Part 14: 11.A: Anointment

: Earlier, Volfred called for a group meeting, presumably to reveal his plan in more detail. Instead, he reveals some bad news.

: Wait… what are you saying?

: What I’m saying, my boy, is that while you can indeed get yourself out of here, it can’t be all of you at once. We earn our way back one by one, or not at all.

: Whoa whoa whoa, kind of an important detail there!

: But, I thought… I swore that we’d go free, together.

: We may go free, together, yet. But it’s going to take time, and this is one the first phase.

: You, Hedwyn, and the others exchange glances.

: Let me make this plainer for you still. Here is how the coming days are going to unfold.



: Next, we’ll pass through Scribesgate. Only the worthy may pass through there, as your Reader could attest. If he did not merely skim that chapter of the Book.

: You are very presumptuous. I’d read more of the Book if there was more of the Book to read!

: Afterwards, we’ll reach the Fall of Soliam, and meet our adversaries in the Rites. They are to be the Tempers, led by the demon Ignarius. You’ll know him when you see him.

: Both you and they shall choose someone from your respective ranks. Then, once one of the triumvirates prevails, their somebody will be whisked home to the Commonwealth.

: Whisked home to the Commonwealth?

: Precisely. Once returned, our somebody is taken in, and clothed, and fully pardoned.



: It is interesting that the same community and government that punishes sneezing at the wrong time and place with eternal damnation would not only be okay with this procedure, but would reward and celebrate it so openly.

: Many of these details the Scribes themselves wished to be kept secret. Former exiles and the leaders of the Commonwealth alike have good incentive to protect those secrets well.

: …So, then, that’s it? We climb the mountain, someone goes back, and everyone else stays?

: For most of those participating in the Rites, yes, that’s it…. But I like your connotation, and indeed, for us, that isn’t it, at all. If one of us returns, it shall be just a step along our path.

: However… let’s let that sit for now. Gather your strength. We’ll talk again on our way up.

: Volfred leaves the rest of you to consider what he said. You have time now for your Vocations. At dawn, you shall begin your ascent of Mount Alodiel.



: This one took me some thinking, but it had a pretty modest and simple conclusion. Basically, I wasn’t really feeling the global bonuses since we had done that last time, and it came down to whether I wanted to forage for more junk, or to tutor a guy.

: I hadn’t tutored anyone since my very first Vocation, so I’m gonna do that. Money is nice and all, and you’d think that I might prefer the bonuses since we’re getting so close to somebody’s big day, but, at the same time… I just want to buff somebody and give them a bunch of Enlightenment.

: And who among us could use it the most, I wonder?



: Mae is on the cusp of a new level up, so… Mae! Let’s you and me hit the books!



: You sit down with Mae to go over some of the subtler aspects of the Rites, such as the state of banishment and how to return from it. You sense she is beginning to understand.




: With that tutoring session, Mae’s gotten herself a level up, and our available perks are the first-level perk Heightened Reflex (removes the start-up time before Mae jumps or sprints) and the two second-level perks Quick Fling (Mae throws the Orb much faster and further than usual) and Sudden Grasp (after a salute, Mae leaps towards the Orb if nobody is holding it).

: Of the three perks available to me right now, Heightened Reflex is probably the most attractive one. But, the third-level perk I’m working towards is Dark Vigor, where Mae doesn’t lose stamina while she’s holding the Orb. That’s a pretty big deal, so it’s not worth it to me to ditch out of this perk tree while I’m here.

: That said, I’m not a fan of saluting, so, I guess I’ll take Quick Fling. I’ll definitely take Dark Vigor and then I’ll likely take Heightened Reflex over Sudden Grasp later.




: With my tutoring done, we can proceed on our journey to climb Mount Alodiel and head towards our final destination.






Gfy
: Music: To The Stars

: Here before you lies Mount Alodiel, stretching far beyond your line of sight. Somewhere upon this mountain lies the only place from which you can escape the Downside.

: When you put it like that, it’s kind of a difficult-to-imagine place. We’ve been damn near everywhere in the Downside (maybe? We’ve done nothing but head north since the prairie; for all I really know, the Downside could be an entire globe), and our one and only means of escaping this special hell is right there.

