Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military/Dialogue
It is copied verbatim from Outward, and is therefore copyright of Nine Dots Studio.
Initial Dialogue
(#0) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Ah, a visitor to Harmattan! Welcome! My name is Victor Berthelot, I am the Dean of military affairs here. Never forget, the Antique Plateau is an extremely dangerous place. If you need protection, the Wolfgang Mercenaries are there to help! (→ #2)
(#2) Multiple-choice:
- 0: I need a sponsor in order to join the Academy. Can you help? (→ #3)
- 1: I’ve got the item you wanted! (→ #7)
- 2: Farewell. (→ end)
(#3) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Oh, you poor soul, they’re making you run all over the place for this aren’t they? Alright, I’ll do you a favor and sign off on this. Just to keep this an even trade though, I’ll need a little something in return. (→ #4)
(#4) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Come back with a Power Coil and I’ll gladly become your official sponsor. You should be able to get one from the marketplace, or from one of the Human-shaped Golems out there. Be wary, those Golems pack a punch! (→ #5)
(#5) Multiple-choice:
- 0: I’ve got the item you wanted! (→ #6)
- 1: Farewell. (→ end)
(#6) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Ah, excellent. I hope you didn’t get hurt on my account. There, your form is signed! I hope to work with you again in the future, [PlayerName]! If there’s ever anything you need, I’ll be here for you. Go get ‘em! (→ end)
(#8) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Come back with a Power Coil and I’ll gladly become your official sponsor. You should be able to get one from the marketplace, or from one of the Human-shaped Golems out there. Be wary, those Golems pack a punch! (→ #2)
Up The Ladder
(#0) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Ah, one of the new Apprentices. Looking for some work? The Military branch is always looking for some new brave souls to protect Aurai! (→ #1)
(#1) Multiple-choice:
- 0: I’m looking for something big. Something that will lift me out of Apprenticeship. (→ #2)
- 1: No, thanks. (→ end)
(#2) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: The other academy branches are yanking your chain, aren’t they? Typical. I feel like everyone in this damned academy enjoys taking advantage of the new hires and demands things of them with nary a thought for their well being. (→ #3)
(#3) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Well, don’t worry, I’ll look out for you. I was in your shoes once. In fact, work with me and I can guarantee that I’ll take care of your monthly Blood Price payments for you. (→ #4)
(#4) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: You say that you’re ready to take on something on the Initiate level, do you? Alright, I have JUST the task for you. I won’t sugar coat it, the job is going to be dangerous. But if you pull this off, I’ll recommend you for a much faster promotion. (→ #5)
(#5) Multiple-choice:
- 0: I’m in. What do you need me to do? (→ #6)
- 1: No thanks. I’ll do this the right way. (→ #12)
(#6) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Excellent. I’ve got two other apprentices, Artois and Desy, on jobs out in Antique Plateau. They’re handling two deliveries that have ended up a little...Complicated. I’d like you to run support for them and help them out with both their tasks. (→ #7)
(#7) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: First, a package was supposed to come from Sirocco, but the courier was robbed by bandits up near the northern lake. I need you to head up there, find the bandits, and recover the package. They’re likely to be hunkered down in some ruins. (→ #8)
(#8) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I don’t care if you use violence or diplomacy. Just recover the box. It’s about this small, and has the wax seal of Sirocco on it. It’s confidential, so do NOT open it. Got that, [PlayerName]? (→ #9)
(#9) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Secondly, I have a sensitive delivery that needs picking up. Head out from the south elevator, then cut north-east through the downtown ruins. There should be a tiny ruin that’s up against the Harmattan cliff wall. My contact should be inside. (→ #10)
(#10) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: The...ah...Person I’m expecting is a little...Different. Don’t attack them or do anything rash. I just want the item with as little trouble as possible. Just give him this glass bottle, and let him do the rest. (→ #11)
