Oswald's back?

[Cerulia]

The new ToD story (here (http://ac.turbinegames.com/index.php?page_id=330)) featuring Oswald got me thinking that perhaps he still has a part to play in the storyline...

Until now I'd been thinking that the 'Mysterious visitor' who taught the Viamontians how to create their knights was either Nuhmudira or a new character. It still could be Nuhmudira, but I'd been guessing that based on thinking that she would be angry at the general Isparian rejection of her, and might be helping the Viamontians out of revenge. That case was weakened a bit with the new soul stone quest, since she didn't really seem all that angry... It could be an act of course, and I'm not going to stop suspecting her ^_~

The possibility that it might have been Oswald never occured to me... He's missing, presumed dead, but then...

"His words were cut short as a bolt of energy washed over him, through him, and tore his being asunder. As he began to drift away as smoke rising on the wind, he saw the Nuhmudira that he had killed sizzle and melt into the floor."

I certainly read that as his death... But Oswald's a clever guy, and a great character. He's had a relatively minor role in the lore so far, but he has a lot of potential to be a great villain. And rereading that paragraph, it doesn't sound quite as final as I had originally thought!

So, assuming Oswald survived, how and why would he help the Viamontians?

Well, the how is pretty easy - Nuhmudira taught him some blood magic, and specifically mentions transformations (She says "I taught you the rite. Showed you the methodology and provided you the means for your transformation."). Granted, Oswald's transformation is completely different from that of the Viamontian Knights, but maybe that's why they needed to find this book. As I said before, Oswald's a clever guy, and I think it's pretty feasible he could work out how to do it...

As for why, well, if you had tried to assasinate one of the most powerful women in Dereth, and angered the other most powerful woman, you might want to get out of the area for a while... If Oswald had somehow discovered the Halaetan islands, it would be the perfect place to hide out. Of course, I'm sure he'd also demand an enormous price for his help...

Finally, why would the Viamontians actually accept his help? I think that's answered by Prince Varicci himself in the story... He's clearly impressed by Oswald's talents, and from the sound of it he would have loved to have employed him... Probably not possible on Ispar for political reasons, but now that he's King Varicci and on Dereth, well, I personally think he'd be very happy to employ him!

[Protes]

That was great seeing Oswald put back into the lore :)

From what I recall reading the ToD lore the Bellenesse are also on the Halaetan Islands with King Varicci II and other Viamontians. There still seems to be a fued between the two. King Varicci II was very impressed by Oswald but if what you are suggesting is true I'm unsure why Oswald would help King Varicci II and not the Bellenesse. Though I suppose for the right price Oswald would backstab anyone :D

As I read through the article I thought the same thing about Oswald possibly becoming a bigger villian with the expansion pack. After reading it I thought he definately would be a great villian to have in a major story arc. I'm keeping my fingers crossed we'll see more of Oswald.

[Cerulia]

lol, you're right, I hadn't even thought of that... I assumed Oswald was helping Varicci's faction just because they're the ones who had the mysterious stranger and the modified knights, plus Bellanese's faction are players so it wouldn't really seem right...

I don't really see Oswald as one to hold much loyalty though... His contract was for the assasination of the King, and since he's on Dereth he's unable to carry it out. I'd imagine to his mind that's the end of it, and if Varicci will pay then he'll work for him - From the sounds of it Varicci is doing a lot better than Bellanese, so he'd be the logical one to approach...

I think Oswald could be as good a character as Martine... Although I don't think we'll be seeing Oswald finding redemption and becoming good! Certainly hope to see more of him ^_^

[Paraduck]

I wouldn't say it would necessarily say anything about Oswald's current form... I read the story as it was HOW Oswald got to Dereth, as well as the factions of Viamontians. Thus it means that this occured well before the Olthoi story arc where he attempted to assassinate Elysa and later Nuhmudira.

I do like Oswald as a character though -- it would definitely be very cool if he came back to a more prominent position. Maybe he can help give us some more PK love. :p

[Hirahd]

Although I agree that Oswald is probably not dead, I think the new lore article occured before he was "killed". Mainly because it occurs on Ispar, and because of this line:

"We thought we had run him to ground in a small village in one of our Aluvian territories, Highness, but... he escaped. Through a portal. A portal we had not previously catalogued, Highness."

