Arcanum - Summoner: Goodbye, Arcanum?

I love the Panarii plot.

Music: The Dead Shall Speak

The silent was deafening. The Prophecy was false. The body was not Nasrudin's. Even worse, it could be another saint's. Gilford stared long and hard at the skeleton, gripping the skull tightly on his arm. He finally raised the skull to his face and gazed into its hollow eyes.

I still don't get it.
I see. Virgil, stand up.
I...I cannot. My faith..it's..
Is a lie. I'm sorry, Virgil, but we must go.
I...
Come. Let us unravel this mystery...*Gently drops the skull into his pack and sketches some notes.*

The party ascend from the sewers and return to the temple.


There were some other strange things about what I saw...
What? What did you see?
The skeleton, it's missing its right finger...
*His face goes pale.* You know what that means. Oh, no...it couldn't be...
I'm afraid it is.
I don't know. Good god. *He is in shock.* Why? Why would they have buried him in the tomb of Nasrudin? I just..*He trails off.*
There's something else...I found these markings on the coffin lid. Written in blood. Recognize it? *Shows his sketches to Hadrian.*


I'll get to the bottom of this, Hadrian...
*He steadies himself against his desk.* Two thousand years...and no one ever even bothered to check. What fools have we been? Listen, speak to Gunther about this. Find out what it means. I..I can be of no further use. *He gazes beyond Gilford, lost in thought.*
Are you alright, Hadrian?
*He laughs, bitterly.* Perhaps this was a stone better left unturned, my friend. It's not every day that one is faced with the negation of his belief...*He lowers his head.*
I'm very sorry, Hadrian. I take my leave...

Gilford enters Gunther's office.


Another moment, Gunther. Recognize this? *Shows him the sketches.*
*Thinks for a moment.* I have no idea what the broken ring represents, but the two words are written in old Panarum - a dead language that was once used by the elders of the Church. The first word means 'mirror' or 'opposite' ...and the second word means 'truth'. As for the meaning of the whole message, I'm at a loss. I think we can assume that Mannox was trying to tell us something...
...a lie.
The opposite of truth. What did you find, Gunther?
Remember I told you I was working on those older translations? I found another passage from it that is consistent with the Archaeon we read today. Have you heard the passage where it talks about the final resting place of Nasrudin?
Yes...Alexander told me.
Well, today's Archaeon reads "...Nasrudin traveled to the southernmost tip of the land, and there laid himself to rest." The copy I've been translating says almost the same exact thing, except for one slight difference. It reads "...Nasrudin CROSSED THE WATERS, and traveled to the southernmost tip of the land."
Are you saying what I think it means?
Yes, I'm saying that I don't think Nasrudin was buried here in Caladon...we have always just assumed that the scriptures were speaking of the MAINLAND, and, of course, when the remains were 'found', no one ever bothered to look again...
Where do you think is his 'true remains' are located at?
The southernmost tip of ANY land in Arcanum is the Isle of Thanatos...to the south of here. I think that is where you next should you. Might I ask you a favor...if you have the time before you leave, perhaps you could uncover the truth behind Saint Mannox? There are men here who would be interested in finding the responsible party...
I may do that. But why do you think they did all this?
I don't know, my friend. Perhaps there is something about the actual remains of the Nasrudin which they are afraid of. You should seek out his final resting place, and there, I think, you will find your answers.
I will, Gunther...Thank you and good day.

The party left Gunther's office, pondering on the clues given to them.

I've never been to that island before...sounds dangerous.
All the pieces have fallen neatly together..*Presses a finger to his forehead.* I've got it. *Snaps his fingers.*
What did you get?
Everything.
*Smiles.* I wish to hear it...as the rest of the party does, I'm sure.
Thousand of years of plotting...it's only made possible by elven's long age...Please bear with me. *Closes his eyes.*

Approximately, two thousand years ago, a great battle took place...wherein the great Nasrudin banished the evil Arronax into the Void. After the victory, the great man succumbed to his wounds.
Mmm hmm.
And barely a few months ago, the IFS Zephyr crashed on its maiden voyage. All, save one. Perished. *Points to himself.*
I found you there..
This was no accident. A pair of smaller crafts staged an attack over the Shrouded Hills. Killing themselves in the process. These individuals are affiliated to a group of assassin, known as the Molochean Hand.

Who hired them? What was their goal? A dying gnome gave what clues he could to the sole survivor. Handing to him a ring...and hinted at a 'great evil returning', instructing the survivor to 'find the boy.' Tired of the repeated attempts on his life, the survivor pressed on for answers and his search took him to the city of Tarant...

The owner of the ring turned out to be Gilbert Bates, the technologist. And the gnome turned out to be a dwarf in a most unthinkable disguise.
*Scratches his chin.* What? He cross-dresses?
He shaved his beard.
Oh.
What was Bates' past with this dwarf, and what happened that set off this chain of misfortunes?

