Episode 3 Finale Sneak Peek #7

SPOILER WARNING

The following preview is of the Episode 3 finale. If you have not played the alpha build up to the very end of its current content, or if you would like to avoid major spoilers for how things play out, you may want to skip this post. As the finale is very dependent on companion and approval levels, prior actions, and player choice, the following is only a sample of what may occur on some routes.

You glance to the side, gaze sweeping the premise, searching for something, anything… 

“I am speaking with you, $lastname,” Allegra calls, her voice thunderous. Demanding. Impatient. “How long will it be before you understand there is no way forward? Do not search for a way out. Even if you should find one, I will simply rip the ground out from under your feet.” 

You swallow hard, sweat trickling down your back. Do you believe her? 

“I have known many warriors, $lastname. From infantry to commanders to generals, and, yes, mercenaries aplenty. Very few could have achieved what you have today. In some ways, I admire you—and my admiration is not easily earned. The shroud—as Oshiro so ignorantly named it in a humourless jest, a funny little name from a funny little man—was a monstrous, ancient creation we do not understand and against which we have no defense. Even a veteran Brightblade could not combat it. And yet, here you and Kellis stand, triumphant.” 

“Is that so surprising?” 

“It is a shame. There are those in our number who would have gladly studied this phenomenon longer. Some would argue it posed too much of a danger to the city, but Velantis sits upon a number of cataclysmic dangers, this one is not unique. What could we have learned from it, if not for Lethalis’ meddling? Umbria Bellaris waits for no one, dancing to her own tune and ensnaring all those who hear it. The shroud could have been left untouched for years if not for her desire to acquire and control our Astrial.” 

She raises her chin, her green eyes half-closed. “Did you know she was once one of our own?” she continues, savouring every word. “Oh, yes. The Guild has been split in two long before Umbria Bellaris made her mark, before even the Grand Archsage inherited his mission. Umbria once stood with us. As the Grand Archsage’s apprentice she was his right hand in all things, all matters, privy to information kept even from our own. But when she saw an opportunity, she betrayed us. She stands now in control of our opposition, having traded Solarath secrets to claw her way to the top.” 

The venom in her voice is undeniable. You caught a glimpse of it last night, but now you know for certain: this is a woman who hates Umbria Bellaris with every fibre of her being. What can you make of such anger? In most cases, it does not spring up out of nowhere. If what she says is true and Umbria was Quirinus’ apprentice and betrayed Solarath… strange that Allegra seems to take more offense to it than him. 

Then again, Quirinus is good at masking his emotions. You can’t seem to get a read on him that is anything other than smug indifference. You don’t know what to make of this, other than perhaps this is Allegra’s attempt to sway you to their side.   

“So answer me this—why continue to risk your life for her? Someone who has no qualms about ousting those who put their lives in her hands the moment they no longer serve a purpose?” 

1. “Because she’s the one paying me.”
2. Draw your blade. Show her that you’re not going to stand here and listen to her bullshit.
3. Don’t answer. There is nothing you could say she wouldn’t take poorly. Besides, if you continue to stall then maybe, just maybe Lethalis will finally show.
4. Conditional story requirements have not been met.