: Your companions gather round again before Volfred, who stands tall as ever. Whether from the cold air or the subject now at hand, you sense a tension in the air.

: Now then, you all have many questions, no? I’ve done a lot of talking. So go on, ask away.

: But there is only silence. One question stands out in your mind, which you refrain from asking yet: If only one of you is to go free at first, who shall it be…?

: Go on, now, don’t be shy, who first? Questions.



: Why you, indeed, madam? That, I can explain…. You’ve seen the sort you stand against as adversaries in the Rites. What is it that they want, do you suppose?

: Depends on who you ask. Barker probably just wants a good party.

: They want their freedom back, of course. They’ll settle for it on the Commonwealth’s own terms. They’ll gain their freedom, and some cushy new responsibilities.

: Perhaps then they’ll have a hand in sending still more exiles here to join us.

: Think on it. The Commonwealth rose from the ashes of a fallen Empire thanks to the efforts of the first exiles who escaped this place via the Rites. It is the Commonwealth’s first and proudest tradition to honor those ones who live to redeem their transgressions. They have a certain wisdom, do they not?

: But as for you. I have been looking for a certain set of dispositions for a good length of time. All I needed was for somebody appropriate to show up, and to listen.



: That someone proved to be Hedwyn over there. He was tasked with seeking two trustworthy allies, an old buried wagon, and a Reader. He was invited to bring others for the ride, all different sorts. Gather enough help, and he and his friend could be free.

: Fred makes it sound like it was a suggestion, but throughout our trip in the Downside, Hedwyn made it sound like it was an absolute necessity. I wonder where the wires got crossed, if anywhere.

: Long story, but you know much of the rest. So then, why you? Because I’ve reason to believe you’re not the sort to play right back into the Commonwealth’s old hand.

: The Rites, as you have seen, are quite exclusive. You are imposters in this little party. You could be the ones to break it up.

: Now then, more questions!

: Your head is beginning to spin. You can excuse yourself or keep listening.



: We’re talking about not only our freedoms, here, but an entire cultural and governmental upheaval if we succeed. We should probably keep listening.



: Volfred’s explanations are a lot to take in, though you feel compelled to absorb as much of what he is willing to tell you at this point. He prompts further questions when Jodariel raises her voice again.




: Aah, I see…! Well, but that is simple, really, madam.

: You are chosen… you are qualified, I should say… because, as the expression goes, ’tis what the Scribes ordain. Though, in this case, the expression is quite literally true.

: Wasn’t it you yourself that implied that the Scribes might no longer exist? So, it came down to dumb luck, basically.

: When the Eight created the Rites, each one of them anointed certain other exiles to participate on their behalf… exiles who showed some promise of redemption. The triumvirates they formed have stood the test of time, replenishing their numbers as their individuals moved on or passed on.

: You’ve met them as they are today. The Accusers… the Withdrawn, and so on. The Eight Scribes also formed a special group, against which all the others would be judged.


: Music: Will Of The Scribes

: Are we… are we the bad guys? The Scribes created the Nightwings for every other triumvirate to compete against. We’re the golden standard for everyone else to meet. Which is hardly our fault that we got lumped in with Hedwyn and Jodariel, and I’d much rather this group than hang around Lendel or, heaven forbid, Udmildhe, but, from everyone else’s perspective, we’re basically the Final Bosses that the Gods themselves have selected and favour to win. Considering their very freedom is at stake here, that must not leave a good taste in their mouths.

: You bear their Books. Wear their masks and raiments. You need but show up to the Rites, you see. The others erstwhile jockey for position for a chance to take you on.

: Yeah, well, what if we don’t? What if we don’t show up?

: Then, you would deny yourselves a chance at freedom. And deny it, also, to your adversaries.

: This is a cute way of saying the story doesn’t progress when you aren’t playing the game, haha.

: Victory means nothing in a common Rite, then? Participation is all that matters?

: Not so, madam. Only the enlightened may regain their freedom. While failure can be an excellent teacher, the Scribe do favor the victor.

