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Perikles's Symposium
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He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning recent or upcoming releases from the Assassin's Creed series. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. |
Perikles's Symposium was a virtual representation of one of Kassandra's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.
Description
TBA
Dialogue
After completing the entirety of the tasks laid out by Perikles, Kassandra made her way back to report her success.
- Kassandra: That's everything Perikles wanted. Time to return to him and find out what these Athenians know about my mother.
She arrived at his residence, only to experience an unexpected surprise.
- Phoibe: Kassandra! It's you!
- Kassandra: Phoibe?
- Phoibe: You said you weren't coming back to Kephallonia, so I decided to leave too!
- Kassandra: I said I wouldn't be coming back, but I don't remember saying you should leave.
- Phoibe: Well here I am!
(If players choose "How did you get here?")
- Kassandra: How did you even get here, Phoibe?
- Phoibe: Well... I did make some drachmae working for Markos.
- Kassandra: So you paid someone to bring you to Athens?
- Phoibe: Not exactly.
- Kassandra: Phoibe.
- Phoibe: I needed the drachmae for when I arrived. I couldn't use it all to leave, and I didn't want to wait any longer, so I sneaked on a ship. Don't worry, nobody saw!
- Kassandra: I just can't believe you made it.
- Phoibe: I don't remember much of Athens from when I was a baby, but every once in a while, something feels familiar. It's nice.
(If players choose "I never expected to see you here.")
- Kassandra: I can't believe you're here.
- Phoibe: Me either! I can't believe we both made it to Athens. It's so much different than Kephallonia.
- Kassandra: But what are you doing here?
- Phoibe: I'm here to get you ready. I have to make sure you leave all your weapons and change into these clothes.
- Kassandra: So, you somehow work here... For Perikles.
- Phoibe: No. For Aspasia.
(If players choose "Why do I have to change?")
- Kassandra: I don't understand why I have to change.
- Phoibe: It's just what you do here. I felt weird at first, but you forget about it pretty fast.
- Kassandra: And my weapons?
- Phoibe: Don't worry, I'll take care of them! You don't want to scare people in there.
- Kassandra: Well...
(If players choose "Why are you working for Aspasia?")
- Kassandra: How is it you're working for Aspasia?
- Phoibe: Well, I did get into a little bit of trouble after I got to Athens. I may have been the leader of a small group of orphans that tried to cheat Aspasia. We didn't know it was her, though!
- Kassandra: And you... convinced her to hire you?
- Phoibe: No, she asked me on her own!
- Kassandra: That was lucky.
(If players choose "I'm ready to go in.")
- Kassandra: I think I'm ready to go in.
- Phoibe: You can't! Not like that, anyway. The Athenians like it best when you try to fit in. But don't worry, I have just the outfit for you.
(If players choose "I will change my clothes.")
- Kassandra: I'll get changed. Promise you'll take care of my things?
- Phoibe: Yep. Leave your weapons in the corner, and I'll come back when you're done.
Kassandra changed.
- Kassandra: I feel... uncomfortable in this.
- Phoibe: Now you look like everyone else.
- Kassandra: You say that like it's a good thing.
- Phoibe: It is! If you want them to take you seriously, this is the easiest way. Trust me.
- Kassandra: Is that everything?
- Phoibe: You're all ready to go in! Don't worry, you've done scarier things than this.
- Kassandra: I'm struggling to think of any right now. Are you sure I can't keep just one weapon with me?
- Phoibe: No weapons! Now, hurry and go in. Oh, and don't leave without saying bye!
Within the Symposium, Kassandra met with Herodotos.
- Herodotos: Chaire, Kassandra! The mighty mercenary and traveler has finally made her grand entrance. Only slightly late, too.
- Kassandra: Herodotos! Athenians have no problem letting me know when I'm not welcome. It's a relief to see your friendly face.
- Herodotos: Don't let the company here tonight intimidate you.
- Kassandra: I won't.
- Herodotos: Perikles is no king. He needs these guests to love him, so that the people love him. And they, in turn, need Perikles. You're no different from any of them.
- Kassandra: Do you really think these people will help me?
- Herodotos: They will if you get them to trust you. And you've wisely dressed for the occasion. Appearing trustworthy is the most important part of being trusted, after all. Now then, come let me introduce you to everyone. They may not look it, but this group holds the way to the future on the tip of their opinionated tongues. Ah, Sophokles and Euripides, for example. Two of the most celebrated playwrights to date. No one can throw stones as far as they can. They appear to be locked in some kind of intellectual struggle, as is their way.
- Sophokles: He's a writer of comedies, of all things! Comedies, Euripides!
(If players choose "I've heard of Sophokles.")
- Kassandra: I've heard of Sophokles. In my line of work, it pays to know who the richest and most famous men are.
- Herodotos: Hermippos has also written his fair share of comedies...
- Hermippos: You should drink more.
- Herodotos: Lately his attitudes have garnered him more notice than his works. However, the fellow beside him, Protagoras, is a sophist worthy of as much praise as the great Sokrates himself.
(If players choose "I'm surprised Sokrates is here.")