It happened after Bates mastered the dwarven Steam Engine and sold it to a company. Its productivity and human's shortsightedness massacred the Morbihan Forests. Many elven communities were reported to have been forced to relocate. No objections were sounded against the human's encroachment, until one day...

An elven delegation sent to the Wheel Clan threatened war if no actions were taken. Their demands are simple: the exile of the entire Black Mountain Clan to the Isle of Despair..it was a harsh fate. A demand which the dwarven king relented.
But they weren't there...
Indeed. The evil plan is already set into motion. With the condition that the elves will carry out the banishment of the dwarves themselves, no one knew the true fate of the Black Mountain Clan. Unless one of them gets the word out..

Stennar, with his indomitable spirit, escaped imprisonment from within the Void and returned to this world through the Ring of Brodgar. The Dark Elves, fearing exposing their plans should they dirty their hands, decided to hire a group of highly trained assassins, the Molochean Hand which led to the destruction of IFS Zephyr which sealed Stennar's fate.
You...are their unforeseen consequence.
Traveling from farthest corners of Arcanum, the survivor gathered allies wherever he could, and cuts through the web of deceit. Revealing the painful truth underneath it...a fact that the Dark ones still fear...
You mean...?
Nasrudin.

For you see, Nasrudin did not die. Why did our enemies spend so much effort to declare him dead? And put a false body inside his grave? Kan Hua is our man. The insidious mastermind of Arronax's return. I can only conclude St. Mannox got too close to the truth and was slain. In his dying moments, he wrote what he could if it was not obvious enough already.
"The opposite of truth."
Falsehood. Lies. Deceit. Nasrudin IS ALIVE. And he's probably in Thanatos.

Nice job on Alain's thought process. Looking forward to his quest for a boat.

WAIT, WHAT?!

:surprised chipmunk:

To be honest I never really got the reaction of the church folk. Sure, we know the truth, thanks to Alain's deductive reasoning, but all they really know is their holy relic isn't what they thought it was. As dedicated religious extremists, how would that disprove their religion? They'd just turn on the relic, but it doesn't really prove their religion false. Does it? Did I miss something?

Brother None said:

:surprised chipmunk:

To be honest I never really got the reaction of the church folk. Sure, we know the truth, thanks to Alain's deductive reasoning, but all they really know is their holy relic isn't what they thought it was. As dedicated religious extremists, how would that disprove their religion? They'd just turn on the relic, but it doesn't really prove their religion false. Does it? Did I miss something?

Click to expand...

I would imagine that would come next. First comes shock and the worst case, then they start considering and designing logic to disbelieve it. The other thing to 3 of them I would imagine it hits harder due to them believing Alain is Nasrudin reborn.

What it proves wrong though is that their saint isn't who they thought and that their interpretation of several things is quite wrong. Reaching for the worst possible conclusion (It's all a lie) is one of the possible reactions - especially at first depending on the person in question and how likely they are to catastrophize in response to anything.

So if we surmise that Hadrien is likely to catastrophize then his response makes sense as he sees it and reaches for the worst case scenario.

Gunther on the other hand seems to treat it as an intellectual puzzle - reacting as you described. His first response was to pull up proof those remains were false even if Alain didn't ask him more on it.

Brother None said:

:surprised chipmunk:

To be honest I never really got the reaction of the church folk. Sure, we know the truth, thanks to Alain's deductive reasoning, but all they really know is their holy relic isn't what they thought it was. As dedicated religious extremists, how would that disprove their religion? They'd just turn on the relic, but it doesn't really prove their religion false. Does it? Did I miss something?

Click to expand...

Uh...it's not a holy relic, that's the problem, BN. Let's compare it to the real world example:



Okay.

If we return to Arcanum's logic. Without Alain's discovery, the Panarii would remain clueless of the return of Arronax. Their duty was originally to maintain the wards on the Ring of Brodgar.

Obviously, this task is not being carried out for 2000 years since Nasrudin's 'death'. Arronax will return, and the unwitting followers of Nasrudin is the indirect cause of it. They have failed their duty, and like sheep, followed another shepherd blindly.

Well, we know all that. Why does the gnome? Why would Virgil in this narration? They respond as if the mere fact that the wrong skeleton is in the crypt deligitimizes their entire religion. Why?

Gunther response seems a lot more reasonable. The wrong skeleton's in the sacrophagus? So what. Yes, the drawing and the knowledge we have lead us further, but that doesn't explain the other reactions. Though I guess the gnome's is partially explained by him being very strict in the lore. But how would the skull being human "negate his belief" (even if the whole buried alive thing is a bit morbid, but not the only explanation available. Hell he jumps to that conclusion rather quick. Morbid mind)? Why would that lone fact negate Virgil's?

Brother None said:

Well, we know all that. Why does the gnome? Why would Virgil in this narration? They respond as if the mere fact that the wrong skeleton is in the crypt deligitimizes their entire religion. Why?

