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ASSOCIATES
ARGENTA — THE LADY BARD
“A pure love, unconditional, from someone who has seen me at my lowest and worst. How can that be repaid, other than with a promise? A promise that I must yet break in the future, when I leave one day and never return? I wonder."
KALIBRI — THE RETAINER
"You keep comparing me to the General. But I have told you I can never be like him, and you will one day be disappointed. You give to people, I take from them. You help people, I hurt them. What you expect of me — I simply cannot be that. Not that it would stop me from trying, and perhaps I could be enough as a friend."
YUNA MOONTUSK — SISTER OF THE WEST
"Ko'ram is my homeland. I will not forget it. And you, Yuna, have helped me remember what that means. Though you are my superior, you look to me as an equal, and we understand each other better than many others can. If I knew what the word meant, I would call you 'sister.' I am truly happy for you and Bracchus."
MYRA — THE FIREBIRD
"Blessed by the Spirit of Day. You are much like it — always seeking something, never at ease. So different from I. How is it that our stories are so much the same, but the paths we walk so different? I want to know, and to learn. If that means walking through the fire alongside you, then I shall, dear shrinekeeper."
ALTHERIC — THE UNDYING
"What is the end to one who has conquered death? To one who took it and shattered it to pieces, like a chain? If mortality itself has been defeated, then how can fate's whim ever hope to bind you? It is inevitable that you will conquer that, too. Such is the spirit of the Spirefolk."
ARTORIUS — THE GRANDMASTER
"I will admit that I was wary. One who pursues their goals with such purpose and such recklessness is bound to harm more than just themselves on their journey. Yet you have shown to me your senses and your blade are more precise than I thought. No more hesitation — I would gladly climb and cut through with you again. To let that Blood and Death fuel us upward."
PARSNIP — FORLORN FOOL
“Something weighs us down. Something that was used to try and break us. Perhaps it succeeded — but that does not make us any lesser. That does not mean that we can no longer find a spark of joy in verse or companionship."
OLIVIER — THE OWLISH ENIGMA
“'Fingers in all the pies.' What spurs you so, Lady Olivier, to give so selflessly? It is not duty. It is something even greater, I think. Thank you for standing not just by me, but by all others, too.”
MALIKETH — OATHBOUND KNIGHT
“Of all the descriptions of knighthood that I have received, yours is the only one I can truly understand. Our work is sacrifice. It is not glory, nor honour, that spurs us forth. It is necessity above all else. I would gladly make that sacrifice alongside you, should blades shatter and shields buckle when we stand together.”
SER ADRIAN — SWORN SOLDIER
"Made into a warrior, dreams and hopes shattered and cast to the wayside. You are not alone in that, Ser Adrian. But we both press forward in spite of that. Mayhaps, once in a while, others allow us to indulge in personal desires — but our duty to those around us always comes first."
BRACCHUS MOONTUSK — THE STEADFAST
"Brute strength and unyielding desire for combat and violence gave way to someone who is an eager ally, eager to learn and teach, and offer a shoulder to those who would need it — not for glory, but kindness. Truly, the ignorant of our time will not be those who simply cannot learn, but rather those who refuse to learn. I am happy for you, Bracchus."
ROYVIN — THE OSTLER
"Of the few encounters we had, I have gotten the immediate impression of a kindred spirit. You have the trust of honoured friends of mine, and an experience that few can share. I hope to be considered akin to a friend of yours as well."
KONRAD — THE SERGEANT SURGEON
"A man of dualities. In some sense, this can be seen as duplicitous. But you have demonstrated such talent in both roles that it only poses more questions about what it is you really are, and what you want. Nevertheless — you have proven a most useful ally."
MERIEL NOCTIS — THE WITCHLING
"It is fair to say I misjudged. Of the mages in this town, you have proven your convictions by rejecting the tyranny of the Accord. On top of that, your tenure as councilor has been most impressive. I hope that my service has been similarly well-received."
CADAYLE — THE HERO
"Whatever happened to you, I am unsure if it is good or not. But the path to progress is borne of great suffering and burden, and I can help one from straying off that path, then I shall."
VEENA — THE WILD WOMAN
"I think there is good in you, beneath the rough surface. I do not expect you to understand me, but I hope you know that there is respect there. The type of respect borne of a soldier's eye, when looking towards a comrade in the fray."
