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11) “So you recognized this blade?”
2*Absolutely, I'd recognize that thing anywhere.
3I'm surprised you have it out in the open like that.
4We went through such great lengths to hide it.*
5    1a) “What can you tell me about it?”
6*About The Blade of Exodus? It's extraordinary.
7I have no idea where it came from, or the full scope of its power.
8It can repurpose life into an energy that serves the wielder.
9That gear at the base can also spin, which should be impossible.
10It's almost like some parts of the blade exist in a different world.
11I'm starting to think that's the case. Where else would it store all that power?*
12       1aa) “What are your thoughts on this weapon?”
13*It's practically cheating. Whoever wields it has almost infinite power.
14I don't think of The Triumvirate as Gods. They were just abusing this weapon.
15Now that they don't have it -- taking them down should be child's play.*
16       1ab) “How does it accomplish such a thing?”
17*I have no idea, and I don't think we'll ever find out.
18It must tap into a person's spirit before it travels to the spirit realm.
19That's the only non-physical part of us that could be considered “energy”.*
20       1ac) “How long has The Triumvirate had it?”
21*I'm assuming they've always had it. That's how they came to power.
22Some people seem to think they used the blade to create our entire world.
23Not many people know about it, though -- and they see The Triumvirate as all-powerful.  
24They really aren't. They're just men who came upon a greater power.
25And now -we- have that greater power. We can rule Alestia far better than them.
26I think we should destroy the blade after we win. It's a tool of corruption. We need purity.*
27    1b) “How did The Rebellion manage to seize it?
28*It wasn't too long ago. Maybe half a year. But The Rebellion planned an attack.
29Our previous leader planned it down to even the -smallest- detail.
30Steal the blade, map out their castle -- and pave way for our future liberation.
31I'll be honest. He knew he was going to die. He used his final moments to get the blade.
32Some people think it's a little fishy. How could we win so easily? Did they let us win?
33I don't think its that deep. I just don't think they expected our leader to effectively commit suicide.*
34        1ba) ”That sounds so impressive Were you on that mission?“
35*I was. Change the subject.*
36        1bb) ”I would've liked to meet the old leader. I won't let him down.“
37*I'm sure you won't. I don't think any of us will.
38The scope of his planning went farther than I could've imagined.
39Being The Elder of Valinorth, he planned every aspect of your involvement.
40I guess breaking Valinorth's non-partisan stance made perfect sense to him.
41Everything piece was in place. The liberation of Alestia never looked more attainable.
42I just hope that you're everything he wanted you to be. Wielding that blade isn't easy.*
43        1bc)  ”Do you think Damek will do a good job as his replacement?“
44*He already is, and I'm happy to serve him. Things are going swimmingly.
45It helps that he was one of the founding members of The Rebellion, too.
46At that point, though; he was too young to lead. Things are different now.
47He's done a fine job of honoring our leader's legacy, and guiding us to victory.
48He had to make a few hard decisions, but I trust his judgment unconditionally.
49Everything is going according to plan. One final assault on their castle is all we need.*
50    1c) ”In my vision, Sovy used it on you...“
51*Wait --  he used The Blade of Exodus on me? That's impossible.
52There's no way he'd be able to wield it. You're the only one.
53Even Damek nearly died the first time he touched it.
54I'm still surprised though, he had a small vision when he did.
55Perhaps he has some spiritual energy inside of him...
56Either way -- hopefully I went out in a blaze of glory.*
57         1ca) ”You went out like a hero. You bought us time to escape.“
58*Yeah, that sounds like me. I wouldn't have it any other way.
59I'm just thankful that this vision won't come to pass. I have a lot of life left in me.
60That makes me wonder, though -- what was the purpose of seeing something like that?
61I can understand a vision of Valinorth being attacked. But seeing me, and watching me die?
62We've never even met. How is it possible to know what I look like, and how I act?
63I know the spirits can give visions of the future. But that's so oddly specific, when it won't even happen.*
64         1cb) ”His strength seemed incredible. Was it him or the blade...?“
65*Sovy is an incredibly strong adversary, even without the blade.
66But if he's able to wield it? We better make sure it never enters his hands.
67His strength -- coupled with that blade? I don't frighten easily, but that's terrifying.*
68         1cc) ”Wait -- you mean Sovy can't use the blade...?“ 
69*There's no way he should be able to. I imagine even -you're- having a hard time.
70It's not meant for just anybody to wield. You must have a remarkable spiritual connection.