Gunther response seems a lot more reasonable. The wrong skeleton's in the sacrophagus? So what. Yes, the drawing and the knowledge we have lead us further, but that doesn't explain the other reactions. Though I guess the gnome's is partially explained by him being very strict in the lore. But how would the skull being human "negate his belief" (even if the whole buried alive thing is a bit morbid, but not the only explanation available. Hell he jumps to that conclusion rather quick. Morbid mind)? Why would that lone fact negate Virgil's?

Click to expand...

Well, he just had his 'deep religious experience' (The Zen Virgil) stopped cold by the hard hitting punch of reality. I just tried to paint him as that. He was very sure of the Panarii way being his salvation and he is walking the same path with the Living One.

I admit, I might dramatize too much, but it's strange if Virgil, the only Panarii follower religion who achieved a 'Zen-like' state not being shaken by the revelation and merely say 'Oh, that's it? Let's find the bastards responsible.' Something I found very odd in the original script and decided to add a little more.

All of Hadrian's and Gunther's reply are as it were. No additions were made. Except on Gilford's responses.

Preposterously prestigious LP, RK-47. As noted, your writerly additions are, if anything, superior to the original. Keep it up.

Wasn't aiming to criticize you RK47. I've played Arcanum to death but this is almost like reading it anew with the fresh stuff and angles you add. High-quality material.

I'm just saying, this is something that's always seemed odd to me in the way Arcanum's main plot thread runs. There's a difference between what we discover as a piece of the overall puzzle and the way the Panarii church should react to it that Troika didn't handle that well, in my opinion.

Reading this LP made me proud - I am a part of a limited group of people, that have the possibility of reading it.

The gnome conspiracy brought me no end of frustration on my playthrough. I thank you for at least a miniscule amount of peace from the way you handled the situation.

We need to tell Alexander about this.
He's going to take some convincing...his wrath will be terrible...
Well, he IS the descendant of Mannox.
Hush, I'll do the talking.


I've been uncovering some strange things, Alexander...
Really? Just what are you talking about?
Gunther's discovered something about the name of the Panarii. According to him, its meaning was altered over time.
Hmm. That is strange, my friend, but it seems fairly trivial thing...there are small differences in almost every translation. This was probably just an honest mistake...was there anything else?
Well, your religion is a mis- *Mmmmph*
*Smiles as he jams a handkerchief into the necromancer's mouth.* Continue, Gilford.
Gunther also uncovered a strange fact regarding this K'an Hua individual in the historical records. It appears he is always present during important events in the Panarii's history.
Hmmm. That is an interesting fact. Perhaps there is something amiss here...was there anything else?
I've seen the inside of Nasrudin's crypt.
What did you find?
I retrieved the skull...Hadrian confirmed it's human and not elven...
*His face goes hard as stone.* This is grave news. Obviously the remains are a fake. If you find out what all of this means, return to me...was there anything else?
One of the skeleton's finger is missing, and it appears the coffin's occupant was alive when the burial was carried out. We found markings in blood inside the lid. I'm sorry, Alexander...
*His fists clench, he barely controls his rage.* I see. Return to me if you find out what all of this means. If indeed my fam...I mean, the blood of Mannox was spilled for some darker plot, you can be assured that there will be retribution. I swear it by my life.
There is light within all of this darkness, Alexander. Gunther deduced that Nasrudin's true resting place might lie in the Isle of Thanatos...
You mean?
Mannox's death was manufactured...but Nasrudin may still be alive.
It seems like we've all been deceived my friend. It seems your path no longer lies with us. But if you have the time, perhaps your could look into the message that was written on the inside of the crypt....return to me if you find what it means. Otherwise, good luck to you. I hope you find the final resting place of Nasrudin.
Don't lose faith, Alexander.

The group stepped out of the temple.

So..Thanatos?
Why rush?
Oh, I dunno, an elven mad sorcerer coming out of the Void? A whole religion being manipulated to sinister end?
*Chuckles* We have things to do before that, remember? *Points to the two cameras in his pack.*
Ooh. I nearly forgot about those...

Together they walked towards Maxim's factory...


That would be a medical arachnid, I believe.
*He digs through some parts on the floor.* It's here somewhere....ah, yes! Here it is, the world's first medical arachnid!
Why...thanks. Damn. This stuff is heavy...

Don't think you're supposed to carry it...

Is that so...fine! *Tosses the automaton*

The mechanical arachnid dropped with a clank and its metallic legs extended to lift its main body from the floor.

...I don't think I really want it...
Geez, give it a chance you spell-slinger!


At level 25, the medical arachnic possess a meager 60 HP and moves quite slowly outside of combat. Another example of poor real time engine.



If you look at its stats, it actually has 18 DEX. Which makes it faster than Virgil and stronger with Melee (Expert).

Tch, whatever. Let's head to Roseborough for another camera drop...




Gilford pocketed the cash and leaves the jubilant reporter behind.

Not staying for lunch? The stew's here pretty great.
We're here for business, Seb.
Oh? I thought it was settled earlier...
Come, walk with me for a moment...

