Notes lists all the relevant cortex entries of the Miscellaneous sub section found in the Library main section of the Cortex.
Collection Details
A total of 106 cortex entries make reference to Notes (Library).
All notes can be found scattered in Fort Tarsis or around Northern Bastion. Notes are actual scribblings and notes wrritten by the people to give them information or ask for something. Some of these are also transcripts. Each piece of note looks like an old yellowish paper.
A Fort Cypher's Complaint
See Cortex Entry: A Fort Cypher's Complaint for More Details
Sentinel Larsen, this means you. See below.
—Vule
To: Commander Vule
Several members of my team have voiced concerns about some Sentinels' javelins. To put it bluntly, they don't smell very good. Cyphers often receive sense impressions from the lancers with whom they're linked. This can include impressions of smell in sensitive individuals.
No fewer than three fort cyphers have reported becoming distracted by the stench. You can see how this might become a problem.
Might I ask for your cooperation in making sure your lancers pay attention to the padding within their javelins when they perform routine maintenance? The Sentinel's job is tiring, sweaty, and dangerous. I would prefer not to expose my people, or yours, to more risk than necessary.
A Strange Drawing
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I was staying in Fort Tarsis when I found something scrawled on a wall: a drawing of a ground-nut with legs and arms, wearing a visor made of two circles of darkened glass. My hosts explained that this figure is a legend the children of the fort created after a surplus harvest of nuts a few years ago. In their stories, this talking nut looks out for young people on adventures, appearing to them in their darkest hours to encourage them with advice and cooperation.
It was strangely sweet, but left me with the feeling that the children of Tarsis could do with some new books or toys.
— Arcanist Orun, letter to a friend
Announcement: Wyvern Clean Up
See Cortex Entry: Announcement: Wyvern Clean Up for More Details
Citizens of Fort Tarsis,
We would like to thank all those who helped the Sentinels keep wyvern from nesting in the tower, cleaned up the wyvern droppings around the courtyard, and hosed the droppings off of Sentinel Barr. Together, we will continue to make Fort Tarsis a clean place to live.
— Assistant Governor, Jutte Felhain
Arcanist Scribblings
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Sector 514 construct (nickname: the Drums)
—Active, not volatile. Spikes in readings suggest destabilization may occur at some point.
—Altered perception of space; temporal confusion (self-reported) within ten feet of construct.
—Produces occasional bursts of ear-splitting noise. RUDE.
—Check collected data against P. Rhea's numbers on the relic from near Antium ~15 years ago. Similar observations?
—Watch for stinkhand plant behind fourth pillar.
Also, mother's birthday in two weeks; get her something!
Attention Sentinels
See Cortex Entry: Attention Sentinels for More Details
Please remember to spray deodorizer into your javelins when coming back from missions outside the wall.
No one wants to smell your patrol sweat.
It's common courtesy.
Bar List
See Cortex Entry: Bar List for More Details
- Clean the lines.
- Count the stock.
- Wipe the bar.
- Mop the floors.
- Check booths.
- Clean mugs and glasses.
- Unlock the front door.
- Compliment Max
Baskets! Baskets! Baskets!
See Cortex Entry: Baskets! Baskets! Baskets! for More Details
All the baskets you need!
Large! Small! Round! Oval!
Sitting or hanging!
ALL BASKETS 50% off!
At the Basket Barn.
Cancellation Notice
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Change of Plan
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Come and See (Mysterious Note)
See Cortex Entry: Come and See (Mysterious Note) for More Details
Dear Governorer...
See Cortex Entry: Dear Governorer... for More Details
Dear Governorer:
Thank you for letting us come to your office the other day.
Thank you for running the fort.
You are loud but you are very nice.
I like javelins.
Sincerely,
Siblan Lor, age 6
Dear Pa…
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Dear Pa:
Things have slowed down quite a bit today. We're just waiting in the lower level for the Sentinels to deal with an issue. But it shouldn't be long before we can head back up. Other than being stalled, I'm fine. I've made a few friends that make it feel like home here... I'm sending you my wages for the week. I noticed you need a new pair of oculates and I'm happy to buy them for you. Don't say no. Just accept them, please. For me.
