Deirdre Are you from the other world? Thank you for coming to our aid. Morgan You're quite welcome, milady. Deirdre It must have taken great courage to cross between worlds. Morgan Surprisingly, no. Not this time, anyway. I can't really remember, but I think I had a similar experience before... And last time, I woke up amidst these strange ruins full of monsters! This has been a far less daunting experience. Deirdre How did you escape the ruins? Morgan Ha! Mostly luck, with a pinch of guile thrown in. An army led by my own mother came to my rescue. Deirdre That was lucky indeed. Morgan So you see, I'm not that frightened about jumping between worlds. I'm bound to have one mother or another waiting on the other side. Deirdre ...What a terrible way to think. Morgan Huh? Deirdre You said yourself you were lucky to meet your mother. Do you really think she can be so easily replaced? Morgan Well, no, but... Deirdre *Sigh* Forgive me, sir. I should hold my tongue. Good luck to you today. Morgan Poor Lady Deirdre. I forgot everything the stories say she went through...
Morgan I realize I'm going out on a limb here, but... Could you just fall over and play dead? Save us both the hassle... Alm Ha! Quite the sense of humor. A shame it will end with you.
Morgan Do we really need to do this? I take no pleasure in beating upon the frail. Julia Then I beg you stand down, sir, for I cannot. Morgan So a fight is inevitable? That's too bad...
Seliph ...Am I doing the right thing? Morgan Oh? You're still debating that? In that case, why not surrender? We'll see no harm comes to you. Seliph No! I have to trust in my convictions! Morgan Then keep your doubts to yourself! Sheesh.
Morgan How could you steal from me? I was going to buy more books, and... and... And knock Mother's socks off when she saw how much I'd learned! How dare you interfere with my ploys to get attention!
Morgan Hmm... I wonder what that woman meant by "you know what." No doubt Mother's figured it out by now. I'll just have to get my answer the hard way, I suppose!
Morgan Tight formation, good teamwork... No wonder your treasure is unclaimed. You Deadlords have a fine tactician among you, but not good enough. My mother is the better tactical mind! I'm sure of it!
Morgan Oh dear. He looks tough. ...Do you think we could, maybe, talk this out first? Ephraim Talk? You're the ones who picked this fight. Morgan ...Yes, I suppose it would seem that way. I suppose force is the only option here.
Morgan Surrender now, and I promise you no more blood will be spilt. Morgan Well, I'm all for no bloodshed, but the fact is—you need to go. I don't suppose it's as simple as just asking, though. Ephraim Obviously not. Morgan Then fighting it is. Let's settle this quickly.
Linus Pray. I'll give you that much time. All the evil that you've done up to now... Repent it, and sleep. Morgan Well, I can't think of any evil I've done, but I may as well pray. ...... Right, that takes care of that. I can give you that thrashing now!
Linus Start praying! I will crush you myself, in the name of the Fang! Morgan Right... Pray, pray... ...Hey, wait a second! I didn't sign up to be crushed!
Morgan Wow, what's with this place? Spikes on the floor, healing panels... I doubt many of the tactics I've studied would apply here. Still, even if I can't help Mother form the battle plan... at least I can help execute it!
Morgan Man these Risen are tough! Looks like Mother's decided this one's for me. Gotta hand it to her - even in this heat, she manages to keep a cool head. Me, though? I think my brain is melting... I'll never be a master tactician at this rate!
Morgan Hey, so was there anything written about me in that roster?! I kind of have amnesia, you know, so if there was, I'd love to hear it! I'm not budging till you tell me everything! Even if it's embarrassing...I have to know!
Morgan Hey, how about you halt your attack and leave these poor people alone? What would your mother say if she knew you were assaulting a beach resort?! ...Hrm. Note to self: emotional appeals appear ineffective against brigands...
Morgan I've never been to a hot spring before! At least not since I lost my memory. I understand that people often come to places like this with their families... Maybe Mother and I'll make a tradition of coming here, just the two of us!
