Olfar

I’ve got my eye on you Stranded. You can buy from my stock, but I’m telling you now, I’m not selling you anything good.

Why the limited stock?
I’m a blacksmith. It’s my job to be suspicious of newcomers.
I’m not stupid enough to hand out my best weapons to random strangers.
Sounds like a good way to get us all killed.

Fair enough.

It’s all right. I can kill you without your poorly made weapons.
Maybe. But then you’ll have to answer to Inska.
And it doesn’t matter how many times you beat her down. She just keeps getting back up.

Smart. You shouldn’t sell weapons to just anyone.
Thanks. Not everyone’s so understanding. But these aren’t toys I sell.

I’m no criminal. You have nothing to worry about.
That’s exactly what a criminal would say. Only your actions will tell the truth of it.

What can you tell me about this sword?
It’s old, but well made. Looks a lot like the sword Inska has. You might want to ask her.

Is there a way I can earn your trust?
Maybe. But first you need to talk to the Elder. Can’t be cutting in line.

Maybe. Shurzub, the innkeep, claims she can bend steel better than I can.
Says she should be the smith, and I should push drinks.
I say that’s a bet.

What would you have me do?
Tell her I want a duel. Her best blade versus mine. Winner keeps the forge.
You set that up for me, and I’ll sell you my full stock.

That’s none of my business.
Yeah, maybe not.

Shurzub says the challenge is on.
So the Orc is ready to put her money where her mouth is. Here I thought it’d just be a foot.
Well, I better start forging. I’d shame my ancestors if I lost to an Orc.
And, as agreed, I’ll sell you my full set of wares. You’ve earned my trust.

Scene

I’ve been waiting for this Orc. Time to put up or shut up.

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed your time here. Because I’ve seen your metal. And this blade is superior in every way.

Big talk from a glorified bed hand. Let’s see it.

Hm, it has good weight, good balance, and the edge is flawless. Sharp, but not brittle.
By the gods, this thing isn’t just a weapon. It’s a work of art.

Stop with the sarcasm and judge it fairly.

I’m not being sarcastic, Orc. Did you really make this?

I did.

Well then, I can admit when I’m beat. The forge is yours. From now on, I’ll tend the inn.

I didn’t expect the Nord to actually admit he was beat. I misjudged him.

 

(alt)

It’s your lucky day Nord. I came here to concede. It seems like my time on the sea has dulled my smithing skills. This is the best I could do.

Ha, is this what passes for a weapon in the Strongholds? I wouldn’t use this blade to carve a roast.

Yeah, yeah. No need to rub it in. I guess I’ll go back to tending the inn.

Scene 1 with sister

I was thinking you should let me help out with the smithing now and then. You shouldn’t overexert yourself.

I’m fine. You stay clear of the forge. It’s dangerous.

 

Scene 2 with sister

I was reading this book the other day on Saint Ylldra.
She really lived a fascinating life. It’s a shame more people don’t know about her.

Personally, I’d rather they not know this island even exists.

True, there’s only so much housing.

And only so much food.

Scene 3 

Do you think in another life, you could’ve been an alchemist, and me a blacksmith?

We are what we are. This is my place, the store is yours.

Scene 4
That “pet” of yours did its business on my bed the other day.

Oh, I’m sorry! Skratches is usually so well behaved. Are you sure you didn’t have a nightmare?

What are you saying?

Oh, nothing. Just thought it was strange.

Scene with Ylldi

Whatever you two are up to, leave my sister out of it.

Don’t worry Olfar, we just asked her about a little town history. She’s the expert on it, you know that.

Sure, that’s how you work. You start with a nibble, and then you ask for a bite.

But I do ask. Not my fault people say yes.

Well, either way, I hope you find your way off this island. If for no other reason than to leave the rest of us alone.

Scene with Lycan

You two shouldn’t hang out with Ylldi. She’s up to no good.

I’m aware of that.

Then why are you helping her?

I wish I knew.

Well, don’t get my sister involved in your nonsense. Just get off the island and leave the rest of us be.

 

Hellos

I guess I’m the innkeeper now.

It’s not so bad, being in charge of the inn. Days are slow, and you get all the ale you can drink.