Find Me (Mysterious Note)
See Cortex Entry: Find Me (Mysterious Note) for More Details
For Honor (Mysterious Note)
See Cortex Entry: For Honor (Mysterious Note) for More Details
Found Archive—One Last Chance (1)
See Cortex Entry: Found Archive—One Last Chance (1) for More Details
(The following notes were recovered from a dead courier by Sentinel Dinix. Their author has not been located.).
Sitting here, looking at this tracking device glued to my nipple, and wondering where I glitched up.
As Zhim puts it, this is my "last chance." Posing as a hired gun, I'm to escort a strider across Bastion to the Antium Lock, and fight off anyone in the way. There, I'll hijack the strider, kill the crew, and transfer it to Zhim's axe-men. My pay is a "retirement" package and a one-way Regulator escort to the Mirelands. Guess I pissed Zhim off.
Never said why she wanted the strider. Must be important. Because she glued this tracker to my nipple.
It was my last good nipple, and I shall sorely miss it
— Burn Hardigan, 1/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (10)
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I'm in my cot, under a blood-spattered sheet. I only remember a few things.
Aushkiir attacked us in Strider Way. The poison was killing me, but I held the strider long as I could. Fought to protect this little family and their dream. But what can three civvies and an aging gunslinger do against Zhim's best?.
Aushkiir was in her black Interceptor with her face shield up. She had us kneel—me, the father Nolin, his wife and brother. Said we'd die one at a time until the artifact was hers.
And then little Sala, who no one was watching, blew Aushkiir's face half-off with an SMG she took from a body.
I don't remember nothing else.
— Burn Hardigan, 10/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (11)
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The family woke me later. They cried and thanked me for saving them. Then they took me down to the hatch. When they opened it... the strider was crossing a vast grassland.
The Great Expanse.
They had no idea that I'd lied to them. That I'd been planted there by Zhim to kill this little family and take their treasure. Give it to Zhim as payment for my unsatisfactory service as a Regulator smuggler.
Sala was holding my leg. Only then did I notice my other leg. Amputated at the hip. They said it was infected from a stab wound I'd taken in the fight.
They saved my life.
— Burn Hardigan, 11/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (12)
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This is my last note. I've packed up my journals and sent them back to Zhim's court by courier.
To the Princess: This family is now under my protection. No harm will come to them while I live. Whatever rabid dogs you send will be a waste of manpower.
You gave me many chances in life. But in the end, you mostly wanted me to go away. And I've done that now. So just leave us alone.
— Burn Hardigan, 12/12, 468 LV
(A pressed flower has been included with this record. —Sentinel Dinix)
Found Archive—One Last Chance (2)
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Plan's working out so far. Got hired on the strider. Met the captain and crew. Three adults, two children, one infant. Nice little family.
Shame about that. Even if they get past Zhim's Regulators, and me, for that matter, they're all too green for this. Their destination is some place east of Bastion. Outlaws or Scars would normally get 'em.
Anyway... just gotta keep my head down. Get them to Antium Lock. Do my job. Keep playing the emotionally distant, crabby gunslinger.
— Burn Hardigan, 2/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (3)
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So, this is their plan: Captain Nolin, the father, is driving the strider through Antium Lock to the Great Expanse where they're "going to build a house and live free." It's laughable.
And the girl, Sala, all of four, has some kind of crush on me. I keep catching her spying while I'm cleaning the guns. They actually put flowers in her hair—I saw her mother doing it. Do they think this is a vacation?
Can't see what interest Zhim has in these people. Even their dreams have no value.
Then again... the hold is sealed. And they never open it.
— Burn Hardigan, 3/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (4)
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Fought off an outlaw ambush near the Tears of Liatrelle. Nolin is passable with a rifle. His brother and wife, too. Sala and the young lad know their parts: hide in the strider's pantry, and don't come out until their dad comes to get 'em.
Actually, it's me who keeps messing up. Shared a brew with Nolin and his brother. Young Sala keeps leaving me flowers. Fresh ones. I stomp them on the floor and leave them for her to find. But they're gone every damn night, and there's always more on my pillow.
Never was too smart with my relations. I have to kill all these people when we reach Antium Lock. If I don't, Zhim'll commission a bullet for my brainpan.
