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...The traces of the supernatural let themselves be found much more often than the educated and the enlightened are comfortable with. From prehistoric times come chimaeras that were worshiped by our ancestors hundreds of years ago. Ashes fall on us from the low hanging clouds, dropped haphazardly by the directors of our fate. ...They hide below us, above us and among us, until we turn our sight straight towards their cunning eyes, and then they, having been found, for a moment, become flesh and blood. Then, they die, but, in their dying agony, they tear at the fabric of the surrounding world, which they rightfully consider to be their plaything...  THE MEAT OF IT ALL Pathologic is a first-person adventure game, developed in 2005 by Ice-Pick Lodge, a ragtag indie developer from Russia who are responsible for a number of other great games, which includine The Void, Cargo! The Quest for Gravity and their latest creation Knock-Knock. Ice-Pick Lodge have a penchant for creating unusual, hard-to-get-into games that reward those who take time to immerse themselves in them with nuance, wit and a trip they won't forget for a while. Pathologic itself, in my opinion, is their best creation yet. Set in a haunting, half-magic half-real town, the game features three characters taking on a deadly plague that threatens to wipe a small steppe town from the face of the earth in 12 days. The game's mechanics are harsh and rigid - something that will surely turn off a great many of gamers. One cannot blame them, either, for Pathologic is not, by any means, an enjoyable game in the conventional sense of the word. You have to keep track of a great many a stat and do so while performing daily tasks, as well as side-mission given to you by NPCs. The character moves at a leisurely pace, the supplies are hard to come across and managing your time in an efficient manner without having previous experience is an absolute nightmare. The game isn't particularly fun to play, but it's certainly much more fun to watch. Quite unfortunately, the official English translation is utterly abysmal, which means that not a lot of English-speaking folks got to enjoy the game properly, if at all. Quite fortunately, however, I happen to be a native Russian speaker with a lot of time on my hands and a love for translating obscure, off-the-wall things and I am happy to oblige those interested in the continued exploration of Pathologic. My English is on the good side, or so I might hope, but if you find something glaring in the translation, or you happen object to any stylistic choices that I might make, please don't hesitate let me know. There has already been an LP of Pathologic, from the point of view of Impostress, made by one and only woodenchicken. He has done an excellent job of it and you can find it here. Please don't hesitate to read it - you can do so before reading this LP or afterwards, or during - whichever way you desire. Since I'm not at all sure that I will be going for an LP of Bachelor's and Impostress' scenarios, I have decided, with woodenchicken's blessing, to adhere to the same formatting conventions and reuse some of the assets from his LP. The idea behind this is to try and make them a connected experience, of a sort. The reason I'm playing through Haruspex's scenario is because that is the one that hasn't been played through for the pleasure of SA LP readers yet, and I think it would be both stylistically satisfying and slightly less legwork for me (absolutely not the reason I'm doing this, no sir) to keep the format and some of the assets the same. This means the following - Dialogue will be accompanied by characters' portraits. - Italicized text indicates the various writings found in diaries, journals and letters that will be accrued during the playthrough. - Bolded text will indicate the flavour pieces written by yours truly to set the mood and provide my own thoughts on the plot and characters' thoughts and motivations. - Text in the screenshots above characters' heads indicates dialogue lines that are spoken by the characters once, when you approach them but before initiating the dialogue. They are fairly ephemeral and seem to adress no one in particular, but they are still worth paying great attention to. - Film icon indicates the cutscenes - infrequent and rather ugly guests that aren't doing very well in our decade and are there to occasionally expand the story. - Soundtrack icons will be occasionally included and clicking them is recommended for proper mood adjustment.  MEET THE HARUSPEX Artemiy Burakh, or, as the game refers to him, the Haruspex, is a man deeply rooted in the local folklore and tradition but is also a man who has been uprooted. Sent away to study and practice medicine by his father, Isidore Burakh, Artemiy is listless, traveling from town to town and practicing his medical and surgical skills, all the while waiting for that moment when he can finally return home. Artemiy belongs to a lineage of menkhu - servants of the Order and the only ones who are, according to the local customs, allowed to dissect corpses of living beings and harvest their organs. One day, Artemiy receives a letter from his father, warning him of a coming danger and urging him to swiftly return home. Upon doing so, Artemiy finds out that his father is dead, gets blamed for a murderer of another man and is forced to fight to restore his name and to uncover the nature of the doom that is about to engulf his hometown. Unlike the Impostress, Haruspex is a man of few words who is much more straightforward, although cruel sarcasm here and occasional witty remark there aren't all that alien to him. Nevertheless, there are several features that set him apart from the other two characters - features that tie in with his menkhu acumen. His scenario is also much more combat heavy and a bit harder than Bachelor's, although he isn't forced to do as much fetching as poor Impostress is. Haruspex's scenario is called The Sacrifice. THE ORDER OF THINGS 1)Despite the visibility of choice in the dialogue, the game isn't particularly branching and, as such, I will be picking the options that are the most interesting or are the ones that show the most. 2)Having previously read the Impostress LP, some readers, armed with prior knowledge of some of the happenings in the town, might be tempted to drop spoilers at the mere presence of foreshadowing - and there will be quite a lot of it, too. Please, No Major Spoilers ahead of time . There aren't many, but there are a couple. 3)I won't be showing most of the combat and gathering gameplay I'll be engaging in - mostly because it's fairly bland and poorly done and also because there is a lot of it and it can get quite tedious - especially in Haruspex's scenario. 4)Chapters correspond with days and will be broken up into several parts. The number of parts is uneven, as some days are meatier than the rest. With most of the clerical stuff over, let us be off. REEL 1: The Funeral, Once More  Table of Contents Chapter One - Part 1 Chapter One - Part 2 Chapter One - Part 3 Addendum A - The Nightly Attractions Chapter Two - Part 1 Chapter Two - Part 2 Chapter Three - Part 1 Chapter Three - Part 2 Chapter Four Chapter Five - Part 1 Chapter Five - Part 2 Chapter Six - Part 1 Chapter Six - Part 2 Chapter Seven - Part 1 Chapter Seven - Part 2 Chapter Eight - Part 1 Chapter Eight - Part 2 Chapter Eight - Part 3 Chapter Nine - Part 1 Chapter Nine - Part 2 Chapter Ten - Part 1 Chapter Ten - Part 2 Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve - Part 1 Chapter Twelve - Part 2 HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 18:45 on Jan 5, 2015 |
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How do they summon the menkhu, those of the lineage of servants? By their hands they know them, the butchers. By their eyes they distinguish them, the surgeons, the healers of lines, the chieftains of Order, those who speak with udurgs, those who know the art of haruspicy. Who is called the haruspex? The diviner of entrails, he knows that the body is like the Universe. His scalpel follows the lines of the body, his feet follow the lines of the fate of his kin. They are entrusted with power, when they know which line they are to choose. They are buried deep into the black flesh of the earth when they lose their way. This is a story of a man who walked away from a contradiction that threatened to destroy a doomed life and masterfully executed his true purpose. Appendices Things like the explanation of game mechanics and other various miscellanea. APPENDIX A - The Theatre Scene The scene occurs before you pick which character to play as.   So, you are an adherent of cunning? Where do the likes of you come from? No, I don't like trickery, but if they want to trick us, then the situation unties our hands... What is this place that we've all ended up in ? Well, the muscles are contracting. That means that we are already inside him. Feels like one of the ventricles. What a stupid place. This is just a dummy! That means none of this is real. It hasn't started, not yet. I don't care what he is made of. It's perfectly clear that something isn't right. We'll have to perform a transverse section. Cut open the wall, otherwise we won't get out of here. What else is there to do? I know what to do! The one who will be tricked is the one who will act with honesty and straightforwardness. Only a miracle will let us get out of here and not ruin anything in the process, and I'm the only one here who can make miracles. Untie my hands. Be quiet, for the love of God. You are a thief and a liar. How are we to trust you if you are lying even to yourself. My idol is the Truth. Whatever else happens, I will find the truth and will act justly. I will be operating. Don't order us around, egghead. You will act justly, but your truth will blind you and you will simply kill him. The situation requires the steady hands of a surgeon. Everyone else – step aside. Your steady hands kill much more often than they heal. You will inevitably cause harm! And this nerd here will never consider the losses. Both of you have no idea what mercy is! Hmm... it looks like we won't be friends. In truth, though, there is only one Truth. The Will will make any choice the correct one, that is the truth of it. Only your heart will tell you which choice is the right one. Think about the sick one, not about yourself. He is suffering. I don't see it yet, but I can feel it. This isn't even a trap. This is a grave. I have no love for it. That is perfectly obvious. You are full of hatred. Dummy or no, it is still breathing, I can hear it. Heal it, do not kill it. How will you not kill it? You will inevitably kill, mark my words. I, however, may not kill. No, we won't agree on anything. I suggest we split up. The sooner, the better. So, we split? We split. The clock is now ticking. APPENDIX B - MAPS The town in this game is a very convoluted place – as if it's been designed by a madman, hellbent on torturing any poor player who steps his foot in here. Since a lot of the time will be spent efficiently navigating this town, the world of pain is one that will become very familiar to the player.  The town is split into three major parts – the Project of the Bulls, the Quarters and the Polyhedron. Project of the Bulls is the industrial part of town and where the longstanding trade mainstay product of the town is packaged – meat.  The town is naturally divided into three boroughs by two tributaries of the major river Gorkhon – Vein and Throat. The three parts form boroughs and are called “The Stone Yard”, - the one by the Polyhedron - “Knots” - the residential area in the middle – and “Land” - the area near the Abattoir.  Each of the three boroughs also has multiple sub-districts. Stone Yard consists of the Crypts, Bridge Square and Folds. The Knots consist of Kidney, Heart, Seat, Rib, Spine, Womb and Muzzle. The Land consists of Skinflints, Tanners, Curriers and Raw Structures.  As you can see, these places are efficiently named, easy to memorize and navigate. There is also nothing malevolent and mysterious going on in this town. Not at all. APPENDIX C - PLAYER STATS  Reputation – a measure of how well-liked in the Town you are. When it goes below 35%, the Town's shop keepers will refuse to sell things to you. At 30% or below, male passersby will begin randomly attacking you – the lower your reputation is, the likelier it is that you will be attacked. Health – a common attribute in games, this functions in very much the same way as it does in other games. Immunity – the measure of your immediate immunity to the effects of the disease. Is raised by various medicine and mixtures and gets lower and higher to a baseline of about 60% over time. Whenever the player character gets in contact with a source of the infection, he/she rolls their immunity stat – the higher the stat is, the higher the chance that he/she will shrug off the infection and walk away unscathed is. If the roll is successful, then the stat is lowered considerably. When you get infected, the stat drops to about 10%. Hunger – in order to keep alive, one requires food. It takes about 30 in-game hours to go from 0% to 100% hunger. The best way to procure food is to buy it from storekeepers or break into people's houses and steal it from them. If the bar reaches 100%, health will be drained rapidly instead. Fatigue – once in a while, the player character will need to rest from his daily toils. It takes about 13-15 hours for the bar to go from 0% to 100%. A player character can rest in most of adherents' houses. There are certain items that allow you to reduce the bar such as coffee, but they do so at the cost of health instead. If the bar reaches 100%, health will be drained rapidly instead. Infection – the measure of how stricken with infection the player character is. Once infected, the player character cannot reduce the bar below 3% unless he uses some very particular items that are very hard to procure. There are certain items that lower the bar, but not below the aforementioned 3%. When a player character is infected, his or her health is constantly drained at a rate corresponding with the infection bar. The effect is not very noticeable at 3%, but at 15%-20% the player character will be dead in two to three hours. Clothing – there are various articles of clothing available for purchase in the game. Most of these, however, aren't very practical, because the early versions of it break very easily, while the latter cost exorbitant amounts of money for little practical use. APPENDIX D - The Kickstarter If you like what you're reading, then you'd be happy to learn that there is an ongoing Kickstarter for a remake of this game. Planned changes include better game systems, expanded plot and better graphics. It has a lofty goal, and it may have a slight trouble reaching it, but you can help make it happen. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1535515364/pathologic APPENDIX E - The Glossary Can be found here. APPENDIX G - The Reader Nina Kain, the Dark Mistress Daniil Dankovsky Victoria Olgimsky, the White Mistress A Geographical Note, courtesy of woodenchicken HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 18:49 on May 30, 2015 |
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Main cast in order of appearance Artemiy Burakh – The Haruspex  The hero of our story, he arrived into Town after being summoned by his father Isidore. Since arriving here, he has been relentlessly hounded for his reputation as a murderer and a Ripper. Despite being hounded at almost every turn, our hero continues his fight against the disease, all the while trying to follow his father's legacy and take on his duties as the Servitor of the Order. Notkin  The leader of a gang of kids that goes by the name of Dualsouls. A rash, straightforward youth who, nonetheless, has a great sense of responsibility, loyalty and honour. Fiercely protective of everyone he considers to be a friend. Strategic, but quite brash and not necessarily intelligent. Has been quite helpful to Artemiy during the entirety of his stay in the Town, although Haruspex had to save him from quite a lot of tight spot. Is feuding with the Dogheads – another gang of kids ruled by Khan that lives in the Polyhedron – and the thieves. One of Artemiy's Adherents. Kapella: ” Notkin was Khan's best friend. I don't know, exactly, what was the reason for their feuding – I think, it's because Notkin refused to obey him. However, they also say that Notkin was exiled from the Polyhedron by the Mother Superiour – even before she returned to the orphaned Apiary.” Griff  The leader of the Town's underworld, known to Artemiy as Griff. A thief, murderer and a smuggler. Peddles in pretty much everything. Left a decidedly bad impression on Artemiy, making him quite glad that he didn't have to deal with this slimy fellow in the recent days. Vlad Olgimsky Jr.: ”His real name is Grigoriy Filin, and thieves call him Father Grigoriy, even if he is really a whelp. Griff lords over the underworld. He deals in everything – especially things that are forbidden. Father is, unfortunately, forced to endure his reign – Griff is embedded too deeply with the local workforce. If we had the capability to work with the Order as closely as he does, then we wouldn't need such parasites to act as intermediaries for us..." Laska  The daughter of the now deceased grave keeper who tends after the local graveyard. A morbid girl, who has been, nonetheless, quite helpful to Artemiy. One of Artemiy's Adherents. Suffers from Tvyrine addiction and claims to hear the voices of the dead. Kapella: “She talks with the dead. Sometimes, she sits in front of the gravestone and sings a song, very softly. She also brings various things to the gravestones – unusual ones, like a toy chariot, a typewriter or a birthday cake with candles. She loves music, although she doesn't play any instruments. Her singing is breathtaking, but raspy, as if she is suffocating. “ Ospina: ”Laska is strange, even unhinged. One remarkable characteristic of hers is her breathing. Her breathing is deep, loud and very raspy, as if she barely takes in any oxygen or as if she is barely holding herself back from weeping. Her breath is very fresh – aromatic and sweet, even – something that, considering her profession, should be quite creepy. She talks to me as if I am dead.” Vlad Olgimsky Sr.  Another powerful man, a patriarch of the Olgimsky family. A harsh, ruthless man that is, nonetheless, very intelligent and strategic in his thinking. An industrialist, who holds the monopoly over the Town's chief source of revenue – the export of bull meat to the Capital. Is deeply involved in the Order's affairs and controls the Apiary and Abattoir. His wife, Victoria Olgimsky Sr. was one of the Town's Mistresses and commanded considerable power over the Town – power that she frequently fought over with Nina, the Mistress of the Kain family. For his own reasons, Vlad Sr. took a shine to Artemiy's plight in his early days in the Town, protecting him from other families' influence. His enemies, however, view him in a much less positive light. Alexander Saburov: ”Vlad is both cunning and dour. Doing business with him is quite tough. I find it quite strange that he has managed to embed himself so deeply in the affairs of the Order and lords over them with such ease. Civilized people cannot communicate very well with the Steppe folk – in order to speak their language, one must, himself, turn into a beast from time to time. I believe that there is some sort of a secret arrangement between him and the Order – one bought with a malevolent tribute. Kapella  An enigmatic girl, who has helped Artemiy in his early days in the Town with her prophetic vision. For now, Artemiy does not know much about her, although it's painfully clear that she will be important to Artemiy's efforts in the coming days. Her real name is Victoria Olgimsky, just like her mother. She clearly inherited some of her mother's powers, even if she hasn't come into her own quite yet. One of Artemiy's Adherents. Vlad Olgimsky Jr.  Son of Vlad Sr. and the heir of the Olgimsky family fortune. Not nearly as straightforward as his father and much more cunning. Because of this, there is a certain tension between father and son. Pursues a number of strange intrigues and plans, some of which involve discovering the nature and secrets of the Town and the Order. Like the rest of the Olgimsky family, has helped Artemiy many times in the early days of his stay in the town. Still, Artemiy does not entirely trust the man, for he clearly has many secrets of various degrees of malevolence. Lara Ravel: ” Why doesn't anyone notice just how much of a hardworking young man he is? He spends all of his time tirelessly working! He does everything for his family, but his father won't accept it. Indeed, instead of studying the financial intricacies, he is studying the ways of the Order, but now he understands them better than his father ever did. He will be a better ruler, wielding power without whips, violence and riots...” Matchstick  A little kid, involved in the affairs of the other kid gangs. Has a talent for spying and keeps his ear to the ground. Privy to all the important happenings of the Town. Present in Isidore's house at the time of his death, he helped Artemiy establish some details about his father's death. Also helped Artemiy prevent the Dualsouls from being involved in a foolhardy gang war with the Thieves. One of Artemiy's adherents. Griff: ”This one will make a fine thief – an agile kid. Can steal a ring from your finger and you won't even notice. Knows a way into every house. I'm not even talking about the lockpicks he makes – a true virtuoso! If I ever manage to get to him, I'll definitely be making taking him into my gang. He has a bite, though, and keeps away from me... Maybe, I'll pass my business on to him later on – who knows what will happen, though...” Mishka  A little orphaned girl who lives in a wagon near the station. Spends her days mucking about in the earth and does not sleep at night. Is considered by the townsfolk to be very standoffish and strange. Would have allowed Artemiy to prove his innocence to the Bachelor if he hadn't come to that conclusion himself. One of Artemiy's adherents. Matchstick: ” I'm friends with Mishka, even though she's a small fry. You know, she is very self-reliant. What she loves, though, is digging through the earth. She also has a habit of frequently, with a very busy look, going into strange, evil places at the most inopportune of times... I can respect that.” Eva Yan  The owner of the house, where Daniil Dankovsky is lodging. A strange woman with a questionable taste in clothing. Initially deeply afraid of Artemiy, she has since chosen to ignore him. Not enough is known about her to Artemiy to make a proper summation. Daniil Dankovsky – The Bachelor  A hero of another story, this man arrived into the Town to further his own research but stayed when it became apparent that his cause was ruined and that the Town was soon to be assailed by an extremely infectious and lethal disease. A man of science, Daniil is frequently confounded by the Town's customs and backwards ways and meets resistance at every turn, despite seemingly commanding great influence with two of the Town's powerful families. Daniil and our hero Artemiy could very well have become enemies, but, against all odds, they have managed to form a good working relationship, helping each other combat the Town's powers and the disease itself – at least, for now. While the above is true for the first seven days, on the Eighth day, Daniil sends Artemiy a charged letter, claiming that he chooses to fight for "utopians" - something that, according to Daniil, pits them against each other in some way. The days of friendship and respect seem to be over. Alexander Saburov  A powerful man, the patriarch of one of the Town's three ruling families. His family has been traditionally responsible for maintaining law and order in times of strife and emergency, allowing the man to be in his own element during this epidemic. Relationship with Artemiy Burakh has been entirely hostile, the man is obsessed with bringing our hero to “justice.” Others, however, are of a differing opinion on him. Stanislav Rubin: ”Alexander is a heroic man. When the fire broke out in the Curriers, he, with an axe in hand, was breaking into the burning houses, led people out and helped put out the fires. It just sort of happened, really. He wasn't recognized by anyone while doing so, and he didn't brag either. It only became known later on, by accident. He is capable of doing great deeds unnoticeably – there is a special sort of heroism in that.” Katherine Saburov  Wife of Alexander Saburov. A mistress, blessed with a gift of prophecy. A very dark personage, frequently ailed by one malaise or another, likely due to her powers. Alexander trusts her powers completely. Because of this, when she prophesied that Artemiy will drown the Town in blood, Alexander made it his personal goal to annihilate Artemiy without any hesitation. Not very well liked by the Order. Ospina: ”She was a queen, but became a witch. She should've known better than to toy with night spirits. When Nina died, she gladly took on the role of the Dark Mistress – all the burden of taking care of the Town fell on Victoria, after all – Katherine was free to play around... She got carried away, though... They say that she has a morphine addiction and that, at night, she takes visits from men with cold skin... While Artemiy does not have much goodwill for her, considering the treatment he suffered at Saburovs' hands, she commands a certain kind of respect from other denizens of the town. Lara Ravel: ” Katherine took on herself the brunt of a very terrible blow and has managed to endure it with honour. Who could survive between Nina's hammer and Victoria's Anvil but her? That is how the Town was being built, after all – Nina was forging, while Victoria was holding her back, all the while Katherine kept the powers in balance. You know, I am in awe at the way she and Alexander love each other. In the days of the antiquity, they would be a real king and queen – noble, powerful and just. These just aren't her times...” Ospina  A strange, enigmatic figure who owns a den, where many of the escapees from the Apiary are hiding out. Claims to be an evil spirit born by the Earth, who brings the feeling of sorrow and a time long gone to those around her. A poisonous being, quite full of anger and spite who has, nonetheless, been helpful to Artemiy. A strict adherent to the ways of the Order. Matchstick: ”She's quite mysterious, that one! No one knows how she came to the Town. She isn't in any danger, either, because she is immortal, like Simon. They also say that Simon expelled all the evil from his soul, the Steppe gave the bones for her body and that is how she came to be!” Andrey Stamatin  A talented, if quite short-tempered, architect. Arrived int the Town about five years ago and stayed behind for the sake of his younger brother Petr. Owns the pub on the bank of Vein - one of the tributaries of Gorkhon – where he spends most of his time getting into fights and debauching with drunks and one of the Herb Sisters that he stole from the Order. Treats our hero with a certain amount of respect, although begrudgingly so. Other adherents treat him with begrudging respect as well, though not without acknowledging his chaotic nature. Vlad Olgimsky Jr.: ” Without Andrey's bravery Petr's imagination would exist only on paper. It is unfortunate that both of them are in a bit of a downswing right now. Petr is drinking himself to death, and Andrey spends his time amid perversion and cruel feasts. Such lulls, however, are normal for the artistic folk - they frequently emerge out of them with new discoveries in their jaws.” Petr Stamatin  Younger brother of Andrey Stamatin. An architect, a genius and, currently, an alcoholic stuck in the depths of despair. Hasn't had much contact with Artemiy beyond a brief conversation in the bar and, thus, it would be too early to judge the nature of this personage. Maria Kain  Daughter of Victor and Nina Kain, she is the inheritor of her mother's powers, although she, just like Kapella, hasn't fully taken them on quite yet. Artemiy had a brief run-in with her at Stamatin's pub and the girl struck him as a very vain and arrogant girl, who deemed herself to be above everyone else. A further run-in confirmed that evaluation to a T, although it also revealed the fact that Maria has been communicating with her deceased mother by the means of her old diary. However vain the girl might be, she is clearly gifted with mystical powers of the Mistresses. She also struck Artemiy as having a very dominant, ruler-like personality. Quite the typical aristocrat with a pinch of mysticism, that one. Lara Ravel  A noble personage, well regarded by most of the Town's denizens. Artemiy had a minor run-in with her when he was searching for Stanislav Rubin's location. Kapella: “There is no one here kinder than her. Lara has taught me that granting gifts is an exquisite art in on itself. She puts all others before herself, at all times. She lives her life for those, whom she cares about. I loved her father very much. Two years ago, he volunteered to fight in the war and joined the 4th Army. Yes - that 4th Army.” Stanislav Rubin: “Since the Battle of the Karst Fords where Captain Ravel was shot, she became an orphan and turned her father's house into an orphanage. By the way - that house was built for Ravels by Vlad Olgimsky Sr., in exchange for a small bauble. She is sensitive, but reasonable – a combination that is very rare around these parts.” Stanislav Rubin  Artemiy Burakh's childhood friend and Isidore Burakh's best pupil. A very knowledgeable, loyal man who was distraught by Isidore's untimely death. Turned his anger towards Artemiy and, for three days, hounded him before coming to his senses. Like Artemiy and Daniil, is in search of a cure. Created a temporary vaccine that protects the imbiber from the disease by using the blood of Simon Kain. Current whereabouts are unknown. Vlad Olgimsky Jr.: ”He is Old Burakh's best pupil. Stubborn. Willful. Temperamental. Will do only that, which he considers to be right, like a stubborn mule. You can't convince him of anything. Ignores all forms of authority, except for that of his precious teacher.” Anna Angel  A singer of some sort who arrived into the town a couple of years ago under mysterious circumstances. Artemiy Burakh hadn't had a lot of run-ins with this particular personage yet, but the one the one he had has left him with a very bad impression of her. Still, our hero doesn't know much about this person quite yet, and it may be too early to make any permanent judgments. Rat Prophet  A strange creature, encountered by Artemiy underneath the town's Theater. Claims to have prophetic powers and gave Artemiy a prophecy, similar to that which was given about him by Katherine, although Vlad Jr. suggested that it may be some form of mystical experience, shared by everybody who enters the tunnels underneath the Theater. Currently, its nature is unknown. Klara - The Impostress  A hero of another story. Said by others to have mythical healing powers, this girl is also said to have crawled out of the Earth on the day of Artemiy's arrival. According to Rat Prophet, she is a true embodiment of Sand Fever given flesh, although she is ignorant of that particular fact. There also seem to be two of her - Artemiy encountered her in two different places and, each time, she was ignorant of the conversation they had at the other place. Since the Rat Prophet told Artemiy that she would lose her healing powers if her true nature is revealed to her, Artemiy chose to keep the lie going and told her that she is a force of good. Whether or not there are going to be any consequences of this lie is not known. Taya Tychik  A four-year old girl - or, perhaps, five-year old - who is deemed as the Mother Superior of the Order due to the fact that she is the daughter of the late Commandant of the Apiary. Nowadays lives in the Apiary where the Order venerates and serves her. A fair representation of the inner nature of the Order - a bit eccentric, childish at times but also wise and knowledgeable in the ways of the Steppe and Earth folklore, even if she is still learning. Kapella: You know, she is still so very tiny... In the Polyhedron she organized a similar game and played the same role of a sacred child, before whom everyone trembles and after whom everybody cares not necessarily out of obligation, but also out of joy that comes with caring after such a beautiful creature... Viktor Kain  Husband of the late Nina Kain, the Dark Mistress. Father of Maria Kain and Caspar Kain. A surprisingly calm, clear-headed and orthodox man - at least, for a Kain. Just like all Kains, is antagonistic towards the Inquisitor due to the feud that she and his wife had. Victor is rather bad at weaving intrigues and fabricating plots as the two times he has tried to pull these off on Artemiy were rather transparent and ill-conceived. Aglaya Lilich  The Inquisitor, sent to this Town by the Authorities to solve the problem posed by the Sand Fever. Younger sister of Nina Kain, the last Dark Mistress of the Town. A calm, intelligent, perceptive individual who has won over Artemiy with her seeming honesty and straightforwardness. Extremely knowledgeable in all the information pertaining to the Town and beyond. Currently, she is Artemiy's greatest ally. Aglaya was sent into this Town with the expectation that she will fail at her task - a failure that will lead to her certain death. The assignment was, essentially, a death sentence for her and only a miracle can save her. Oyun  Elder of the Abattoir, he is, for all intents and purposes, the current High Shaman of the Order. Where Taya is the Monarch of the Order, Oyun is the Chief Priest - his domain lies in preserving and enacting the sacred rites and rituals of the Order. By all accounts, Oyun is an extremely disagreeable fellow. Artemiy's father, Isidore, did not think much about him and was planning to usurp his rule shortly before dying. The Order believes that Oyun has somehow botched the latest sacrifice that would have led to the end of the Sand Fever. The Elder is quite antagonistic towards Artemiy and will likely persist in being so, for he senses a threat to his rule in Artemiy. Georgiy Kain  The current eldest member of the Kain family, Georgiy is the de-facto patriarch of the Kains. An extravagant man with an interest in all things mystical, Georgiy is thought by some to be a worthy successor to Simon, while others consider him to be a pale shadow of his brother's glory. Like two members of Kain family before, Georgiy attempts to use Artemiy as a tool in one of Kains' plot to increase the family's influence in the Town. Katherine Saburov implies that, recently, Georgiy has been acting more and more like Simon . Since this is the Kain family we are talking about here, one should not discount possession of the living by the dead. For now, however, this has been only hinted at by a very unstable woman, so take that with a grain of salt. Other characters Simon Kain A reportedly immortal man and the patriarch of Kain family. Daniil Dankovsky arrived into the Town in order to try and glean the nature of this man's immortality. Upon arrival, however, the Bachelor found the man to be dead, apparently killed by an infectious disease. Isidore Burakh A menkhu and an oinon, widely respected both by the Town and the Order. Made great advances in combating the Sand Fever, even managing to contain an outbreak of it five years before the game's events. He is a powerful influence on Artemiy, with his notes and inheritance guiding our hero's actions throughout the game. Nina Kain The Dark Mistress of the Town, dead several years before the game's events. Was known to be powerful and terrible, although loved by the Town's denizens. Maiden name - Lilich. Elder sister of Aglaya Lilich, the Inquisitor sent into the Town by the Authorities. Victoria Olgimsky Sr. The White Mistress of the Town, dead several years before the game's events. Was powerful in her own right and was a soothing influence that held back the excesses of Nina Kain's power. Treated the Town and its people with care and love. Toady A kid, who betrayed both Dualsouls and thieves in favour of Dogheads. Was spared by Artemiy during the first day. Hunchback A strange man, who trades in blood and organs out of Stone Yard. Stump A kid who works for Matchstick. Worked with Artemiy to prevent Dualsouls from getting involved in a feud with the Thieves. Vera A Herb Bride, who dances in Andrey Stamatin's pub and who provides Artemiy Burakh with a lot of useful information on Herb Sisters' biology. Executors  Working hands of the Authorities, enforcing the rules of the Town on its denizens. Tragedians  Mailmen and bards, these gentlemen take it upon themselves to inform people of important happenings and interpret them at night in the Theater. Odonkhe The herders of the Order, they take care of the sacred cattle. Butchers They work in the Abattoir, slaughtering the cattle in accordance to the rites of the Order. Herb Brides Given their power by Bodkho, they summon the Tvyr from the Earth with their warmth and dancing. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 01:55 on Nov 4, 2014 |
