Cross of Auria News

A couple of quick notes before we get into the whole patch details:
- Until I have fully recovered, the Wuhan Warrior will remain as a single event enemy in the Veil.
- The Insecticide Quiver can now be obtained where you found Ares.
- Achievements are in public beta. If the test is successful, we will move forward. [Achievements will only work with the Windows version of the game.]
- If you find anything broken with the game, please do not hesitate to reach out ASAP!
- Updating to the new version is required to prevent the nw.exe launch error. The update will be available within the next hour.

6.2.0 [Build #142, Release Date: July 29, 2022] Bug Reports:
- The fastest way to report a bug is @ https://www.facebook.com/CrossOfAuria.

New:
- Achievement integration has begun. Four achievements are now available as a test of functionality. Their requirements are as follows:
-- Defeat the Frostbrood Titan in Frostbrood Lair.
-- Defeat the Flame Titan in Hell's Gate.
-- Collect all (4) Veil Crystals during Ruby's first visit.
-- Collect all (4) Veill Crystals during Ruby's second visit.
Following the positive conclusion of the test, more achievements will be released in the future. For players who have already completed these but do not have the achievements unlocked, visit Remy in the Veil. Remy will be able to activate the Titan achievements, but not the Veil ones.

Fixes:
- Reapplied the "Quiver" equipment type to the Insecticide Quiver and added a chest in the location where Ares joins the party for this item to be obtained. Players who already had this item when the bug appeared can now equip it.

Updates & Changes:
- Ability to escape now based on party luck instead of agility -
- Activated 'action', 'critical', 'miss', 'evasion' and 'HP" battle text.
- Multi Shot no longer generates TP.
- Junky gear set now has 1 Variance when dropped.
- "E. Warrior" class now named "Paladin."
- "Barbarian" class now named "Commando."
- "Priest" class now named "Arcanist."
- "M.Attack" parameter now named "Magic."
- "M.Defense" parameter now named "Spirit."
- Disabled the following plugins: SkillLearnSystem, X_ArmorScaling.
- Enabled the following plugins: TurnOrderDisplay.

Other:
- Another round of resource collection is in progress. Over the next few updates, the game size may increase or shrink rapidly without significant change to the gameplay. This will even out over time to where only the files available to be experienced will be included in the game package.

Notes & Known Issues:
- The turn order display plugin functionality is still being worked on. It may or may not be visible randomly from encounter to encounter, or may stop functioning altogether.
- Menu items inside Quest Log, Skill, and Class may disappear without warning and for no reason.

Due to the testing of the achievement system, an error was created for the retail branch of the game which tried to use the nw.exe file which does not yet exist in the public game files.

This has been resolved. The game should now open normally.

If there are any issues, please report them @ https://www.facebook.com/CrossOfAuria.

On September 29th, 2019, achievement support for CoA was disabled with the release of patch 3.0.0. I'm very happy to announce that as of 2:45 PM Eastern US time today, I was able to restore functionality to the plugin which controls achievements for Cross of Auria. I would like to first apologize for it taking so long, but also offer some words of caution. I can't say for certain that what I've done is a permanent fix. In the last few days, I spent roughly 20 hours working on this issue alone. In that time, you may have seen achievements pop up either with a temporary name or with hidden data.

Let's go over some quick notes about what this means moving forward:
- First and foremost, the loss of the achievement system was a huge blow to development morale in regards to creating side content. I don't know if I can truly express my creative excitement to see it working again.
- In the next update, some of the previously removed achievements will be restored.
- I'm still not an artist, so most achievement icons will be created using Yanfly's Icon Generator.
- Yuelslain's Village and other DLC will feature achievements as they are prepared and released.
- To collect missed achievements, a new save file will be required. (Due to some restructuring coming up, a new save file may be required anyway, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.)
... and probably most importantly
- I can't say for certain whether or not the system will remain functional permanently. Assuming it doesn't break again, I will be proceeding as though it's a permanent fixture of the game.

Keep in mind, just because an achievement becomes visible does not mean it will be obtainable in-game. Keep your eyes on future patch notes to see when the visible achievements will become obtainable. I will do my best to keep them hidden until they're ready for release, but the only way for me to test them is to put them in the public viewing space.



