Toughening Up

«Soul without Life

071341.png60Coming into Its OwnFeaturequest1 Icon.png Coming into Its Own»

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066464 hr1.png Machinations

So, Forename, the task of unlocking the anima's potential begins in earnest. I only wish I could offer some words of wisdom on the subject.

Alas, my original studies only went so far as the anima's creation. Now that we've given it a body in your weapon, I'm afraid we are entering unfamiliar territory.


As of now, the anima is not unlike a newborn babe. A lack of proper sensory stimulation could well cause it to stagnate or even disappear despite the measures we have taken. As such, it is imperative that we help it to mature and grow accustomed to its new form.
Aye, an' there ain't no better place to test a weapon than on the front line.
An' seein' as yer rarely off the front line, it shouldn't take ye long to whip that thing into shape.
Mayhap this is why my own trials always ended in failure... Without a proper body, the anima had no purpose─it could not be put to a task which would grant it the requisite stimulation.
If you are all Mistress Rowena claims you to be, I have no doubt you will find a suitable challenge for our young charge.
If yer not sure where to go, just think back on some o' yer more bowel-loosenin' adventures. A stroll through a few o' them dark dank holes you lot like─say, ten or so─an' I bet me next round at the Druthers yer weapon'll've got into the swing o' things.
Ahem. If it is not too much trouble, I should very much like to accompany you on your travels. As I said before, this is uncharted territory in the growth of anima, and I would be a disgrace to my profession if I let any developments pass unrecorded.
My thanks, Forename. For my part, I promise to stay out of harm's way, observing your progress from as safe a vantage point as possible.
That thing's like to need a few tweaks when ye come back, but you leave that to me. I'll work out any faults ye find in her, and pound her into a weapon worthy o' the House o' Splendors.

Ah, Forename! I take it you are ready to resume our research. Excellent!
Like before, ye'll need to fight yer way 'round ten o' them hellholes ye like to get yer weapon into the swing o' things.
And I shall accompany you to gather data on the anima's progress.
An' when ye come back, I'll hammer out any faults ye find in the weapon. You mark my words, Rowena will be beggin' to sell this one when I've finished with her!

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Quest Accepted
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066464 hr1.png Nature's Bounty
I am glad to see you are still whole. But tell me, have you noticed any changes in the anima?
I see. It grows far more slowly than I had anticipated... No matter. Let us continue.
Quest Complete
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066464 hr1.png Tranquility
Well fought, Forename.

You know, these lands really are quite beautiful, dangerous though they may be. Were it not for my logbook, I would swear I was on some manner of sightseeing tour.


Of course, all that ghastly bloodletting does rather spoil the picture─but I digress.

How is the anima? Still no changes?


That is most unfortunate. Yet we must take solace in the fact that it has not yet faded from the weapon. I am certain it will quicken, 'tis but a question of when.


Let us press on to our next destination. Lead the way, Forename!
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Ah, there you are. I am glad to see you are unhurt.

066464 hr1.png Canticle

Pray forgive me. While waiting here, my eyes could not help but be drawn to the architecture. Breathtaking, is it not?


Ahem. Back to the matter at hand. How fares the anima weapon? Surely by now it has shown some hint of life.


The anima took on a corporeal form!? Then it has quickened!


Gerolt must hear of this! I will return to Azys Lla and relay to him the good news.


When you are rested, meet with us there.

Ahem. Back to the matter at hand. How fares the anima weapon? Surely by now it has shown some hint of life.


The anima has taken on a corporeal form? Then it has finally quickened. Excellent.


I will return to Azys Lla and relay the news to Gerolt. No doubt he will be glad to hear of another success.


When you are rested, meet with us there.

...Where...to...
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066464 hr1.png Machinations
Forename! You are returned! Excellent!
Thank the bloody gods. Maybe now ye can stop gibberin' like a bleedin' opo-opo an' tell me what happened out there. I'm guessin' things went well.

Have you not listened to a word I've said? Forename believes the anima has achieved cognitive self-awareness, manifesting itself as a corporeal form independent of the receptacle you created!

Why is it that you invariably fail to comprehend my meaning whenever I expound upon matters of profoundest import? Forename here believes the anima has again achieved cognitive self-awareness, manifesting itself as a corporeal form independent of the receptacle you fashioned!

I've had it up to here with yer bleedin' cogs an' corpses! Speak plain, boy!
Having experienced battle together with Forename, the anima has melded with your weapon. More than that, the anima may have taken on a unique physical form!

It spoke to you!? Remarkable! But what did it sound like? A-And what did it say!?

So this anima spoke to you as well, did it? Fascinating! But tell me, what did it sound like? And what did it say?

What did you hear?

1) I thought I heard a woman whispering.
2) I thought I heard a man whispering.
066464 hr1.png The Only Path

Amazing! The anima is already learning how to communicate! Oh, if only my master were here.
I can hardly wait to see what else it is capable of!

Magnificent. The anima is making excellent progress. I look forward to seeing how this one will develop.

An' I look forward to goin' home. Anyroad, give us the weapon, will ye? I'll bet there's still room fer improvement somewhere or other.
Now don't go playin' silly buggers, Forename. I'm holdin' up me end o' the deal with Rowena, one way or another. Ain't as if it'll take long, neither.
<pant> <pant> What did...I tell ye... Better than new. If that anima was sleepin' before, it sure as hells ain't sleepin' now! Heh heh! Never seen a weapon do that in all me years in the trade.
<pant> <pant> What did...I tell ye... Better than new. If that anima was sleepin' before, it sure as hells ain't sleepin' now! Heh heh! Never seen a sword an' shield do that in all me years in the trade.
What an exquisite glow! It's as if the anima could burst forth at any moment!

Excellent work, Gerolt. I doubt any man could grow tired of gazing upon such exquisite work.

If so young an anima was able to take form of its own volition, imagine what it might become given time! A force that shines bright enough to make the very stars burn with envy!
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Quest Complete
System
The anima weapon has awakened from its slumber, ascending to new heights of power!