— Burn Hardigan, 4/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (5)
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On a rest stop, I left the strider to piss, then bloody Aushkiir, Zhim's court huntress, sneaks up and sticks a nine-inch dagger under my chin.
She says to respect the mission: Get the strider and the family to Antium Lock and kill 'em. Right then. Don't screw up.
I told her this was a mistake, that they can't have anything Zhim wants. But Aushkiir just shook her head. Said the family dug up something in the Sanctuary ruins at Dunar. It's locked it in the hold, and Zhim wants it. I'm on the hook to deliver.
Then she leaves me with my trousers down. And up to my neck in my own lousy intuition.
— Burn Hardigan, 5/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (6)
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Got Captain Nolin drunk today and he spilled the beans. He's taking the strider out to a plot of land west of Primoris. They'll farm and sell stock along the strider route.
I shouted at him. Told him he was mad. That he had to give up this ridiculous daydream, go settle in Fort Tarsis, weave rugs or something. He's only gonna get himself and his family and little Sala killed.
He just shook his head at me and smiled. He's got a secret, and he's gonna die for it.
— Burn Hardigan, 6/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (7)
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I've seen many things in this life. Today was a first.
Little Sala told me she likes growing things. "Yes, so does your father," I said. "He's gonna get you all killed." And then she sang a little "Nope, nope, nope" song and showed me a secret way into the hold.
It's a greenhouse. Stuffed with fat, juicy vegetables. And in the middle... a cursed Shaper artifact. Black as volcanic ice, radiating some kinda of energy. No water or sunlight. Then Sala shows me her garden. A flower patch. All the colors of the rainbow.
I cried right there. My boss, Princess Zhim, will stop at nothing to take this artifact from these people. They'll all lie dead before the journey's done. And it'll be my fault.
— Burn Hardigan, 7/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (8)
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At the next roadside stop, I ran into the trees, opened my shirt, said a prayer to the Shapers, and dug my nails under that tracker Zhim glued to my nipple.
Aushkiir was waiting for me.
She said I'd gone soft, that she'd already planted a tracker on the strider. That Aushkiir would kill the family herself.
I fought her. Somehow got her gun. But she stabbed me in the thigh with that glowing, green, nine-inch dagger of hers and ran. I ripped that tracker clean off. Made up a story about outlaw ambush and got everyone on the road again, double-time.
I just made an enemy I can't afford.
— Burn Hardigan, 8/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (9)
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Got Nolin to take a weaving route to the Antium Lock. Made up a story about outlaws chasing. They've got no idea how bad it truly is. If that huntress and her Regulator buddies catch us, our bodies will feed the wolven.
I kept the stab wound a secret, but it's turning funny colors. Might be imagining it, but I'm having trouble with my eyes. It's all gone so wrong.
Trying to focus on finding the tracker. Maybe she put one on the strider, maybe it's a bluff. Somehow... I have to get us through the Antium Lock. Somehow. Before Zhim's thugs catch us.
— Burn Hardigan, 9/12, 466 LV
Garaxis. Boo.
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Ugh. All Behtma wants to do is talk about Garaxis from the Crimson Lancer. I am losing my miiiiiiiiiiiiiind.
Hey Pwyll…
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Hey, Pwyll.
Morrigan likes you. Do you like her?
Circle one.
(yes) or (no)
Hey, Darek.
See Cortex Entry: Hey, Darek. for More Details
Hey Darek, please don't wear your leather vest tomorrow. It would be lousy if we were wearing the same thing again, and I don't have anything else to wear. Would you wear your tunic? I'm sick and tired of people saying we must be related. Can you do me this one favor? I would appreciate it. Again, please don't wear your leather vest.
Thanks, Virnun
I Wait (Mysterious Note)
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Icetide Wishes from Great Falls Canyon
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Icetide really is the best time of year. My wish is that everyone watches me beat Derian Barr's sorry butt in the races for the third year in a row.
Icetide Wishes from Monument Watch
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Icetide Wishes from the Academy Ruins
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Icetide Wishes from the East Gate
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Icetide Wishes from the Eastern Reach
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Icetide Wishes from the Emerald Abyss
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Why did I get stuck with the Emerald Abyss patrol? This is the worst route. My Icetide wish is to not draw the crappy patrol routes next year.