My ancestors are fuming right now, but I lost that duel fair and square.

(if won)

The Orc should’ve known better than to challenge me.

My ancestors are smiling down on me for winning that duel.

There’s a small cave west of the Elder’s cottage. He says it can tell the future. Looks like plain old water to me.

Tell me about yourself. 
I run the forge. My sister runs the potion shop. She’s got brains, I got brawn.
It works out.

You could be an alchemist too if you applied yourself.
I don’t know what that means. Apply to what? You hiring?

It’s good to know your strengths and weaknesses.
Yeah. Although I still don’t get why mixing potions is so hard.
Figure you just add a little from column A and a little from column B.
But supposedly it’s way harder than that. I guess that’s why I’m a smith.

Judging by your size, you’ve been working out a lot.
Comes with the job. You swing a hammer all day, your shoulders get broad.
You show me a skinny blacksmith, and I’ll show you a lazy one.

So what you’re saying is, you’re an idiot.
I said no such thing. Forging a blade ain’t like picking berries.
But compared to my sister, yeah. I got no problem being the stupid one.

I’m looking for a man named Nifram.
Don’t know anyone by that name. Sounds familiar though. Ask my sister, she never forgets a name, or a face.

About the shrine
They say this land used to be untamed, full of wild beasts and foul spirits. Ylldra made it livable. Gave her life to do it.
And after all these years, the island’s still calm.
So even in death, Ylldra watches over the entire village. Other than my sister, she’s the only one I really trust.

(if Olfar is innkeep after losing bet)

Has Ylldi come through here?
Yeah. Check the cellar. And tell my sister I want to know everything that’s being said down there.

What have you got for sale?
Everything you see here.

What you see is what I got.

Take a look.

(if he becomes innkeep) I’d like to rent a room.
All right. It’s yours for a day.

You already rented a room. Can’t pay for what you already got.

Sorry. No gold, no bed.

I’ll show you to your room. Right this way.
Let me know if there’s anything else you need.

Here’s the menu.

We got food and drink.

We got swords and…wait no…food and drink is what we got.

Hellos
Criminals aren’t welcome here. If you mess up, you pay the fine or pay the price.

Heard you’re good in a fight. But that just makes you more dangerous.

I’ve gotta say, I don’t like you and Ylldi involving my sister in your plans.

I’m color blind. Doesn’t really matter for what I do, but I can’t tend my sister’s shop. The potions all look the same.

There’s been a lot of noise circling around ever since you got here. I don’t like it.

This village used to be a lot more quiet. I wish it stayed that way.

Main Quest 3 scene

(angry mob gathers outside Elder’s house)

This is an outrage! I demand to know what’s happened to my sister!

And poor Dastri…she’s just a child for Ylldra’s sake!

Everyone calm down. I have diagnosed the problem and I am working on a solution as we speak.

Diagnosed the problem? My husband is a ghost you fool!

Yes, he has a clear case of uh…ghostus maledictus, which is magical term and obviously not something I made up.
Now run along, little villagers. This will all be taken care of in a day or two, you have my word.

Ghost commentary
Shop’s closed. Half the town’s turned into ghosts and I’m not lifting a finger until my sister’s back to normal.

Inn’s closed.

 

If sister saved

Well, everything’s back to normal. I know better than to ask why.

Word is you might be leaving. Well, given this ghost business didn’t start until you showed up, I can’t say I’m against it.

if sister dies

I remember how my sister died. There was an accident at the forge.
She told me to get her the healing potion from her shelf. I grabbed the wrong one.
By the time I figured it out, it was too late.

 

Elder Tyne

Ah, you must be the latest Stranded.
I’m the town Elder. Not what you expected?
Well, “Elder’s” always been more of a title than a description.

You’re exactly what I expected, actually.
Why? Are you an oracle too? Well, you can’t be Elder, that job’s taken.
By me, if you haven’t figured it out. I’m the Elder. It’s my job.

You do seem quite young.
Thank you! It takes a lot of work and a little magic to keep this complexion youthful.
Nothing untoward, of course. No child sacrifices or anything of that nature.
It would be tempting though, I do despise children. But I hate romance more.