Morgan: ...... Inigo: Uhh, Morgan? Everything all right? You're just staring off into space. Morgan: Oh, Inigo! Sorry, I was just running through strategies in my head. If I can come up with something good, it'll help lighten my mother's load. Inigo: Aw, that's great. Here, let me help. I'm all for helping out Avatar! Morgan: Wow, Inigo, I'm impressed! It doesn't stop you even if she's someone's wife or mother, does it? Still, I'm afraid I can't let you have her. Got to keep the family peace. You understand. Inigo: Umm... I'm not sure YOU do? I think you've misunderstood my intentions here. I really just meant I wanted to help out as a friend and fellow soldier. Morgan: Oh, really? Gosh, I'm sorry. I just assumed you were doing your usual gigolo thing. In that case, I'd love your help! Inigo: Sheesh, what kind of animal do you take me for? Actually, don't answer that. What sort of plan did you have in mind? Morgan: I was thinking of hitting the spring with lightning. Inigo: What?! Morgan: I was just reading a while ago about how lightning travels through water! If that's the case, then zapping the water should leave all the bad guys crispy, right?! Inigo: Yeah, and most of the good guys too! No, no way. We are NOT doing that. Gah, I can just see them all floating in the springs now... Is that what you want?! Morgan: Hmm, I suppose not. Oh well. Better keep thinking, then. Inigo: Phew, I'm glad I stopped to ask... Morgan: Ooh! What about using flame magic to bring the pools to a boil?! We'll stew the Risen and end this battle in one fell swoop! Inigo: Bleh, most disgusting soup ever... Can we find a plan that lets us win and still actually enjoy the baths afterward? Morgan: Hmm, good point. I don't think I want to go for a soak in undead stock. Something else, then... This is pretty tough! Inigo: I think it's great your ideas are so...unique, Morgan. But, um... Perhaps they're a bit TOO imaginative? And by that I mean sociopathic. Have you got anything a little more, I don't know, normal? Something nice and basic? Morgan: Something basic... Ooh, I know! Yes, that's perfect! You gave me just the answer I was looking for! Inigo: I did? Dare I even ask?
--
Morgan: All right, so maybe Operation Play-Dead-in-the-Hot-Springs wasn't so perfect... Inigo: Yeah, the part where our allies all thought we were dead was kind of a glaring flaw. Morgan: Rgh, and here I thought we'd really nailed it this time! We'd just float there, still as a log, waiting in ambush... Then as soon as the Risen were fool enough to think we were dead and come near... POW! Tricking your opponents into lowering their guard is introductory strategy. Super basic. Plus it had the added bonus of us enjoying a soak in the baths for a while too. Inigo: ...Except our allies got to us first, and we got violently dragged out of the water. And it turns out having a ton of healing spells cast on you when you're not hurt? Leaves a guy kind of nauseous... Morgan: Yeah, no kidding... But the worst was seeing my mother bawling her eyes out. Inigo: Yeah, I think it's safe to say this plan was a dud. We had everyone worried. Morgan: I'm sorry, Inigo. It's bad enough my strategy stunk. I didn't mean to get you in trouble too... Inigo: Huh? No, don't apologize! I only went along with the plan because I also thought it would work. I should be the one apologizing. I said I'd help and then hardly did a thing. Morgan: Well, I thought you were a huge help. I really appreciate your advice, Inigo. Plus it was a lot of fun brainstorming with you! Inigo: Heh, yeah? Well, good to hear it. Today was kind of tragic, but we won't give up. You'll be putting Avatar out of work with your brilliant strategies soon enough! Maybe I should start reading up on tactics myself... Morgan: You mean it?! As it just so happens, I have a title I would absolutely recommend! And the margins are full to bursting with my mother's notes! It's incredible. If you're interested, I'd be happy to lend it to you. Inigo: Really? Sure, thanks! Morgan: No problem! I've got it stowed right... Oh. Inigo: Wow, that's certainly...wet. You, uh...you had this on you when we were soaking in the springs, didn't you? Morgan: Yes... Yes I did. Ugh, it's swelled up to three times its size. Inigo: The text is bleeding everywhere too. And this was annotated? Sounds important... Morgan: Oh, it's all right, actually! I have a spare—an exact copy. Inigo: Wait, seriously?! Morgan: Yup! I'm kind of a klutz, so I try to be prepared for every eventuality. I'll lend you that one once we get back to camp! Inigo: Well, that's a relief. Though it's kind of sad that you EXPECT these sorts of accidents... Still, glad to hear it wasn't irreplaceable! Anyway, thanks, Morgan. I promise I'll take good care of that copy.