If you're right though, would open up a lot of possibilities. Has Oswald found a way to travel between Dereth and Ispar?

[Cerulia]

Oh no, you misunderstand... I'm not saying that the story is current, it's definitely set in the past before Oswald came to Dereth. For one thing, Varicci and Bellenesse are there (And they're definitely on Dereth now), also Oswald doesn't use any of his new powers (Why disguise yourself if you can just ride through a shadow?), and it ends with him escaping through a portal, which is presumably how he got to Dereth in the first place.

It just made me think about Oswald again, and consider some things in a new light... What if he wasn't killed by Nuhmudira? ^_^

Actually, there's an interesting thought there; If he escaped through a portal in Viamontian territory, and Viamontian portals go to the Halaetan islands, how'd he get here?

Edit: Actually, maybe not so strange... Oswald went through a portal in Aluvia, whereas Bellenesse and Varicci went through one in Viamont itself if I remember correctly...

[Eddie the Crazy]

Oh no, you misunderstand... I'm not saying that the story is current, it's definitely set in the past before Oswald came to Dereth. For one thing, Varicci and Bellenesse are there (And they're definitely on Dereth now), also Oswald doesn't use any of his new powers (Why disguise yourself if you can just ride through a shadow?), and it ends with him escaping through a portal, which is presumably how he got to Dereth in the first place.

It just made me think about Oswald again, and consider some things in a new light... What if he wasn't killed by Nuhmudira? ^_^

Actually, there's an interesting thought there; If he escaped through a portal in Viamontian territory, and Viamontian portals go to the Halaetan islands, how'd he get here?

Edit: Actually, maybe not so strange... Oswald went through a portal in Aluvia, whereas Bellenesse and Varicci went through one in Viamont itself if I remember correctly...

Orion effectively said that when Nummy dissapated Ozzy, she didn't kill him. (I don't know where the post is now, but I do know he said something along the lines of "What makes you think he's dead?".)

[Cerulia]

Hm, interesting Eddie! I didn't see that post... well, that certainly gives extra support! ^_^

[Protes]

According to Nuhmudira's New Year's Resolutions, it looks like Oswald is still alive and kicking

Nuhmudira's New Year's Resolutions
1. Experiment with various potions to see which has the best cleansing properties. Use that potion to remove those old blood stains from my Mattekar rug.
2. Kill Elysa.
3. Research Falatacot bloodrites regarding skin care and facial line removal.
4. Invite Antius into my lair.
5. Kill Antius.
6. Construct a fortress.
7. Write the second installment of the Dark Cow trilogy.
8. Perfect my Blackened Mosswart Legs recipe.
9. Defile Asheron's Sanctum.
10. Find Oswald and kill him.

[Chrono]

The article actually put me under the impression Oswald found a way to travel back and forth between Dereth and Ispar.

[Vyn]

He's made it on both lists it seems

Queen Elysa's Resolutions:

1. Knit a scarf for Borelean.
2. Consult with Bleeargh about the removal of Mosswarts from the Underground City.
3. Schedule an Olthoi hunting trip with Antius.
4. Learn to speak Mosswart.
5. Lose these newfound lover's handles.
6. Purchase a farm.
7. Teach Hendac to make pearblossom tea.
8. Speak with the Wedding Planners about less socially restrictive wedding cake toppers.
9. Bind myself to a more conveniently placed lifestone.
10. Find Oswald and kill him.


Looking at the 2 of them, Nuhmie may be better served in the long run to make an appearance or lend a hand in contributing to an ill-fated hunting trip with the Queen and Antius hmmm

[Protes]

Well if Elysa and Nuhmudira both start off their New Year's Resolutions with #1 then I don't think Elysa and Antius will agree to work with Nuhmudira on #10, hehe.

[Vyn]

hehe No -meaning Nuhmie should skip 4. Invite Antius into my lair. and just go to 5. Kill Antius. A 'tragic' hunting trip resulting in Antius' death could prove more entertaining for her in the long run.

[Protes]

lol Vyn.. the only thing I don't like about Antius is his armor. It's not fair he gets to wear that uber looking armor. I wish my vassal could fail dye Antius's suit :p

[Uzi-El]

It's not fair he gets to wear that uber looking armor.

Sure it is. It's just one of the many advantages that come from playing "hide the nabut" with someone in a position of power.

[Renegade Knight]

:eek: ...-no comment-