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sandycookie · 29 days

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Re: Ravengard & Wyll's Contract 'Choice'

BG3 Spoilers for Act 3 & Wyll's Quest

Everyone's gotta lay off of Wyll!

Now, disclaimer, I did do things out of sequence. I never attended Gortash's coronation because 1. I was fully intent on killing him and 2. Wanted to level up and do a ton of stuff before facing him. I thought it was an obvious trap, so I decided to blow up the Steel Watch and stuff and save him for last. Apparently, Ravengard's supposed to be at the Iron Throne after the coronation, but because I never went to the coronation, my bro was still waiting beside Gortash to appoint him Archduke. This means that Ravengard's just...dead. Like, nothing you can do about it. I tried killing everyone but him and he was still hostile, and when I used Non Lethal on him he just died anyway

(Weirdly though, even though I used non-lethal on Ravengard AS WYLL who said, and I quote: "Father, no! That was no killing blow!" He talked like I just killed Ravengard? Like, no. Everyone else even says it must've been the Absolute or something, which is why he dies even with non lethal. AND YOU WERE THERE, WYLL---

I assume there's no dialog for this approach or that it just bugged out, for some reason. Either way, just really weird and also a bummer. Defo never skipping Gortash's coronation, now that I know he won't immediately kill me and that doing so doesn't mess up Wyll's quest in this way for me)

Case in point, Ravengard? More like DEADgard. Hahaha. Im sorry please don't leave

So Mizora, bonafide bitch, comes into my camp with a contract offer and whatnot. And Wyll's gotta choose between either bringing his Ravengard back to life at the cost of his soul, or letting him stay dead and breaking his contract.

As an aside, I really, REALLY hate that unlike with other companion's story quests, you HAVE to make this choice for him. There's no option where you let HIM make his own choice. Which just really rubs me the wrong way? A large theme of this game so far as been the autonomy over oneself; the freedom of choice, the freedom that one has to pursue the life one wishes to live. Most of the story's about regaining lost autonomy (since having a tadpole in your head really doesn't help with that), and so many antagonists want to strip people of their autonomy. Gortash outright says, in one of his journals, that free will is the enemy of progress, and that in order to progress to peace, that it has to be stripped in order to form a collective (and that's a fine philosophical discussion, but pursuing would make this post x25 longer).

And yes, there is the case of Astarion's personal quest, where there ISN'T an option to let him decide himself if he wants to ascend or not. There is story justification for it, since he does need your help in order to carve the runes, but speaking aside from that, I think in this instance, it's fine. At that moment, Astarion is literally being faced with two choices: 1. Live as a spawn for the rest of his life, susceptible to the sun and forced to live in the shadows, forced to constantly sate his hunger, live as he has for the past miserable 200 years, or 2. Obtain such power that he doesn't have to face the drawbacks of being a vampire, but more importantly, it's the choice that, to him, screams: You won't be hurt. That's a really tempting choice, coupled with 200 years of suffering and torture, and the fear and trauma that has instilled with Astarion. Astarion ascending is a result of his fear of being hurt, but in the process, he hurts thousands. Thus, being given the choice to let him ascend or not becomes either allowing the cycle of trauma to continue (as Cazador was abused by his master, Astarion abused by Cazador, Astarion is just the next vampire master whom will continue the cycle), killing thousands of people, or pushing Astarion to realize that he can be better than Cazador and break the cycle. He even admits that he needed that little push, because he was just too enraptured by power to think of anything but it.

TLDR; Astarion's quest does have legitimate justification as to why there isn't a 'Let him do as he wishes' option, as there is with Shadowheart's quest for example. There is absolutely no reason why you can't just let Wyll make the decision between...reviving his father at the cost of his soul, or letting him remain dead in exchange for his freedom. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE QUESTION OF AUTONOMY, one that the game has made clear, time and time again, that these choices are best made by the individual whom it affects. To be honest, this is a small thing in the larger scheme of things, but it still just really irks me.