Brady: Hey, Morgan Still no luck with them memories of yours? Morgan: Not yet, I'm afraid. Brady: Sorry to hear it. Hopefully soon, though. You tried different ways of jogging it? Shock therapy and all that? Morgan: More than I probably ought to have! I've tried falling from great heights, hitting my head against walls, you name it. Still no memories, and probably a few hairline fractures for my trouble... Brady: That sounds like an awful lot of shock and not much therapy. You gotta be careful. Well, anyway, I just... Oh! Why not try going for a soak after we nix these Risen? Morgan: Sure, but...why? Brady: Hot springs are supposed to be good for your health, right? Maybe they can fix whatever's wrong with ya. Morgan: An interesting theory! Leave it to an expert healer to bring in fresh ideas! Brady: I've actually been studyin' the therapeutic effects of spots like this for a while now. Morgan: Oh, right! I saw a sign nearby that bore a list of them! Brady: They're good for all kinds of ailments. Muscle stiffness, joint pain, circulation, you name it. Morgan: Hmm, no. I recall it mentioned something else... Ah! That's right, it was "highly effective against amnesia"! Brady: What?! You serious? Then what are you doing? Get in there already! Morgan: You think I should submerge myself head first for a while? Brady: Uh...why don't you start by just bathin' like a normal person...? Morgan: Ooh! Another novel insight! Brady: I'd say your plan was a lot more novel than mine. Also dumber. So where'd you see that sign, anyway? Which spring was it? Let's go for a dunk! Morgan: What, together? Wait, are you hunting after lost memories too? Are we brothers in oblivion?! Brady: No, you nutball. I'm comin' along to make sure you don't drown yourself! Now c'mon, let's go! March! Morgan: Yes, sir!
--
Brady: So where's this spring that's supposed to cure amnesia at already? Morgan: Hmm, we should have found it by now... Where did I see that sign? Brady: It's weird that we've been looking this long and still haven't found nothin'. Morgan: Agreed... Maybe it was just a mirage? A trick of the steam? ...Or maybe it's hidden. Brady: Hmm, it's a possibility. This IS a mystical spring that cures memory loss, after all. Maybe it's little wonder we can't just waltz right up to it. Morgan: Well, that presents quite the quandary! What do you think we should do? Brady: Ain't it obvious? We wipe out the Risen, then take all the time we need to find out! Morgan: What? I can't ask you to spend that kind of time on me! Brady: It's my time to spend how I like, ain't it? This place could hold the key to getting all your memories back. Besides, you're my... You know, we're allies or whatever! It's fine! Morgan: Wow, Brady. I'm a little surprised to hear you say that. But it's a good surprise! I really appreciate it! Thanks, Brady! Brady: Yeah, don't mention it. Morgan: ...Ahh! There! There it is! Brady: You found it?! Seriously? Nice work! Morgan: Yes, just behind these rocks! That's the sign there. I'm sure of it! Brady: Let's have a look. "Therapeutic benefits of spring bathing"... Stiff joints...check. Circulation...check. Hey, what gives? It doesn't say a damn thing about amnesia! Morgan: It doesn't? Huh... It doesn't. How odd. I'm sure this was the sign... Oh well. I must have misread it, hah! Brady: Haw?! How do you misread "stiff joints" for "cures your weird brain problems"?! Yeesh, and here I went and got my hopes up... Morgan: Sorry about that... I suppose it was wishful thinking on the part of my subconscious. Brady: Well, your subconscious just wasted a chunk of our day. Morgan: Be that as it may, I still think going for a soak sounds like a fun time! Brady: Yeah, I guess it does. All right, c'mon. Let's cream these Risen, then kick back! Morgan: Count me in!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Xenologue: Lost Bloodlines 2
Deirdre
Are you from the other world? Thank you for coming to our aid.
Morgan
You're quite welcome, milady.
Deirdre
It must have taken great courage to cross between worlds.
Morgan
Surprisingly, no. Not this time, anyway. I can't really remember, but I think I had a similar experience before... And last time, I woke up amidst these strange ruins full of monsters! This has been a far less daunting experience.