Some other info for other happenings in development:
* BattleEngineCore - (1) Escape Ratio: changed from (0.5 * $gameParty.agility() / $gameTroop.agility()) to (0.5 * $gameParty.luck() / $gameTroop.luck()). (2) Activated Action, Critical, Miss, Evasion & HP Text.
* TurnOrderDisplay - Enabled (tentatively)
* SkillLearnSystem - Disabled
* X_ArmorScaling - Disabled
* Terms: (1) M.Attack -> Magic. (2) M. Defense -> Spirit.
* Classes: (1) E. Warrior -> Paladin. (2) Barbarian -> Commando. (3) Priest -> Arcanist.
* Junky gear now has 1 Variance.

To sum up the above, I'm going to try to restore functionality to the TurnOrderDisplay plugin (which shows order of attacks during battle in the top right), and we're doing away with the skill learn system which is a compliment of the class change system. The new classes being added are going to sway toward stat and equipment changes only as opposed to full learnsets of new abilities. Also, the escape chance of Ruby's party will now be based on Luck instead of Agility.
- None of the above will be live until the next patch notes.


Hopefully I'll have another update for you by this weekend. I really just wanted to let you all know how excited I was about the prospect of achievements!

If you have any comments or questions or concerns or bug reports, https://www.facebook.com/CrossOfAuria/ is the best place to reach me.

//hardytier

To commemorate me finally getting covid, the level 32 (my irl age) Wuhan Warrior is now available for battle in the Veil! It has a 25% chance to drop the Protective Mask item which reduces poison damage by 10% and reduces chance to be afflicted with poisoning by 30%. This item is a general accessory and can be worn by anyone.

6.1.2 [Build #141, Release Date: July 05, 2022] New:
- A new challenge is available in the Veil!


----------------------
3a: "Get up, you've had enough sleep." - George
"What happened?" -Jack
"Shay wasted us. We're still in Auria, we've got to get moving."
*Knock knock knock* "Open up!"
George opens the door.
"We've just received word from our General. In exchange for taking Shay with you on this venture, we need you to do something for us." - Guard
"Oh, of course, now she wants to come." - Jack
"What is the errand?" - Jack
"Go to the Scarlet Cavern north of the city. Activate the glyph, and kill whatever creature comes when you do. You should be able to find a Scarlet Crystal. Bring it to us, and she'll go with you." - Guard
"Look, if it gets worse in Lvell, and the strike forces are becoming too much to handle.. if you're absolutely sure the city will fall, let us know. We'll reinforce, but we have to defend ourselves until then. We've been taking small concentrated hits all week." - Guard
"That explains her reluctancy... Thank you." - George
"Don't thank us. Thank Shay. I've got to go, get the crystal and come back ASAP."
The guard runs off around a corner.
"What do you think they need the crystal for?" - Jack
"Certain stones are said to increase the potency of an Umvi's powers. Clearly the girl has some powers. Come on. Get up. Let's go. We've got to make this quick." - George
The two exit the city through the Training Gate.
"I think this is the place." - Jack
"It is. Let us hope this is no worse than Shari." - George
They cut through the emberwolves down to the third level. George activates the glyph, and a pulse of fire radiates out of him. His hand and the glyph glow red. The ground trembles, and they hear breathing and footsteps. They turn to find a Flame Elemental. Upon killing it, the glyph shatters, revealing a Searing Titan. The Titan almost has his way with them until the panther returns and attacks with a series of combos, killing it.
