Completed Two Worlds Two: The End

[abnaxus]

Project Verita

 

[RK47]

Welcome to New Asia

Spoiler

Ah... new in town, are ya? Here for the new semester?

No, not a student. Do you know many of them?

Yeah. A good deal. My name is David. How can I help you?

My pleasure. I am looking for information on a student who would have attended Veneficus University around two decades ago.

Can't we just check a year book?

Good luck! That's an awfully long time. Perhaps try asking the professors. Although, from what I hear their office hours get very crowded...

Perfect. One of them has to remember him.

Perhaps. Mages do have exceedingly good memories. You see, I myself attend night class at the university, and they know everybody by name. I might be able to connect you to the right people... for the right price.

What are you looking for?

A small favor. I need a package retrieved nearby. I'd go there myself, but there are extenuating circumstances. Do this for me, and I'll help you any way I can.

It's a deal.

 

[RK47]

The Umbrella Corporation

Spoiler

Always.

Oh, excellent! You look like a hard worker. I am Plu Via, sole proprietor of Umbrella Heaven, New Ashos' finest purveyor of parasols and fashionable rain gear.

Sounds like a lucrative business.

You have no idea. Magic may keep some people dry, but the rest of us have to do what we can. The umbrella is the most useful invention since the telescopic lens. And yet, most people don't even know it exists! That's why I'm out here, in public, promoting my product. It's not always easy, in fact right now I have need of some under the table employment. A contract position, if you will.

What's the job?

Promise not to laugh? It's very serious. A matter of the utmost discretion. One of my products ATE a customer.

Come again?

A curse or hex of some kind... I can't say. I'm unversed in magic. But somehow, one of my devices has taken a taste for human flesh. I've burned the rest of the stock and a new shipment will arrive next week, but if I don't get this situation under control, my company will be ruined.

You're asking me to kill a man-eating umbrella?

Yes! Oh Yatholen help me, you must think I'm a crazy old crone. I assure you, my faculties are all here. I have a theory that the Merchants Guild in Hatmandor, where the stock originates, is out to get me. They keep affiliations in the dark arts, those men, and they HATE the fact their precious industry's been breached by a woman. Please check on my other customers. I'll pay you handsomely.

Hmm. This would be a first for me.

Wonderful! Mr. Oro Ave, the famous ornithologist, will be your first assignment. Please visit his home and make sure he's alright.

Is there a special cause for concern? Did he buy one of the defective products?

He's a regular customer. The other is Professor Hai Mer. Actually, perhaps you should check on him first. Of the two, he's one more likely to get hurt in a fight.

Chance of death? Mediocre pay? Helpless ingrates? Count me in.

Come find me in my shop when you've made your rounds.

 

[Darth Roxor]

Promise not to laugh? It's very serious. A matter of the utmost discretion. One of my products ATE a customer.

Also, I'd never tell this was a woman before she referred to herself as such.

 

[RK47]

Deadly Shades

Spoiler

I thought you told me you burned them!

Well... most of them! I couldn't possibly have known they were ALL dysfunctional...

Prof. Mer was nowhere to be found. What are the chances he's still alive?

I just received word before this happened that he's safe at the university. You have impeccable timing, young man.

Then both of your clients are safe.

What sounds like reasonable payment to you? 3000 auras?

That'll be fine.

Well, you'd better believe I'll have retribution for this. I just know it was the Guild. If I can't find sufficient proof to hold them accountable legally, well... let's just say I have a few friends at the university who are quite skilled in shrinking certain parts of the male body.

Yeesh. Remind me not to get on your bad side.

I pocket my payment. My job here is done.

 

[abnaxus]

Plu Via

very subtle, guys

 

[RK47]

Courier 47

Spoiler

No, I'm here to pick something up.

You ain't getting crap. I know he's around here someplace.

I think you should give me the packet before someone gets hurt.

What? That guy shorted me 500 auras! What is he, your lover?