The rest of the party followed Gilford towards the Ring of Brodgar...

What should we be doing now, Virgil?


What about Mannox?
Uh..assuming we stumble upon clues..we'll keep a look out for any damning clues of the Panarii's deception...
Alexander did point out on the writings that Mannox left behind...a circle, written in blood.
You think he is referring to the Ring of Brodgar?
None other. Problem is, I'm VERY unclear as to how it relates to the writing.
You suggest a search of the surrounding areas?
You can be sure there's nothing in town that I haven't searched. So the best bet is to go towards the wilderness...either North...Northwest..Northeast...West...or Southwest.
Five directions. Enough of us to cover. Let's split and meet back here in 30 minutes. I'll take the dog with me.
Hmph. Me and the zombie, then...
Very well.

The party split up and search the five directions for half an hour.

I think I found something to the southwest...
What is it?
A circular stone of some sort...I can't open it. There's something inscribed on its surface.
Take us there.


"...the word that opens all doors."
Crimstone?

Nothing happens.

No. It must be what Mannox wrote. Gunther said...
The opposite of...



The stone cover rumbled in protest...whatever locked it must be magickal, for as soon as the word 'truth' was uttered, it fell inwards and shattered.

Let's go.



A camp of some sort. Very isolated.
A hideout.
*Picks up a dusty tome.* You may want to read this, Gilford...
Thank you, Z'an.


A ha! K'an Hua's name appears.
That fiend?

...infiltrated the Council. Mannox's influence was too weak to stop him. "He has insinuated that the wards are merely an outward representation of an inward discipline that we all must cultivate,"
That snake...

It appears even the followers of the Panarii welcomed his recommendations. Only Mannox stayed true to the Panarii ways.
He was a brave man, he did not deserve this fate...

Ah, it appears Mannox DID meet Nasrudin.
What? Let me see that!

This meeting, caused great alarm among K'an Hua's cohorts..and they seek to kill Mannox.
I assume they were successful?
No...Mannox fought off the elves and retreated here.
But his body..?
He wrote this journal's final entry and prepared himself before returning to Caladon to bring light of K'an Hua's falsehood.
So...he failed.
Come...let's go. I see this is his sword. Alexander needs to hear about this.



The party returns to the Panarii Temple in Caladon with the journal and ceremonial sword in hand..


Alexander has finished reading.


I also found this...*gives Alexander his family sword.*
*He is stunned, unbelieving.* I never hoped to see this...it was lost so many years ago. It will be put to good use...I can assure you.
Goodbye and good luck.
*He takes both Gilford's hands in both of his.* Thank you, Living One. Your help here has been invaluable. I wish you luck on your quest, and in the conflict to come...
*He clutches his right fist closely to his chest and mutters a silent prayers.*
We'll give it our best...

Later, at Gunther's office...


Gunther, I've discovered the truth about Mannox...
Is that so? And what is it?
All in this journal. *Hands it over for Gunther to read.*
*Gunther says nothing for a long while before he finally speaks.* It seems that we have been misled from the beginning. And now I see why we were first called the 'defenders of the gate.' It seems we have a great responsibility...we shall begin to live up to it.
As do we, Gunther.
Well, if you haven't already, please go and tell Alexander...
I've already done that. Farewell to you, Gunther.
I'm glad I'm not one of them. *He smiles, wickedly.*

Gilford enter's Hadrian's office. It was very quiet. The broken cup still lie on the floor, the owner appears to be helplessly lost.


Hadrian...I've found the whole truth.
*He whispers slightly* What?
Here...let me read Mannox's journal for you.
*Anger flares in his eyes.* The man truly was a saint....a saint and a warrior. And it seems that we Panarii have been neglecting our true duties...that will no longer be the case. *He puts a hand to Gilford's shoulder.* Thank you, my friend. You've done this church, and the world, a great service.
I'm glad you've finally found peace, Hadrian.
As a token of my appreciation, feel free to take the objects in the display cases. I can't tell you what they'd be good for, but they're yours all the same. *He gestures towards the cases as a series of clicks sounded, signaling the removal of the magical locks.*
Thank you, Hadrian.
Speak with Alexander of these things if you haven't already done so. I'm an old man, and tired...there is little I can do to right this wrong. But Alexander is strong, the strongest of us all, and will know what to do.
I've done that, Hadrian.
*He smiles, to himself* I envy not the man who Alexander finds responsible.
Mmm. Treasures?
Careful with those display cases...



Gilford slowly removes the first object from the display case. A glass key. Beautiful to the touch, yet its use is a mystery.

Hmmm. Seems useless.

He walks over to the second display case, labeled 'The Eye of Kraka-Tur'

One of the banished, eh?



Hmmm. *Clenches the eye.* Not magickal. Disappointing.

The last display case contains the Finger of Mannox. None doubted its authenticity.