- Kassandra: Inviting Sokrates seems like a good way to ruin everyone's night. I'm surprised they would let him in the door.
- Herodotos: Oh, don't let Sokrates get under your skin. At least he wore shoes for the occasion... And the poor thing gesticulating like an ape is Thrasymachos. If you listen closely, you'll notice he and Sokrates are actually arguing the same points. But the wind from his wild gestures deafens him to critique.
- Thrasymachos: That isn't at all what I mean!
- Kassandra: Where is Perikles?
- Herodotos: Oh! He never attends his own parties. Which reminds me, there's something I need to get his help with...
- Alkibiades: Vile Sokrates! Always appearing where I least expect him. Warrior, protect me from his amorous gaze! ...Oh, Alkibiades. This is not a time for jealousy, but for love!
Alkibiades drunkenly staggered off.
- Herodotos: Let's not use Alkibiades as an example. Be good, and don't drink too much. So, tell me, what does a misthios like you think of a party like this?
(If players choose "Alkibiades seems interesting.")
- Kassandra: This party could be fun. Alkibiades drinks like a Spartan. Maybe he fights like one, too.
- Herodotos: If I could suggest anything - please don't start a fight. Or end one.
- Kassandra: Thank you, Herodotos.
- Herodotos: Now, if you'll excuse me. Perikles is here somewhere, and I need to prepare him... If he's alone, I'll tell him what your brother said.
(If players choose "You should get going.")
- Kassandra: Agreed, Perikles needs to know. I'll stay here and look for clues.
- Herodotos: I hope they know something about your mother.
- Kassandra: Me too.
Herodotos took his leave, leaving Kassandra alone to talk to those within the Symposium.
After talking with Euripides and Alkibiades, Kassandra returned to the Symposium, where she found Sokrates.
- Sokrates: I admit, I'm surprised to see you here. But, "everything has a price," as you said. I can't help but wonder what price you paid entry into this symposium.
- Kassandra: Keep wondering.
- Thrasymachos: You really intend to use this young distraction to avoid the point being argued?
(If players choose "I'm intrigued.")
- Kassandra: You have been arguing a single point all night, and no one has a black eye? You have my attention.
- Sokrates: We're discussing the nature of rulers. Where better to do so than here? I'll ask you the same question I asked Thrasymachos: would you agree that the act of ruling is an art?
- Thrasymachos: It is an art, as all worthy undertakings are. That is not up for argument.
- Sokrates: Yet, medicine is for the betterment of the patient, and not the physician. Carpentry improves the building, not the builder. Then - is the art of ruling not for the betterment of the ruled rather than the ruler?
- Thrasymachos: Don't be absurd!
(If players choose "Rulers are unjust.")
- Kassandra: I have seen enough of the world to know that there are no "just" rulers. Even Perikles is self-serving.
- Sokrates: Is a Spartan general who brings order to his troops, thereby saving his own life, self-serving? I'm not sure that's the case.
- Kassandra: Ruling a city and fighting in battle are different things.
- Sokrates: By practicing the art of war, doesn't the general guarantee some of his troops a ferry ride to Hades, when a swift retreat would save all their lives?
(If players choose "You're contradicting yourself.")
- Kassandra: You just said a general isn't self-serving when he brings order to his troops. Then you said he is self-serving because retreating would save the lives of his men. What are you trying to say?
- Sokrates: I never try to say anything.
- Kassandra: But you just said those things.
- Sokrates: I said the words, but I didn't say anything at all. I only attempted to gain your view on the matter.
- Thrasymachos: You're wasting your time. Aspasia.
The three looked to the entrance of the room, where Aspasia appeared. As she walked past, everyone gave a small bow, Kassandra doing so just a little late. Kassandra walked over to where she stood.
- Aspasia: I couldn't help but notice your talent for debate. Well done.
- Kassandra: Sokrates is an... interesting character.
- Aspasia: Ah, Phoibe. Perikles has retired to the balcony already, has he? His ability to sneak off and sulk is second to none.
- Phoibe: I can go get him, and Kassandra can help! Everyone listens when she talks.
- Aspasia: That'll be fine. Run along. Kassandra will be right behind you. Now, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Aspasia. I had to go to great lengths to cover up your work in Megaris.
(If players choose "I did what was necessary.")
- Kassandra: I did what I had to do, and I'd do it again. I make no apologies.
- Aspasia: We do what we must to survive, and there's no shame in that. It's how you got here - how I got here. The clothes, they fit you well, I trust?
(If players choose "Yes, thank you.")
- Kassandra: These may be the nicest clothes I've ever worn, but I feel... a bit uncomfortable, to be honest.
- Aspasia: You never really get used to them. It seems we have the attention of the entire room without a single eye being fixed on us. If you'd like to talk, do it now, and do it discreetly.
(If players choose "I'm searching for my mother.")
- Kassandra: I've been searching for a woman named Myrrine... My mother. I think she may be in danger, and my search brought me here.
- Aspasia: What clues do you have to her whereabouts?
- Kassandra: A physician named Hippokrates may have seen her in Argos.