(#11) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I sent Artois to deal with the bandits and Desy to deal with the cave pickup. Not that I’m too worried, but I’d sleep better at night knowing there’s someone double checking their work. Like I said, it’s a dangerous mission. Good luck! (→ end)
(#12) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Well, enjoy being a glorified errand runner for the next year or two, then. The only way to really rise up in the Academy is to be bold and ambitious. Those who try to do things “the right way” never really go anywhere. (→ end)
(#13) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I’m currently dealing with a difficult contract with the Wolfgang Mercenaries, Apprentice. I don’t have time right now. Come back in a bit, alright? (→ end)
(#14) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I’m currently dealing with a difficult contract with the Wolfgang Mercenaries, Apprentice. I don’t have time right now. Come back in a bit, alright? (→ end)
(#15) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I sent Artois to deal with the bandits and Desy to deal with the cave pickup. Not that I’m too worried, but I’d sleep better at night knowing there’s someone double checking their work. Like I said, it’s a dangerous mission. Good luck! (→ end)
(#18) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Ah, good, you’re all back. Looks like it’s a good thing I sent you along, [PlayerName]. Do you have the little box from Sirocco? (→ #19)
(#19) Multiple-choice:
- 0: Yes I do. We really need to talk about what you asked us to do. (→ #20)
(#20) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Come now, I did tell you it would be a dangerous mission, didn’t I? (→ #21)
(#21) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: The wax seal on the box is broken...I sincerely hope that was the bandits doing and not yours. I told you the contents were confidential! (→ #22)
(#22) Multiple-choice:
- 0: So we don’t have the right to know what kind of product we’re delivering? (→ #23)
- 1: The bandits broke the seal, yeah. (→ #50)
(#23) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: We are just an intermediary, so no, we don’t. All that matters to us is that we get the goods where they need to go. What the goods actually are is irrelevant. You’ll sleep better not poking your nose into these kinds of things. (→ #24)
(#24) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: And what about my contact at the cave? Did you get the blood from him? (→ #25)
(#25) Multiple-choice:
- 0: It turned into a fight. The damn creature nearly killed me! (→ #26)
(#26) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Dammit, I warned you not to-...And now the bottle is cracked! There’s going to be even less for the Naturalist branch to work with. Use your heads next time, you fools! (→ #32)
(#27) Multiple-choice:
- 0: I have your bottle of blood. And I killed the Butcher afterwards. (→ #28)
(#28) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: You...You what?! I...Alright, consider me quite impressed. I’m going to send someone to bring the corpse in for research. Well done, both of you. (→ #29)
(#29) Multiple-choice:
- 0: You’re...Not mad that it ended up like that? (→ #30)
(#30) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Why would I be mad? You accomplished your objective, brought me the blood, AND you rid the world of an extremely dangerous creature all in one trip. I’d say everyone wins here. (→ #32)
(#31) Multiple-choice:
- 0: Yes. I have the blood. What in Elatt’s name do you need this for? (→ #32)
(#32) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: As for what these things are for, I don’t know, and I don’t plan to know. I was paid a great deal of money to ensure these goods get where they need to be, and that’s all any of us need to know. Discretion is a skill all three of you should learn. (→ #33)
(#33) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Well then, I’ll be keeping a close eye on all of you. One or two more jobs like this, and I’ll take you under my wing as Initiates. For now, enjoy a very happy payday with the promise of many more to come! (→ #34)
(#34) Desy Laroche: Don’t bother. I’m done doing anything for you. You were working with the Butcher of Men, the most monstrous Scourge there is, and you don’t even care why your client arranged for it. That goes beyond merely being irresponsible! (→ #35)
(#35) Desy Laroche: I cannot work under someone who is willing to work with humanity’s greatest enemy. Especially not if they can’t even justify their actions! (→ #36)
(#36) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Think for a moment, girl. Do you think I would have made this arrangement and not have taken measures to ensure he does not leave the region alive? I informed the Wolfgang Mercenaries about this delivery before even sending you off. (→ #37)