Deirdre
How did you escape the ruins?
Morgan
Ha! Mostly luck, with a pinch of guile thrown in. An army led by my own mother came to my rescue.
Deirdre
That was lucky indeed.
Morgan
So you see, I'm not that frightened about jumping between worlds. I'm bound to have one mother or another waiting on the other side.
Deirdre
...What a terrible way to think.
Morgan
Huh?
Deirdre
You said yourself you were lucky to meet your mother. Do you really think she can be so easily replaced?
Morgan
Well, no, but...
Deirdre
*Sigh* Forgive me, sir. I should hold my tongue. Good luck to you today.
Morgan
Poor Lady Deirdre. I forgot everything the stories say she went through...
ALM
I realize I'm going out on a limb here, but... Could you just fall over and play dead? Save us both the hassle...
Alm
Ha! Quite the sense of humor. A shame it will end with you.
Xenologue: Lost Bloodlines 1
Julia
Do we really need to do this? I take no pleasure in beating upon the frail.
Julia
Then I beg you stand down, sir, for I cannot.
Morgan
So a fight is inevitable? That's too bad...
Xenologue: Lost Bloodlines 3
Seliph
...Am I doing the right thing?
Morgan
Oh? You're still debating that? In that case, why not surrender? We'll see no harm comes to you.
Seliph
No! I have to trust in my convictions!
Morgan
Then keep your doubts to yourself! Sheesh.
GOLDEN PACK
The Golden Gaffe
How could you steal from me? I was going to buy more books, and... and... And knock Mother's socks off when she saw how much I'd learned! How dare you interfere with my ploys to get attention!
EXPonential Growth
Hmm... I wonder what that woman meant by "you know what." No doubt Mother's figured it out by now. I'll just have to get my answer the hard way, I suppose!
Infinite Regalia
Tight formation, good teamwork... No wonder your treasure is unclaimed. You Deadlords have a fine tactician among you, but not good enough. My mother is the better tactical mind! I'm sure of it!
Xenologue: Smash Brethren 2
Ephraim
Oh dear. He looks tough. ...Do you think we could, maybe, talk this out first?
Ephraim
Talk? You're the ones who picked this fight.
Morgan
...Yes, I suppose it would seem that way. I suppose force is the only option here.
Xenologue: Smash Brethren 3
Ephraim
Surrender now, and I promise you no more blood will be spilt.
Morgan
Well, I'm all for no bloodshed, but the fact is—you need to go. I don't suppose it's as simple as just asking, though.
Ephraim
Obviously not.
Morgan
Then fighting it is. Let's settle this quickly.
Xenologue: Rogues and Redeemers 1
Linus
Pray. I'll give you that much time. All the evil that you've done up to now... Repent it, and sleep.
Morgan
Well, I can't think of any evil I've done, but I may as well pray. ...... Right, that takes care of that. I can give you that thrashing now!
Xenologue: Rogues and Redeemers 3
Linus
Start praying! I will crush you myself, in the name of the Fang!
Morgan
Right... Pray, pray... ...Hey, wait a second! I didn't sign up to be crushed!
Challenge Pack
Death's Embrace
Wow, what's with this place? Spikes on the floor, healing panels... I doubt many of the tactics I've studied would apply here. Still, even if I can't help Mother form the battle plan... at least I can help execute it!
Five-Anna Firefight
Man these Risen are tough! Looks like Mother's decided this one's for me. Gotta hand it to her - even in this heat, she manages to keep a cool head. Me, though? I think my brain is melting... I'll never be a master tactician at this rate!
Roster Rescue
Hey, so was there anything written about me in that roster?! I kind of have amnesia, you know, so if there was, I'd love to hear it! I'm not budging till you tell me everything! Even if it's embarrassing...I have to know!
SCRAMBLE PACK
SUMMER
INTRO
Hey, how about you halt your attack and leave these poor people alone? What would your mother say if she knew you were assaulting a beach resort?! ...Hrm. Note to self: emotional appeals appear ineffective against brigands...
Hot Spring Scramble
INTRO
I've never been to a hot spring before! At least not since I lost my memory. I understand that people often come to places like this with their families... Maybe Mother and I'll make a tradition of coming here, just the two of us!