- Aspasia: He's a good man. If you find a woman named Agathe there, let her know Aspasia sends her regards. What else?
- Kassandra: Alkibiades gave me the name of a woman in Korinth.
- Aspasia: I'm sure he did. My dear friend, Anthousa, is the only one I know who's enjoyed a life in Korinth through legitimate means... mostly legitimate, anyway.
- Kassandra: That's all I have.
- Aspasia: There is another option. In a former life, when I needed something done, or someone found, I contacted a friend. An admiral, of a sort.
- Kassandra: What's his name?
- Aspasia: Her name is Xenia. When we last spoke, she was in Keos. A word of caution: when you go to her, be on your guard. Sea life makes a monster out of most people.
- Kassandra: Thank you, Aspasia.
- Aspasia: When you're done, return here. Together, we will find who you're looking for. Now do me a favor and get Perikles to come down here to greet his guests.
Kassandra made her way to the balcony, where Perikles was talking with Herodotos.
- Herodotos: Kassandra?
- Perikles: I didn't send for you. No matter how you've dressed for my party, Phoibe shouldn't have let you in.
(If players choose "Aspasia sent me.")
- Kassandra: Aspasia told me to come find you. She wants you to come down to the party.
- Perikles: She says I don't interact with our guests enough. But these parties aren't for me. Technically you're a guest. If you join Herodotos and me, that should be enough for her, don't you think?
- Kassandra: You really don't want to go downstairs, do you?
- Perikles: When your days are spent speaking in front of crowds, you begin to crave these moments of silence.
- Herodotos: Or as silent as I let it be, at least.
(If players choose "Why did you want Phidias to escape?")
- Kassandra: Phidias was awaiting trial, but you had me get him out of Athens. I figured you, of all people, would want to follow the law.
- Perikles: Phidias is a very dear friend. I didn't want to risk him being found guilty. And, of course, there were other threats.
- Kassandra: So you knew.
- Perikles: I know he's delusional, but... one day when you have a friend you'd do anything for, you'll understand.
(If players choose "Why did you ostracize your own friend?")
- Kassandra: I don't understand why you had Anaxagoras ostracized. Sokrates said he was your friend.
- Perikles: I won't risk the lives of those close to me if there's something I can do about it.
- Kassandra: So you did this to protect him?
- Perikles: Anaxagoras understood my fears. Ten years may be a long time, but at least he'll be safe.
(If players choose "Why would you send Metiochos somewhere dangerous?")
- Kassandra: Why send Metiochos to the fishing district if it's dangerous?
- Perikles: I would have never sent him into danger willingly.
- Kassandra: It seems you have many loyal friends.
- Perikles: My people are important to me.
(If players choose "I have something to tell you.")
- Kassandra: Your life is in danger.
- Perikles: Yes, yes. Herodotos was saying. This Cult doesn't worry me - I have my life threatened by far worse people every day. My true concern is Athens. I fear for her future.
(If players choose "I'd be worried about Athens, too.")
- Kassandra: Spartans outside the walls, people crammed inside... I don't envy you.
- Perikles: Even so, there isn't another city I'd rather live in.
- Kassandra: I can't say I know how that feels.
- Perikles: When you find your place, you'll know it.
- Phoibe: Aspasia sent me to see what's taking you so long.
- Perikles: Tell Aspasia I'll be right there. I suppose this is where our conversation ends. Thank you again for helping me. I hope my guests are able to help you in your search.
- Kassandra: Time will tell.
Kassandra left the two on the balcony to continue their discussion. Soon, she ran into Phoibe again.
- Phoibe: You look tired!
- Kassandra: Only of conversation. I think that's the most talking I've ever done.
- Phoibe: See, you didn't need a weapon after all! Are you leaving?
(If players choose "I'm ready to go.")
- Kassandra: I've had enough to Athenian hospitality to last me a lifetime.
- Phoibe: You get used to it. It's nice! What are you going to do now?
(If players choose "I'm going to Korinthia.")
- Kassandra: There's a woman in Korinth I'd like to talk to.
- Phoibe: I've heard about that place from Alkibiades... he says you don't go there to talk.
- Kassandra: Alkibiades says a lot of things.
- Phoibe: He sure does! Before you go, I heard something from Aspasia... about Kephallonia.
- Kassandra: What is it?
- Phoibe: She said there was some sort of plague. You don't think... My friend... The blood fever...
- Kassandra: Don't think like that. Whatever happened on Kephallonia isn't our fault. I'll go myself and find out if this plague even happened, OK?
- Phoibe: OK... thanks. I knew I could count on you!
Once changed, Kassandra walked with Phoibe out of the building.
- Kassandra: Not going to bet to come along this time?
- Phoibe: Nope! I'm happy here, and this isn't Kephallonia. That means you'll be back!
- Kassandra: That's very true.
- Phoibe: Plus, I really like working for Aspasia. She says she has a mission for me!
- Kassandra: I'll see you soon, Phoibe.
- Phoibe: Bye, Kassandra.
Outcome
TBA
Gallery
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Aspasia makes her entrance
