Kassandra:I'd appreciate training with a master such as yourself, but that's not why I'm here.
Alkon:Oh?
Kassandra:King Pausanias asked me to bring the pankration champion to Elis.
Alkon:Forgive me. I didn't know a royal messenger was coming. I'm Alkon, Testikles's trainer.
Kassandra:Kassandra of Sparta.
Alkon:If I may offer some advice before you get him, Testikles can be... difficult. A gift of oil is known to put a person on his good side.
Kassandra: Oil?
Alkon:A muscle rub. He believes it imbues him with the power of Herakles. Look in the Village of Gytheion. His favorite merchant is there.
Kassandra speaking to Alkon
(If "What's Testikles like?" is chosen.)
Kassandra:Winning the wreath is important for Sparta. You think he can do it?
Alkon:The other day he knocked out six men and a bull... and he only went to the market to buy fruit. That's why I had to send him to the island.
(If "Where can I find Testikles?" is chosen.)
Kassandra:Where can I find your champion?
Alkon:I sent Testikles to train on a small island in the Bay of Hades. It's good for him there—isolated. Away from people. Look for the Shipwreck of Nestor on the southern shore.
(If "What is pankration?" is chosen.)
Kassandra:Can you tell me anything about pankration?
Alkon:It's a mix of boxing and wrestling, a fearsome test of skill. Champions come from the farthest corners of the world to compete in Olympia... but not all walk away.
Kassandra:I can't wait to see it.
(Leave – "I'm leaving")
Kassandra:I need to get this champion of yours to Elis. I hope he lives up to your promise.
Alkon:Oh he will. Look for his camp on the southernmost island in Messenia. Good luck!
Kassandra took her leave of Alkon.
(If Kassandra was rude to Alkon and he did not tell her about the oil, the related quest objective and interactions will be skipped. She will leave to find Testikles right away.)
Kassandra:I should get that oil. Anything that'll make it easier to get Testikles to the Olympics.
Arriving at the Village of Gytheion, Kassandra found the oil maker's assistant with the help of Ikaros.
Kassandra:I see her.
She overheard her talking to herself.
Slave:Another slow day... I hope he comes back soon.
Kassandra finding the Oil Maker's apprentice
Kassandra approached her, and the slave worriedly waved her off.
Slave:Sorry. Closed.
Kassandra:I need oil, then I'll be on my way. There's a special one that Testikles uses?
Slave:Ah, for pankration fighters. That one has to be made fresh by the master, and he's gone.
Kassandra:I'm not leaving without it.
Slave:You don't understand. I'm nearly free...
Kassandra:You're a slave?
Slave:Yes, and in a good postition. Doing this would be stealing from him.
Kassandra:Tell me, or I'll make you.
Slave:Why would a misthios care about a slave? I'll tell you, but not help you.
Slave:Light a fire, and gently heat oil of Athena to aid the infusion. When it's warm, just add a touch of cinnamon.
(After saying "I can pay you.")
Slave:Light a fire, and gently heat oil of Athena. This will aid the infusion. Once the oil is warm, add myrrh.
Kassandra:Thank you.
Slave:I hope it's worth my freedom.
Kassandra attempting to make the oil
Kassandra walked to the open-air fire nearby with a bowl hanging over it and knelt beside it.
Kassandra:Let's see if I can get this right.
Kassandra:It had to be heated.
Kassandra stoked the flames and looked over at the two pots of oil nearby.
Kassandra:Now what oil did I need...
Kassandra:I don't need to light this...
Kassandra decided against lighting a fire and looked over at the two pots of oil nearby.
Kassandra stood and smelled the completed mixture it before filling a jar with it.
Kassandra:I hope he appreciates this. It smells so good I almost want to keep it for myself.
Body Oil This is a wonderfully aromatic oil specially mixed for pankrationists.
Kassandra:That's too much trouble. Testikles can live without his oil.
The slave was vexed.
Slave:After all that—nearly throwing away my freedom—it was too much work for you? Maláka! Get out.
The slave spat before her.
Kassandra:If it's a question of drachmae, I can pay you for the oil.
Slave:It's a question of trust. I know my master. He's kind, but strict. My freedom depends on it.
Kassandra had to consider another approach.
Kassandra:Don't worry. I won't get you into trouble.
Kassandra decided to make do without the oil and not jeopardize the slave.
Regardless, Kassandra turned away and made for the Adrestia.
Kassandra:Time to get Testikles.
Kassandra sailed to the island in the Bay of Hades to retrieve Testikles. Ikaros located him near the lone hut on the island.
Kassandra:That must be Testikles.
She approached him and heard him muttering to himself as he drank.
Testikles:Just another drink... For fortification, improves the stamina. Testikles! Another sip, then training. Good for the constitution. Yeah, Testikles the champion!
Kassandra finding jugs of wine near the hut
As Kassandra eyed the empty wine amphorae, Testikles turned around and walked up to her, jabbing her in the shoulder.
Testikles:Whadda you want from the great champion Testikles? Can't you see I'm... busy?
Kassandra adjusted her breastplate where Testikles jabbed her.
Kassandra:I'm here to take you to the Olympics.
Testikles:Olympics? Fuck yeah! I'm gonna be the champion...
Kassandra:I've got your oil... You'll get it when we arrive.
Testikles:That's no fair.
Kassandra:You don't want to use your special oil before the big fight, do you?
Testikles:Good point. Very good point.
Kassandra:Let's get you to the Olympics, then.
Kassandra:Here's your oil.
Testikles:Ah... Wait. What is this stinking piss?
Due to the foul stench of the oil, Testikles once again vomited.
Kassandra:Are you all right?
Testikles:Yeah... Actually feel much better. Cleared my head right up. Time for a little drink to celebrate!
Kassandra:Sail first, drink later.
Testikles:To the Olympics! The people needs me!
Testikles convinced by Kassandra to board the Adrestia
He ran off flinging out his arms, swatting Kassandra to the side. She massaged her collar where Testikles touched her. At the bottom of the hill, he turned to look back at her.
Testikles:Well? We going?
Kassandra adjusted her armor once more and muttered to herself.
Kassandra:He'd better fucking win.
Kassandra undocked the ship and they began sailing north to Elis.
Barnabas:Testikles, it's an honor to sail with you. Your victory at the Pythian games is legendary.
Testikles:Yes... I am!
Herodotos:What made you kick him in the head instead of going for a grapple?
Testikles:Felt like it.
Herodotos:Ah, improvisation. Keep your opponent off guard—a good strategy.
Testikles:Strategy's for people who don't hit hard enough.
After a long journey up the Peloponnesus, they drew near to Elis.
Kassandra successfully delivered Testikles to Elis, but he met a tragic end after a slip and fall into a shark's maw. Kassandra was compelled to compete in the pankration in his stead.