ELREYNA XAL'TARA — THE GOOD DOCTOR
"'Not everything is fated, not everything is stated.
No reason to spare flame,
Its warmth will not be wasted.'
Your ideals are a difficult thing to hold on to, Doctor, when you see the cruelty of the world around you. But you have the strength to maintain them."
DRENMIR — THE DRAGON
"I understand. I am guilty of many things, myself. There is no bad blood between us, if you truly believe in making amends, for you are a mighty warrior, Drenmir. One with courage, compassion, and drive. Carry yourself with pride. You deserve it."
ACQUAINTANCES
MARGUERITE — THE WISE WOMAN
“Many years without sight have done little to dull the apothecary’s sharp senses and perception. You know much, Lady Marguerite, and yet I feel that you speak little of it. What is even more disturbing is your partnership with a snake, and seemingly loose lips around him."
LOTH — THE WILD MAN
“Sometimes, you are annoying. Sometimes, you are amusing. To think that someone like this would leave an impression in my mind. I hope you find what you are looking for, strange hunter."
EMILIO VITTORI — THE MEDDLING KNIGHT
“There is more to you than meets the eye. I have a feeling that you hide something about your past. Something haunting. A break from the supposed hospitality that you show as Sudvalkian. But despite my attempts to push you away, the Bleeding Lily seems to follow the Withered Rose... so be it."
HAZEL SMOKEWOOD — RUSTIC BUSYBODY
"There is no shame in a simple country life. One you left behind to find something else, I take it. But now you busy yourself with all sorts of dealings. A doctor, a fisher, a fighter. Quite selfless; most impressive."
MULRATH — THE LONE WOLF
“No pity between us. One or the other would be dead. But I do think you mistake my strength for weakness, Wolvenskar. A strength of patience that wears thin. There is yet time for us to change."
PETRUS — SACRIFICIAL SCHOLAR
"Who would have thought that a penitent scholar could have as much to sacrifice as a born and bred soldier, with warrior blood in their veins? You, ever-veiled Master Petrus, are a figure of mystery. But I wonder if your sacrifice is necessary?"
JEREMIAH VAN PELT — THE BOUNTY HUNTER
“I know nothing of you, other than the fact that you helped your own, and withstood a punishment that was unjustly levelled against you. Those I respect follow you, so there must be more merit beyond what I have seen."
CORWIN HEATH — THE GLASS EYE
“Scars that hide a storied past, no doubt. To find yourself in this town, and so quickly become embroiled in the strange and wondrous goings-on — that is quite the skill to watch for."
ETWYN CALENGARR — THE HOJO HEIR
"You told me of your bloodline before. I never gave it much thought — but now, seeing you in action, I can see it. You are a Hojo, for better or for worse. And you will fight like one despite whatever injury you suffer. Ride hard, shoot straight, and always speak the truth."
EREBOS — EXECUTOR OF THE WILL
"A zealot with reason. Now that is something I did not expect to ever see. While we disagree on a lot, I certainly find your perspective enlightening — and after witnessing what we did in that damnable Garden, I wonder if there is truth to your other words..."
SENIA — KINSLAYER DAUGHTER
"For one who abhorrs violence, you sure do seem to have a lot of opinions on my selective application of it. There is still much you have to learn. You should hope that the form those lessons take will not be as harsh as the ones I endured."
RAIME ESCHER — HONOURABLE SQUIRE
“'When you listen, all things can become possible.' I wonder what you meant by that, child. I think you are far less lost than you believe yourself to be. Or maybe I am even more lost than you."
YARROW — AMBITIOUS FIREBRAND
“Lady Yarrow Neredas does not seem like someone to rely on in a fight — whether it is an encounter where you might need her help, or a spar against her. Yet when the chips are down, she does have the ability to lead, and holds the trust of many that I respect. Perhaps your ambition is well-founded."
NORIN — BLISSFULLY IGNORANT FELLOW
“I will say this once. Keep out of matters you do not understand. You have your ideals, and you do not understand the sacrifices that it takes for others to allow you to live them out. Allow us to do our work in peace, and do not criticize or complicate things for us."