Icetide Wishes from the Fortress of Dawn
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Icetide Wishes from the High Road
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Icetide Wishes from the Ruins of Shadowmark
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I wish for Antium to appoint a replacement for the office of Fort Tarsis Governor. My official regulation Icetide wish is hereby recorded.
— Commander Vule
Icetide Wishes from the Valley of Tarsis
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In Remembrance (Fortress of Dawn)
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The Fortress of Dawn was a trap for the enemies of humankind, a shining target that boasted countless defenses. This was the post of Ceriden the Red, the squire of Magna Stral. Light the flame against the darkness.
In Remembrance (Helena's Walk)
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Here the war leader Yaggath held human captives to toil in darkness carving monuments in his image. Stral and her knights freed them in a bloody battle that claimed the lives of Virgil the Breaker and Severn the Resplendent. Light the flame against the darkness.
In Remembrance (Sanctuary Ruins)
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The twins, Tal and Ora, the Hands of Magna Stral, used this vantage to snipe Korm the Immortal as he led his army down into the valley. Though they were felled by the beasts he unleashed, they watch this valley still. Light the flame against the darkness.
In Remembrance (The Eddian Grove)
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Here, the urgoth leader known as the Prophet built a stronghold. A thousand urgoth warriors guarded the stronghold, but were not enough to stop Aamir the Dauntless, who lured the Prophet into the wilds and struck him down. Light the flame against the darkness.
In Remembrance (The Faithful)
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We have lost our name to an enemy that wears our legacy like a mask. When our fellow Paladins turned on us, we scattered and went dark. Some remain in the north, keeping watch over our fallen brothers. Some returned to the home of the Legion. We remain. We remember. Light the flame against the darkness.
In Remembrance (The Last Sentinel)
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Tristan the Redeemed lies here. Felled by urgoth beasts above, he tumbled into this ravine to die alone. Light the flame against the darkness.
In Remembrance (The Mining Platform)
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In Remembrance (The Monument)
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Here Alexios the Watcher held back the forces of the Warlord Vangath through the longest night, only to fall as day broke. Light the flame against the darkness.
In Remembrance (Wedged Key)
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This valley was where the childhood home of Magna Stral once stood. As a Legion knight, she led her Paladins here to exact vengeance upon the urgoth for their crimes. Afterward, Zaneta the Patient kept watch, to ensure they never returned. Light the flame against the darkness.
In Remembrance (Wrecked Gazebo)
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In the Eye (Mysterious Note)
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Javelin Damage
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Commander Vule,
Here's the requested list of repairs needed for Sentinel Barr's javelin:
1. Left-side plating needs replacement due to massive energy burns of an unknown type.
2. Both leg servos suffered structural damage when, and I quote, "A giant rock grew right under his feet."
3. Gambeson needs minor stitching to repair multiple wolven bite.
— Zoe
Laundry Ticket
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NAME: Commander Vule.
Order accepted by: Neeson Giles.
2 bundles of various clothing.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Easy on cleansing powder.
Customer left personal containers for laundry to be sorted into.
Payment to be collected upon delivery of clean laundry.
Lost Contact
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Spread word: Monument Watch is hot. Zeke is missing. All equipment gone. No signs of suits. Trouble unknown.
Lost Grabbit
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Lost in Darkness (Mysterious Note)
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Marl's Big Idea
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Had to run. Strider has arrived and may have fabric!
I was just struck by an inspiration so huge, it is almost too much to bear. It is now time to bring back the codpiece!
What do you think? TELL ME YOU LOVE IT!
And... we make it metallic so it proclaims itself to our world. And we'll call it Iron Cod! Think hard about this because it may be our ticket back to Antium.
Please fold the tunics and tidy the backroom.
Marl
More like Garaxis...
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I wish my husband was more like Garaxis from "The Crimson Lancer." He's so sensitive and understanding, but not a weeny, you know? And his voice is so...! Is it nuts that I'm in love with a fictional character? It is. I know. I'm crazy. I wonder what my husband would do if he found out I daydream about Garaxis basically all day...