(#37) Artois Sutherland: Oh. That’s not so bad then. They’re professionals, I’m sure they’ve already got that thing cornered by now! (→ #38)
(#38) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: They will make certain that the Butcher does not leave the region alive. Not unless he gets extremely lucky. So you see, I didn’t make a deal with him. I used him. There’s a difference. (→ #39)
(#39) Desy Laroche: I don’t see much difference, to be honest. Nothing good can come from trading with that monster. (→ #40)
(#40) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Tsk, you should really consider the benefits of diplomacy, dear. Besides, I’m working on solutions to slaughter the Scourge with greater efficiency already. Would your family want you to walk away from the opportunity to destroy the lot of them? (→ #41)
(#41) Desy Laroche: I know they wouldn’t want me to work with a man who is willing to do business with the creature that killed several of them. And I think the Headmaster might agree. (→ #42)
(#42) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: There’s no need to be so nasty, girl. Besides, no one would believe a fresh Apprentice over a Dean who’s put in years of loyal service keeping the Antique Plateau safe and secure. (→ #43)
(#43) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: And even if anyone DID...Well, I’m just asking you to consider the harm that might be done to innocent people if our military’s ability to fight the Scourge is compromised, that’s all. (→ #44)
(#44) Desy Laroche: Ugh, fine! But I’m still done taking orders from you. (→ #45)
(#45) Multiple-choice:
- 0: I’m out too. I’m not working with someone who is willing to work with the Butcher! (→ #46)
- 1: As long as our deal is still good, I’ll stay. (→ #49)
(#46) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Well, see, that’s a shame. Because if you’re out, who is going to keep paying off your Blood Price, hmm? I guarantee you that no one else in this organization will help a liability like yourself. ...I’ll make sure of that. (→ #47)
(#47) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Your only option for success is to stick with me, [PlayerName]. So I suggest you stop questioning me and do as you’re told. I could make life VERY miserable for you if you don’t. (→ #48)
(#48) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: In any case, you all completed your missions. Enjoy your reward. Come back in a few days and I’ll have plenty more work for you to do, [PlayerName]. I have some very interesting research being done that I think you and Artois will enjoy. (→ end)
(#49) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Ah, the deal about your Blood Price? Don’t worry, I’ve already sent along this month’s payment. You can trust me, [PlayerName]. I look after my assets. (→ #48)
(#50) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Really, now... And yet the contents of the box are still inside. I find it very unlikely that they’d have left Tsar Stones inside if they knew what was in it. Well, whatever. The goods are here, that’s all that matters. (→ #24)
(#51) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Ah, the box is still sealed, excellent. I hope the bandits gave you no trouble? (→ #52)
(#52) Artois Sutherland: They gave ME trouble, that’s for sure. I’m sorry, boss. I should have been more vigilant. (→ #53)
(#53) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Tsk tsk, sounds like you need some training, Artois. Fortunately, you’re in the right place for it. I’ll have you in fighting shape in no time. (→ #24)
A Knife in the Back
(#0) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: [PlayerName], there you are! I’ve got work for you. The Naturalist division’s come back to me with some of their findings on the blood you retrieved for us, and I need you to act on them. (→ #1)
(#1) Artois Sutherland: So...What did they do with the Butcher’s blood? (→ #2)
(#2) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Shh, keep that to yourself! But yes, there was enough left over to do a bit of experimentation. And we discovered some interesting properties the blood has. I have a new Power Coil design in mind, and I need you to get the first prototype ready. (→ #3)
(#3) Multiple-choice:
- 0: I don’t see the connection. What does Scourge blood have to do with a Power Coil? (→ #4)
(#4) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: According to the Naturalist branch, Scourge blood emits a certain kind of energy. They theorize that’s how the Scourge can tell each other apart. And Scourge less intelligent than an Immaculate don’t attack their own kind. It’s in their nature not to. (→ #5)
