e) Act 5

Your guide to Act 5 in Blade & Sorcery. Learn about crystal shards, dangerous sorcery, and the Outlaws' secrets. Master the lore and survive.

Alright, let's dive into what's happening in Act 5. This section is all about the Outlaws and their... unique methods. You'll be sifting through a lot of their notes and journals, so pay close attention!

The Outlaw's Perspective

First up, we have notes from characters like Parean and general memos about crystal shards. It seems like these shards are a big deal, not just for their power but also for the money they bring in. The Sentari fences are apparently paying good money for them, which means the Outlaws are keen to get their hands on any they can find. Remember, there is no Rule of Finder anymore. If you find shards, report them, or you might find your head on a pike!

Sorcery and Its Dangers

There's a whole section on 'How To Make Lightning THE SAFE WAY'. Honestly, reading this, you'll understand why some of the Outlaws end up with charred fingers. The advice is pretty straightforward: consume shards, concentrate, point away from yourself (seriously, they had to write that down!), and stop if you smell burning. They even mention a cautionary tale about someone who had a chain lightning mishap that took out several huts. So, definitely heed the warning: DO NOT increase shard usage before you fully master its effects.

Mapping and Rivalries

The Outlaws are also concerned with mapping and territorial disputes. They're trying to find entrances to ancient ruins, possibly before the Royal Battle-Ax and her soldiers do. They even mention that Eraden Scouts are good at mapping, and suggest stealing their maps if the opportunity arises. But watch out – there's also a memo about 'Map Stealer', indicating someone is stealing maps *from* the Outlaws. They're pretty furious about this, especially since they think it's unrealistic for one person to take on their whole gang. Gang leaders are told to secure their maps and crack down on rumors.

Doctor Orlean's Expedition

You'll also find entries from Doctor Orlean's Journal. He's on an expedition to help the Outlaws and is shocked by the state of things, even more so than at the Royal Hospital. He's particularly interested in studying the crystal shards and their gruesome effects to find ways to help the Outlaws.

Keep an eye out for notes like 'Sakaryan To Ramayan - Warning Letter' and others that hint at internal conflicts and potential dangers within the Outlaw ranks. It's a messy business!