: So, basically, only characters that have a certain amount of Enlightenment are eligible to regain their freedom. Victory gets us a whole lot more Enlightenment, and tutoring will usher any of us forward in a hurry. This is an interesting way to work experience points into the story.

: So, you see, those who do not conduct the Rites, or do not prevail in them sufficiently, they may find themselves barred from the Liberation Rites. But… these are technicalities.

: The Nightwings disbanded years ago. Since then, no one has gone free. Yet still the other triumvirates pressed on, with fleeting hope that one day you’d be back. It’s been a heavy price to pay in all of this. Now… if you’ll excuse me, we’ll talk again some other time.

: Some murmur to themselves about all this as Volfred takes his leave. Other reconnoiter pathways leading up the mountain and present you with some options.



: Given their names, this seems like it would be a pretty obvious choice, but, that’s not how I’m doing.




: The last time we saw Mae on the field was back with the Pyrehearts, three Rites ago. It feels much longer than that! But we saw Pamitha in the last one, so, I’m going with her. Also, she, like Mae, has yet to steer me wrong.



Gfy

: You join Pamitha on her brief expedition to find anything of value dropped by those who tried to scale the mountain but did not succeed.

: Wait. I shall be joining you.

: What, now, I get two chaperones? But, sure, I’m game, whatever you wingless are into.

: Be silent, little bird, and fetch those trinkets and be done.

: My, so full of bitterness! You really ought to make the most of these last, precious moments that we share.

: And you ought not to mince your words.



: I, the first one out of here?!

: Sometimes, it’s tough to tell whether Pamitha is being genuine, or she’s being a shithead.

: Of course! It’s plain the others pity you. You’ve been here longer than the rest of us, by far! Besides maybe that Volfred, though he seems plenty happy here, making his speeches.

: Okay, yeah, she’s being a shithead. One of the last things you ever want to say to someone like Jodariel is that they’re being pitied.

: How dare you… how dare you to presume. Nothing is decided as of yet.

: Oh, no doubt, no doubt! Though, if by some coincidence you do end up selected for the honor, I just want you to know something.



: Because, that way, you shall be free! Of me at least! And I, in turn, shan’t have to suffer any longer your hideous attitude, toward me and everything.

: At that, you intervene. Jodariel’s eyes burn with fury. But then, she calms herself.

: …I shall see you at the wagon, Reader.

: Pamitha scoffs as Jodariel storms off.

: …I swear, that one. Well, moving on! There’s something sparkling down there. Be right back.

: She swoops out of sight, leaving you alone there on the mountain. Pamitha soon returns with something that lay long-forgotten in the rocks below.




: Hmm. A potential powerful Talisman – we haven’t seen Moon-Drops since our match against Dalbert and the Fate. It all depends on where the Moon-Drop is spawned whenever we land a banishment. It could just as easily work against us, after all.

: Also, goddamn, all I wanted was a Talisman, and it had to turn into a whole thing. You’d think the two would just agree to say nothing, if we’re honestly all working towards the same goal, Pamitha.



: Interestingly, our path forks once more before we reach our goal at the Fall of Soliam. And unusually, neither of them have particularly foreboding names.




: Second verse, same as the first verse: the last time we saw Hedwyn in a Rite was against the Essence, whereas Gilman was with Pamitha when we went against the Chastity just one Rite ago. Also, Gilman would probably appreciate getting a good soak on his scales; it’s been a rather long time since the Sea of Solis.



Gfy

: AT LONG LAST!!

: The wyrm surges toward the waters of the cistern. You decided to join him for a brief excursion there after another hard day’s ride. You find him in a shallow pool, appearing very much contented.

: This knight… he thought he may never again feel freshwater’s cool caress against his scales.

: He sighs, splashing about from time to time…. Then, he turns his attention over to you.

: You, Master-Reader, are most kind. To take with you this wayward knight. He swears to prove him-self to you and to the rest.

: He knows that, soon now, someone may go free. He knows the choice of whom may weigh upon you heavily indeed. For it is you who ought to make the choice, is that not so? This knight, he heard it from the others, so it must be true!



