Manga - Dimraeth NPC

Field	Value
Internal ID	Manga
Official name	Manga

Dialogue — Greetings

Manga: Before you stands a tall, broad-shouldered minotaur, his horns cleanly severed. He turns with calm precision as you approach.

You are the one spoken of in hushed tones. If you seek steel or speech, I shall provide. I am called Manga. Manga: Returned once more. Speak then, do you wish your blade honed, or your thoughts tempered? Manga: Traveller, I must place a burden upon your shoulders. A shipment of arms, long overdue, was promised. Without it, we stand ill-prepared for the trials ahead. Manga: As you approach, Manga stands flanked by two Earlwood guards, their presence here clearly out of place.

Traveller, welcome back. These two were just departing. Manga: As you approach Manga, he stands motionless by the forge, arms folded, a grim weight in his gaze.

Hm. You return, traveller. What business brings you to my forge at such a time? Manga: Manga sets his hammer aside, giving you his full attention.

Traveller, you return, and with answers, I trust. Speak. What truth have you dragged from this mess? Manga: Traveller, welcome. I have taken my place here and built what forge I may from the means at hand.

It is modest for now, but sound.

Dialogue — General

Manga: Manga lifts his head from the anvil, noticing your gaze linger on the broken stubs where horns once rose.

You wonder at their absence. It is no mystery among my kind. Horn severance marks exile. A punishment. A warning. Manga: Manga inclines his head solemnly.

Cruelty and order often walk as brothers in empires. That which is lost may still shape what follows.

The horns are sacred to us, symbols of strength, adulthood, and command. To bear them damaged is dishonour. To lose them is to walk in shame. Manga: A pause. His tone does not change, but the air cools slightly.

If that is what you see, then let the mark stand. I do not seek to alter judgment.

The horns are sacred to us, symbols of strength, adulthood, and command. To bear them damaged is dishonour. To lose them is to walk in shame. Manga: I was forged for war since birth, as all minotaur men are, long before I learned what strength was truly for. That path led me here, to this forge. Manga: Manga looks into the fire for a moment, then speaks without emotion.

I disobeyed. That is enough for the Empire. They do not question reasons, only outcomes.

In my youth, I chose disobedience. I was commanded to bring ruin. I refused. That is all. Manga: The hammer halts mid-air. His gaze meets yours, unflinching and unreadable.

Betrayal? No. I chose differently. And for that, they call me a traitor.

In my youth, I chose disobedience. I was commanded to bring ruin. I refused. That is all. Manga: Manga nods slowly, the motion deliberate.

Right and ruin often share a road. Yet if I must walk it alone, I shall do so with a steady step.

One may lose homeland, title, even form, but if one keeps their principles, then exile is not defeat. It is clarity. Manga: A low breath, like bellows cooling.

To some, mercy is weakness. But I say strength lies in restraint. I did not abandon my place; I reclaimed myself.

One may lose homeland, title, even form, but if one keeps their principles, then exile is not defeat. It is clarity. Manga: Regret is a chain I will not wear. The past is forged. It cannot be reforged, only understood. Manga: Manga gestures to the rough timber walls and open rafters of the forge, its structure held together more by will than by mortar.

It is humble, yes. I brought only my anvil when word reached me. The rest was built by willing hands and brave hearts. Manga: Manga gives a quiet, respectful nod.

To flee would have served no one. Here, I offer what skill I have. If I shape one sword that saves one life, then the choice was sound.

Steel does not shape itself. Nor does a home rise without effort. In times of trial, we do what we must with what we have. Manga: He turns to inspect a seam in the wall, his voice calm but edged.

A shack, perhaps. But even a shack may shelter courage. Do not mistake simplicity for weakness.

Steel does not shape itself. Nor does a home rise without effort. In times of trial, we do what we must with what we have. Manga: Guildfolk, refugees, even a few children lent their hands. Each board bears the mark of someone who chose to build instead of to break. Manga: Manga wipes soot from his hands and leans against the forge wall, his gaze distant.