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THE SACRIFICE Chapter One - Part 1  REEL 2: Artemiy's Arrival “Day One, during which, Haruspex is destined to turn from a rightful heir into a dangerous criminal.” Pain. All that his hometown has to greet Artemiy with is pain. Angry men with vengeance in their eyes seldom bring anything but pain, after all. Besides, none of these men seemed to care for Artemiy's grief or the doom that was slowly grasping this city. Has Isidore told only him? No, that would have been unwise and his father was a wise man indeed.  Letter of InheritanceMy son Artemiy, Death will soon be upon me. I want to talk to you about your future and to give you all that remains in my possession, however little that might be. I have to warn you, that, in the recent times, I took part in events most dark and, as my experience tells me, malevolent. I took upon myself a great burden and my fate is out of my own hands. Thus, if you refuse my heritage, with all its burdens that are brought upon it by my obligations, I will understand you and I won't denounce you. I see that I have very little time left. Hurry. I want to see you for the last time. I'm sorry that I've spent so little time with you. Your loving Father, Isidore Burakh. P.S. If I'm not alive when you arrive, reach out to Vlad Olgimsky. He will help you settle in and will introduce you to the state of my affairs to the best of his abilities. Pain wouldn't stop him - after all, he had to meet his father and reclaim his purpose. Besides, even if he lacked in purpose, his lineage gave him certain inalienable rights. Thus, when he found himself, at last, in peace with the corpses of the two of the men that have ambushed him, he decided to let nothing go to waste.  Having gotten lost in the work that his hands were made for, it took Artemiy a minute to notice the two looming figures ahead of him. Clad in long robes, and with long-beaked mask, they stood patiently - as if they had all the time in the world to wait for him.    Track 1 - The Steppe  Artemiy, not bothered by their expectant looks in the slightest, approached one of the waiting figures.   Well, Burakh – it seems that you are almost dead. You have, at most, a couple of minutes to live – something I'm warning you of with a certain solemnity, I must say.One can't manage a whole lot in that amount of time...You took a couple of blows to the head, and the locals around here have sturdy fists. Maybe you haven't noticed yet, but you have four knife wounds – one of which is fairly serious. You've lost a lot of blood, and the local climate does nothing to help with the exhaustion. You don't happen have any heart problems, do you?Now that you mention it, my heart IS my softest spot.Your health is at nil. I don't think I'll be mistaken if I guess that you haven't eaten for several days and haven't slept at all last night? Your face says it all. That means that your hunger and fatigue also in a critical state. I wonder – which one of these will be the one that gets you, in the end? What are you planning to do?If my fate is to die, then I'll die.Oh my, what a charming display of fatalism. Such phrases are ought to be spoken with a steeled gaze through a clenched jaw. Unfortunately, your jaw has been dislocated, so the ultimate effect is rather lacking. It is much more interesting to be a fatalist if one has an actual choice to make, wouldn't you agree?A fair point.In order to restore your health, you will need a medical kit. Bandages will stop the bleeding. Analgesic drugs will help you carry on.And where will I get those?You can take them or trade them from passersby. Kids will readily trade the most precious of things for something that others will consider to be garbage. And something else – local drunks frequently carry some bandages with them – in case they get in a scuffle. When the hangover strikes, however, they'll do almost anything for some bottled water. Things are rather tight with water around here.Where can I find some of that precious water?There's usually some in the water barrels around the city. You can drain it out of them into an empty bottle.What next?If I recall correctly, you're pretty hungry?I'll manage.You don't have to rob the passersby for food, you know. There's a lot of produce being sold in the shops right now...although, with your reputation, I'd say that my advice isn't particularly helpful yet. What exactly happened to ruin my reputation so completely?A rather unfortunate misunderstanding. I wouldn't call it slander, not entirely – but it does look like a false accusation, at the very least.Do tell.My comrade here can tell it better – that is his role, after all. My role, on the other hand, is to tell you how to take care of your body.I know how a body is built. I don't need that sort of advice.Well, then – go on! You have a number of glorious accomplishments ahead of you.Go to hell.One could feel the crooked smile emanating from beneath the stranger's beaked mask. Artemiy did not like being toyed with, but he decided to humor the second stranger all the same. Something told him that the feeling of being toyed with is one the that he will grow accustomed to in the coming days.  Welcome to your native city, acolyte! You haven't been here for quite a while. I even doubt that you remember the bitter smell of tvyr in the local air. Hmm.. Know why you were attacked?No.You were mistaken for someone else. They're looking for a killer. A very influential man was murdered this very night. People loved him. Not many children love a caring father as much as people loved the deceased. Don't judge them too harshly for their eagerness.Maybe I should feel sorry for them, too?They're naive. In small towns like ours reputation is everything. By it, you will be allowed in and by it, you will be carried out. Sometimes, even feet first. It's not like they'll take time to figure out the meat of matter. Empty gossip and slander is enough for you to be perceived as an enemy. Your reputation is at nil. Do be ready to bear the consequences.What am I to do, then?Rebuild your reputation. Now and, if it crumbles in the future, again. People are simple and weak. Today, they worship the one whom they've kicked and belittled yesterday. And tomorrow... well, what is there to say. In the end, any evil can be remedied and they will love you just as much as they hated you.How do I rebuild my reputation?Do good works. The town is small and rumours travel instantly, even if they transform many times along the way. Consider, also, the fact that it's mostly children that carry the rumours around and...well – in the end, it will rebuild itself. In the future, don't be too wasteful with it – it is a fragile commodity, after all.What would bring down my reputation?First and foremost, it depends on the number of living beings murdered by you. However, it also depends on how you've influenced the people, whose fates intertwine with yours. You'll meet these... special people around here. They're called “Adherents”. A superstitious custom, although they will be useful to you.Who are these people?They're about thirty people, one grander than the next. Everyone hates each other, everyone lies. Each and every single one of them deserves to live. However, some of them are incompatible with each other – in order for some to live, others will have to die. Plan your actions accordingly.How will I recognize these people?Oh, that's not hard at all. All of them – bright personalities, local celebrities, although not all of them are aristocrats. Some are homeless, some are radicals and some of them are little children. Adherents...to the state of a bigger, better perfection than the gray mass of simpletons.I don't like you. I have no love for the pridefulArtemiy spat on the ground and took a last look at them before walking forward. They didn't turn.  Artemiy would have started heading inwards, into the city, but, remembering one of the masked men's words about his current public image, it seemed more prudent to take shelter in the nearby Warehouses and to let the situation run its course. It only took Artemiy a few steps to notice some locals, warming themselves near a bonfire.  It became clear to Artemiy that he wouldn't be able to get to the Warehouses without being spotted by them, so he made a run for it.  It didn't take them long enough to spot it, and the chase was on.     The fence was shoddy and quite small, but, with Artemiy's injuries, it took him a great deal of effort to climb it.   With little time to think, Artemiy ducked into the warehouse right in front of him.  The scene that greeted him was quite eerie.   The children refused to talk to him and only motioned in the direction of the stack of boxes in the corner. Artemiy made his way there and saw a boy - older than the rest and with a gaze that marks one as a clear leader. His eyes were inquisitive and unflinching, despite Artemiy's obviously haggard and menacing state.   Ah! A new figure in our little society? A fighter?Doctor.Doctor? We already have a doctor. Not that we asked for one.You haven't had one quite like me yet.You aren't one of Griff's men, though?Who is this Griff ?Griff is the leader of the local thieves. He's squatting on the northern side of the Warehouses, sells weapons, tvyr and all sorts of other trash. All killers and criminals are connected to him, that's how it is around here. That's why I'm asking you – were you going to him?A criminal? I'll show you a criminal!Oh yeah? Just now, there were a bunch of people running through the Warehouses. They said that some sort of awful murderer, who's being chased around by the entire town, was trying to escape on a train, got ambushed, killed everyone and is now coming here. That's why I thought – is it you they were talking about?I was defending myself. They took me for someone else.I believe you. Phew... You're in a bad shape... We would help you, but we were robbed ourselves. He took all the medicine too, as luck would have it. Toady is a right scoundrel. Traitor, thief, murderer and a bastard!Who's that you're talking about?Toady – he's the scoundrel who completely justifies his namesake! A right sycophant, that one. One thing I don't get, though, is who he sold us out to – to the thieves or to the Dogheads? He stole the most important thing from us - his comrades! A complete rat! And on the eve of the war, too!What war?On the eve of war with Dogheads. Rotten animal, a rat without a heart and soul, stole the most precious thing that we had, killed a friend... and deserted straight to our enemies! We thought he was our comrade! Maybe...maybe he was pretending from the start? Death - he deserves death...What was it that he took?A very important bit of medicine. A powder. They're very rare, because they're handmade. We don't know the recipe. They can be different – some can heal, others kill. We had the last one – we used it to figure out which ones are the healing ones. They look all the same.And what do they heal, exactly?Some time ago, there was this horrible disease around here. Came and went. Every time I remember I get shivers down my spine, it was that scary. It spread like a fire in a bedlam. We kept it around – as a token... And he stole it! Left us to die! Backstabbing wretch!And where is this fellow now?Maybe, he's with his friends - the thieves. At first, he was hiding out in the steppe, but he's gone now. Maybe, he double-backed around. We lost him near the mound and then we had to run away because the thieves showed up. If you find the bastard, cut him into ribbons!You're saying you want me to kill him?Yes! The rogue doesn't deserve to live! Know what? I'll give you my revolver if you do it! If he's with a dog, though – don't touch the dog. You don't hurt the dogs.Okay. I'll have a chat with him if I find him.Notkin marked the last known location of the doghead on Artemiy's map  Safe in the warehouse for a little while, Artemiy decided to make a note in his journal that he kept during all these years of his voluntary exile before moving on to meet this Griff  From now on, I am the eldest of Burakhs and the leader of the bloodline of menkhu - those who know the lines. I am an inheritor of my father Isidor, who has served and honored the Order better than any other menkhu did in the past decades.It is vitally important for me to reclaim my inheritance. It will give sustenance to both my body and my mind. It will give meaning to my life, which has been, so far, both empty and meaningless. I belong to a lineage of diviners of lines that open the body and connect the earthly to that which is below the earth. It is the duty of such diviners to serve the children of Bodkho, in interpreting the coincidences and in choosing the wiser paths. My existence on this Earth can only be justified by fulfilling this duty. Who will I be if I break my lineage, if I won't tie my purpose with the purpose that my Father has bestowed upon me? He also wrote down his thoughts on Notkin's request "A Little Scamp backstabbed the street urchins"Notkin, the leader of the gang of kids by the name of "Dualsouls", is begging me to find the traitor-doghead, who is hiding in the Steppe. Find him and kill him. I thought that Notkin had a kind soul when I met him, too... I think he'll come to regret his own blood-thirst soon enough. Artemiy closed the journal and began to head out.  Outside, the darker gloom of the early morning was being slowly replaced by the town's usual bright fog that he remembered with such clarity.  He didn't get to take the scenery in for too long, because, quite suddenly, a passerby spotted him and gave chase.  Still, he had to make a run for Griff's warehouses, and hope that the man wouldn't chase him inside.   Navigating a maze of warehouses while being chased by an angry man is rather difficult, so the situation gave Artemiy a slight pause.   He did, however, find the right warehouse, in the end.  The faces inside were less than friendly, but the man did not follow him in.  The atmosphere around here was less than savory, too – the loot on the table,  the makeshift throne,  the escort girl.  All these things would make the place downright homely for all the wrong sort of people.  Artemiy decided to not tarry long here and approached Griff.  The man looked about as unsavoury as the rest of the gentlemen in the warehouse, but there was a certain dexterity to his hands. The man had quite a bit in common with Artemiy – much more than he cared to admit.  Well, it's pretty clear that it's best not to mess with you! Cheat you? Oh, absolutely, but that's where I'm drawing the line. If you ask me, stealing is more honourable than killing. You probably disagree with me, though - don't you?And who are you?What, they haven't told you about Griff? About the thief-king, the Big Storekeeper, the master of contraband...and other, shadier things?Ah, so that's where I am...Well, that's me! Welcome to the Thieves' lair. We deal, mostly, in contraband, which is why there's plenty of everything that is forbidden around here. Be careful, though – buying our stuff can't be too good for you. If anyone finds out, no one will ever believe you, trust me.Considering my current predicament, I don't think I care.I already know who you are. After all, in my position, I have to know everything around me. You see, the night has been pretty rowdy. Those that got away from you went right past us. Asked us, if you weren't on of ours. I said no. They warned us that you were coming, and they will warn others, I'm sure.Stupid misunderstanding – they're all mistaken!Oh don't worry, you picked the right way to enter this town. Here, it's murderers all around, no matter how you come in. Around here, in the Warehouses, shady folk have been squatting since the beginning of time... Murders, muggings, thievery – we're used to everything.What, you aren't the only ones squatting here?Some kids were faffing around these parts. We didn't bother them – why bother, after all? You give them a cuff on the nape, and they're gone. Well, they started getting serious. Got armed, tamed some dogs, started harassing our kind. I thought that that's where it would end, but then they started going after my merchandise! That, I won't tolerate.What, you're going to declare war now?First, I'll deal with one of them, the brash one. They had a traitor, he leaked some information to us – what their plans were, stuff like that. Now, however, the little poo poo gave us all up! His and ours! Poisoned one of my guys, stole the merchandise and hid out in the Steppe, the scoundrel. We looked around, but never found him.So what happens now?Maybe you could help us out? It would be nice if you'd finish the bugger off if you find him. If you do, we'll help you in kind. Our way.And where did you lose him, exactly?Here, I'll show you where we got. He probably went further down towards the Abattoir.Griff's directions pointed to the same place Notkin's did.  If I end up in those places I'll look for him. You know, folks around here don't like me very much. How can I explain them that I'm innocent?Well, you've made quite a bit of noise, brother. They say, you killed a countless amount of people. They weren't looking for you from the very beginning, you know. You tell them a word and they'll believe it without blinking. Now, they're looking for some sort of a werewoman – blaming all the sins on her, now. Yours too.But they're still chasing after me, right?Eh, they'll stop soon. Our guys are saying that out of the folks that were in the ambush at the station, only one survived. He's the only one who knows how your look. Getting ready to die, too, that one – he's at the cemetery right now. You weren't kidding around with them. Finish the last one off and no one will know that you were the killer. That's how I see it.Which way is this cemetery?Ha! Whichever way you go! It's all cemetery around here... Here, I'll show you. There's a little lodge there, ask the little orphan inside – graveyard keeper's daughter, God rest his soul. She'll tell you the rest, the kind soul that she is... The graveyard was to the north of where everyone has last seen the Doghead traitor. Thanks, I'll go take a look.Before you go, folks-in-the-know told me that there's another ambush being prepared at the station. This time it's not the townsfolk, though, but more of a roving type. Watch out – it might be useful, or it might be an early grave.Oh? Interesting... How long are they going to be there?No idea. I wasn't the one who sent them there. Hell, I even tried to dissuade them. Let's see them complain later, not that they'll get the chance. You get my drift?Quite the slimy type, are you, Griff.Seeing as he had a minute, Artemiy wrote down his thoughts on the Doghead traitor's relationship with the Thieves. A Little Scamp backstabbed the smugglers Griff is asking to find and finish off some Doghead. It's seems that everyone around here is taking me for some sort of a Ripper. Artemiy closed his journal with a sigh. With the way into the inner town still locked for him by popular vote, Artemiy decided to travel out into the steppe. Maybe he'd stumble on the kid everybody's looking for, and it wouldn't hurt to check the Gravekeeper's lodge, see what the wounded fellow has to say for himself. He left the warehouse and wandered back to the railroad track that he was planning to follow out into the steppe.  The river that ran under the bridge wasn't particularly impressive nor deep, but Artemiy knew the swamp, to which the river led all too well.  Following the tracks led him to the Workshops that serviced the machinery that transferred the meat products from the Abattoir to the station for export.   Going on a bit further, he saw a tower – a water tower, or so he guessed. Coming a bit closer to it, he saw a little figure taking shelter under it.   Sure enough, it was the wanted Doghead. Artemiy approached him, still not entirely certain what to do with him.  Artemiy wasn't a man easily disturbed, but something about the woven dog head was off - off enough to make him hesitate for a moment.  Who are you? What are you walking around here for? Gathering some tvyr, are you?Are you human?Rawr! No, not human! Ha-ha-ha! What, does it look like the real thing?You better get serious, little guy. I've got some bad news.Oh, so that's how it is. So, you're in league with them too? I don't believe it... Who sent you?The one who sent me is very displeased. Wants your blood.What – are they mad? Why are they chasing me so hard? So what, so I played a spy for a bit...Worked around here and there... I'm sick of it! I don't want to rat out thieves to the Dualsouls, nor the Dualsouls to the thieves! I'm doing the right thing here.Tell me why they want you dead and do it fast – this is your last shot at mercy. I don't look kindly on traitors....It's all dumb. I stole something. The property is communal in our group, right? That means it's mine too. They would fight each other because of the powder anyway. You could say I did a good thing there. As for the dog...well... I was defending myself! Self-defense is sacred, you know?Not very convincing.Good man, please spare me! Saving a life will come back around to you, trust me. I can't tell you why I did it... it's too sick. But I won't do it again, promise!Alright, alright – get out of here!Kids played for keeps in this town. Always have. Artemiy knew that, but even he didn't feel composed enough to be an arbiter of a child's life, no matter his sins. Not without a great need. The doghead didn't wait around for Artemiy to change his mind, not that he would have.  From here, he could already see the Graveyard's fence. He began to approach it in order to circle it around, when a small tent out in the steppe attracted his attention.   Artemiy wasn't caught off guard. After all, this was just one of the Steppe folk. The fellow looked at him with a certain knowing in his eyes.   I smell blood on you. You have with you the blood of someone who isn't here, isn't that right?You have a sensitive nose. How much blood do you need?No, I don't need any. Earth does. Earth won't take more than it needs to to grow as many herbs as you will take from me.Take it. We are the worms in Bodkho's body, the gatherers of herbs, brown tvyr, rusted, black and blood tvyr, savyur, ukheghe, the white lash. All of them speak to us. Does anyone in the town buy the tvyr? There is a den in the Earth – yes, a den – where the people are drinking the liquid tvyr... A terrible man spends his days there, spends his night there – he, the accursed one, buys the tvyr and perverts the children of Bodkho. Drives them to betrayal. Because of him, we had to kill our brothers-odonkhe, who sold our secrets. Why won't you kill him, then?He is very formidable, yes – formidable. He is a mighty fighter, even if he is not a trained warrior. He builds homes. He is very brutal, yes – brutal. None of the odonkhe could take revenge on him for perverting our sisters, for buying out our brothers. We tried to fight him, but he killed all the dissenters. Some builder he is... The herb sisters dance for him instead of serving the Earth. They please the vagabonds and give themselves to sin. He made this all happen for his own amusement. If you kill him, the old odonkhu will be forever grateful to you. I'm not your killer.Artemiy had to restore his name in order to think about breaking the townsfolk's customs in order to uphold the customs of the Worms. The Worm looked indifferent in the face of Artemiy's refusal – at least, as far Artemiy could tell. It was, however, obvious that the Worm could prove useful in the future, in case Artemiy would need herbs.  Keeping that in mind, Artemiy went back and continued circling around the graveyard fence.  Soon enough he started seeing a towering outline break the fog.    A certain warmth emanated from that entrance - a warmth that Artemy knew all too well. With all his experience, it still didn't sit too right with him. He didn't tarry long and headed towards the graveyard.  The graveyard was quiet, but not without a certain vibrancy to it.   Taking the view in, Artemiy stepped inside the lodge. A peculiar sight awaited him in there.   The young woman's eyes were full of worry and, when she noticed Artemiy, a tinge of fear, though not without a hint of understanding.   I see you carry a great sorrow in heart. What is your name?My name is Artemiy Burakh.My name is Laska. I take care of the dead.Aren't you too young for this job?Why have you come here?Who is this fellow lying here?Don't kill him, please! This is the man who wanted to kill you! He attacked you there, near the Station. He says that you were the one who maimed him. He'll die soon, anyway – he doesn't have much blood left...You won't kill him, right?Why? Maybe I ought to help him too, huh?Why? You want to help? That's fantastic! You see how much blood he lost? He needs blood. I would give mine, but my blood is poisoned...and I don't have much of it anyway. Poisoned? Poisoned by what?Why...with tvyr, of course... You didn't know?No.In any case, he needs a transfusion.And who here can do that?I know that there is a terrifying man living in Stone Yard who trades in blood. He is a trader, but he takes blood, too. He knows how. Should I show you where he lives? And how will you perform the transfusion, anyway?Don't worry about that. A lot of folks here know their way around blood. Now, if only we had someone who'd give blood.Alright. I'll talk to your trader.A menkhu serves the children of Bodkho even if they lash out against him. That is the way of serving the Order and Artemiy knew it. That what stayed his hand when he could strike down the little Doghead and that is what kept him from striking down the wounded man. The Surviving Factory WorkerThe last of those, who have ambushed me at the station is dying in the Gravekeeper's lodge. Hunchback, who lives in the Stone Yards, can give me blood to heal him. This could help in restoring my good name. Artemiy closed his journal and began making his way back to his warehouses to disappoint Griff and to help Notkin learn the value of life. Even Artemiy was a romantic, sometimes.     Just like it hasn't in 10 years of his absence, the steppe hasn't changed a single bit since Artemiy walked through it an hour ago.  Nothing changed in the warehouse, either.  I found the puppy.Well?I let him go.Now, that's a waste! A soft soul... Well, I don't blame you.What, you think your bones are hard? Watch it. I'll break them just the same.It didn't feel particularly good, but it felt good enough. He made his way to Notkin's warehouse.  Dualsouls' warehouse was also the same. Nothing changes in this place, does it?   I never thought that a scoundrel like this would show up right before the war...I've met your traitor.What'd you think of him?Pitiful.Yeah, that's the truth of it. So, what'd you do with him?I let him go.What kind of a Ripper are you, then?What made you think that I was a Ripper?Eh, forget about it. Maybe, that's the right way. I'm already coming down myself – couldn't breathe from anger before, you know. Killing would've been too much. Did you beat him up, at least?You said it yourself – don't hurt the dogs. He fit that criteria, in a roundabout sort of way.The matter was finished with, and Artemiy took the time to dutifuly round out his journal entries about it Mercy is the most honest of feelings. In my case, however, it's also useful. The law of highest justice will work – I had a chance to prove my new reputation, but I didn't take it. I am not their killer. Artemiy chuckled to himself as he left the warehouse. The day that started so painfuly was looking up, even if his health didn't improve by a whole lot - although it has stabilized. Besides, the rumours of his mercy are sure to be reaching the town about now, and that means that he can finally journey inwards in search of support. Father's letter mentioned Vlad Olgimsky, and that was whom Artemiy was going to visit first.   Artemiy finally left the station behind and made his way into the town.   There streets was relatively empty, but the few passersby that he saw gave him no trouble, aside from the occasional nervous glance full of knowing. Nothing Artemiy couldn't deal with. It took him a while to get his bearing, but, soon, Artemiy came out to the Olgimsky house.  In front of the main entrance, however, was a strange, scrawny figure that was looking at the door with expectant and obedient eyes – eyes that were easily visible even while hidden behind the veil of the mask.  He turned to Artemiy when he approached the door.   You won't happen to be Vlad Senior, the owner of this house?Do I look like him?Actually – no, not at all! But, perhaps, you're his representative?You're unlucky, once again.I am, you see, only a mere postman. I have for him a letter of utmost importance. They told me, however, that he will only show up at 11 A.M.Did this letter happen to say anything about a certain Burakh?I haven't read the letter!Of course you have. The lie is visible even through that mask of yours.Oh, all right. No, the letter only talks about a certain bachelor Dankovsky, who arrived into town on a personal matter – although he will soon take it upon himself to hunt down the elusive murderer of Simon Kain!Great, that's the last thing I needed...With a sigh, Artemiy checked his watch. It was 10 A.M., and that meant that he had some time kill. Artemiy started walking the streets of the town, hoping that nobody would chase after him again during this peaceful entr'acte. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 21:21 on Oct 12, 2014 |
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Aug 3, 2014 22:14
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Accordion Man posted:Also as a heads up because it will probably happen during the duration of this LP but Ice Pick is planning a Kickstarter for a remake of Pathologic with improved gameplay and English translation next month so make sure to check it out when it goes live. Actually, the impending Kickstarter is why I picked this game back up and decided to LP it. I plan on plugging that thing as hard as possible.
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Aug 4, 2014 03:17
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ANIME MONSTROSITY posted:Also, could you maybe, possibly change tvyr to twyre in your translation? Hey, I already made plenty of different translation choices in here. Did woodenchicken's Klara call Dankovsky a nerd in the theater section? No, she did not - a grave oversight, obviously  But, to sum it up, Tvyr or Twyre, or whatnot, isn't a real thing so the best thing I thought to do with it is to transliterate it into English to the best of my abilities, and the word Tvyr follows the rules of Russian pronunciation more closely than Twyre - Twyre doesn't sound at all how the Russian word sounds. Even then, the word is pretty recognizable in terms what's being referred to, and I don't think it will confuse people who go from one LP to the next too much. There are many more things that will actually confuse them.
