The Princess's Plot

Campaign: The Princess's Party

Chapter 9 / 5-3

The Princess's Plot

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The Weapon Awakens

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Gran Criminale

Summary

Deep within the mine, the party locates a magical weapon from an ancient civilization. With the prince having found her secret, Chelle presents him with a choice: obey or die. Unwilling to watcher her people suffer, the prince takes a third option and attacks the weapon.

Dialogue

Wait... Look! ...... One'a these guys again, huh? Looks kinda different than the last one, though... Stop, Luca! Don't just bumble toward it! Huh? INTRUDERS DETECTED. COMBAT MODE ACTIVATED. Aw hell, here we go! Er, my bad! Could this really be one of the ancient magical weapons of legend...? You know of this weapon, Leif? In the great war of antiquity, armies fought with mindless soldiers and soulless fiends. The tales claimed they were all destroyed or otherwise lost, and yet... I thought this was just a materium mine. What is this thing even DOING here? These are ruins from ancient times— hence why they yield materium. It seems our princess found more than mere precious stones here. Yes, if I had to guess, I'd say she likely excavated this weapon as well. And then kept it all for herself, eh? Suppose I can't blame her, what with times bein' what they are. I don't like the vibes this thing gives off. I don't like them one BIT. That's because it is a device from the ancient Dyrenell Empire. Such things are not pleasant for dragons. How could Chelle stoop to using something so vile? ...So you found it, did you? Explain yourself, Chelle! What is this thing doing here?! Well, I suppose there's no point in dissembling now. This is the Gran Criminale—a weapon of almost unspeakable power, and one I will use to seize control of the continent. I will use it to rip apart any who aid and abet the Empire! I will raze the very dirt on which they stand to cinder and ash! Surely there is no need for such cruelty! Most of the Empire's people obey their leaders out of fear for their own lives! Would you see them punished as well?! Their reasons matter not! Those of low birth should think only of devoting themselves to MY just rule. The continued existence of any who refuse to bend the knee holds no value. How can you...? You talked a big game, but THIS thing was in your back pocket the whole time! Guess we know who you really are now. A lady must wear many faces in this world. You fed us honeyed words while this thing lurked beneath our feet? How vile you are! As a general rule, people who venture this deep into my mine don't live to spread the tale around. And yet, given that you ARE my brother, I suppose I could let it slide just this once. ...If you fall in line, that is. Meaning you want me to obey you and fight the Empire on YOUR terms. Exactly! If you help me take the throne, I will permit your continued existence. Chelle, you... Enough talk—the time for decisions is upon us. Shall we be bosom companions once more, as in our childhood? I'm sorry, Chelle, but I can't do that. I can't follow you so long as you intend to do such harm to innocent people all across this land. He's right! Hell, if you go around attackin' everybody who won't swear to serve you, you're no different than the Empire! Be careful to name me villain so quickly, sylvan—for only a fool would seek to govern on the strength of their hopes and good ideals alone. But what wisdom is there in believing a rule without hopes or ideals could truly bring happiness to people? I dream of a kingdom where everyone can pursue happiness and peace—and if I have to put your dream down to see that happen, that's what I will do! A shame your skull is far thicker than it appears, my dear brother. Very well. If you will not fall in line... Then you will be the first to become ash! Finish them, Gran Criminale! ELIMINATING INVADERS. Take command of the fiends in these ruins and grind these intruders into dust! Farewell, Brother. And you as well, Leif. Parting is such sorrow, but I fear this is the destiny of any who vie for dominance. Get back here and face us, ya coward! ...Well, hell. If them fiends all decide to rush us, we're gonna be in a world'a hurt. What are your orders, Captain? The odds seem long indeed. ...Highness? We can't allow my sister's plan to come to fruition, no matter what. We're going to take out this thing and show her the power of our solidarity!