The Goblin Crisis, yes. I recall it well. There was no Guild then, only a few who stood against the dark tide. I walked with them. Manga: Manga’s voice takes on the calm weight of recollection.

We followed the blood trail of a hundred raids. Earlwood bled, and we followed its wound back to the source. One led. The rest of us endured.

Alaric led us, a small band of hunters. No glory-seekers. Just men who would not see their village burn. We ventured deep into the Wildwood, following signs few others would recognize. Days became weeks. Manga: He exhales slowly, the forge fire crackling in the silence that follows.

A legend, perhaps. Yet none wrote it in ink. It was written in blood and ash, on the frosted breath of dying men.

Alaric led us, a small band of hunters. No glory-seekers. Just men who would not see their village burn. We ventured deep into the Wildwood, following signs few others would recognize. Days became weeks. Manga: Fifty winters have passed, though it feels nearer. The scars beneath Earlwood’s soil remember better than most. Manga: Manga nods once, slowly and deliberately.

In the end, yes. But not as you would expect. We found pain first, then loss. Then Alaric made the choice none of us could.

When the last man could no longer stand, Alaric turned to me. ‘Carry them home,’ he said. Then he went alone into the dark. Alone. Manga: He looks to the forest line beyond the forge.

Many did. Their bones lie among roots and decay. But some deaths serve a purpose. That is what we held onto.

When the last man could no longer stand, Alaric turned to me. ‘Carry them home,’ he said. Then he went alone into the dark. Alone. Manga: No. We were still strangers. I knew him only as a hunter, and he knew me only as a smith. But trial burns away illusion. In that fire, we found respect. Manga: The Mayor? He barricaded the village and prayed the horde would turn away. Prayer did not save Earlwood. Defiance did. Manga: Manga’s voice carries a quiet pride.

He did. Not by luck or trickery. By will alone. He vanished into shadow and returned with the king’s crown, bloodied but whole.

One thing you must understand about Alaric is that the stories? Every one of them is true. Manga: He stares at you for a moment, unblinking.

Then call it what you will: madness, miracle. I call it truth. I saw him return, and the goblins did not.

One thing you must understand about Alaric is that the stories? Every one of them is true. Manga: I did not. For a breath, we looked upon one another, brothers not by birth but by fire. I saw what he had become and knew I could not stop him. Nor would the goblins. Not him. Manga: Hm. Yes. Grim work, but no accident. Sections of the wall are bound with Treant wood, that hostile magic may be turned aside. Treant wood yet carries breath of life. Manga: Indeed. Driven by necessity, yet grim all the same.

There is question beneath question here, traveller. What is it, do you think, that gives rise to necessity? Manga: Necessity, traveller. Earlwood has stood beneath siege before, and stands beneath threat once more.

There is question beneath question here, traveller. What is it, do you think, that gives rise to necessity? Manga: Because they must, traveller. Protection is their right, even when the means sit heavy on the spirit.

There is question beneath question here, traveller. What is it, do you think, that gives rise to necessity? Manga: Coercion is one such force. It presses upon the will and narrows the path, though it is not the whole of necessity.

Lack is a great engine of necessity. Lack of that which shields you from want, from coercion, from the hard terms reality sets before every living thing. Most of all, lack of strength.

For where strength is absent, choice grows thin. But where strength is present, better means become possible. A man may endure, and in enduring, choose the more virtuous path. Thus I hold strength to be freedom from necessity’s harshest hand. Manga: Hm. Need is deep in its making, yes, though the matter runs deeper still.

Lack is a great engine of necessity. Lack of that which shields you from want, from coercion, from the hard terms reality sets before every living thing. Most of all, lack of strength.