3b. [Panther joins the party]
"Again saved by the cat." - Jack
"I think he likes you." - George
The panther looks at the party and waits.
"Is he waiting for us?" - Jack
"I think he wants us to follow him." - George
"He would be useful. Let's grab the crystal and go." - Jack
[George has learned Fire Bolt Lvl 2]
[Jack has learned Searingstrike & Combo 1]
"This should be it" - Jack
Jack takes the Scarlet Crystal from a chest behind the toppled glyph wall. They also find a Map Piece. The map reveals the Toxic Lair northeast of their current location.
"I think he wanted us to see this." - George
The panther hisses and then runs toward the exit. They walk to the end without speaking. When they get there, they see the panther waiting a bit to the north, on an overgrown but noticeable path looking back at them.
"Think we have enough time to take his detour?" - Jack
"No." - George
"He helped us. We kinda owe it to him." - Jack
"Fine. Quickly, though. It looks like from here to the cave on the map is about three times the distance as it was from Auria to here. We're adding a lot of time to this mission." - George
"When we get back, we'll be even stronger than we were before. Plus, for any mission given to an agent, the usual time given is at least a day. We have most of the day and all of the night left." - Jack
"Quickly." - George
"Okay." - Jack
They walk north on a quiet path, following close behind the panther until they reach the cave.
The panther looks at them and runs up the path into the cave.
Looking at the wall, George touches it and says:
"Toxic Lair. That's the name of this place. It's the training location for those in the art of Infection." - George
"There's a temple in Auria for every element the Umvi can use, right? So why is this here?" - Jack
"Every element except for poison and shadow. Those are looked upon as the dark arts of our world, and are often associated with evil in most legends. All the villans in childrens stories that were mages controlled those elements. Did you not pay attention during storytime?" - George
"I paid attention to that." - Jack
George gives Jack a glare.
"This is not good..." - George, looking at the Ooze ahead of them just passed the cave.
"Well, as long as we're here..." - Jack
The two decend into the Toxic Lair. Coming to an end at a Glyph wall only one level down, jaguar sitting near it.
"You wanted us here, didn't you?" - Jack says to the jaguar who is unresponsive
"Well, go on." - George
"You think it's more likely to respond to me?" - Jack
"Try." - George
Jack activates the glyph, creating a bright green light around himself and from the glyph. A rubbing on the rocks is heard, as though someone were dragging something. A group of ooze with rocks in them drag together and combine. Then it roars. A Infectious Titan lie in their path. The panther rises, tail pointed and pre-emptive strikes the titan. As the titan falls, so does the glyph wall.
[Tutorial: Pre-Emptive Strike]
"As I suspected." - George, looking at Jack's sword.
A green glow comes over the sword.
"Calling me a bad guy?" - Jack
"The wielder of the magic chooses their path." - George
"So I could be a bad guy?" - Jack
"You can be whatever you choose. Let's get back. We've taken too long already." - George
"We'd be fools not to take this." - Jack
[Jack has learned Infectionstrike]
Jack picks up a Toxic Crystal. The two look around, and the cat is gone.
3c. [Panther leaves the party]
"Think we did what we wanted it to?" - Jack
"Looks that way. Lets get back." - George
[The party can now add fire and poison damage to their weapons].

