冬の鎮魂曲~Reworked Pt VIII

Well, originally I planned to do more for this post and release it after Easter. Then something happened. Boro lost 2-1 against Wolves at home and El Spirito's celebration didn't go down well with the home crowd. I'm not going to up the link, but let's just say that people do have emotions and we tend to do crazy things because of that. Say for example Pep ripping his pants due to euphoria. Just don't ask me whether El Spirito will do a Stephen Irish (i.e. Superman. No links from me, though).

Thankfully, the dynamic duo of Barnsley and Sunderland did us a massive favour. I'm not going into the specifics, but let's just say I'm a human being like El Spirito. Hence, I tweeted my thanks to them. For today, I'm gonna up this post in the hope that it'll console my fellow Boro-thers-in-arms. Then again, I truly doubt so unless the whole of SGH from doctors to nurses to radiographers ends up calling Kuok Minghui the best boyfriend material in Singapore. Not that this is going to happen anyway.

Anyway, my original intention was to refrain from posting anything on my blog until Good Friday is over. So yeah... it's pre-Easter Saturday now.

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/10/blog-post.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/11/reworked-pt-ii.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/11/reworked-pt-iii.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/12/reworked-pt-iv.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/12/reworked-pt-v.html
http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2018/03/reworked-pt-vi.html
http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2018/03/reworked-pt-vii.html

Additional info: Inventory

Okay, I'll need to add some things to the inventory (section). Firstly, opening up the inventory can only be done outside combat. Secondly, the usage command for the selected inventory item for direct usage is R2/RT. Please note that this command can only be done outside combat. As for L2/LT, it is now used to bind the selected inventory item to any of the four direct usage slots. Shaped in the same manner as the D-pad, the direct usage slots interface enables the player to use the items during combat. There are two types of inventory items which can be used this way: Potions and thrown weapons.

To use potions, the player only needs to press the relevant D-pad button. For the thrown weapons, however, the attack button needs to be pressed after the relevant D-pad button.

For example, using an inventory item allocated to the upper part of the direct usage interface requires the up button of the D-pad. If that item is a thrown weapon, then the player must press the up button of the D-pad first, after which the player must press the Triangle/Y button.

Additional info: Durability

Plenty of items and gear have such a thing called durability score where the number of points indicates both the expiry period and how close the thing is in being unusable. There are three types of items affected by the durability points system.

1. Gear. This includes armour and weapons. The durability points will decrease with usage during combat and exposure. Armour has the highest durability while weapons have the second highest.

2. Crafting ingredients. This includes things like leather, cloth, and iron. The durability points will decrease during exposure.  Crafting ingredients have the lowest durability

3. Thrown weapon. This counts as a weapon due to its sole purpose. Because thrown weapons are partially/totally concealed before use, durability decrease during exposure will be significantly lower unless used. Thrown weapons like bombs and flaming potions are considered destroyed upon usage, but their durability won't be affected in any way otherwise.

Crafting, brewing, and gear repair

Out of the three types of items affected by durability, only gear items can be repaired. Gear reparation can only be done via a craftsman. There are three types of craftsmen.

1. Blacksmith. This craftsman type deals with metal armour and all weapon types.

2. Leatherworker. This craftsman type deals with leather armour.

3. Fuser. This craftsman type doesn't deal with gear repairing. Instead, a fuser deals with augmenting any gear with the relevant chaotic residue the player has.

For crafting, this means the creation of new gear. Unlike most, if not all, RPGs, newly acquired gear must be crafted in Winter's Requiem (yes, that's the name of the game). The quality of crafting ingredients used will decide the quality and durability of the gear (i.e. common, rare, and epic in the ascending order). Any higher end gear requires a fuser and one other craftsman together with specific rare or epic grade crafting ingredients.

Brewing is the creation of potions. While the common healing potion can be purchased in a supplies store, brewing allows the player to create other potion types which are more potent. There is only one type of brewer. Namely, goblins. At the same time, goblins also sell contraptions known as bombs, thrown weapons which can deal damage ranging from insane to abysmal. Needless to say, throwing a bomb is like throwing a die.

Additional info: Parry

There are two types of parry. Instant parry and stance parry. Instant parry requires pressing the Square/X button once just before the enemy attack hit. Failure results in damage taken per normal, but a successful instant parry will halt the Focus gauge depletion for a short while. This, in turn, results in the Focus gauge increasing instead for the duration. Either way, instant parry will not cause additional depletion of the Focus gauge.

Stance parry requires holding down the Square/X button. Unlike instant parry, stance parrying will continually deplete the Focus gauge at a flat rate. In other words, other sources of Focus gauge depletion won't be applied. However, stance parrying cannot be done if the Focus gauge falls below 30%. For the duration of the stance, all attacks will be parried automatically. However, there will be a 3 seconds cooldown between each parry. So no, you can't spam it. There, I've said it.

Additional info: Dodge, Block, and Dash

Dodging and blocking requires pressing Circle/B once. Dashing requires holding down Circle/B. Using the left analogue stick will decide which direction the character will be facing when dodging/blocking/dashing. For dashing, the direction can be controlled accordingly. For dodging and blocking, however, the direction has to be decided at the same time the button is pressed.

Dashing takes up stamina for the entire running duration while dodging eats up a fixed amount of stamina per execution. Blocking requires a higher fixed amount of stamina when executed, but it can be maintained afterwards at no stamina cost. However, prolonged blocking can easily cause the character to be attacked either from behind or the flank. Damage taken this way will be increased. Again, no broken mechanism intended in the first place. So please don't whine like my fellow S'poreans.

Gauging Stamina

Stamina gauge exists. This is both a #fact and #realnews, unlike the reason why Facebook got trolled by a Tesla guy named Elon Musk. Stamina is used for two purposes. Namely, the Circle/B button and weapon damage bonus. On the first glance, this means both aspects of the gameplay requires stamina usage. Actually, it is only true for the former and quite the reverse for the latter. Yes, Circle/B button requires stamina. The damage bonus, however, is dependent on how much stamina the player's character has. Once the stamina gauge drops below 60%, this bonus will be lost. The amount of bonus given this way can go as high as 40%.

New info: Crosshair generator

Hopefully, the c-word won't generate unwanted attention. Recent events involving assault firearms are nothing to laugh about. If you think the loss of lives is funny business, I have every reason to suspect whether your sanity is at the level of Uryuu Ryuunosuke and Gilles de Rais.

Coming from someone who is broken like Kiritsugu, this should say a lot. Mental illness is a social issue that needs to be addressed, the same goes for assault firearms. I'm never a fan of putting one social problem under the microscope at the expense of the rest because it's a very efficient way to breed self-righteousness and hypocrisy. I don't deal with varying standards, I only deal with absolutes.

Enough of my complaining and digressing, let's continue. The crosshair generator will appear whenever the player character is facing the target, be it in melee reach or from a distance. The crosshair is a blue hollow circle with four small red triangular points. Once any target comes within the weapon attack range, the crosshair will be automatically generated above the head. Apart from indicating which target is eligible to be targeted, the crosshair serves no other purposes.

New info: Thaumaturgy reach

Thaumaturgy powers are always AoE based. This is to fit into the concept that the art of thaumaturgy is a controllable form of Chaos. But because no one can truly control Chaos entirely, partial control is the best one can hope for. As a result, thaumaturgy powers reflect this concept via a focus on area effects rather than a highly potent single-target effect.  However, there are two aspects of the AoE range involved.

1. AoE shape. This indicates whether the AoE range is conical, circular, or cylindrical.

2. AoE extent. This indicates the positioning of the AoE range, whether it is surrounding, frontal, rear, or universal (i.e. covering the entire battlefield).

At the same time, certain thaumaturgy powers act like a trap. By that, I mean such powers require the command to be executed twice. The first execution is to "lock" the power for usage. The second execution is to decide the placement via the right analogue stick. Camera zoom will be disabled during this phase.

When executing any thaumaturgy power, there's a chance of creating a chaotic surge. Chaotic surge happens when a thaumaturgy power goes out of control upon activation. The probability scales with the thaumaturgy power's chaotic level. The chaotic level indicates two things.

1. Chances of triggering a chaotic surge.

2. How powerful the specific thaumaturgy power is.

Chaotic surge will result in mass casualties. In other words, everyone will take considerable to high damage. No discrimination between self, allies, and foes. If this sounds like the concept of a natural disaster, it's because that's where the inspiration hails from.