: This knight’s penance isn’t yet complete. There’s much atoning to be done…. So, when rises the occasion to decide who ought go free, this knight wants you to know something.



: With that, Sir Gilman sinks into the waters. His tail waves to you to leave him be for now.



: See, the thing with characters as chivalrous and altruistic as Gilman, the problem is that I’m not certain he’ll ever consider himself worthy of his own freedom. We don’t know why he was banished here to the Downside, and it could be something as dastardly as multiple homicide, or it could be something as simple as accidentally scuffing the boot of some high-ranking Justice in the system. No matter what his crime was, there’s a decent chance that Gilman won’t ever think he’s worthy to return home because of it.

: As generous as the notion is, and if I weren’t writing this LP and depending on the thread for the big votes and decisions, I’m not entirely certain I’d honour his wish. Maybe I would for this one round, but the longer he keeps insisting he stay, the less I’d consider it, for his own good.

: All that said, he does get a reward for his chivalry:




Gfy

: You and your companions gather at Scribesgate, where the single narrow trail to the summit narrows even more, and falls under an archway carved of stone.

: Come along, now, everyone, and be prepared to speak your mind when you are called.

: Frankly, most of you still lack enlightenment. But we may pass together, much how we act as with a single heart and mind during the Rites.

: Well then, lead onward, Tariq.

: Please, follow me.



: When the last of your companions nears the arch, you notice someone standing high above, who then appears before you. She eyes The Lone Minstrel first.



: It is. Greetings, Celeste.

: And, how was your rest?

: Too long, Celeste.

: It seems your work has piled up in the meantime. You bring this many to the gate?

: Aye.

: Then, let us make this quick.

: She gestures toward the rest of you.

: Now, each of you, in turn, state who you are and what you seek whilst crossing Scribesgate.

: Do as she says, please, without questioning.

: Your fellow exiles exchange glances but quickly comply.



: Whoa.

: The woman bids him forward. The Lone Minstrel prompts Rukey to speak up next.

: They, uh, I am regarded by the name of Rukey Greentail. I just want to get out of here, I guess, with my chums, preferably. Go see Mama back home.

: I am Captain Jodariel. I do not truly know as yet what I am seeking, here.

: Oh, my name is Mae? And, I am here, I think, because the Scribes have called to me! It must be them, because if not, then who?

: (Ti’zo seeks to live up to the Nightwings’ legacy, and maybe see the Commonwealth someday.)

: Sir Gilman of the Sea-Dominion, at your service!! This knight is on a quest to find his honor! He… lost it at a certain point.

: Pamitha Theyn. I’m only here because my Sister’s here.



: You. I recognize you from the Nightwings of the past. You are not clad in the raiments any longer… I would know why?

: …I had my chance, already. The Nightwings that now stand before you… I travel with them as a pilgrim, now.

: I see…. Then, state why you are here, as have the others.

: My name is Volfred Sandalwood. I seek liberty for each of us, so that one day we all might stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the other side, and bring our freedom to the people there.

: She waves him by. Then, she turns to you, for there is no one left to go.



: Hmm. This pretty much purely flavour, but it gives me the opportunity to flesh out my character a little bit. All we really know is that I can read and that, apparently, I’m in no condition to participate in the Rites. So, maybe I’m a crippled scholar?

: Nah, that’s not very interesting. Where’s the strife? Where’s the drama? They don’t tell stories about old bookworms or farmers. Let’s give us some motivation; a cursed background and a bone to pick.



: In many ways, you were an outcast from the start, and suffered through your youth, never experiencing a parent’s guidance. Your exile was maybe something of a blessing, and it ultimately led you here.

: The one called Celeste continues to examine you, expecting you to add to your response.



: Building on the ‘my parents are dead’ background, choosing revenge would be the easy option. But, that’s also very cliché and overdone; what audiences want nowadays is redemption stories. Where a dude can go through the hell that is a war-torn, parentless childhood and make it out wanting nothing more than to see others succeed, in the hopes that what has happened to him would never happen a second time.



: The companions you have met here, who have helped you to survive, and to find kinship in the Downside… your priority is to ensure that they achieve their goals. That is all you wish, for now.