-----------------------------------------------
They enter Auria through the Training Gate to find the city has started fighting off the invasion.
"This isn't good. We've got to get back to Lvell." - Jack
"Right." - George
"You're the two that went to the Scarlet Cavern. Did you get the crystal?" - Guard
Jack hands the guard the crystal.
"Great. Shay is waiting near the Trade Gate. Get back to Lvell, and hurry. Reports are saying they're taking full on assaults. You may need to evacuate." - Guard
"Understood, thank you." - Jack
The two find Shay waiting near the Trade Gate. A loud roar is heard as a Searing Titan crashes through the gate. It charges Jack and George. Seen behind it, a Shock Dragon charges Shay. The two dispose of the titan, and run to assist Shay.
3d. [Shay and Panther join the party as guests]
Before the battle is over, the panther seen earlier enters the battle, heals everyone, and combos the dragon relentlessly.
[Ixis special move - Enrage]
"We need to get to Lvell and bring both the civilian and military population here." - Shay
"It's that bad, huh?" - Jack
"Doesn't it look like it? We can't waste any time. Lets go." - Shay
[Ixis leaves the party]
The three head southeast out of the city.
4a: Upon reaching the city, Shay disengages the party and joins with the front ranks of the defense.
"Just like that, no goodbye or anything." - Jack
"She knows what she needs to do. There is no reason to talk when you can do." - George
"Fair enough. Lets get back to HQ." - Jack
They walk into the LPS building, greeted by Captain Arnold.
"Took long enough. No time to talk though. The creatures are attacking harder with every wave. We're not going to be able to take much more. Ah, Miss Reilly, you've come." - Arnold
They turn to see Shay enter.
"As the prophecy goes: 'In a war between man and beast, dragon shall reign supreme, torching the world below, leaving a crater for the crystal to rest. Should the crystal rest, the end shall befall man, and the world will be restored to its former glory. A feral landscape once more'." - Shay
"...that being said, our scouts have called in a report of a whelp gathering in Castalia. Where there are babies, there are parents. I'm going to need you two to clear it out. Sooner the better." - Arnold
"Just us?" - Jack
"Ixis will be watching over you." - Shay
"Ixis?" - Jack
"You've met." - Shay
"Go before the numbers become too much for us to take advantage." - Arnold
"Yes sir." - Jack
They leave the LPS building, heading out the South Gate.
"Do you not ever get tired of being told what to do?" - George
"It's not so bad. In exchange, I get to go to places I would've otherwise never gone. Meet people I would've never met. It could be worse." - Jack
"Not so bad when put that way. Think Ixis is the name of that cat?" - George
"I don't see who else it would be. At least we might get its attention this time." - Jack
They leave through South Gate. As they come closer to Castalia, they start running into whelps.
"Looks like the Captain was right. This place is crawling with them." - Jack
"Simple extermination." - George
Just before entering the city, they're caught by a whelp scouting party. They keep coming until one of the two falls. At that point, they're resurrected and fully healed.
4b. [Ixis joins the party as a guest]
The cat comes in with a combo to kill half the remaining whelps. From there, they pick off the rest, ending the battle.
"Hm. Knew you were Ixis." - Jack
The panther looks at Jack, and starts to walk into the city. George and Jack follow. After several battles, they reach the center of the ruined city. They kill off a few whelps, and the rest run away. All at once, they stop, and turn toward the group. A roar is hear. A Searing Dragon swoops in and attacks.
After the battle, the Searing Dragon flies off, leading the majority of the whelps out of the city. Some run into the nearby cathedral. The party follows and walks to the back where there is an altar. On the altar is a book.
"What have we here?" - George
In the sky, city of crystal, made not of man, but of gods
Become one with land, earth made anew
Overrun by beast, hope to despair
The Tyrant awakes. So shall Altima
"Any idea what this means?" - Jack
"There's supposed to be some city in the sky.. it's all just legend, so I'm not sure about any of this. I think it's saying that the city that was once part of the ground will crash back into the ground." - George
A bright light radiates from the book, and it is gone.
"Well there goes the proof." - Jack
"I think it will appear where we need it to." - George
"You think? Wonder what we'll hear next. I think I heard about this when I was younger. The crystal city... it exists. Umvi in the past kept it afloat when Castalia and Shari fell." - Jack
"How did it fly in the first place?" - George
"Air and earth magic? I don't know. It's all just speculation. The city has long since been cloaked, so there's no proof anymore that it even exists or ever did exist." - Jack
"Nothing more we can learn here then." - George
"Yeah. Let's get back." - Jack
------------------------------------
They return to the city, and go to LPS building.
"I see. So, we're lucky the dragons haven't been trampling through our castle yet." - Arnold
"Looks that way. We should continue neutralizing clusters. If they pull enough weight together, they will strike in overwhelming force." - Jack
"I'm afraid it's too late for that. We need to evacuate." - Arnold
"So soon? There's barely any buildup." - George
"In the south, no, but there's a mass moving in on us from the East. They've been focusing so much on coming here that they haven't hit Auria hard yet. If we get there and reinforce, they won't even be able to breach the walls." - Arnold
"Dragons from the East? The Dragon Wastes are in the Scarred Land to the West." - George
"We think the dragons are coming from the northeast. The rest of the attacking ferals are from the desert in the east." - Arnold
"Then what's our next move? Just round up everyone we can and lead them out?" - Jack
"I'm afraid we have no other choice." - Arnold
"You two are going to lead the way to Auria, cutting down anything in your path. Ixis will be joining you." - Shay
"Could be worse..." - George
"Before you get there, I want you to light the glyph at the bottom of the Ruins of Alpha." - Shay
"You don't think that will actually work, do you?" - Jack
"We have got nothing to lose by trying. Take this, and light the glyph. If all goes well, a city in the Outland should respond with help." - Arnold
[The party receives a map fragment, revealing Toxic Lair, Scarlet Cavern, Auria, Castalia, Shari, Lvell, Ruins of Alpha, Desert, Crystal Lake.]
"So the history books say..." - George
"Get going. We're moving via airship and ground to Auria at dawn. If you activate the glyph overnight, our timing should be perfect. " - Shay
"Activating the glyph... doesn't that draw in more ferals?" - George
"That's why this is on rush. Go now. Once you complete your task, get to Auria. They'll need your support. - Arnold
"Yout got it." - Jack
-------------------