Anyway, since I had Wyll's very fate and autonomy in my hands, I ultimately made the decision to have him break free of his contract. Bro deserves better than to be stuck in Avernus for eternity, after all, and if Ravengard is as good as everyone says, this is the choice he'd want Wyll to make as well. Ravengard's already dead, and there's no reason to disturb that for like, what? 10 more years of leadership? I was tempted to let Ravengard revive to help rebuild the city, since like, he's maybe the only noble who actually has the people's best interest at heart, but one man isn't enough to disrupt an entire system. We have revolutions for that. Jokes aside, that was the choice I came to, even if I have the nagging feeling it might not have been what Wyll would've then (but then again, I got approval from him, so maybe not). Also, I do not trust Mizora the Bitch to not do something like 'Okay Wyll, Absolute is gone, your next task is to kill your own father.' I get what they were aiming for with this choice, but for me, it was an easy one to make.

But now, oh boy boy, here we come to what REALLY irked me.

WHY IS EVERYONE SAYING WYLL SACRIFICED HIS OWN FATHER???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Firstly, there was no sacrifice at play. Like, AT ALL. Ravengard was already dead, at the gates of the City of Judgment! If anything, choosing to bring him back would be a sacrifice: you'd be sacrificing Ravengard's retirement (bc if he's as good as everyone says, he'd probably be chilling in heaven). Let the man sip pina coladas for eternity or something.

So, literally, the only sacrifice here, is Wyll sacrificing his soul to hell for an eternity to bring his father back. Wyll breaking his contract doesn't sacrifice shit. It's not going to leave him guiltless; I've no doubt that Wyll would feel guilt that he didn't save his father, but ultimately, it's like saying that letting people stay dead is a sacrifice and morally reprehensible, all because you didn't want to go to a devil and doom your soul for eternity. That doesn't logic, dude.

It's likely that this might be reaction dialog to a different choice you could've made with Wyll if you've seen Gortash's coronation, which, for the writer's sake, I hope is the case. But it's still really, really frustrating. Stop guilt-tripping Wyll like this!

Ultimately, it just felt really clunky. The Blade of Frontiers quest isn't marked completed yet, so there may yet be a chance for the writing to eek out and make me eat my words, or at least overlook it. But whatever that was, I really, really hope they can either rewrite it, or learn from it and not repeat the same mistake.

Anyways, there's an actual Essay that I have to turn in, so I'ma go do that. Thanks for reading, hope you've had a good day, and remember to stay hydrated.

#reblogs

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sandycookie · 1 month

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SSR Rook Hunt - New Year's Attire Vignette

"Come now, tell me everything...!"

[Mister S's Mystery Shop]

Diasomnia Student: Let go! I touched this last remaining limited edition collaboration T-shirt first!

Heartslabyul Student: No way! I was just a bit faster! You should be the one to let go!

Rook: Non! Please calm down, both of you.

Rook: If you continue to struggle so… Your precious shirt will stretch and everyone will be at a loss!

Jade: This may be presumptuous of me, but… From where I stood, it seemed as though the other customer was a tad faster at claiming the product.

Diasomnia Student: See! Even he says so. Now, take your hand off, I must go to the register.

Heartslabyul Student: Dammit! I'll definitely get the next one, you can count on it!

Jade: There seems to be at least one dispute like this every day now.

Jade: Those two earlier were clashing just the other day as well… Amazing how they don't tire of it.

Rook: During this sale, there are limited stock of rare items available that rotate daily.

Rook: While it may be a wondrous thing that customers come in to purchase these more valuable products, it is also a shame that they resort to in-fighting.

Jade: Perhaps we need to devise a way in order to sell these limited-time products better.

Jade: At the moment it is first-come, first-serve, but what if we were to implement a lottery system for these products?

Jade: It may greatly reduce the conflict between customers, as well as any other displeasure with the ongoing sale.

Rook: With regards to dealing with the frantic scramble for our products, I think that's a superb idea!

Rook: However… That will also result in customers who will be saddened by their lack of luck.

Rook: I'd like it if all those who came to our sale were able to leave happy.

Rook: If only we could have every customer of the Mystery Shop be happy as a clam.

Jade: I see. So you wish to see a solution that would bring satisfaction to all.

Jade: I admit that is a very you thing to say, but would that not be tricky to implement?

Rook: You may be right… But here's what I think. Conflict happens because the heart yearns.

Rook: Therefore, the best course of action would be to give them something to satisfy that yearning.

Rook: For example, let me think…

Rook: What if we were to transform the inside of this shop into something beautiful that'll bring joy into people's hearts?

