Part 95: Vacation’s All I Ever Wanted

Chapter 2: Vacation’s All I Ever Wanted




The paladin gets a bit more out of this conversation than other classes. Let’s listen in.

I sense that your adventures in Mordavia have altered you. You seem more mature and wise, but there is some sorrow in your soul. The price for being a hero is sometimes costly.
Yeah, I know. I grew up in Mordavia, did I ever tell you that? I was able to put some things behind me that I didn’t even know were bugging me. Oh, and I found out what happened to Erana.
Erana? I have heard many stories about her; she was a paladin in all but name. So what did you discover?
She died trying to stop a Dark One from entering our world. Thing is, the spell never quite finished, and so it wasn’t until I did the ritual and brought her staff to her that she was able to banish it completely. I also kind of had these…dreams…about her. I’ll tell you all about it later.
It grieves me to learn of Erana’s death, but at least her soul is free now. She was a wizard with the soul of a paladin, and she brought kindness and joy to the world. It was good that you were there to give her peace. By the way, you left Soulforge behind when you Teleported away in Tarna.
That’s okay, I got one from Mordavia. It’s the sword Piotyr used when he fought alongside Erana, and I got permission from his grandson to keep it.
That is good. I believe I will keep Soulforge again. I may have need of it in Silmaria. I also have the sapphire pin you always wore. I could sense the magic of friendship which it contains.

Remember the pin we go way back in 2? The one the thief used to pick his way out of prison? It didn’t really serve a purpose in 3, instead acting as a sort of “congratulations for using an imported character” item. This time, all the classes except thief get it from Rakeesh, whether you import or not. It's still pretty pointless, though.

Wow, thanks! Anything else I could use?
Not as such. However, there is something I think could prove useful in the near future.
What’s that?
I believe that much of the problems in Silmaria are masking a greater evil. Too many things happened recently—the assassination, the invasion, sea folk declaring war. I am certain they are tied in some way. Silmaria needs a Ring of Truth to uncover the lies that hide here.
A what?
The Ring of Truth is a magical device that only a paladin can make, or so I’ve been told. I’ve never made one myself. I know of it from the paladin who first gave me a sword and set me on the path of righteousness. A Ring of Truth is made from the ring of a true king. It must be forged in the blood of the earth, and consecrated by the blood of a paladin. Lastly, it must be tempered by the waters of binding. When these things have been completed, then shall a Ring of Truth be made. When a lie is spoken in its presence, it will glow. By this, you can prove the guilt of one who would deceive you.
That seems like a lot of effort for a magic lie-detector ring.
That tends to be true when no wizards are involved. Plus it cannot be confused by magic of any sort.
Cool. But where do I even get half that crap?
I believe we can get the basic ring from Logos. Come, we should visit the Hall of Kings again.


We are honored to have another paladin in our city. Rakeesh has spoken of your deeds in Tarna and Shapeir. You have truly earned the title.
I have had a sense of underlying danger in Silmaria, which is why we are back here. I believe we will have need for a Ring of Truth.
A Ring of Truth? I thought those only existed in folk tales.
They are rare, and only a paladin can make one. It requires four parts: the ring of a rightful ruler, forged in the blood of the earth, purified by the blood of a paladin, and bathed in the waters of binding.
The ring seems impossible. Where does one find earth’s blood or water of binding?
See, that’s what I wanted to know, too.
Those answers are the essence of the quest. Even without knowing what you need to find, will you strive to create a Ring of Truth?
Yeah, sure. I know where to get paladin blood, at least.
Thank you for accepting. It will be dangerous, I’m certain. First, though, we will need a king’s ring.
I do wear King Justinian’s ring. It wasn’t forged in the blood of the earth, though.
The ring can be re-forged. Logos, I really believe that this will aid Silmaria.
Very well. Here, this was Justinian’s ring. I wish you luck with it.
Thanks.
You will need luck, my friend, and all the wisdom and valor that lies within you. Farewell.

A couple of other things before we go back.


In addition to the magic spells, this screen also shows paladin abilities that need to be activated. Those are the ones with the shield-shaped background. As you can see we have a couple extra abilities right off the bat thanks to having more than the expected Honor level. The white and red cross is obviously the healing ability, the fleur-de-lis is the Honor Shield (and now needs to be activated each use), the red shield protects against magic attacks, and then there’s Destroy Undead. Ah, Destroy Undead. It’s not kidding at all; activate the ability, click on the undead enemy, and watch it pop. So much fun.


There is also a score menu where you can see how you’re doing. I still don’t really know where all the experience points come from, but the puzzle points are back once again, and this time go up to 1000 instead of 500.

Oh, and the paladin sword? It’s pretty damn good. It makes your Offense stat go up 40 points, which is nothing to sneeze at.




Wonder what this place is about?


Huh.