How's this: you give me the package and I let you live.

You dare threaten me?! I'll break your god damn kneecaps!

By the way, there was a guy who believed you owed him something.

Oh shit, him again! For a while I thought he'd forgotten it. Yes, he was a customer of mine. The relationship ended badly.

What about my information?

Yeah, sure. I know two people you might wish to speak to. Most in our class consider them suck-ups, so they may be able to goad some of the professors into talking. His name is Sarius; hers, Angie. Speak to them and you may find what you're looking for. And don't forget to mention my name. They may be skittish otherwise.

I'll let'em know.

Good man. Well, I'm off to the market. Take care of yourself.

 

[RK47]

Welcome to the place of learning

Spoiler

David said that? I don't know if I can help you. The only professor I'm terribly close with is new here. Although, she IS well-connected...

You help me, and I'll return the favor.

I would, but I'm quite busy. You picked the wrong time of year to be recruiting students. Although, I am having a party to celebrate the end of exams and we don't have entertainment yet...

Maybe I could be of some assistance.

Yes. I was thinking of that as well. My friend Lisa dances. She's very... seductive. If you take my meaning. Could you bring her to the party? I'd consider offering my help if you did.

Is this something you can't do personally?

I'm not allowed in the girls' quarters.

But a fully armed stranger is?

I'll invite Lisa to the party.

Great. She asks a small fee of 200 auras. I'll cover that. See that she's ready on time.

Yeah. Have we met?

A friend of mine named Sarius is throwing a party and he'd like you to make an appearance. Would you be interested?

So he needs a dancer?

Yeah, I was hoping it would be you.

Sure. I'll do it... if the money's right. What's your offer?

Would you dance for 200 auras an hour?

200? Alright. Let Sarius know he's gonna get the show of his life. The money sounds right. I'll do it.

 

[RK47]

College Politics

Spoiler

Oh, very nice! Some of these boys have never seen the female form in person...

Sounds like you're both in for an interesting night. Now, about that professor.

Yes, of course. Her name is Doctor Annaya. She's fairly new, but she knows everybody. I'm guessing if she doesn't have the information you need she'll know someone who does. Unfortunately, I have a party to prepare for, so I can't introduce you. Tell her you helped me write my thesis. She gave me the highest mark in the class.

That's alright, Sarius. I appreciate the help. Have a few drinks for me, will ya?

Dr. Annaya? It's urgent. One of your students, Sarius, gave me the impression that you could help me.

Oh? Sarius, yes. One of my brighter students. You are friends with Sarius and in a time of need? Well, I suppose a few minutes of my time won't hurt.

So, you'll help me?

Why, of course. The least I can do for someone who helps my students is to listen.

I'm looking for information on a student who was enrolled her about twenty years ago.

Is this about the creation of the Swallows?

The Swallows?

The Verita waste outside the city, formed by an unsanctioned student experiment. As research is quite difficult to perform in such a deadly climate, nobody knows for certain why it exists.

How do you know so much about it? You're so young.

Are we gonna bang this doc?

Thank you! But, truth be told, I know little more about it than what I've just described. It's a taboo subject, I'm afraid. A failure of the faculty to monitor their students. I may be able to direct you to someone who knows more... but, I can't imagine it would be much help.

Why do you say that?

I'm only the Dean of the Faculty of Nature, a relatively weak position, hierarchically speaking. Quite simply, I'm not sure dropping my name would be enough to convince him to speak with you.

The faculty here must really mistrust each other.

No, it's not that. Because of the incidents in the past, we can't be very candid with outsiders. And despite what some of my colleagues will tell you, there remain serious problems to this day.

Like what?

There's a rumor that a male faculty member recently assaulted a female student. And as I've heard, it wasn't the first time. Over the past few years, some of our best and brightest girls have abandoned their studies with no justifying reasons and on extremely short notice. I'm beginning to suspect why.

Obviously the Patriarchy is to blame.

Did they report it?