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Aug 4, 2014 18:08
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You yourself said you want to make it a connected experience with woodenchicken's LP and that's what he used
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Chapter One – Part 2 Turning the street, Artemiy decided to have a walk to the local theater.  Stretching out on one of the benches allowed Artemiy to take stock of his own state. The tiredness has become worse, he was fairly close to collapsing. His health was doing slightly better, but he could still use some patching up. He recalled one of the masks' words – something about local drunks carrying medical supplies and craving for water? Artemiy check the trash can closest to his bench and, sure enough, there were two empty bottles in there. He pocketed them and went further on his scavenger hunt.  The local park had more and, soon enough, Artemiy had a healthy supply of bottles and a strew of other various garbage lining his pockets. A conveniently placed water pump allowed him to fill the bottles up. Finding a menacing, hungover-looking fellow wasn't particularly hard.  A very useful bandage for 30 minutes of easy, albeit not very tidy work. There was still a little time, so Artemiy traipsed around for a bit more – he was starting to take to dumpster diving. Clean hands sometimes need to be dirtied, he knew that all too well.   Soon enough, however, it was time to visit Vlad Sr.  The interior was cozier than the warehouses and the graveyards that Artemiy met the day in.    It also seemed that Olgimsky wore his closer ties to the steppe folk on his sleeve. Or, rather, on the sleeve of his guestroom.  Vlad Sr., himself, was clearly expecting Artemiy.    I can guess who it is before me... I know about your tragic loss, my boy. I am Vladislav Olgimsky, boos.. I don't imagine you remember me, do you? At your service, of course – at your service... I didn't think you were still so young... I'm not particularly young. Or, perhaps, you expected to see an old man? No, no... Your father, however, was very old... I simply thought that the two you must look similar. You were expecting me, were you? Since not too long ago, yes... A certain lady, whose flair one can trust with certain certainty, announced that you will arrive in the coming days... But we will talk about that later. I am glad for our meeting... Artemiy Burakh. I am the eldest in our line now. You may call me “servitor” or “Haruspex”.Vlad Sr., rather pointedly, ignored Artemiy's last statement. Artemiy Burakh... Yes, Isidore's death is an irreplaceable loss. Truly irreplaceable. However, seeing you before me... I'm not co certain in that anymore. Forgive the old man a callous joke, if you would... It pains me to tell you, but the death of your beloved father is only the beginning of your woes, Master Burakh. Some hoodlums attacked me when I was getting off the locomotive. I've heard, I've heard. These scoundrels, however, weren't waiting for someone to get off the train, but for one who wanted to get on it. You see, they were after a killer, who already has done plenty around here recently. They say, your father's death is on his hands, too... You mean to tell me that my father was murdered? That is one hypothesis, at the very least. Strange death... Although, he was waiting for it, yes? He let you know beforehand, didn't he... Died this very night, too. Hardly a coincidence for people, overcome with fear. They'd rather tear apart the one responsible than look for clues – the one responsible being you, of course. And how am I to be involved, exactly? I've only just arrived. The trouble is, that the people at the station thought you to be a murderer. Now, they've spread your features around. You are a remarkable, easily noticeable person, after all... And the mass hysteria makes for a good soil for accusation of a fast and loose nature. Fueled, again, by the visions of an influential lady. You've mentioned her before – who is this influential lady? A well-respected personage. Do you remember the Saburov family? Perhaps not, but Katherine isn't much older than you. Katherine, Alexander Saburov's wife, has some remarkable powers... prescient, you would say. No one doubts them, for they were tested many times over. Has she foretold my arrival? Not just that... Many horrors has she foretold in relation to you. Nothing concrete, mind you, and, compared to my deceased wife's powers, Katherine's powers aren't exactly... foolproof. They're enough, however, to rile up the fools after you. Does the entire town suspect me? Suspect? No. If only they'd suspect... They're certain, my dear Master Burakh, absolutely certain. You're being followed, and, until this panic dies down... you can consider the evidence against you to be irrefutable. Besides, the dead at the station tell their own tales. What am I being accused of? Of the death of those you've actually killed. You know, one can't prove self-defense in this situation. That's half your trouble, however. You're also being blamed for the death of Master Simon Kain, the ruler of this city. That's much more serious. And, of course, you're blamed for the murder of your Father, Isidore. That's three dire accusations. I'm blamed for my Father's murder? That's completely insane! Please, understand - everything has already tied itself into a knot. They're not looking for different murderers – the markings seem all the same, as do the circumstances. They met with each other yesterday, too. What else is there to say? Where there's smoke, there's fire. No time for deliberations at all – the murderer must be apprehended before he escapes! I've only just arrived! On a locomotive, too. Who was its driver, if you don't mind me asking? You won't remember, of course you won't. I know, however. My specialty, if you will. He won't confirm your alibi, trust me. He's half-human, and half-deaf, to boot. Besides, nobody knows how long you were here in secret. The prophecy was made ahead of time, after all. I wouldn't wish such circumstances on an enemy... The death of a ruler has riled up the people and made the Kain family that much more decisive... And one is better off not toying with these hawks... A heinous crime – patricide. One that you are yet to prove yourself innocent of. You're an outlaw. How do I fix this, then? Restore your reputation. The people here are simple, you see. Quick to anger, quick to mercy. You can rewrite your past many times over if you do the right things... No one will even remember. I wouldn't recommend any more murder, though. Not a lot of people around here, someone is bound to notice. When I'm attacked, I defend myself. Please understand, these poor folk on the streets are not to be blamed! Don't judge them too harshly. They have been shown the absolute evil for the first time in many, many years. They will change their mind, just give them time. Right now, you need to receive your inheritance, don't you? To do this, you need to prove your innocence first, right? Yes. My blessing won't be enough. These events have restarted many a feud, such a move would only be seen as more plotting on my part. Here's what I'm thinking – the Kains have entrusted the investigation to a strange man, a Bachelor of medicine. He arrived quite suddenly, from a faraway place, as if he knew what was about to happen... He is the one going after the killer for them... You're saying I should meet with him? They say he's rather fierce... If you would've found him before he finds you, then, maybe, he won't be shooting you on sight. I, myself, will also do my part. I'd let you stay here, but I'm fairly certain that someone will come for you soon. Alright then – I'll go talk to this Bachelor. Wait until the evening, if you would. He doesn't know whom he's looking for, yet. He'll only shoot first and ask questions later. You should work on rebuilding your name, instead. For now, go see my daughter. She's a smart girl... she has things to tell you. I will take your good advice, thank you.All this was a lot to take in, so Artemiy took out his now frequently used journal, and wrote down the pertinent bits. The Murderer of Simon, The Murderer of IsidoreThey say I'm guilty of patricide. The entire town is against me. Who will agree to speak with me? Who will tell me how to prove my innocence? Olgimsky tells me, that his children – Victoria and Vlad Jr. - can give me some advice... Artemiy closed his journal and stepped outside. The entrance to Victoria's wing was on the eastern side of the house.  The space inside was a bit more open   Victoria herself, on the other hand, didn't look too open to Artemiy's presence.. for now.    Who are you? Why is there blood on you? I am Artemiy Burakh, son and inheritor of Isidore Burakh. Ah, so you are Artemiy Burakh. Haruspex, right? We have been waiting you for a while... I am Victoria. My father is Vladislav Olgimsky. My friends call me Kapella. Are we going to be friends? Of course! I mean, I hope so. Do you believe in premonition? Or preternatural senses in general? I do. I have a feeling that it won't be two weeks until our entire world will fall and be reborn anew. I will create new life and will sacrifice myself for the future. You will help me, right? I hope you won't have to sacrifice anything just yet. You have become a victim of a horrible mistake. I want to reveal something to you, however. You will need this in order to restore your name. I will give you the names of several people. All of them – children. Don't judge them according to their age, however. Some of them will help you immensely, trust me. How will they do that? All of them had frequent meetings with Isidore in the last couple of days. Perhaps, some of them know the identity of his true killer. Others, on the other hand, know that you are innocent. They are Adherents, too, you know. They won't be hasty in blaming the son for the death of his father... even if the clues say otherwise. I'm glad to hear that. They can help you figure out how your father spent his day last night. I only know, that, before his death, he spent a lot of time out in the Steppe and returned only late in the evening. Then, they all went to secretly visit him. Why did they do that? Do you know why they were so close with your father these last couple of days? No idea. The cause is a sad one. These children, my close friends and allies, are being hounded by death. What ails them? Some sort of mortal illness? No, but trust me. Your father, for one, trusted me immediately. You know, that he was wise and didn't trust easily, and he still checked on them every day. Such are the lines of their fate. The probability of death is higher than the probability of life. Did my father foresee his death for the same reason? I don't know... What led you all to think this way? Preternatural senses. Not just mine, mind you. Everyone was in agreement. Your father was, Simon was – I still can't get used to them being dead. Maria, Katherine. Everyone agreed. Please, take care of them, like your father took care of them. They must live! Simon and Isidore died, and that means that all of them are in the Death's shadow! What can I do for them? Just... don't forget about them and, if you can intervene in their fates, do so without hesitation. You aren't a simple man, either. You are the son of your father. That's all there is to me, really...Kapella handed him a scrap of paper, with seven names on it. Whatever happens, these people must survive. Their fate is tightly intertwined with mine. Perhaps, in their hands, lies the key to my victory. Mishka Matchstick Notkin Laska Kapella Taya Tychik Khan Quite obviously, Artemiy has already met some of the children on this list, but not all of them. The names felt important – all these people carried a great weight. Within their hearts burned a colourful flame that Artemiy had to preserve in the coming days, whatever the cost. It is scary and painful when you have been falsely accused, but there is only one escape – do more good and do less evil. How? You know, what my mother told me? About good and evil fate? If the evil fate touches a man, she jumps on his shoulders and leads him down its own path further and further – until he throws her off. The farther she leads him, the harder it is to return from that path. That isn't anything new, really. No. Evil fate gives you more and more evil deeds, so that you act on them more and more. Even an innocent deed given to you by evil fate may turn out to be evil, if she sits on your shoulders. You think, she's sitting on my shoulders right now? Of course! It isn't likely that you'll be able to do any good deeds now – but, at least, be afraid of the evil ones. I can even tell you where the evil deeds await you today. You trust my senses, don't you? Yes. Tell me. There is danger for you today in the graveyard, in the warehouses and in the steppe. Don't know what kind, but there is a chance that you will do evil things there today. It's better that you don't go there today at all. And don't listen to bad advice. I'll think about that. Many good people have turned away from you. The evil folk, on the other hand, are drawn to you. In this emptiness, you will be tempted to be closer to them. Don't make that mistake!Artemiy mentally patted himself on the back for clearly managing to avoid some of the dangers foretold for him. The conversation was helpful, but Artemiy was at the end of his rope. He desperately needed some sleep. Can I rest here for a while? Of course you can. You can sleep on my bed... What about your house, though? I don't have a house in this town, you're mistaken. No, that isn't right. What about your father's house – the house in which Isidore lived. In the heart of the Curriers. Show me where it is. Wait, no! It's best that you don't go there right now. Because of what happened there, of course. I think I see it now – it's chock-full of Saburov's people. It's best you wait until they come to an agreement with my father. I'll be waiting for news from you. Before he would visit his father's house, Artemiy would visit the son of Vlad Olgimsky, Vlad Jr. First, however, he would grab a few hours of sleep that he so desperately needed. .jpg) Upon waking up three hours later, Artemiy found a letter in his belongings Regarding Stakh RubinYour childhood friend, Stanislav Rubin – now, the best and most devoted student of your father, has sworn to kill you when he found out that you have killed your father for his inheritance. Beware of him. This man is blinded by rage, desperation, vengeance and self-righteousness. He is very dangerous. Always at you service, Your well-wishers. The letter was puzzling, to say the least, but Artemiy intended to take the advice. With new energy, he stepped outside. Track 2 – The Knotts  Going to Vlad Jr.'s place meant going back near the Train Station    Having found the right house, Artemiy was about to enter it before he noticed some rather strange milk jugs on the cart.   As he entered, Artemiy could only hope that the blood belonged to an animal  The place wasn't cozy – it looked more like a storage shed than anything else  Vlad Jr, like everyone in this town, was expecting him   You, who is before me – I know you. You are Artemiy Burakh, right? This is lucky. In you, we hope to find support. That depends on what you want me to support, exactly. Our family has... big plans, shall I say – the first of which involves your recently deceased parent. Then, I hope your plans coincide with mine.Not the best start of the conversation from Vlad Jr. Nor the most delicate one. The young man clearly lacked his father's tact. So, Isidore left you an inheritance. That's a mixed blessing if there ever was any, I'd say. I think, he wasn't very rich, was he? I'd say he was downright poor. Still, I'd say that it's blessing enough. Oh no, I didn't mean money. Knowing your esteemed parent, I'd venture to guess that it isn't just money that are in his inheritance. It is the inheritance of Burakhs, after all. Traditions of a family of healers let one presuppose that the inheritance consists mostly of... immaterial treasures. Isn't that so? How do you know this, exactly? Oh, but this is a very small town. Get used to it – all mysteries ,except those, for which one pays with lives, become public domain. Something always leaks through, somewhere, though the traditions of the Steppes are guarded more closely than others. Well that's reassuring... Speaking of traditions – I was always fascinated how you Burakhs were faithful to your obligations. For your entire family, obligations are a sacred thing. In particular, that can be said about your debts. An Oinon, a Wise Man, can't let the dead carry their debts into their graves. That is correct. If that happens, the the line of the servitors loses its right to its hidden knowledge. A Haruspex with an unclean conscience isn't a Haruspex. That's how it was explained to me, at least. Exactly right. You, however, don't seem to know the local customs very well, even though you come from a local family. You were taken away when you were just a child. You seem to know more than I do. Why is that? I'm simply fond of local folklore, that's all. I'm talking about the private affairs of my father. How is it that you know what I will find in his inheritance? Simple, logical conclusions allow me to guess that, within his inheritance, with all the priceless knowledge, unique concoctions and, of course, other material goods, you will find an obligation – a terrifying one, at that. What kind of an obligation? A very risky obligation – one of a very dangerous sort... If I were in your place, I would think twice before accepting this legacy. It seems that you, very well, may find a poisonous snake in this cherished gift basket. Does this advice come strictly from the goodness of your heart? Of course. I am the heir of the richest family around here. My interest in this matter is minuscule. I'm simply sorry for you. You were awaiting riches but, instead, you will receive a whole lot of trouble. What do you know, master Vlad? Only that, yesterday, this burden has broken your father's back. I don't believe the tales about that woman – the man-eater. No, I've heard the promise that he made. Promise that he has sworn to keep, on the honour of his line – that is, on your honour as well. This is why he summoned you – not because he was close to death, you see. Do you know this for sure? No. These are, simply, my observations and musings that allow me to put the whole picture together.. I am an observant fellow, after all. Regardless, that is my version of what happened. I can appreciate your eagerness, and I admire your principles, but you also have my sympathies. Think about it. I am thankful, master Vlad, but I've already made my decision.Vlad Jr. nodded. He clearly had an angle, but Artemiy couldn't quite glean its nature. Besides, his concern seemed genuine enough, so Artemiy didn't begrudge him too much for it. Every single damned person in this town had an angle, after all. Having spoken with the Olgimsky children, it was time to visit the Stone Yard and talk to the man who trades in blood, as per Laska's request. He decided to cut through an otherwise unremarkable steppe and save time, this way. Coming up to the Stone Yard, however, Artemiy noticed a strange sight.   Artemiy knew quite enough about both architecture and physics to know that this structure defied certain natural laws. Isidore has always told him that defying the Law of Nature carried within itself a grave price. What was the price paid for this transgression, he wondered...   Finding the right house proved more troublesome than usual, for it was a rather unremarkable house.  The houses didn't carry within itself the grace that the living spaces of Adherents had.   Artemiy, checked the house room by room until he found the nice man he was looking for.    I think your face looks familiar... I simply look like my father, that's all. What do you want, botherer? They say that you store donor blood? No. You should know that one can't store blood outside of a living organism... A wounded man needs blood. If you're ready to give your blood, then do so. I'll pack it up for you. I'm ready, that's why I came.The procedure didn't serve to improve Artemiy's health, but, at least, he had what he came for. He made a note for himself in order to remember to give it to Laska. The Surviving Factory WorkerI decidedly do not understand how can one perform a blood transfusion in these circumstances, but Laska, the daughter of the deceased Gravekeeper, took it upon herself to perform it. I simply need to bring her the blood I've managed to procure. With this task done, it was, soon, time to start visiting his Adherents in order to finally figure how his father Isidore spent his last day alive. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 20:56 on Aug 9, 2014 |
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Aug 5, 2014 07:10
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Thank you for kind words, folks - translating this stuff is, easily, the aspect I enjoy the most about doing this LP. The language is extremely weighty and nebulous and nobody says anything straightforward - which is especially jarring on the first couple of days, if you're new to this - so it's a special treat to bludgeon it into making a semblance of sense.red mammoth posted:Really excited about this LP. Pathologic is one of my favorite games, and I'm glad to see someone doing the Haruspex. The Devotress LP is pretty great, too. There was an older LP that ran through the Bachelor path, but it was never archived and all the images are broken. I have a lot of time on my hands right now, although that will change drastically in the coming two-three months or so - maybe more, maybe less, it's weird - but, depending on how fast this goes, I may do the Bachelor scenario as well after I'm done with Haruspex.
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Aug 5, 2014 20:07
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Chapter One – Part 3 The first of the adherents that Artemiy would visit was going to be Notkin. The trek from Stone Yards to the Warehouses wasn't particulalry long, and Artemiy helped the kid out earlier in the day, so he was bound to be helpful in return. "Quid pro quo" wasn't a sacred rule in this town, but it was dependable enough.   This was Artemiy's first time in Stone yards in some time, and he couldn't help but note how well-off the houses were, compared to the rest of the city. Truly, a den of aristocrats and rulers.  It was time to leave the place behind, for now.    More defiance. This little Steppe town was prideful and, it seems, the time for paying for that pride was soon to come.   The rusted warehouses that provided Artemiy with shelter earlier in the day seemed to have quieted down.   The interior didn't change at all. Again. Artemiy was getting used to this strange form of stasis that seemed to affect everything around the adherents.   Notkin wasn't welcoming, but he wasn't cold either. He simply waited until Artemiy spoke. Tell me, Notkin – was anybody looking for me around here? Ah – yes, we had this nerd come around here... He sure was trying to look tough, kept his teeth clenched! "If I catch this killer, I will drain blood from him drop by drop – he ruined everything I worked for!" You think he's dangerous? Hmm... Drop by drop, you say... Well, that's what he said, at least. We told him there wasn't anyone like that here, we don't know any killer. "I'll go chat with the thieves, then" – he said. "They'll sell him to me for a silver coin..." What else did the fellow say? Said that he wasn't afraid. Said he knew that you already did in a lot of people, but you two would have a different conversation. After that, he turned out his coat, and showed me this big revolver. I see – thanks, Notkin. It was time to visit the thieves. Before that, however, Artemiy would ask Notkin about his connection to Isidore. Tell me, Notkin – have you seen Isidore Burakh, my father, yesterday night? Oh dear... So that's whom I've been talking to this whole time. My apologies, I didn't know. I thought you were just another vagabond. So, you already know that he was murdered? I know, yes. You, too, seem to know. How? Well... They say that a Steppe demon killed him. Shabnak. Bone maneater, you know? They say that, because, when they found him, there was a giant claw stuck in his chest. They say that it was her claw – it doesn't have to be hers, I say, but it definitely was a claw of some sort of monster... Or fang, come to think of it. Whatever – some sort of bone. Monster? What monster? A giant monster. A claw the size of an elbow. Crooked, boney, broken at the foundation. That's when the news spread that, from the steppe, came the bone maneater to punish us for our sins. Straight from the children's tales. Shabnak-adyr. When was the last time you saw my father? Our guys said that he returned from the Steppe, so I went to see him. He usually went out into the Steppe for a while. I thought, he'd tell me the news about the Bulls. I came, and there was this smoke in air – it stank horribly, like somebody was burning a big, wet blanket. The lights were on, but he wasn't home. He went to see Simon. Came back closer to the morning and chased me away. Chased you away? Stomped his feet, even! Said not to come close. I was very surprised, he's always been good to me. I thought I did something wrong, so I went back. That's when the whole thing with Toady went down. I only found out about the claw later, in the morning. Didn't see it myself. Maybe, you think that I have claws like that too? Ah, yes – I've heard all the slander about you. They told the people – go grab Simon's killer, he'll go to the Station. That was before the Claw, you know, they haven't found Isidore yet, then. Afterwards, they announced – there's only one killer, Simon was killed by Shabnak. That's when it all got mucked up... Much obliged, Notkin.It was clear that Notkin was extremely loyal, and would make a stalwart ally in the coming days. This thought heartened Artemiy immensely. Besides, he was closer to finding out the truth behind his father's death. Before visiting the next adherent, he would visit the Thieves to see how much they sold him out for.     The gents in the warehouse seemed to be a bit tired, compared to the morning.  Griff winked slyly at Artemiy as he approached. Artemiy decided to tackle the issue in a roundabout way, instead of asking about things head-on. Anybody's been asking for me around here? Ah yes – some sort of important doctor came this way. Not local. If he sticks around here, we'll have to make friends... probably. Could be a good replacement for old Isidore. But he won't stay, of course. And yes – he was looking for you! Was quite angry, too – and, in a hurry. What did he say? He said he'll kill you, what else! Dangerous type. A total egghead, but there's something wicked in his eyes. I wouldn't cross him, even if I had your brawn. It's best you'd be careful - his judgment will be quite swift. I'm innocent. You tell him that – that is, you can try, but he won't listen. He's swift to judge, that much is clear. In quite a bit of a hurry... Where can I find him? Well, if you aren't afraid, I can tell you where you can catch him. He isn't a stupid fellow, found a nice broad to pitch his tent near. We have this Eva, in the Stone Yard. Perhaps, you'll catch him there. It would be a real shame if you'd kill him, though... You want to pit us against each other, don't you? Don't worry, we'll only talk. All's well that ends well...  One great thing about Griff was that he was very, very straightforward. Artemiy didn't know if Griff was aware how transparent Griff's attempts at intrigue were, but it was a nice change from the leaders of the town and their acumen at intrigue. It was 4 PM, and things should have been quieting down at his Father's house, so Artemiy decided to make that place his next destination.    Soon, Artemiy arrived to the winding structures of the Land.   Immediately, Artemiy spotted a house that was entirely different from the rest of the houses here. Must be somebody important, thought Artemiy. He went on.    This was the only place in the town that, so far, stirred childhood memories in Artemiy. It was becoming clear, however, that Artemiy was gawking, much to the chagrin of the locals.  He composed himself and went on. Soon, he came up to the walls of the Apiary.   The place was in obvious disrepair and reeked of desperation and meat. A horrible place full of misery that, Artemiy knew, would have to be visited many times over in the near future. He proceeded further, where his father's house was coming up around the bend.   One more turn, and there it was.   The gent at the door eyed Artemiy with suspicion that bordered on recognition – a dangerous combination.  Well now – why are you here, buddy? And who are you, yourself, friend? A guard, buddy. That's our task here. They've put me here, so I'm guarding... If we see someone suspicious, then it's time for some good, old-fashioned justice. I see, I see – mind opening the door for me? No can do... You see the lock here? It's sturdy, and the key was taken away by the guys who were called up for the Apiary blockade. So, no can do – no way, no how. Blockade? What sort of blockade? Someone tried to break out of there. The people are mighty restless in there. Who tried to break out? Not your business, friend. And what are you here for, then? Trying to catch a killer, who looked like a bull, dressed in leather clothes. Seemed to be the son of the deceased. And, funnily enough, looks like it's you, buddy... I...Artemiy didn't get to finish his sentence when the man swung at him.  There wasn't a whole lot Artemiy could do, but defend himself.  Unfortunately for the poor guard, he clearly bit off more than he could chew. Artemiy realized, with a sigh, that he would have to do more killing if he were to enter his father's house. Father's HouseSome apes that were guarding my father's house, have went to the Apiary. I wonder what they are doing there. Maybe, there was another murder there – all sorts of things happen in that wicked place... Regardless – they have the keys to my Father's house, and I have to get them.  Artemiy, not without a certain resignation, walked on to the Apiary to find the goons who held the key to his father's house.   Soon enough, he found them.   These two weren't nearly as verbose as their predecessor. They launched themselves at Artemiy, who wasn't in the mood for hand-to-hand combat anymore and decided to end the debate with the heaviest argument – an argument that he had found on the body of one of the men, who ambushed him at the station.   After he was done with the body, a local factory man, not batting an eye, went ahead and looted whatever was left on the body.  A strange sight indeed. Still, with the key found, Artemiy hurried back to the house.   Artemiy opened the door and, with a sense of trepidation, stepped in.  The house was infested with rats, so the first order of business was clearing them out. After that was done, Artemiy took time to take stock of his surroundings.   The boy looked tired, scared and confused, so Artemiy approached him. He had a lot of questions for him.   Wow! I've never seen you around here before? Did you crawl out of the Apiary, or something? What, you know how to get in there now, do you? I don't know, myself. That's supposed to be my area of expertise, too... Very unfortunate... I'm Matchstick, by the way. I am Burakh, Isidore's son. You've definitely heard about him. Whatever happens, please don't hurt me! Don't think I'm here to steal stuff, or something! Well, what are you doing here, then? Phew... I spent the whole night here! Saw amazing things, too. Why in the hell did you get in here, anyway? Well, you see... You see, we had, with the old man – I mean, with that dad of yours...you know – we were friends! He was the only one who bothered with us, wanted to teach us things when we grew up. He'd done a lot of of curious things, but he'd never show us us anything. Don't begrudge us our curiosity – he was a Servitor, after all. So you got into his house to spy on him is that it? Well, no – nothing that sordid! I thought, that he brought something interesting and creepy from the Steppe. We had so many things happen around here lately – I thought that he didn't leave for no reason. He always brought weird things from there... The clay head, for one, was amazing! Hold on, now. Have you seen how he was killed? Well, I don't have much to report on that front... I was sitting in the closet for a while, and the old man Isidore was pacing around the rooms for a bit, and then he had some visitors. I didn't hear much, and saw even less. Well? Speak – what have you seen and what have you heard? Well, at first, he was just mucking around and sighing, real heavy-like. Then, someone came – someone very heavy. Isidore opened the door for him immediately – he would usually ask who and why, but not this time... From the sound of his speech, it was one of the Steppe Folk. Very deep voice, very harsh. A butcher, probably. After that, everything went quiet. How so? About two hours passed, I've been in the closet for a while. Didn't sleep, though. I thought that he fell asleep, so I tried to get out – and he's right there, dead! I wasn't afraid, but, then, I saw something that made get back into the closet immediately. I didn't understand what I saw, though. Come on, out with it! It was dark, you know – the light was off, and it only got turned back on when the guards arrived. When it happened, however, there was somebody else here beside me. Looked like a woman – that is, it felt like a woman. Its silhouette, however, was amorphous – not like a person, but like a spirit! What sort of hogwash is this? What kind of spirit? I'm telling you! Its head was that of a woman, but its torso was formless, harsh - like a piece of dough... And she walked without noises, as if she floated... After that, some types came, started stomping and looking around – they all said that a Steppe creature came into town to feed! Shabnak-adyr! The hell is that? Sounds familiar. That? That is an evil spirit, from some Steppe tales. That is its official name, but it's usually called shabnak. That's the name around here for all things evil and mysterious. I see... We were watching him all night, me and Mishka. When we found out that he returned from the Steppe, I tailed him until the house and then snuck in here. Mishka lost him near the Station, around Vlad Jr.'s place. Ask her about it, she's probably sleeping in her wagon right now. Hmm... where did they take him? To the cemetery, I think. Ask Laska... He's, probably, already in the earth, though. These guards, they're also Steppe folks. You know it yourself, their rites. Earth won't wait for long, especially if it's a servitor. I see... Now, get out of here.The boy scampered away pretty fast for someone who was supposed to be as tired as he is. Regardless, the business with the Father's house was done. It was time for Artemiy to leave it behind. Father's HouseA boy was spying after the house... Some girl named Mishka was spying after my Father that night... They saw a ghostly woman in the house... What does it all mean? With not a lot of answers, Artemiy headed to the graveyard, to see Laska.   Was this a circle for slaughter, or something else? The pen seemed to be too small for bulls, so what was it for? Strange thoughts clouded Artemiy's thoughts here...   Focusing on the matters at hand, Artemiy ducked into the Gravekeeper's lodge. The scene inside didn't change since the last time.  I'll have many new guests soon... I'll put one of them near the wall... Three others – under a small hill... There's a lot of space left on the other end, too...She was clearly deep in her own thoughts, and they didn't strike Artemiy as being a cozy, safe space. First things first... Here, I brought some blood for him. It cost me a lot, you know. This was a good deed! I'll tell everyone about it! I hope they'll listen to you... The procedure that Laska performed was bizarre, and, even after seeing every step of it, Artemiy couldn't make heads or tails of it. “Some healer,” - he thought of himself .   the healed worker looked at Artemiy expectantly, obviously unsure of what to think about the events of this day...  Well, you dragged me out, friend. Why didn't you finish me off? I did it for myself, not for you... Words of an honest man! How can I serve you, now? Want me to give you something? Tell me who sent you. Well... it, sort of, happened on its own. The men said, somebody promised a reward for the killed. Maybe Kain, maybe The Big Vlad. So, the folks sent me to check out the Station. Otherwise, said, he'll escape. Said that he'll be waiting for a train and, poof – gone. So, who was it? Kain or Vlad? Well, I'm not sure. Vlad, I think it was Vlad. Nobody ordered me around, or anything. Everybody went, so I went too. Then, everybody started chasing after the bone maneater. We tried to rub ourselves with garlic – you know... After that... well – you know what happened after that... Pfft... silly folks...Artemiy was done with this fellow. He didn't begrudge him for his actions, sure, but he still thought the man a fool – not without reason, that's for sure. He turned to Laska. Laska, have you seen my Father yesterday? Isidore Burakh? Oh, yes – I saw him! I saw him when he returned from the Steppe... Have you spoken with him? No, I only followed him. He entered his house, but I felt, that he was worried. Desperate, even. He smelled of smoke. I didn't feel brave enough to knock, but I looked in the window. What have you saw in there? I saw how he took off his warm clothes, took them out into the yard and burned them. After that, he wrapped himself in some rags, then took them off and burned them too. He dressed after that and left. I went after him, called to him quietly, but he didn't hear. He went until the Stone Yard, then knocked on Simon's door. They let him in. And, after that? After that, I got back here. On the way, I visited Mishka and told her that old Isidore came back. Mishka? Who is this Mishka? She's a girl. She lives in a wagon. She doesn't talk much, though. That's good, I don't like the chatty folks too much... Thank you, Laska. The trek was a bit long, but it was the best lead Artemiy had. Before pursuing it, however, Artemiy would round out his journal entry about the factory worker. Surviving Factory WorkerI did a good deed. This factory worker went from a slanderer to a defender. His talkativeness will surely help me now. He set out to the Station, once again.   The bulls seemed restless, like animals reacting to the coming of a bad weather. Artemiy felt it too, as did every other living being in the town.    Artemiy remembered this little wagon here – nothing suggested that it was, in any way, remarkable or that anyone lived in there. He entered.    I saw you, you know. You saw me? I live here. See? This is my wagon.. Cozy... You're very big... Tell me, Mishka – did you visit Isidore yesterday? My father? I did. Laska called me. When? At night? You didn't sleep last night? No. I rarely sleep at night. What did you see? I saw how he got back. He sat down, and sat for a long time. Didn't move. I think he fell asleep. Afterwards, I returned here. Saw how you arrived. What? You saw how I arrived by the train? Afterwards, you fought. I hid, and then I fell asleep Between the time, when you got back and saw me – did a lot of time pass between that? Yes. I even fixed my mousetrap. If I bring some people, will you be able to tell them all this one more time? I'll tell them. Thank you, Mishka.This was the alibi that Artemiy needed. He could finally prove his innocence. It was time to visit this doctor, the Bachelor, that supposedly hounded him.   He cut through the Steppe in order to reach the Stone Yards. The trip was quiet and the Steppe seemed much calmer than the town. Much more peaceful, if you will. Unlike the town, it knew its place in the world, its aspirations were tempered by time. Artemiy wished to do nothing more than lie down here and sleep. His duty, however, pressed him on.   He saw this house before. It seems that Artemiy had managed to avoid the Bachelor only narrowly. He opened the door and entered.   Artemiy approached the woman of the house to ask permission to see the Bachelor.  You have a wolf's eyes... Don't look at me so intently, please... What is your name You don't have to know my name... Then, I'll have to give you a funny nickname. Don't come close to me, or I'll scream! Fine. Scream, then.Artemiy shrugged and went about the house to try and find the Bachelor on his own.   On the second floor, the two men had finally found each other.   Yes... all things mystical are rather alien to me, but, when I look at you, I begin to feel that the nature is having some sort of sick joke at our expense. As if, the left and right hand have both taken hold of the head and have realized, for the first time, that they belong to a single whole... That's the feeling I get, too – does that mean we're alike? I don't know... We can become enemies so easily, Artemiy Burakh, that it's best that we our damnedest to be friends, until there is a fatal disagreement in our future. I am the Bachelor Dankovsky. Do we agree? On what? That you're a Bachelor? Yes, we agree.Dankovsky didn't laugh, offending Artemiy greatly. The joke was a fairly good one. So, it seems that it was you whom they blamed for the murder of Simon Kain, Isidore Burakh, your father, and another fifteen people, whose names I won't remember? Fifteen? Yes. The more time passed, the more victims the man-eater seemed to have. A man-eater, whose description – which I don't have, mind you – supposedly matches yours. It all fits, then, right? I was chasing after you the whole day, and in the end, almost found you. Then, however, it suddenly became clear that, in the death of Simon – and, logically, in the death of Isidore – you weren't involved at all. What led you to that conclusion? Simon was killed by an infectious disease. That is a proven fact. Perhaps, a new strain of murex, or some sort of lung plague. Possibly, cholera. Whatever else, you are acquitted. That doesn't make our lives easier, though. Speak for yourself – that will make my life considerably easier... Let us wait until morning. Then, we will restore your rights, and take care of your inheritance. Indeed, the morning is wiser than the evening.It wasn't that late, but Artemiy's toils for the day were done. Until tomorrow, he was free. It was time to take care of his more immediate, bodily needs. Tomorrow will be a new day, full of its own passions and turmoils. The Killer of Simon, The Killer of Isidore...The terrible accusation has been proven wrong. My innocence is a fact. Now, the restoration of my good name is only a matter of time. I can finally take upon myself my Father's inheritance and wear my family name with pride. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 22:52 on Aug 6, 2014 |
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Aug 6, 2014 22:47
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Addendum A - The Nightly Attractions ...Are they gone? Ah...Yes... Ahem.... The nights in the little Steppe town offer a different sort of gameplay to the players of Pathologic. Different characters have slightly different opportunities during the night, and our dear Haruspex just so happens to be the fellow with the most of them! Meet the bandit! These fellows are added to the "spawn pool" around the city at about 9 PM, while the children are removed from it around the same time. As you can see, these chumps have a very hostile attitude! Not just to the player, mind you! Killing a bandit yields a small boost to reputation. Funnily enough, killing a bandit while saving a local townie does not yield more reputation. On their own, a bandit will usually kill a townie – which means that the player is encouraged to pounce at the bandit after he is finished fighting a townie. This might strike you, dear reader, as callous, but it's all very justifiable. You see, Artemiy Burakh has a passion. Artemiy likes being a collector. Artemiy loves being a collector..jpg) Artemiy really loves being a collector! These won't have a very practical value until Day 2, but now is as good a time as any to stock up and expand his beloved collection. Another seemingly callous thing lies in the fact that the game, by the virtue of its mechanics, encourages Artemiy to turn towards the banditry himself! Since you get boosts to reputation from killing bandits, and there is a hard cap on reputation, it is beneficial to kill passersby, take the hit to reputation that that action carries with it, and kill bandits to restore it. Cruel, but lucrative and efficient! You can't go wrong with a dagger in the night. In addition to all of the above, the bandits, occasionally, carry on them a set of lockpicks, allowing Artemiy to perform nightly visitations into the surrounding houses.  Just a simple turn of the lockpick and...  When entering homes in such a fashion, the player can loot any container – cupboards, tables, closets, etc – they stumble upon and pick up any food items that are in the open. If they do so in view of NPC, the female NPCs will panic, while Male NPCs will turn to fight you.   The NPCs are rather forgetful, and will forget about your crimes when you leave the house and re-enter it. The player also does not take any reputation hits for stealing things in full view, making these raids very easy and lucrative. The only limitation on them is placed by the lockpicks – each lockpick can only be used once.  This pretty much sums up the activities available to Artemiy during the night, although they will expand slightly in the future. For now, enjoy a small production...REEL 3: Masks' Nightly Production – Night One
HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 07:27 on Aug 7, 2014 |
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Aug 7, 2014 07:25
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Ghostwoods posted:Man. Those are some creepy instructions! Crap, I was sort of afraid of this. The text is mine, not game's - hence the fact that it is bolded and the fact that I stuck a mask portrait to it was my idea of a joke and also an attempt to talk directly at the readers without making it a text dump. Apologies for any confusion caused, if at all. But yes, I love how the first day is about proving that you aren't a vicious killer, only for game mechanics to later encourage you to stuff your gob with human organs - figuratively, not literally, thankfuly enough. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 17:34 on Aug 7, 2014 |
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Aug 7, 2014 17:29
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Sinner Sandwich posted:Also, HellishWhiskers, the tutorial was fine. Oddly enough, even though playing as Artemiy was brutally hard, I never actually resorted to murdering citizens. Letting them die to bandits, sure, but never killing them myself. For shame. I didn't do it... too much, I'd say - and I didn't need to do it, either - I'm good on the supply front. It's just that, if you get down and dirty with game's mechanics, though, then it becomes a good idea - otherwise, you're letting reputation boosts from bandits go to waste. Minmaxy, sure, but it's a tough living in the Pathologic world and, unfortunately, long-term-wise, the game doesn't do much to punish the character for it. Plus, I mostly did it to show the inventory with 20 livers, kidneys and hearts in it, because the idea of Artemiy running around with tons of viscera in his pockets seems dumb and amusing to me. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 18:09 on Aug 7, 2014 |
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Aug 7, 2014 18:05
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Sinner Sandwich posted:A conversation later implies that this is literally the case. I like to imagine Artemiy having a very serious conversation with one of the Adherents - one full of some horrible implications and intrigue - when it gets suddenly interrupted by a soft "squish" and Artemiy apologizing profusely as he picks up a kidney that slipped out of his pants.
