Knew I shouldn't have taken that alley shortcut.
Are you quite sure that you want to rob from a city guard?
Hmph. Next time intimidate him for some EXP THEN kill him before he walks off screen. Maximize the reward. Minimize the risk.
Enough of that. Let's find Ali Huban. There should be a tavern somewhere here. Ah, there it is.
It's a tavern, alright.
Cups are being emptied, most of the customers are sailors on shore leave. A lone knight refuses to meet my glance at the counter while a single-armed man is in deep debate with another patron in one of the corners. The barmaid took a moment off her work to greet me cheerfully.
Greetings, I'm looking for information.
Well, information is not on the menu, and sometimes those *special* orders can cost you. Depends on what you want to know about.
I'm looking for a man named Ali Huban.
I'm looking for a man as well, but I don't think I'll have any luck finding an honest man in this ale-soaked tavern! Anyway, I've heard of this Ali Huban, he's a trader if I recall. Why are you looking for him?
Amir wants to find out if Ali has any news for him.
Oh? Amir is looking for him? Well, then why did he send you?
I am his pupil. I seek to become a Favored One of the Knight of Saladin.
How wonderful! You must understand, I had to make sure you were not a town guard because, well, let's just say the trade laws in Barcelona are far too restrictive. Know that *I* am Ali Huban.
I...see.
I have had to wear this disguise out of necessity for the past few weeks. Extremely unpleasant, but the tips are nice. I have a message for Amir. Deliver this letter to him and tell him that I have located those responsible for the theft.
I shall take it to Amir, then.
Gained a level.
Now's a good time to unlock your third tier magic. I think the fighting is about to get serious from now.
Yeah.
Protective Thought Magic increased to 50
One Hand Melee Weapon increased to 50
It might be a good idea to have a self healing magic.
Divine Magic Healing increased to 1
That's sufficient. Let's proceed...
As I turn to leave the tavern, I cannot help but take interest in the heated discussion between the one-armed man and his companion.
So Cortes, you want to throw more of my gold into the ocean?
If you could just spare but a single chest of gold, I could sail to the New World and recover your losses!
Do you take me for a fool?!
I can make you a rich man!
More likely you would drain me of my wealth and leave me destitute.
You are a heartless miser!
You are a bumbling buffoon!
Shylocke, you must spare more gold!
Not only will I not pay you, I am tempted to seize your remaining assets to pay for my losses!
You cannot seize my ship, Shylocke. No one in the world would agree that what you say is fair!
Well, why don't we ask this eavesdropper. You there, perhaps you could settle our quarrel?
Yes, I would agree to let this one settle our dispute. What say you stranger?
What are you two arguing about?
A year ago, this wretch borrowed ten thousand gold from me to fund an expedition to the New World. He promised gold, slaves, and other riches, and he returned with only one of the three ships he set out with, one arm, but not *one* ounce of gold. Now he asks for more money for another expedition. I should be able to seize his last remaining ship to recover my losses.
Give him another chance, Mr Shylocke. Investments are never without risk.
Fool! I will not forget this slight, stranger. And Cortes, I never want to see your pathetic face as long as I live.
Shylocke empties his mug of ale before leaving in a huff. He appears resigned to losing his investment. Well, at least Cortez won't lose his last ship.
It is certainly my good fortune that you arrived when you did. That man makes serpents seem trustworthy. Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Hernan Cortes, former Conquistador for Espana, and explorer of the New World.
Tell me about the New World.
Across the blue sea, there is an untamed land, wilder and more alive than any place you have ever seen in Europe. The New World, the Americas, it was supposed to be a land of wealth and dreams. After three expeditions to that accursed land, I can tell you it is a place of nightmares.
What happened during the first expedition?
My first expedition, in 1507, proved to be successful. We explored a land known as Mexico and found a friendly tribe of natives, the Cempoalas, who were willing to share food, gold and other resources. I befriended a local shaman, who led me to a wondrous fountain hidden deep within the jungle. The water restored my vitality and has kept me youthful to this day, even though I am over a hundred years old.
That seemed fortunate, what of your second expedition?
