57 Party Preparations (2/2)
Before Eric could speak up to ask about the list however, Alistair cut him off. ”I see that you're a little dubious about some of the items. The first few should all be fairly self-explanatory. They're normal items for explorers such as rope and torches that you can pick up at the general store here in Tonbura. The last few are what you need to focus on. The quality of the weapons and armour of most of the otherworlders and militia are pitiful when compared to the army, or the main forces of the Ironfrost Horde. You would do well to ensure that your entire party is outfitted in Soldier-level armour and equipped with Uncommon quality or higher weapons. You should all have a bow and fifty arrows a piece as well, although Miss Feathershot will likely want more.”
”Why do we all need bows, sir? Turk and Lark I can understand, but Aria and myself will both be relying on magic for ranged combat. We don't really need to carry bows, do we?” Eric asked.
”Your inexperience is showing,” Alistair chided. ”The easiest way to defeat a mage is to exhaust their mana. Force them to keep you at bay using spells, and once their mana is depleted, you can simply take them out at your leisure. However, if a mage alternates between magic attacks and arrows, they can buy time for their mana to regenerate, and for their allies to come rescue them. It also allows mages to be useful in zones with anti-magic properties. Make sense?”
”Yes,” Eric replied.
”Alright. For your party, I'm going to make an exception and hand out the rewards for the Battle of Lichfrost now. I'll be paying you, Behorde, Magisong, and Feathershot from my own coffers, so don't go spreading this information, I can't afford to pay the entire militia force right now. Use this money to purchase the materials you need. I've included some extra funds for Lark's gear as well. As for the items I promised you at your knighting ceremony, those are still being worked upon, but I shall get them to you as soon as possible,” Alistair said, handing Eric a large pouch that made a pleasant jingling sound as he caught it. ”Do you have any more questions?”
”Just one. What should we call our party?
”Are you not going with Riptide? I was under the impression that that was what your group called itself.”
”It is,” Eric admitted. ”But the others might not appreciate me using that name. I was wondering if you had any suggestions.”
Alistair looked pensive for a moment, his eyes going blank as he contemplated Eric's words. ”In my experience. The best names are those that were earned through action and deed. If you choose a grandiose name and fail to live up to it, you will be scorned. But if you earn a title through deed, the people themselves will happily call it out.”
”Ah,” Eric said, a light of understanding appearing in his eyes.
”Now, if you have no more questions?”
”No, sir!”
”I expect results, Kystfyr,” Alistair said, catching Eric's eye as he stood to leave.
”Of course, Commander.”
”Good. You're dismissed.”