Next: Hopefully the runes and a reworked Aeravor profile.

冬の鎮魂曲~Reworked Pt VII

Okay, basically I've got nothing better to do. There's only this much Neverwinter gaming I can afford to do before I get myself jumped by a mob consisting of restlessness, boredom, a blank mind, and the fact that I need a girlfriend.

Spoiler: The last member of the mob is the one grabbing me by the collar.

Thankfully, I've got a decent idea when it comes to this post here. At the same time, below is a song for all you emo people like me. And to think Steve Ang Eng Hock always said I needed to quit my interest in manga and anime if I wanted to impress girls. That was during my 32 SIB days at Clementi Camp from 2003 to 2005.

Note: The singer doing the Sino-Cleopatra dance is no longer around.

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/10/blog-post.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/11/reworked-pt-ii.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/11/reworked-pt-iii.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/12/reworked-pt-iv.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/12/reworked-pt-v.html
http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2018/03/reworked-pt-vi.html

Total Recall: Thaumaturgy, Metallurgy, and deums

Okay, I'll need to do a Total Recall here. After some pondering, I felt that my previous ideas were more of a Gray Davis than an Ahnuld. Hence, I need to do this.

Right now, I decide to allocate three runes to thaumaturgy powers and one rune to metallurgy power. The thaumaturgy chaining system stays unchanged. In other words, you still can afford to execute three thaumaturgy powers in a row. This comes to the question of whether any major changes in metallurgy are on the cards. Any metallurgy effect now lasts for 20 seconds and will only affect weapons. At the same time, the enchanted weapon will not lose any durability points during the effect (more on the durability points in a later post).

Thaumaturgy powers are generated by random when it comes to the options available. Metallurgy powers, however, are fixed. The idea of Order and Chaos is too fun not to be spammed.

What stays the same is the fact that every character can only use one deum. In other words, only five runes can be used. Three thaumaturgy runes, one metallurgy rune, and one bridge rune.

For the deums, four of them confers certain bonuses while the fifth one (Nihilo) is never meant to be given to any individual. That is unless I enforce some sort of plot device (hopefully, this won't come out as some sort of plot armour).

Stat bonus conferred by the deums (apart from Nihilo)

Earrach:

The deum of spring, Earrach represents rebirth and the presence of vitality. This deum is associated with Strength and Dexterity.

1. Regenerates hit points at 2% of the maximum amount per second whenever outside combat.

2. Maximum hit points increase by 4% per point in Strength.

3. +1 to Dexterity.

Samhradh:

The deum of summer. Samhradh symbolises passion and vigour. This deum is associated with Strength and Dexterity.

1. Stamina regenerates 1% faster.

2. Attacking speed increases by 1.5% per point in Dexterity.

3. +1 to Strength

Fómhar:

The deum of autumn. Fómhar embodies limitations of the body and the importance of the mind. This deum is associated with Wit and Resolve.

1. Depletion of Focus gauge is decreased by 2% per point in Resolve.

2. Resistance against magic damage and any control effect is increased by 2% per point in Resolve

3. +1 to Wit

Geimhreadh:

The deum of winter, Geimhreadh is synonymous with the need to survive and the necessary means to do so. This deum is associated with Wit and Resolve.

1. Maximum capacity of Focus gauge is increased by 3% per point in Wit.

2. Critical hit damage from any weapon is increased by 2.5% per point in Wit.
3. +1 to Resolve.

Note: Should I be blamed for the fact that the Irish folks decided to celebrate the day of St Patrick Bamford here? After all, I happened to know Irish names like Fragarach and Cú Chulainn, unlike the Chinese Sun.

Yggdrasil~A realm where only a tree is there

Okay, that's an exaggeration. It's not just a tree. But yeah, a giant tree will be the first thing you see. When you first start the game, you'll start off as Aeravor. Before stepping forth, you'll be standing before this very tree. A blue circle surrounds it. Enter the circle and wait for a little while. You'll see a window that looks like a bank popping up (i.e. the type you'd see in MMOs). This is your rune bank where you can drag the runes in order of power execution (note that metallurgy runes are an exception because the order of execution only applies to thaumaturgy powers).

At the same time, this is also where available thaumaturgy powers are generated via random probability (in other words, we gamers call it RNG). The number of such powers generated ranges from three to five.

There are two ways to travel to Yggdrasil: Either through any portal known as a steinhenge or upon getting defeated. The former can only be discovered in ruins. But even then, a steinhenge will only pop up here or there based on the RNG. The latter requires your character to die. Okay, not literally since being defeated doesn't mean death. I tried Lord of the Rings Online recently. Sadly, I couldn't get used to the navigation interface without risking motion sickness. One valuable idea I pilfered like a hobbit boss from the people at Turbine/Standing Stone is the fact that getting defeated doesn't mean you're dead. Yes, I did pilfer the idea like a hobbit boss, you don't even have to guess twice to know correctly the answer. After all, no one likes to die even though, to quote a crucified Korean Jew subjected under the Roman white man's rule, we are going to die—there’s no ‘might’ about it.

Day and night in the game

In the real world, a day constitutes of 24 hours. When I was that dumb kid in Henderson Primary School despised by everyone around me. I still remember why I needed to use my saliva to ease the itching caused by a pong pong tree. Needless to say, an unsympathetic classmate chose to be sympathetic towards everyone else except for me when it came to the medicated oil. I still remember their dirty looks and the name of that classmate.

I don't profess to be at Guts' level when it comes to the term "life sucks". But still, I'm pretty sure a lot of my fellow S'poreans never came half as close to my level when it comes to being the closest thing to Guts.

Okay, I need to stop channelling my inner Guts here. In the game, a single day consists of 24 hours all the same. A new day starts at 12 midnight (in our real world speak) and ends at the following 12 midnight. A single hour in the game means one minute in our real world. Therefore, a single day would be equivalent to 24 minutes of gaming time.

This is very important because any thaumaturgy and metallurgy power can only be used once per day. Which now comes to something I have to thank the devs at Turbine/Standing Stone for. Refer to what I manage to pull off below.

Chains of Power system

Chains are cool to use. Gilgamesh uses them in the form of Enkidu. Arcueid uses them on herself because she's too powerful to be restrained. As for Fenrir, we all know what happened to Týr's hand (apparently, Alestrial nearly followed in the footsteps of a god during her dream). Moral of the story? Chains are cool to use. That's why I designated it as Lars' weapon.

Okay, I'm digressing here. Chains of Power is a system where you gain a neat bonus in battle after executing three thaumaturgy powers and one metallurgy power. Upon successful execution, you'll hear the metallic sound of a rattling chain. However, you can only pull it off if your character's hit points drop to less than 50% of the maximum amount. If you manage to execute a chain with at least 70% of the Focus gauge filled, a more powerful version of the chain known as a Renown Drive will trigger instead.

There are two types of chains available: Alfheim and Svartalfheim.

The Alfheim chain involves executing three thaumaturgy powers in a row while the metallurgy power is active. A successful Alfheim chain will be shown via the background having a light bluish hue while the camera momentarily zooms in on the character.

The Svartalfheim chain involves triggering the metallurgy power first, after which the three thaumaturgy powers must be executed immediately. A successful Svartalfheim chain will be shown via the background having a shiny steel greyish hue while the camera momentarily zooms in on the character.

Note: Any Chain of Power effect will last for the entire battle duration. At the same time, the character's hit points will be restored to 100% as a result.

Effects of each Chain of Power

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Alfheim:

With the supernatural force of nature as the foundation, users of this technique gain the power of any one natural element. Augmenting the weapon with the power of either fire, storm, or ice, the resultant choice nevertheless is not decided by the user. Rather, it is commonly said since the Age of Renown that Chaos bends the knee to no one. The character gains one out of any three elemental effects.

Fire-Whenever the character deals critical weapon damage, the surrounding area will conflagrate dealing fire damage. The Renown Drive grants the user the ability to deal 20% of weapon damage as fire damage.

Storm-Whenever the character successfully parries an attack, all enemies will be pushed back by a sudden gale, after which an arcing lightning bolt will chain them on the spot. All enemies targeted this way will take lightning damage and be stunned for 5 seconds. The effect duration cannot be reduced. The Renown Drive grants the user the ability to deal 20% of weapon damage as lightning damage.