Wha- it's ..magickal! Virgil, I think you should have this.
I...if you say so, sir. *Bows his head.*
*Ties a string to the finger and puts it around Virgil's neck.* Wear it in good faith.
I shan't let you down.
We're done here...Farewell, Alexander.



So...Seb, what do you know about the Isle of Thanatos?
Not much, other than it's supposed to be about the most dangerous place there is. I'm not one to shy away from a scrap, but I don't especially look forward to visiting it...
Any strategic advice, Torian?
Fight, to the death if necessary. I am prepared to lay my life down for you, and the Island of Death seems an appropriate place to do so.
Don't say that...let's go.


Oh..fine...Black Root, then.
Seems like more adventure awaits...
Aye, I'm sure. Onward!

Their sails unfurled, the party leaves Caladon for Black Root, seeking a captain brave enough to take them to the Isle of Thanatos, the rumored true resting place of the great Nasrudin.

So, this is Black Root. Anyone know what kind of town this is?
Watch yourself around here...lots of drunk sailors with nothing to do but start trouble. If you're looking for information, the Sour Barnacle, down on the docks, is always a good place to start...
Good advice, Sebastian. Surely we'll find a ship owner brave enough to take us to Thanatos there...

No sooner Gilford entered the Sour Barnacle, a familiar face comes into view...


What's happened, Captain Teach?
I lost me boat, matey! Went and got too drunk one night, and found myself gambling with Killian Drake, an old sea cap'n who knows his way around a dice game. He played me matey...he played me a fool and I lost me boat!
Do you think he cheated?
Oh, I don't know if'n old Drake's a cheat. He's just lucky...about the luckiest old sea-dog I ever did meet. I can't be callin' a man a cheat just because the dice landed his way...
Look, maybe I could help - and I may need to call on that favor.
What are you going to do? Gamble for his ship?
Well, if you've got a better idea-
That's mighty nice of you, matey. And you know if there's anything I can do for you, Old Teach'll do it...
Thank you. I need to get to the Island of Thanatos..
Thanatos! That's even crazier than wanting to go to the Isle of Despair. But, I'm figurin' it's important. I suppose there are a couple of different ways ye might get there. One...you could buy a boat from the shipbuilder here in Black Root, which ain't cheap...
I've money. But I wouldn't mind a less expensive option.
You might be able to get a dice game with Old Drake, but he's no rubber-leg when it comes to dice...
Out of the question. So we'll just have to buy a new ship...
Any more idea, Teach?
Well, I'm a little leery of even mentionin' it....it's not somethin' I even like to think about, much less let spill outta me blowhole. But ye seem ta need some help, and I owe ye one.
Any lead would be very helpful at this point.
Did I ever tell ye the story of how I came to own the Gypsy Shadow?
Not really...but how does it relate to my getting to Thanatos?
It's just as well that I didn't tell it. But I'll say that I ened up with the Gypsy Shadow on account of the most cold-blooded murdering pirate who ever sailed the seas of Arcanum, and his name was Stringy Pete...
Okay, go on...
This is going to be a long story...barkeep, some ale!
Well...there's a legend about old Stringy Pete, and I know it to be true. You see, old Pete died more'n two hundred years ago, but legend has it he still sails the seas, a'hauntin' those souls who be unlucky enough to run across him...
What are you saying, Captain?
I'm sayin' I seen his boat, and I know it to be real! If you could get his boat, without gettin' yerself run-through by his ghost, you'd have yourself a boat...
*Takes a sip from his tankard.* Whaaat? You want us to chase ghost ships?
*Nods.* Seems a little flimsy, Captain. How do you find a ghost pirate's boat?
Years ago, I found a secret cove. And there, on the beach, was with an unmarked grave...unmarked except for the sign a'the evil eye, which is the sign Stringy Pete used to carve of his victims. I got out of there fast, without even looking for treasure...that could have been the place where he was buried, and if'n it was, it's said most spirits return to their graves...Here...I'll mark your map with the location of the cove.
Looks like you have a few options...buying, gambling, or Stringy Pete. I don't like any of them...
Good luck!
Sigh. I'm no gambler...but the cove is so far away from Black Root. Let's see that shipbuilder at the docks...

Shipbuilder? Do you have any ships for sale?
*He smiles widely.* Why, yes I do, as a matter of fact. *He points to the boat behind him.* We just finished building this one here. It's a steal at 50,000 coins!
Hmmm. 40,000. Do we have a deal? Or can we work something out?
*He laughs* I am truly sorry, but I have no epic adventure to send you on to retrieve a magickal family heirloom! 50,000 is the price, and that is final.
Looks like we just need to earn a few thousand more...
Maybe we should check the tavern for work...Black Root's not much, but maybe someone out there needs help.

They return to the Sour Barnacle...


