Act 2: Upheaval III - The Master Weaver and the Arena

"Oh no. I mean, no offense to Yellow Mages but the Sleep spell is almost the only thing they have that's worth a damn in most situations. They specialize in being annoying more than anything."

Konrad just smiles innocently.

"...What about the one who almost killed us today?" Amber asks.

"Yeah, Professor Goodman was really dangerous," Fluffle says with her arms crossed.

"That's the thing about Yellow Mages. They suck when they start out and a lot of them die if they are on the battlefield. But if they live and keep working at their craft, they can be a problem eventually. But I'll also point out we made some tactical errors in that assault and made it harder for ourselves than it otherwise would have been."

"Yeah, we did. I'll try not to make those again." - Mihai mutters somberly - "As for Czelusniak, i might be able to outmaneuver him if he keeps his attention on me. I doubt flanking him would do any good, so if Forys keeps healing maybe i can take it and wear him down."

"When it comes to the other Szefowie, let me handle them. They'll crush you in an one-on-one fight."

"That warning crushes me already, but... yeah, i'll try not to be stupid."

"I try not to get hit anyway so I'll just keep following the Way and hope for the best."

Amber smiles and gives a thumbs up at Steve.

"And don't mistake Szef Makara for a yellow mage," Nadzieja says. "She can cast offensive spells too."

"She sounds just as dangerous as the others..." Fluffle remarks. He then turns to his companions and asks, "She can't be stronger than Edward, right?"

Konrad:

"Honestly, I think it's safe to say she could be stronger."

Konrad has been taking his time while the others talk to appreciate the sight of Nadzieja in something other than her robe, being that the robe of a monk is the very definition of modesty.

"So, there's one Szef i should go toe to toe with. Though then again, i'll likely be busy with her brave retinue."

"Fine with me."

Steve shrugs at Nadia's suggestion to not underestimate the Szef. "I'm not an expert on Red Mages, it's more of a Myrish thing, but they combine strength of arms and magic training in a way we do not at the Citadel. Our training focuses on supporting a team of warriors and in turn being protected by them. Red Mages train as part of assault squads, right there in the front line with the other warriors. Their versatility is their strength, as we've seen Konrad demonstrate many times before. They combine Black Magic with White or Yellow, chosen during their training, though most of the strongest choose Yellow. They get the versatility and support power of a Yellow Mage but the survivability of a fighter. That means they are more likely to gain access to the stronger Yellow spells, like Sleep and Haste." He says this more for the benefit of Amber and Fluffle than the others and makes sure to look at them the most when talking about it. He nods to Konrad and Mihai to show he is ready to move on.

Amber and Fluffle listen to the black mage with interest; they don't know much about the traditions of magic schools across the Archipelago.

Konrad nods in appreciation at Steve's assessment of Myrzen warrior traditions and his own combat effectiveness. He stands up. "If that's over with, I think it's time for us to turn in."

He looks at Nadzieja. "As soon as I gather the strength to turn around."

The young woman raises an eyebrow and says, "Please stop that."

"Goodnight, Nadzieja, and good hunting."

He turns around and leaves.

Steve watches Konrad go and then gets up himself before carefully placing Florolf on his feet on the ground. "Well, time to get going then. Good luck you three. Be careful."

"Goodnight," Nadzieja says to the mages. "We'll see you here tomorrow at 10?"

Meanwhile, Florolf looks back and forth between the mages and the rest of the group, wondering who to follow. Amber extends her arms toward him, making the choice easy for him. He jumps on the couch and sits on her lap, happy to have someone else pet him.

"Of course. Did you want to stick around Fluffle or are you coming with us? It's fine either way I'm sure."

The fairy doesn't hesitate. He deploys his wings and follows the two mages outside. "I'm going with you," he says. "You need someone to watch your backs after all."

"Don't forget Femke's breakfast tomorrow. And Steve..." - he looks slightly uncomfortable - "...sorry, but could you get my chain shirt from the boat? Not sure i'll have time to get it myself in the morning."