Ice-For the next 10 seconds, the character gains immunity to damage and control. After the effect expires, the character will deal critical weapon damage once per every 4 seconds. The Renown Drive grants the user the ability to deal 20% of weapon damage as ice damage.

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Svartalfheim:

With the presence of steel acting as both anvil and hammer, the user of this power effectively assumes the role of a craftsman. As the force of thaumaturgy becomes the metal being worked, power flows out and is subsequently shaped like how Order regulates all things. The character gains the following effects.

Steel-For the entire combat duration, the character gains 40% damage bonus to weapon damage and 20% bonus critical hit chance. The Renown Drive will also increase critical damage by 50%. However, this effect only applies to Steel or Stone.

Stone-For the entire combat duration, the character gains 20% damage resistance and temporary hit points equal to 50% of the maximum amount. The Renown Drive will increase damage resistance by 35% instead. However, this effect only applies to Steel or Stone.

Metallurgy-The metallurgy effect will instead last for the entire combat duration. There is no Renown Drive effect for this one.

Elemental damage and physical damage

There are three types of elemental damage. Per stated in the section above, they are fire, lightning, and ice.

Fire: Deals additional damage over time. Amount of hit points healed from the affected target is reduced by half. This damage effect cannot be stacked.

Lightning: Causes stun for 1.5 seconds. Lightning damage also applies 10% damage debuff on the affected target. This damage effect cannot be stacked. Targets affected by stunned status cannot perform any action.

Ice: Slows down the target by 70% for 4 seconds. After this effect expires, the affected target moves at 20% slower. This damage effect cannot be stacked. Targets affected by slowed status take extra critical damage ranging from 10% to 30%.

As for physical damage, there are four types. Namely, slashing, piercing, blunt, and poison.

Slashing: 5% bonus critical hit chance and 10% chance to cause bleeding damage for 3 seconds per successful hit. Bleeding damage is counted as damage over time. Deals 10% more damage against opponents in light armour and 20% less damage against opponents in heavy armour.

Piercing: Ignores 10% of physical damage resistance from armour and gives 2-8% chance to cause bleeding damage for 8 seconds per hit. +15% critical hit chance against opponents in medium and heavy armour.

Blunt: 20% chance to deal 15% extra damage and 10% chance to daze opponents in heavy armour per hit. Opponents with dazed status move slower, take more damage, and deal less damage.

Poison:

Always deals damage over time for 10 seconds. If stacked with bleeding damage, the damage over time duration is increased by combining the duration of both. Damage over time dealt this way is calculated by adding both damage types together.

Note: Any damage over time effect will have its duration refreshed if the same damage type is applied again.

Next up: Need to go eat dinner now.

You know one entire nation's educational system has screwed up big time if it nearly created the closest thing to someone sharing the name of a person who was Rome's worst nightmare.

冬の鎮魂曲~Reworked Pt VI

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/10/blog-post.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/11/reworked-pt-ii.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/11/reworked-pt-iii.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/12/reworked-pt-iv.html

http://glaive-d-barde.blogspot.com/2017/12/reworked-pt-v.html

Okay, after such a long time, I'm back. In a previous post of mine, I mentioned the need to do a total recall. At the same time, recent events have messed me up. I won't say badly since I don't want to make myself sound super emo. But still, it's screwed up. There were times where I felt I was a few steps closer to being the real Emiya Kiritsugu.

Koyama-san was right in likening Kiritsugu to a katana sharp but brittle. Like father like son.

Of course, I could have done a worse comparison. Namely, myself and Guts.

Lyrics

Speaking of Guts

Pretty much plenty of (if not all) things I've done for Aeravor has become some sort of self-deprecating dark comedy. Originally, my own struggles were the last thing on my mind. Then Murphy's Law struck my life once again for the N time. The next thing I realised, Aeravor became someone more like myself and any character one would expect from the likes of Miura Kentaro, Urobuchi Gen, and G.R.R Martin. Needless to say, this means I've created Aeravor to be an accidental version of Guts since my original plan was to create the silent anti-hero. Interestingly enough, I'm much more satisfied with the current version instead of what I planned initially.

The reason why I'm saying this is very simple: It should be a no-brainer by now that Alestrial Eliaden was inspired by Park Shin-hye when it comes to her looks. Coupled with the fact that there's also a bit (?) of myself in Gael Kodr and the whole thing warped into a catalogue of tales weirder than whatever stories coming from China. Initially, I never paid any heed to it. In fact, I did a very nasty thing as a payback to my sis over her act of denial where in fact she could have tried proving me wrong by fact-checking. It's called renaming Sarel Aphros' previous self as Nanaya no Hye'Jung. Members of SHynCorp should know this is the name of the protagonist in the K-drama Doctor Crush played by their beloved Korean Athena (or Freyja depending on whether one is pro-Greek or pro-German).

Then came the news which could/should/would have crushed the hopes of every hwandudaedo-crazy salty Korean. Namely, a much better Park-Choi than the previous Park-Choi. One is a star couple which I've got no problem in wishing all the best sincerely while the latter case is... well, a political scandal. This means I need to do my own PR firefighting.

Please note that from this day on, Alestrial Eliaden should no longer be seen as a visual substitute for Park Shin-hye. This is to prevent me from getting burnt over a prolonged case of being an East Asian jackass from Singapore (i.e. being a Singaporean Chinese means I'm technically an East Asian due to my ancestors taking a one-way trip from China to some island colonised by the Celts... erm, sorry I mean the Brits). Just because I have a history of being a creative jackass instead of trying to be the next Jack Neo doesn't mean I'm utterly insane beyond cure.

Since my intention has always been nothing less than this, it means I need to make a few things official.

1. Because of my vindictive act towards my sis last time around, I need to rename Sarel Aphros' former identity. Previously known as Nanaya no Hye'Jung, she is now Nanaya no Tae'Jin.

2. There is no way I can ever do a name-change for Alestrial Eliaden since there's nothing Korean about her apart from the nature of her ethnicity. Hence, the only thing I can do is to pull off a John Constantine.

(Note: Apparently, the powers-that-be were worried that fans of Sting would hire Drew & Napier to sue them until their pants drop due to Sting's image rights. That's despite Sting being absolutely chuffed over the fact that he's... well, John Constantine)

3. Because of this, it means I won't (and don't) have to put myself under unwanted pressure. Trust me when I say I've got no problem with G.R.R Martin trolling the fans by wiping out 70% of the Starks (90% if we're talking about the HBO version).

4. Emma Watts-Eliaden is now officially renamed as Eirlanna Ulst-Eliaden. Originally inspired by Emma Watson, I realised it's much better for me to play the game of absolute standard. And besides, I believe it'd be better in the light of the #MeToo movement. Eirlanna Ulst-Eliaden... now that's a very... Irish name, I guess? When you got Aeravor wielding a sword named Fragarach, you should know where this is going.

5. Jeska Lews Brynhilda is now officially renamed as... well, just Brynhilda. C'mon, just admit it. Brynhilda as a title should sound badass, no? Jesseca Liu is the reason why I have to do this.

6. Emhylea von Stormhearth is now officially renamed as Gráinne von Stormhearth. I thank Peter Berresford Ellis for giving me the license to pull this off. Needless to say, I'm not interested in creating shallow female characters. Although there's no way I can do this for 50 female characters so as to speak. I am but a fallible man, for I am never the infallible God.

7. I don't have to tell you the reason why I have to implement point 6. So what if she's still single? I may be crazy, but I'm not about to risk the ire of every Anglo-Saxon male. And besides, I don't want to get into trouble with Buckingham Palace over a lady and the fact that the A-word has always been synonymous with my life.

8. I nearly forgot her. Thank goodness I didn't. Kagetsu no Hyo'Ah is officially renamed as Kagetsu no Ji'Yeon. And no, it has got nothing to do with the banner girl of South Korea's #MeeToo movement. The world is screwed up enough and I don't want to make it worse.

The changes will be implemented asap. Once I finish the job, I'll re-upload the latest chapter (i.e. Talking Gods) since I've already linked the previous chapters there. At the same time, I need to thank the people working in every Asian's favourite source of carbohydrates for reminding me that I'm no less broken than Emiya Shirou.

Total Recall: Dualshocked

Wonder whether this will mean Bill Haslam running for president come 2024...

I need to do an Arnie here (no Terminator Genisys jokes please). Okay, I have to admit doing the parrying and dodging thing is a nightmare. Initially, it didn't feel right to me. Now I know why: Because my ideas back then weren't the best. So let's go back to the drawing board.