71Damek might have a small one, but Sovy? A man like that has -no- relation to the spirits.*
72    1d) ”Do you think we'll win because of it?“
73*Hard to say. That depends on your ability to wield it, I assume.
74The Triumvirate had that blade for an eternity. You don't have that much time to learn
75Not to put too much pressure on your shoulders. I'm just telling it like it is.*
76         1da) ”Damek saw our victory, though. Zamira told me.“
77*Yeah, but you also saw me die, right?
78These visions aren't as reliable as I've been led to believe.
79Rather than seeing the future, it's almost like it shows you what to -avoid-.
80Too bad we can't avoid what's coming to Valinorth, though.
81When Damek touched the blade, he saw Valinorth fall, and The Rebellion win.
82It seems like he's embracing what he saw. Good thing you're not -- or else I'd be dead.*
83         1db) ”Aside from visions and blades -- how do you feel about this war?“
84*You mean how do I feel about this war without our most valuable assets? Pretty terrible.
85Without vision to guide us, and that blade to grant us power, we'd be dead.
86There's no way we could take them down through conventional means.
87However -- at the moment, everything is in our favor. Everything
88We just need to be careful. Do -not- let The Triumvirate, or Sovy, take that blade back.
89If we can do that, then victory is as good as ours. A new future will rise to greet Alestia.*
90         1dc)  ”I'm glad to be on the winning side. This is going to be scary.“
91*Scary is an understatement. But I've never been more certain of our victory.
92Damek is pretty excited to meet you, actually. You're going to help us win this war.*
93   1e) ”To be honest, I actually can't even really use it.“
94*I'm fully aware of that. It'll take some training to get used to it.
95When we get to Mazeo, Damek will place you under a strict training regiment.
96You need to get as much practice as possible before we launch our attack.*
97         1ea) ”With enough practice, I'm sure I'll be able to master it.“
98*Of course, and I'm glad you look at it that way.
99Practice makes perfect. We can't expect you to use it immediately.
100Just do your best to be careful while training. You know what that thing is capable of.*
101         1eb) ”Would you like to try using it, Ulric?“
102*I'll pass, thanks.*
103         1ec) ”Do you think maybe somebody else could wield it instead...?“
104*Damek was able to use it, for only a brief second.
105Any longer than that, and he would've died.
106I think this one rests on your shoulders, Seer/ess.”*
107             1eca) ”I can't be the only one. I refuse to believe that.“
108*And yet, here we are.
109Let's just go with the flow.
110No use fighting what's set in stone.*
111             1ecb) ”Fate has chosen me. I accept the responsibility.“
112*Good. Fighting your calling is never the right idea.
113Just embrace it, and let's do great things together.
114You'll make it out of this as a hero. You're too valuable to die.*
1152) ”What can you tell me about Damek and The Rebellion?“
116*Well, The Rebellion was formed around twenty years ago.
117Survivors of The Occupation banded together, and sought justice.
118Adults trained orphaned children, to make them the perfect soldiers.
119A long time has passed, and now the children are old enough to fight.
120That, and they've been perfectly trained. Almost their only purpose.
121Damek was one of these children. The previous leader raised him as his own.*
122    2a) ”How did -you- come to join it?“ (Reaction)
123*Obviously I'm a little older. I wasn't a victim of The Occupation.
124When it happened, I was just arriving in Mazeo to sell my sword arm.
125I moved here from Alarinthia as soon as I had the chance.
126Imagine wanting a new start, and arriving in the middle of a war zone.
127That's pretty much what happened. So I did that anyone in my situation would do.
128I joined the winning side. I fought with The Triumvirate. I thought I could prove myself and get hired.
129It was going well, until I realized they were killing innocent people, and children.
130I turned on them as quickly as I joined, fighting for Mazeo. I was one of the first Rebels.
131I got to watch Damek grow up, and slowly become the new General. I saw everything.*
132       2aa) ”I'm glad you ended up choosing the right side.“
133*That's purely subjective, but I happen to think you're right.
134The Triumvirate needs to be taken down, or held accountable for what they did.
135Leaders should never get a free pass for committing atrocities. Never.
136I'm sure there's been insurrectios in the past. There's always freedom fighters.
137But the thing about us -- is that we have The Blade of Exodus. We hold our victory.
138That's what made me pledge allegiance to The Rebellion, rather than be a sellsword.*
139       2ab) ”You killed innocents? That's horrible, Ulric!