INIGO
Inigo: Uhh, Morgan? Everything all right? You're just staring off into space.
Morgan: Oh, Inigo! Sorry, I was just running through strategies in my head. If I can come up with something good, it'll help lighten my mother's load.
Inigo: Aw, that's great. Here, let me help. I'm all for helping out Avatar!
Morgan: Wow, Inigo, I'm impressed! It doesn't stop you even if she's someone's wife or mother, does it? Still, I'm afraid I can't let you have her. Got to keep the family peace. You understand.
Inigo: Umm... I'm not sure YOU do? I think you've misunderstood my intentions here. I really just meant I wanted to help out as a friend and fellow soldier.
Morgan: Oh, really? Gosh, I'm sorry. I just assumed you were doing your usual gigolo thing. In that case, I'd love your help!
Inigo: Sheesh, what kind of animal do you take me for? Actually, don't answer that. What sort of plan did you have in mind?
Morgan: I was thinking of hitting the spring with lightning.
Inigo: What?!
Morgan: I was just reading a while ago about how lightning travels through water! If that's the case, then zapping the water should leave all the bad guys crispy, right?!
Inigo: Yeah, and most of the good guys too! No, no way. We are NOT doing that. Gah, I can just see them all floating in the springs now... Is that what you want?!
Morgan: Hmm, I suppose not. Oh well. Better keep thinking, then.
Inigo: Phew, I'm glad I stopped to ask...
Morgan: Ooh! What about using flame magic to bring the pools to a boil?! We'll stew the Risen and end this battle in one fell swoop!
Inigo: Bleh, most disgusting soup ever... Can we find a plan that lets us win and still actually enjoy the baths afterward?
Morgan: Hmm, good point. I don't think I want to go for a soak in undead stock. Something else, then... This is pretty tough!
Inigo: I think it's great your ideas are so...unique, Morgan. But, um... Perhaps they're a bit TOO imaginative? And by that I mean sociopathic. Have you got anything a little more, I don't know, normal? Something nice and basic?
Morgan: Something basic... Ooh, I know! Yes, that's perfect! You gave me just the answer I was looking for!
Inigo: I did? Dare I even ask?
--
Morgan: All right, so maybe Operation Play-Dead-in-the-Hot-Springs wasn't so perfect...
Inigo: Yeah, the part where our allies all thought we were dead was kind of a glaring flaw.
Morgan: Rgh, and here I thought we'd really nailed it this time! We'd just float there, still as a log, waiting in ambush... Then as soon as the Risen were fool enough to think we were dead and come near... POW! Tricking your opponents into lowering their guard is introductory strategy. Super basic. Plus it had the added bonus of us enjoying a soak in the baths for a while too.
Inigo: ...Except our allies got to us first, and we got violently dragged out of the water. And it turns out having a ton of healing spells cast on you when you're not hurt? Leaves a guy kind of nauseous...
Morgan: Yeah, no kidding... But the worst was seeing my mother bawling her eyes out.
Inigo: Yeah, I think it's safe to say this plan was a dud. We had everyone worried.
Morgan: I'm sorry, Inigo. It's bad enough my strategy stunk. I didn't mean to get you in trouble too...
Inigo: Huh? No, don't apologize! I only went along with the plan because I also thought it would work. I should be the one apologizing. I said I'd help and then hardly did a thing.
Morgan: Well, I thought you were a huge help. I really appreciate your advice, Inigo. Plus it was a lot of fun brainstorming with you!
Inigo: Heh, yeah? Well, good to hear it. Today was kind of tragic, but we won't give up. You'll be putting Avatar out of work with your brilliant strategies soon enough! Maybe I should start reading up on tactics myself...
Morgan: You mean it?! As it just so happens, I have a title I would absolutely recommend! And the margins are full to bursting with my mother's notes! It's incredible. If you're interested, I'd be happy to lend it to you.
Inigo: Really? Sure, thanks!
Morgan: No problem! I've got it stowed right... Oh.
Inigo: Wow, that's certainly...wet. You, uh...you had this on you when we were soaking in the springs, didn't you?
Morgan: Yes... Yes I did. Ugh, it's swelled up to three times its size.
Inigo: The text is bleeding everywhere too. And this was annotated? Sounds important...