For where strength is absent, choice grows thin. But where strength is present, better means become possible. A man may endure, and in enduring, choose the more virtuous path. Thus I hold strength to be freedom from necessity’s harshest hand. Manga: Truth sits in that. Reality does impose, though necessity draws breath from more than reality alone.

Lack is a great engine of necessity. Lack of that which shields you from want, from coercion, from the hard terms reality sets before every living thing. Most of all, lack of strength.

For where strength is absent, choice grows thin. But where strength is present, better means become possible. A man may endure, and in enduring, choose the more virtuous path. Thus I hold strength to be freedom from necessity’s harshest hand. Manga: Just so. It is foundation beneath free will.

Strength is that by which other paths are opened.

Rare are those with strength enough to live by virtue when hardship presses near. Manga: Not so. I say only that weakness is common beneath Agir’s gaze, in man, elf, my own kin, and all others besides.

Strength is that by which other paths are opened.

Rare are those with strength enough to live by virtue when hardship presses near. Manga: Manga’s eyes lower to meet yours, an amused warmth touching his otherwise steady expression.

I would not yet grant myself such honour, traveller. Yet I am glad to stand so in your sight. You yourself seem of that rare kind. Manga: Indeed, traveller. I came from a land where strength was prized as instrument of power alone. Here, I have found many who bend it toward its rightful purpose. In that, Earlwood gives me quiet joy. Manga: You judge Earlwood unjustly, traveller. This village is blessed with many of the rare kind. Look again, and with clearer eye. Manga: Hm. You would know of my homeland, traveller? Very well.

I was born in Xwin, heart of the Minotaur Empire, far within the Barrens.

It is a city of immense works and iron discipline. I bear no spite toward the cities of men, yet few I have seen would stand beside it without seeming small. Manga: They are. The empire was raised through conquest across long centuries. This is plain truth, and my people take great pride in it.

In Xwin, might is held above all virtues. Every male is made to serve in the military, and also trained in useful craft or discipline besides. Strength alone is not enough. A man is expected to fight for the empire, and to sharpen mind and labour in its service as well. Manga: You speak no falsehood. Xwin was forged through conquest, and counts that history among its honours.

In Xwin, might is held above all virtues. Every male is made to serve in the military, and also trained in useful craft or discipline besides. Strength alone is not enough. A man is expected to fight for the empire, and to sharpen mind and labour in its service as well. Manga: Far to the west, near the shores of the Southern Barrens, beyond the great passes now held by men. Manga: Yes. No other folk dwell there freely. Entry is granted only by imperial leave, for diplomacy or trade, and even then, outsiders are not welcomed. Manga: Only in part. My values are now my own, and the path I follow is forbidden in Xwin.

In my years as a soldier, I met one who carried the teachings of Praesidiism in secret. In Xwin, that alone is cause for execution.

I thought first to expose him. Such was the empire’s hold upon my mind. Yet I stayed my hand and heard him speak. From him I learned that might has purpose beyond conquest, and that strength without virtue is but refined brutality.

After that, exile was not far behind. Manga: Backward in some ways, perhaps. Yet not for honouring might. The error lies in what end they demand it serve.

In my years as a soldier, I met one who carried the teachings of Praesidiism in secret. In Xwin, that alone is cause for execution.

I thought first to expose him. Such was the empire’s hold upon my mind. Yet I stayed my hand and heard him speak. From him I learned that might has purpose beyond conquest, and that strength without virtue is but refined brutality.

After that, exile was not far behind. Manga: They are deemed essential. Mothers, teachers, wives, sisters, daughters. They are charged with preserving the spirit of Xwin, and with giving its strength purpose. Manga: Manga’s eyes rest on you with renewed attention, faint warmth showing through his composure.

You honour it by asking. When time permits, I will tell you more. Manga: I am glad as well. Yet Xwin remains my homeland, though it cast me out. Manga: No. I refused falsehood when I came to see it for what it was. Manga: Manga lifts his head and meets your eyes, approval plain beneath his calm.