One doesn't expect to see a priest in such an establishment...
It's my veritable home away from home. Actually, it's just about the last place that will have me these days.
And your actual home would be where?
Dernholm, the capital of Cumbria. I've been driven from my beloved Cumbria to end up here.
Why stay? Why not leave completely?
I've lived in Cumbria my whole life. It is my home. I am...was the head of the Church of Cumbria.
Why are you no longer the head of the church?
King Praetor is not well. When Cumbria's economy spiraled out of control, he lashed out at his advisors. When I tried to reason with him, he banished me as well.
So it's safe to assume you're not very fond of him?
Not at all. Praetor needs more assistance than ever, now that his faculties are slipping away. Even in exile I will defend my king to my dying breath.
A noble conduct. Good luck to you, sir. Bartender, know any rumors? Or work to be had?
Black Root used to be under the protection of Cumbria, but I think the Mayor has other plans.
*Whispers* Hey, if what he says is true..then maybe we can offer our services to King Praetor. Get some coin.
Yeah...maybe. Let's go to Dernholm.
Heading out of town already?
Yeah.
Since you're hungry for work, why don't you pay Mrs. Cameron a visit? She's been worried sick about her missing son.
Thanks for the tip, barkeep.
Her house is a block away from the mayor's office. Have a nice day!

They left the Sour Barnacle and pay the good lady a visit.


I am pleased to meet you, good woman. Might I ask your name?
I am Mrs. Cameron, stranger. You appear to be well-traveled. Tell me..have you seen my son?
Who is your son?
Liam. My son is Liam Cameron, the inventor. I haven't seen him in nearly 2 months. It's so unlike him. I was wondering if you passed by his workshop on your travels.
His workshop? I'm afraid I must have come a different route.
He's a tinkerer, like his father before him. Always working on some new gadget. He built himself a workshop about three day's travel into the woods, so he wouldn't be disturbed.
And he is missing?
His normal routine was to trek back here once a month, to visit me and stock up on supplies. It's been nearly two, and I haven't heard a thing. What with the strange happenings going on in the woods, I'm very worried.
I see why you would be concerned. Would you like me to find him?
Would you?! I'd be so grateful! I realize it's a mother's place to worry. But this is so unlike Liam. I'd appreciate any attempt you could make to locate him.
Here, show on my map where his workshop is...I'll bring you news soon.
Why are we being so helpful all the sudden?
Geoffrey, we need the gold.
I hate performing these errands, it's degrading.
Look, it's a temporary measure. Just bear with it for a while.
Hmph. Keep this up and I might leave...

The party review their options.



Stringy Pete's Cove is far to the north...south on the coast off Morbihan Plains. I think it'll take us at least a week to get there.
Let's head to Dernholm. Helping out the king might net us some serious gold.
Right. Let's drop by Liam's workshop along the way.



A few days of journey later...


Hello? Anyone here? Looks abandoned. Locked chest. Get to it Seb.

Problem solved.
*Opens the chest* What's this?
Uh...it's a magickal trap.
What does it do? *Hands over the contraption to Sebastian and continues digging through the chest.* Oh, a scroll of Disperse Magick.
It does the same thing as that magical scroll.
Coincidence?
Sir, I found Liam's Journal.
Let's have a look.

Perhaps Liam's under some sort of medication?
Why do you say that?
He kept 'encountering strange beasts.'

Uh oh.
What is it?
The scroll and traps. They were no coincidence.

Liam could be in trouble. Let's go! *Closes the book.*

Where to?
Let's follow the trail south...
Not too quickly now...you're getting too far ahead...
What the hell is that?

It appears Liam met his monsters.
Never seen anything like that before...it's almost as if..
It came from another world.
Are you certain?
I cannot be sure, but Liam's journal..and traces of magick...seems to originate from the west.

The party continued west, slaying more strange beasts.

Looks like we're too late.


Liam's body has decomposed. Another magickal trap was found in his pack.

A brave attempt, Liam. We'll finish it for you.
I can sense the presence getting stronger...we're getting closer..I ...this is ...the Void?
Are you sure?

A flickering ball of reddish light caught his eyes, and Gilford looked straight at it. A swirling vortex of energy seems to form a gateway where creatures emerge from.


Shit! They've noticed us! Let's get them!

More beasts emerge despite Gilford magick slaying them.



Need some help here...

Torian's ax ended one's life while the loyal dog tore another. Sebastian claims the third.



Is that it?
No...the portal remains open...we must seal it..

How could this happen? Does this mean Arronax can appear here as well?
Of course not you bloody fool! It's too small for him. Just enough for these critters to appear. Gilford, disperse the gate's magick!
The necromancer's right! Use the magickal trap or the scroll! Either one works! Hurry!
Alright...here we...how do I operate this..

With a loud clack, the magickal trap opens and buzz with energy. Suddenly it shattered as the swirling portal energy explodes in a shower of red sparks.


Ughhh! Did it work?
No more red glow. You think?

Let us finish these hell-spawns.

To everyone's surprise, the creatures reacted violently to the portal's closure. Exploding into a shower of red magickal energy themselves.