(#5) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Furthermore, when exposed to an electric charge, and some small-scale spellcraft, Scourge blood will be attracted to other sources of Scourge blood. Essentially, we can use it to give our Golems the ability to track Scourge beasts more effectively. (→ #6)
(#6) Artois Sutherland: So...to sum up, if we use these new Power Coils in our Golems, not only will they be able to track down the Scourge, but better stalk them and infiltrate their tunnels? That’s quite the breakthrough! (→ #7)
(#7) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Exactly, Artois! This kills multiple birds with one stone. If, that is, it works in practice. Hence, why I’m asking you to go see a contact of mine to make a prototype. (→ #8)
(#8) Multiple-choice:
- 0: Why not just ask the Engineering division to design it? (→ #9)
(#9) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: And have them take all the credit? No, I want to do this my way. We’re going to use one of my contacts in Levant to design the prototype. Once I’m sure the design will work as intended, I’ll contract the Engineering branch for full production. (→ #10)
(#10) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I need you to head to the city of Levant in Abrassar Desert. My contact there will give you the details of the task at hand. Give him this package, he’ll know what to do. (→ #11)
(#11) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Speak to one of our Caravaners and see if he’ll give you a lift, at least partway there. Levant’s the great big city in the East of the desert. The man you’re looking for is named Orsten , the engineer. (→ #12)
(#12) Artois Sutherland: Do you want me to grab my backpack and give [PlayerName] a hand on the journey, Victor? (→ #13)
(#13) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: No, I want you working with the Wolfgang Mercenaries, Artois. They’ve found a cache of broken Golems in the mountains, and I want someone I can trust to make sure none go “missing”, if you catch my drift. We need as many as we can get. (→ #14)
(#14) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Now remember, [PlayerName], your next few blood price payments will depend on your performance here. So make sure you put your back into it, Apprentice! (→ #15)
(#15) Multiple-choice:
- 0: Wait, I thought you said you’d guarantee that you’d cover my blood price! (→ #16)
- 1: Alright, I’m on it. (→ end)
(#16) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Well, yes. But I can’t support a liability at my own expense, you know. That’s not how the real world works. You need to earn your keep, [PlayerName]. (→ #17)
(#17) Multiple-choice:
- 0: You’re seriously using me. (→ #18)
- 1: Alright, I’m on it. (→ end)
(#18) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I don’t appreciate your attitude. You are the one who came to ME for a quick rise up the social ladder here, and you want me to pay your Blood Price for you. I’d say it is YOU who is using ME, Apprentice. (→ end)
(#19) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Ah, you’re back. Did you bring the new Power Coil prototype? (→ #20)
(#20) Multiple-choice:
- 0: Yes, here it is. (→ #21)
- 1: Not now. (→ end)
(#21) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: ...Huh. This seems like the absolute minimum job. Are you sure you didn’t slack off? If you aren’t being passionate about the work, don’t expect to get anything out of it! (→ #43)
(#22) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Mmm...Alright, this is a little less well designed than I expected, but I guess it’ll have to do. It does prove that the theory is sound at least. I’m going to see to it that it gets a few solid field tests in. (→ #43)
(#23) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Ah, yes, this looks good. The design seems solid. I’ll run a field test or two to see just how well it performs, and have the Engineering branch start making more of these. (→ #43)
(#24) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Oh. Oh wow. Yes, this is exactly what I was hoping for. Excellent work. As soon as we get a full field test done, I’ll have the Engineering branch start making as many of these as we can afford. (→ #43)
(#25) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I need you to head to the city of Levant in Abrassar Desert. My contact there will give you the details of the task at hand. Give him this package, he’ll know what to do. (→ #26)