I have heard. The Goblin King is dead by your hand. That is no small triumph, traveller.

The village has cause for gratitude. Goblins are savage foes. I fought them often when I still served as soldier. Manga: Rarely so common as here. They strayed into the Barrens at times, but these lands suffer them more heavily.

In my homeland, goblin packs would sometimes slip through the mountain passes and into the Barrens. They were never suffered for long.

Xwin keeps scouts upon its edges and garrisons near its outer settlements. The moment goblins are sighted, warriors are sent to cut them down. The empire does not permit such infestation to endure. Manga: Then walk it. Yet know this: strength used well may serve others, even when service was not the aim.

In my homeland, goblin packs would sometimes slip through the mountain passes and into the Barrens. They were never suffered for long.

Xwin keeps scouts upon its edges and garrisons near its outer settlements. The moment goblins are sighted, warriors are sent to cut them down. The empire does not permit such infestation to endure. Manga: Manga gives a small nod.

Yes. I met them first when I was yet a young recruit.

A small horde once crossed the mountains into the Barrens, and I marched with the regiment sent to break it. I was young then. It was among my first true battles, and I count myself fortunate to have survived the day.

I saw friends there, traveller. True Minotaurs, strong men, eaten alive upon the field by the horde. Manga: In that, Xwin was fortunate. Its goblin threat was lesser than what men endure here. Yet lesser is not nothing. I fought them myself in youth.

A small horde once crossed the mountains into the Barrens, and I marched with the regiment sent to break it. I was young then. It was among my first true battles, and I count myself fortunate to have survived the day.

I saw friends there, traveller. True Minotaurs, strong men, eaten alive upon the field by the horde. Manga: Manga smiles faintly, a low chuckle escaping him.

It is a matter of doctrine, traveller. Xwin holds that conquest must be won by strength and honour, not by contrivance. The humans accept engines and devices my people scorn. In that refusal, Xwin binds its own hand. Manga: As am I. And I am glad in turn that you returned from your own battle. I breathe easier seeing you stand safe before me. Manga: On that, I cannot disagree. Such has been the burden of the world for as long as memory reaches. Manga: Speak not so lightly. A pest in handfuls may be mocked. A horde may still eat the strong alive. Manga: One cannot. A hundred can. One bite at a time. Manga: No one knows with certainty. They seem not to breed as beasts do, yet their numbers never cease. All that is known is this: they crawl up from the deep places beneath the mountains. Manga: Manga closes his eyes for a brief moment, and when he speaks, there is weight beneath the calm.

Corin is a fine warrior. Alaric’s finest pupil, without question.

Yet he is still a young man, and young men may be driven by fires they do not yet know how to master. Manga: Because I care for him. I have known him since childhood, and I would not see him shaped wrongly.

Since coming here, Corin has borne deep hatred for goblins. That much is no secret. When he was younger, it was plain anger.

But years sharpened him. He listened to those of us who raised him, Alaric among them. He grew in discipline, in judgment, in restraint.

And yet his hatred did not lessen. It merely learned to speak in reason. Manga: No ill at all. Only concern for one I hold close.

Since coming here, Corin has borne deep hatred for goblins. That much is no secret. When he was younger, it was plain anger.

But years sharpened him. He listened to those of us who raised him, Alaric among them. He grew in discipline, in judgment, in restraint.

And yet his hatred did not lessen. It merely learned to speak in reason. Manga: Manga lifts his eyes to yours, quiet acknowledgment in his gaze.

It is.

I remember speaking to him of it very plainly. He said, ‘You taught me that strength has purpose, and that enemies are those whose victory would diminish our future. Then why should I not hate goblins? Why should I not kill them wherever I find them? What better use of strength is there?’

I told him he was missing the condition that gives strength moral shape. Measure. One must pursue even an enemy no further than necessity and future good require. Hatred strips away measure. It turns defence into appetite.