140*Look, I realized the error of my ways, and did everything I could to make amends.
141We can't say the same about The Triumvirate. They're still sticking to their tyrannical ways.
142You can be mad at me all you want, but that was almost a lifetime ago, and I'm different.*
143       2ac) ”In your situation, I would've done the same.“
144*Glad to know we think alike. Some people get upset when I tell them that.
145The most important thing is that I'm a changed man, while The Triumvirate is not.
146They need to be held accountable, they've done lots of horrible things.
147And what's worse -- is that they don't see them as wrong. They'll never stop.
148That's why it falls upon our hands to take them down, and we finally have the means.*
149   2b) ”Tell me more about Damek.“ (Reaction)
150*He's a good man. I've watched him grow and develop into a capable soldier.
151He always has this way of being happy, and optimistic, no matter what the odds.
152Even if we lost almost every rebel, he'd still find a way to keep us going. I know it.
153Cracking a joke or two is always in his nature, even in the most grim circumstances.
154It can lighten up the mood, that's for sure. Nothing is worse than low morale.
155That's probably the thing he's best at. Making sure the troops are happy, and ready to fight.*
156      2ba) ”He seems like a good man. I'm glad to be serving him.“
157*I feel the same way. I'm confident that he'll lead us to victory.*
158      2bb) ”That's an interesting attitude to have when you're fighting a war.“
159*Yeah, but it works. The morale of our troops is clear proof of that.
160Cold and calculated, but also personable and witty. He's a unique guy.*
161      2bc) ”I think he needs to wisen up. You can't act that way when you're a leader.“
162*Tell that to him yourself. I'm sure he'll get a kick out of it.
163He can lead any way he wants, as long as the army is happy and strong.
164If you're worried about him getting cocky because of that blade -- I wouldn't be.
165He's well aware that The Blade of Exodus isn't a ”defeat The Triumvirate“ for free card.
166The way he approaches strategy is really something else. I'd follow any order he gives.
167Maybe you'll warm up to him after you meet him. Woud I really follow someone incapable of leading?*
168   2c) ”So The Rebellion is largely made up of occupation victims...?“ 
169*Absolutely. Everybody lost something special that day.
170Families were torn apart, many people lost the will to live.
171A lot of the children only had one thing on their mind -- revenge.
172And a lot of the adults saw one thing -- an army ripe for training.
173They banded together, and The Rebellion is finally strong enough to -do- something.*
174      2ca) ”My family was killed there. I guess I'm not alone.“
175*Really? That's news to me. What an unlucky day to be in Mazeo.
176I guess it makes sense though. You look ready to fight -- like you have purpose.
177You'll fit right in. I'm sure that almost every member of The Rebellion would relate to you.*
178      2cb) ”I understand why it took so long to mount an offensive, now.“
179*Yeah, the bulk of the victims were children, who lost their parents.
180Fast-forward some twenty-odd years, and they're grown men and women -- capable fighters.
181Nobody in their right mind would launch an attack when the forces are largely children.*
182      2cc) ”Training children to be soldiers? That's not right...“
183*What else were we supposed to do? It's not like we did this against their will.
184The wanted to fight -- to be trained -- and we wanted an army to dethrone The Trumvirate.
185We were able to achieve unity, and grow together, into what we are now. Their reckoning.*
186         2cca) ”You have a point. I guess you're right.“
187*Yeah. Think about it for a moment. Without them, our numbers would be way too low.
188Some people think their future was stolen -- but if we win -- we can get it back.
189No occupations, no families being torn apart; that's the purpose of this war.*
190         2ccb) ”I don't think that's justification enough...“
191*You dont' have to. It's easy to get caught up in the present.
192When we win a beautiful future for everybody? That's when you'll see the truth.
193This is necessary. Their future isn't truly gone, as long as we can win it back.*
194   2d) ”Is The Rebellion large? Do we have the numbers to win?“ (Reaction)
195*Not really. But it's not numbers that we need. We just need strength, and a good plan.
196The Trumvirate's Honor Guard is weak, one of ours can take down fifty of theirs.
197And with that blade on our side, The Triumirate can't make any more. Our goal is clear.*
198      2da) ”Then I guess I'm glad that we have this blade.“
199*That's for sure. Without that blade, we could never take down The Triumvirate.
200As I've always said -- we can't win this battle through conventional means.
201There's a lot resting on your shoulders, but something tells me you're up to the task.*
202      2db) ”You really think that strategy can make up for a small army?“
203Of course it can. If you don't believe that -- you must be really new to conflict.