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Aug 8, 2014 01:28
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Fat Samurai posted:I went on a murder spree with the Bachelor, killing bandits to improve my reputation... Yeah - no matter the character, you are, by the virtue of the mechanics, encouraged to spend the nights just butchering the poor gentlemen of cloak and dagger left and right. The organs are just a little bonus for Artemiy. There aren't any story quests at night and, chances are, you will not sleep through the entire night. Plus, there's also the fact that there are nightly little vignettes at the theater, and you will, essentially, have no choice but to bump into some of these folks. They drop a lot of money and barter items, as well as boosting your reputation - plus, they're one of the easiest enemies in the game to learn the pattern. You just can't go wrong in killing some of these chumps. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 10:32 on Aug 8, 2014 |
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Aug 8, 2014 10:29
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Chapter Two - Part 1 Shortly before going to sleep for the night, Artemiy received a letter. The partial misunderstanding has been cleared upBachelor Dankovsky has managed to find out the truth. The murderer of Simon Kain, and, therefore, (because the connection between their deaths is obvious) your esteemed Father Isidore Burakh, is an enigmatic disease. Your good name will soon be slowly restored, brick by brick. Nevertheless, we are swift in warning you that some biased personages will be willfully ignorant to the well-known facts and some fools will not listen to them at all. Be careful. Each of the three families is playing a game to suit its interests. Always at your service, Your Well-Wishers How the letter appeared in his personal effects Artemiy had no idea. It just did. Not thinking too hard about such circumstances, Artemiy went to sleep in the cramped attic of Eva's house.   Day Two, the only one during which, in all outcomes, Haruspex will gain more than he will lose. Upon waking up, Artemiy found two letters in his personal effects. Olgimsky Sr.'s invitationThe matter of your inheritance has been sorted out. Come to me for instructions. Be careful. Olgimsky Short and to the point, the yesterday's more meandering tone was gone. On to the second letter... Bachelor's InvitationI insistently ask you to visit me today, starting from 7 AM. Because of this visit, the usefulness of that, which you may find within your inheritance, may increase exponentially. Your friend (or, at least, I would like to think so) Daniil Dankovsky. P.S. If the information that I have uncovered is correct, then this disease is truly abominable. I get shivers down my spine when I think of what is to come. The letter seemed rather redundant, since Artemiy spent the night in the same room Dankovsky had. Bachelor, it seemed, would rather write him a long-winded letter than address him directly. Strange timidness from a man, who, yesterday, has sworn to drain him of his blood, drop by drop.  Have you received your father's inheritance?Artemiy stared at him for a moment – they have been in the same attic for the past six hours or so. To be fair, though, Dankovsky did look tired. It looks like he spent the whole night buried in books. Perhaps, he simply didn't pay any attention to the surrounding world. Artemiy decided to humor him. Why are you so interested in it, exactly? Why? Because there's sure to be some very important information in it. I, of course, am a skeptic when it comes to this... ancient medicine. In our situation, however, everything can be useful. There might be your father's notes in there, right? It's possible, yeah. Right now, I'm studying all the notes on the First Outbreak. If at least one tenth of these, then we are faced with a prospect of a catastrophe. However, it seems that Isidore Burakh has managed to defeat this monstrosity before. If there are any materials in your inheritance on this matter, then they could, very well, save us. First Outbreak? Stanislav Rubin – one of your father's pupils, by the way – told me that, a couple of years ago, there was an outbreak of a strange disease in this town – a disease that had a lot of similar properties with the one that killed Simon Kain.Bachelor suddenly became lost in his thoughts. Do continue. Then, the disease spread in one of the poorest districts and it was only contained due to a sheer miracle. It lasted for about two or three days, but the memories that it left behind reek of such a primal horror that... Well... In any case, Isidore's inheritance can prove to be very useful. I see... Vlad Olgimsky, who, I believe, is very invested in your affairs, is one of the three most influential people in this town. I believe that, if he wills it, then you will receive your inheritance immediately. In this town, the law is the will of its three rulers. Ask him for it. I was actually going to see him after you. When you receive your inheritance, head back to me. I believe that we'll definitely have more to talk about. I think that you will find many a mystery in there and, perhaps, my knowledge can help you shine a light on them. You'll come, right? I will...A night of intense study seemed to have left Dankovsky with nothing but desperation. It seemed that he was inches away from full-blown panic – not a good sign for the fate of the Town. Artemiy left the house and headed to Clot, the Olgimsky family house.   The rainy weather did not make for a walk too comfortable. Besides, the feeling urgency in the air, as well as the smell of tvyr did not allow the rain to remove the air of stuffiness that permeated the town.   Vlad Sr. was dutifully waiting for Artemiy. Having seemingly not moved from the spot at which he was yesterday, he looked like an old, fleshy oak.   I have a number of news, Master Burakh. Most of them are bad, but there is one that is a good one. Start with the good one, then. You can officially accept your inheritance. No one will dare to bar you from it. They have no evidence against you. You can take the key from Alexander Saburov. I have no clue how or why he has them, but that is how it is... Those are the god news. Alexander Saburov? Who is he? Well, you see – I'm not the only one carrying the burden of leadership in our town. The power is divided between the three families – Olgimsky family, Saburov family and Kain family. The Saburovs have,within their sphere, the executive power – at least, most of the time. The mechanism of enforcement, if you will. I see. And the bad news? The bad news are these – I've spoken with Saburovs about your case. Well, without any exaggeration, I can that Alexander Saburov is furious. It seems, that he will make the utmost effort to completely and utterly annihilate you – regardless of my word or my protection. How did I manage to deserve such enmity from him? I don't think that it's his ire you've garnered but, rather, his wife's. Katherine is a Mistress, a woman with mystic gifts... However her personal qualities are, her opinion is respected. In short, she received a prophecy that you will set in motion a great bloodshed. That is the price you have to pay to ascend, or so she says. Is that how it is? I can assure you that a mass bloodshed wasn't part of my plans. Oh, I believe you, I do... But, what else is there to say? Alexander trusts his wife much more than me. Saburovs, whose duty is to preserve order, can't be happy with you, having made such a ...discovery about your mission in this town. Alexander, it seems, made it his sworn duty to stop you from fulfilling this...ahem... prophecy. Is the power of your name enough to stop him? For now, yes. However, the news of Simon Kain's death, rumours about the start of an epidemic... all of this has blown the lid off of our little town. The people are terrified. Alexander is demanding emergency powers. If he receives them, then I will be unable to help as much as I can help you now. The Clot will not protect you. What is there to do,then? We'll hope for the best. In case of trouble, I ordered for a safehouse to be found – someplace where you can take shelter and work, in case Saburov receives the powers he vies for and demands that you are given up. It's not the most comfortable place, sure, but it's protected. It will become your home. What is this safehouse, exactly? I ordered my son to sort the matter out... He'll tell you and, hopefully, lead you there. I see. If that is all, I'll head out. Wait for a bit, this is important. This Bachelor... he has all the power in the town, for now. I don't trust him, it feels as though he's plotting against us. He's a smart one, though, that is the truth... So it's best that you two become friends. Everything that needs to examined, he will do so – and offer his ideas on the matter, to boot. I, on my part, will make sure that he doesn't cause any harm. Hmm... well, I was going to see him after I get my inheritance, anyway. Thank you, boos Vlad. Oh, don't be too thankful... I've done too little for you. Mad, dangerous times. Talk to Alexander and, perhaps, his wife. Use this short reprieve and however little immunity you have left... I will. Artemiy was grateful for all the help Vlad provided, but he wished that Vlad wasn't so transparent with his schemes. However much help a person provides, it will still be irritating if the same person is trying to clumsily pull a veil over one's eyes... The Inheritance of a ServitorMy Father's house is sealed. His property is under arrest. Right now, it is kept under a watchful eye of Alexander Saburov, he is responsible for the order in the city. He will be the one to give me the key to my father's inheritance. Before heading into the clutches of Saburovs, Artemiy visited Kapella.    The girl was quiet - slightly lost in thoughts, it would seem. Me and my dad – we'll defend you and give you shelter. We trust you. Do you, now? I've already heard that Saburov hates you. Katherine has twisted his mind with her prophecies. It seems, that he thinks that you are someone more dangerous than shabnak-adyr. If he receives absolute power, then we will have to hide you. He will demand your surrender. His power isn't absolute now, is it? Of course not. As always, there are three ruling families. After mom's death, however, Saburovs' position is stronger – because Katherine is the last mistress left. How much longer will I have to wait? Wait for what? I am the inheritor of my mother. Time will come and I will take her place in order to grow this town and take care of my people. I told you already, silly. You'll be a Mistress, just like Katherine? Katherine is a weak Mistress. She sees the future, yes, but she cannot change anything, or grant power to the people, like Mom. Saburov wants to augment her weakness with his power. Wants to rule alone, with an iron fist. How is he planning to achieve that? Under the guise of fighting the epidemic. Have you heard Bachelor's announcement? I have, I think. About the epidemic? Yes... If he told the truth, and this rumour will become a reality, then God help us! Then, it's best that we all unite behind someone... How will this help Saburovs, precisely? Saburovs, for centuries, have been responsible for handling the administration of this town. It's the traditional role of their family. When everything was going well, they weren't really needed. Now... their hour has struck. I'm sure that he's glad for this epidemic. He'll make us remember the privileges of Saburov family. When is all this supposed to happen? Who knows... If Bachelor's suspicions are correct, then it will happen tomorrow. I, however, hope that it won't happen at all... Me too...The prospects were grim, and it wasn't possible for his visit to Saburov to go over smoothly. Still, daylight was wasting, and Artemiy headed out.   The atmosphere in the town was of a decidedly trepidatory nature. Women seemed to hurry about, men were walking with nervous glances. The rumours have already spread, and everyone was bracing for the blow that was to come.   The building looked like a makeshift prison, and the poster on the wall did not serve to make it more reassuring. Artemiy hoped that he wouldn't have to pass by this place too much.   Yet more stairways to heaven... The stories about these things must be truly fascinating but, Artemiy felt, these were excesses that the town just couldn't afford at this point in juncture.   Finally, after a protracted trek, he started to discern what looked like the Saburov Family Home through the fog.   Artemiy was entirely unwelcome in this house, that much is clear. That wasn't a testament to Saburovs' perception of Artemiy, though – this house did not look like it would welcome anyone.  The interior was as homely as the interior. Artemiy imagined countless servants bumping into these strangely placed columns that reminded him, very much, of prison bars.   Approaching Saburov, Artemiy noticed that the man looked as if he was slapped across the face by his presence. Artemiy allowed himself a chuckle.  Who let you in here? The door was open, you know. So, you have the gall to come here yourself? I thought that you would send someone here. Or, perhaps, you don't think that I know everything about your deeds – both past and future? Future deeds? Go ahead, this should be interesting... Stop pretending, Burakh! You were born here. Your childhood was spent here. Sometimes, I think I even remember you. You were here even for the “Long Battle” of the Mistresses – Victoria's and Nina's. You know, that Mistresses see the future. What have the dead Mistresses discerned in my future? Your future has been discerned by a living Mistress. Katherine Saburov, my wife. She knows the amount of woe that you will bring in the coming days. If only you weren't under Olgimsky's protection... You'd have been in the prison cell already! Since when is the testimony of an oracle a basis for imprisonment? I would have imprisoned you on my own, even without the prophecy – by my own will. Perhaps, in the capital you may claim your civil freedoms - here, your rights begin and end with the will of the rulers! Oh, I've understood that very well already... I know that you are a murderer. Moreover, you are one of the most terrible murderers that the poor citizens of this town had the misfortune to ever encounter. You are accused of premeditated murder of, at least, four people. The death of Simon Kain and your Father's death are also currently being investigated. You have absolutely no evidence. I will have it, soon enough! Were it not for Simon's death, were it not for this sudden epidemic... All this chaos... If only my hands were untied... Perhaps, this evening, I will be able to free myself from these ropes, and your patron Olgimsky won't be able to veto my actions anymore. You know, I'm starting to like Vlad more and more... Only due to my respect for Bachelor will I be giving you your inheritance. He is, for some reason, convinced of your innocence – something that is forgivable, considering that he is a stranger in this town. I will be keeping my eye on your every move. Don't try to hide. Keep an eye, if you must. Regardless, you are free to take your possessions. The affairs of the deceased were conducted by some personage by the name of Ospina. She lives not too far from here, in a den at the Raw Structures. Find the road there yourself, if you must. I won't give you a guide - and don't you dare leave the town. Your guilt is almost proven. We'll see... Alexander's intense hostility killed any desire to crack jokes that Artemiy may have had. He never liked zealots, so he decided not to tarry long here. He already had the key, now he only had to find the box. Besides, he still had the joy of visiting Katherine ahead of him. Perhaps, she won't be as unpleasant as her husband was? Artemiy delayed the meeting by expanding out his journal entry on the matter of the inheritance. The Inheritance of a ServitorSaburov sent me to someone named Ospina, who was conducting the affairs of my father. Perhaps, she can introduce me to his affairs. It's strange that Saburov didn't just give me the key and send me on my way... Strange indeed, but, perhaps, he doesn't have the evidence he claims to have and is simply hoping that Artemiy will produce more. That must be it, unless there is some other angle that Artemiy is missing... No need for further delays, time to go see Katherine.   What a decidedly dour, garish and all-around unpleasant painting... Why would someone hang something like this in their house? Katherine herself had a dour expression on her face   So it was you, about whom I had that vision... The man, who will carry out a great sacrifice and will spill the great rivers of blood... I get it now... Speak precisely, if you would. What torment... Where is that fool, why aren't they bringing the morphine? Isn't there anyone to send for it? And you – why are you here? Don't come near me! Why are you afraid of me? There was a prophecy... Oh how my temples hurt.... You are destined to drown our town in blood. These are the precise words. You will carry out a great sacrifice. You will spill rivers of blood. You will return into the Earth all of the blood that was taken from it in the past ten years... Leave! Now! Why would I carry out such a sacrifice? In order to ascend... and take your rightful place... You will be made to carry out this bloody sacrifice, so that you can fulfill your predestination. What a collection of empty, vain words... Dear God, what is happening... I need an injection... Get away! Leave... I need some morphine... Fine, fine – I'm leaving...The conversation was haphazard, cryptic and entirely unsatisfying for both parties... Was this everything that Alexander based his zealotry on? drat these people, and drat this town for its foolish ways... Artemiy didn't have to like them, even if he had the duty to protect them. Exiting the house, Artemiy found a new letter in his personal effects. Rubin's ThreatOlgimsky Family is covering for you. They didn't give me the location of your hideout – they need you alive too much. I, however, don't need the recipes nor the money. You will not escape. Great, more fury and zeal for him to deal with. No use to worry about it now, though. Time to visit this Ospina.    The rain's wetness has only served to amplify the reek of Apiary. Still, mercifully, the rain stopped just as Artemiy approached it. Turning the corner, he soon found the house he was looking for   The house looked decidedly out of place – a strange sight in the place of identical houses placed in winding rows.   The interior of the house felt otherworldly, and Artemiy could swear that heard whispers of voices below as he passed through here.   Ospina regarded him with a facade of timeless indifference that, nevertheless, betrayed a sense of keen interest.  So that's how you look... Haruspex, oinon, inheritor of Servitor Burakh. One of the line of menkhu.Artemiy was curious of how much Ospina knows. Menkhu? Who are Menkhu? Menkhu – those who know the lines of the body. Those, who have the right to make incisions. Those, who know how to sever the connections of the body in a way that won't offend the Earth. Indeed... You know the answers to my questions. Only through a miracle did I manage to preserve your inheritance. Now, you can accept it in full. Through a miracle? How so? Others almost managed to take it away from you. By the orders of those, who hold the power in this town. They managed to steal some of the notes, while I didn't pay attention. You would've received an empty box... and debts. Now, however, you'll receive a heavy one. There it is, right behind me. Do you have the key? Yes, right here – what did these people want, though? To check the notes, I think. Find the trail of the killer. Do you believe that your father was also killed by the disease? Well... They said that he had a strange wound in his chest.Ospina winced when she heard Artemiy say it. Hmm... So, you've already heard... Yes. They presuppose that this is a wound from the claw of Shabnak-adyg. That's why this manhunt after the woman man-eater began. You've already been told? You have... In vain... Adyg? What is Shabnak-Adyg? A demonic being. It's sculpted out of clay, bones and blood. Looks like a human, stuffed with bones. Steppe gives birth to it when it needs a weapon to fulfill the original intention. I see... Who are you, yourself, exactly? I am an evil spirit. That is my origin. They call me Ospina. In comparison to Shabnak, I am a relatively harmless being... I sow distress, fear, and awaken the heavy sensation of a time slipping away. Towards you, however, I harbor nothing but sympathy. Why is that? I don't know, myself, yet. You shouldn't trust the Big Vlad, though. You can trust his daughter, though. She...she will be a great one. Even if she is born of a foul root, her mother was very good. I pray that the girl takes after her mother. Vlad, on the other hand, is a scoundrel. That may be, but I am grateful to those who helped me in hard times. You know, I am glad that you've returned to us. You are glad? Yes and no... I see in all this the cruel will of fate. Your father died, and, immediately, there you were. We had great hopes for old Burakh – hopes that he failed to justify. You, on the other hand, will absolutely justify them. The Earth made its will known. The Order made its will known, too. Tell me about the Order. The Order are your people. Children of Bodkho, the Steppe folk who are toiling here without rest. Out of their own flesh and blood, as well as the bull hides and bones, they, for many generations, have been building this town. The houses grow out of their bones, the trees are feed with their sweat. How many of them are now? Eighteen hundred are working in the Abattoir. Another eleven hundred are odongs, they herd the bulls out in the Steppes. Twenty four hundreds are working for Fat Vlad in the factories. A lot of those have disappeared among the folks that came after the Fire. The one, after which the Apiary was built? Exactly. That Apiary is closed right now. Sealed from outside, while the doors and windows are guarded by armed men, hired by Olgimsky. Now that you've arrived, however, this state of affairs won't last long. Me? What am I to do with that?Ospina chuckled Oh, don't mind me – I'm just being superstitious. I can't hear the Earth the way the Brides can hear it, but I can hear the voice of the Order. I know their feelings. They wanted your Father and, now, they will want you. If they will survive until they find out about you, that is. Why wouldn't they survive until then? The infection spreads like wildfire, and there is no escape from it. The entire Order, except for a couple of refugees who were lucky to be outside, are sealed inside the wings of the Apiary. Who locked them in? Big Vlad. Said there was a mutiny of some sort. He's lying, of course. I'll talk to him later.Ospina grew quiet and that meant it was time for him to open the box with his Father's inheritance. He inserted the key, turned it and opened it.  Inside, he found a respectable sum of money, some notes, some tvyr herbs, two strange figurines made of herbs and a metallic symbol, the likes of which he has seen many times. A Tauro.  This was the strangest item that he had found in his inheritance. It was clearly full of meaning – meaning that he could not yet grasp. He decided to talk to Ospina about the herbs first. Do you know where and how to collect these herbs? If you walk around willy-nilly, then you won't gather much. One needs to know the places, though, this year, there is an exceeding amount of Tvyr and Savyur out in the Steppe. Inconceivable amounts, really. Just like it was eleven years ago, when they were building the Cold Tower. It's simpler to ask the Gatherers, really. Gatherers? Who are they? A caste in its own right. All of them are, usually, Worms. In truth, there aren't many of them left. Some time ago, they had a war between themselves, of a sort. Killed each other, when someone started buying secrets from them. There was this fad here – smoky Tvyr cocktail... That's when they started vying for it and... Well, you know... Why do you call them Worms, though? Well... Worms are the children of Bodkho, too – like humans. They're simpler, but closer to Earth. They feel the soil better, speak with the herbs kinder. Tvyr grows differently from the rest of the herbs, you know. Every blade of it has its own name and character. It needs to be known, pampered, cared for. Where can I find them? On the edge of the town, there are three Worms... They were waiting for someone's death, staking someone out. He was trying to escape from here yesterday, you know... I can show you where to look for them, and, after that, you're on your own... They don't usually sit in one place, except at night, when they sleep... Thank you, Ospina.She showed him the location of the Worm tents on the map. It became clear to Artemiy that he met one of these Worms yesterday. Good, that means he already knew one of them. This would prove useful later, or so Artemiy thought. He was getting ready to leave when he dropped one of the herbal figurines. Upon picking it up, he noticed that its herbal components were meticulously spun strands of tvyr. The two figurines were made of different herbs, put together in different order. This was clearly important, and Artemiy consulted the notes in the inheritance. Soon enough, it became clear that these figurines were, in fact, the recipes for tvyr remedies. My MissionHere he is, before me – the one Sought-For. Here he is, the Fiduciary, marked by the sign of Tauro. He is sick, he is dying. He is chest-deep in the Earth. The affairs that my father didn't have time to finish will be concluded by me. I don't know who the one Sought-For is, but I already know how to prolong his life. They started talking about the epidemic of Sand Fever. I don't know who's dying yet, but I already know the cause. The enemy has returned – an enemy that has already been defeated by my Father once before. He didn't leave this box behind to give me his material fortunes, after all. It doesn't just contain the sign of an unfinished duty. It contains the knowledge, the recipes of remedies, the key to creating a panacea. Panacea – that is the true cure for the one Sought-For, the Fiduciary, marked by the sign of Tauro. I do not know who is dying, yet, but I already know how to return him to life. There are two paths before me that I must tread. To find out who is marked by the Tauro is the first. Without wasting time, to find out the recipe of the Panacea is the second. It is time to act. First things first, Artemiy had to find out more about these remedies. Tell me more about these remedies, if you would... They have many various properties. In our situation, the most precious of roles that they may play is the role of medicine that is criminally absent from the local pharmacies. Some increase your immunity, while others can dull your pain and decrease your hunger or fatigue. Do the pharmacies really not have any medicine? Some do, but it's usually bad or expired. Someone has, recently, bought out everything that was brought in from the Capital. I wonder who would've needed all that medicine. It could've been useful. Tvyr, after all, isn't a healing herb. Earth is not for the man, but the man is for the Earth. I disagree with you there. However, can you tell me more about Tvyr? It transforms anything it touches. If you want to practice the same art your Father did, then you should beef up your stocks of the herb. There are stronger herbs out there, you know. White Whip, for example. What does the White Whip do? White Whip is ever the enigma. It's almost impossible to find out in the Steppe on your own, by the way – it's best to ask the Gatherers. What properties does it have, though, I don't recall. One needs to know the recipes, and much depends on the Tvyr you use. Why? Every blade of Tvyr has its own personality, that is known. All of them are different, unique. All types of it, however, have the same commonalities. Thus, even if you don't know the life of each and every herb, you can try to make a remedy out of them – at your own peril, of course. There will be an effect, one way or another. I will take this advice, and many others you've given me. Thank you very much, Ospina.She closed her eyes and nodded. It was difficult, but Artemiy had finally done it. He has come into the power, vested into him by his Father. Still, there were many blanks left to fill. The Inheritance of a ServitorYes, there are a lot of confusing things here. Not so much in terms of chirurgy, but in terms of chemistry... It would be wise to ask the Bachelor's opinion on this, I think. Let him speak his mind. Sound advice, especially for one given to himself. Artemiy headed out.   These were the factories where his people toiled... Why would Olgimsky seal the Apiary, Artemiy wondered. He decided not to press the issue quite yet, seeing as he was the only powerful patron that Artemiy had, but it was something that he would have to get to the bottom of eventually.    After an hour of walking, Artemiy finally arrived to the Stone Yards.   Bachelor was silent and looked like he was about to drop from exhaustion. Still, he noticeably perked up when he saw Artemiy. Well? Were there any notes in the inheritance? There were. Can I see them? I can tell you myself. They were recipes of tvyr mixtures. I don't think he gave them to the sick folks, not in this form. I think he used them as ingredients in preparing the remedies.Dankovsky fell silent – first, in disappointment, but, as he thought more, new plans formed in his head. His expression said it all. Well? Curious. Does that mean, that Isidore Burakh was creating these natural... well... reagents? Did he distill them, or did he extract the chemicals from them in some other way? Did he use them to cleanse the blood to create a vaccine? Hmm... drat it - who knows what it was exactly... A lot of people would kill for the secrets of these mixtures, oinon. Yes, well – I was expecting more... But, no matter. Let's sort these notes out – maybe, we can use these recipes to our advantage. We'll do more together than apart, you know. On to the next matter – I've heard that you have been enjoying the patronage of the Olgimsky family? That is correct, yes. The Elder Vlad seems a tad too busy right now, but the Younger Vlad seems to be a decidedly reasonable and useful fellow. Ask him if there is equipment in this town, by the means of which you can create one of these mixtures. I'm sure that he knows of some sort of a distiller that you can use. I'm sure he does... If you figure out how to synthesize these reagents or, at least, make something to work with, bring it to me. I'll run some tests and we'll figure out how we can use them. Alright, that settles it. I'll be back when I have something.The storm was coming, but Artemiy was getting closer and closer to the tools that would let him brave it. Before going to Vlad Jr. in order to ask him about the hideout and the distilling apparatus, Artemiy would rest. For now, he still had time to do so. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 07:10 on Aug 10, 2014 |
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Aug 9, 2014 01:08
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Fat Samurai posted:No, no, no... I would kill upstanding citizens, AND THEN would kill bandits to make it all good with the general populace. That was one mechanic that didn't look very well thought out. Ah, apologies for misunderstanding. Nevertheless, you've joined a good club!  Jeek posted:It may be just me, but man this game looks like it is a mod in one of those FPS games (AKA bad). I can't even tell the location of plot-related characters from the map screenshots (but then I am an idiot so...). The game didn't age well, that would be correct, but it keeps the atmosphere it's going for well enough, I think. About the map, you aren't the first one in this thread, so it's probably my fault, and I'll try to take better map screenshots - it's a bit hard, the game closes the map whenever I take screenshots, which sucks. However, I think looking at the map screens in the updates in conjunction with the whole map provided in the post below the OP would help a bit.