4c.
The two walk out, Ixis following. They leave the city through the northeast exit on route to the Ruins of Alpha.
"This is the place." - Jack
"Come here often?" - George
"Only a few times. Was here not too long ago with Miles and Andy." - Jack
"Preparations for this, I assume?" - George
"We were sent by the Captain to find the glyph... yeah. Think we caused this?" - Jack
"Anything is possible. It wouldn't be too out there to assume that any tamerping with the glyphs set them off." - George
"Yeah well, lets fix this while we can." - Jack
They get to where the first glyph was.
"This is where the first glyph was. Fire Elemental charged us before the wall collapsed." - Jack
"What colors?" - George
"Black and white." - Jack
"That's unusual. Usually the glyps amplify the powers of the Umvi who activate them based on the element the Umvi controls. You do have a difinitive element, don't you?" - George
"Here and there I've been able to use fire." - Jack
"And electric, I presume?" - George
"Yeah. How'd you know." - Jack
"I had a suspicion. You're special. Like her." - George
"You mean Shay?" - Jack
George nods. The two continue deeper until the third underground tier of the ruins. The back wall with another glyph, similar to the one on the first floor, but with more design. George walks up to it and touches it, with no response.
"You started it... looks like you have to finish it." - George
Jack walks up to the glyph and touches it. A radiating black and white light comes from around Jack and from the glyph. The ground shakes as the light begins. The light stops and there is silence.
"No fireworks?" - Jack
With earthquake force, the ground shakes again, rock falling from above. Humanoid shapes come from past the glyph through the walls.
"Shadowspawn!? What are they doing here?" - George
"Lets ask it before we kill it." - Jack
[Immunities]
The shadowspawn falls to magic, and the wall collapses.
"This is going to get worse before it gets better. If demons are walking this area... If the spawn are going to walk among us, this fight is going to get much more difficult." - George
"They attack without prejudice. At least they might kill off a few ferals." - Jack
"I think we'll lose more people in the process." - George
"I hope you aren't right." - Jack
Fighting through shadowspawn, bats, emberwolves, rats, and ooze, they reach the glyph wall at the bottom of the ruins.
"You know what to do" - George, motioning to Jack.
This time, the panther stands facing opposite the wall, waiting. Jack walks up to the glyph, similar to the last. This time, before he touches it, writing lights up on the wall. He jumps back.
When the Tyrant awake, so shall Altima.
"This was in the writing at Castalia." - George
"What's Altima?" - Jack
"It's supposedly an Umvi, locked away in sleep. " - George
"I assume no ordinary Umvi." - Jack
"No... not ordinary by a long shot. He was able to command both Holy and Shadow magic. Opposing forces all in one." - George
"What's this have to do with us?" - Jack
"Well, the powers of Umvi are passed on when they die. Sometimes to someone they know, sometimes back to the planet, for the planet to decide. Altima didn't die when he stopped the First Invasion. He's simply sleeping, in an earthbound stasis. He's said to be somewhere in the Ruins of Omega." - George
The glyph lights up, almost asking to be activated.
"Do it. We have to get back to Auria." - George
Jack touches the glyph, and the same bright white and black light surrounds him and radiates off of the wall.
Auria and Ma'Shara as one.
The panther growls, and the two turn to find all the creatures die one by one. Out of them arise shadowspawn. One approaches and ignites, taking the form of a Flame Titan.
After the fight, before it falls, Jack radiates a blue and white aura and slashes through the titan with an icy cut. The titan freezes over and shatters.
"Nice trick. Most Umvi are lucky to master one element." - George
"I don't even know how it happened." - Jack
"Luck's on your side. We're going to need it getting out of here." - George
"Yeah lets ignore the frozen rock from a power I'm not supposed to have." - Jack sarcastically.
"Works for me. There's no sense thinking about it now." - George
"Yeah.. we've got to get back to Auria." - Jack
[Jack has learned Froststrike. The party can now add Ice/Water to their weapons]
They return to the top of the cave, fighting shadowspawn along the way. As they get closer to Auria, they see strike forces attacking the North gate.
"We should sneak in through the Trade Gate. Let's not be seen by the creatures." - Jack