204Battles are fought and won on the war table, far before any sword is drawn.
205      2dc) ”So it's a losing battle...? Wonderful.“
206*That's not really true. If it were a losing battle, we'd have lost already.
207We've come this far, and got that blade, precisely because it's -not- a losing battle.
208Scratch that mentality from your mind. I think you'll come to see that victory is clear. 
209Once you master that blade, you'll tear right through the very soul of The Triumvirate.
210Maybe bind them to a suit of armor -- see how they like that. I'm always a sucker for irony.*
211   2e) ”Tell me about the previous leader.“
212There's not much to say. He doubled as The Elder of Valinorth before Mylus.
213You probably already know everything important about him. You worked with him a lot.
214The secrets he kept from you? You already know about. He sacrificed himself to get -you- that sword.
215Damek buried him underground, in the tunnels beneath Mazeo. That's where our new HQ is located.
216In fact, I'm sure you'd be able to see his grave, if you were so inclined. Never bad to pay your respects.
217He'll go down in history as the founding father of The Rebellion, the man who gave Alestia freedom.
218       2ea) ”We can't let his sacrifice go to waste.“
219*I doubt we will. He gave us a hand of winning cards. It'd be foolish if we lost.
220Damek is securing or HQ, and planning our finall attack right now.
221We'll sail to Balteus, and take them down for good.*
222       2eb) ”Mylus must've been shocked to hear all of this.“
223*I heard that he was. He had a lot of stuff to deal with all at once.
224Finding out about his Father's true role, leading Valinorth, -and- preparing for the attack...
225I can't even begin to imagine what the inside of his head was like.
226However, I can see firsthand that he did an amazing job.
227You're here -- blade in hand -- Valinorth is being evacuated, and we're all together.
228Everything is set in motion. We just need to get to Mazeo and launch our final attack.*
229       2ec) ”Buried under the new HQ? That's rather poetic.“
230*I guess it is. But I doubt Damek was thinking that far ahead.
231It was just the most convenient place to bury his body.
232Those tunnels were being dug up by the Honor Guard. Plenty of tools lying around.*
2333) ”What should I expect from Mazeo?“
234Lots of pirates, and people who are after money. No method is beneath them.
235Don't trust random people, and definitely don't buy anything from a stranger.
236You'd get swindled and robbed far before you found anyone genuine.
237The occupation definitely didn't make things better. It's still dangerous.
238Mazeo's spirit idol was also on it's final days. Dim and defeated, or so we thought.
239       3a) ”Tell me more about the spirit idols.“
240*Well, there's a church in Mazeo. It was supposed to be used for Triumvirate worship.
241At the altar there, rests a very dim spirit idol. Only a matter of time before it dies.
242However -- that's not the true spirit idol. The real one rests far underground.
243The one in the church is only receiving energy from the -real- idol.
244But because it was so far underground, the amount of power was minuscule.
245The Rebellion found this, and is keepin it secret. We want to try tapping into it for power.
246It's our only chance, too -- since Alarinthia's idol was destroyed ages ago.
247And from what I've heard, Valinorth's is no longer alight. There isn't one in Balteus, either.*
248          3aa) ”Valinorth's went dark the night I was born.“
249*Is that so...? I suppose that's why you're so important to Damek.
250If its energy went into you -- you'd be more than capable of wielding that blade.
251I hope you don't misuse this gift. I'll admit, I'm a little intimidated now.*
252          3ab) ”Alarinthia's was destroyed...? How?“
253*I'm not sure. It's one of Alarinthia's many legends.
254Apparently, long before history was recorded -- The Triumvirate destroyed it.
255That's why Alarinthia grew into what it is today -- an arid wasteland.
256If The Triumvirate did it, we have to wonder why.
257Do the spirit idols pose some sort of threat to their rule...?
258That's why Damek wants to try tapping into Mazeo's newfound idol.*
259          3ac) ”So nobody knew Mazeo had a bigger idol?“
260*The Triumvirate definitely suspected it. That's why they were digging in Mazeo.
261But after twenty years, the Honor Guard came up with nothing. It was Damek who found it.
262We decided to keep it a secret, so only The Rebellion would know. He's formulating a plan right now.*
263          3ad) ”Is it possible that there's more idols we don't know about?“
264*I suppose so -- if The Triumvirate didn't destroy all the others.
265But right now, the idol in Mazeo is the only one that's still active.