And with that, Le Président d'République Française himself.

Because I need to be fair to both parties, it's better for me to do both controllers instead of just one. However, I have to admit the Nintendo controller interface is a different monster altogether in the same way Rafael Nadal is a different monster from Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka.

Character movement: Left analogue stick

Camera zoom: Right analogue stick

D-pad: Inventory browsing (press any directional button to open the inventory)

Triangle/Square/Cross/Circle or Y/X/A/B: Select inventory item for usage

Triangle/Y: Standard attack (hold down the button for heavy attack)

Square/X: Parry (hold down the button to adopt parrying stance; your character cannot move while in this stance)

Cross/A: Tactic (a move unique to the character used)

Circle/B: Dodge/Block (hold down the button to dash)

L2/LT: Thaumaturgy

R2/RT: Metallurgy

L2+R2/LT+RT: Overdrive

Changes to gameplay

Firstly and foremost, no more auto dodge chance. Secondly, no more auto parry chance (okay, that one is technically a lie which I'll have to address in the next post). Thirdly, no more auto hit chance. The stats remain the same, though.

Strength: Affects base damage (+1% per point above the score of 4), maximum hit points (+2% per point), and resistance against any physical control effect (+1% per point above the score of 4)

Dexterity: Affects movement speed (+1% per point), attacking speed (+1% per point), and critical hit chance (+2% per point above the score of 4)

Wit: Affects maximum capacity of the Focus gauge (+2% per point) and critical hit damage (+2% per point above the score of 4)

Resolve: Affects depletion speed of the Focus gauge (-1% per point), duration of magic effects (+1% per point), resistance against magic damage and any control effect (+1% per point), and critical effect chance (+1% per point above the score of 4)

Note: Magic effects consist of those of thaumaturgy and metallurgy. Also, stats apply to both PCs and NPCs.

Focus gauge will always start off at 100% at the start of any combat. Whenever a character hit an opponent or gets hit, the Focus gauge will be reduced by a certain amount. However, the Focus gauge will automatically refill if no hits are being dealt, be it by the opponent or the character. Note that Focus gauge is applicable to both PCs and NPCs.

Resistance against magic effect has two aspects. Namely, damage based resistance and duration based resistance. The former reduces the amount of damage taken while the latter reduces the duration of any debuff targeting the character. However, this type of resistance only applies to thaumaturgy effects.

Duration of magic effect also has two aspects. This time around, it is separated into thaumaturgy and metallurgy.

Critical chance and damage refer to the weapon(s) used. Unlike these two stats, critical effect refers to both the chance and effect/damage. At the same time, critical effect applies only to thaumaturgy and metallurgy instead of weapons. Should any weapon damage causes physical control effect without any magic applied, the duration will be decided by the critical chance instead.

Inventory space is capped at 20 slots. Each piece of loot/item ranges from 1 slot to 4 slots when it comes to size. So consider carefully what to carry and what to throw. At the same time, non-potion inventory items have an expiry date where said items cannot be used (or sold) once they reach their respective expiry dates. However, you can increase the total inventory slots by having allies in your group.

Next: Further elaboration on the updated gameplay system. Hopefully, I can do a revamped gameplay profile on Aeravor. And yeah, here one more Berserk below.

Lyrics

I have a bad feeling (about this post) here...

Recently, something big happened in America. Namely, the Great American Sale. Some accused the Democrats of trying to sell out American liberty. Others pointed out that the NRA is out to sell American lives and that the Republicans should be seen as culpable. We have Alabama and Pennsylvania sold to the Democrats (legally).

We have the first Asian dude to say "I wanna run for the White House!" since Bobby Jindal pulled off the same stunt. We have the first black #POTUS and, some would say, the first female #POTUS had not Russia pulled a few daring stunts which have now gotten its chief beneficiary in... well, maybe this meme can lighten up the dark mood surrounding this post so far.

And yeah, we now have someone from the CIA taking over Rex.T while another guy from CNBC took over from Gary Cohn. Regardless of whatever strategic intent, you can be very sure a socialist Asian won't be impressed.

I won't be surprised if the next series of elections spanning from 2018 to 2022 will define whether America can retain its check-and-balance political system instead of one party pulling off a full house (i.e. White House and both Houses of the Congress) on a (legally) prolonged basis. Either that or whether the people will eventually get sick and tired of the politicians from both sides. But before that, the law enforcement system needs a Total Recall and it's not just Florida.

Okay, I'm only upping this video 4 teh lolz.

An idea suddenly flashed in my head on what to do for this post. Okay, it's not really an idea. Now if only Mr Bill will run for president come 2024. I'm not talking about Bill Clinton or Bill Gates, but Bill Haslam.

Disclaimer!

This post is not meant to puff up the pride of any Asian people. It's just that I've yet to see Taylor Swift writing a song extolling the virtues of Abraham Lincoln. In other words, this post is just something not meant to be taken seriously beyond enjoying the tune (and lyrics if you understand Chinese/Cantonese). Any inspiration granted to the Republicans and/or Democrats is purely accidental and deeply regretable.

Above song seems to indicate my love life as a constant rejected goods individual.

Also, what if my future girlfriend is a Chouder?

~Because I can only discover Chinese songs~

http://www.snowblue.net/eleven/en/essay/novel.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goujian

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_Li#Publications

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yongle_Emperor

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cao_Cao

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuge_Liang

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longzhong_Plan

Doing this 4 teh lolz, no offense intended to any local S'porean girl surnamed Wong/Wee/Ng.

http://denhemmelighetsfullehagen.blogspot.sg/2008/09/yang-guo.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di_Renjie

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_Ci

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chu%E2%80%93Han_Contention

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Liang_(Western_Han)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiao_He

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Xin

'Tis getting late now, so I'll just do like... 1 more vid?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Fei

A Crucible's Lore: The role of women

When it comes to women, I've good news and bad news for my beloved fellow S'poreans. The bad news is this. The good news, on the other hand, is only for cynical bastards like yours truly.

Maybe I should try making a constructive effort in becoming a better human being. Not that it's gonna work anyway. Until then, I give you Ciri. Also, I need to promote gender equality. Hence, this video below.

Note: Above vid actually gave me quite a bit to think about in terms of tweaking the control interface of the video game/JRPG version of A Requiem From Winter Past.

Add note: The contents of this post excludes the non-human races for a reason. It's called being practical. After all, being an anti-typical S'porean doesn't mean I'm some mindless rebel against the Singaporean way.

)0(

Lore focus: The role of women

Origin:

Since the days of yore, the distinctive difference between man and woman has been an integral aspect of every civilisation and society. From the barbaric practice of treating women as property to respect being paid to equality, the role of women varies from one people to another. After the War of the Three Thrones, the role of women differs from one nation to another among the Causaceans. At the same time, different cultures do beget different standards and ways.

How women are treated in the Kalaran Empire:

Under the ethos of meritocracy known as the Kalaran Dream, women are faced with a contradictory situation. On one hand, they are encouraged to further themselves either academically or in their respective expertise. Upon marriage, however, their role would be that of a mother educating her children. For those who are better off financially, they can afford to hire maidservants known as maidwives to look after their children as these married women tend to assume important roles in their husbands' careers, be it an advisory or a supporting position. Those who are not so fortunate are resigned to a fate of the common smallborn woman: That of a mother looking after her family while the husband is off to work.

Within the nobility, women can never assume any position of power bar a political crisis allowing one to capitalise. Causaceans view the role of women to be either the submissive half or the supporting half. As such, having a female ruler is bound to invite mockery. Women within the nobility may be enviable to some, but the reality is quite the reverse. At least the baggage of being a smallborne means having the freedom to chase the Kalaran Dream. Those within the four walls of royalty and nobility are not so fortunate.

Then there are those who are looked down upon due to their professions. Not every woman is fortunate enough not to end up in a brothel. Even tavern wenches who would never sell their bodies tend to be sniggered upon. While prostitution is legal, the large bulk of brothels are found in areas known as nether regions. Nether regions tend to be unmanageable, for every manner of vice both imaginable and otherwise can be discovered there. Therefore, bribery is always the second best way to avoid any trouble with the law with not getting caught as the most optimal approach. Originally intended as a plan to house the poorest and homeless, certain events conspired to make sure things turned out this way.