Jade: You mean you wish to decorate this shop?

Rook: That's right! Anybody and everybody will feel satisfied once they look upon something gorgeous.

Rook: Up until this point, I have attended many plays that would be considered top tier.

Rook: Venues that perform these first-rate plays have a way of moving the hearts of those who have come to watch before the curtain has even been raised.

Rook: For example, if there were to be extravagantly beautiful decorations in the entrance hall…

Rook: Each person who came in through those doors would instantly be swept up into a wondrous new universe… Or the like.

Jade: I see. It would make sense that a refined theater would also make sure to be surrounded by magnificence.

Jade: Regardless of whether we would be able to do something to that degree, that may be a fine point to start from.

Rook: This is the best chance for me to put to good use my own experience of witnessing countless works that artists have poured their heart and soul into!

Jade: There are many students in Pomefiore who excel at having an artistic sense.

Jade: To be able to see just what kind of decoration you are thinking of as the Vice Housewarden of said dorm, Rook-san… I must admit that my own curiosity has been piqued.

Rook: I'm touched by your kind words. Now, we should go right away to ask Sam-san for permission to decorate the shop.

Sam: ―So, you'd like to increase the shop's decorations in order to appease the hearts of our customers who keep squabbling over the products, hm.

Sam: Please, go ahead and try it. Of course I'd like for it to settle the arguments, but I especially am hopeful that it will increase sales.

Rook: Merci, Monsieur Mysterious! I begin preparations right away.

Jade: I will do my best as your team mate as well, so please let me know what I may do to help.

Rook: A fantastic offer! I'll absolutely take you up on that, Monsieur Prémédité.

Rook: ―With all of the knowledge and experience I've accumulated, I'll absolutely be able to transform this space into something beautiful.

Rook: In order to quell those heart-wrenching arguments… I'll bring forth a beautifully decorated shop that'll soothe their souls!

[Mister S's Mystery Shop]

―A few hours later

Rook: Mayhaps this colorful lamp would be best suited placed against this monotone-colored wall.

Rook: It's quite a difficult task to determine where things should go to keep a good balance in the room. Fufu… And yet that is what makes this even more worthwhile.

Jade: As you've requested, I've finished preparing the decorations you need.

Rook: Merci, Monsieur Prémédité! You've been a huge help.

Jade: Not at all, this was a simple task.

Jade: We've been able to put up some quick decorations here and there, but this may be the extent that we can do now during the day.

Rook: You're probably right. The two of us can finish the rest of what needs to be done after the shop closes for the night.

Jade: Indeed. Incidentally, these decorations you've brought in are quite fabulous, Rook-san.

Jade: And you've brought such a surprisingly large quantity, as well… How could you have possibly procured all of these during your rather short break?

Rook: All the interior items I've brought to be used as decorations inside the shop came from the Pomefiore storage room or borrowed from various students.

Rook: Some are donations from former students, and others are personal items from current students.

Jade: I see. It is astounding that one dormitory is able to amass a collection this wonderful…

Jade: I should expect nothing less from Pomefiore and your adherence to the spirit of the Fairest Queen.

Rook: Isn't it just? My beloved Pomefiore dormitory is overflowing with beautiful things.

Jade: Yes, I have come to understand that. However, I believe the most spectacular thing of all is…

Jade: Your ability in being able to choose decorations that would complement this shop well in that short amount of time, as well as your ability to negotiate borrowing them.

Rook: Oh my, I'm honored to hear you praise me like that. Thank you, Jade-kun!

Jade: Not at all. However… Will the simple act of decorating the shop truly abate these arguments?

Rook: Truthfully, I have prepared something special.

Rook: Once my plan is set in motion, it should allow for everyone to be soothed and forget about their infighting.

Jade: A "special something," you say… I cannot wait.

Rook: Fufu, as for what it is, you shall have to wait for its time in the spotlight.

Rook: Tomorrow, this Mystery Shop will become an even more beauté establishment― That I can definitely promise!

―The next morning

Scarabia Student: Alright, today I'll buy some of the ingredients on sale… HUH, WHAT'S ALL THIS!?

Scarabia Student: THE SHOP'S INTERIOR… IS EVEN MORE EXTRAVAGANTLY DECORATED!

Octavinelle Student: You're right. It's almost like it's not our school store!