Elderly is a perfect description for you.
Well, in truth I’m fairly young. Mostly fair, but also young.
It takes a lot of work and a little magic to be this handsome.

I wasn’t stranded. I came here on a boat.
True, but “I came here on a boated” just doesn’t have the same ring to it. So, you’re a “Stranded.” You’ll get used to it.

How did you become the village elder?
Obviously it’s because I’m the best looking.
People will tell you it’s because I’m an oracle. But no, it’s all looks. The villagers here are very shallow.

 

You’re an oracle?
I have various methods for divination, yes. It’s usually bad news though, so I tend not to share it unless absolutely necessary.
Typically, I do my work at the Scryer’s Cave by the waterfall. It’s a quiet place, at least when noisy people aren’t around.
I suppose because to the villagers, it’s just an elaborate pond.

 

What are your responsibilities as Elder?
I govern, mostly. I assign work to the Stranded and manage disputes.
In short, I’m the town Jarl, the court wizard, and the one everyone sucks up to.

 

Do you have any hobbies?
Magic and alchemy, maybe a little witchcraft.
In fact, I once befriended a hagraven, although I was just using her for her feathers.
I’d wager you have all sorts of useful body parts as well. A shame you’re still using them.

 

Do you have any work for me?
Ah, the magic words! Well, they’re not actually magic, you aren’t going to conjure any atronachs with them.
But…woop-woop-woop….you have conjured yourself…a job!
I proclaim you, the village…not idiot, don’t worry…you thought I was going to say idiot, didn’t you.
No, you’re the village bounty hunter!

Ylldi is pronounced ill-dee
lycan is lie-can

Bounty hunter?
Yes. Bounties given and paid for by me.
Your first job is to find a naughty little half-blood named Ylldi. She’s gone missing, or about to, I can’t remember. I need you to find her.

 

Don’t you already have a guard?
Yes! And she’s great at guarding and killing. Like an artist with a blade. But you have to commit a crime first. Rules are rules.
I need someone who can hunt. Get into the mind of this little half-blood miscreant named Ylldi.

Thank you. It’s a good job.
I thought it would be, but it’s always good to hear you say it. Makes me think I know what I’m doing.
But yes, the job. I need you to find someone. A little half-blood deviant named Ylldi.

You say that as if I care what you think.
Well, you should. What’s the point of being Elder if people didn’t pretend to respect your opinion?
If you do change your mind, I need you to find someone. A little half-blood troublemaker named Ylldi.

I appreciate it, but I can find work on my own. 
You can, but it’ll be hard without my approval. I’m the Elder, after all.

Where should I look for her?
Well, if she did scamper off, she likely goaded that Wood Elf, Lycan, into coming with her.
They’re friends, I think. I know because they talk a lot, but haven’t tried to harvest each other’s organs.
That’s when you know it’s not just pretend.
In any case, check his camp just southwest of here. My scrying intuition says you’ll find a clue.

What did Ylldi do?
Technically, it’s what she’s going to do that concerns me.
I always warn her not to wander too far from the village. And yet, wander she does.
Hm, I wonder if there’s a disease that makes people disrespect authority.
Well, if she’s dead, make sure to bring back her brain so I can take a look.

How’s your relationship with Ylldi?
Same as with all the other villagers. I keep them at an arm’s length. The arm belongs to a twenty foot giant, but it’s an arm.
I did name the girl though. Her mother left her at the shrine to Ylldra, and the village practically begged me to come up with a name.
So I figured, take the name of the shrine, put an “i” at the end, and my work here is done.

All right, that’s all the questions I have regarding Ylldi.
Good, because with that girl, I’m all out of answers.

I have questions about the job.
Okay, query away.

Is it true I can’t leave?
Yes and no. You’re more than welcome to try. I don’t think anyone’s ever done it, successfully anyway.
But the ferryman’s the only one who really knows the way, and to pay him you need a token.
It’s a system that goes all the way back to the village founder, Ylldra.

Where can I get a token?
Good question. I might have one, somewhere. But I’ll need a reason to give it to you. Asking nicely isn’t nearly enough.