It seems they perish once they lost their link to the Void...or wherever they came from.
Are you sure it's the Void?
I cannot be sure...
Who cares, it's dead now. Let's go back and claim our reward. Risking our lives for some damnable inventor's fate.
Calm down, Geoffrey, surely you know the dangers if the portal remain opened...
Hmph, whatever.

Gilford cast a glance back at the creatures' corpses as they walk away from the clearing.

(The Void. One day, we'll have to face Arronax within or these beasts will pour forth to this world.)
Hate to interrupt, are we still heading to Dernholm?
Yes...let's head south.

This makes me want to replay Arcanum, although the LP strings the plot together in a better way than the actual game did

Not going for the ghost ship? I thought I ended up going for that option almost every time.

Man it's been ages since I played, I barely remember a lot of this stuff. Great as usual RK

Cheer up, Geoffrey. This won't take long...
Remind me where are we headed to now and for what silly reason?
Dernholm.

Well, I was hoping we'll fix that. And get rewarded.
Might as well try to turn turd into gold, spit. Just look at this city. Dreadful!
He's got a point, though. I expected something more...but this place is really rock-bottom. Look at the statue over there...

A statue of a monarch stands crooked on the town square. The trees nearby are devoid of leaves, and the grass barely grow on the barren soil. Perhaps mirroring the state of Cumbria today.

*Sigh.* You look troubled, Z'an. What's the matter?

Yeah...*Notices a passing townsfolk.* Excuse me, dear lady. Any rumors about in Dernholm?

I see.
Still sure about helping King Praetor? I really thing there's nothing worth saving here. *Picks up a newspaper from the ground and hands it over to Gilford.*

I get what you mean, but we're just here to tidy this place a bit, and earn some gold. No commitments.
Well, lead the way, then.


The walls of the castles are crumbling and dark, much like the figure standing over the throne. King Praetor appears troubled. Nevertheless, he forced himself to smile at the arrival of a powerful mage to his court.


I thank you, Your Majesty. What has happened to your lands?
Alas, we are a poor people now, with limited resources, and I fear my citizens are slowly starving. Cursed technology has toppled my dear Cumbria from its former glory.
Technology is the scourge of our age, my good sir.
I courted the mages of Tulla in an effort to defeat the technology driven madness of Arland. They swore technology was weak compared to the magicks they wielded, yet it was strong enough to defeat our economy.
(Can't summon bread?) Why haven't the mages helped?
They could not face the truth after their ignorance doomed me. Eventually, they all fled.
I can't believe the mages turned their backs on you.
Well that may be, but I could use someone of your...nature to help me now.
(Score.) At your service, your majesty.
I have need of a courier. There appears to be some sort of problem with Black Root, one of our outlying provinces. I could use someone to look into it.
What's the nature of this problem, milord?
Two years ago, Black Root sent word that they could not meet their taxes, their crops had failed. I haven't heard from them since. I need someone to investigate and collect what I'm owed - five gold bars, I believe.
Could they have betrayed your majesty?
Never! They are my loyal subjects. Would you be interested in such a venture?
I'll give it a go.
Seems dire. King Praetor is definitely not in control of the situation, relying on a complete outsider to collect a year's worth of taxes seems...unwise.
Well. We're not stealing it, if that's what you're suggesting...
WHAT!
Look, Geoffrey, I don't want to be hunted at every turn. We just need a few thousand to buy a ship.
Can't you see how hopeless this kingdom is?! Praetor wagered on magick and lost! That fool didn't understand how things supposed to work and blamed mages for everything, he had a kingdom once, now all he had is Cumbria in name only!
Are you going to calm down or do I have to call the Cumbrian guards on you?
Pfft.

The party returned to Black Root days later...

I better deliver the bad news to Liam's mother.

I have news of Liam, Mrs. Cameron.
What news? Where is he?
I am sorry. He was killed by one of the beasts roaming the forest.
No! My baby! My poor baby! *Sobs into her apron* I'm all alone...I have no one left. No one.
He died trying to stop the creatures from the Void. He was a hero, ma'am.
But they killed him and they still roam! His death was in vain...
No, it wasn't. It was his creation that enabled us to stop them.
Truly?
If not for your son, this city would have been overrun...
I will miss him so...
Here, take this journal at the workshop. He wanted you to have it.
*Clutches the journal tightly.* Thank you. Thank you for taking such risks to bring this to me. Here, take this dagger, a small token of my gratitude.
Thank you. I am sorry for your loss. Goodbye.
Breaks your heart, doesn't it?
Yeah, wish we could get Liam back...but it's been weeks. Let's head to the mayor's office.