Trey: There's fancy lamps, paintings and other interior decorations here and there…

Trey: They've been arranged so as to not bother the Eastern decorations that were already put up, but instead they actually work well with them. The shop feels completely different.

Ortho: This is amazing! Is this all your doing, Rook-san and Jade-san?

Rook: Oui! It may have almost taken us until dawn, but I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Rook: The theme was "the theater."

Rook: To transport all who step through the threshold into a whole new world, just as a theater presenting a high-class play would…

Rook: That was the purpose behind this design.

Jade: Rook-san's aesthetical sense is, in a word, fantastic.

Jade: I may have contributed a helping hand, but everything was done according to his guidance.

Trey: Regardless, this is really well done.

Trey: Looks like me and Ortho can't just dilly-dally if we want that special bonus.

Trey: Anyway, good work, Rook, Jade. You two didn't sleep much last night, right?

Trey: You can leave the shop to us, go ahead and get some rest.

Rook: Fufu, I appreciate your consideration, Chevalier des Roses! But there's no need to concern yourself, as you can see, we are fit as a fiddle.

Jade: Indeed. Moreover, if we were to take a break here, we may be passed up by our rivals.

Trey: Haha, didn't think you'd fall for that one.

Ortho: Tooooo bad. ―Ah, Trey-san. Looks like there's a customer waiting to pay.

Trey: Oops, we should get back to work. See you two later.

Jade: …Well, then. It seems as though our customers are taking well to the new decorations so far…

Rook: The most crucial thing now is to determine if it will help reduce the arguments between our customers.

Rook: Based on the product lineup we have today… It is highly probable that those two who were fighting over that shirt yesterday will come once more.

Rook: Furthermore, we've only the one pair of the limited-edition shoes today.

Rook: What a sad fate that only one of them will be able to claim their prized item…

Rook: Yet, would their clamorous hearts be quelled much like our other customers? This is what I have worked towards.

Jade: At noon, our special limited products will be on sale. It is almost time.

Rook: Oh, speaking of which.

Diasomnia Student: YOOO!! I'M DEFINITELLY GONNA GRAB THOSE LIMITED-EDITION SHOES TOO!

Heartslabyul Student: I'M GOING TO PURCHASE THOSE SPECIAL SHOES! NO WAY I'M GOING TO LET ANYONE ELSE HAVE THEM!

Rook: Looks like they've arrived.

Rook: Now… It's time to put to the test whether my little production will pull at your heartstrings.

[Mister S's Mystery Shop]

Diasomnia Student: I ENTERED THE SHOP FIRST, AND I TOUCHED IT FIRST!

Heartslabyul Student: YOU GOTTA BE JOKING! STOP TRYING TO STEAL MY STUFF!

Jade: We seem to be in the same dispute as yesterday…

Jade: It seems as though it truly was a hard sell to quell their fighting with only distracting decorations.

Rook: Fufu, it's too early to come to that conclusion, Monsieur Prémédité.

Jade: Hm?

Rook: ―NOW, IT'S SHOW TIME!

[spotlight shines upon the students]

Students: !?

Diasomnia Student: WOAH, THAT'S BLINDING! WHAT'S GOING ON!?

Heartslabyul Student: M-My eyes… I'm seeing spots…!

Jade: That's… a spotlight? Those two have frozen in surprise from being suddenly lit up.

Rook: Oui! I borrowed one from the Film Research Club with Vil's permission and installed it in the shop.

Jade: Well, it's completely stopped their argument in its tracks. I see, so was this blinding tactic your "special something"?

Rook: Non, non. This is only the beginning.

Rook: The heart-throbbing thrill starts now! Take a look at the wall over there.

Heartslabyul Student: Just as I felt I was getting used to the light… Now the lamps along the wall are blinking.

Diasomnia Student: Not only that, but the light is reflecting off the other decorations and it's making the shop look even more glamorous… This is more than magical, it's…

Students: Beautiful…

Rook: Fufu, it looks like our customers have calmed down a tad.

Rook: We made it so that all the lamps set up around the shop would turn on remotely, what do you think? Do you like it?

Heartslabyul Student: Y-Yeah… Now that I take a better look, are all these decorations different from what was up yesterday?

Rook: Seems as though you've finally become aware of the changes brought about in the shop.