Most Esteemid Grovener
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Most esteemid Grovener,
Words canot express my gratitood for our classis visit to your orfice. It was resplendent and coniferous.
With trimendos praize and thankfulnes.
Griysh Tubbs, age 6
New Customer
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North side's doing more business than usual. Customer unknown. Dig for details. Sharing is better for everyone's health.
On the Heights (Mysterious Note)
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Order Details
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Request received for Sundries, Tools, and Miscellaneous Goods. Inform client that Tools can only be moved in and out in pieces and will therefore require additional labor to reassemble.
Outlaw Poetry
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Package Pickup
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Package picked up. Tell them it's on the way. Rain will cause delays.
Pirndel Container Warning
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To Whomever it May Concern Regarding These Containers:
These containers are impeding foot traffic.
Please place them responsibly to the side of the lane.
If these are not moved within a reasonable time, then they may be impounded.
You have been warned.
Sincerely,
Pirndel Blatch (Fort Custodian)
Promising (1)
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"You're in my class."
"Yes.”
“I like your yellow scarf.”
“It protects me from monsters.”
“That's good.”
“You should get a scarf.”
“I will.”
“I'm Rythe.”
“I'm Anya.”
“We should be friends.
“Okay."
Promising (10)
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"Rythe? It's okay, come in."
"Auntie!”
“Hey troublemaker. Wow, you're getting big. What the hell? Er, heck."
(Laughter)
"Okay, listen to me! Dad's made dinner. Go tell him auntie is here and wash up.”
“Okay. See you!”
“Later.”
“Hey, uh... she's getting big.”
“You said that.”
“Right. Yes. Annie...”
“Rythe, it's fine, I'm comfortable. Really. Get over here, I want to see you better.”
“Of course. I got your hand, you feel that?”
“Yes. Just sit for a while. This is nice.”
“Yeah.”
“I wanted to fly one more time, Rythe. See the old spots.”
“You will. I promise."
Promising (11)
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Brought you some pie. I'll leave that on the stone thingy here.
Okay, let's see... Oh right, finally got that latch fixed. No drifting in a straight shot now. Can't believe it took me that long to get it looked at. That would have driven you nuts. Yeah... so that's good.
And Annie? Promise kept. A little bit of you at each of our spots. It was fun, y'know? And hard. Wanted to tell you that in person.
It's starting to snow out here. It's beautiful. You'd love it.
I'm going head back now, I think. Check in on your little troublemaker. Drink a little drink, sing a little song. I'll come visit next week, okay?
Miss you.
Promising (2)
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"Anya!”
“What?”
“Smoke!”
“Oh no!”
“Get it out of the oven!”
“It's still kind of burning.”
“Use the mitten things!”
“Got it!”
“Get it over here! Quick! On the table!”
“Wow, Rythe. It's pretty burnt.”
“Imagine we're in the woods cooking on a fire.”
“Good idea. Let's eat!”
“Tastes like camping.”
“I love camping."
Promising (3)
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"Troublemaker."
"Anya.”
“Here's your books. Let's go.”
“Thanks for bailing me out.”
“That guy just pissed me off.”
“I know. I heard what he said about me.
“I'm sorry. You don't need me to... It was a really bad idea.”
“Maybe. I mean, I don't open my—what'd you call it?—'bag of punches' as quick as you.
“No, you don't! It's right there, c'mon.”
“I'll keep it handy next time.”
“Good.”
“Let's get some pie.”
“Damn straight."
Promising (4)
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"A Freelancer? You sure?”
“Absolutely. They get out there. They see the world.”
“I get it, I get it. Never imagined these walls would keep you inside forever, anyway.”
“Correct. What about you?”
“Well, I put my name in.”
“Engineering, right? Serious.”
“Maybe, yeah. Don't know. I want to see the world, but...”
“Tell you what—I get my javelin, and I'll take you out there myself.”
“Sounds dangerous.”
“Yeah, but the best kind of danger!"
Promising (5)
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"You should come with me!”
“I can't, Rythe. I've got an exam tomorrow.”
“But the snow is back! You have to come see it.”
“I will, don't worry. I'll finish this as soon as I can, and we'll head up on the wall."
(Disgusted sound)
"Rythe.”