Not directly, but I know my students. You learn to ignore the lapses in effort, but the more I look... When I confronted him... I nearly lost my job. He's one of the 'old boys' club', a circle I'm not a part of. Now there are rumors circulating that I tried to seduce him.

Uh... tell me how I can help.

The university can't afford another scandal. But... perhaps you could convince him to retire. If you take my meaning.

I'll take care of it.

Very well. This MUST remain discreet. His name is Rhodeus. His office shouldn't be difficult to find.

All I want is to save the world.

Wouldn't dream of it.

The boss has his eye on you. Watch your back.

What kind of person threatens an honest citizen?

We both know there's more to you than meets the eye.

Just who does your boss think he is?

Tread carefully. The boss watches everything you do.

The man stayed there, watching my every move. I can't pick the lock without him interrupting. So I gave up and decide to look for Prof. Rhodes' office instead.

 

[RK47]

The Brothel for Slaking Intellectual Lusts

Spoiler

Care to tell me more about this incident?

Oh, just a gust of wind, but it scattered my documents everywhere. I'm quite peculiar to "coincidences" of this kind in a place with so many mages. I've managed to recover most of them, but about fifteen still remain missing. So I've no choice but to rewrite them all.

Better luck next time.

Yes. Now please. Leave.

You must be Professor Rhodeus.

What's it to you? I don't have time for New Ashos' rabble!

Cringe.

I think we both know you've been more than unfair towards your female students. Don't reach for your staff. Try anything sudden and you'll force me to make it hurt.

What are you saying, man? I am one of the most decorated and respected teachers at this university! My ethics have never been called into question! I bet you've been sent by that envious bitch Annaya... haven't you?

Doesn't matter. You're not talking your way out of this.

Wait... listen! She lied! She's been trying to destroy my career ever since she was hired! She can't stand being under the authority of men. Especially ones so respected in the mage community. Whatever she's paying you, trust me... I can double it.

I don't want your money. I'm looking for some information.

I'll tell you whatever you want.

I'm listening.

You won't regret it. Not a word she's told you is true.

I never mentioned the professor. You did.

Oh, no more of your semantics! So I may enjoy the fruits of my labor... as would any man in a position of power. Can you tell me you wouldn't do the same? Surely, you understand...

What? Now he's admitting to his crime?

Think hard about what you're telling me Rhodeus.

The way I see it, these girls would sell their own parents to get ahead. You wouldn't believe some of the carnal offers I've had from my female students over the years. Two, three, four at a time... mostly, I simply refuse. But I am only a man. I do have needs. Though, I never touched her until she asked me to.

YO. HOL' UP! ALL I WANT. IS THE GODDAMN INFO. WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME ALL THIS?!

So you DID have a relationship with this female student.

Of course we did! She wasn't the first. Young minds are so passionate yet so short of what makes one wise. This was a price she was willing to pay. And it was a fair exchange. We both got something we wanted. Now, you want to talk about a criminal, look no further than your friend, Professor Annaya.

What about her?

She not only takes advantage of students... she's even recruited several into her own brothel service! She's turned a pretty aura on the side.

Look into the 'Black Rose' escort company if you don't believe me. Did you see her dress? Smell her perfume? You think she can afford that on a teacher's salary?

Why doesn't anyone else know about this?

Of course they do! But, not as many as you'd think. I only found out once she approached me with a business proposal. Annaya was under the impression that I could recruit her new talents. You can imagine how quickly I refused. Do you still doubt why she has animosity towards me?

Gods help you if you're lying to me.

 

[Darth Roxor]

i can only assume it's based on the developers' personal experience from potato uni

because many of the things you've posted so far certainly ring true

 

[abnaxus]

Sloots gonna sloot.

 

[Tigranes]

Are you telling me I should move and become potato professeur

 

[RK47]

Are you telling me I should move and become potato professeur

and lock misbehaving students inside a room?
hire female students as dancers for 200 zlotys an hour?
pimp out the poor students for zlotys?