Morgan: Oh, it's all right, actually! I have a spare—an exact copy.
Inigo: Wait, seriously?!
Morgan: Yup! I'm kind of a klutz, so I try to be prepared for every eventuality. I'll lend you that one once we get back to camp!
Inigo: Well, that's a relief. Though it's kind of sad that you EXPECT these sorts of accidents... Still, glad to hear it wasn't irreplaceable! Anyway, thanks, Morgan. I promise I'll take good care of that copy.
BRADY
Morgan: Not yet, I'm afraid.
Brady: Sorry to hear it. Hopefully soon, though. You tried different ways of jogging it? Shock therapy and all that?
Morgan: More than I probably ought to have! I've tried falling from great heights, hitting my head against walls, you name it. Still no memories, and probably a few hairline fractures for my trouble...
Brady: That sounds like an awful lot of shock and not much therapy. You gotta be careful. Well, anyway, I just... Oh! Why not try going for a soak after we nix these Risen?
Morgan: Sure, but...why?
Brady: Hot springs are supposed to be good for your health, right? Maybe they can fix whatever's wrong with ya.
Morgan: An interesting theory! Leave it to an expert healer to bring in fresh ideas!
Brady: I've actually been studyin' the therapeutic effects of spots like this for a while now.
Morgan: Oh, right! I saw a sign nearby that bore a list of them!
Brady: They're good for all kinds of ailments. Muscle stiffness, joint pain, circulation, you name it.
Morgan: Hmm, no. I recall it mentioned something else... Ah! That's right, it was "highly effective against amnesia"!
Brady: What?! You serious? Then what are you doing? Get in there already!
Morgan: You think I should submerge myself head first for a while?
Brady: Uh...why don't you start by just bathin' like a normal person...?
Morgan: Ooh! Another novel insight!
Brady: I'd say your plan was a lot more novel than mine. Also dumber. So where'd you see that sign, anyway? Which spring was it? Let's go for a dunk!
Morgan: What, together? Wait, are you hunting after lost memories too? Are we brothers in oblivion?!
Brady: No, you nutball. I'm comin' along to make sure you don't drown yourself! Now c'mon, let's go! March!
Morgan: Yes, sir!
--
Brady: So where's this spring that's supposed to cure amnesia at already?
Morgan: Hmm, we should have found it by now... Where did I see that sign?
Brady: It's weird that we've been looking this long and still haven't found nothin'.
Morgan: Agreed... Maybe it was just a mirage? A trick of the steam? ...Or maybe it's hidden.
Brady: Hmm, it's a possibility. This IS a mystical spring that cures memory loss, after all. Maybe it's little wonder we can't just waltz right up to it.
Morgan: Well, that presents quite the quandary! What do you think we should do?
Brady: Ain't it obvious? We wipe out the Risen, then take all the time we need to find out!
Morgan: What? I can't ask you to spend that kind of time on me!
Brady: It's my time to spend how I like, ain't it? This place could hold the key to getting all your memories back. Besides, you're my... You know, we're allies or whatever! It's fine!
Morgan: Wow, Brady. I'm a little surprised to hear you say that. But it's a good surprise! I really appreciate it! Thanks, Brady!
Brady: Yeah, don't mention it.
Morgan: ...Ahh! There! There it is!
Brady: You found it?! Seriously? Nice work!
Morgan: Yes, just behind these rocks! That's the sign there. I'm sure of it!
Brady: Let's have a look. "Therapeutic benefits of spring bathing"... Stiff joints...check. Circulation...check. Hey, what gives? It doesn't say a damn thing about amnesia!
Morgan: It doesn't? Huh... It doesn't. How odd. I'm sure this was the sign... Oh well. I must have misread it, hah!
Brady: Haw?! How do you misread "stiff joints" for "cures your weird brain problems"?! Yeesh, and here I went and got my hopes up...
Morgan: Sorry about that... I suppose it was wishful thinking on the part of my subconscious.
Brady: Well, your subconscious just wasted a chunk of our day.
Morgan: Be that as it may, I still think going for a soak sounds like a fun time!
Brady: Yeah, I guess it does. All right, c'mon. Let's cream these Risen, then kick back!
Morgan: Count me in!