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Aug 9, 2014 01:16
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RBA Starblade posted:Were the Bachelor and Haruspex this friendly toward each other in the Bachelor run of this? I don't remember it much but it seemed more hostile, though that could also just have been the translation problems. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 02:49 on Aug 9, 2014 |
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Aug 9, 2014 02:46
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After I sent some of my translation work to one of my friends, he asked if “Shabnak-Adyg” was a creature from a real myth. I didn't know the answer to this question, but it interested me greatly. Since the game also uses a number of strange terms that are decidedly alien to an English, I decided to look into some of the supposed origins of the terms that the developers at Ice-Pick Lodge might have been inspired by when creating. This is all original research, so prepare for lots of possibly erroneous speculation. Steppe Town's Mythology, as a whole The Town's state of affairs borrows fairly heavily and obviously – upon research, that is – from Nart Saga, creation myths of various tribes that lived in the Ossetian Region in VI-IV centuries BCE. According to one version, which is interesting for our purposes, the word “Nart” comes from Ossetian «нæ арт», which roughly translates as “Our Fire.” Another version states that the word comes from Mongolian “Nara”, which means “The Sun”. There is an uncertainty as to what the Narts are supposed to represent – Russian articles on the matter state that “Narts” are the heroes of the multiple tales, of which the Saga consists. Other sources state that Narts are the families, from which these heroes came. Finally, the Narts can be simply described as general people who are the participants in the Saga, in the same vein as the game refers to the steppe people of the town as the Order. There were three families prominently featured in the Ossetian version of the Nart Saga – Akhsartagkahta, Alagahta and Borakhta. Akhsartagkahta were a family of warriors, featured most prominently in the Saga. Alagahta were a family, mostly responsible for brokering peace and tending to all matters philosophical and spiritual. Borakhta were a family that were the merchants, traders and workers of these people. They were the richest, they had the most livestock and they were constantly feuding with Akhsartagkahta family, often resorting to plotting and intrigue in order to contend with the military power of the family. All three families lived in a single, tiered settlement, situated on a mountain range. There are very clear parallels to be drawn between the saga and the state of affairs in our little Steppe town that is the subject of the game. In particular, the way that the Borakhta family mirrors the Olgimsky family that clearly supports the Burakhs is especially interesting. In researching the Nart Saga, I've also saw a couple of things, which haven't yet surfaced in the game that I could link to this particular mythos. Individual terms and their possible Origins Certain terms used in the speech of the steppe folk are a clear send-up to various tribes that inhabited. For example,in the aforementioned “Shabnak-Adyg”, the second part of the word is a clear reference to the Adyghe people, who inhabited the Ossetian region and who have their own version of Nart Saga. The first part of the word, Shabnak, is something the origin of which I'm unsure of. My best guess, right now, is that it links to “Shatana” - no connection to Satan at all, mind you - a female nart who is the subject of many tales. Described as a benevolent mistress, who had many great powers and skills, she could also be an inspiration for the concept of great Mistresses with special powers, in general. I won't speculate about this too much, for now, for fear of spoilers. Having looked into it, the term “Menkhu”, which is used frequently in the game to denote the bloodline of healers that Artemiy belongs to, stems from Ossetian word “Менхуæрифурт” or “Menkhuaerifurt”, which is a term that describes the blood ties that bind the members of a single family. Having searched, I've also found the references to the word “Oinon” in the Nart Saga. In the game, Artemiy is called “Oinon” by many of the steppe folk, and he calls Dankovsky an “Oinon” as well. From the context, I'd venture to say that the term is used to denote a learned man, a wise man or a healer. Now, in the Nart Saga, there is a reference to a certain Wheel of Oinon, a fiery wheel sent by the Khur, an embodiment of the Sun in the mythos, to kill a man for refusing the advances of his daughter. The connection might seem flimsy, but, a fiery wheel, – I.E., the Sun – being used to represent brightness and wisdom is a common thread in many myths – something that makes me secure in making a presupposition as to why this specific word was chosen by the game's creators to represent wisdom. One of the herbs represented in the game is called Savyur. The name most likely references the tribe of Savirs, an ancient tribe of people that lived in the the same area in early 500 CE. I've found a number of other things, some of which having more to do with overarching themes of the game and, therefore, discussing them would be a bit spoilery at this juncture. Still, if there is further interest, I'd be very happy to dig further to try and speculate more on the origins of things. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 09:18 on Aug 9, 2014 |
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Aug 9, 2014 09:16
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Deceitful Penguin posted:Aw hell yiss. Been looking forward to this for years, ever since that first post about it I saw in the Sandcastle. Looking forward to seeing the Butcher as not, as of course the one not chosen descends into caricature and you are an able translator, as the poetry of the writing shines through. And that is some interesting research indeed. I fixed the two of the typos mentioned, thank you - I try to proofread stuff as much as I can, but I'm still awful and stuff slips. "Will will", though, isn't one - that's the actual translation a bit of a wordplay on my part - I changed it to "The will will", that's probably more correct. About Kains, they largely have nothing to say, except for George making a small note about you being very much like your Father. You can't talk to Maria at all, and you obviously can't talk to Khan quite yet. We will have a run-in with a Kain in the next update, though. chitoryu12 posted:That "fiery wheel" of Oinon reminds me a lot of the mythological depiction of a Christian angel as a many-eyed flaming wheel within a wheel. I wondee if there's a parallel. Some Russian Orthodox scholars choose to interpret some of the stories in the Nart Saga as metaphors for Christianity defeating the Pagan beliefs, with the Wheel of Oinon being interpreted as "Wheel of St. Johann", but all the stuff that I've encountered that stated that felt very, very biased and forced. It's not impossible, since the first written mentions of Nart Sagas surface around XII-XIII centuries, but, with the liberties that a lot of Russian Christian scholars take when bending things to fit their narrative, I wouldn't put stock into them.
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Aug 9, 2014 21:38
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Glazius posted:"All the blood that has been taken from the earth over the last ten years"? That woman is very crazy and mean, you should obviously not listen to her at all. Nope. Also, I've just found that, in addition to that promotional website for the remake Kickstarter, Ice-Pick Lodge put out a delightfully cheesy Live Action Trailer. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7ikBnFfGYU This trailer, by the way, is essentially a result of guys from Ice-Pick Lodge asking for volunteers, props and advice on locations on Vkontakte, the biggest Russian version of Facebook, so it's, pretty much, a crowdsourced trailer in on itself, which is pretty cool. From what I found out, there will also be another one coming out soon that will involve various folks reading recorded "testimonials", if you will, about what they liked the most about Pathologic. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 08:43 on Aug 10, 2014 |
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Aug 10, 2014 05:36
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Chapter Two – Part 2 The Inheritance of a Servitor Bachelor has expressed interest in the family's recipes. I shouldn't disappoint him. Even if I scarcely remember how to prepare the mixtures, the hands will show the right way. I only need a distiller, and, of course, some tvyr. It was time to visit Vlad Jr.'s place to see what sort of hideout the Olgimsky family had prepared for him.    Vlad Jr's place stood in the shadow of the station – everything about the place was inconspicuous and felt like a hideout more than a living space. Was Vlad Jr. meeting him here in order to protect himself from Artemiy's reputation, or was he hiding from something himself?   Master Burakh! We've prepared a hideout for you. That's some good timing on your part... Whatever you may think, please don't take this gesture as us denying you a place in our house. We will always be happy to have you as a lodger. Both me and my sister have spent a while convincing our father that the Clot should be your one true fortress. Our enemies, however, are powerful. Your best form of protection from them is concealment. What is the nature of this hideout, exactly? It is a secret laboratory of your father. Inconspicuous place, but, at least, it's well-hidden from the prying eyes. I don't exactly know what sort of...hmm... activity you're planning to pursue in there, but, if Katherine's prophecy, the contents of which have already become the town's public domain, will come true, even to the slightest degree, then you will require a well-hidden safehouse. That is exactly the sort of place I need, yes. Also, Bachelor Dankovsky spoke with me. He seems to be pretty heavily invested in your affairs, nowadays... Regardless, he hinted that you might require an apparatus for preparing herbal mixtures which was used previously by your father. There is one to be found in the safehouse. That is exactly the same apparatus that was used by my father? Are you sure? Yes. You, perhaps, recall the miraculous properties that the herb by the name of Tvyr has, don't you? Do you feel the rich smell in the air? That's Tvyr. The herb is entirely rare in on itself, and, with the right touch, you can make some incredible things in that apparatus... Well, you'll figure it all out, I'm sure. If this is my father's laboratory, then, surely, some people know about this place, right? I won't hazard a guess, as to whether Isidore brought any of his pupils – or, even, strangers – there or not, but, knowing his personality, I wouldn't worry about it too much. If I had to guess, though, I'd say no – I, myself, have only found out about due to a sheer coincidence. It's very well-hidden. Very well, show me where it is. The hideout was located in the southern part of the Factories. Artemiy walked through there yesterday – the place was fairly empty and the only noise in the area came from the factory itself. It wasn't a pleasant spot, and that, perhaps, meant that not too many people would be there. Good.    Artemiy got slightly turned around, having ventured out into the steppe to gather some Tvyr, but, having not found any, he soon returned on track towards the hideout.  This looked like the correct building. Artemiy stepped inside. Track 3- Burakh's Hideout   Vlad Jr. was already waiting for him inside.  The place is at your disposal. Settle in. Are you sure that this is the place where my father worked? Yes. I was only here once, myself. There was nothing here back then, except for the table with all those devices. I can see, that Isidore has spent a lot of time here... Maybe, even some nights. If it was actually him... It can't be anybody else. I hope so. What is that bulky structure, there in the corner? Actually, that is the distiller that we've talked about. It seems, that, originally, the intended use of this device was different, but your Father has adapted it for something else... That's where the herb turns into an extract. It doesn't quite look like a laboratory instrument, to me... He said, and I quote, that Tvyr isn't capricious. A strange statement, in my opinion – I'd say otherwise, myself. I think you'll figure it out – how to mix the juices with ether, how to extract the oil, how take care of this beastly construction. You'll find it all in his diaries. Indeed, I'll probably figure it out.Artemiy looked around – there was a rather strange device on the table that he couldn't, quite, make heads or tails of.  What is that device on the table? I'm not sure, but, I think, that Isidore used it to work with organic materials – with the tissues of animals, for one. He extract the required reagents from them using it, I believe. How does one use it? I don't know for sure. Rubin said that an organ, containing the cultures of a microbe, is placed in one slot, while one of the Tvyr mixtures is poured into the other. As a result, you get something that he endearingly called a “bouillon”. There were other devices here – a microscope among them, for one... Where are they now? Perhaps, they were taken by his pupils. I've no clue, myself. Great, now I feel like a rich heir.There wasn't much to be done about the missing instruments. Artemiy looked around the place and found a couple of blades of Tvyr – luckily, just enough to make his first extract.   The process was not at all difficult, nor time-consuming. Soon enough, he had a working extract.   This was all he needed – time to head back to the Bachelor to show him Artemiy's work.  To get to the Stone Yards, Artemiy cut through the steppe – to meet one of the worms in the swamp and beef up his stock of Tvyr and, perhaps, trade with one of the Worms. Something told Artemiy that he will make a lot of extracts in the coming days. On the way, when the clock struck 3 PM, Artemiy found a new letter in his possessions. Andrey's InvitationI was told that you are one of the only odonkhe that were left alive after the day-before-yesterday's slaughter. Come to the den on the embankment. We'll have a chat. A. St. Enigmatic, unhelpful and thoroughly unrevealing - what an entirely unusual style for the town's inhabitants.  Artemiy would visit the den, out of simple interest and because he still had some time to kill, but not right now.    This was the path, by which Artemiy came into the town. He wasn't tempted to leave, not quite yet, but the town starting to bear down on him.   This was unusual – Ospina told Artemiy that there were three Worms out in the Steppe in total, one per tent. One of the worms looked relaxed, but the other one was positively brimming with worry. Artemiy approached him. Ah... Here comes the Servitor, here comes the knower of lines. Do a favour for me, if you would, and I won't be left in debt. What do you need done? I am a gatherer and an oinon. My wisdom is known, I know the combinations of herbs. My daughter is a Bride and knows how to summon the herb from the Earth. She does it well – look at the Summer we had! I sold my daughter for a good price, sold her to this Gatherer here.Having spent quite a bit of time outside of the Steppe, Artemiy wasn't used to the customs of the bride price. He didn't look too kindly upon the custom, either. What sort of price did you put on your daughter? He is a hero. He killed the apostates, killed the traitors. Returned to Earth those, who sold my secrets to the outsiders. You see? My daughter didn't return to his house as a wife. She doesn't want to bring him wealth, summon the herb for him. So? What do you want from me? There are three young Gatherers left around here. She is with one of them. One is to the right from here, near the Vein. The other one is to the left – near the Throat. If you find her, convince her to submit – I'll be grateful. Will tell you a secret of the herb. If you want, I'll tell you two of them. What, so she won't listen to you, but she'll listen to me? You are a Servitor. You know the lines. Tell her, that the line of her fate runs here. Then, she'll listen. Well... Maybe, I will talk to her... The Bride of the GatherersI recall, that these Tvyr sisters take care of the herbs and, perhaps, help bring a good harvest. They are frequently sold and loaned out – that is considered normal around here. They bring in the profit to their odonkhe. The Swamp Worm asks me to return his Bride to him – it isn't a personal matter, but, purely, a matter of business. Artemiy would check the tent of the Worm that lives near the graveyard first, but not before giving Dankovsky a sample of the Tvyr mixture.     Artemiy, not without a hint of vanity, was keenly interested in showing the Bachelor that his bloodline's healing ways work. Still, knowing the scientific basis behind their healing properties wouldn't hurt at all.  I've managed to create a sample of one of the mixtures. Take a look. What can we do with this?Dankovsky's tired eyes lit up and he took the sample to the microscope, not without excited anticipation.    Dankovsky didn't take too long examining the sample. A bad sign, perhaps? Well? Just as I thought... A natural reagent. Tomorrow, I'll try to obtain a specimen of the microbe from some dead tissue. When I find it, I'll treat it with this mixture. It's not unlikely that we can use this to cleanse the blood of the infection. If that works, then we should be able to cure even the ones who are gravely ill. I'll get to making more of these, then. If only we had a distiller and something to cleanse the dead tissues, then we could try creating various reagents... Sooner or later, we'd find the cure. Well, that isn't as hard as it looks. Consider that I have all those things already.For the first time in two days, Artemiy saw Dankovsky brighten up. Not too much, mind you, but just enough. Do you, now? Well, then get to experimenting, then, Burakh. Research the recipes, create the extracts, treat infected organs with them. You should create something not unlike an antibiotic. Bring the results to me, we'll see what effect they have. Come to me when you have the first result. I, on my part, will look for the dead tissue. So, these antibiotics will be a sort of a prototype of the panacea? Very well... If I get any good mixes, I'll bring them to you for testing. The Inheritance of a ServitorSo, I have finally came into my father's inheritance. As expected, in it I have found an obligation and the key to fulfilling that obligation. Recipes of the Tvyr mixtures. It seems, that I will have to scour the notes in my inheritance many times over, in the coming days... While the initial the initial mixtures that Artemiy created were effective in on themselves, he would need help if he were to create the Panacea. Since Bachelor was in charge of looking for the tissue, Artemiy decided to give him a nudge in the right direction. If you're looking for the dead infected tissue, I can give you a lead. Go to my Father's House. It's located in the Curriers. Oh? Why there? I was there before. It's infected. I'm sorry to hear that... Still, if what you're saying is true, then you have helped me immensely! I'm glad to be of help, oinon. You're doing good work.Two minds are better the one, and it looks like these two minds were entirely capable of stopping the infection even before it has started its dire work. Until Dankovsky obtained the samples of dead tissues that he was looking for, there'd be no new breakthroughs on that front, which meant that Artemiy was free to attend to the less-serious matters. First, he decided to humour this enigmatic “A. St.” figure.    The “Den”, according to the map, was located near the Saburov house, which meant that the route took Artemiy through, largely, the same scenery as earlier in the day.    The front door to the house was barred and only the basement door was open. Artemiy opened the door and stepped inside. Track 4 – Andrey's Pub    Not quite as seedy as the warehouses, but fairly seedy, all the same. Artemiy sought out the seeming owners of the establishment – a task, that wasn't particularly hard to accomplish.    Ah... I see a formidable fighter before me... What, are you a soldier or an inquisitor, or something? No, I'm an architect. At the same time, I'm one of the most dangerous people in this town. Well now... Here I thought that I the most dangerous fellow in this town was myself. Want to dispute my supremacy, do you ? Let's start the competition, then. I can say, without any divination, that you will outdrink me. No need for a competition. Ha! You're a joker, too. No, these sort of disputes don't get sorted out by vodka. Instead, let's see who can kill the most people in a short period of time. In, let's say, ten days? Now, in that category, I will outpace you. No need for divination there, either. I'll bet my ring finger against your eye. Deal? I'll think about it...Artemiy couldn't take the man seriously – the fellow looked like an absolute bookworm. He also described himself as an architect, too – a profession that doesn't lend to ferocity. Was it all an elaborate act, and, if so, why? Well, actually – forget about it. Me and my brother – we're leaving this damned place behind us. All the property will be given away, drat it all to hell! Hell, I can give it all to you right now – the moment is fitting, after all. Have you noticed how all the prices have skyrocketed? A ripe time for profiteering if there ever was... If you have the starting capital, you can be a millionaire by the evening. If the plan is so foolproof, you could execute yourself, you know... Oh, I don't need it. I am a rolling stone. I only have to grab my brother, and the Devil can sort out the rest. We'll be alright, that's for sure. So – the property... Are you really going to give it away? Well, I have money. A lot of money. Four thousand, to be precise. I only want a trifle for the. I need some brown Tvyr. Ten bushels of it, nothing less. Straight, clean ones. No rot, no colour. If you can, get me the named ones, but that isn't necessary. The Brown one will come straight to you, anyway. You're a menkhu, after all. Deal? If you're so rich, why can't you buy it from someone else? Well, I had a bit of a tiff with the Worms recently. All my plotting got uncovered and... well, in the end, they started butchering each other for selling the tribal secrets. Now, they don't trust me.At first, the fellow amused him. Now, Artemiy really wanted to take him up on his bet – and start with him. Why should I care, exactly? What, you didn't get me? With my capital, you can buy a lot of goods and sell them for three times the price... in one of the stores. One of my contacts tipped me off. Which one? Like I'm going to tell you that easily... Don't worry, my source is a reliable one. Besides, Victor won't let me down. Everything is straightened out with Kains... not that they would care about speculative trading right now. The man, rather unceremoniously, shoved a shot glass of liquid in Artemiy's hand. It looked smokey, unclear – something not unlike absinthe, but with a brown texture. It smelled vaguely like the mixture that was the result of distillation of the Tvyr herbs. Was this the reason why the man wanted the secrets of the Tvyr so desperately? Do you agree? Come on, raise your glass! Well?Artemiy's dislike for the man was intense, but, times being what they are, he could really use the money. So, you want ten bushels of brown Tvyr? Very well. I'll come back later, in the evening.Artemiy downed the glass. The drink tasted like a mixture of bitter spice and ash. It was, without question, not Artemiy's cup of tea. Still, it could be useful for the creation of the Panacea. Artemiy raised the bottle and looked at the clearly bootlegged labeling.  Interesting, very interesting. Artemiy put the now empty bottle in his pocket. Before leaving, Artemiy spoke with the quieter man, who seemed to be the belligerent fellow's brother.   Me and my brother, we don't see each other too often in the last couple of weeks... We live right next to each other, too – it seems, I can outstretch my hand, and there he is, right next to me... I think, he's right – it's time to leave... The two of you – are you from the capital? Yeah... You know, when they invited us here – about ten years ago, it was – nobody in the capital knew about tvyrin. I came here for tvyrin, you know. Gather as much as you can for us, herbalist! Why don't the two of you gather it yourselves? You're joking, right? The herb won't surrender itself to us. That's a fact, proven many times over. It hides from strangers. Myself, I thought that was a myth, at first, but, nope... Well, why am I explaining it to you, anyway? Well, you're right, there.Talking with the Architect's brother had a soothing effect on Artemiy. He was sure that, together, the two of them have a balancing effect on each other. Knowing that, he didn't feel as bad working for the Architect, as he previously did. The Brown TvyrThe Architect from the den wants to receive ten bushels of brown tvyr. Succinct, and to the point. Artemiy headed to the Worm, whom he has visited yesterday, to trade for the tvyr that he would give to the Architect.    It seems, that the Worm wasn't alone.   I know your smell. You smell like the autumn soil, and like the smell of the burning leaves. And you smell like milk. I've come to speak with you, Bride. My father sent you! I know, he is the one who sent you. Don't separate me from my beloved – tell him that you haven't found me. I'll enrich you with many herbs for his, lots of different ones. I can summon them, you know. Do you know how to make the mixtures, though? No... Father knows, but he doesn't know much, and only the simplest of mixtures. He won't reveal them to you, anyway. Don't wait on him to share his knowledge.Serving The Order didn't mean going along mindlessly with its ways... Perhaps, in challenging the path of the Order, he would serve them better, than upholding them. Artemiy has seen much slaughter done by the members of the Order in the name of jealously protecting the gifts the Earth has bestowed upon them. It was time to start breaking the tradition, and Artemiy was about to dislodge the first brick. Very well, you can stay.She grinned at him and left. While Artemiy was working out the arrangements of the trade with the Worm, she came back with a lot of valuable, rare herbs. The Bride of the GatherersThey say, that the Odonkhe take part in the maelstrom of blood and juices between the Earth and its children. They don't belong to themselves, just like their brides. However, the Earth is wiser than the people, and the Brides hear Its will better than the odongs. If she left, that means that the Earth wills it. With the herbs in tow, Artemiy headed back to the den.    The day was coming to a close - it was going to get dark soon.   Artemiy descended the stairs once more, and entered.  It seems, that someone was expecting him.   Ah, it seems that you are not from here, man of the Order. I haven't seen you in these parts before... I think you have. Perhaps, you don't remember me? No matter. I see that you're going to the architects. Are you the fellow, whom they asked to gather herbs for the road? Indeed, I am. Are you an odong? How did you escape the carnage? All of you, it seems, have been killed off three days ago, and the rest were sealed in the Apiary. I'm not an odong, I'm a menkhu. Shhh! Be quiet... Listen to me, olghoi! Architects are preparing to leave our city. I want them to stay. Tell Andrey, that you've managed to uncover the secrets recipes of the deceased Isidore... Right now, everyone is hunting after those secrets – they say, that Saburov has confiscated his inheritance. You know, that they can see us whispering, right?The woman was too consumed, by what she clearly believed to be a masterful scheme, to pay attention to Artemiy's comment. If Andrey demands proof, then I'll give you one of the recipes. It costs a fortune, but I'm ready to make that sacrifice for this scheme. And, of course, any profit that you stood to make, I will compensate. I come from a rich family – you ought to know. Well, do you agree?The recipe was a bit more important to Artemiy than money, for it could mean being one step closer to the Panacea. With this in mind, Artemiy decided to play along with the woman's flamboyant scheming. Very well, I'll try. Plain as the nose on one's faceIs it possible that they won't leave this town just because of a herb? Unlikely, but I can try...  Well, Steppe fellow, shall we flex our proverbial muscles? Why are you so sure of yourself, Architect? Why? Because I have the will to kill in me. It is easy for me to deprive a living being of its life. Living beings can feel that, and the fear paralyzes them, allowing me to make the first strike. It isn't enough to have the will – one has to know how to do it, too. If one has the will, then it won't take them too long to find the fork in their hand. Besides, I know where to stab with it. That's a skill I have – an artistic one, you might say... Really now? You won't kill a bull with a fork. Well, that depends on the bull. I might not kill him, but I will make him serve me, that's for true. You don't seem to know a whole lot about bulls... I'm telling you all this, Steppe-fellow, so that you know what you can expect of me. Some day, this might be useful to you. We'll see. By the way, builder - I have some news for you, regarding the recipes. I'm not a builder, I'm an architect. Old recipes or new recipes? New recipes. I found some in the father's inheritance. And? You mean to tell me that you'll be making new batches of tvyrin? Very likely, yes. Well, now – one can stay a bit more for news like these. For now, let's see what you manage to make. Oh, I'll manage something. Will you like it? Now, that is an entirely different matter. The Brown TvyrThe offer of the Noblewoman was more attractive. Perhaps, that means that I will talk with these two more in the future? Plain as the nose on one's faceWell, it seems that Andrey is staying. Still, this entire affair is as plain as the nose on one's face... It was time to grace the noblewoman with pleasure of a scheme well executed, however silly and transparent it may have actually been. The Architects are staying. You are wise, olghoi. Here is the money that was promised to you, and the recipe that Isidore Burakh prepared for Simon. That was before he left for the Steppe. Why are you looking at me like that? Do you even know who Isidore Burakh was? This recipe is worth five years of your life, olghoi!Artemiy did not have any desire to explain who he was, or just why did he look as angry as he did, when he took the payment, the recipe and left this godforsaken den behind him. At least, the Tvyr he procured could be put to better use in the mixtures. Plain as the nose on one's faceWhy did she need an intermediary, anyway? Perhaps, the entire trick rested on the fact that it was me, a menkhu, one of the Order? This was an episode full of vanity, powerless anger and stupidity. It was also an episode that Artemiy couldn't wait to put behind him. With the toils of the day done, it was time to head to the safehouse.    With the dusk of the day, the rain started, once more.    Safe and warm inside, Artemy suddenly felt the fatigue inflicted upon by this day's work. Before the would continue his experiments with the Tvyr mixtures, he would rest. He has earned it. 
HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 08:54 on Aug 30, 2014 |
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Aug 11, 2014 09:42
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http://www.feverishfeeling.com/en/ has sent out a new e-mail today, and, with it, one can figure out the password for the secret section. There isn't much there, but it's still neat. Also, I believe that a thing in the email implies that the character, who's writing these emails, is Bachelor's daughter, because Bachelor is the only guy in the game who just won't stop haphazardly inserting Latin phrases into his speech like it's going out of style. Also, I can swear that I remember Bachelor saying the phrase, mentioned in the e-mail, but I don't recall where. Freaky.
HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 19:21 on Aug 11, 2014 |
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Aug 11, 2014 19:06
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Fat Samurai posted:Is the hint in the first email she sends, or there are more following? I've only received the one and you seem to be talking about a second one. In case it won't send you the second one, I've put it up on pastebin. http://pastebin.com/RMcLFv37
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Aug 11, 2014 19:46
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I've had a thought, but I'm wondering if I should go with it. I've been thinking about occasionally - about once a week, maybe - putting out an update from Bachelor's scenario. Would that be an okay idea, or is that dumb and I should just finish Haruspex's scenario and go from there? I'm not sure myself, this is my first LP ever, I'm still getting the hang of the process. It's not that I wouldn't be able to handle the amount of work, but, it's more that it could be more chaotic than would preferred otherwise Also, the description of the bottle of Tvyrinum is the only place in the game that I've seen, where you are given Tvyr's scientific name. It's slightly important.
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Aug 12, 2014 03:33
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Night10194 posted:Ah, the good old tradition of Fools, I'll Show Them All! Universal in academia. Not only that, but he is also working on his own field - Thanatica, as he calls it - in an attempt to figure out the ways to fight death! The fellow has ambition, but, as the Bachelor's intro tells the player, he's on his last leg because everybody else is laughing at him and wants to kick him out and Simon is his last hope. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 07:00 on Aug 12, 2014 |
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Aug 12, 2014 05:54
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Chapter Three - Part 1 Artemiy woke up a little after 1 A.M. On the chest, in which Artemiy kept his stocks of Tvyr and an assortment of other various things, was a letter. Panacea Well, if the only way to fulfill your obligation is to save the life of the enigmatic patient, then, considering the imminent danger, you should immediately begin working on the panacea. Do not doubt, that the Authorities will provide both you, and those who tread the same path as you do, all possible measures of help. To help you achieve this goal, it is worth it to risk it all. With such a weapon in your hands, you will soon be the only person, on whom the salvation of the doomed will depend. One can gain much in such a position, won't you agree? Always at your service, Your Well-Wishers. These so-called Well-Wishers did not seem to have a good grasp on what sort of a person Artemiy is, or they wouldn't have proposed such things. The disconnect was clear, and Artemiy doubted that these so-called Authorities would help him in any palpable manner. He continued his work. For several hours, he scoured his father's notes, not finding any information that wasn't known or tangential. Almost ready to leave, Artemiy stumbled on a torn page from his Father's diary.  Diaries of Isidore Burakh. A Note on the Last Obligation, pg.133Life is nearing its end. She will be upon me, any minute now. I have sworn, whatever the cost, to save the lives of the following: Olgimsky's Daughter, she will inherit the earth. Kaspar Kain – certainly...(malice.) The girl from the wagon (does she know when?) The sneaky kid with freckles (black.) Leader of the Dualsouls – (l, Artist?) Daughter of the Gravekeeper Who else? [U], of course, whose tauro is in the box. That is the most important thing. That is my obligation. I should write another letter to my son. Did none of the other three reach him? I should also talk with Simon. He has heard it. The Long Talgur does not consist just of the Adherents. Not a shred of concrete information. Like everybody else in this town, Isidore had a penchant for cryptic hints. At least, Artemiy knew that his Father had actual wisdom to back these hints up with. It was a new night and that, as Artemiy knew, meant that the Masks were preparing a new pantomime.    Artemiy entered the theater. He was welcomed by two voices, who were in the midst of a discussion.  The rulers had to admit, that everything has gone awry – the horrific discoveries have convinced them. One of them has managed to put an end to these feudal feuds. That isn't good. The Commandant will abuse his powers, and the rest won't forgive him for it. For now, everything is the same as it ever was.A quarantine has been declared. From now on, the infected districts will be sealed off, and no one will leave the town, until the situation isn't fixed.No, it won't be fixed – they won't figure it out... REEL 4: Masks' Nightly Production – Night Two There wasn't much left to do on the streets for Artemiy. He was about to head back to his safehouse, when he found a letter in his effects. It was quite early for one, too early. It wasn't quite 6 A.M. yet Kapella's Letter Please come to my house! I'm afraid, that something awful might happen... We aren't allowed out of the house, either, so I can't do anything to help. V.O. jr. Not knowing how urgent the matter was, Artemiy hurried to the Clot. Track 5 – Knotts Night   My head was spinning again, it was a whirlpool. I felt, that Notkin was in danger. Have you met him, yet? He lives in the warehouses, they have a Castle there. Whirlpool? What do you mean? Well, that's what me and Maria call our vision. She calls hers “flights”, while I call mine “whirlpools”. It's odd, because mine are usually happy, while hers are malevolent. At least, that is how I see them. Are you going to check if there's anything wrong with Notkin? Alright... I will.Artemiy grew to trust this girl's visions, however she might have called them. Notkin has helped him before, and, besides, Artemiy has taken on his Father's obligation to protect the boy. Kapella's WorriesThe Daughter of Vlad Sr. worries about her friends. She does call them Adherents, though, which is a bit strange. Right now, her sixth sense tells her, that something bad has happened to Notkin, the leader of Dualsouls. It's worth looking into it.   It was still fairly early, and that meant, that the roads were still dangerous.   The bandit thought that he had found an easy prey, but, in the end, the poor fellow made the scoundrel pay.   On approach to Notkin's warehouse, it became clear that the Dualsouls had unwelcome guests.   The hell are you here for, you mongrel? What are you doing here, good folk? Oh, we are the bad folk! Right now, we're going to stab ourselves some snotty punks. They've been getting awful rowdy lately. Did Griff send you? Oh, so you're one of Griff's folks? You know, you better get the hell out of here before we scalp you! Fine, fine – I'm going.Artemiy could very well just kill these thugs right now, but it didn't look like they were going anywhere quite yet, and killing them would only remove the symptom, and not the cause. It was time to visit Griff and persuade him to lay off the Dualsouls.    He still remembered the way to Griff's warehouse, even amid these mazes. The state of affairs inside was entirely the same as it was two days ago. Artemiy was about to start the conversation with Griff, when the clock struck 7 A.M.  Day Three, during which, Haruspex, with a great risk to his life, uncovers the mysteries of the primordial alphabet of the Steppe folk.  Knowing these things, it was all the more pressing for Artemiy to continue his work towards panacea.  My folks are all riled up... I hear the whispers... It's only a matter of time, before there is a schism. A schism, you say? Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Tell me, did you order some of your thugs to gut those boys? What am I, a monster? I don't kill children, even if they are as troublesome those scoundrels are... No, I only ordered my boys to take away the kids' dogs, the mongrels that they are... The Dualsouls are getting out of hand... Well, maybe you aren't a monster yourself, but the thugs you've sent seem to be a little too knife-happy, if you ask me. Maybe, they only want to scare them... Maybe, maybe not, Griff. You know, you should just order those thugs to leave. You know, with what's happening right now, there are bigger things happening than these kids, and the rats are a bit more dangerous than dogs right now. Okay, I can do that. I've got a favour to ask of you, though. This big-wig, Bachelor, is too proud to come visit us. Tell him to come here, I have a very lucrative offer for him. He'll ask what you want, you know... Just tell him it's very lucrative. No one here will lay their hands on him, don't worry. We don't poo poo where we eat. You believe me, right?Artemiy didn't, but, if this was what it would take to sort this situation out, he would do it. He wouldn't lie to Bachelor on Griff's behalf, though. … Alright. I'll have him come over. Kapella's WorriesGriff has agreed to leave the Dualsouls alone if I lead the Bachelor Dankovsky to him. I wonder, will the Bachelor swallow his pride to save these kids? Perhaps, Artemiy wasn't as charitable to Dankovsky as he could've been, but he could be forgiven, for Artemiy genuinely did not know whether Bachelor would help him or not.  Artemiy was on the same road that he has treaded many times over in the last two days, when another letter found its way into his pocket. Vlad Olgimsky Sr.'s invitation I have, by accident, found out about your difficulties, regarding an enigmatic subject, marked by an ancient sign. You found it in Isidore's inheritance, right? Perhaps, we have things to discuss. Come over to the Clot. Always at your service, Olgimsky. The Clot was closer to where Artemiy currently was, so he decided to visit Olgimsky first.   It was always so quiet in the Clot, but, then, it was always very quiet in all of Adherents' houses. As if, the time stood still, even if it hasn't.   Vlad Sr., however, seemed particularly dour today. His fingers twitched a little bit more than usual, too. Esteemed Master Burakh. Or, if one is to be more precise, - oinon Burakh. They will start calling you as such, soon – you are, after all, the carrier of knowledge. Servitor, menkhu, a chirurgeon, so to speak. Even more than that, perhaps. Have you been looking into your inheritance? I have, of course. It is the most important thing right now... There was a Tauro in there, correct? And notes, in which, a secret name is marked with this sign, right? Yes. How do you know all this? My daughter told me about these... doomed children, who were cared for... by the deceased. Besides, I don't see any reason to hide the truth from you. Tauro, with which this... ahem... subject was marked, is related to the secret script, used by the Steppe folk. Do you know of the “long circles of Tauro?” No... Well... You haven't been here in a while, indeed... You have left as a youth, though, so it all stands to reason. The long circles of Tauro are akin to an alphabet, of sorts. Signs, which were used to mark the bulls. Every single Tauro has many meanings. Every sign is a song - a whole magical history within its lines. A spell. I think I understand... I cannot read this secret writing, myself. Only those of the Order know it. Perhaps, one of the worms-odonkhe, or one of the butchers, may help. This is a little embarrassing, for, I must admit, that I am the person who is currently stopping you from solving this mystery. I have sealed all of the Order in the Apiary. I have heard about that – why? Well, you must understand... An epidemic is afoot. Quarantine. No one is allowed to break it. There are almost eight thousand souls in there. What will happen, if the infection gets in? What if it's already inside?An expression of angry irritation flashed across Big Vlad's face. The esteemed Bachelor Dankovsky has already managed to tire me with these incessant questions. If it's already in there, then it's even more certain that we cannot open it. Surely, you understand. Enough about this. I want to help you - you do want to find out the meaning of this tauro, right? Yes A number of the butchers managed to escape from the Apiary, before the blockade was up. I'm offering you a deal. I've already told you, that they may be useful to you. You will be looking for them, regardless. When you find them, tell me where they are hiding. If you agree, I'll tell you where to start. Do you agree? I will not be a traitor to my people. I won't kill them, believe me, but I have to be able to monitor them. Don't you understand? Can't you see what is happening? All the carriers must be isolated! Besides, remember your obligation!Artemiy's partnership with Olgimsky, if it could ever have been called that, was growing tumultuous. Still, he didn't have any leads, so there wasn't much choice for Artemiy but to agree. Besides, it's not like he couldn't renege on the deal. Very well, you have convinced me... There's a den... I've already sent some people there – the reception they received was a cold one. Regardless, there's a personage who lives there. She is, usually, very well informed. She knows the dealings of the butchers, and their ways. They say, an odong left her for a Tvyr Bride... Well, start with her – she will help you.Vlad seemed knowledgeable about the ways of the Gatherers. Artemiy decided to probe out the extent of his knowledge. A Tvyr Bride? That is the line of the Gatherers. They have these virgins there, the Tvyr Brides. I think, they summon the herbs out of the Earth. You should be aware this, shouldn't you? They know of you, that is for sure. They were present during your birth – as midwives. Were they, now? Of course... Son of Isidore Burakh - now, the eldest Burakh. It means quite a bit for them, that you are of the line of Menkhu. Menkhu aren't just butchers or chirurgeons, you know. They are healers. The role is almost sacred, religious even. In any case, that person will want to help you. Very well... This seems enough for me to go on. Show me where she lives.  Well! This is interesting – the house that Vlad Sr. pointed out on the map belonged to Ospina. She will help him, indeed, but Artemiy did not want to betray her trust quite yet. She could be fairly useful in the future. With this in mind, he decided to postpone the conversation with her for a bit and visit the Bachelor first. TauroIn order to find out the truth of my inheritance, I have to visit Ospina – this time, as a traitor. However, I believe that she is wise and harbors only good will towards me. Perhaps, I should trust her?   The streets of the town have started blurring together into one big golden canvas. Artemiy was getting to know them like the back of his hand, yet staying in this town felt, more and more, like drowning in Amber.    At first, I was happy that this wasn't an actual plague... Ah – does that mean, that you have started researching this disease? Indeed. In fact, you can help me quite a bit with this process. Tell me – is it true, that, in this society, only certain people have the, shall I say, moral right to use medical instruments on the bodies of other people – even the dead ones? That is correct. Menkhu – the butchers and servitors – have this right, not that it is a moral one. If it isn't a moral right, then what sort of right is it? Besides, people aren't too shy to stab each other with knives around here, either, not to mention the fact, that, people who seem to look like educated members of the contemporary society, are barring me – a certified doctor – from dissecting corpses!The frustration was piling for a couple of days, now, and Bachelor was letting it vent on whom he clearly perceived as the embodiment of the town's backwards ways. Artemiy wasn't bothered, the man's frustration was entirely understandable. It is an ancient tradition, its roots found in religion. Or, to be more precise, in mythology. Fine! Whatever! I don't practice the local religion! I'm saving this town from the epidemic! Or, I should say, I'm trying to save this town from the epidemic, while the several thousands of its denizens are actively preventing me from doing so! You aren't being allowed to dissect the dead, yes? Yes. I already need the dead tissue of someone, who died of the Sand Fever. I've tried to obtain it at the cemetery, but the guards there chased me away. You want me to obtain it for you? I won't spare any reward if you do. You got it. I'll do what I can, even if I, myself, still don't have the full right to do it, myself. Why? Aren't you from the family of... drat it, I forget the name. Wasn't your father a surgeon? Not many people around here know me yet. Don't worry, though – I gave you my word. I'll do it. Dead tissueThe Bachelor needs the tissues of an infected person. If anything else, blood will work just fine, as well. Now, with the source of the frustration abated, Artemiy could get to the reasons why he came, in the first place. I wanted to ask you about something, oinon. This matter is important to me – very important. I'm talking about the panacea What, exactly, are you talking about? An antiserum? Yes. Tell me, how does one extract the antibodies from the tissue? First of all, they have to be there in the first place. After that, there are many methods of doing so. Antiserum, after all, is only cleansed blood. As far as I can see it, you can simply mix the material with these... natural reagents that you Burakhs have. For now, find the suitable material. After that, you can start experimenting. Thank you. Perhaps, this way, we'll find a panacea, eventually. I think it might work, yes. I've heard that your Father was self-taught, too. In any case, what was it that you wanted to ask me about the antiserum? When you will be examining the dead tissue, tell me if you find any antibodies in there. Of course, I'll tell you if I do find them. However, I must say, that I don't believe that the human body has the capacity to resist this taint – at the very least, based on what I've observed. Well, you say that, but my father's experience would beg to differ... That is my hope, yes. In any case, you will be the first to hear about the results of my research. I should have the first results tomorrow morning. Thank you. Before you go, I have one more favour to ask of you. Griff wants to see you. Griff? Who is that? He is the leader of the thieves. Oh, that scumbag. What does he want from me? He said , that he has a lucrative offer for you. No, I see no reason to see those scoundrels. It's enough, that Rubin works with them. I'll be honest with you, oinon. In exchange for your promise to see them, they've agreed to leave a gang of children alone. Are their lives in danger? I believe so, yes. Very well, I'll come. Thank you, oinon.For all his disdain for the local ways, the Bachelor was, very clearly, an honest and honourable man, who has, with this act, earned Artemiy's long-lasting respect. Kapella's WorriesThe visit will occur – Bachelor Dankovsky made a promise. I think, that he is one of those people, who always keep their word. I can return to Griff.   Artemiy didn't believe that he was sending the Bachelor into any serious danger. Griff might be wily, but he is still a coward, and the rest of the town's powers wouldn't forgive him an assault on Dankovsky quite yet.   There were less people in the Warehouse, than before. A bad sign?   The Bachelor will come. He gave his word. Will he keep it? I've seen his eyes. The like of him keep their word. Good. I'll send a messenger to my guys, so that they don't get too naughty. Or, perhaps, you should go yourself – I don't have any free hands, right now. If they act up, just tell them the code phrase - “Khagat on Pokhodi” What sort of gibberish is that? What does it mean? What it means is between us, thieves. Don't think too hard about it – they'll listen. I hope so. Kapella's WorriesGriff will call off his thugs. I can go see Notkin and check on him, in the meantime.   Dealing with thugs wasn't pleasant, and Artemiy hoped that he will soon be done dealing with them.   Ah, here you are, you meat-sack. Griff told us that you're working with us, right? Working with you? Pfft. Leave – Griff's orders. Leave? The gently caress are you talking about? “Khagat on Pokhodi”, got it? Now, get out! We'll see you again, you punk. Oh, I hope so.Killing this chump would've been public service, but Artemiy didn't want to shatter the agreement that he made with Griff. Besides, the town in small enough, and Artemiy was sure that they'd see each other again, one night or another.   The kids inside looked defiant. It seems, they've taken Artemiy for one of the thugs.  How did you get through? Hold it! Are you with them? Don't worry, I won't hurt you kids. We aren't kids! We're Dualsouls! Here, there are more than enough of us to take you on. Besides, you take any of us and multiply it by two – we fight with our friends. We are a real power. It doesn't look like those guys in front of the entrance were afraid of you, though. Where are they, by the way? Why did they let you through? It's alright, they're gone. Gone? Well, we're going to have to thank you for that! Well, that won't hurt. Take this gun. It's homemade – my granddad said, that this was a hunting rifle, at some point – the trigger was also replaced. You can use buckshot or slugs for it. Do you know where to get those? Do tell... They're very rare around here. You can find them here, or there – not a whole lot. We told our girls to look for them, wherever they can. You can ask them, you know. They might trade you for some girly things. You know – rings, bracelets, that sort of junk. Thank you. Kapella's WorriesNotkin won't be have to worry about his warehouse for some time. I think I've earned the young Lady Olgimsky's thanks. Artemiy turned to leave, but Notkin called him over. Weird times, you know! An epidemic! I hope our scouts return soon... Scouts? What are you plotting again, Notkin? Plotting? Well, maybe... You want to help? Depends on what you're plotting. It's a good thing. My Dualsouls are always lurking around, getting everywhere they can get into. They're spying after the enemy Dogheads, catching Souls and are usually faffing around here and there. I've decided to put them to good use. Even Matchstick will be jealous. Good use? What sort of good use? We'll be checking which houses are infected. Every morning, we'll be making a new map. Can you imagine? If we do it well enough, then the Bachelor will pay good money for it. Interesting... Are you going to show it to me? If you want, we'll even make a copy for you. You'll have to do us a favour, though. What favour? Your father knew the recipes of some great tvyr mixtures. When the First Outbreak happened, he even wrote some of the down. I've heard, that they can protect you from the Sand Fever. Will you make us some? How many do you need? I think that ten mixtures should be enough. If you make them, then the map is yours. Don't think, that I am greedy, or anything – I'll give the mixtures to our scouts. Sounds good, I'll do it. Famous Burakh recipesIt seems, that Notkin is planning a dangerous scouting mission. He agreed to share the results for ten immunoboosting mixtures. I need to gather enough herbs and make the mixtures in the distiller. The faith in the Burakh knowledge seems to be strong around here... Making this amount of mixtures would require going back to the hideout and stocking up on Tvyr. Artemiy would return later with the requested mixtures. For now, Artemiy will go to Kapella and inform her that she can stop worrying, for now.    Once again, Kapella's visions have proven true. She was proving to be a reliable ally in Artemiy's struggle. From this day, he will listen to everything she has to say, without exception.  You are having a hard time, right? I am... Still, your friend is safe. What trouble did he get himself into? He got into a bit of a fight with the bandits. Because of the Souls, right? I think I've heard of that. Griff was demanding that they get rid of the dogs. Were they protecting their pets? Yes, I believe so. Good on them! Don't think, that Notkin would be feuding with the thieves for no reason... How come they've settled on the thieves' turf, anyway? He got into a fight with another boy. With Khan. He is a brave one, too – and a true leader. They were best friends, before all this. Nowadays, Khan rules in the Polyhedron and the proud Notkin rules in his hideout, surviving among the bandits... It's a long story. How can I thank you? I'm alright, thanks. I'm happy to be of help to you. Kapella's WorriesKapella was grateful, yes... However, her gratefulness was strange, as if she cared about him not out of friendship, but out of some sort of obligation. I wonder – what games are these kids playing at? This matter took a while to settle, but it was finally over. Soon, Artemiy will head to Ospina to finally ask for her help with figuring out the meaning behind Tauro. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 07:30 on Jun 6, 2015 |
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Aug 13, 2014 02:24
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chitoryu12 posted:So I noticed that you translated the shotgun as "hunting rifle." I saw this happen in the original translation of STALKER, and it threw some players off. Does the Russian language actually refer to hunting shotguns as rifles, rather than a specific term to differentiate them? Or is a word used for hunting longarms of any kind that just gets translated as "rifle"? The russian term for a very generic Russian double-barreled shotgun is "Охотничье Ружье", i.e. "Rifle for Hunting". There is a russian term for a "shotgun" - "дробовик", based on the word "дробь", which means "buckshot". Nobody calls that particular gun that, though, and if you tell, pretty much, any Russian the russian phrase for the "Hunting Rifle", they'll immediately know that you're refering to a double-barreled shotgun with a wooden stock. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 05:23 on Aug 13, 2014 |
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Aug 13, 2014 05:07
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Deceitful Penguin posted:Interesting. I don't remember the Haruspex being so co-operative in the Bachelor scenario but it has been a long time. Thank you. Also, yeah - I think I've said it before, but you do have the option of talking to Bachelor in a very begrudging manner and you can try to be as much of a jerk as possible, but you'll be railroaded into mostly working together. Besides, my interpretation of Haruspex is such, that I honestly think, that he is the sort of person who would like Bachelor for the person that he is, whatever disagreements they might eventually have. Plus, NPC Haruspex actively dicks Bachelor over a bunch of times, or acts like a jerk to him in a very petty manner for no reason, other than to be a petty jerk.
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Aug 13, 2014 05:32
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Accordion Man posted:Yeah, if all goes well with the Kickstarter they are going to make those two characters playable. I've seen no word on that, at all, so saying that is a bit premature. As far as I know, the extra two scenarios never got farther than the drawing board, too, so I'm really doubtful, that it's going to be in the scope of the remake - unless they get buried in money at the kickstarter stage, which is very unlikely. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 18:13 on Aug 13, 2014 |
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Aug 13, 2014 17:40
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Ratoslov posted:I gotta say, your translation is vastly better than the game's one. Thank you - I do suck at proofreading, though. That usually happens, because, by the time I'm done putting stuff together, I get a bit tired, so the stuff slips through the cracks. Again, I really appreciate it when folks yell at me about the especially egregious stuff they notice. I will get into a habit of doing passes a couple of hours after I throw an update up soon, though.