 

[RK47]

Everything is fine

Spoiler

Whatever do you mean?

I know about the brothel service. You recruit your female students to accompany your male clients and then reap in the profits. Did you really think I wouldn't find out?

It's not like that. Please, you must believe me!

No? Then explain "Black Rose".

You've been misinformed. Please, just listen!

You've got an uphill battle with this one, Doc.

Will you just be rational? For the love of the gods.... just hear me out.

My patience has been worn very thin by all this running around. Tell me the truth or you can consider this a lost cause.

The Black Rose service is mine, and yes, it does provide outside employment for some of my female students who have trouble paying tuition. If you think you're doing them a service intervening, trust me, you're not. Rhodeus lied. Their involvement is strictly voluntary.

Is that so?

Then... I see no problem with this.

Would I be able to operate my business otherwise? New Ashos is a city, but it's a small one. Everyone knows each other.

So you don't force them to work for you?

Gods, no! I'm telling you, Rhodeus is trying to divert your attention from the severity of his crimes! I believe the girl he took advantage of is finally willing to talk. Will you speak with her?

That seems like a good idea.

Very well, but only if you promise to be gentle. She's a fragile bird, and one wrong word could set us back weeks. Remember, ultimately we want her to speak out against Rhodeus.

Don't worry, I'll be gentle.

Then, in that case... it's Angie. Tell her I sent you. I implore you, be delicate with her. It begs saying twice.

 

[RK47]

Dear interns, please write me a simple RPG quest dialogue

Spoiler

You're a student at the university?

I was.

Not anymore? Did you graduate?

I was expelled.

Sorry. I'm not trying to pry.

Well, I don't have anything to hide, if that's what you're implying. I just didn't have the level of talent they're looking for. The university has a fairly high attrition rate and I was one of many who didn't make it my first year. Pity... my mother would've been so proud.

Have you tried transitioning and seducing one of the professors? Does she know?

No, no. I can't even go home, really... which brings me to the reason I solicited you in the first place. There are creatures living in my mother's house.

Creatures? What kind?

She used to breed them. Kept them in the gardens as a deterrent for the alchemy students who would steal her plants. Now nobody gets in or out. I don't have much money, but I'd be willing to trade you some enchanted items for your help.

I'll take a loook.

Please, do more than that. This is the address. I'd go with you, but... I've never been in a fight.

It's fine. I wouldn't want to put you in harm's way.

How very thoughtful of you.

Tai Lin's mom will have to wait. I still need to talk to Angie about that lewd professor.

A lot of people's lives could be ruined if you're dishonest with me right now.

She told you? She promised she wouldn't tell anyone!

Your secret is safe with me, Angie. But I don't see anyone else working to resolve this. You're going to have to take a risk and trust me.

I suppose. If Annaya did, maybe I ought to as well. Rhodeus did force himself on me. He invited me over under the false pretense of discussing an exam I failed. I don't think I need to explain what happened next.

No, that won't be necessary.

I've thought about ending it. Taking my life, I mean. Doctor Annaya saw me crying, I told her what happened and she comforted me. Even convinced me not to quit the university. Then she told me about the Black Rose in case I did end up dropping out and needed a way to make ends meet. It's not as bad as you think. The girls are treated very well.

That's no life for you, Angie.
Such a forced noble protagonist we have going on. I have no issues with this. She needed a job and she got it.

Well, perhaps not. But don't be so quick to judge. It's not the kind of escort service you have in mind. Men pay women for their company, nothing more. It never becomes physical unless the girl wants it to.
This is Beta One, requesting paid escort support for lunch operations.

I find that a little hard to believe.

Believe what you want. It's the truth. And if you're a girl who doesn't come from a well-off family, it can be an excellent way to make connections in the upper class. Not to mention pay for school...

(Perception) So, Rhodeus lied.