I want to know more about the history of this village.
You arrived here one Elder too late. My predecessor knew everything.
All I know is the gist. This island used to be uninhabitable. Saint Ylldra changed all that.
As for how, well, that’s lost to history. Necromancy, maybe? My money’s on necromancy.
Anyways, her tomb is a holy site, which you can find at the top of the hill to the east.
Which is a shame really. Burying a body is such a waste of good alchemy ingredients.

Does anyone live outside the village?
I doubt it. Most of the island is uninhabitable. There are Stranded who leave, and ones we kick out.
So maybe there’s an entire village out there full of wanderers and criminals, but it’s far more likely you’ll find a graveyard.

Do you know a man named Nifram?
That name sounds familiar. But I can’t remember if I heard it in the past or the future. Oracle problems, you see?
Well, maybe you don’t see. And that’s the problem.

 

Ah, you’re back. I trust you found Ylldi’s corpse was well preserved?

She was alive, actually.
And you found her on the other side of the Dead River? But no one crosses the divide and lives.

She looked pretty good for a dead woman.
Wait, are you saying she’s alive? I didn’t expect that. No one crosses the divide and lives.
Well, that used to be the saying, anyway.
Granted she’ll still die at some point, so maybe we can keep it, with an asterisk.

Well preserved and extremely delicious.
You shouldn’t have eaten her. I would’ve liked to research the effect of the fog on her lungs.
Well, no matter. According to the my visions, someone who bears Ylldi’s likeness will come to the village very soon.
Maybe we’ll recover her corpse intact.

I did. Unfortunately I contaminated it shortly after.
(sigh) That is grave news indeed. Oh, I made a pun!
Well, not really, given we aren’t going to bury her in an actual grave. She’ll likely be devoured by wolves.
Anyways, best not tell the other villagers. Don’t want to dour their spirits with all the gory details.

 

In any case, with that business behind us, we can now talk about your reward.

What about a ferry token?
Oh, well, that’s not going to happen. You haven’t earned one yet. No one has, really.
Besides, you just got here! You couldn’t possibly want to leave. Not without doing something extremely embarrassing first.

Gold would be a good start.
It would, but as you can see, while I am an all-powerful, all-knowing, and exquisitely handsome Elder, I am also one of modest means.
Besides, gold is such a cheap gift. You wouldn’t give a loved one gold for Saturalia, would you?

No reward necessary.
Oh no, that’s not going to work. I tend to find people who aren’t rewarded with tangible goods end up resentful.
Best to give you something now before it festers.

That’s why, for your reward, you’ll be given…shwoom woom woom…a house!
A wonderful house to live in that will make you feel part of the community.
Here’s your key. Enjoy.

 

 

How can I earn a ferry token?
Well, I suppose now that you have a home and are a pillar of our community, I can share this with you.
There are no more ferry tokens. At least, I don’t have any.

Then how does anyone leave?
They uh…don’t? But if you believe the legends, you just need to perform a heroic deed.
I assume when that happens, Ylldra herself will descend from the sky and give you one.

Are you saying I’m stuck here?
No, no, of course not. There are ferry tokens, and there is a way off the island.
I’m just saying as town Elder, I don’t have the answers you seek. I got this position by default.
But plenty of people have earned tokens. None in the past five hundred years, but plenty.

 

I’d like to talk to you about your brother.
Do you mean Trevyn? Is he still alive? Shame what happened to him, or will happen.
It’s a strange thing, knowing when and how someone will die.
And since I don’t want to wreck the time stream, I do my best to just ignore him completely.
Because if he doesn’t die, bad things will happen. First and foremost, my prediction would be wrong. And what’s worse than that?

 

 

Hellos

Don’t let Akshei fool you with this nonsense about the rot. The rot has existed outside this village since the time of Saint Ylldra.

As Elder I have many duties. And as Elder, I have the authority to ignore all of them.

We have a good system here. The fishermen fish, the shopkeepers sell, and I tell them all what to do.

One of the perks of living on this island, no one will complain if you dabble in the darker arts.

As Elder, I don’t get to make the laws. Ylldra’s laws are supreme. But I do get to interpret them.