SIONA FENDOVE — HEAD DOCTOR
“Beyond your medical assitance, I know you not. But you seem to be someone with great knowledge of the field, and a willingness to help. I would much rather rely on the work of your hands than those of Konrad, should I be left bleeding on the hospital cots."
SER ARDGHAL — THE CONCEPT OF CHIVALRY
“I think I am only now starting to understand this concept of chivalry that so many have spoken about. It is to be stubborn and rash — or rather, steadfast and decisive. You exemplify both ends of this extreme, at times. A matter of perspective. I am not your opponent, nor you mine. A partnership will be born of this mutual respect. I am certain."
SATOSHI — WORLDLY OUTLANDER
“Two rivers from two different sources, but with the same destination. Two rivers with two different courses, but perhaps just one salvation. We are not alike, and yet I feel we are. Perhaps that is why I see clarity and wisdom in your words where others only see disorder.”
ROTT — THE MASTER SMITH
"Councilor Gnarlrack. A stalwart ally, one who understands and has much experience. One who has placed much trust in me. I reciprocate it as much as I can — but there is only so much that I can accept when it comes to the arcane. Please, show that what we fought in Quincy was not a prelude for more of the same."
ANWAR IBN'FADIL — THE GENEROUS
"Perhaps it is just the custom of your lands. Perhaps it is some immutable part of your own soul. But there is a strange sincerity and generosity within. Something entirely foreign, but not unwelcome. Thank you, Master Anwar."
CALLISTA FESYLA — THE NOBLE
"I hope we can come to an agreement, eventually. I know not how I wronged you; I wish to know what it is so I can set it right. But it is hardly fair for you to insult and slander myself and my allies for doing what is right. For sacrificing what we deemed necessary so that you could live in comfort."
SELEY — THE CHILDE
"A most precocious child with a curious golden gaze and a desire to learn. Some discipline is in order, for sure, to watch the attitude — but I expect to see great things from you."
ADVERSARIES
J.P. PHONQUIS — THE REPULSIVE BLOAT
“I find myself disgusted by the mere existence of this animal. There is nothing else to say.”
SELENE — SINISTER WITCH
"I despise deception, and there are none that seem to dabble in it more than mages. Most disturbing of them all is the 'Doctor' Selene. Hiding behind a veiled friendly countenance, the mind boggles at what your true intentions are."
EDGARD PHONQUIS — LOATHSOME DOG
“What you fail to see, villain, is that by spitting upon the honour of another in such a manner, you have irreversibly tarnished your own. The day of reckoning is coming, and when it arrives, the whole town will breathe a sigh of relief. Sleep, then, knowing you carry such a reputation that not a single soul will mourn you.”
OTHER
SIR GWAINE — THE SWORD HUSBAND
"It is most unfortunate how things turned out. I was hopeful, I truly was, that it would not end this way. There was a path to cooperation; we both tried to find that middle ground. But forces beyond our control set us on course for a clash, instead. One that we prevailed in. I wonder what is to become of you, now."
JONATHAN FINN — THE CHARMER
“There is only one cure for the ailment of stupidity. I am only left wondering: just what was his problem?"
QUINCY GLOVER — THE PUPPET
"Now I am bound to you, Councilor Glover. I wonder if that was your plan all along. I wish you had given a choice — but your outright refusal to provide a tangible solution prevents me from showing any regret for my actions. You had the knowledge, but you do not have the will to lead."
IDRIS — THE NECROMANCER
"An enemy that we did not have to make. Not yet, at least. Whatever you are, Idris — lich, necromancer, Aedall — you will answer for your transgressions in time. There is blood on your rotten hands."
DAME AYANA — PENITENT GUARD
"Lady Ayana. You know well the ways of our homeland. Others deride us for them. They do not understand. Of course they cannot — they have not lived the lives that all in Ko'ram are forced to live. Ones of endurance, of struggle, and of sacrifice. Keep your blade sharp, despite the blood and pain around. That is how we shall survive."
CAPTAIN YVONNE — THE GAUNTLET
"The Spire Must Be Protected. But is this really the way? Do these penances bring us safety, or bind us so that we may not stand when we must?"
THE BLADE
“I am a tool, I am a blade.
Of jagged metal I am made.
My foes and friends should be afraid,
because with blood my price is paid."
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