In the Empire, prostitution and adultery, while deemed morally wrong, are considered not illegal. For adultery, however, the husband is expected to divorce his wife without any payment bar the clothes on her back. Failure to do so would result in social contempt for the husband and his parents more than the woman herself. In the event of any divorce resulting from any reason apart from infidelity, the husband is required to give his divorced wife a sum of money in accordance to the number of years together under the imperial law. Also, polygamy is illegal before the imperial law. 

How women are treated in the High Realm of Teutonia:

Women in Teutonia are always expected to be submissive. By that, it means submitting to her husband (if she is married) or to her father (if she is still single). The role of the father is to educate his children and sustain the family's livelihood. Therefore, an idle man is always a worthless man. Married women are in charge of the daily chores. Even for the rich ones and those of a lofty status, they are nothing more than matrons overseeing the servants. Yet, it must also be stated that if the man (or men for that matter) of the family requires help, the womenfolk are dutybound to help out together with the children.

Education wise, Teutonians allow their women to decide whether or not to pursue it. To men and women alike, education is a right, not a privilege. Therefore, women who can afford it would always enjoy the same right as their male counterparts while the poorer ones are encouraged to learn a craft or two, no matter how menial or artistic.

The Teutonians view rape as the greatest blasphemy (together with the act of intentional killing during any trial of arms) with indecent sexual conduct seen as a heinous offence. Even when it comes to the womenfolk of the enemy, they can only be enslaved for menial purposes. Once such blasphemies are committed, the culprits must be executed on the spot if caught in the act with an eye-witness carrying out the execution. Because every Teutonian man is dutybound to carry his weapon of choice once he reaches adulthood, such deeds tend to happen every now and then. However, the victim must present her own testimony in the court the next day. For the code of honour and duty binds both man and woman alike to be accountable for any human life intentionally lost. Should such cases be brought before the judge for whatever reason, the judge must deliver the final verdict if enough evidence is present. Otherwise, a trial of arms must be declared with the combat commencing on the third day after the declaration. In this case, intentional killing of the combatants is viewed as the highest level of sacrilege. As such, whoever is represented by the killer must be executed on the spot with no mercy given. No matter the outcome, every rapist is treated like one. Simply put, even a member of the royalty is never to be spared if found guilty.

Unlike the Kalaran Empire, Teutonia exercises a total ban on brothels as the Teutonians view any outward act of objectifying women as an act of abomination. Women accused and convicted of adultery (or just about any capital offence) are to be hanged in the same way men sentenced to death are to be decapitated. Like the Kalarans, the Teutonians practice monogamy.

How women are treated in the Free Land of Slarvea:
The Slarvs view meritocracy in the most direct manner. Leadership qualities such as wit and valour are the fundamentals of positive values. Unlike the Teutonians, the Slarvs never placed any emphasis on education (i.e. frivolous pursuit of frivolous things in their own words). Unlike the Kalarans, they have no regard for traditional morals and value (i.e. a frivolous worldview according to their own standard). So long the individual is brave enough, so long the individual is intelligent enough, so long the individual is capable of leading men and women alike in times of peace and conflict... such a person would be given the respect due. It doesn't matter (and neither should it be as well) to the Slarvs on whether the merit goes to a man or woman.

To the Slarvs, the only difference between a man and woman lies in the physical, mental, and emotional. How to make the most out of one's strengths while masking the weaknesses is what every Slarv would call the right of merit. Despite what others may think of them, the Slarvs are an intelligent people. Not so much in terms of cultivating civilisation, for they are a nomadic people. Rather, it is a strong sense of pragmatism in terms of using whatever at their disposal that makes them either a formidable ally or a fearsome foe.

Unlike the Kalarans and Teutonians, the Slarvs view sexual partners as a show of status. At the same time, marriage is an alien concept to them. Due to their absolute standard in terms of gender equality, this means men and women alike are entitled to this form of sexual freedom.

How women are treated in the Furthest East:
The Cinha view women as role models for the children while men are to be role models for male youths. As a result, Cinha women are always expected to behave in a manner becoming of themselves. This means being submissive towards their husbands (if married) and fathers (if single). No questions are asked in terms of decisions being made in the family, for the husband is the head of his family and the father the head of his household. In the event of death where the family head is concerned, the wife is to assume her husband's duty. For the worth of every household lies in the property owned and remarrying would mean a change of ownership. Something which goes against the values of the East. If there is no property owned, the widow is expected to remarry, those qualified being the male relatives.

While any form of premarital sex is considered adultery (a capital offence punishable by drowning), polygamy is an accepted practice so long formal marriage ceremonies are involved. Like the Slarvs, the number of concubines (i.e. wives taken apart from the first) is seen as a show of status. Unlike the Slarvs, this show of status is only applicable to men.

When it comes to justice for women, the Cinha judiciary system is considered strictly patriarchal, unfair even. While a convicted rapist would be sentenced to life in jail, failure to do convict the accused would result in dire consequences for the victim. Namely, the death sentence reserved for adultery automatically meted out without trial. At the same time, rape is considered a petty crime compared to a severe case of felony viewed by the Teutonians. Hence, a victim tends to remain silent with her father attempting to marry her off before the worst-case scenario happens. Namely, unwanted pregnancy. Needless to say, such pregnancy is considered the result of an act of adultery.

Ironically, for all the Cinha profess to be in terms of traditional family values, brothels are legal where prostitutes are considered no different from dogs and swine.

How women are treated in the Southland:
Every Sudhlit community is defined by a common caste system. The standard measured for the men is the same for the women. However, it must be stated that such a standard is drawn within the gender boundary rather than something universal. For example, a man of a higher status is always seen as more prestigious than a woman of the same caste rank.

Women are always seen as either one of the two: Wives and mothers or objects of sexual lust and abuse. Contrary to the popular belief, there is a difference between the two when it comes to treatment. Wives and mothers are to be respected even though the husband or father is always the head of his family. But for maidservants and female slaves, they do not have such a right. Instead, they are viewed as nothing more than commodities.

When it comes to cases of violence against female family members, however, the men would always have the last say. This is due to the Sudhlit belief that a woman's greatest virtue is submitting herself under the authority of her father or husband. In fact, positions of authority, no matter whether it is within or outside the family, are always given to the men.

How women are treated in Histalonia:
Histalonia is a place where the strong reign and the weak perish. Stopping short of actual anarchy, the Histalonian society is nothing more than a state of chaos brought under control. As a result, it is very easy for a woman to be preyed upon. When it comes to slavery, there is a special relationship between Histalonia and the Southland. The latter plays the role of the supplier while the former is to be the exporter. This is due to slavery being outlawed by the Kalarans and Teutonians while the Slarvs hold such a practice in contempt. Once the slaves (plus whatever goods involved as well) are sold to Histalonia, the resellers would always have their pick of female slaves before selling the rest at a profit. As the result, many are the women sold into slavery where this island nation of mercantile activities is concerned.

Yet, this is not to say exceptional women do not exist there. Like how male and female weaklings do exist, being a capable player does not have any gender requirements. In fact, the very few women who managed to carve out their own niche are commonly seen as more dangerous to deal with compared to their male counterparts. After all, the experience would always triumph over knowledge in a society where decisions must be made in a single moment.

How women are treated in Tamuria:
In the highland region of Tamuria, livelihood requires a hardy constitution and a resolve of steel. Instead of agriculture, the Tamurians sustain themselves via gathering and herding a species of mountain sheep known as argots. While the men task themselves with the hunting and foraging, the womenfolk busy themselves with looking after herds of argots. Every clan (i.e. a family according to the Tamurian standard) has at least one flock of argots depending on the clan size.

Because being a shepherdess involves fights against wild beasts and the occasional rapist, Tamurian women are traditionally garbed in leather and linen to facilitate mobility and just enough protection. At the same time, each of them is armed with a staff, dirk, and sling together with a pouch containing stones as ammunition.

Like the menfolk, every Tamurian woman is trained as a fighter since birth. The younger and unmarried ones tend to look after the livestock while older women (who are married or widowed) are tasked with training children in the ways of combat.

Honour is the most important virtue to any clan. For a woman, this is even more so. In the event of rape, the victim is entitled to the right to fight back. At the same time, she is also dutybound to kill the attacker. Regardless of the outcome, the victim would choose suicide via cutting the throat after the struggle. Not because of whatever rule enforced, but rather this is a fate every Tamurian woman chooses willingly. If the assailant managed to escape, the victim's course of action stays unchanged. However, she is to recount what happened to her family before committing suicide. In this case, the rapist would face a more gruesome fate upon being apprehended. No trial is to be conducted, for the offender would be sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. While other so-called more civilised people would recoil at such a sight, any Tamurian worth his or her own honour would argue this is a death sentence worthy of the worst of cowards.