Ah, good to see you again. I welcome you to the arena of Silmaria. Here we are holding gladiatorial combats each evening for the next few weeks.
Wait. Ferrari?
Signor Ferrari.
Right, whatever. The last time I saw you you were all after you sold me out to Khaveen. What the hell are you even doing here?
Ah, well, I’m afraid that now is not exactly the right time or place to be discussing our previous or potential associations. However, you might find me later this evening at the Dead Parrot Inn, where you will also be able to set bets on the contests that take place within this building, or sign up to compete yourself. Viewing these displays of man’s brutal nature will cost you but five drachmas.
Wait, so you own this arena?
The Inn, as well. I have done considerably well since the last time you and I met, although a certain object still eludes my grasp. But let us speak of this more at a later time.
Right. We’re going to have quite a discussion, I believe.
I expect so. We shall meet again soon, I hope.
Goodbye for now, Ferrari.
Signor Ferrari.
What’s his problem?
This is Abdum, one of the former guards of the emir’s harem. Not terribly bright, but sufficiently stubborn to act as my ticket officer. Until this evening, Prince Nike.


One last thing on Nob Hill is the billboard.


News is divided into four categories: current events, island news, Rites of Rulership, and Silmaria news. At the moment, there is only one item of interest for each category. Current events mentions that the Rites of Rulership will start once five or more contestants enter, and island news discusses how the fishing villages are abandoned what with the Hesperian mercenaries, and that honeybees are deserting their hives (which is a bad omen, apparently). The first thing listed under the RoR is an advertisement (Silmaria wants you!), and Silmaria news has a short obituary for Justinian, wishing him well in the Elysian Fields of Hades.


Just below the Hill is the town square, though it's really more of a circle.


Let’s start by going to the big, vaulted building that’s either a bank or a library.


Greetings, and welcome to the First Bank of Silmaria. This is the safest place to keep your savings secure from pickpockets and thieves. Would you like to leave your money with me? Oh, it’s you. I was told you were coming. Your friends set up a savings account in your name. Hefty sum of 500 drachmas. You’ve got some generous friends, let me tell you.
You know who I am?
Oh yeah, not too many folks around here with blond hair wearing leather jerkins. I’m surprised you’re not sweating like a sauna under that.
Dude, I’ve been to the jungle and back in this. I’m fine. So you’ve actually got a bank here? Closest I usually see is a money changer.
And you’ve probably seen them robbed, haven’t you? That’s why I set this place up. The First Bank of Silmaria will keep your money safe and secure. Drachmas can get heavy when you carry too much of them, and you make yourself a target for every cut-purse around.
Oh? How secure are we talking?
Your savings are being kept in the most secure safe in all of Silmaria. The safe is equipped with the latest in modern locks, and has a complex trap guaranteed to fry the robber foolish enough to try it.
It’s trapped? How does the trap work?
Now, now, I can’t tell you everything about our security systems. Can’t afford to let things like that get out, you see.
If you say so. So how does the Rulership fund work, exactly?
Quite simply, since the fund is also set up with my bank. Simply declare your intentions and I will shift 1000 drachmas from your account to the fund. Oh, and don’t worry about withdrawing funds to spend your money, either; I have a credit exchange set up with the local merchants, so you can deduct from your account when you don’t have sufficient funds on your person.
Pretty snazzy setup.
You like it? I’m rather proud of the convenience of it all, myself.
Guess I should be going…wait, did you tell me your name? I forget.
Oh, I’m sorry, I’m Sam. Sam the banker man, owner and operator of this bank.
Hold on. Sam?

*Flashback*

Well, I suppose even a thief-hero must give to the poor. Let’s see…rations, jerkin, dagger, lockpick, ah, money pouch. Here you are, good man!
Thanks, mate. Name’s Sam, by the way.

*End Flashback*

Did you happen to be in Spielburg last spring?
That’s right. I thought you looked familiar. Yeah, we met in Spielburg when I was working the alley as a professional panhandler. It wasn’t too long after you left that the pass cleared and tourists flocked back to town. I made a small fortune, and said bye-bye to those cold climes. After doing some traveling, I came to Silmaria, and needed a place to stash my cash. So I started my own bank. Seemed appropriate, after all. I’m still asking others for their money.
Didn’t you used to have hair?
Nah, that was just my begging wig. I’ve found that tourists tend to give more money to younger-looking beggars.
Weird. Well, see you later.
Our banking hours are dawn to dusk daily. Thank you for banking with the First Bank of Silmaria.