(#26) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Speak to one of our Caravaners and see if he’ll give you a lift, at least partway there. Levant’s the great big city in the East of the desert. The man you’re looking for is named Orsten , the engineer. (→ end)
(#27) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I’ve got nothing more for you, right now. Come back in a few days, [PlayerName]. (→ #28)
(#28) Player: (You still have that package to deliver to Gregory Turnbull, the Arcane Dean...) (→ end)
(#29) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I don’t have any new work for you just yet, [PlayerName]. I’m still waiting on some news from the Naturalist branch. Feel free to take a few days off. (→ end)
(#30) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I know what you did. And I won’t be played for a fool. How could you turn on me after all I’ve done for you? (→ #31)
(#31) Multiple-choice:
- 0: All you’ve done? You’ve been using me from the start. (→ #32)
- 1: I believe in Turnbull’s ideas. (→ #33)
(#32) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: You’ve made the worst kind of enemy possible, betrayer. You’ll come to regret your foolish action. (→ end)
(#33) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: So, you’re just so sensitive and foolish you let Turnbull play you. If I were you, I’d be wary of any food he gives you, in case he decides to start his Wendigo experiments again. (→ end)
(#34) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Well, I hope you’re happy with yourself. My tracker Golem project has to undergo massive revision, my reputation has taken a hit, and Artois is missing and presumed dead. (→ #35)
(#35) Multiple-choice:
- 0: Someday you’ll appreciate all we did. (→ #36)
- 1: Still upset that you lost? You can accept you were wrong without being this way. (→ #37)
(#36) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: ...One would certainly hope so. Now, get out of my sight. (→ end)
(#37) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: It’s not about right or wrong. It’s about my well deserved victory being stolen from me. Months of work, sent back to the drawing board. I have every right to be upset at you. Now, shoo! (→ end)
(#38) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Looks like the region is safe from the looming threat of the Scourge that Turnbull nearly unleashed upon us. Can you imagine the danger that unchained Immaculates would have presented? (→ #39)
(#39) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I hope you’ve learned from your mistake, [PlayerName]. I know what’s best for Harmattan, for the region, even for you. Can you say you’re happier now, more than you were working for me? (→ #40)
(#40) Multiple-choice:
- 0: Yes, actually. (→ #41)
- 1: Not really. (→ #42)
(#41) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Tsk, then you’re still an imbecile. Someday you’ll realize what a fool you were, and that you should never have gotten it into your head to leave my service. But by then, it’ll be too late. (→ end)
(#42) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Such a shame you did not realize it sooner. Because now it’s too late. After all this, you’re not even worth taking on as an apprentice. (→ end)
(#43) Henri Wolfgang: I’ll be glad to test it out for ya. We have just the operation in mind, actually. We’ve tracked a pack of Immaculates to a canyon cave and have ‘em cornered. With this new Coil in one of our Golems, we can spring a trap on ‘em and wipe ‘em out. (→ #44)
(#44) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Ah, this is Henri. He’s the leader of the Wolfgang Mercenaries. One of his scouts discovered some Immaculates squatting in a cave nearby. (→ #45)
(#45) Henri Wolfgang: Heh, if you want, come on and join us later. We’d be glad to show one of Victor’s mates how it’s done out there! (→ #46)
(#46) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: Anyway, you’re free for now. Here, your reward for the job. I will let you know the next time I need you. (→ #47)
(#47) Multiple-choice:
- 0: That’s all? For such a long journey? (→ #48)
- 1: Let me know when there’s something else I can do! (→ #51)
(#48) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I don’t appreciate that tone, [PlayerName]. Someday you’ll appreciate all that I do for you. (→ #49)
(#49) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I’ve got nothing more for you, right now. Come back in a few days, [PlayerName]. (→ #50)
(#50) Player: (You still have that package to deliver to Gregory Turnbull, the Arcane Dean...) (→ end)
(#51) Victor Berthelot, Dean of the Military: I will indeed, Apprentice. You’re proving to be quite an asset! A little longer and your promotion is guaranteed! (→ #49)