He did not yet have ears for that truth. Manga: Goblins are foul creatures, yes. Hatred may serve for a time. But to keep it close is to let it feed upon the self.

I remember speaking to him of it very plainly. He said, ‘You taught me that strength has purpose, and that enemies are those whose victory would diminish our future. Then why should I not hate goblins? Why should I not kill them wherever I find them? What better use of strength is there?’

I told him he was missing the condition that gives strength moral shape. Measure. One must pursue even an enemy no further than necessity and future good require. Hatred strips away measure. It turns defence into appetite.

He did not yet have ears for that truth. Manga: Yes. I will remain, and speak when speaking may still avail him. Manga: I pray the right time comes before some harder lesson does. Manga: A just cause does not require hatred, traveller. If it does, then either the cause is less just than believed, or the man less disciplined. Manga: Manga’s mouth eases into an amused smile.

Perceptive, traveller. Yes. There is.

I wished to thank you again, and in plain words, for all you have done for me and for Earlwood.

And I would speak another truth besides. I have come to look forward to our conversations. Manga: It does my heart good to hear it. I would gladly see such moments grow more frequent.

At first, I watched you with suspicion. One does not see a stranger arrive by ancient magic and take it for an ordinary matter.

Yet time has rendered judgment since then. You have shown yourself able in deed and sharp in thought. Your character, too, has proven sound. I am honoured to join my strength to yours. Manga: And I have come to count you friend as well.

At first, I watched you with suspicion. One does not see a stranger arrive by ancient magic and take it for an ordinary matter.

Yet time has rendered judgment since then. You have shown yourself able in deed and sharp in thought. Your character, too, has proven sound. I am honoured to join my strength to yours. Manga: Necessity does not lessen merit, traveller. I still hold your deeds in esteem.

At first, I watched you with suspicion. One does not see a stranger arrive by ancient magic and take it for an ordinary matter.

Yet time has rendered judgment since then. You have shown yourself able in deed and sharp in thought. Your character, too, has proven sound. I am honoured to join my strength to yours. Manga: That is high praise. I receive it with gratitude.

You have heard me speak before of the path I follow, Praesidiism. If you are willing, I would now lay its first stones before you. Manga: Just so. Such bewilderment would have been expected of anyone cast into your place.

You have heard me speak before of the path I follow, Praesidiism. If you are willing, I would now lay its first stones before you. Manga: A narrow framing, but a clear one. I will not trouble you beyond the role you name.

You have heard me speak before of the path I follow, Praesidiism. If you are willing, I would now lay its first stones before you. Manga: You honour me in turn by wishing it.

The first principle is this: strength is a precondition of virtue, and part of the Good itself. For without strength, whether of body or spirit, a man cannot overcome resistance, nor master temptation, nor hold to what is right when pressure comes.

The second principle is this: power and strength are not the same.

Strength belongs first to the self. It is the capacity to endure, to act, to remain upright beneath burden. Power is something else. It is strength extended outward, made into instrument over others.

These first lessons I place in your hands. Keep them, and turn them over in thought. Manga: Then hear the first principle.

Strength is a precondition of virtue, and part of the Good itself. For without strength, whether of body or spirit, a man cannot overcome resistance, nor master temptation, nor hold to what is right when pressure comes.

The second principle is this: power and strength are not the same.

Strength belongs first to the self. It is the capacity to endure, to act, to remain upright beneath burden. Power is something else. It is strength extended outward, made into instrument over others.

These first lessons I place in your hands. Keep them, and turn them over in thought. Manga: As you wish. I will not press philosophy upon unwilling ears. Go well, traveller. Manga: That is honour enough for what I have shared. Manga: So many in Mirkea believe. They are mistaken. One day, perhaps, you will see where that road truly ends. Manga: What I gave to Earlwood, I will give here also.

I will serve as rune smith and forge master. Bring me rune dust, and I will continue to strengthen your equipment.