What you are about to read is the never before released, unedited script from a project called "Soldier of Xaia". This project through the years was adjusted to become some of what you now know as Cross of Auria. While many of the details have changed since then, you'll notice the similarities and where inspiration was pulled from.

This is the first of three text files with a 'last edited' date of 12/19/2011. Crazy as it may sound, the concept for Cross of Auria is in fact nearing its 12th birthday. As an unfinished concept, the filename is simply "x. Script". Included are some self-reminder prompts as to how this would be integrated in game format.

These posts only allow for so many characters, so these will be going up one at a time over the next few days or weeks, depending on interest.

Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!


------------------------------------------------------------------

1a: [Ruins of Alpha]
Intro. Jack, Andy and Miles cut through emberwolves and large rats while throwing fire at bats. Glyphs appear on the walls. They're in the Ruins of Alpha, a cave shrouded in myth, said to contain an ancient communication between the civilization in Isis and Ma' Shara in the Outland.
They finish killing the creatures.
"Could've been worse, eh?" - Miles
"We're not out of danger yet. It's said that something big comes when you tamper with the glyps." - Andy
Jack walks to the wall and touches the glyph. A black aura around him lights up, and the glyph lights up, half black and half bright white. The ground trembles, and they hear a roar. Footsteps crash closer and closer. They turn to find a Fire Elemental charging them.
[First Battle - Tutorials: Attack. Casting. Defend. Elements.]
The elementals dying attack shoots burning rock into both Andy and Miles, while Jack evades. The two are incapacitated.
"Uggghhh son of a bitch" - Miles
"*Cough*" - Andy
"I'll get you out of here. Just hold tight." - Jack
The glyph on the wall lights up, and the wall shatters, revealing a path behind it.
"Heh. No wonder. I bet there's more walls like this farther in. Nobody in the last thousand years has been this far down." - Jack
"If that communication port is in here, it's got to be further down. *Cough*" - Miles
"Yeah, well we'll get to it next time. We've got to get you both back. Just keep quiet now." - Jack
"Ughh!" - Miles&Andy
At the entrance of the cave, they see wolves and falcons in the distance rushing toward Lvell. The injured two draw on their strength and the three run back, fighting along the way.