: The woman regards you for a time, then nods once, and waves all of you by.

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

: And, Tariq…?

: Aye, Celeste?

: Be on your way, as well.

: The Lone Minstrel bows his head, and puts his hat back on. He does not look back at her.



Gfy

: From the top of Mount Alodiel you can see the distant Downside before you. You think on the many thousand leagues you crossed to reach this point as the sky grows dim.



: We have a handful of things to do before… the big moment. We might as well start as we usually do: by having a word with one of our companions.



: Jodariel’s answer to Celeste at the Scribesgate was surprisingly somber and… clouded, I guess is a good word. She must have a bit on her mind. Maybe talking them out will help her somehow.

: Jodariel appears to be prepared for whatever is to come this night. Though it is not yet dark, she is already in her raiments. Hedwyn soon joins her, also looking ready.

: Any sign of Rukey?

: None as yet. Complained about a chafing at the collar of his mask.

: Our freedom might be hinging on that collar, then.

: I am certain that it is.



: The three of you exchange glances, but nothing is said, or needs to be said. Soon, if Volfred is to be believed, one of your companions may regain his or her freedom.

: HEY, what’d I miss, am I late, is it starting, is it starting yet?!

: Easy, Rukey. We got a little time. It isn’t starting yet.

: How fare your struggles with your mask, Greentail?

: Feeling a lot better, thanks!! Just had to smash it repeatedly against a wall for a little bit. Put some of the old nerves to bed, there, for good measure!



: By dawn, in fact. If all goes well.

: If all goes well…? That’s one way to look at it, I guess.

: What are you getting at, Greentail?

: Well, it’s just… we might be breaking up the band, here, people. If one of us gets out. That’s been bugging me a while now. I thought we all were getting out of here at once.

: He shoots a look at you.

:

: Some of us, we might not be getting out of here at all….



: No…. Not if I can help it. We made a promise to each other, each of us. The four of us. We’re all getting out of here. I care about the others, too, I do. But, we’ve been here from the start. I want you to know… my promise is to you. And I believe you’ll do the same for me.

: So, it’s like this… if any one of us gets out, great, but it’s just a start. We’re going to do whatever it takes there, on the other side, to make it so the rest of us can get back, too.

: What, you think they’re gonna build a bridge down here if we ask nice, or something?

: I don’t know what it’s going to take. I just know we have to try.

: Jodariel turns to you.

: Reader. We shall find a way.

: She nods, to reassure you, and to reassure herself. Rukey nods his head, in turn.



: …Well, my friends? I think it’s just about time. Let’s go.

: One by one, they turn towards the door. The Fall of Soliam awats… a vital step in your quest for freedom, yet you feel in your heart that it shall only be the first.



: Hell, I don’t mind waiting my turn.

: Before we start the Rite, we still have a few things to do. Namely, the first is to check out that new page.


Gfy



: And finally, the last thing we need to do to elongate putting off the final Rite is to pay a visit to Ron. I wonder how he got past the gate – would Celeste have accepted ‘I wanna sell some junk’ as a valid reason for moving on?



: You’re here ’cause I got the lowest prices in all the Downside, am I right? And some of the new stuff I got in stock, you’re gonna get a lot of value there, an awful lot!!

: Is it gonna be the biggest and the best stuff, and am I gonna use it to win so much that I’ll be tired of winning?

: Also, you have the only prices in the Downside, as far as I’m aware. Which, I guess, that technically means your prices are, in fact, the lowest.



: Ron has three more Pinches of Stardust, which vary in price and in potency: one blunt goes for thirty Sol, but also raises the level of a Talisman by three. His cheapest pinch only costs five, so, I’ll go ahead and buy that.

: But, more interestingly…



: This is pretty useful for obvious reasons. If I’m ever in a spot where I think I want to reconsider my masteries and perks, this is what I would use to achieve that. At a modest twenty Sol per hit, this can be a very useful Plan B.



: Oh, nice, that’s one of them Scribe Snuff thingers, there, huh? One dab of those little guys and you’ll be, like, wooooo, know what I mean? They’re pretty popular! But I got my connections, and they got their connections, and THEY got THEIR connections, and they got plenty more of those! So, just come and see me and Dad here later on, we ought to have one back in stock!