In time, as this forge grows, I will shape arms and armour worthy of the trials ahead. Manga: By labour, by steadiness, and by use. No other proof is worth much.

I will serve as rune smith and forge master. Bring me rune dust, and I will continue to strengthen your equipment.

In time, as this forge grows, I will shape arms and armour worthy of the trials ahead. Manga: Manga pauses a moment, his composure unchanged, though something warmer moves beneath it.

Yes. I would welcome further conversation between us. Manga: Manga gives a silent nod of gratitude. Manga: When need brings you to the forge, I will be here.

Dialogue — SQ1

Manga: No, I cannot offer freshly forged blades. Not here. But I can take what you bring me, break it, distil its power, and fuse that essence into something greater. That is the art of rune-smithing, and I know it well. Manga: You must bring me pieces of equipment to be broken, and one to be raised. The old must fall so the new may rise.

When you return with both, I shall show you how strength is passed through rune and fire. Manga: Manga frowns faintly, tilting his head.

You do not know of rune-smithing? It is no rare art, practised from the forges of Eastwind to the halls beneath Mirkea.

Every weapon, every piece of armour carries runes within it, magic etched in fire and steel. Through shattering, that magic is released.

From the essence drawn, we may empower another item, forging strength from what was lost. Manga: He bows his head slightly in silent acknowledgment, then resumes his work, the steady rhythm of metal on metal filling the silence. Manga: Well done. You understand enough to make use of the craft. Should you need more work done, the forge is open.

Dialogue — SQ2

Manga: They rode the east road through the Wildwood. Beyond that, silence. Whether beast or brigand claimed them, I cannot yet say. Manga: You have my thanks. I hope to see you again, whole and victorious. Manga: I would have the shipment returned. Without blades, we defend ourselves with bare hands. Manga: Well done. This village owes you more than words. Tell me, where were they found? Manga: Wolves and a Treant? Hmm, beings of Ceres acting like beings of Akolasis. We live in a truly dark time.

Tell me, Traveller. Do you think peace and power can coexist in our world? Manga: He studies you for a long moment before nodding once.

That is correct. Power is strength corrupted by the will to dominate. Strength is self-sufficient, able to grow without need of another. Power requires the domination of others to thrive. So a will correctly aligned with strength can grow to overcome one bent to power. Manga: Hm, your religion does illuminate part of the answer. This is not taught within the empire. I have heard it since my exile.

But to add to your answer, I will give you mine.

Power is strength corrupted by the will to dominate. Strength is self-sufficient, able to grow without need of another. Power requires the domination of others to thrive. So a will correctly aligned with strength can grow to overcome one bent to power. Manga: He watches you for a moment, then gives a single nod.

You give no answer. I do not fault you.

What you have done matters more than what you choose to say. I am grateful for both.

May your path return here in time. Manga: In hardship, it is not the blade that sees us through; it is the question that sharpens the will.

You have served this village well. I look forward to your return.

Dialogue — SQ3

Manga: The Mayor tests his reach, sending eyes where they are not needed. A troublesome game.

Since I moved to this quarter to aid Alaric, the main village has gone without a proper smith. Only amateurs now to mend their blades and armour. Manga: You reach for force too quickly. I care not to see such haste from you.

Since I moved to this quarter to aid Alaric, the main village has gone without a proper smith. Only amateurs now to mend their blades and armour. Manga: Precisely. They ask my return to forge and repair, but there is more beneath their words.

There has long been a struggle for power between the Mayor and Alaric. Alaric does not seek to lead, yet many see him as their true captain, and the Mayor cannot bear it. They would have me return to forge for them. More than that, they would see my aid to Alaric and the Guild lessened. They even spoke of gold. Manga: They do not speak it in those words. Yet I believe that may be the true intention.