Hello. Seems like forever since the last time I saw a Katta.
Greetings, wanderer from afar. Welcome to the sea sands and shores of Silmaria. I am Sarra, a Katta as you so graciously pointed out, and I sell jewelry and gifts. How may I aid you on your journey?
Hold on. You’re the first Katta I’ve seen in months, and you’re selling merchandise? Outside? In the bazaar?
Why yes, sir, this does appear to be a bazaar. And your point?
You’re not exactly helping your case by fulfilling the stereotypes, you know.
What? What are you talking about?
Oh, never mind. So what did you say you sold here?
I am the seller of jewelry and baubles to please the eye and enhance the beauty of the wearer.
Not really my kind of thing.
Perhaps not, but surely a woman who happened to be close to your heart would enjoy such things as I sell.
I think they’re both kind of past caring about that sort of thing. Are there any other Kattas in the area?
Just my family. My mate, Marrak the food seller, and my daughter Salla, the maker of music, are here in this land of water and waves to make our fortune. Marrak sells his food from a cart on the other side of this plaza, while my daughter Salla plays music for passersby. I hope that someday she will be invited to perform somewhere other than the streets of Silmaria.
Now that’s what I’m talking about! Encouraging your kids to break out of society’s chains!
What do you keep talking about?
Never mind that. So, can I see your wares?


This is the new purchasing screen for QfG5. Each item for sale can be found here, and you can get a description of each by clicking on the merchant’s portrait on the side. You can also finally sell items to certain merchants, although they’ll only buy related merchandise. Sarra here has a simple bead necklace, a pile of assorted jewelry that always looks like a freakish animal skull at this distance, a good luck charm (that actively affects Luck), and Hera’s Ring, which you can offer to any of the four ladies we’ll be meeting later. Good luck getting them to accept, though.


Clicking on an item brings up more detailed description, along with the haggling interface. This works just like it did back in 3: You make a low offer, the merchant counters, and you reach a compromise. At the moment, 200 for a luck charm is a bit pricy, so we’ll be leaving quietly instead.


Just to the left of Sarra is Wolfie’s stand. Imagine that he’s voiced by Apu from the Simpsons and you’re not far off.

Greetings, greetings, greetings. It is always a pleasure to meet someone new. Welcome to Silmaria. I am Wolfie, an artist and artisan of Grecian urns and amphorae.
What’s a Grecian urn?
Are we speaking union or non-union?
What?
Sorry. A joke on my part. Amphorae are Grecian urns. They are used to carry liquids of all varieties.
Is there much call for that?
Oh my, yes. You would do well to have several on your person at all times.
I’ll take your word for it. So what’s Silmaria like?
Silmaria is a very fine city, yes indeed. This is the best place to buy many things in the town square. You can meet many people here, as well. Some of them will be so kind as to not pick your pocket as they walk by. At the docks, you can rent a boat and take a pleasant sea voyage. It is most fun, as long as you do not drown or get attacked by sea people. I am not much up at Nob Hill, except daily to read the notices and to keep informed of the many things that go on in this city. It is how I know the assassin has been killing people on the streets of Silmaria. I have even made a visit to the guild of adventurers in the west part of town, even though I am not an adventurer. The guildmaster there is most impressive. If he came from where I came from, he would be most sacred. I think you will be very happy in Silmaria. It is a very good place to be, even if the city is soon to be overrun with foreign soldiers and destroyed economically by war with the sea people. Oh, you must be very careful of the monsters, thieves, and the assassins here, too. All in all, you will find Silmaria to be most exciting.
Wow. I just had flashbacks to a certain meat merchant in Tarna. Where did you say you were from again?
I am sorry, but I have not said where I was from at all. I came from the land of Punjabi, where my people, the Canines, live. My people are cunning and clever, I am thinking. There is not a one of us who does not make very much money by working all the time. In this way, we do not find the time to spend the money we make. And Punjabi is lying to the east of here by many, many miles. It is in the land of Inja. Some day, I hope to sell enough to be making my way back there. At times I am most homesick.
I suppose all the thieves and assassins don’t help much with that.
Oh no, they are reminding me much of the thieves and assassins of home! There was not a day gone by when I did not admire how a thief had taken something before my eyes without me seeing him. Ah, most of them are gone away right now.
Where’d they go?
I have heard that these thieves are off searching for an ebony raven or some such. This is most curious, for I have seen such a bird flying over the city. You would think that they would look up there for it, first.
It’s not quite a living…sorry, you were telling me about your works?
Ah yes, I am making these amphorae and pots to sell for the people. I am also making nice maps for people to get lost with. Most of all, I am paining fine pictures that never sell. Tails do make very good paintbrushes, if you are lucky enough to have one. Would you like to have a look?


Wolfie sells three things: amphorae (you need a good 4-5 of these to beat the game), a map (you can’t leave town without one), and…

What’s this?
Do you like it? It is a painting I made of a strange balloon I believe I saw one day while I was resting outside. I think I may have been daydreaming, but it makes a very pretty picture, do you not agree?
Huh. I think Doc told me about a balloon once, too. I may have to buy this from you.
Very good, sir, very good!