They’re leaving, Dad…! Just lookit how much we got this time!

: Well, after the Faerie Mites, you’re actually at a deficit of six coins. But hell, I don’t know what you’re going to do with it. Maybe it’s worth more than that somewhere else.



: You and your fellow exiles gather on the blasted lands called the Nest of Triesta, expecting the imminent commencement of the Rites.

: You see no sign of any adversaries. But then, you hear a whooshing sound above.



: Music: Talon Sheath

: Hold your tongue, little bird. We have not come for talk.

: No. You have come on behalf of your Commonwealth.

: You mean the Commonwealth that cast us down here for crimes as despicable as literacy and dissention? The Commonwealth that throws anyone into some kind of unending hellscape and forces them to play petty games to earn their freedom? We’re representing that Commonwealth?

: Mark well my words, you horned filth: When at last we free ourselves… your home shall burn.

: With that, the Harp swoops off as Jodariel glowers at her.

: It is only then that you realize another Harp has come.



: You have got to be the worst double-agent I have ever seen.

: You know naught of my interest.

: Mm, let’s give this another shot. Hi, my name’s Pamitha Theyn!

: The surly one back there, that was my blood-sister. No need to judge her harshly, though. We’ve only met just now, though I must say, something about you reminds me of her.

: How dare you implicate that I have anything in common with your ilk.



: No, Hedwyn. You cannot be serious.

: Jodi, I’m asking you to trust me on this one.

: Am I perhaps interrupting something? Say, by the by, however did you make it all this way across the sea? Didn’t see you fly in.

: Trust is something I am loath to give away, Hedwyn. But you have set our course thus far, and I have followed. So… do as you must.

: That Sandalwood had better have an explanation for all this.

: Jodariel storms off as Hedwyn turns to you.

: What’s your take on this one, my friend? Our informant wants someone for each mask. I hadn’t expected we’d run into a Harp, yet here she is. What are you getting from her?

: You turn your attention to Pamitha, who has been watching with bemused interest.



: You sense that she is conflicted about something, though you do not know what. You also sense, however, that her motives, here and now, are earnest.



: The game is straight-up telling me that Pamitha is telling the truth and she deserves our trust and to be given a chance. But, on the other hand, it doesn’t look good that a the first Harp we met tells us that she’s gonna burn our home to the ground, and then another Harp, claiming to be the first one’s sister-by-blood, immediately comes along and says ‘yeah, she’s a bit rough, but I’m cool and legit, cross my heart. Let’s team up.’

: This is not only our freedom we’re playing with (which is incentive enough), but apparently the homes of our loved ones, given the other Harp’s threat. Any sensible person would tell Pamitha to piss off, and yet, like I said before, the game said to me, straight-faced, that she can be trusted, ‘here and now.’

: Given the heads-or-tails scenario before, I’m not so sure Pyre can be trusted to tell me what’s best for me and my crew.



: You tell Hedwyn that you have several misgivings about Pamitha, and suggest caution before accepting her into your ranks.

: I share much of your concern about her, my friend. It’s just, I have to give Sandalwood the benefit of the doubt, as well as Pamitha.

: No you don’t. Tell him that we didn’t find a Harp.

: We’ve come this far thanks to a certain faith, and right now it’s telling me to take her with us. I hope you’ll back me up on this, as I’m sure Jodariel won’t like it.

: He then turns to Pamitha.



: Conditions! Why, sure, I love a good condition or two.

: First, after we’re finished here tonight, you come along and make sure that your blood-sister and her friends don’t give us any trouble when we’re headed out.

: Second… you’ll have to find a way to get along with Jodariel, whom you met earlier.

: Brilliant! I had no plans to stick around here anyway. As for your demon friend, no doubt we’ll get on famously.

: Interesting choice of word.




Gfy



: You. What sort of heathen Harp would dare take wing against us?

: Your new companion then loosens the binding of her mask.

: Hello there, Tamitha.

: Pamitha’s blood-sister stares back at her a while before responding.

: What in the Saint’s name are you doing here, with them? Doubtless come to dig your talons in my back again.

: No, Sister. I’ve come to have a word with you.



: What’s life if not a waste of time, dear Sister? Give me a chance, why don’t you. What do you even have to lose, anymore? Besides, I’ve come a long way.

: Silence. You shan’t have come here, and the time for talk is long since past. If only you could see yourself. Again, consorting with my enemies.

: Fine, then, savor their defeat. But, I warn you, stay away from me.

: Pamitha says nothing more as her blood-sister turns away again.



: Pamitha gets your attention.

: Listen to me, Reader darling. The rest of you are ill-equipped to navigate this place. Let me conduct this Rite on your behalf, and my wings will bring you victory.

: Dear Lady! Your words ring true. This knight is flattered that you have not eaten him as is the tendency of your kind.

: This knight hereby volunteers his post in the triumvirate for thee!



: You observe the treacherous terrain. Pamitha should be better suited to the Rites here than the rest of you.



: So, here’s the thing with this Rite in particular.



: The game forces you to choose Pamitha as your offensive lineman. All other characters are too ‘reluctant’ to join the Rites until you select her…



: … with the exception of Gilman, who refuses to join this Rite at all.

: If that’s the case, he doesn’t need that Talisman that grants him Quickness +2, so we may as well give that to Pamitha.



: Why, I thought you’d never ask, there, darling. I accept!

: If the little bird is going to conduct the Rites for us, then I shall not.



: Narrowing our selection down even further, Jodariel refuses to participate in this Rite, or indeed any Rite, where you select Pamitha before her. Likewise, you will not be able to select Pamitha if you choose Jodariel first.

: So, we’re finally at the vote for our next Rite against the Highwing Remnants. Pamitha is forced to be our forward, and Jodariel refuses to have anything to do with Pamitha.

: Who will be our defenseman, and who will be our support? Our options are Hedwyn, Rukey, Mae, and Ti’zo. Five votes will guarantee their spot, and remember, the order you vote for them matters, and you’re only choosing two this time!