2a: They return to Lvell, cutting through a small force of attacking wolves.
"Keep calm, everybody keep calm!" - Guard
Soldiers fill the street, forming ranks at the gate, gunning down all the creatures. Jack, Andy and Miles walk into the Lvell Public Security building.
"Hah! Look at you two. At least you're still breathing. What happened?" - Captain Arnold
"The wall in the back of the cave fell, but not before a titan came for us. Those myths might actually be true." - Jack
"I assume touching the glyph brought that nasty right to you?" - Arnold
"Yeah. Fire Elemental by the look of it. The construct exploded after being slain, injuring both of them in the process." - Jack
"As I expected. Well, with the recent attack, I'll need you in some better shape. Head out to the ..." - Arnold
The alarms sound.
"Warning! Warning! All military personel to the West Gate."
"Oh, what now?" - Arnold
"On our way in, we saw a small creature strike force headed for the city. Think it could be more?" - Jack
"Well, lets find out. Get out there, and take a better weapon with you, would ya? You two, to the infirmary. Now." - Arnold
[Jack picks up an Iron Sword near the door]
Jack leaves the building and heads to the West Gate.
[Using the map]
"It seems these beasts are planning an attack. This is no untamed force. Prophecy says there will be a Second Invasion. We can not let this happen. Due to the seriousness of this emergency, the differences between the army and the Monastery will be set aside. We will work together in this time of desperation, and topple the enemy before they reach our doors!" - Tri. Azariu
"The Umvi will support the army in this matter. As Azariu said, we can not let our differences overcome us. We will band together, and strike the evil as one!" - Monk
"Hey Jack. I'm hearing word that the Monastery's lead pyromancer is on a short journey to Shari. The name's Woolven. We're going to need to cut that trip even shorter. Go get him, and bring him back. We can't take the chance of not having everyone here during the attack." - Arnold
"You got it, Captain." - Jack.
Jack sneaks out of the city and heads southwest toward Shari, cutting a path through feral wolves and small wurms. Upon reaching the city, he sees the Umvi in the center at an altar, small fireballs risen around it and around him. Behind him, a pack of whelps approach. Jack runs and and jumps into the battle.
2b.
[Battle tutorial - Casting on multiple foes]
"I'm Jack, agent for the. . ." - Jack
"I know who you are. They've come, have they??" - George
"They have. We need to get back." - Jack
George nods, and they start to walk back. It's becoming clear that the strike forces are growing more dense and focused. They fight through wolves, whelps and small raptors on the way back.
As they come close to the center of the city, another siren blares.
"Warning! Warning! Prepare for an attack! Dragon sighted at the west gate! Warning! Warning!" - Siren, as it repeats.
Jack and George give each other a look and run over to the west gate.
2c.
A dragon crashes through the west gate, trampling through ranks of the army defense. Jack and George run toward the gate to meet Miles and Andy. The four of them start cutting through whelps and wolves, ending at the dragon.
"Glad you're back." - Andy
"It's time to show the army why they have us!" - Miles
2d.
The dragon knocks out Andy and Miles, who are revived by what appears to be a panther. The team of five takes out the dragon, and the cat runs off.
[Party guests.]
"Not a moment too soon. We're not going to be able to hold for much longer. Get to Auria and inform the rest of the Trium. Look, if we're going to want to have a shot at fighting them off, you're going to need to bring Reilly back with you." - Arnold
"We're really not going to mention the giant cat?" - Miles
"You mean Shay Reilly, the prize of Auria?" - George
"That's the one. Get her, and bring her back here. I wouldn't be opposed if you brought back half the Aurian Army either." - Arnold
"That'll be difficult." - Jack
"They don't care." - Andy says to Miles
"You specialize in that. Get her,and bring her here. Simple as that." - Arnold
Andy&Miles - "Yes sir!"
"Not you two. We need some competent soldiers staying behind. Jack, go. George, would you mind?" - Arnold
"With pleasure." - George
Arnold motions George to go with Jack. They head north through the city and out the North Gate. The city of Auria is northwest of Lvell and is the capital of the country Revan.
2e.
[Andy and Miles leave the party]
"I heard she's here against her will" - George
"That's what they say. Rumor also has it that she leads the entire Aurian army now though." - Jack
"It's been so long since they've had a real war, no outsider would know. We need to get her to join us. Let's hope she wants to leave." - George
"You're right. Let's just hope the army isn't offended by it." - Jack
"They probably will be." - George
The two walk in the Trade Gate of Auria. The army seems to be running a drill, as people are scattering. Shay is straight ahead, talking with three guards.
"Shay? Lvell's under attack by creatures from the desert. We think the Second Invasion is starting." - Jack
"We saw the beacon. The Trium was supposed to deliver an announcement two hours ago. I think they've left." - Shay
"What do you mean 'left'? Where have they gone?" - George
"Away. They always were afraid of dragons." - Shay
"This day just keeps getting worse. Do you think your army can supply any troops to Lvell?" - Jack
"I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do until we find the Trium, if we find them." - Shay
"We're going to need you to come with us then. The strike forces are getting to be too much to handle. If you can not supply troops, supply yourself. That should be enough." - George
"My hands are tied. Either the Trium is somewhere to be found, or I have to prepare the city for drastic defense measures. You know what will happen if it is an invasion." - Shay
"Auria's larger than Lvell... Lvell would be evacuated to here." - George
"Exactly. Still.. while I have you..." - Shay
The guards draw their weapons and approach the party.
"What are you doing?" - George
"Rumor also had it that as the commander of the army, she tests people who show promise as new recruits to be her agents." - Jack
"You're well informed" - Shay, as she draws her weapon.
Though the two knock out the guards and single out Shay, a glow comes from the necklace she wears and she overwhelms them with 'Shockwave'.
"Not bad. You may not be helpless after all. Still, there's nothing I can do for you right now. Take them." - Shay says as Jack black out.
Jack wakes up in a house in Auria with George standing over him.