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Aug 14, 2014 07:42
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The address in the letter points to the building in which this fellow's pharmacy was located in 19th-20th century. From the Post-script, though, I don't think that we are supposed to glean a second password from just this e-mail. http://www.saint-petersburg.com/german/alexander-poehl/
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Aug 14, 2014 11:23
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Chapter Three - Part 2 The way from the "Clot" to Ospina's house wasn't a particularly far one.  By this point, Artemiy was in a habit of bartering with kids, so, when he noticed a busy-minded girl on the street, he approached her.  Something was a bit off about her, though...  We've heard about you... Have you, now? Hmm... You seem a bit pale... I'd do anything for some milk right now... They don't allows to milk cows, though... You don't have any milk, do you? Not right now... Why don't they allow you to milk cows? They say, that, lately, cows don't give milk, but some sort of reddish ichor. My aunt said that, and my mom also said that Aglaya, a cook for one of the big families, said the same thing. She's one of the steppe folk, she knows about cows – she even said, that, out in the Steppe, the cows' milk has turned black! Well, now – these tales would kill any desire for milk I'd ever have!Tales like this, however fueled by fear they might be, usually carried in them a grain of truth. Artemiy carried on. Track 6 – The Land    The streets of the Raw Structures were almost entirely empty – much emptier than the rest of the districts. A bad sign.   Despite what Vlad told Artemiy about the owner of the house harbouring escapees, Ospina's house was just as quiet as before.   Ospina was humming a local song when Artemiy approached her. She clearly expected him. Do you know why I've come here? I believe I do. You're after an escapee. How unfortunate, that Big Vlad had already managed to sink his claws in you. This friendship will not bring you good things, mark my word. In any case, you're late. An out-of-towner was here, already – a bachelor, clad in snake skin. I've led the escaped butchers out into the steppe – he would've shot them all, otherwise.So far, Artemiy only had the perception of the Bachelor as a fellow, who was stuck in his laboratory. Curious, though not unlike him to treat the unknown with scorn. Have they all left? No... Some are still hiding out in the town. I'll be looking out for them, gathering them together. I've already found one of them, I'll find the rest. I only need time. The Children of Suokh don't need to die in this death chamber. You can count on me, oinon. I won't let your people die. Where is this butcher hiding? You aren't going to give him up to Big Vlad, are you? Promise?Artemiy didn't give this particular promise with the intention of going back on it. I promise. I'm not going to betray him. Very well, I'll tell you. He's hiding in a place, from which everyone, who can run is running from today. Look for him there. Be careful, though – there are people hunting for him. You don't have to worry about me. TauroIt would seem, that the calling of my lineage gives me the right to lord over the children of Bodkho in the interest of common good... Ospina has given me the life of the escaped butcher, even if she had done so a bit unwillingly... Still, I only have to find this refugee to be certain about this “right” of mine.  Ospina pointed out the house with the fugitive in it on the map. It wasn't that far a trek, so Artemiy headed out.   First, Artemiy saw the strange edifice break the fog. Then, he saw a guard mercilessly pummeling a very slowly moving figure. Then, Artemiy heard the moans. Track 7 – The Land (Disease)   Of course... That was what Ospina mean by “the place everyone was running from”. Artemiy could be forgiven for missing this detail – having heavy-handed metaphors and oblique hints thrown at you for three straight days does quite a bit to discourage attention to finer details. The guards didn't try to stop him, but they did warn him that, should he get infected, he would not be let out of the district. Wrapping his face in a rag, Artemiy began his first foray into the infected district.   In the district, the usual orange hue of the town was replaced by a green, miasmic fog. The only presence on the streets consisted of guards and some very slowly shuffling individuals, covered in filthy rags. Occasionally, these individuals attempted to approach the guards, only for them to either be chased away or beaten to death.  Once gain, Artemiy was in front of his Father's house. There was nothing for him inside, though, so he didn't tarry. Coming out of the little alcove, where his Father's house was located, Artemiy was hit with a gust of wind.  The cloud was hurling towards with a strange agility – Artemiy barely manage to duck out of the way. He could've sworn that he saw faces in the clouds, but when he turned, the faces were gone, and the cloud itself dissipated soon afterwards.   There were faces in those clouds, that much was certain. The moans, the grinning clouds, the ragged men approaching him with outstretched hands – this was the face of the enemy, that Artemiy was preparing to fight, and this was the first bout in a long struggle.   After more searching, Artemiy was sure that this was the right house. Track 8 – Indoor Horror  The interior was dark, and the walls were smeared with dust and something viscous, the nature of which Artemiy couldn't glean in these circumstances.  Filthy rags covered almost every doorway, and Artemiy had to make a lot of effort to not get tangled up in them. Finally, on the second floor, Artemiy found whom he was looking for.  In that moment, the expression on Artemiy's face has, very likely, mirrored the expression of horror on the butcher's face.  What are you doing here, child of Bodkho?Artemiy decided to not beat around the bush – a wise choice, considering the predicament. I've come to ask you about the long circles of Tauro. The long circles of Tauro are unknown to me. I am not an oinon, not a menkhu, not a keeper of rites.Artemiy wasn't about to walk away empty-handed. He produced the Tauro out of his pocket and practically shoved it into butcher's hands. Tell me about the meaning of this Tauro! You are an oinon, of the line of menkhu, aren't you? I have seen this Tauro before. I don't know its lines. I've seen it in a horrible place. In the depths of Abattoir, there is a corridor. Through it, they bring in the Supreme ones from the Steppes for the celebrations. Oyun, the Elder of the Abattoir, can explain it all to you. Supreme ones? What Supreme ones? You don't know, whom we call the Supreme ones? You're joking... Tell me about them. You must be mocking me... We call them the Supreme ones, and not by their names, because we cannot talk about them. Perhaps, you don't even know about the one, who is called the Boos Turokh?Boos... boos... The word was vaguely familiar. In Artemiy's mind, the word associated with Vlad Oglimsky, the person in control of the town's chief export – bulls... Bulls! Of course! Are you talking about the bulls?Butcher's expression, which was teetering on the edge between bewilderment and fury, softened. Yes. Bulls, too. Don't joke with me like that, oinon. Don't mock my simplicity.It seems, that he took it as some sort of a joke on Artemiy's part, though, these would be strange circumstances for a joke indeed. What else do you know about this sign? If something is marked by it, then it won't be a human, a child of Bodkho or a child of Suokh. It would be a Supreme one. Don't look for a human being, oinon. It terrifies me, that your Father got tangled up with Those, who walk the corridors, marked by this sign. The signs aren't there for no reason, after all. It isn't human. I know nothing else. Thank you. Be careful. TauroThe picture is starting to come together. It's clear, that an Elder of Abattoir – most certainly, a menkhu, the knower of lines – is the one, who makes sure that the sacrifice adheres to the ritual. He is the most sacred authority in the matter. That is why he rules the Order. Big Vlad will tell me who is the one, who carries this duty in these hard times. Even if Artemiy didn't get a concrete answer, the conversation was bound to leave much to ponder. Now, however, Artemiy didn't have time to ponder things. He still had to escape from the plagued district with his life intact.   The cloud was blocking the door outside, which meant that Artemiy had to look for a different exit. Thankfully, it was stationary for the moment, but not for long - before Artemiy found another exit from the house, it lifted up and began slowly advancing towards him. There was no wind here to blow it towards him – it clearly had a malevolent will of its own.   Only after exiting the house did Artemiy realize just how stifling the air inside has been. His entire stay in the plagued district was fueled by sheer, animal terror and adrenaline. He was done here – it was time to leave. Artemiy did not tarry.   His journey out was decidedly not as tumultuous as the rest of his stay – as if, the monster had its fun and was releasing him into the wild to toy with him later.   The guards kept beating down the people in rags, but they let him pass. Before they moved the corpses, however, Artemiy took samples of the diseased tissue and extracted some of the organs from the infected dead. The guards didn't protest. In their eyes, everything was as it should have been. With these samples, Artemiy could go straight to the Bachelor. Artemiy did, however, recall, that Dankovsky mentioned a certain infected corpse at the graveyard. It wouldn't hurt to take a look ,and, besides, Artemiy still had to visit his safehouse to make the batches of Tvyr mixture for Notkin.    Artemiy didn't notice it at the time, but the orange hue of the town did not reappear after he left the plagued district. Instead, a veil of gray descended upon everything he laid his eyes on. Was it just the local climate, or did Artemiy's first encounter with the Sand Fever coloured his perception so? He did not know the answer to that question.   Artemiy saw a fire burning in the distance, and a guard standing beside it. When he tried to approach the fire, however, the guard began to barrel after Artemiy, fueled by a strange fury that Artemiy did not know the source of.  There was nothing left but to put the strangely rabid guard down.  Artemiy did not know the identity of the deceased, but, if the Bachelor was correct, its blood could be valuable. With it in tow, Artemiy would make a stop at his hideout.   The gray fog made the already poor visibility of the town even worse.   Inside, everything was safe and just how he left it. Locking the entrance, Artemiy began his work.  During the somewhat lengthy distillation process, Artemiy recalled his conversations with Bachelor – about the further experimentation he could run- and Vlad jr. - about the second device and the use for it. Artemiy did have extra infected material and some time on his hand, so he decided to give it a shot.   The noises and the stench produced by the device were quite appalling. The product of the process was a grayish viscous liquid that Artemiy bottled and put into his bag, next to the ten small bottles of Tvyr mixture.   With this cargo in tow, Artemiy headed to the Warehouses.   Just a little bit earlier in the day, Artemiy was begrudging the town's Amber hues. Now, he wished he never had. Artemiy was thinking about this, when a letter found its way into his hand. Did someone hand it to him? He could not remember... Rubin's continuing threats They're trying to convince me of your innocence. I want to believe them, but I don't. There are lies and avarice in your defenders' words. They make for poor consolers. The more they try to exculpate you, the worse it gets. Where are you hiding? Artemiy didn't begrudge Rubin his impotent flailing. His emotions were perfectly understandable – after all, Rubin, perhaps, was one of a very small number of people, who bore more grief for his Father's passing than Artemiy did. He went on.    Inside, everything was quiet – the kids were much more relaxed, than they were under the bandits' blockade. Understandably so, of course.  Can you believe it? A real epidemic! I hope out scouts return soon... Here are your promised mixtures. Made by Burakh hands, too – based on an old recipe. This is clearly worth a lot! After tonight, you can start coming here for the map. Oh, believe me – I will.The agreement was secured – the information about the infection's spread would, undoubtedly, prove extremely valuable in the coming days. It is certain, that there would be many things one could glean from observing the infection's patterns of spreading. Famous Burakh recipesIt seems, that the infection spreads in spots across the infected districts. Notkin's Dualsouls are going to scout out the especially dangerous pockets of infection. They will map out the infected districts every day, starting from tomorrow. This is good news.  With this obligation settled, Artemiy went to the Stone Yards.    For once, Artemiy had quite a lot to show Daniil. With any hope, this will speed up the process of combating the infection that was starting to consume the town.    Artemiy, it seemed, has caught Bachelor just as he came in – Dankovsky looked tired and out of breath. Were you out having a jog? Don't scowl at me like that, I was joking! Anyway, I've processed some infected organs with the tvyr mixture, like we discussed. Take a look at the result. Well... This was to be expected, I'd say... This is something akin to an antibiotic. If you get infected, you can try to use it... It might help, too – won't cure you, but it should stave off the infection for a time. Did you think that this process would produce a panacea? I've realized that this wouldn't produce a panacea quite yet!The abrasive dismissal of his work did not please Artemiy at all – something that his expression seemed to indicate, because Dankovsky did seem to make an effort to soothe himself a bit. Well... I think that, for a panacea we would need a particular sort of material. A particular environment, where a unique strain, with needed antibodies might be produced... No – simple organs won't work here. Where could we get such material? I'm actually working on that. I promise – the second I have any news, you'll hear of it. For now, however, this can also help us. At least, this could allow us to survive long enough, in case we get infected – that is starting to seem more and more likely. Knock on wood, and cheer up, oinon! I recall, that you were on the hunt for some dead tissue? I was! In fact, I sorely require it for my research! Here – put it to good use. I hope, that I'll be able to make my experiments work... For now, though – I want to thank you. I don't have money, but I have something better. I've got some medicine, that isn't available in the stores yet – can't give you all I've got, though, so you'll have to choose. Pick one – immunoboosters, antibiotics or analgesics?After his run-in with the infection today, Artemiy figured that he wouldn't be able to get by just on his family recipes. Immunoboosters.Bachelor handed him three packs, with pills of different colours in each. Once that was done, he anxiously got to work on the tissue that Artemiy brought him. Haruspex did not interrupt him when he left. Dead tissueThe tissue is under the microscope. I wonder, what conclusions will Bachelor draw from all this. All that was left, for now, was to go Big Vlad.    It felt as if, with the coming of the plague, the Nature was pushing down on this town as hard as it could – harder than it could possibly have the right to. Or, perhaps, it did, didn't it?     Vlad was, as usual, ever the picture of enthusiasm and friendliness – something that was rapidly running out between Vlad and Artemiy. Indeed, this very conversation could be the last conversation the two would have on good terms? Ah – I'm glad, that you are safe and sound. I want to speak to the Elder Oyun. Can you arrange that?Artemiy's request caused a very bizarre sort of combination between surprise and exasperation in Vlad Sr. What? With what Oyun? What... what for? With an Elder? What Elder? With the current one? Yes, with the current one. An Oyun.It took him a second, but Big Vlad did compose himself. Have the Mistresses blabbed? You know, I've already lost a friend, who was a Burakh. Elder Oyun knows why, and he is going to to answer for that too. Still, I do not want to lose a second one. He knows who killed my Father? Knows? Oh yes, he knows. I'd say, that he is glad for his death... He would be glad for yours, too. No... For now, you really should not meet the Elder quite yet. What does he know? I haven't spoken with him yet. When he returns, I will question him – with prejudice. Returns? Where is he now? He left for the Steppe – he's not in the town right now. I think, he should return in three days, give or take. When did he leave? Three days ago – or, perhaps four? Right on the eve of your arrival, Master Burakh. So, are you going to arrange a meeting or not? You know, they're plotting against me. Bachelor is sniffing about – what's going on in the Apiary, what's going on in the Abattoir... If I meet with the Elder, then I'll only give him more ammunition against me... Everything will come together with time, don't you worry. If I were in your place, I wouldn't be in a hurry to meet him, anyway. I'll decide that for myself, if you don't mind.Vlad Sr. apologetically nodded. The conversation was over. This was a dead end, but, at least, Artemiy's relationship with the Olgimsky family was not in tatters. Artemiy's request allowed him to go on the offensive, which resulted in Vlad being too befuddled to ask Artemiy to deliver on their previous agreement. TauroWho is he, the one Sought-For, hidden beneath the sign of Tauro? Does he even have a name? Is this why he was marked by this sign? Or, perhaps, he is so terrifying, that to call his name is a taboo? Perhaps, it is sacred knowledge? Whatever the case, this means that he can't be saved by the usual means... If he is so complicated, then the measures to heal him will have to be commensurate. The meeting with the Elder is delayed. The enigma of the one Sought-For is not yet solved. I will keep working in the same direction, however – I still need a panacea. The rest of the day was at Artemiy's disposal. The clock struck 4 PM, and Artemiy found himself outside the Clot with a letter in his hand. It looked mass-produced. EPIDEMIC An address to the Town's denizens. Citizens! The Town's administration is declaring a state of emergency in connection with the epidemic of a deadly disease, otherwise known as “Earth Plague”, “Sand Fever” and “Sand Dirt”. The disease is highly infectious. Not enough is known about its routes of transmission. Based on preliminary data, the disease spreads through contact and respiratory routes. An antiserum and other medicine will arrive shortly on the trains. For the moment, there is no vaccine in the town. Be careful! Citizens are forbidden from leaving their homes, until told otherwise. Remember, that the chances of infection are drastically lowered by staying indoors. Carefully wash your kitchen utensils. Boil your linens. Eradicate any rodents you come across. Do not panic! Mail, as well as rations of water, food and medicine, will be distributed to your homes by doctors, executors and mailmen. Any questions that you might have can be left, in written form, under your doors for the mailmen to pick up. This address is compiled by the order of bachelor Dankovsky and approved by the commandant of the town Alexander Saburov, appointed as such due to the emergency. Any further orders issued by bachelor Dankovsky are mandatory. The nature and scope of the danger were finally clear to everyone. With a heavy heart, Artemiy headed to his hideout. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 05:29 on Aug 15, 2014 |
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Aug 15, 2014 02:35
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chitoryu12 posted:Those clouds are ridiculously creepy. I never encountered them in my abortive attempts at playing. How fast do they move? Do they make a sound? There are a couple of types of these. One type is stationary and you can see it from pretty far away - that's the easy one. There's a slightly different type of stationary clouds, in that you don't see these until you've almost slammed into them - they pop up when you're about a second away from hitting them, so if you don't watch where you go, you'll have a bad time. The second type are the mobile ones. These can spawn anyone around you, at varied distances - not too close, though - and they will start floating towards you at a speed of about twice your walking speed. They don't home in too much, so you can sidestep - their man threat is from the fact that you can be hit from the back or from the side. These make a slight sloshing/whooshing noise when they're close, so if one's coming from the back or the side, you have about two seconds to dodge it. These are the clouds that have the faces in them, and this is, probably, the one place where the SSLP format fails me, because the faces are much creepier in motion, since you don't really blatantly see the faces in them, but the uncanny valley still hits you like a truck. Night10194 posted:Another question, and forgive me if this was already answered and I missed it, but what does oinon mean? Another term for a wise or learned person? Yeah, that's what it means. It isn't a real Russian term, mind you, but one made up by the game, although I talk about where it possibly came from on page 2.
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Aug 15, 2014 05:18
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CirclMastr posted:Has the reason for the organ-hoarding come up yet? I remember that being called out early on. Story reasons amount to, pretty much, because he can, since he's a menkhu and that's what menkhu do, apparently. Now, I'm not sure if all menkhu indiscriminately cut up every corpse they come across for that sweet, sweet liver, but that's what the game allows you to do, and you have very little reason not to. Gameplay-wise, you can trade organs to Worms for Tvyr herbs and to that hunchback guy from the Chapter 1, Part 2 for medical supplies, although that hasn't come up much and probably won't. Trading organs for herbs beats actually gathering herbs because they're a bit tough to find and you won't get much for your time investment, so cutting people up it is. Ratoslov posted:I am heartened to see Burakh call Dankovsky 'oinon'. There's a remarkable respect between the two men. It's the third day, actually - apologies for any confusion. Whatever chapter number it is, that's the day I'm on. There aren't a lot of weapons in the game - there's a scalpel, a knife, a revolver, a sawn-off shotgun and a bolt-action carbine. There's also a miniature double-barreled revolver that only the Impostress can use. Right now, I have a knife and a sawn-off. I'm not showing much combat right now, because, for now, all combat you can get into is limited to running into bandits at night, which I've already shown off and it doesn't change for the duration of the game. There is a new enemy type in the next update, though.
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Aug 17, 2014 11:18
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Chapter Four The rest of the day was spent in toils. Going out into the steppes, gathering the herbs – it was entirely uneventful, except for a letter that was handed to Artemiy at some point during the harvest. A confidential noteAn address to all the patrolmen, doctors, mailmen and executors. The information presented in this note is to be kept confidential. Do not spread this information among the general population in lieu of panic. There is no cure for the disease. There is no antiserum. No cure will be sent from the Capital. There are a couple of good news, though. The probability of infection is lowered considerably upon taking immunoboosting medicine. For now, it is known that A-Tablets and B-Tablets (yellow and blue, respectively) help stave off the infection. Remember, that large doses of these medicines can cause considerable harm to your health. Clothes, made from synthetic materials, can also help you repel the infection. Do no, under any circumstances, wear any clothes made of wool (parasites). Clothes are to be changed regularly. The disease progresses unevenly. During the early stages, the disease's progress will be almost negligible if stymied by antibiotics. However, with repeated exposure to the sources of infection, the disease will begin progressing exponentially. This is not an airborne disease. The modes of transmission are currently unknown. Based on the preliminary data, in its early stages, the disease is not infectious at all. In these cases, the contact between the infected and uninfected is not prohibited. The Executors Additional note for You: considering Your exceptional mission, it is very unlikely that you will be able to avoid the infection. However, even if you do get infected, do not despair. It will happen sooner or later, anyway. Keep the disease confined to its early stages, take antibiotics. Sooner or later, a panacea will be made. Keep in mind the children' powders. They will certainly burn out your innards, but the disease will be eliminated as well. Be strong. Perhaps, a bit of useful information for the future, but Artemiy hoped to avoid this state of affairs, if it could be helped. Artemiy worked until the end of the day, with no further disturbance. The work yielded a new stock of mixtures, as well as a new set of possibly useful notes from his Father's diary. Diary of Isidore Burakh: Excerpt on the First Outbreak (pg. 29)Raw structures, notes on houses number 2,3,5,7 – 11, 13. State of affairs on 4 PM – 118 infected, 3 dead. State of affairs on 7 PM – 281 infected, 99 dead(!) Houses 1, 6 – everyone dead, except cows. Children – unknown, quarantine. Houses 12, 14 – all boarded up. Conclusions : The spread is exponential. Mortality is almost at one hundred percent. Surviving this is a miracle. Isolation at all costs is necessary. “Black Quarantine”. Curriers, houses 2, 7 (bordering with Raw Structures) – strange signs, boarded up. Raw Structures, sate of affairs on 2 AM – 51 infected, 217 dead. None healthy. Uninfected after taking the “Sparrow's mixture”: myself, Uprin, Rubin. Infected after taking the “swift concoction”: Obodn., Nurkh, Bode. Healed by the “dead broth”: Nurkh. All these are the sign of her approach, Suokh. A time will come, when the Ancient Mother, in her hunger, will deem it fit to consume her offspring. The depth of her maw is immeasurable and the heat of her dark depths will not be quenched. Soil, dirt. Complete darkness. Horror. These could be useful, though not directly for Artemiy. He did not command the influence and power his father did, after all – both Rubin and Saburov were still hunting for him, and Alexander Saburov just obtained the powers he was vying for. The work continued deep into the evening, until Artemiy took a couple of hours of well-deserved rest. When he woke up, it was 1 AM, and that, of course, meant, that a new production was on at the theater.   Artemiy heard the two voices from the previous night, carrying on their debate, it would seem... Well? She is afraid of nonliving matter – she immediately disappears from the dead. They have concluded if you act properly and carefully hide, then you can wait it all out. The glass will preserve all the best things, as it has been foretold.This particular voice was speaking with great exaggeration and incredibly uneven pauses – like a very poor theatrical actor. He wasn't selling his lines very well at all... What does that mean?It occurred to Artemiy, for a second, that this particular voice was very akin to his own – something he didn't think of during the first night. He didn't get the chance to ponder this for long, though, because he heard another familiar voice right afterwards. This means that we can still fight it. The pathogen survives only in live cells and is repelled by dead matter. The ones who hide in their homes have more chances to survive. Hustling and bustling is a road straight into an early grave. All in all, we can still fight. Well, aren't you something... You have your own vested interest here, too. You're always happy to be fighting something – you just have to find a suitable force. What about the people, though? Shhh! Stop bothering him! It looks, like he has already thought of something... Everything is bad... Everything is very, very bad.The last line belonged to Dankovsky as well, but, this time, it was a slurring voice of a clearly drunken version of himself.  REEL 5: Masks' Nightly Production – Night Three Artemiy was a bit confused by all this, but he chalked it up to the theater having a good cast of voice imitators and left it at that. He had more important things to consider, anyway.  It was 3 AM, and Artemiy, for the first time in a couple of days, didn't have much to do. With nary a lead, he decided, first things first, to visit Notkin and see just how expediently his maps of the infected districts are produced.  Coming out of the theater, however, he stumbled on the first infected district on his own. A portion of the Knots was clearly demarcated as infected. Were the Olgimsky safe? He could only hope that the walls of the “Clot” would protect them.    The clang of the rain droplets on the shanty warehouse roofs produced a rather sonorous sound. Artemiy did not imagine anyone spending their nights here having a good night's sleep.  Indeed, most of the children weren't asleep.  Neither was Notkin.  Can you believe it? The Curriers are completely empty! The disease is gone, too – as if nothing happened. Something weird is afoot... Matchstick is, probably, feeling pretty happy right about now! I worry about him, though... Curious indeed... What is happening over there right now? Marauders are having a free reign there now. The houses are open – just like yesterday. They're taking everything that isn't nailed down. They'll probably organize soon, too. They killed one good fellow I knew, and they also have killed Hernia's elder brother. We gotta teach those jerks a lesson.Notkin, it seemed, always wanted to teach someone a lesson – the town had plenty of folks who could stand to learn some lessons, it's true, but Artemiy had to protect the boy, even if he seemed insistent on getting himself into all sorts of trouble. Why are you always so bloodthirsty, Notkin? I'm not thirsty for blood – I'm thirsty for justice! They're killing folk – we have to pay evil unto evil. We would go there ourselves, but we have a bit of... business we have to attend to fairly soon. I worry about Matchstick, though – he'll certainly try to fight them himself. Do you want to kick their asses or no? They could, very well, kick my rear end too, you know... They say, that the marauders are walking around with these crowbars – stole them from the factories, apparently. Hey, everyone! I'm ready to give a reward for every dead marauder. Whoever brings me four of marauders' crowbars will get... well, trust me, - the reward will be commensurate.Artemiy didn't feel like getting into another scuffle, but that could mean indirectly protecting two of the boys that he had an obligation to protect. With this in mind, he took on the task. An interesting offer – consider it accepted. By the way, have your scouts put together the map? Yup, got it right here. We did quite a bit of work – quite fast, too. Five hundred coins. That's the price.It wasn't much, especially considering the price hike that occurred in the recent days, but, still, this was not part of the original deal. Why does it cost that much, anyway? Oh... you know – equipment, odds and ends. I'm not lying! Fine. Whatever. Here you go. It seems that the Folds and The Womb were the two districts afflicted by the disease today. The Curriers were also marked with the black colour. Burned out, perhaps? In any case, that's where Artemiy's path would take him next. MaraudersDesperate Notkin wants to, in a way, protect his comrades – those who are scouting out the infected districts. He promises a reward for gathering four “crowbars” that marauders carry around and use to get inside the boarded houses.    The rough men let him pass without any trouble, just like the last time. Today, however, something was different in the air.   Just as Notkin reported, the disease seemed to be gone. There were no more clouds, no more wailing.. No people, too – unless, you count the patrolmen and the occasional bandit, who were being conspicuously ignored by the patrolmen. An odd state of affairs. Artemiy checked one of the houses to see if the stories about marauders were true.  Upon entering the house, Artemiy was charged at by a very skinny, very agile man. He moved quite fast, but charging a man with a shotgun head-on isn't the most wise of decisions.  The man did have one of the bizarre, self-made crowbars on him that Notkin was vying for. Examining the house further, Artemiy bumped into another of these marauders. He employed the same tactics and met the same end.   The house was already cleaned out, aside from a few odds and ends. With two of the four crowbars, Artemiy decided to check another house for the marauders.   Disturbingly enough, the second house was completely identical to the first one in every way – almost every way, that is. The second marauder was hiding in a different spot.  If there were marauders in every house, and Matchstick lived here, then that meant that the kid could, very well, be in danger. Artemiy decided to try and find one of the Adherents that he has sworn to protect. This did, unfortunately, meant going from house to house.    All the houses were completely identical to each other, until, finally, one of the houses was different.    The interior was dilapidated, as if it was in the middle of being repaired before it was abandoned. It wasn't a maze, but it was, still, a bit hard to navigate. Soon enough, however, Artemiy found whom he was looking for.    The boy was unusually relaxed, for someone hiding out in an abandoned house in a district full of marauders.  What a bunch of rascals... Can you imagine? The Dualsouls are saying, that I am spying for Khan! Calling me a traitor, too... They're not taking me with them to rob the thieves! Bunch of jerks... Are their suspicions correct? Suspicions? Is that what you call it? Notkin is simply getting back at me for not joining his gang back in the day! Khan is the same way, too! The things I've done for both of 'em... These jerks think they're royalty or something... Well, they better watch out! So, you're saying that the Dualsouls want to rob the robbers? Yeah, that's right. They won't manage to pull it off, though. They're planning to arm themselves, and they've gathered their weapons in one place. I think I'll mess with them a bit, though. Let's steal their weapons? That way, we'll keep these dummies away from thieves' knives too!Keeping Notkin out of trouble did seem like a good idea. Well, alright. Where are they keeping the weapons? Go to the cemetery. My buddy, Stump, is there. Tell him that you're helping me out. He'll show you where it is. The password is “tattletale”. But watch it – you better share what you find. If you take it all for yourself, you'll pay. Trust me. “Tattletale”, you say... Very well. You've got yourself a deal. Arms stashNear the cemetery, a kid is waiting for someone, who'll be brave enough to raid an arms stash. Artemiy already had the crowbars he needed, so he was free to pursue this task at his leisure.   It was only early morning, and the bandits were still preying on the passersby.  Any one of them that crossed Artemiy's path were dispatched accordingly.   Soon enough, Artemiy was at the cemetery. The teenage kid stuck out like a sore thumb or, perhaps, like a big stump in a clearing.    The hell did you come here for? Did you come for your own funeral? Easy there, kid. Are you Stump? “Tattletale”. I'm coming with you, in Matchstick's stead. Ah, I see... Good on Matchstick – who knows what's in there... They've all gone mad, like rabid dogs! I would stick one to them, too, if I could... Okay, come after me. Hey, wait a bit... We're going without any stops, time is money here... I hope we don't bump into them on the way... Well – if that happens, you'll fight them off, I bet. Alright, let's go.The kid was quite fast, and made it tough for Artemiy to keep up.    Strangely enough, a bandit was in their path. Quite possibly, the Dualsouls' dumb idea became public knowledge, and the bandits were planning to ambush the kids, who'd come here to get their weapons. They launched themselves at Artemiy, ignoring the kid for now.    Soon enough, they were all handily dispatched.  Phew... we're here! Weird – it's locked. They either haven't come here yet, or they've already left... Do you have a lockpick?Artemiy wasn't in the manner of keeping such things, he was an honest man and had no use for them – none that he could recall. No, I don't. Dammit! We should've gotten one from Matchstick – I thought, that the stash was wide open! When did the Dualsouls close it, I wonder? Don't worry – I'll sort it out – thanks for bringing me here. Hey! How about some tips for your guide? Alright, now – don't get too greedy. If I come back alive, you'll get something.The kid began walking away, his loud curses being carried in the night steppe wind. One place where Artemiy could reliably get a lockpick was Griff's place. It was easy, really – he could visit Notkin, get his reward and then go straight to Griff.   The dawn was slowly creeping up on the night.    Some of the kids were gone, with new ones taking their place. Everyone had a mission, it seemed – the Dualsouls functioned like a well-oiled mechanism. Good on Notkin, indeed.   Notkin seemed lost in thought - savouring his cunning plan coming into fruition, no doubt. He was giddy with excitement to the point, where he opened his conversation with Artemiy with a complete non-sequitur. Are you stocking up on arms too?Artemiy obviously knew what he was talking about, but letting Notkin know would complicate things. No. Why do you ask? Whatever, I don't care. Are these the crowbars you wanted? Yup – that's them. I'll keep my word. Here, “from our house to yours,” so to speak.Notkin handed Artemiy a strange hodgepodge of various ammunition in one big pile. There was rifle ammo, revolver ammo and some slugs – about 15 of them in total. Thanks. Mount these crowbars on the wall, if you want. MaraudersWe've taught a lesson to Marauders. Hopefully, this'll make them think twice before robbing folk again. Artemiy went out and began heading in the direction of Griff's warehouse when he spotted a “hapless passerby.   He didn't notice Artemiy, giving him the chance to sneak up on the guy.   Inside one of the bandit's pockets was, funnily enough, a lockpick.  Quite a bit of luck, that – it also meant that Artemiy wouldn't have to see Griff's scowling mug today. Neat.  While Artemiy was walking on the rails, the clock struck 7 AM  Day Four, by the end of which, Haruspex will be able obtain a friend and find a half-living enemy. The disease seemed to progress in much the same way that Isidore described in his diaries. Almost everyone who got infected died within 24 hours. For now, there was no escape.    The trek was largely uneventful, and there were no more bandits at the house. Artemiy fiddled with the lock for a bit and opened the door.  This was a right surprise, indeed. The house was infected. Perhaps, that is the reason why it was locked? Still, Artemiy had to scour the house for weapons.   Unfortunately, with filthy rags hanging everywhere and the clouds of infection chasing him, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack that was trying to actively murder you. An unfortunate situation. Finally, on the second floor, Artemiy managed to find a single sawn-off shotgun on the bed with some ammo for it. Was this it? Did someone get to the stash before him and infect the house? If so, why? It wasn't the right time for such deliberations, though.   