“Yes, fine. You can even bring what's-his-name.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, well. I guess he's okay."
(Laughter)
"I will. Now get out of here and let me study."
(Disgusted sound)
Promising (6)
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"You sure about this?”
“Don't you trust me?”
“Yes and no.”
“Annie!”
“Mostly no.”
“I'm wounded. Look, you get in here, see? We use it to rescue people. All strapped in and perfectly safe.”
“Just a quick flight? Nothing scary?”
“Nothing scary. I'm a superstar pilot.”
“Okay. I'll do it.”
“Great! Step in there. Good. Now I'll belt you in. First flight! Whooo!”
“Just no... spins or whatever. I don't want to get sick all over your new suit.”
“No promises! Off we go!”
“Rythe!"
Promising (7)
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"Can I?”
“Of course. Put your arms out. Like this. That's right, good.”
“She's so cute!”
“That's your auntie, kiddo. Never listen to her.”
“This troublemaker and I are going to be buds. Aren't we? Yes, we are. When you're older, I'll explain why your mom is no fun.”
“Hey!"
(Laughter)
"Annie.”
“Beautiful, right?”
“Perfect."
Promising (8)
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"Don't tell her that. You'll scare her.”
“But it's true! You know it. There's goddamn monsters out there.”
“She doesn't need to know that yet.”
“Why not? You want your daughter to grow up ignorant?”
“You're telling me how to raise my daughter?”
“No, maybe... I don't know! Look, it's so great out there. So beautiful. The bad stuff, well, that's part of it. She just needs to be prepared, okay?”
“I'll decide what good for her and what isn't, thanks.”
“Fine, whatever. Sorry."
Promising (9)
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"They're sure?”
“As sure as they can be. It's not a big deal. They'll keep an eye on it. You okay?”
“Sure. Just...”
“Rythe, I'm fine.”
“And your guy?”
“He'll be okay. Back at the house still freak-out cleaning.”
“Better than freak-out brawling.”
“Hey look, I haven't seen you in forever, and we're in the middle of the jungle. Let's just enjoy it, okay?”
“Yes. Right! I've got a great spot to show you. Somewhere way up high!”
“Perfect. Strapping in!"
RESPECT MY PROCESS
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To my esteemed colleague,
Firstly, I have already apologized about the pickles. Several times. I am aware that they are a sore point, but they are in the past. There is nothing I, in the present, can do about the pickle incident anymore.
Second, you must understand that the creative process is a complex and fickle thing. Creativity requires constant fuel which, in my case, comes in the form of tea. I must have a pot steeping before I've finished my current pot, or the fountain of inspiration will run dry.
Third, that was absolutely my pen, and I have no idea where you misplaced yours.
Relics of Heliost
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The "Relics of Heliost" puzzle was invented over two hundred years ago by a group of bored engineers in Heliost, who built it over one long month as a storm raged outside the city walls. This original puzzle was inadvertently built using pegs that turned out to be Shaper pieces. The mistake was only discovered when the chief engineer was struck blind.
Royal Proclamation
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Royal Proclamation:
It has come to my attention that Dominion soldiers were spotted in northern Bastion, and that Fort Tarsis may be under threat. I hereby extend the protection of Antium to Fort Tarsis. Sentinels will be sent to reinforce the walls, guard transports to and from Fort Tarsis, and monitor the Antium lock
See Cortex Entry: Rules for Civilized Use of Shared Space for More Details
1. All books shall be properly closed when not actively being read.
2. Cups, dishes, utensils, and serving vessels shall be washed and put away immediately.
3. Loud music shall not be played during working hours.
4. No pickles.
5. Only one tea pot in the room at a time. There is no need for anyone to have five tea pots, each filled to a different degree with old, lukewarm tea.
6. The pickles—previously forbidden from the room—are doubly forbidden for use as bookmarks. What are you, a Scar?
7. Stop stealing my pens.
Sample of Unknown Ember-Like Crystal
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Found: Near the Emerald Abyss.
Chemical composition: Unknown.
WARNING: Sample emits high levels of energy. Can cause feedback and interference with ember devices in some instances.
Note to self: Lots of potential applications; find out if there's more of this stuff around.