: Ron, you’re a good guy.




: With nothing else between us and our first – and somebody’s last – Liberation Rite, it’s finally time to give the stars one more peek before we commence with one more game of Sportsball.



: Yes. Though, several of us have another question that’s been troubling us.

: You need but ask.

: …You said that one of us is going to return to the Commonwealth if we defeat the Tempers in the Rites this night…. What happens if we fail?

: Hedwyn, my boy. Don’t you see? The path to freedom and the path to enlightenment are one and the same. Do you intend to stray from the path?

: …No.

: Then, you have nothing to fear.

: What kind of non-answer–



: What, then, is to be done? The very same as if we achieve victory… we await our next such opportunity, and make the most of it.

: Tonight, our Plan is set into motion. We are united in our cause. We shall look as ever toward the stars for guidance, and seize upon our future chances, just as they arise.



Gfy
: Music: The Old Ways



: 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 Tempers! Come forth, now, and declare yourself, and pay any respects you have unto your adversaries, the Nightwings.

: A massive demon swaggers into view. He reaches for his mask.


: Music: Rage of Demons

: He takes notice of someone in your ranks.

: Hey, you!!

: He indicates Jodariel. She scoffs back at him.

: Lose the mask. Ain’t seen one of our own in ages, not in these damned robes.

: Jodariel’s hesitation is almost imperceptible before she moves to remove her mask, just as her adversary asked.



: Whoaa…! You must be new!

: Jodariel soon puts her mask back on.

: …Enough talk.

: Hah! I like you, Curly-Horns.

: Tell you what. Once we put out your lights, you come along with these guys. We’re gonna have a spot open. Only shame is I ain’t gonna be around to show you a good time.

: You’re betting on a horse with three legs, buddy.

: I should rather cut out my tongue.

: Oh, you don’t mean that. Our kind, we ought to stick together.



: Ignarius throws his mask back on as his allies snarl at the rest of you.



: Have the Nightwings reached a decision on whose behalf they shall conduct the Rite?

: The Lone Minstrel gets your attention in his subtle way.

: Reader… this is it. The first companion whom you choose shall be anointed to go free this very night if you prevail. The other two in the triumvirate shall lend their aid.

: As you may know, only the most enlightened in the Rites are eligible to go free. Not all among you may be ready yet.

: Now, Nightwings! I would have your decision.



: There is a minimum Enlightenment threshold that each of our characters must meet in order to be eligible to be pardoned from the Downside during a Liberation Rite. In the event that not enough characters meet this threshold – you require three in order to participate in a Rite – they’ll give it to whoever comes closest.

: And, because we’ve been rotating our roster fairly regularly, our options are… limited this time around. And even if Gilman qualified, he’s opted to excuse himself this time.





: Even though we cannot anoint anyone except Hedwyn, Jodariel, or Mae, the rest can still participate in the Rite to assist our chosen champion in their ascension to freedom.

Who will we choose?



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?



Jodariel has a stern way with words and she isn’t the best at first impressions, but, even if she doesn’t want to admit it, she’s got a heart of gold and if anyone could be described as the ‘parent’ of the group, it would be her. She’s devoted to Hedwyn and his ideals and was the first one to welcome Mae into the Nightwings. Her crime is unknown, and not even she understands what it is she wants to gain from travelling all the way here – she’s been in the Downside so long that she had abandoned the hope of escaping when we first started, but now that freedom is staring her in the eye, she can’t bring herself to admit that she wants it.

Do we anoint Jodariel?



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 can sometimes have a difficult, or unique, time with words, and given the state of the Commonwealth, it’s entirely possible that her only crime was simply that she viewed the world differently.

Do we anoint Mae?

One of these three candidates must be chosen for this Rite, though the other two spots – support and defense – are available to all members of the Nightwings, including Rukey, Ti’zo, Sir Gilman, and Pamitha.

Should we succeed in this Rite against Ignarius and the Tempers, our anointed champion will be removed from the game.

Permanently.

Ten votes. Choose wisely.