Yes. He's a monster. Utterly incapable of sensing another's emotions. He's only out for what he wants. I stole his notebook... thought it would give me insight into what happened. I didn't make it more than a few pages. It's yours, if you want it. If evidence is your concern, it's all there.

I believe you. But I'll need that notebook.

It's in my locker at the girls' dorms. Don't say I didn't warn you...

How bad could it be?

 

[RK47]

Professor Haba's Diary

Spoiler

I now have a much better appreciation for what's going on.

Hmm. Glad you finally came around. He's done this repeatedly, you know... Angie's not the first. None of them walk away unchanged. Young Lisa, for instance. I won't even tell you what she does for a living these days...

Selling pictures of her playing with two handhelds in the nude?

No need. I'm going to put an end to Rhodeus once and for all.

Best of luck. Try not to get caught up in remorse. I'd say he deserves the worst you could do to him.

Yeah. Let's get this stupid shit over with. Enough detours.

 

[RK47]

Smack the Patriarchy

Spoiler

Actually, I spoke with Angie. Interesting how she doesn't seem to say the opposite of what you did about your relationship. I read that journal of yours, too. Cute.

My journal? That doesn't prove anything! Students break into my office every year. That document was reported missing days ago! She's had all the time in the world to alter it. And, as I recall, she's adept at forgery!

I wonder if that argument would convince the magistrate. I'll make this simple: I'm ruling you guilty as charged. My offer still stands, but not for long. Leave the university now and never come back. Unless, of course, you'd rather be an eunuch.

Your commitment to those lying thieves sickens me. What a fool you are, young man! For shame!

I just gave you my word I wouldn't kill you. But I never promised to leave you in one piece. Don't push your luck.

I.. you.. you wouldn't!

At this point I expected him to call campus security, or at least pull out a staff to make an escape...or attack me outright. Anything but what the quest update pop up say on top of the screen.

 

[Darth Roxor]

GAZE INTO THE FIST OF DREDD

 

[RK47]

Memory Problems

Spoiler

Someone who can tell me about a former student here, who would have been enrolled about two decades ago.

I... see. But I'm afraid I may not be quite the person you're hoping I am.

Uh oh...

Were you not one of his professors?

Perhaps...

Perhaps?

I can't remember. At first I thought maybe enough time had passed. I have nightmares, but then I wake up... only feeling sadness.

I'd appreciate if you tried.

I've tried many rites. There is one that perhaps... just perhaps... But that doesn't matter. I can't perform it myself. And I wouldn't know who else to trust.

You can trust me.

Look, it's extremely dangerous. It'd require a mage far more powerful than most of my colleagues. Attempting it without support might be possible, but not without great risk. Sometimes, I wonder just how much I've lost. My personality, my favorite books... I need to know.

I'll perform the ritual. Just tell me what you need...

The rite consists of two stages. First, one must cleanse one's body with a potion... which I have here.

Alright. I'll drink it. To your future...

To my past.

I drink it immediately.

How do you feel it?

No different than I did a minute ago.

Good. We'll see how long that lasts. But, this is how I remember it: we must use a special runestone and a sample of your blood to predicate the magic. Memory restoration is tricky business, but if all goes as planned, when the rite is complete and the magic works it course, I should be able to recall the information you need.

If I survive.

Actually, even if you don't, the spell should still work.

Thanks for nothing, asshole.

Right.

Then, shall we get on with it?

Please. The suspense is killing me.

Ha! Humor even in the face of the unknown. Your bravado is impressive. Take the stone to the outskirts of the city, near the beach. This is a good location for blood magic. You don't want many people around, you know. When you've succeeded, a fiery symbol will manifest itself as a marker, and should that happen you must contact me at once.

And if I die?

Then you probably won't know the difference, or care... and I'll be out a runestone.

He hands me a runestone. It's time.

 

[RK47]

 

[RK47]

Yet Another Dude to Question

Spoiler

Yes. Do you have a membership card?

Err... no.

Members only. Scram!

How do I become a member?