266That is, unless, there's an idol in Balteus we don't know about.
267It's possible. The Triumvirate could easily be hiding an idol in their home nation.
268But there's no way to know for sure, and we should focus on the ones we -do- know about.*
269       3b) ”Is piracy still bad, even after the occupation?“
270*Yeah, the occupation didn't do much to help Mazeo, no matter what anyone says.
271I think I'm qualified to speak on the matter. I mean, I've lived there for about twenty years.
272There's still an active piracy network. Smuggling things to and from Mazeo and Alarinthia.*
273          3ba) ”So The Triumvirate was after something else, then?
274*Yeah, the elimination of piracy was definitely just an excuse.
275I think they were searching for the spirit idol hiding underneath Mazeo.
276But what they wanted it for -- and what they'd do with it -- is anyone's guess.*
277          3bb) “Do you think we could win the pirates to our cause?”
278*Probably not. Not unless they had some reason to help us. A big one.
279A liberated Alestia would probably have no room for rampant piracy, right?
280There'd be no reason to help us if we'd only go on to hurt their livelihood.
281Right now, they're a wild card. They're not on our side, but they're not against us either.
282We should use that to our advantage while we can. They might turn on us in the future.*
283          3bc) “Is it going to be safe for me to wander around Mazeo?”
284*I'll be by your side. Damek should be, as well. I think you'll be fine.
285We know the lay of the land, and how to deal with “incidents”. Just follow our lead.
286Besides, most of our time will be in the Rebel HQ -- so no need to worry about safety.*
287          3bd) “What will The Rebellion do about piracy when The Triumvirate is dethroned?”
288*Alestia will be free. We won't have any restrictions on trade. Piracy will cease to exist.
289That's a good thing, and a bad thing. The pirates will fight us tooth and nail to stay afloat.
290We could take down The Triumvirate, only to find ourselves against an army of pirates.*
291       3c) “Do you ever sail back home to visit?”
292*No. You couldn't even pay me to go back to Alarinthia. 
293It's so hot, it's almost unbearable. And the way they govern things is -- different.
294I now I say that Mazeo is dangerous, but Alarinthia makes it look like a paradise.*
295           3ca) “Why do you hate Alarinthia so much?”
296*I just don't agree with the way things are run over there. It's not good.
297The strongest tribe gets to rule the land, so it's always a power struggle.
298I'm not even sure how we'd handle that nation once we take down The Triumvirate.
299Either way, Alarinthia isn't my home. Mazeo is my home, and I wouldn't have it any other way.*
300           3cb) “I guess that makes sense. Home is where you make it.”
301*Yeah, and that's especially true in Alarinthia. You choose your home and your family.
302That's a good thing. If you don't like your circumstances, you can change them.
303On the mainland, and in Mazeo, people seem bound by blood. They stay in toxic partnerships.
304I think of it differently. If you don't like your family, find a new one. 
305I've spilled enough blood to hold no blind allegiance to it.*
306           3cd) “At least Alarinthia still exists. Valinorth is doomed.'
307*That's a very grim way of looking at things.
308When the flames go out, and the ash blows away -- you can go back.
309It still exists. It'll just be a -new- type of Valinorth. Don't be so pessimistic.*
3104) ”How do you know Sovy?“
311He recently rose through the ranks, and has given us tons of trouble.
312When The Triumvirate gets in our way, it's likely him who's responsible.
313He makes himself a lot more ”known“. Way different than the last Grand Inquisitor.
314I haven't gotten to meet his Apprentice yet, though. A Grand Inquisitor always has one.
315Someone to take over when war gets the better of him. It ensures a constant cycle of obedience.
316     4a) ”Who was the previous Grand Inquisitor?“
317*I don't know.*
318     4b) ”Wait -- Sovy has an apprentice?“
319*Yeah, but as I said; I have no idea who it is.
320If Sovy is training him, though -- I'd watch out.
321Seems like we'll be up against some tough opposition.*
322     4c) ”Does The Triumvirate have any other lackeys?“
323*Not that I'm aware of, and I highly doubt it.
324It's just them, their Inquisition, and the Honor Guard.
325Seems simple enough, but taking them down will be anything but.*
326     4d) ”You seem to know an awful lot about this, Ulric.“
327*The more you know about the enemy, the easier they'll be to oppose.
328This is one of the fundamental rules of war. -Know- what you're up against.
329Ignorance on the battlefield is the fastest way to meet your own death.*