Season of Skulls
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Every so often, a thick and ominous fog gathers against the deep jungle green. Strange sounds echo in the distance, and stories of unnatural things abound. For a while, humanity was afraid: Doors were locked and windows barred until the sun returned. But humanity is too curious to be frightened for long. Fear turned to determination, determination to defiance, and finally, defiance to celebration.
The Season of Skulls (Festival) declares that we belong in this world and will fight for our home. The bones of those we vanquished serve as a warning to the savage world, and towering bonfires announce our presence in the darkness. To spite a gray world, we hang banners of color and keep fires burning on our walls. Special food is prepared, and everyone is welcome to share. The grim necessity of survival has evolved into a celebration of living a life without fear.
Security Issue
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Sentinel Stricklund's Sandwich
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Get yourself two slices of crusty bread, made with whole Antium grain, if you can find it. Toast it lightly over an open flame, on a hot pan, or if you dare, in the jets of a fellow Sentinel. Did you know? "Make Toast in the Jets" used to be an initiation ritual for Sentinel trainees.
Now butter the toast to your liking. I generally go with the technical measurement known as the "wab," which is more than dollop and less than an ass-ton. Then apply a gentle scraping of a zesty mustard to your toast.
Get yourself some slow-roasted grabbit, sliced thin, and layer that on one piece of prepared bread. If there are drippings from the pan, make sure you drizzle that on too.
Pickles. Always the sour, briny kind. Sweet, if you want to be judged. Or you can leave them off entirely, if you're uncivilized.
Now slap that sandwich together and put it in your face. You can thank me later.
Shopping List
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Standing Guard (Mysterious Note)
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Still Watching (Mysterious Note)
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Synchronizing Signets
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What a day. I woke up late, and when I got to work I discovered I'd left my signet in my kitchen. I grabbed a spare off the wall and hopped into my javelin. Sure, I could kind of move, but the chances of hitting a nesting wyvern in the tower, even at mid-range, were slim. In short, meet me at the bar.
— Xak
Take Your Lute and Shove It
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Liander
You bastard. Strider Alley has zones for your type of music and they are nowhere near my corner. I was at the climax of my recitation when CLANG CLANK TOOT! Take your lute and canister and get out of my zone or I will cut you.
Valeria
Thank you, Governor...
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Dear Governor:
Hi. How are you? Our class has to write to you because we are learning to write letters.
Thank you for letting our class visit your office the other day. It was very nice. I liked your carpet. We have a carpet too.
Sincerely,
Bolda Fain, Age 7
The Proof is in the Ruins
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The proof has to be in the ruins, but not like Arcanists think—they're always studying relics. That's like studying a hammer. It's just a tool, an instrument; it can only tell you so much. People have been studying relics for hundreds of years and it's gotten them nowhere. What I'm looking for are the blueprints. You want to understand an architect, that's how you do it. It's their signature. Their vision. Their fingerprints.
The World is a Machine
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I once met a man who said the world is tuned for life and death, like it's a machine. I don't see it that way. Machines aren't alive. The world is. The Anthem is the clay it's molded from. Arcanists tell us Shapers bend the Anthem to their bidding. So the idea that a mountain exists only because a Shaper wanted it that way, or wars happen because Shapers invented war... it makes me wonder. Starting to think the answer to all that isn't in some ruin.
There is No Answer
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I'm getting nowhere out here. The meaning of the world seems to be: it wants to drive us insane. It poses a mystery that begs an answer and then deliberately hides that answer. Or maybe there is no answer. I've searched this damned jungle for months and the only thing the world has shown me is new ways to die. I've lost weight, I've been stung in places you never want to be stung, and I can't identify most of the things I'm eating. (Is it even food?) Probably not, because now I have a fever most days. I can barely think straight. Probably because I have a fever. So I can't think straight some days. Probably because of this fever. It's all a big circle, like a maze. The Shapers lure us into the maze and then laugh when we get lost.
Travel Delays
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Max,
Our shipments will be late this month. Every strider is running late with the weird weather and whatever that glitched sky is doing. The drivers all say it's messing with navigation unless they have a cypher on board, and you know how much that costs. I'll try to find a closer supplier, but no guarantees.