When it comes to weapon usage, the Tamurian womenfolk favour lighter weapons like dirks, one-handed axes, and hunting bows while the men favour arms of heavier weight like the bardiche, longsword, and even the two-handed greatsword. This is to emphasise the Tamurian ethos of fire and wind. Fire refers to the male role of any Tamurian clan while wind refers to the female role. Like how fire is driven by the wind from behind, every daughter is to be the pride of her father while every wife is to be the pillar of her husband. Hence, the men will always fight at the forefront with the women acting as the foil. If the men are to be the shield, then the women are to be the spear. Such is how the roles of the respective gender work.

)0(

Some things of note:

1. While the part on the Causaceans sounds like the typical #AMTK logic, it must be stated that the influence to create a more "gentlemanly" white society has more to do with female fantasy characters like Polgara, the most famous Daenerys Targaryen, and the less famous Lyanna Stark. If this is proof of a local S'porean thinking like an angmoh, I'm not going to apologise for being myself.

2. It's very easy for my fellow S'poreans to call me a racist since I'm also a Singaporean Chinese. After, there's always an American in every one of us, no? However, it must be stated that local Singaporean Indians (be they Tamil, Punjabis, or any other South Asian descent) should never bear the sins of a rape culture because this is Singapore, not India. I need to clarify this because I know I can never be the kind of accidental hero Shrey Bhargava was/is.

3. The part on Cinha is essentially my take on the contradiction/hypocrisy surround the much-touted East Asian moral values. I'm not blind, I'm not an idiot. You can never convince me that the deer is a horse (i.e. there's a Chinese saying: 衣冠沐猴). Simply put, I'm not going to apologise for being a politically incorrect Scottish son of a gun blessed/cursed with a wolf's blood unless the S'porean educational system is willing to apologise for having a hand in creating this monster of a local S'porean. Simply put, #IMPOSSIBRU! no matter whether it's me or my country's educational system.

4. The combat role of Tamurian women mirrors that of the hoplite strike-behind-cover approach and classic Persian artillery barrage tactic.

5. At the point of writing this, the current Mediacorp drama starring Qi Yuwu and Jesseca Liu is airing an episode where Jesseca's character was... erm, drug raped by her ex-husband. Funnily enough, that episode unleashed my inner Monster of Ván (not to be confused with an "accidental mirror image" of yours truly), hence the inclusion of a rapist's death sentence Tamurian style.

6. Which now comes to the fact that the leader of the Valkyries is inspired by Jesseca Liu. The leader's name? Jeska Lews Brynhilda.

7. Wait... what if my future girlfriend is a fan of Jeska... erm, I mean Jesseca Liu?

8. The argot, as an animal species, is inspired by a Greek kambing.

Above is the complete boss fight.

Talking Gods

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7
Chapter 8

)0(

"Gods and demons, both one and the same. This is why I shall bind under the rune of Ván those under my charge. Hear my plea, Yggdrasil! Avalon, be my witness! Let my life be the parchment and my blood as ink. If they must live as monsters devouring gods and demons alike, so be it!"

~Gandr de Morte

)0(

Murals cover the walls of a humble chapel, their presence the only show of grandeur. The building is like an unsightly dwarf amongst majestic giants, for Utnapishtim is the great city of splendour where all that glitters is gold. There a lone parish resides, his humble ways beckoning the willing to have a chat, no matter how trivial the talk may be. If the Holy City is a constant reminder of what has gone right, then mayhap a humble chapel still serves as the sole reminder of what should have been right all the while.

Aeravor finds it amusing that all it took for him to get dressed with neither hassle nor harassment was a quiet corner, a place where he’d half expect to see the pious pray. After all, no nook and cranny are ever free from the ever-watching gods. That is if they actually exist. His training as a ranger has served him well, his dark complexion paying a mocker’s fee to the light. Emerging from the alley, he finds the ever-pervasive apathy amusing. Then again, there is no difference between the holy ones and not-so-holy ones, for there are always a number of ways to express the same thing.

Not in my backyard? Well, this place is merely another kind of backyard.

It never took the ranger long for his burnt hand to heal. Teutonians call the Vánagandr monsters of the gods for a reason, their ability to heal swiftly from any injury nothing less than inhumane.

"I should have tried extorting a hefty sum and his whore from that man of the gods," chuckles a derisive Aeravor, the image of a comely harlot still engraved in his mind.

Not knowing where he should be going, let alone whether he is heading the right way out, the former Vánagandr finds himself at a humble chapel’s porch. Amused by how whimsical fate can play its cards, Aeravor enters the building. Murals greet his azure eyes, a wolf of war recognising images of conflict. The only thing missing is the portrayal of women raped, their destiny either one of slavery or to the slaughter. Drawing a cynic's smile, Aeravor knows perfectly well the hypocrisy behind superficial tales of caution against any and all evils.

"Ah, a stranger arrives as a guest! How rare and wonderful."

"You forgot to mention unlucky as well," his unceremonious words uttered, a sellsword sits down in front of an old man bearing no arms and with nary an ill will. An aura well beyond his years radiates from the host wearing a parish’s garb, a position of the lowest rank in the Holy Quintet clergy. His head is balding, his form thin and frail. Sitting cross-legged with a slouch, no trembling is seen in his arms as he takes a sip from an earthen cup filled with water. Unlike the Legalis of Anglsax, his eyes do not harbour arrogance and falsehood. Unlike that man of the gods, he wears not a perverted leer but a sincere smile. Like that whoremonger of a holy man, he still commands wariness from a wolf who has seen much in a merciless world cast in the image of a fiery crucible. The only reason why he chooses not to walk away is the need to avoid unwanted confrontation, a ranger’s sixth sense telling him not all is normal in this tiny place. People do not care about what is committed in plain sight unless someone happens to die. Even then, it is not a given that they would bat an eyelid. This is not one of those moments. Years of being a survivor have taught him the importance of animalistic instincts.

"Nice drawings. You need to tell the artist to add some bitches, though," compliments Aeravor, the sardonic manner of praise not lost on the parish.

"War is never a beautiful thing," nods the elderly clergyman, his smile mirroring the wry grin maintained by Aeravor, "Unfortunately, people still think monsters do not exist in fairy tales."

Throwing back his head, Aeravor erupts into howls of laughter. He cares not the loudness of his mirth, neither does he care that this is the sound of a wolf howling. He has seen too many monsters in every shape, size, and status. Most chose to wear a mask while others chose to lie to themselves. And to think people scoff at the idea of demons existing, the source of their willful ignorance being an insistence that it's nothing more than morality preaching fear. As for this old man, he belongs to neither. Never in his life has the ranger ever imagine he is able to see eye to eye with a holy man, this meeting truly feels like a wolf befriending a shepherd. He has seen plenty of contradictions and many an irony, but this has to be the lord of them all. For now, the wolf chooses to lower his guard.

"I’m starting to like you, old man. What’s your name?"

"Liegen. But most people call me Lieg. At my request, of course."

"Fine, Lieg then."

"And you?"

"Aeravor," then just as sudden as his show of amusement, Aeravor let out a growl, "But don’t you dare call me Aera unless you want to die."

"I truly doubt you are acting, Aeravor. I’ve seen before men as unstable as you. Fine, Aeravor then."

"Now we’re starting to get along," grins the sellsword, his smile now wider as he claps his hands and gives a shrug, "I guess you’re too bored to stay quiet like a man with his tongue cut off."

"Most pain lasts for a time allotted, but some pain is meant as a lifetime of torment," nods Liegen in agreement, his languid demeanour amusing Aeravor till no end.

"So you’re going to tell the artist to add some bitches here and there?" asks Aeravor with his index finger pointing here and there at the murals.

"The church has existed for years beyond counting. The artist is already dead and I don’t like asking those alive to tamper with a dead man’s work. Pride is given to the living, but respect must be given to those departed."

"What about those both alive and dead?" smirks Aeravor as the wolf keeps goading the shepherd.

"A homunculus, you mean. I happen to know one here," with a sigh, Liegen utters a name which should not be mentioned, "Sarel Aphros."