Prior to Saint Ylldra’s arrival, this place was home to dirt. Lots and lots of dirt. I don’t believe this talk of a manor. That’s absurd.

Yes?
What is it now?
This better be good.
Hm?

Goodbyes
All right then.
Well, off you go.
Goodbye.
Farewell.
Good day.
Mm-hm.
Now, if you’ll excuse me…

 

Main Quest 3 scene

(angry mob gathers outside Elder’s house)

This is an outrage! I demand to know what’s happened to my sister!

And poor Dastri…she’s just a child for Ylldra’s sake!

Everyone calm down. I have diagnosed the problem and I am working on a solution as we speak.

Diagnosed the problem? My husband is a ghost you fool!

Yes, he has a clear case of uh…ghostus maledictus, which is a magical term and obviously not something I made up.
Now run along, little villagers. This will all be taken care of in a day or two, you have my word.

(to player)

Ah! Just the person I wanted to see. If you don’t mind joining me inside, there’s something we need to discuss.

All right. I’ll meet you inside.
Good, good. And make sure to bring your accomplices with you.

Whatever you want to say to me, you can say out here.
No, I don’t think I’ll be doing that. I’d like to keep my neck attached to this beautiful head.

I just want to say I had nothing to do with this.
Of course! Nobody’s blaming you. You’re obviously just along for the ride.

I will see you all inside.

(in private)

Well, you three have some explaining to do. I don’t know how you turned half the village into ghosts, but I know it was definitely you.
Now explain yourself, in great detail, so I can replicate this trick later.

There’s nothing to explain. We barely left the village.

Ylldi, why must you torment me with your lies?
And what about you? What do you have to say for yourself?

We opened Ylldra’s tomb.
I knew it was something horrific like that. And I want nothing to do with it. I’m the town Elder in name only.

Ylldra’s journal mentioned she was raised from the dead.
Raised from the dead? Ylldra’s journal? This is way over my head.
And as town Elder, I grant myself full authority to excuse myself from this fiasco.

Like Ylldi said, there’s nothing to explain.
Well, it doesn’t matter. I doubt you three even know what you did. Of course, it didn’t stop you from doing it. Nothing ever does.

(sigh) We’re going to need to consult a higher authority. Someone who knows the history of the island, and has been across the divide.

And who would that be?

My predecessor, Elder Hethena. She knew much about the island’s history, and could help fill in the gaps.

Where can we find her?
Not where, but “when.” She disappeared into the fog decades ago.
(Sigh) Like mother, like daughter.

 

What did you just say?

Nothing, nothing at all. Regardless, if we want to step into her memories, we’ll need something that belonged to her. A bridge.

This was her house. Is there anything here that belonged to her?

Nothing powerful enough. It’s not like you can just use some random pot she used to cook with.
Of items, I can think of two. One was the skull she kept on her desk. The other was a pendant she kept around her neck, with a sapphire stone.

Wait, did you say a pendant? Like the one my partner has?

Really? Do you have the pendant?

Is this the one?
Yes! Exactly that one! Where did you get it? No, on second thought, I don’t want to know. That would just incriminate me further.

I also have the skull.
Perfect! Either one should work. But having both is helpful, as it doubles our chances.

When you’re ready, go to the Scryer’s Cave behind this cottage, and drink from the pool. It will know exactly where to take you.

How does the scrying pool work?

Memories are never forgotten, but they can be lost. They wander in the darkness looking for something familiar to hold on to.
Until one day you come across a memory trigger, and poof! They reappear. Just like that.
The pool is a window into these forgotten memories. The bridge is the trigger that sorts out what you will see.

 

 

So what, we just drink from this pool, say a few magic words, and we can see the old Elder’s memories?

Everything except the magic words part. That’s patently ridiculous.

Well, magic words or not, I don’t know if I believe it.

You’ll have to if you want to undo this mess. Which I’m sure you’ll agree is your responsibility, not mine.
So please, when you’re ready, go to the Scryer’s Cave, and fix whatever you broke. I have far more important things to do.

 

Whatever you deviants are up to, leave me out of it. Do your best to fix it, but I am not to be involved. Unless, of course, you actually succeed.