You meet Mr. Lexington's approval, and you ain't yet.

May I speak with him?

Do you have an appointment?

No. Do I need one?

Yes. Now, piss off, before I have to violently remove you from the premises.

Hey, we can do this right here, Big Boy. So what it'll be?

Oh, now I'm gonna make you squeal.

Alas, the game thinks this kind of direct approach is going to skip their masterfully written dark underlord archetype writing and put a stop to that.

George, be silent. And you... Explain yourself. Before my more... proficient men take over the conversation.

Mr. Lexington, I assure you I mean you no offense. I just wanted to see you...

And so you have. Is that all?

I was hoping for a moment of your time.

Follow me to my office.

Here we go again.

 

[RK47]

No job too small

Spoiler

Your doorman didn't do much to keep me out.

Oh, you've had my attention since Hatmandor. But no matter. I'm much more concerned with the present.

Hmm. Was he referring to the botched gem deal in the sewers?

I can't imagine you'd be foolish enough to think you could hurt me here... so, I must assume your intentions are of a more fiduciary nature.

I'm looking for a man named Kaineth. A mage.

Easy enough. He's sitting in the lounge as we speak. But if you're here to spill blood, I implore you to reconsider. That is... if you wish to walk out of here alive.

I just want to speak with him.

I'm afraid the Lounge is accessible to members only, and the waiting list is very long. But there always shorter ways.

Here it comes...

Such as?

There is one thing you might be able to help me with. What level of devilry are you willing to undertake?

Anything you want, Mr Lexington. I'm your man.

We will see, won't we? Here's what I'd like you to do: New Ashos has recently opened harbor for a few of my competitors. Nothing wrong with a little honest competition, as long as I'm the one with the swords, but last week some prick who thinks awfully high of himself beat one of my best croupiers into a coma. I suggest giving him a lesson in manners.

A permanent lesson?

Heavens no! I only want you to speak with him. Not everyone sees me as a callous brute, you know. I'd do much to protect my image. Besides... some things are better done in the dark.

So why me?

You're a new face. There are boundaries in New Ashos a reputable man doesn't cross, nor do his men. But since you're not one of my employees, nobody's likely to recognize you. The man's name is Sam Mangano. Sammy the Bull, some call him.

Consider it done.

Wow. You certainly know how to hold a grudge, George.

Not that. I don't care about you. It's my little niece, Annette.

Something happened to her?

Only my failure as an uncle. I promised her no man would ever harm her, but now...

Someone hurt her?

She's young. And, she was a member of the Black Rose. You've heard of 'em.

So she escorted men on dates? From what I hear, it's not as lewd as everyone makes it sound.

That's correct. "Black Rose" is the boss's place, in part, and though he likes his auras, he's a man of class... not a pimp. The most the girls are required to do is flirt. Harmless. And abroad they make lovely, intelligent companions. They can dance, hold a conversation... in many ways it's a prestigious job for one of Annette's station. But this Count Lester... he's a rotten fruit. Thought his money guaranteed him a little something extra. When Annette refused, he left her with a few broken teeth. Now she's useless to the the Rose. Even tried poisoning herself out of guilt. It's bad.

You say the past is behind us... anything I can do to help?

Now that's a surprise. No. I made a vow and I plan to keep it myself.

You're going to take on a nobleman alone?

Not just take him on. Turn his guts into dogfood. He'll be at a picnic today with his men, outside the city. A ripe time to have his throat cut.

That's suicide. Seriously, you need my assistance.

Do I? Why's that?

His men is trained to thwart assassination attempts. You need to be more subtle. What kind of poison did Annette intend to use to commit suicide?

I don't know, something generic. A colorless, odorless liquid. You mean to tell me you'd poison a man you don't even know.

If it means earning a favor from you, you bet I will.

George nods and hands me a bottle of "medicine". It will have to do.

 

[Darth Roxor]

gud quest design itt

 

[RK47]

Picnic in New Ashos

Spoiler