Unsigned Note (Mysterious Note)
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The darkness returns and the Season of Skulls is upon us.
They say you walked the halls of the fortress. They say you carry the old traditions of the orders. People say a lot of things. But there's still one order you have yet to meet. They say we're long gone, but you know by now that nothing is ever gone.
Find what we left for you in Fort Tarsis. Come with us and show honor to the ones who fell in the darkness.
Wanted: Mural Polisher
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Wanted: Mural polisher
Fort Tarsis is home to some of Bastion's most historic murals, and they deserve to be kept in good condition. The council is looking for dedicated citizens with an interest in maintaining and protecting these important works.
Requirements: Must be tall enough to work without a ladder, perfect eyesight, and have no allergies to gazick hair, fairstone powder, flazial sealant, chimeric compound, or korox dung.
Interested parties should contact Fort Custodian Pirndel Blatch.
We Wait (Mysterious Note)
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With the spears of our brothers at our back, we descend into the darkness where our enemy built great shrines to their own hubris.
Weapons Delivery
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Commander Vule:
Please accept my apologies in the late delivery of these capacitors and thruster augments for your Sentinels. The Scar incursion has caused difficulties in getting necessary supplies, and we have been facing a backlog. I'm sure you understand. Please don't hesitate to contact me via Chronicler if you need to speak further.
Regards,
Nithix Cage,
Forgewright
Heliost
Weather Phenomenon
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Jak,
Has anybody asked Yarrow about the sky thing? I mean, he has to know, right? A Freelancer as old as him, he's seen a zillion cataclysms and weird Shaper things by now.
It's creeping me out. If there's a way to silence or get rid of... whatever that is, I want in. Or at least I want to hear about it afterward. In the enclave. Indoors. With no view of the sky
— Ellers
What Does It All Mean
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I asked the Arcanists what the meaning of the world was, and they couldn't tell me. They had a lot of theories. A lot of ideas. A lot of hot air. The truth is: nobody really knows. Shouldn't that worry people? Whenever I bring it up, they just shrug. How can they not care? How can so many people be asleep? Doesn't it bother them that our whole world is unexplained after thousands of years of living in it?
What It All Means
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It hit me. There's only one way to look at this world. If you're going to live trapped in a maze you didn't build, then it's not your fault if you get lost! Nothing you do is your fault! If the Shapers created creatures with instincts and urges—to eat, to conquer, to kill—then it's baked into our nature. It's not our fault if wars happen. The Shapers made us that way! It's not our fault if we're greedy. We were made that way!
What does this all mean? It means I'm done walking around this damned jungle. I'm going to Antium and I'm going to do whatever I please. The Shapers want me to be rich. Pretty sure a lot of other people will see it this way too, and if I charge them money to show them the path, I've got the Shapers' blessing.
Your Student is a Thief
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I'm writing to express my concern over your disciple, Hrenna Vale, who I saw stealing fruit from a vendor the other day. I did not go to the authorities (no need to make another outlaw), but I did pay for the wares with the understanding that I would school the child appropriately. As my mentor Negan Dell used to say, children are the responsibility of the entire community. But I am extremely kind, and realize that children are just deeply ignorant creatures who need schooling. And since she is an Arcanist, I will pass that schooling to you.
You're welcome
Zahra Tol, Chronicler
Fort Tarsis
Zhim Wants a Mantikar
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Kale:
So we're supposed to catch a mantikar. What do you suppose Zhim will do with it, anyway? Make it one of her pets? Those stinging insects that swarm out of it can't exactly be put in a cage. So... what should we do? I say we just go out and pretend we were looking for a mantikar. She'll never know.
Corvus Transmission
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Collectible Notes
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I Think It Had Wings
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So wild, but when we were silencing the relic, I could've sworn I saw something in the energy flashes coming at me.
I've heard the stories. I know what happens when a Cataclysm is about to start. I'd never seen it before. It felt like... someone had ripped open reality. Didn't like it one bit.
And yet, I had to look through the rip. Curiosity. They say the Anthem creates all the time. I wanted to see what it was trying to push into our world this time.
It looked like fire. Fire and wings. I think it had wings. And then Oskar found the last echo and it was gone.