Aeravor instantly tenses up, his back slightly hunched like a beast waiting to pounce. The parish may have played the wrong cards, but he calmly stares back at a murderous glare.

"What else do you know?" snarls Aeravor, "Tell me or else…"

"The one performing the resurrection is no longer alive. He is already dead, I made sure of that."

Answers begetting only more questions, Aeravor understands at last what manner of a person he is dealing with. With a combination of amusement and wariness, the parish reminds him of someone else. The Serpent of Histalonia, Edeaux de Serpentwine. One is a poor man of religion, the other the monarch of crime lords. One is behaving like a pious man, the other a man attracted to other men. One is a human, the other an elf. But both are schemers regardless of the differences. If Liegen is willing to show his cards that early, it means he is no parish. At least not in a conventional way.

"Relax, my friend," even with no malice detected, Liegen’s smiling visage nevertheless reminds Aeravor how laughable children’s tales can be.

"Relax? This before a man of the gods who thinks like a man of war?"

"Gods? War? Let me ask you then, Aeravor, this question: Can the gods truly know peace?"

"Good question, Lieg. You worship five, I worship none. You should know the answer, not me."

"You worship yourself just like the rest," as Liegen finishes his statement, his eyes turn sombre as his features warp into a frown much to Aeravor’s bemusement. Never before has he been so entertained and intrigued at the same time.

"Let’s set aside the question of whose gods are more real. Or more correct for that matter."

Old man Lieg is now pulling the strings with those words, Aeravor reasons to himself silently. What started off as a harmless conversation took a turn for the worse, said worse then took another turn. So now it becomes a game. His appetite now whetted, the wolf prepares himself for the shepherd’s dare. Silence prevails, both players waiting for the other to make his first move.

"Very well," sighs Liegen, a quaint smile adorning a face scarred by wrinkles, "What says you if I assume the gods do not know what peace is?"

Unsurprised by Liegen's words, Aeravor is nevertheless impressed. The first strike always symbolises an advantage. Either that or a bad move amounting to five steps backwards. He is a ranger, he knows how vital it is to assassinate a target instead of just claiming a kill. Yet, here he is ceding the right to pull off a gambit. And now he has to deal with unfavourable odds, for a parish had used a ranger’s hand against an actual one. A good one, this the wolf has no choice but to concede.

"I agree. But don’t you think such assumption is a blasphemy? After all, you’ve implied that your gods only care about violence and whores in the name of victory. Hence, the murals depicting violence. Minus the whores, of course."

Aeravor is clearly relishing the game now, his reply prompting a frown from the opposition. This is surely much better than hearing some stupid debate between the seemingly intelligent, people who have nothing better to do with their senseless knowledge.

"There is more than one way not to know peace. One can be the most righteous saint, only not to know what peace looks like beyond a successful parley."

"I take back my words, O’ most revered Lieg. You don't have to ask why because I feel like doing it," shrugs Aeravor, an impish smile throwing the parish off his guard, "You and I know the sword pays better wages than religion. At least most men would love to have a whore after a day’s work. Never mind whether it’s actually one whore for an entire army."

"As one who is unaccustomed to such barbaric ways, I can never understand why the sword is preferable to prayer. A sword in hand means a risk at hand."

"You mean getting killed while having fun with a bitch out in the open? I actually killed someone this way," chortles Aeravor, the recollection of Fragarach biting into a rapist from behind tickling him, "Then again, I can easily kill a praying man in the same way. I once heard an idiot saying we might die. Seriously, I shit you not."

"Your reaction?"

"My reaction? I laughed. Even after an arrow took him down. Please, we might die? Bullshit! Truth is, we all will die."

"And therefore?"

"And therefore, I have to tell you I’m not the one who fired the arrow. An enemy loosed that thing and that poor boy happened to be at my side. Wrong place, wrong time, not sure if it's the wrong target."

Liegen can only afford to laugh out loud despite the dark humour displayed while Aeravor replies mirth for mirth.

"Life as a god is all about drinks, whores, and money. As for you, I have to concede that you’re a different god from me if you want to see it this way."

"Indeed," answers Liegen with eyes of a compassionate man, "We have gods of prosperity, war, righteousness… I won’t say many things, but rather every single thing."

"You forgot to mention goddesses of love, fertility, and whores," grins the wolf who knows best the inner man, "There is a saying…"

"We are merely the ore, the world itself is a crucible."

"That’s not what I’m going to say," scratching his chin absently, Aeravor nonetheless shows a mercenary's mocking visage, "But you surely gave me a better saying here."

"I’m no Tamurian, but I’m also not like those haughty oafs calling themselves scholars just because the Imperial College recognises them as talents."

"So you know the next sentence?"

For the first time throughout the conversation, Liegen displays a hearty smile.

"Wait here for me. I suddenly remember there’s a stash of fine food and wine in the pantry."

Aeravor maintains his smile. If an ambush is imminent, he will just kill them all, that old man included. If he is to die, then so be it. If that old man can be trusted, it means he who is still a Vánagandr will just get to die another day. An attractive prospect compared to dying today. After all, it is not as if people might die.

"The rest is dross, the fire consuming the unworthy," murmurs the ranger, words from his mother’s people a constant reminder of what is the truth all the while.

"Here we have it, my friend," beams Liegen, a young boy helping him by holding a platter made from pewter. On it are two mutton legs well-cured, mashed potatoes and gravy accompanied by freshly baked bread. In Liegen’s hands are two goblets, both made from the same material. Then there is a young girl holding a pitcher, its content most likely some decent manner of wine.

Wonder how old they are. Twelve or thirteen like that little girl from the East I saved years ago?

"You both may go now."

At Liegen’s words, the girl gives a brief bow as the boy runs off giggling. Giving no heed to a rare show of childish innocence, Aeravor grabs his share of the meat and enjoys the meal like a wolf devouring an elk. Taking a goblet proffered by Liegen, he takes a draught. Wiping his lips with a gloved hand, the sellsword flashes a smile akin to a satisfied patron.

"Humphrey and Harriet."

"I never knew sheep and goats have names."

Liegen can only let out a resigned chuckle, the wit displayed by his guest impressing him.

"I’m referring to the two children under my care."

"Irak and smoked meat seasoned with beirat. Never knew you have a way with Tamurians, Lieg."

"Currently feeling nostalgic, Aeravor?"

"Please, I don’t even know what my mother looked like."

"And your father?"

Before an innocuous reply, a simmering fire seizes Aeravor. Why did this old man choose to be so annoying at the wrong time? There were times where he felt like killing people on a whim, now such a moment arrives again. Liegen is playing with fire and fire will always consume those playing with it.

"You want to see fire?" snarls Aeravor, his face akin to a beast out to defend its territory, "I’ll make sure you catch fire instead."

Holding out his hand, Liegen shakes his head.

"I offer you my sincere apology as a parish, for no one is ever too lowly to be insulted."

"If you’re sincere, then shut up. Let me finish a good meal in peace like a god and I will make sure you won’t rest in pieces like a dead man."

With a retort intended as a parting shot, Aeravor slows down his eating speed. His sight is still on the food and drink, his focus staying alert to the surroundings. Liegen may have allowed Aeravor to lower his guard for a considerable period, but all it took to turn the situation awry was a comment with nary a malice. If words and actions do define a person, it means there is no telling what this mercenary will do next. Like how there is no reason for sellswords to display friendliness before people of faith unless money is involved, there is no logic behind a cordial conversation ending with a threat this way. After all, some questions are never offensive to a normal person. Whether Aeravor can be called normal, however, is another question altogether.

"I have an offer for you."

"For me or my sword?"

"Your sword."

The ranger ceases his eating, orbs of azure blue eyeing warily at a pair of gentle grey eyes. There is no predicting what the old man’s next move will be, but at least he recognises an offer should one come his way. Nevertheless, the notion of a holy man requesting an ungodly sellsword’s aid remains a jape worth an hour’s laugh.

"Let me ask you a question, holy old man."

"Go ahead."

"Give me a good reason why you need my sword. I know the Imperatum. And I know they ain’t in the business of sitting their arses on comfortable chairs."

"Manpower restraints. It’s like fighting a war. Choosing which battles to fight is half the way to victory. Or defeat for that matter."

"Don’t bullshit me. I know my former brethren exist for a reason. In this world, the Vanir exist for the same damn reason. Not to mention the demon hunters as well. So don’t you dare bullshit me with whatever restraint your merry shiny city got."