I returned to Mexico and heard legends of the Aztecs, a fierce tribe of strong warriors and powerful shamans. The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, supposedly contained riches beyond imagination. With my small force, I could not hope to conquer the capital. Instead I engaged the outlying Aztec territories so that I could return with some treasures to convince Espana to give me an army.
And then what happened?
When I returned, I found that other conquistadors had told the King about the perilous encounters they faced in the New World. Despite the treasure I brought back, the King was hesitant to explore the New World further. I turned to private moneylenders like Shylocke to fund my expedition. When I showed him the intricate gold idols, precious gems, and jewels he gave me the money to buy ships and hire soldiers. I returned to Mexico prepared, and searched for Tenochtitlan. What we found instead, was death. All but a few of my men were captured and sacrificed to bloodthirsty Aztec gods or else eaten by their terrible beasts.
Is this why you are no longer a conquistador?
Yes, unlike the soldiers under my command, I barely survived my last expedition, and a winged feathered beast snapped my arm off during my escape. Now I am heavily indebted, and I fear that no lender will give me more gold.
He should try Kickstarter, I heard it's in the rage of late.
There is one possible way for me to repay my debts, but with one arm it would be an impossible task.
How?
During the return voyage from the Americas, we encountered a derelict ship, strangely deserted by its crew. And in the empty captain's quarters, I found a tattered map leading to a great cache of treasure. I thought our bad fortunes had reversed, but when we returned to our own vessel, dark spirits and ghostly pirates awoke on the mysterious ship and pursued us. Only the rising sun and the grace of God saved us from a grisly death. I have spent many weeks studying every detail of the map. The treasure lies just beyond the walls of Barcelona in a secret cave, and only *I* know its location.
Why are you unable to simply open it?
There is a reason this hidden treasure has never been claimed. The map warns of ghastly, monstrous, terrible creatures guarding whatever treasures lie within the cave. With the loss of my arm, I know that I could not survive the cave alone.
Perhaps I can help you?
I appreciate your kindness, friend. I have spoken with the greatest medical mind of this city, none other than Leonardo Da Vinci. He has offered to design a mechanical limb to replace my arm, and though I am skeptical.. I pray that he can construct a mirale from gears and metal.
Then I'll speak with DaVinci about the mechanical arm.
Gracias! I will wait here for any word from Senor DaVinci!
Your journal's starting to get over-cluttered, seriously!
Well, better to get all of it settled in one shot. All those conversation left my throat parched, maybe I should get a drink...
At the mere mention of the word, another seated patron beckoned me to his table with a cheerful wave.
Hmm. The Serpent's Bile sounds good.
The man waves to the barmaid, who brings two mugs full of the spirits.
I make it a custom to order extra rounds for just such an occasion. Now, let's have a toast to health and victory to the Spanish Armada. Salud!
We both took a swig. It was bitter-sweet, and strong.
You serve in the Armada?
Yes, I do. Soon, we'll set sail to battle the English across their isles. My friends and fellow sailors celebrate now, for tomorrow there will be war and many of us may not return. What do you think of the coming war with England.
I hold no grudge against England. I am neutral.
Fair enough. You will likely live long with a creed like that. Thank you for sharing a drink with me. I wish you safe travels.
And to you as well, sailor.
ED: If you actually showed support for the English during this conversation, Guiterrez will reveal that he is actually a spy sent to sabotage the Spanish war effort. It'll lead to another sub-quest. But I figure it's a little bit silly for Alkas to declare support for the English in a public place like a tavern.
Later...
According to the guards, this is Leonardo's Workshop.
Doesn't look like much.
I pushed the door open and went inside.
Hello, Signor Leo. Cortes said you were working on a mechanical arm for him. How is it coming?
Yes, Cortes approached me about this a few months ago. It just so happens that I finished the design for a mechanical arm and I gave it to Eduardo the Blacksmith. However, he will need a supply of Red Iron in order to complete it. Perhaps you should visit him and see if he has obtained some.
Hm, alright, but before I go, I have other questions.
Si, my friend. What would you like to know about?
Tell me about your machines, Leonardo.
My machines are my tools, inventions to help me build more devices and unlock the mysteries of the natural and supernatural. Be careful when you walk about my workshop, some of these machines have minds of their own...
Hmmm. What do you mean they have minds of their own?
