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Part XIX - Goondalf the G(len-wanderer)
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Nice happy little trees all over, even on the map.
But our stroll through nature is soon ruined by, you guessed it, Sha'ahoul.
Chapter Three has tons of groups of grunts, which is part of why it's labeled "the Fighter Expansion." The best way to survive large numbers of relatively weak enemies is to armor up. The best way to kill them though, is still magic.
Though aiming becomes a bit problematic when our running around to avoid getting swarmed causes the fight to take place behind trees, with no way to rotate the map.
As usual, each one is worth one Training Point. As one might imagine, that means there are tons of TP available in this Chapter.
There are lots of things to increase, but the first order of business is to build up Stealth for the next Chapter. We don't need a lot, just around a base of 30.
Continuing down the path.
The Forest's layout is similar to the village, except it is 3x3 instead of 2x2. Which means there are 9 of these maps to explore!
Also, there are nice rivers and lakes dotting the landscape.
But also pairs of Sha'ahoul archers and Casters, which can really fuck us up if we're not paying attention.
Fortunately, I am always paying attention. 
Our destination is upwards from Forest 2, in Forest 5.
Hey, a human!
What is this place?
Byron: This! [He spreads his arms dramatically as he answers.] This is th' last 'ope of th' 'ole of mankind should th' mighty walls of Avalon fall! Since I'm unsure what yer supposed to know an all, why don't y' seek out th' Captain fer yer questions, eh?
Of course. Farewell.
They have a waterwheel that is actually animated! 
And also a palisade full of nasty sharp sticks.
Don't forget the creamy elf filling!
Certainly. However, I am afraid I have a rather pressing errand I must attend to first.
Oh yes, you probably need to report to your commanding officer, don't you? I find your artificial systems of organization quite fascinating; they are so unlike the natural ways we elves follow.
Uh huh. 
Anyway, I must attend to the business of my "artificial systems", so farewell for now.
Do you really though, Goondalf?
Surprised they're not crying about all the wood and stone used to make this building.
God damnit, there are even rude traitor elves.
I can't imagine what I've done to offend you, elf. Since you do not care to speak with me, I will leave you to your peace.
Finally, another human.
What in the...??
What if it had come off? What if I had noticed it and had taken it off?
What if the sky fell tomorrow? There's no reason to be worrying about that. Since you haven't brought a large group here, and you're obviously not Sha'ahoul, you simply would have been stopped and questioned when it was obvious that you were coming here. It should be enough for me to say that you have been watched.
[Return]
How could they affix this strip of cloth to me without me knowing?
Likely you got it stuck on yourself, or it was applied while you slept. The elves are at home in the forest, and know how to stay unseen and unheard.
[Return]
Do you mean the elves? I've had the pleasure. How is it they work for you?
Thank you for indulging my curiosity. I suppose you wish to know why I'm here?
Indeed. Specifically, what business have you here, and under whose orders?
I have an important missive for King Vortigerm from General Roth.
And what do you wish for me to do with this message? Or, should I ask, what does Sir Roth wish I do with it?
Well, the last time he tried to send it, the courier proved traitorous; he would have simply held on to the letter until Avalon's walls fell. General Roth needs someone he knows he can trust. He trusts you and your judgment with this information.
What is so important about this letter?
It contains a warning for King Vortigerm's forces. If they do not receive this news, they will walk into a slaughter the likes of which Eurale has not seen since the Elythrian and Cathean slaughter of the summer of 240.
You bet! You know, I even defeated a lich once...
Oh, ho! Someone THAT confident of his abilities should be able to slice through the Sha'ahoul lines like a witty retort! [Editor's note: What??] What I was trying to say is that it should be a small matter, for one who possesses such battle prowess to defeat a lich, to clear the way for my protege Byron. His skill at evading detection is second to none. I'll see you when you're done, then, tiger!
I suppose I haven't a choice in the matter. Very well, I accept.
Ah, then it's settled. I'll take the letter now, of course; it wouldn't do to have it intercepted. Come to me when the ground is awash in Ahoul blood! If you're feeling adventurous, you can put some lizard-men down, too. In the meantime, I'll let Byron know to make preparations for departure.
Very well. I shall return when the threat has been removed.
Holden won't give us the status report we need until we finish the main quest, so let's talk to more elves!
Actually, yes. I have heard stories of your people, but I imagine those were mostly fairy tales.
Then I will undertake a personal mission to educate you. For instance, did you know that elves were the first race created?
