The General's Stratagem

Campaign: Trek to the Aquapolis

Chapter 7 / 5-4

The General's Stratagem

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A Farewell Blow

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Defeat the Ancient Weapon

Summary

The prince is confronted by his brother Phares, the second in line to the former Alberian throne. He has been conducting research in the Davian Wetlands, and informs Euden that an ancient weapon has awakened nearby.

Dialogue

It's been some time, Euden. I'm pleased to see you well. Phares...? What are you doing here?!

"Secondborn Heir to Former Alberia: Phares"

Who's the pretty boy, darling? Phares. My brother, and the second prince of Alberia. He's a gentle man, and a lover of science. He isn't the sort to get swept up in the empire's schemes, so it's my hope he hasn't come here as our enemy. A flattering description—but I AM officially a general of Dyrenell's armies, lest we all get too cozy with each other. Also, I've just made the most fascinating discovery! I lured fiends into these wetlands to see how the ruins respond. I had my hypothesis, of course, but there are limits to what one can do cooped up in a library, and I DO love an experiment. So yer the one behind these fiends? Ya got some nerve endangering a guy's hometown with this nonsense! THIS brother, I won't mind taking out! Don't stop me, Euden! Goodness, have I offended? Well then, you're welcome to take your best shot. One shot's all it's gonna take! HRAAAAAAH! What the...? My axe bounced off his skin! Heh heh, yes. So sorry about that. You see, I'm afflicted with a rather troublesome sort of curse. My skin is tough as dragon's hide. You have wyrmscale! Ah! You're familiar with the affliction. Never underestimate a dragon's wisdom, my fine friends. Why stoop to this, Phares? Stoop to what? This is a valuable scientific inquiry, nothing more. Dangerous ruins slumber all throughout this region. But the largest of them proved a heavy sleeper indeed, and wouldn't stir no matter how many fiends I threw at it. And yet... What's that sound?! Ah, wonderful! Your arrival here seems to have done the trick. The ancient weaponry defending this place stirs once more. The question we face now is: How do we respond? If we linger here, we will most certainly all perish. What horror have you awoken, Phares? ...Never mind. It doesn't matter. I'll stop it. I can't let this thing out into the world! Heh heh. Dauntless in the face of unknown danger, eh? That's the little brother I know and love. I look forward to catching up with you soon—assuming you survive, of course. Until then, I wish you the very best of luck.