To make the machines run, I infused them with magic spirits. Some of these spirits are more temperamental than others. One in particular, the steam engine, causes me grief to no end, and I haven't been able to finish my latest invention.
Is it because the group chat and overlay always crashes?
Tell me about the steam engine.
It's rather embarassing, you see, but the steam engine is upset at me over some creative differences.
Wut?
It believes that it is a great inventor and that I'm its apprentice. Serves me right for using a fire elemental as the power source, but it really does generate a good deal of steam.
What is your latest invention?
I purchased a Chinese crossbow design from Weng Choi that allows for rapid, repeating fire. Of course I made some improvements on the design, but I will need help to complete it.
I can help.
Perfecto! To complete the design, I'll need help gathering some of the final components. Unfortunately, I need the steam engine to create some special gears, but it isn't on speaking terms with me. Perhaps you could convince it to help us?
Uh... I'll convince it to make the gears.
I stepped closer to the steam machine, unsure what to expect.
Shouldn't you be talking to it or something?
I push the yellow button only to hear the machine hisses in anger.
Hmm...how about the blue button then?
No sooner the button is pushed, I could feel the earth shook, knocking me off my legs.
Leonardo quickly rushes over to the machine to settle it down. I was still disoriented and picked myself off the floor, wondering what had happened. Then came a chuckle from an unlikely source.
Hey...
Oh, *now* what? I presume the old man put you up to this?
Why did you shake the room so hard?
Because you pressed my button, silly. It's there to teach monkeys like you to not touch delicate things like me. I trust the lesson wasn't lost on you?
Alright, I apologize. DaVinci asked me to collect gears from you.
So, he's too afraid to deal with me so he sends his apprentice? Very well, I'll make the gears, if you can provide me with a magical potion.
Will this do?
I held out a healing potion from my belt pouch.
Didn't I say *ANY* potion? Put it in the slot.
As I do so, the potion dissolves instantly, creating a huge amount of steam. Within seconds, gears appear from the machine.
Thanks.
You're welcome, now leave me be.
Signor Leo, I have the gears.
Well done! Now, while I attach the gears to the crossbow I need you to find the final component, a suitable lens for a targeting device I've designed. I believe Galileo constructed such a lens for his telescope and, given his current troubles, I doubt he has much need of it.
I suppose I'll retrieve the lens.
The telescope is within the Temple District Observatory. Return here when you have it!
There's a shelf of books on Leonardo's work bench. Curious.
Thumbing through the books of technical nature, I am surprised to come across the 'History of Dragons.'
But does the lord fall as well?
Leonardo nodded as I picked it up, content to it go. I guess Weng Choi can add another rare book to his collection.
Hmm...what an interesting instrument.
I suppose I'll start with the crank wheel.
As I finished doing so, a melodious voice greets me.
Thank you for tuning me! I was feeling a little...flat.
Uh...you speak as well?
My voice rings louder for those with a desire to create and compose. I am a muse, a spirit of artistic expression. When Leonardo crafted the viola organista, I was drawn to it like bees to honey, seeking the sweetness of this wondrous instrument.
Do you mind if I compose a music?
Please do! Unlock the poetry in your spirit and stoke the fires of your creativity.
There are seven keys on the organ, each labeled with a single letter from A to G.
No, really we wouldn't have a clue what to press. There really isn't any hint, but gamefaqs told us to hit C-E-C-C-A to unlock something.
Sigh. And hit it, I did.
The organ trembles slightly and the keys emanate a soft glow.
Wow.
Gaining access to Leo's secret chamber grants 1000 EXP, and there's some locked chests here as well.
Pretty soon, Leonardo teleports in as well.
I know you are extremely clever but I suppose I should watch you a bit more closely, eh?
He gives a chuckle as I poke around some more.
You might as well look around and pry into my secrets. Try not to break my siege engine, that one is particularly dangerous.
This looks like a shell of some sort. How does it even move?
Unlocking another chest yields an interesting looking sceptre.
And another chest yields a decent prize.
We've done all we could. We should leave.
Leo's been a big help. Let's go.
What a twist! Thanks for buying our game.
We trust Eduardo no more. We no trust no one. Too many dead trolls. Wererats sneaky. Leave or face problem.