I am here on behalf of King Praetor.
What do you want?
I'm here to collect the taxes Black Root owes.
Black Root is allied with the Unified Kingdom now. I collect taxes only for Tarant.
Shit.
We can't have that. And I'm sure King Praetor would disagree.
I care not of Praetor or yourself, sir. Cumbria has left us to fend for ourselves too long. We are under the protection of Tarant now.
Are they even doing a good job of keeping Black Root secure?
Of course. They have their own procedures, but they have protected our fair town within their capabilities.
Within their capabilities? What does that mean?
Well, there are certain rules of propriety, you know, probable cause and proof of wrongdoings as it were.
Stop wasting my time with your ramblings and get to the point. Is there some difficulty they cannot deal with?
I'm sure they will dead with our thievery problem in due time.
I can solve yours by today.
Hmm. They stole my badge of office, a ceremonial silver dagger. If you can recover it from them, it would be proof I need to have them arrested.
You don't have to arrest them. They'd be dead before sundown. And you better have the gold bars ready for transport.
They have been known to lurk somewhere near the outskirts of town. Their leader is an elf named D'ak Taan, I believe. Godspeed, sir.

They searched the outskirts of Black Root and located the camp across a stream, just past the train station.

Weapons at the ready.
Okay, boss.

I was told to find D'ak Taan out here.
And what business would you have with D'ak Taan, if he were here?
I've been sent here by the mayor of Black Root.
The mayor? Ha! A very personal friend of mine. I am D'ak Taan, and I hope for your sake, my friend, that you're not here to defend the mayor's honor.
I'm only here to retrieve his property.
And if I have it, how do you intend to obtain it?
A month or two ago, I would've bargained for it with some gold, or perhaps perform errands to take it...or maybe flick a finger to call some ogres to bash your head in....
*Glares and reach out to his longbow*
But today, I'll just clench my fist and snuff the lives out of your worthless hides if you don't hand that damn dagger over.
You don't scare me...
Oh really? Say, have you been to Qintarra? I heard there were lots of burials there...
What? What happened there?
I happened. Die.


Farewell. *Rummages through the bandit's pocket.* Got the dagger. Let's go.

Not until your reconsider your allegiances.
Why would I do such a thing?
Your guards can't even complete a simple task. There's no arrests to be made. They're all dead. And you might be next if you don't cooperate.
I...fine. Your point is well-taken, what would you have me do?
Give me the taxes and align yourself with Cumbria.
I...accept your proposal.
Excellent. The gold?
Here..it is. *Holds out a chest.*
Hold it with care, Torian. We're going to Dernholm.

The party return to Dernholm...

Was it the right thing to do?
What? Killing the bandits?
No..I mean Black Root's allegiance. Cumbria at its current state, won't have a chance in hell of winning a war if the Unified Kingdom wants Black root.
That's not my problem. As long Tarant loses something out of it...
You're being awfully irrational here...the people of Black Root is innocent.
Let the war sort them out...all I know the peace won't hold for long, Caladon, Cumbria and Tarant will fight it out...we'll see who stands once the dust settles.

I've brought you the taxes.
Excellent!! Thank you for retrieving the taxes, here's your share.
Only 200 coin?!
Hush.
There's something of a ...personal nature..*He drifts off, seemingly lost in thought*
Such as?
My daughter has chosen to take up with Auguste Farad, prince of Arland, against my wishes.
Tell me more.
I fear my harshness has driven her away. She refuses to communicate with me.
Your majesty would like me to speak to her?
Yes, I believe she's living in Caladon, capital of Arland, with the prince. Will you help?
Of course, how could I not?
May the gods bless you, my son. I believe she must have taken one of my ships to get to Caladon. Perhaps your should start by speaking with one of my dock workers, they may have some information for you.
I'll return with word from her shortly.
Goddamnit, Gilford! All that work, for 200 gold?! We could've taken the FIVE BARS and end up with enough money to buy over his castle guards to stab his back!
Look, there's still this second job. And did you forget the junk we looted off the dead bandits? That was a thousand gold. Let's go.

Have you seen the princess, recently?
Not since she got on the boat, what was it, ...oh, about a month ago. I told the captain he was a fool for attempting to sail in that weather, but nobody listens to old Bernard.
The weather was that bad?
The worst I'd seen in an age, I'll tell you that. Damned fool. He was meant to be back from Cumbria by now, as well. If the king finds out, there will be hell to pay.
Thank you for your time. Good day.
Sounds bad, think she made it safely to Caladon?
Only one way to find out...
WAIT JUST A DAMN MINUTE! You're going to take a ship to Caladon, costing us a hundred gold per head? I doubt that old fool will pay us even five hundred for this messenger boy task!
Fine, I see you point. Let's drop that idea.
Good. *Looks relieved.*

Days later....

Gilford, just where the hell are we going?
You said the sea fare's expensive, so we're taking the Wyvern bridge. Basically the land route...

Isn't there another pass you could take though?

Hmmm. I thought so too, but I don't know where to start searching for it. Doesn't matter, we'll be owning our own ship soon. Bye bye paid trips.

Not only that - Gilford making a point about sea travel's speed is nice that way

Alain Gilford, Enemy of Tarant, murderer of Bates, The False Living One, Butcher of Quintarra... and Arcanum's last hope of survival.

I surprised Geofrey hasn't left with all your good deeds done.

Or are you keeping him loaded on Earl Grey Tea?