Artemiy was in and out in less than a minute. Only swiftness and luck could save him from infection, after all. Arms stashThe stash has been emptied. Now, it's unlikely that the kids will try to fight the bandits. Hopefully, this will save a couple of lives. The process of writing the journal entry has been rudely interrupted by someone shoving a letter into Artemiy's hands. Bachelor's Invitation: What is Rubin hiding?It seems, that I am unable to trust our common acquaintance. He has hidden from me something very important! Please come – it is urgent. I think, that the material, with which he is working, could be useful both to me and you. I'll tell you more when we meet. D.D. It seems, that Bachelor didn't quite grasp the current relationship between Stakh and Artemiy. Still, he would see him after talking to Matchstick about what he found in the house.   This trek was also largely uneventful until Artemiy reached the curriers.   The fight was a protracted one, and it seemed, as if the patrolmen' hearts were not in it. Curious.  Artemiy had to step in to help finish this scuffle.   In the morning, the sandy orange hue was much stronger. Where did this colour come from? Perhaps, Bachelor knew? It was entirely strange and unexplainable, but it did fill Artemiy with a feeling of emptiness and dread.     Don't look so gloomy, Burakh. Everything will work out. Maybe, if we survive that long... I've found the stash, kid. Thanks for the tip. Did you know, that the house it was in was infected? Really? You aren't kidding? Kidding? Why would I be? Ask your friend, if you want. Huh... You know what, you keep the stuff you got out of there... I don't quite need it, either. Wise choice, kid.Unfortunately, Matchstick didn't provide any useful information about the possible source of the infection, but, at least, the kid was safe and the Dualsouls were kept out of trouble. This would be enough to keep Artemiy content for now. Time to visit Dankovsky.     The shortest path lay through the Womb – a quarantined district. Traversing it carried a certain amount of danger, though nothing Artemiy couldn't handle. Track 9 – Knots (Disease)     One cloud almost got Artemiy by blindsiding him, but he managed to dodge out of the way in time. Onward.    Well, this was rather curious. The cloud of infection was hanging outside the actual quarantined zone. A bit unusual, since, until now, Artemiy noted that the disease kept itself strictly confined to certain district, yet here it was, breaking its own bounds.   Artemiy decided not to ponder the situation too long and ducked in the “Whirpool” - the folk' name for Eva Yan's house, where Dankovsky has been taking residence for the past four days.  Daniil was expecting him, as usual. Yesterday's experiments have ended up in a complete and utter failure. I couldn't extract the microbial strain from the dead tissue. Not to worry, though – there is hope yet! Complete and utter failure? Aren't you exaggerating? Oh, not at all. I couldn't procure any live bacteria and one can't do anything with this, pardon my language, poo poo that is left in the tissue after the disease is done with it. I won't even mention antibodies at this point. I'm not despairing, though – not yet. Why not? Master Rubin, who doesn't quite trust me and is concealing something important from me, has a strange source. Based on this source, he is already making the first prototypes. It isn't a vaccine yet, but it's a start. I imagine, that you are just as interested in this source as I am. Indeed, I am. Do tell. It looks, like Rubin is working with a carrier – someone who has, in his blood, a weakened strain of the microbe. I don't imagine, that we can make a vaccine out of something like that. It seems, that your mixtures deal with this version of the disease in a very short order. The main question is, what could weaken the infection like that? Do you know who this carrier is? No, and I'm quite curious to find out. Rubin won't tell me anything, though. The two of you, on the other hand, have a much closer relationship. Perhaps, he'll open up to you. I doubt that – Rubin hates me. Nonsense. Last time I've talked to him, he couldn't stop espousing your good name and your innocence. Now, he sees in you a hero and regrets his zealous rage completely. Does he, now... Where can I find him? Now that... That, I cannot tell you. I gave my word.“I should've expected this,” thought Artemiy. Still, that didn't stop him from thinking Dankovsky to be quite dumb at that moment. What? Are you kidding me right now? I hold Rubin's trust very dearly. It's fragile. If he finds out, that I gave up his secret hideout – which is, by the way, being sought for by armed patrolmen – I would lose a very valuable ally. No – you need to find Rubin yourself.Artemiy adored having his time wasted in a wanton manner. Luckly for Bachelor, today was the day when Artemiy had a lot of it on his hands. How in the hell am I supposed to look for him, then? I was introduced to him by a very sweet personage, by the name of Lara Ravel. She is a very kind and soft creature. I don't imagine that you will be able to get in her good graces without a good, clean reputation.Artemiy has been working on keeping his good name out of trouble, it's true. Anyone who isn't a zealous fanatic – like, say, Alexander Saburov – would've been convinced of his innocence right now. Very well, I'll go have a chat with her. Mysterious BloodThe Bachelor sure has his principles. Not wanting to take responsibility for my upcoming encounter with Rubin, he sent me to talk to Lara Ravel, who should tell me where he is to be found. Apparently, she is also a principled personage – I'm not even sure if she'll talk to a Ripper such as myself. Getting to Lara Ravel's house would mean, once more, braving an infected district. Track 10 – Stone Yard (Disease)    No incidents, no clouds – nothing. Artemiy was completely ignored, for now. A free pass, one could've said.   The trek wasn't a long one and, soon enough, he was at his destination.   The interior was lavish, even by the Adherents' standards. Truly, a feast in time of plague. Artemiy couldn't entirely tell if this was excess or necessity, though – there were quite a lot of people here.    Perhaps, this wasn't a feast, after all. Did the owner of the home turn it into a boarding home of some sort? Artemiy wasn't sure if there was a logic to such a plan, but he wouldn't question it. That wasn't what he was here for, after all.   Who are you? Did the Harpist send you? What are these red stains on your clothes? I am the son of Isidore Burakh. My name is Artemiy.Her expression told him, that she knew who he was. Despite this, she didn't chase him out of her home right there and then. His good deeds must have worked their magic in this town. Can I help you? I'm looking for Stakh Rubin. Do you know where he could be? I do – due to a lucky coincidence, but still. Why do you want to know? Do you want to take your revenge? Revenge? For what? He was threatening to kill you. He believes, that you've killed Isidore. That isn't true, though... Is it? What is your opinion on that matter, I wonder... Oh, I don't know what to think anymore... It doesn't really matter – whatever happens, Rubin can hold his own ground. Where is he? First, you'll tell me why you need to see him!She was soft-spoken, but there was a strong determination behind her words. Fighting her on this would be to no avail. I'm making a panacea – just like he is. I want to know if he had any progress. Can you give me your word that you won't reveal his location to anyone else? Can you swear on your Father's memory?Lara was going straight for jugular here. Still, Artemiy liked her enough, that he was ready to give such a promise. Besides, he wasn't going to do anything to endanger Rubin anyway. I swear. There was a big fight at the abandoned warehouses, near the Factories. The townsfolk found a lair that belonged to Bragha's gang – the gang that was the first to start cutting... oh God... cutting people up. Rubin snuck in there – he was called to help treat the wounded. Look there. Thank you, Lara Mysterious BloodRubin has left his hideout and is, now, paying his debts after the slaughter in Bragha's den, at the abandoned warehouses near the Factories.  This particular trek was a long one – especially if Artemiy was to go around the infected Womb district. Still, he had time to spare, and he had no wish to go through navigating clouds of infection again. He went the long way around.   Near the theater, Artemiy stumbled upon a bit of a scene.   The poor fellow was making a break for it, while the patrolman had clear trouble catching up to him. Artemiy didn't want to step in – it wasn't his job to put down the sick ones, after all. People wouldn't understand. He let the scene play out.    Finally, the patrolman threw a knife at the escapee, catching him straight in the back of the neck. The matter was over, and the corpse was swiftly dragged away from the street by two burly patrolmen. Artemiy went on.    Being within a spitting distance from the warehouse where Rubin was supposed to be, Artemiy realized that he is quite tired. He did not sleep since 1 AM, after all, and it was 11 AM now. He could use a nap, and, besides, Rubin was not going anywhere. If what Lara said was true, then he would be at the warehouse for a while. With his hideout being very close, Artemiy decided to have a good, old-fashioned nap.  When Artemiy emerged three hours later, the sky was entirely gray – just like yesterday. Perhaps, this was the effect of the green miasma of infection rising up in the noon heat? He was not sure.   A brief jog later, Artemiy was at the doors of the marked warehouse.    Just as Lara said, wounded men littered the floor of the warehouse. Stakh Rubin was there, as well, his work clearly a grisly one.    Despite what happened in the past days, Stakh waited for Artemiy to address him.   I have to ask for your forgiveness, Artemiy.Artemiy wasn't about to hold grudges against his childhood friend – especially, not in these times. Everything is forgotten and forgiven, Stakh. I know how much you loved my father. They told me, that you've taken on his obligations. That you've started making a panacea. That you are toiling, risking life and limb every hour of every day. You are being chased, too – just like me. I am, am I? I wonder why... Everything has gotten mixed up... They've just told me a strange tale. I think, that you are being chased after for my crimes. For Simon Kain. I've heard that Simon Kain has been killed, yes. Remember, when you were attacked? At the station? Well, they were trying to ambush Simon's killer. They thought, that he would try to hide in one of the wagons, when the train was going to come.This wasn't anything new – Artemiy has known this information for a while What are we to do with that, exactly? I think, that oinon Dankovsky has already managed to find out the truth of the matter. Simon's killer is among us, and we cannot bring it to justice quite yet. No, you don't understand. We are being chased by zealots, for desecrating Simon's corpse. If you have to know, they are correct to chase after me for this crime. After I realized what is hiding in the blood of that “superhuman”, I made a desperate decision. I decided to make a cure for the Sand Fever out of Simon Kain. Why didn't you explain everything? They would understand... Would they? It's useless to try to explain anything to Kains. Simon was a fetish for them. A totem! They would rather rely on his “sacred” powers, on the magic that his name carried – or God knows what else. It is a family of powerful mystics – cultists, even. They believe in no science, other than their magic. I see... What are you going to do with Simon? I've already done it. I've performed a terrible sacrilege. I've opened his body along all of the lines and drained him to the last drop. I've procured a strain of bacteria from him and made a number of samples of a protective vaccine. Old Simon has fed the humanity with himself once more. Have you checked his blood for antibodies? That was the first thing I've done – there was nothing of the sort in his blood. You know me, I am a skeptic, but every time I encounter the Kains' magic, I am gripped by fear. The disease, for some reason, was slowly waning in him on its own. Not dying, mind you. On its own? How so? His blood is absolutely different from everything I've seen, on the base level. I have to go so far as to say, that it's not entirely human blood. That is, it is blood of something more than human, understand? Whatever the case, the blood is gone. All of it was spent on the vaccines. Don't feel too bad, though – I don't think it would've helped you in making the panacea.This was disappointing, but Artemiy knew that he could trust Rubin to pursue this avenue of research thoroughly. If he turned up without a cure, Artemiy wouldn't have either. This saved him his time and efforts and, therefore, was nothing to begrudge Stakh for. I see... Thanks for the news. I'm sorry, that the news weren't more useful. Don't hold it against me, please. I won't. Good luck to you, Stakh.Rubin nodded. It was time for the two friends to part ways, once more. Rubin had his work to do, and Artemiy had his. Mysterious BloodSo, this is the end that was met by the Overhuman Simon... I have to give it to him – he did, in the end, prove that a human can defeat the Sand Fever. His blood is the proof of that fact. I do have to wonder, though – could it have been possible to make a panacea out of his blood? Artemiy's day was done, it seemed. He would go back to his hideout and continue with the same activities, slowly but surely approaching the coming of the panacea.  That is what Artemiy thought was going to happen, at least.  “Only three men?” thought Artemiy. There weren't three of them, though – there were four. A heavy blow to the back of the head was the last thing Artemiy felt before blacking out.  Artemiy woke up in a cell, located somewhere that looked like a factory. Two guards were patrolling outside of it. A cloud of disease hung near it, as well. The strangest thing was in the fact, that the two seemed to be completely unaware of it, though they seemed to instinctively walk around it. There was a corpse near the cell's bars and, when the two patrolmen went away, Artemiy bolted to quickly search the corpse. He found a revolver with three bullets in the drum.  Armed with this, he could surely escape his predicament – possibly, even unharmed. Unfortunately for Artemiy, this is when the cloud began to advance towards him – slowly, but methodically and with obvious intent.  Soon, it was joined by a second one and, together, they formed a wall that was slowly pressing Artemiy against the back wall of the cell.   Artemiy tried to hold his breath, but the clouds were patient. They had a role to fulfill and they were not going to go off script just for him. After a minute or so, Artemiy finally breathed in a lungful of miasmatic air. It was like breathing in a handful of very old dust, causing Artemiy to break into a savage coughing fit.  This was, of course, quite enough, but the clouds stuck around until the job was finally, completely done and Artemiy blacked out once more. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 04:03 on Aug 19, 2014 |
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Aug 19, 2014 00:22
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RBA Starblade posted:This links to a very mood-killing track. That is the true sound of a deadly plague. (I'm great at LPs!  It's fixed, thanks for pointing it out)
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Aug 19, 2014 04:05
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Deceitful Penguin posted:It's odd, but I never expected them to take power out of the hands of the player so directly. I certainly don't remember it from the other sides, but maybe I've just forgotten. There is a way to avoid the cell segment, but it's basicaly not intended, because it involves sitting in Rubin's warehouse until the next day comes. That way, the patrolmen never show up. Beyond that, though, you will always end up in that cell. You can't fight the patrolmen - you always black out. The clouds in the cell are total bullshit, because they will relentlessly home in on you until they hit you. If you know that this segment is coming, you can, theoretically stock up on immunoboosters and eat enough of them to the point of slight immunity to infection, which means that you might not get infected - I never managed to pull that off, myself. Also, when you end up in the cell, the game takes away all you weapons and ammo and never gives them back. Yay... HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 03:43 on Aug 20, 2014 |
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Aug 20, 2014 03:40
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Update on ARG The Letters 3 and 4 were rather interesting, but didn't link to anything concrete. The letter 5, however, points to two youtube videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BRjZkjq560 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD_ykvAcYdM Unfortunately, they don't have subtitles, but the first video is the guy talking about a sudden outbreak of a strange infection, while the second one talks about the fact that it is some sort of an airborne disease that is very virulent and advises everyone to stay isolated and indoors. By the way, if you have any questions you can try mailing Voronica - she will, very likely, answer you. I've had a couple back-and-forths already - they were curious, to say the least.
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Aug 20, 2014 11:39
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Chapter Five - Part 1 Artemiy came to many hours later, at 2 P.M, odd, quiet whispers having woken him up. It was, already, the fifth day. 2 PM, to be precise.  The clouds continued to assail him, and he must've blacked out once more, because the next thing he recalled was him standing in an open cell with the corpses of two patrolmen in front of him.  His vision was extremely blurred, and he was running a fever – both likely to be results of the infection. Artemiy staggered out of his cell, in search of exit.   Did he kill these two? That was, apparently, the case, since the revolver now had only one bullet in the cylinder, while Artemiy found it with three bullets in it. Still, he did not recall killing these two, and that disturbed him.   “What's one more dip?” thought Artemiy as he covered his lower face with his elbow and waded in. Curiously enough, it did noticeably worsen his condition and made him hear a strange sort of whisper once more. The exit, however, was in sight and soon enough he was out.   He was still near the factories – good. The first stop would be dropping by his hideout and seeing what he can do stem the tide of infection.   The small amount of “Dead Broths” that he made was there, and he was planning to use them – having the knowledge of their effect first-hand would be useful. In fact, getting infected could prove to be a blessing in disguise and allow him to combat the disease more effectively.   Artemiy reached into the big wooden chest where he kept his materials and, sure enough, there they were. He took one of the bottles and drank the strange bouillon in one gulp. It was, single-handedly, the most disgusting thing he ever imbibed in his life. It didn't make him feel better, too – in fact, it made him feel much worse. Artemiy collapsed onto his bed with the intention of sleeping through whatever was left of this day.  He dropped his pack on the ground and was about to lay down when he noticed a number of letters fall out of it as it hit the ground. With a groan, he reached down and began going through them. Isidore Burakh's Diary: Excerpt on “Dead Broths”The substance that we call “Dead Broth” acts as a primitive antibiotic. After imbibing the “Dead Broth”, the blood of the imbiber is enriched and starts fighting back against the disease. Unfortunately, this substance is far from an actual panacea. Only the luckiest of coincidences allow “Dead Broth” to completely defeat the infection (Me, Rubin). The dead tissue was combined with mixtures “Amber”, “Malachite” and “Basalt”. “Basalt”: Brown Tvyr + Black Tvyr + Savyur. Immunity 80 / Harm 15. “Malachite”: Savyur (3) + Brown Tvyr. Immunity 100/ Harm 15. The infection is concentrated in circulatory organs. Liver – unpredictable results. Blood – the cleanest of materials. Rubin proposed Arkh. - deemed unsuitable. 19 - IX Blood of Bud. - enriched, begins to consume the infection, then – nothing? 27 – IX Blood II – being enriched, but too slowly. 2X– Anml. Blood – something else! Blocks spread? Does not consume the disease. --- Summary An environment with the strongest concentration of microbes is required. Try more! Treatment of organs, stricken with infection, by the mixtures from the “Thick Group” may, in the end, provide one with an antiserum broth. It might heal one, who may be in the latest stages of the Sand Fever. My students already call it a Panacea. Let us sing preliminary praises to the one who will manage to create it. It was quite strange that a page from his diary found its way to him even if he didn't take the time to study his father's notes the previous day. It must've been fated for him to find that page, regardless of his circumstances. He picked up the next letter. On infected AdherentsWith this note, you will be officially informed about the following sanitary measures. Considering the fact that certain denizens of the town (the Adherents) that are playing a special part in the town's events are constantly visited by the people of various callings and occupations, (your two colleagues included), and are always trying, with their actions, to fill the void left by your and your colleagues' forced or absentminded inaction, the executive of committee of the Executors have made the following decisions: 1. If the Adherent gets sick, the door to his abode will be guarded by an Executor. 2. While the Adherent is conscious, the Executor is responsible for passing mail, food and medicine to the sick one. 3. In exceptional cases, one-time visitations of the diseased will be allowed. In order to bring the sick one into a state, suitable for communications, the Executor will accept – from the visitor – strong antibiotic for use by the infected. 4. Medicine that would cure the sick one of their infection is accepted by the Executor in the same manner. e.c. of Executors. A detailed list of minutia that Artemiy hoped he wouldn't have to deal with – if his actions are swift, then none of his adherents will ever be endangered. The next letter was obviously from Dankovsky. Results of the analysis of the mysterious bloodWhoever the blood, stolen by Rubin, belonged to, the result is looking good. The new vaccine is working better than yesterday's. It does provide only temporary protection, even if it lasts longer. If you're planning on having a prolonged exposure to the disease, then use the blue vaccine. Tests have shown that Rubin's methods – and, by the same virtue, your Father's methods – are highly effective. I'm full of enthusiasm and, thus, am confident in your coming success. D. D. This blue vaccine that Dankovsky spoke of would've been highly useful last night, but, alas, one shouldn't cry over spiled milk. This covered all the letters from last night, but he had two new ones. Bachelor's Invitation. Live environment (Important!)I've found it. I believe that a live environment, with the antibodies that you so sorely require, may exist. It is a terrible decision, but you're already used to those – it takes after your family's tradition, in a manner of speaking. Come, we'll have a talk about it. I beg of you – do not dally, put all other matters aside! The state of my affairs is worsening, there is very little time left. D. D. The matter seemed urgent, and Artemiy would go to him immediately, but not before finishing the last letter, which must have been fairly important as well. Rat RacesWe hereby announce that anyone who catches a rat (those of a special sort of liveliness are especially prized) can use one to his profit at this address – Factory warehouse Number 2. Confidentiality is guaranteed. This clearly was some sort of a dumb joke that Artemiy wanted no part in. Besides, he didn't have time to gamble anyway. With the world not letting him rest, Artemiy headed to Dankovsky's place of residence, though not before making a small stop.     Dropping by Notkin's place to get the map of the infection was getting more and more routine.  Everyone at the Warehouse was quite busy and didn't have much to say yet again – Notkin included. He did, however, hike the price of the map up to 1000 coins. Cursing, Artemiy headed out and walked in the direction of Stone Yard.  The disease continued to ravage the Knots, taking over the “Heart”, “Spine” and “Rib”. The “Folds” and the “Womb” were just shaking off the infection, too.    The trek was harder on Artemiy than in the previous days, due to the infection. Luckily for him the fever was going down – a result of the Dead Broth finally working, perhaps?    “The Folds” were shaking off the effects of the infection, inviting the Marauders in, just like the “Curriers” did the day before.  Artemiy was about to enter Eva Yan's residence when he received yet another letter. The postman was clearly working very hard that day. Vlad Jr.'s InvitationI have a matter to discuss with you – an urgent one. It is about my well. Vlad Olgimsky Jr. Short and to the point, unlike many other letters that Artemiy received today. Artemiy proceeded inside.    You were quite lucky to escape your prison. Lucky indeed, but for how long? I wonder who could've wanted me behind bars so badly...It was sarcasm - Artemiy knew perfectly well that it was Saburov's doing, but it was lost on Dankovsky. All these sorts of initiatives come from the commandant. I will try to use whatever influence I might have on Alexander to shield you from further pursuit, but I can't promise nothing. No worries, I'll be grateful even without any guarantees. I was looking for you... You were? Why? We need the diseased tissue with a high concentration of infection. It would be best, if this tissue would come from a heart. A live heart, at that. The time from extraction to examination must not exceed half an hour. The stage of the infection must be very early – the earlier, the better. Heart? Why the heart, exactly? Outside of its environment, the microbe weakens or outright dies very quickly. We need a sample of bacteria in its most active stages. Rubin's experiments with... well, never you mind that. What you need to know is that the heart is the environment, where the bacteria spreads exceedingly fast and remains active for a very long time. I see... Of what interest would the heart be to me, though? I need a sample of infection, and you need a sample of antibodies. I believe that both of those things exist in the blood of a person, who is not yet consumed by the disease – not yet consumed, because the antibodies would still hold the sickness at bay. Curious – do you believe that human bodies can fight the Sand Fever, oinon? Not usually, no, but there is a rumour that some of the steppe folk are not dying from the illness - butchers, the dancers, those bull herders, whatever their damned name is... It doesn't mean that they aren't sick – it simply means that, for whatever reason, the disease does not progress nearly as fast in them. I'm sure that there is something in their blood that keeps it at bay. I see what you're driving at here... Butchers, brides and odonkhe... I have to wonder why, though... Indeed, there is clearly a pattern here. It's a shame that most of them are locked up in the Apiary now. I wonder, if all the thousands that are locked in there are healthy... Would you... no, nevermind – I'll be the one to check on that. You won't find any butchers right now – everyone who broke the blockade has ran away. No... I've heard that not everyone made it out. I know of one rather poisonous personage, who is working on concealing these escapees. Her name is Ospina. You can also find the Steppe dancers at the pub, but it is Andrey Stamatin's domain – I doubt that he would let you open them up right then and there... Maybe, you'll be able to spot one of the brides outside? This wasn't a cheerful task – Artemiy was tasked with protecting people and now he would be butchering them for a cure. Still, there didn't seem to be any other way to advance the fight with the disease. Very well... I'll try and find someone suitable... The Quivering HeartBachelor has divined that the only place where we can obtain the proper samples of the Sand Fever is a living, human heart. Something in the Steppe Folk's blood keeps the spreading of the disease at bay – something that may be precisely the thing to help create the panacea. Would Ospina give up one of her refugees for that? Would Andrey give up one of his dancers for that? Before Artemiy would get on this task, he would visit Vlad Jr. and see what sort of business he had to discuss with him.   The source of the strange orange hue that overtook the districts that have thrown off the disease, was still unknown to Artemiy. It did, however, feel suffocating – like a strange sort of vacuum, born out of an absence of something essential.   Slowly but surely, the trek was becoming easier for Artemiy. Perhaps, this infection wouldn't be too big a deal for him after all.   Vlad Jr.'s little hideout still stood where it previously was, hiding from the town in the shadow of the station.   Do you see? The work has stopped at the most inopportune of moments...Vlad Jr. gestured with a sad sigh to the well. What happened? The ground collapsed under the workers. When they ventured out into the opening, they found a manhole, of sorts. The lower surface of this manhole looks to be of the same sort of toughened crust the we've encountered every time we tried to dig a well. Every time? Interesting – I didn't know that there were many attempts at this... Oh, indeed – there were. We've tried many time to dig a well – each time unsuccessfully. Didn't get a drop from the Earth. Back then, everyone thought that there is some sort of plate underneath the town – out of caked sand or, even, basalt. The folk do come up with all sorts of stuff.. I have another theory, though... So - what is down there, exactly? An entire cavern. Those slackers were telling me that they saw some sort of light down there, and heard some moans and low-pitched singing. All hogwash, of course. They're very superstitious, these workers... Now, they refuse to go down there - for all the money in the world, too. There isn't a brave soul between all of them – it's a “sacrilege” for them, once more. A sacrilege? Why? Why? For the same reasons folk are forbidden from opening up the dead bodies, of course... This time, they say that we have, unlawfully and crudely, opened up the body of the Earth. Their sudden discovery reminded them that Mother Bodkho is a living being just like any other... Do you, too, happen to believe that the cavern is a part of its digestive tract? Of course not – perish the thought! It's obviously a part of its circulatory system!The folk in this town weren't good with sarcasm – or, perhaps, Artemiy just wasn't that good at it. If you would go down there and find out precisely what sort of cavity it is, I would be deeply indebted to you. How much are you willing to pay for such an expedition? Seven thousand. That is all that I can put towards it today... Also, two recipes – I've bought them, when the Worms were killing their traitors. That seems appropriate – you've got a deal.Vlad gave him some lantern oil and set him on his merry way down the well. The WellVlad Jr. has cut open the Earth's hide. I don't imagine that he expected to find life inside that opening – otherwise, he wouldn't have been so surprised to hear talk of moans coming from inside that cut. He is offering a good reward for a thorough examination of the exposed innards.   The walls were solid to the touch, even if they looked like spongy flesh. Even with that in mind, the visage was still quite unnerving.   Further into the tunnel, Artemiy felt a gust of wind sweep past him. What followed on the heels of that wind was a chant – loud and booming, at first, but quiet afterwards. The chanting voice, without any question, belonged to Artemiy's father, Isidore. Track 11 – Isidore's Voice   The language that Isidore's voice spoke wasn't a language that Artemiy knew, but was, rather one that Artemiy knew of. It was the language of the Order, the Steppe folk, to whom the Burakhs have always been beholden.  The chorus was vacillating in volume – at times loud and booming and whispering a second later. Quite obviously, the place made for an unnerving journey, causing Artemiy to be relieved when he spotted a brightly lit opening at the end of one tunnels.  The opening, however, contained a child-sized rat in a suit that was brandishing a cigarette in a mouthpiece .    Aren't you a Burakh? Indeed... Indeed, you are one. What did you expect? Hold on a moment! What sort of a creature are you? Me? A prophet. Yes... I am a prophet. A prophet? Prophesy my future, then. Oh, it's as simple as a shrug. It is rather unhappy, though. Are you sure you want to know? I'm sure. You will be loved. You will spill rivers of blood. You will think long and hard about what sacrifice to make. You will, inevitably, make a mistake. You will want to sever yourself from Bachelor's path and, thus, will make a miscalculation. Then, you will disappear. That is all. As I said – simple. Not very long, I see. What are you doing here, anyway? Don't you hear your Father? I do, but I don't believe it - it must be some sort of trick. Hm... You didn't listen hard enough, it seems. Listen some more, then!Isidore's voice grew louder – perhaps, even angrier and more scornful. It seemed to coalesce around Artemiy, pushing on him with increasing force. What do you want? Why are you desecrating the memory of the dead? Desecrating? Who is the one doing the desecrating here? Look me in the eyes!The meek rat's voice thundered across the tunnels – surely, even Vlad Jr. heard it on his end. The pressure was becoming too much. Artemiy was suffocating. I can't breathe... Listen to how your father is moaning! Don't you want to know the identity of the one, who deprived him of his life? Listen closely! Isn't that his voice?Artemiy tried to answer, but he could not. He had no breath left in his lungs – if he didn't leave right now, he would surely die right then and there. Luckily for him, there was a manhole not too far from the Rat's podium. Artemiy stumbled towards it and, with whatever little strength he had left, brought himself up the ladder and through the manhole to the surface.   Unfortunately for Artemiy, he ended up getting out near the theater, in the “Heart” district. Him being already infected did, however, come as a mixed blessing as greedily breathing in a lungful of greenish, miasmatic air could not have been healthy. The WellStrange beings inhabit the womb of Bodkho. What was this creature? A spirit? A vision, born by my inflamed mind? Something born of a swarm of rats, the will of the many given a voice of one? They say that when rats form a large swarm, they gain the ability to implant all sorts of wild images into people's minds... Whatever it was, it's time to return to Vlad Jr. After regaining composure, Artemiy wasn't going to tarry here any longer and headed in the direction of the Raw Structures, to meet with Ospina.   Artemiy managed to get out of the infected district without any trouble – indeed, the guards didn't seem to stop him from leaving. Perhaps, the Dead Broth stemmed the tide of the infection to the point, where it was no longer obvious that Artemiy was sick? The Bachelor was the only one who noticed that he was ill, so far...    The “Womb” was also quiet. Artemiy didn't encounter anything out of order, except for a bandit prowling an alleyway in the distance.    Unlike in the previous days, Artemiy knew his way around the Raw Structures' winding alleys and paths. Soon enough, he was at his destination.    Quite cheery, as always.   The Order is ready to follow your lines, elder Burakh. Is that how it is, sister? I don't use words lightly. My lines have put me on a bloody path... Ah... I see – you're looking for your sacrifice? I know. How can I help? I need a butcher. It's strange to hear you say that. Do you really think that your father thought about such a minuscule creature? You aren't looking for your Sacrifice in the right place. A butcher is a simple human. Why do you need humans?They were clearly talking past each other – not the most useful mode of communication. I need him for a... different reason. Ah... Will you tell me? You know that I'm creating a panacea... I need the tissue of one of the Children of Bodkho. What a troublesome idea! It's not my place to judge the elder lineages, but you are a special case. You haven't grown up here, you are a newcomer. I'm afraid that you've fallen under Bachelor's influence - a sharptoothed scoundrel, who will bury us all deep in the Earth. I won't be a helper to him!Artemiy was taken aback by the usually meek Ospina's sudden defiance. He decided to push back harder. Do not judge my actions, woman! I only follow my father's heritage in this matter! If that is the case, then you'd be better off opening up one of the worms, or the bride dancers... Did you try to get into the Apiary? No, and I don't even want to try. Dying would be too easy an exit right now.Vlad Sr.'s blockade was, indeed, something that Artemiy could not brave through – especially in his current, worsening state. Very well... You are correct – it's not my place to judge. Do you want me to tell you where the butchers are hiding out? I do. There aren't any escapees left in the city. This morning, they were all led out. I do know, however, that they are preparing to make a sacrifice and headed out to the gatherers with this goal in mind. Stupid animals! Do they think that they can guess the lines for performing such an act? I don't believe they can... Do you know which gatherer they were going to? I don't. They aren't looking for the gatherers, you know, but for a Herb Bride. Who is she with right now is something I don't particularly care about, although it might be the one near the Stone Yard. I'd try there... I see, I will look there. Thanks, Ospina. The Quivering HeartThe escaped butchers have almost left the city. Before they leave completely, they are planning to visit a Herb Bride, a cohabitant of one of the Worms, the gatherers of Tvyr. There is a chance that I might still catch them before they leave. Artemiy still had to visit Andrey Stamatin's pub and see what leads he could scrounge up there. It was fairly close, too, which made it a perfect next destination. Still, he started to feel a bit too ill to go on. He needed a moment's rest, and Ospina was happy to provide him with a cot to rest on. It wasn't going to take long - just enough to keep Artemiy going until the end of the day. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 20:34 on Aug 24, 2014 |
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Aug 24, 2014 13:16
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Glazius posted:Heh. I suppose a clever player will wait to cash in those kids' quests until after he gets arrested? Unfortunately, all day's quests expire at the end of the day. What a clever player would do is stash his weapons before going to Rubin. chitoryu12 posted:Just a little translation tip, the "drum" of a revolver is properly called the cylinder. I've looked around, and the revolver drum seemed like a perfectly apropriate alternative, no? RBA Starblade posted:As another one, for lines like "It was quite strange, that a page from his diary found its way to him even if he didn't take the time to study his father's notes the previous day.", there's usually no need for a comma before the word "that". The Vosgian Beast posted:I have to imagine that bit inside the tunnel had to be pretty creepy to playthrough. We'll be having more fun in that tunnel soon enough. There is very much a reason that woodenchicken said "gently caress those tunnels.", in his LP. HellishWhiskers fucked around with this message at 20:35 on Aug 24, 2014 |
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Aug 24, 2014 20:03
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