There has long been a struggle for power between the Mayor and Alaric. Alaric does not seek to lead, yet many see him as their true captain, and the Mayor cannot bear it. They would have me return to forge for them. More than that, they would see my aid to Alaric and the Guild lessened. They even spoke of gold. Manga: I am afraid so. For all Earlwood’s progress in the years I have been here, they have yet to attract others of my trade. Earlwood has no true army, and there is much less work for a smith than in any major settlement. Manga: You judge true, traveller. I have no intention of changing sides, but I still fear what move they make next.

After a moment staring toward the village, Manga’s gaze settles and his movements return to their usual calm precision.

Enough of the Mayor’s games. There is another matter that needs your strength.

Now that the bridge has been rebuilt, our supply lines can be strengthened, made safer for the trade that will one day return. In the Northern Wildwood lies a river crossing on the main road. Once, caravans passed there freely. Now the crossing has fallen. Manga: My thoughts are simple: my place is here. Yet men who feel power slipping from their grasp often act without wisdom. That is what I fear.

After a moment staring toward the village, Manga’s gaze settles and his movements return to their usual calm precision.

Enough of the Mayor’s games. There is another matter that needs your strength.

Now that the bridge has been rebuilt, our supply lines can be strengthened, made safer for the trade that will one day return. In the Northern Wildwood lies a river crossing on the main road. Once, caravans passed there freely. Now the crossing has fallen. Manga: No. I would never. My hammer stays with Alaric and the Guild, but loyalty does not blind me to the danger in this game.

After a moment staring toward the village, Manga’s gaze settles and his movements return to their usual calm precision.

Enough of the Mayor’s games. There is another matter that needs your strength.

Now that the bridge has been rebuilt, our supply lines can be strengthened, made safer for the trade that will one day return. In the Northern Wildwood lies a river crossing on the main road. Once, caravans passed there freely. Now the crossing has fallen. Manga: It is simple. Alaric has no wish to rule, yet he leads. The Mayor holds title by lineage, yet lacks the will of a true leader. This has always been so, and the people see it. Manga: It is a simple task. Listen carefully.

A crossing like this asks for nothing grand, only a rope line strung from side to side, so carts and travellers can keep their footing. The rope and supports, I have prepared.

The craft is plain. The company is what complicates it. The creatures out there will not sit idle while you work. Manga: An errand by choice perhaps, but a necessary one if we are to move forward.

A crossing like this asks for nothing grand, only a rope line strung from side to side, so carts and travellers can keep their footing. The rope and supports, I have prepared.

The craft is plain. The company is what complicates it. The creatures out there will not sit idle while you work. Manga: Good. A steady hand and a ready blade, that is all this task requires of you. Return with both intact. Manga: I doubt the danger will fade soon. But I will not command you. Decide when your will is set.

Dialogue — SQ4

Manga: You read my face well. Hm. Not many here see so clearly.

Manga’s voice is heavy with concern.

I am afraid there is trouble once more between Guild and Guard. This time it smells of open conflict. Adventurers claim they have seen guards stripping weapons and armour from the bodies of our fallen. Manga: We lose more with every passing day. Yet, regrettably, that is not the heaviest trouble on my mind.

Manga’s voice is heavy with concern.

I am afraid there is trouble once more between Guild and Guard. This time it smells of open conflict. Adventurers claim they have seen guards stripping weapons and armour from the bodies of our fallen. Manga: You speak my own thoughts, traveller. Yet there is more to it than simple disrespect.

Manga leans forward, earnest.

I know my own hand in this. They hunger for steel I have not forged for them. Yet I would see this dealt with without turning brother upon brother in blood. For now we have only the word of a few, all of them strained and angry from long hardship. Tension has sat too long in this village. I need eyes not bound to either side to look closely. Will you aid me in this? Manga: You speak a truth I know well, traveller. My choice has its cost.

Manga leans forward, earnest.