Rook: That must mean you were so preoccupied by your desired item that you failed to notice said changes.

Rook: I find your determination and persistence for your special item to be rather fascinating!

Rook: Would you please tell me what exactly it is about that item that has you under its thrall?

Jade: From what I have been able to glean from my own research, it seems these shoes are high-end and quite rare.

Jade: It is a replica of the same model worn by a legendary basketball player early in their career.

Jade: These were sold out in a blink of one eye on release, and currently fetch a premium price.

Rook: I see. A legendary player wore them, which makes this a legendary pair of shoes.

Rook: Is it because it is worth so much that you are adamant to acquire them?

Heartslabyul Student: It's more that I admire the guy. I am a huge fan of that basketball player.

Heartslabyul Student: Yesterday's shirt is also of the same as their favorite design.

Heartslabyul Student: Who wouldn't want to get their hands on something that the person they admire also owns!?

Jade: I see, you admire them.

Jade: Many of the limited-edition articles here, including the shoes, are products that aren't readily found for purchase.

Jade: Sam-san must have procured them by using some proprietary routes.

Rook: Which means, if you were to let this opportunity pass you by, it may never come again.

Rook: Your determination to pursue your goals is just… BRAVO! YOU'VE EARNED MY ADMIRATION.

Rook: Now, you're up next. Tell me why you wanted the shoes.

Diasomnia Student: I'm a huge fan of the designer of this sports brand, and I've collected a ton of their stuff.

Diasomnia Student: The same designer made the shirt from yesterday, too. These shoes today are considered their best work from their early years!

Rook: That desire of yours to collect beautiful things… That is just as fantastic! A wonderful reason!

Rook: I must know more about your interest in these shoes.

Rook: What was it about that legendary basketball player that drew you to them?

Heartslabyul Student: Eh?

Rook: What other products has your favorite designer also made?

Diasomnia Student: Uhh…

Rook: Did they have some sort of flashy play style? Did they have some special skill?

Rook: If they were a world-class designer, then I'm sure they had some sticking principles. Could you perhaps elaborate on what those might have been?

Rook: I desperately want to know what makes your heart pound, what ignites your passion!

Rook: Yes! Tell me all of your feelings!

Rook: COME NOW, TELL ME EVERYTHING…!

Diasomnia Student: Th-This is a little…

Heartslabyul Student: WHAT'S WITH THIS CRAZY PRESSURE…!!!

Heartslabyul Student: But, also, like… When some guy's just being real insistent like this, somehow that just helps my own head clear…

Jade: People tend to come to their senses when they witness another's antics. I think it is a phenomenon that most people have experienced.

Diasomnia Student: I guess it's pretty lame of us to be fighting in this decked out shop… Plus, it's New Year's…

Diasomnia Student: …Alright.

Diasomnia Student: I was able to buy the shirt yesterday, and shoes are a big deal for you basketball fans, right? I'll let you take the win this time.

Heartslabyul Student: Really? I owe you one!

Jade: …It seems they've resolved their dispute.

Jade: However, that was much more peaceful than I was expecting. Perhaps he did not covet the product to that extent.

Rook: No, I'm certain he did. I mentioned this when I proposed the decorations for the store…

Rook: "People will feel happy and satisfied when they look upon something gorgeous."

Rook: Just as the quarrel have sprouted thorns in their hearts, the beauty has softly untangled them from it…

Jade: In other words, it cooled their tempers.

Rook: You could say that. At any rate, beauty itself was the resolution for this conflict.

Jade: I see… Although, I suppose I could see another major cause in their resolution.

Rook: Hm? And what is that?

Jade: While the customers were taken in by the shop's decoration, you pulled them in further with your own conversation.

Jade: Your urgent pressing for their responses was spectacular. Had you calculated that into your considerations from the start?

Rook: Non. I only wished to know what made their resolve so strong that they could not help but argue over it…

Rook: That's all.

Jade: Hm. Then perhaps they felt under siege from your innocently curious questions.

Rook: Ahh… How wonderful it was to be able to quell their arguments and see them both satisfied.

Rook: Beautiful things will always bring joy to people's hearts, yes.

Rook: Fufu… It is a fantastical feeling to know that our decorations were able to soothe their aching hearts.

Requested by @pomefiwhore.

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