 

(player fixes it)

Well, it looks like the village is back to normal. No more ghosts, and no more complaining villagers. I think my work here is done.

(alt) Well, the ghosts are gone, and while the village is mourning, they’ll get over it. They always do.
Besides, if they want to leave, now they can. In any case, I think my work here is done.

Your work? You didn’t do anything.
(said coyly, as if you really did do something behind the scenes that wasn’t obvious)
Didn’t I?

Thank you for your tireless efforts.
No need to thank me. Just remember who saved you the next time I need a favor.

We were the ones who did all the work.
Maybe, but as the person in charge here, I’m the one who will take all the credit.

This village will never be normal.
Well, normal is a relative term, isn’t it. It’s just sometimes those relatives are dead.

 

What’s next for you now that the village is stable?
Oh, I’ve got a few things planned. This whole experience has only bolstered my interest in the dead.
And people say necromancy is boring. Oh wait, no, that’s not what they say. “Dangerous and evil” were the words I was looking for.
Well, that’s of no concern to someone like me.

You mentioned people can leave the island.
Yes, if you haven’t noticed, there’s a giant ship parked near the docks. It came barging in not long after the fog cleared.
I consider this a personal win, as I no longer have to answer questions about ferry tokens.

Captain Venrik

Venrik

Who are you? What do you want?

I just wanted to talk.
Sure, you want to talk now. Until I let my guard down, at which point you’ll eat me alive!
I know your game, foul zombie! And it won’t work!

Nothing. I just wanted to see what’s behind the door.
Why, because you smelled my flesh? Or would that let everyone know you’re actually a rotting zombie!

All your gold, in a bag.
Ha! What does a zombie want with money? Be gone, foul monster! Back to Pilgrim’s Trench with the lot of you!

Good question. Does anyone really know what they want in life?
I do. I want all you horrible zombies out of this inn, and out of my life!

 

What makes you think I’m a zombie?
Because this island is full of them! How else do you explain the Orc standing at the counter?

Would you rather have her sit?
I would rather have her dead and buried at the bottom of Pilgrim’s Trench, where she belongs!
Shurzub was a fine sailor. The best. But she couldn’t have survived that wreck. No one could.
And yet somehow she dragged me to this island with nothing but her rotted off arm to paddle with!

Yes, it all makes sense now. You’re completely insane.
I’m the only sane person here, you fly-addled corpse.
Not like that “thing” pretending to be my crew mate!

There’s about fifty good reasons why she’s there. You, on the other hand…
I know how it looks. But she’s a zombie, plain and simple.

You’re right. I can’t explain it. It’s a mystery.
Exactly. I myself suspect sorcery, but I admit, I’m no expert in the dark arts.

What do you mean? What’s so strange about it?
It’s strange that she’s even standing at all.

 

If she’s a zombie, how do you explain her appearance?
I’ve thought about this long and hard, and there’s only one logical explanation.
Zombie body snatchers! There must be a city full of them, deep in Pilgrim’s Trench!
They capture ships, murder the crew, and then wear their flesh like robes! Dark sorcery indeed.

How did you come to this island?
We were capsized. Sinking to our doom. I held on to a board, but the cold was too much. So I closed my eyes and prayed to Kyne.
But instead of waking up in Sovngarde, I found myself here! A prisoner to a horde of flesh-eating monsters!
Just ask the farmer, Akshei. He’s seen the rot in the trees. Well, I’ve seen it too! In people!

Is there any way you’ll come out?
And have my brains eaten? Are you out of your mind?

Hellos

Go away!

Leave me alone!

Keep your distance, corpse.

I had a nightmare. I woke up outside, with my brains half eaten. It seems not even my dreams are safe from you monsters.

 

 

Scene with Shurzub

Do you need anything, Captain? Food? Drink?

I need a great many things. But nothing from a bloodless harpy like you!

In that case, I’m sure someone will leave a plate by the door.

 

Hey Captain, one of the villagers left a book you might find interesting. Should I slip it under the door?

Hmph. Would I like something to read? Yes. From you? No.

Well, I’m sure one of the rats will slide it under anyway.