"You think I’m making fun of you?"

"I think you’re giving me a dead horse to ride."

"Fine then. I'll tell you the truth. Promise me that you will keep this between me and yourself."

"Keeping secrets is part of the business so long the pay is good," with a wicked grin, Aeravor leans forward like a beast waiting to pounce, "Tell me the details and I’ll assure you no better pay is gonna have my sword."

"A mercenary’s word lies in his sword. I know the rules despite being a sheltered man of faith. Since you’re willing to pledge your word to my offer, I’ll tell you what you want to know."

"Do continue before I get bored," with those words, Aeravor refills his goblet of irak even before it is drained, "I don’t play a noble’s game of formalities. Too tedious and stupid."

"Every now and then, there are errant members of the Holy Quintet Church. Long story short, I need you to deal with one of them. A cult named The House of Flying Goat…"

Before Liegen can finish his words, Aeravor erupts into laughter. There is something about his show of amusement this time around, however. This is a laughter akin to that of a child. Before him is a fully grown adult, someone who can never travel back in time to retrieve things lost in his childhood years. Even though it is only for a momentary flash, the elderly clergyman sees a certain innocence in a brutal man. Perhaps the world is not as bad as one has said. Then again, the world is always full of false dawns and new deceptions.

"This is… this is too funny," guffaws Aeravor, "I’m no playwright, but House of the Flying Goat? What do people do there? Shafting goats and sheep?"

"Human sacrifices."

At Liegen’s answer, Aeravor ceases his laughter. He is no saint, for he has ended lives beyond count. Yet, the notion of dealing with such a cult doesn't fail to intrigue him. Even though it is only due to whims and for never any reason.

"Do go on, old man."

"You only have one job. Get in and get rid of Antis Epines. The first man wearing a goat’s head should be the correct prey for one like you. Give me his horn as proof of your deed done. Anything else?"

"Nothing. I don’t give a shit about what happened between this goat and the rest of the world. You gave me an offer, I make sure you get your money’s worth."

"To get your money, you need my help."

Aeravor recognises too well the speaker, he who is part of the Homm’Nua. Leaning nearby against the wall is an elf dressed in sleeveless doublet, a shirt, and pants fastened by a sash, his look complete with a pair of leather shoes. The sight of silvery blond hair slicked back and tied with strands hanging out at the front is a familiar sight for Aeravor, the intruder caressing his elongated ears while wearing a dishonest smile. While he wouldn't want to get involved with matters concerning Edeaux de Serpentwine, the ranger is forced to admit the Serpent of Histalonia is the only intelligence broker capable of rivalling the Men of Redmarch. At the same time, Deios Symon always charges too steep a fee. Simply put, Edeaux is definitely a more dangerous option since his goals are not always about money. At times, yes. All the time, no.

"When was the last time you offered your service, snake?"

"Recently. This I can assure you, my wolf."

"I’m not sorry to say that I don’t swing the other end. Just tell me why you’re here."

"To give you information."

"Definitely not for free."

Ignoring the Vánagandr, Edeaux takes a deep bow before Liegen.

"Truly humbled I am to know the City of Lights actually seeks my assistance."

"That’s because certain circumstances do call for unconventional measures," sighs Liegen, "Utnapishtim can’t afford to deploy its own warriors of faith to deal with things soldiers of fortune are more accustomed to."

"And you told me about your manpower shortage?" snaps Aeravor, his azure eyes flashing with anger towards Liegen.

"Always possible it is to have two reasons behind any event," interjects Edeaux with a cunning smirk, "You need to stop reacting like a beast. Such a trait can and will get you killed one fine day."

"Fine. You win. The two of you win," concedes Aeravor as he delivers a vulgar gesture at a man of knavery and his counterpart of opposite nature.

)0(

"Attempting to assassinate a fellow clergyperson is never a good idea, Your Excellency. Sending me soup laced with arsenic? And letting a servant girl take the fall after you’re done with her? How deplorable."

Before his hated foe’s goading, Paelos stays his silence. As for Sharry, how dare she failed him? And to think she is now standing here, her eyes without fear. What did that harlot say to her? What did she do to her?

"Slanderous accusations and scurrilous attacks. State your business, grand harlot. I still have things to attend to."

Amused by a show of defiance, the Grand Damsel wonders whether the Legalis of Anglsax knows what he is in for. As part of the ruling elite, Paelos would always maintain an air of moral dignity. As a woman understanding men, Sarel Aphros has no reason to call Aeravor a liar.

"I heard rumours that you’ve been seen carousing with women like me. Slanderous and scurrilous without a doubt."

"This is nonsense. A load of…"

"Bullshit. A load of bullshit. Is that what you’re wanting to say?"

With a quaint smile and a finger tapping her chin, Sarel is clearly enjoying the game. She knows what that man is up to, for Sharry has divulged everything. This was a plot to get rid of someone too dangerous to handle. And there was a tale of horror involving horrible abuse. Lastly, there remains a promise pending fulfilment. After all, a seductress is also a woman, no matter what others may say.

"Blasphemy! To think you are so brazen…"

With a strong firm grip, the white-haired beauty forces a slightly overweight man back to his seat. Paelos is taken aback. How can a mere woman display such inhumane strength? Fear seizes a stranglehold over he who is more used to judging than to be judged, his adversary digging her slender fingers into his shoulders.

"Brazen? Me? Just because I uttered a vulgar word twice? Why thank you for your compliments," cackles Sarel, the sound sending chills into Paelos and Sharry alike, "Unlike Your Excellency, I am but a whore spared from the Seven Hells. You, on the other hand, are a man of the gods awaiting damnation."

With those words, Sarel let out a leer. Standing at the corner is Sharry a servant girl whose freedom was purchased in exchange for being a toy reserved for abominable cravings. Continually abused, she had been haunted by nightmares of rape and sodomy. Not anymore now. Sarel has promised her justice. And justice shall be served. As for Paelos, he starts writhing in agony. Yet, the more he struggles the more he is unable to escape. The chair is intended for comfort, a furniture fashioned from Teutonian oak with a cushioned seat made of Cinha silk and Slarvean wool. It is to be both the cell and executioner’s platform, a pyre for the doomed.

"There is a reason why I should be here despite my sins," whispers Sarel as she leans towards the quarry’s ear, her leer never changing, "It is by the decree of the Grand Chaplain himself. It has always been the will of His Holy Eminence, not mine. Let alone yours."

Her statement finished, Sarel forces her fingers into Paelos’ shoulder. The warmth of blood sends a tingling rush from her fingertips to her innermost being. The ecstasy is both physical and emotional, the power of Muspelheim immolating the Legalis of Anglsax. To any observer, Sarel may seem merciful. But she who wields the Circle of Fire knows better. For the flames were never converged from without, but rather erupting from within. Not even a scream escaped from the death convict’s lips, such the ruthless sentence proclaimed truly is.

"A goddess…" whispers Sharry, her face wearing fear and awe, "What…"

"I am merely your saviour, Sharry. Not a goddess."

"But that fire…"

"Merely both a gift and a curse."

"A gift… and a curse?"

Not knowing what her new mistress means, Sharry can only behold a corpse blackened and charred. Her tormentor’s face is now reduced to a skull, its jaws wide open and empty sockets replacing the eyes. If he had worn any look of terror, surely it was already fed to the fire. Both a saviour and a goddess, this is the only conclusion she can come up with.

"Remember, Sharry. For mortals to survive, they must become gods. For them to be gods, there must be mortals beneath them begging for grace and mercy."

The advice of Sarel Aphros shocks Sharry back to her senses. She knows how true the words are, though. For the Legalis of Anglsax used to be a god. Until he met a goddess.

)0(

Glossary:

Irak: A distilled alcoholic beverage made from berries and raisins. Commonly consumed by both the Tamurian men and women as a show of collective unity and individual strength.

Beirat: A chilli pepper paste consisting of red and green peppers, herbs, and garlic. One of the two types of condiments used by the Tamurians, the other being a kind of mustard named mousadi.


Additional notes:
1. Homunculus is a legal term. We all know the real Full Metal Alchemist and the brown guy versus the white guy.

However, I can't spoil it for you.

2. Irak is inspired by the Middle Eastern liquor Arak. More specifically, the idea came from the Persian version.

3. Beirat isn't inspired by Beirut because that one is the capital of Lebanon. Rather, it is inspired by a combination of baharat and harissa.

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