Oh, really? And just how do you know that?
Why, every elf knows it's true! It has been passed down through the generations, since the very first of our people. Only a human wouldn't know that--no offense to you, though.
What other "wisdom" do you have to impart to me, good Maki?
Tell me more of these lizard men.
I have not encountered them directly, but I have seen definite signs of them along the river to the west. They are often dangerous creatures, and they generally band together in considerable numbers. Be wary if you seek them out -- it is quite well known that they consider the flesh of other intelligent races to be quite delicious.
[Return]
What do you know of the abandoned tower on the lake?
I have been ordered by Taavi not to explore there, but I have observed it when I am able. There is no sign of life in the tower, but I can sense that there is something inside it. Though I would love to explore it, Taavi's wrath and Mikki's safety prevent my going.
That sounds rather intriguing; perhaps I'll poke around the island a bit if I have the time.
Very well, Severi. I will leave you as I find you -- in peace.
Are you a warrior yourself?
I am Oskari, Champion of the Glen Guards, and I am considered a master in the arts of war by my people. Since birth have I trained, and among our people there exists no weapon greater than rare elves such as myself.
That is most impressive, Oskari. What is it that makes you such a great warrior?
There are many aspects which make a warrior. Within you, I can sense the potential for greatness. You have much courage, and you have helped your people considerably of late. Truly, your spirit is strong. However, I cannot consent to training you until you have demonstrated your prowess.
The course my life has currently been taking will no doubt soon provide an excellent chance to prove my skills to you.
Well, this is a bit weird. He's talking to us like we're the Fighter class. Maybe something in the patches I installed made it so everyone has access to the middle Chapters' unique training? If so that's kind of lame, it's part of what makes each specialization... special. So I won't be taking the training Oskari offers. But to give an idea, here's what the packages are:
-Weapon Mastery (+3 Coordination, +10 Combat): 30 TP
-Pain Control (+30 HP, +3 Healing Rate): 20 TP
-Fortitude (-10 Restriction): 20 TP
Each of them has a quest we have to do to actually receive the benefit, and in fact we're actually given a penalty for the duration of each one that's thematically relevant to the bonuses we're trying to get. It's tough, but fun.
So that's the outpost. Not much else of interest in Forest 5.
Just a wolf stuck in the trees, unable to kill or be killed.
Going back down to Forest 2, then right to Forest 3, puts us back in the fray immediately.
An ambush!
Probably the greatest challenge of Chapter Three is figuring out where things are. Kiting doesn't always work, especially if we're trying to tank. That would leave Wyatt and Phelic's Apprentice vulnerable.
We manage though, because we're bosses.
Forest 3 also has one of the camps we need to clear out. This is a hell of a fight since it has a Caster too.
Pictured: very high level tanking.
Most of the loot is crap, though there is one item of note.
I love the smell of Fireball in the morning. Smells like victory.
Let's move on. There are two more camps to clear!
Hmm, this bridge looks fine.
And it just leads to a burnt-roof building with nothing inside. Kay. Did Trogdor come through here?
In fact, Forest 3 has a number of ruined buildings.
Plus a non-ruined building we can't get inside (spoiler: it's part of the Fighter training quests).
That's about it for 3, let's blow this joint.
Now we're to the right of the Outpost, and in the middle of more ruins.
Let's round out this update by investigating this creepy graveyard.
Full of hidden Voreworms.
It's almost weird being in a crypt that doesn't have that creepy green glow on everything.
Oh, hey, a walking suit of disembodied armor. Cool. Too bad it immediately starts attacking us, or we could have been friends.
The main prize is this, because actually strong headgear is pretty rare.
This item is related to a Squire-unique thing.
But this is not.
That Coordination penalty is a bet eh, but the rest of it is decent. It's an accessory though, and there's a lot of good competition for accessory slots. Mostly taking it because it looks neat. Why else take things from a tomb?
AVALON FASHION RUNWAY
Today we're going to start with the basics. What do our heroes look like wearing... nothing at all?
Goondalf the G sports some rather long trousers in his naked form. Very disappointing. Especially since his companion Wyatt has no such compunctions.
This risque outfit will make you swoon like you haven't eaten in days. And here in Avalon, you probably haven't!
(Each NPC has certain items that absolutely cannot be removed or replaced. For the knights and such, we can't even remove their armor in most cases, so they're not as interesting to show off. With Wyatt, we can remove everything except his Ring of Protection... and his Leather Greaves.)