I know my own hand in this. They hunger for steel I have not forged for them. Yet I would see this dealt with without turning brother upon brother in blood. For now we have only the word of a few, all of them strained and angry from long hardship. Tension has sat too long in this village. I need eyes not bound to either side to look closely. Will you aid me in this? Manga: You honour me, traveller. Hm. I have few clear leads for you to pursue. Start here. Speak to the refugees and adventurers. Learn what they have seen. Manga: I understand your stance. You are yet an outsider here. Still, if you choose to act, start here. Speak to the refugees and adventurers. Learn what they know. Manga: Not enough time, nor resources. In days such as these, traveller, we must choose where to set our strength. I choose those I value. Manga: Their words I do not distrust. Yet it is foolish to act while so many questions remain. We do not yet know if this was a lone act, a rogue band of guards, or orders from the Mayor himself. We must be patient and diligent. Manga: Hm. That does make the most sense.

Manga nods thoughtfully.

It is a relief to know this was not on the Mayor’s orders. A small knot of rogues can be forgotten in time, so long as the rot does not spread. But it still shows his weakness, that he cannot keep his own men in hand. Tell me, traveller, how did you deal with them? Manga: Vultures indeed. Weak men fall to scavenging when nothing holds them upright. Hm. It does make the most sense.

Manga nods thoughtfully.

It is a relief to know this was not on the Mayor’s orders. A small knot of rogues can be forgotten in time, so long as the rot does not spread. But it still shows his weakness, that he cannot keep his own men in hand. Tell me, traveller, how did you deal with them? Manga: Hm. Mercy, then. They see no punishment. Whether that was the right road, I cannot say. But it is a choice made with restraint, and that I respect.

Manga pauses, one broad hand resting on the forge, his gaze travelling from the anvil to the village and then toward the Wildwood beyond.

Traveller, I have news. My path no longer ends in Earlwood. I do not yet claim to know you. Your strength I know, and I see your place in what comes next. Your road leads away from this village. And mine would follow, if you have place for me, my smith and my steel at your service. Manga: You turned their fear back toward duty. A sound path. You used your strength, and the fear already within them, without resorting to force or bloodshed. That sits well with me.

Manga pauses, one broad hand resting on the forge, his gaze travelling from the anvil to the village and then toward the Wildwood beyond.

Traveller, I have news. My path no longer ends in Earlwood. I do not yet claim to know you. Your strength I know, and I see your place in what comes next. Your road leads away from this village. And mine would follow, if you have place for me, my smith and my steel at your service. Manga: Exile, carried on fear. Hm. You did not cut them down. Still, the Wildwood is a hard sentence. Perhaps there was a cleaner way. Yet you judged as you saw fit. I will not claim your burden for my own.

Manga pauses, one broad hand resting on the forge, his gaze travelling from the anvil to the village and then toward the Wildwood beyond.

Traveller, I have news. My path no longer ends in Earlwood. I do not yet claim to know you. Your strength I know, and I see your place in what comes next. Your road leads away from this village. And mine would follow, if you have place for me, my smith and my steel at your service. Manga: In part, yes. I hear whispers of discord through the ranks. Some among the guard look on refugees and fallen comrades as easy spoils. A weak hand on the reins invites such rot. Manga: The honour is mine, traveller. To test my strength beside yours will be no small thing.

Manga folds his arms, gaze steady on you.

Very well then, traveller. Where shall I raise my forge? Manga: Spoken plainly. I ask for nothing more. I will lend my craft when called, and let deeds speak instead of words.

Manga folds his arms, gaze steady on you.

Very well then, traveller. Where shall I raise my forge? Manga: For some time I have pressed Aldoria to resume weapon shipments to Earlwood. You opened the road; the caravans will follow. They will forge more steel than I alone ever could. The village will not stand unarmed in my absence. Manga: A rare gift, to bend distance itself. I will make good use of it, and repay you in steel and service. Seek me in this sanctum when you have need.

About this data

Dialogue scripts use the game’s official English text. Data compiled from official in-game sources. Names, descriptions and effects use the game’s own English text. Stats reflect the current game version and may change with updates.