Long ass post; Moonlight Alcove 1 to End Game. I just blitzled my way through, so sincere apologies to mobile users. Story spoilers abound.

tl;dr: no story changes, extra tension for gameplay, a whole lot of wtfery, and honestly? buy pyre if you haven’t already. it’s so good.

Cycle 2=31st of Eightmoon to 10th of Ninthmoon.

The number of Titans active required before you can go into a Rite has gone up. It was three prior to the first Liberation, now t’s four. I had a feeling this would happen and have a sinking feeling it’ll get worse from here.

I find it kind of amusing that Sandra makes Hedwyn face a demon, nomad, and cur for his trial. Like. Through a Mirror Darkly, anyone?

Also you can restart Sandra’s trials, thankfully!

Gol’s Bracer, come to Mama. >3 now we’re talking.

Jodi, in a Rite against the Accusers: “Whatever enmity exists between our Ti’zo and our adversaries is no business of ours. Let us end this quickly.” Oh, Mama Jodi.

Never have I relied on a character as much as I have relied on Hedwyn and, oddly enough, Gilman. Also the Prayer Beads are cheaty as shit and I DON’T GIVE A FUCK SUCK IT LENDEL.

It’s scripted to happen sometime before your Second Liberation no matter where you are (if Jodi hasn’t been sent home), but I find it kind of fitting that the Jodi-and-Pam argument happens in this playthrough while I’m in the Flagging hands. -2 Hope apparently leads to snapping arguments!

The Titan Stars are supposed to appear before your Third Rite in the Second Cycle…but since they’re all activated already, obviously they don’t! No comment from Tariq or Volfred this time ‘round.

Haub’s Wing? Seriously. Freaking. Broken. Ti’zo you’re perfect.

Liberation Rite against the Fate (Dadbert and Almer) with Jodi on the line. Hedwyn backing her up. (Mama Jodi). …I broke my own heart. AH!

And then Dalbert really broke my heart by annointing Almer in his place. If there’s one team I don’t mind losing to, it’s the Fate.

…this is the first time I’ve ever had Almer and Mae end up in the same place. Hrm.

Also, post-rite, Jodi and Hedwyn are toasting. Choosing freedom seems…innappropriate at this stage. To friends it is.

Somehow Volfred makes it from the Moonlight Alcove to Bertrude’s place, all the way across the sea, and then back again. I just. Just. How? Teach us your secrets! (he just took the wagon probably.)

Cycle 3: 21st of Tenthmoon to 2nd of Leventhmoon. (SGG, I love you, but A LITTLE OVER TWO MONTHS IS NOT MANY MOONS!)

Also, HI BERTY! Plz help me kick the Essence back down to earth kthx.

…Required Titan Stars increased to five. My sinking feeling is catching up with the Titanic.

Isle of Khaylmer Rite, stop at the Reef. Gilman brings me a sack of Salt Tea (of course it’s sopping wet!) and Hedwyn is. Staring into the Abyss. This crew is a riot.

I know they leave the Readers responses up to your intepretation, but I really wonder what they’d say to Manley. >> mine certainly has no hesitation telling him where to stick it when he shoves into your huddle.

With Feats of Glory unlocked previously, no comment yet again from Tariq or Volfred. Hrm.

–I always forget when Oralech is going to rear his head. I ALWAYS FORGET DARNIT WHY DID I GO TO THE HULK OF ORES AGAIN SHIIIIIITT He’s going to kick my ass.

The convo between Oralech and Ti’zo never fails to crack my heart. Just. I get Oralech’s reasoning and I think Ti’zo might as well, but that just hurts.

“When I first learned the Nightwings had reformed, with some forgotten boy now at the helm…this I needed to see for myself.” Forgotten boy? There’s a lot we’re not told about the current Nightwings, and I? Reeaaaallllly wanna know what the hell Oralech means about Hedwyn when he says this.

I lost by 1. 1 freaking. ARGH ORALECH.

–wait. Wait wait wait. ESSENCE I JUST BEAT YOU HOW ARE YOU AT THE TOP OF THE BRACKET NO NO NO NO SHIT FUCK WHY.

Welp. Jodi made it home, after 16 years…damn. There goes my defensive strat.

“Listen to me, I’m talking like she’s…” Hedwyn. Hedwyn you sweet hearted man. I’ve done a couple rounds where he stays in the Downside after Jodi and this? This conversation? I just. SGG you know how to cause your players pain.

Cycle 4: 12th of Twelftmoon to – 21st of Twelfthmoon….yeah they’re getting shorter now. Hrm.

Okay, Volfred. You’re far too slow for me. Good defense but I’m used to charging. Which is stupid considering Oralech but still.

…Six Titan Stars required. Hello there, ocean floor. I was wondering when I’d see you.

They didn’t change Hedwyn’s Deja Vu convo. hUh. Not a looping tale NG+, then. Hrm.

You doth protest too much, Deluge. Hush up and have a Gilman smackdown.

…oh no. Withdrawn at the Mountain. Game why.

Hedwyn continues to tug my heart out of my chest. “Please don’t make me break that promise…”

Tariq, stop poking your partner. She is fierce and shall break you.

Udmildhe is full of no chill. On the one hand, I’m impressed. On the other, I’m going “shit we cannot let her win.”

I don’t think I’ve ever had that tense a match as against the Withdrawn this time. I just. Wow. But hey, Rukey makes it back! Hedwyn neck time; can’t risk him not making it.

Cycle 5: 22nd of Twelfthmoon to 30th of Twelfthmoon

“I shall have my night.” there’s never a threat of physical violence in Pyre. No matter what happens, no matter the losses or the wins or who you face, you are always safe. And yet, when Oralech returns to what was always his wagon…I still get tense.

At least 7 Stars required. Shit. Why am I getting the feeling that I’m going to need 12 when the Final Rite comes ’round?

If it weren’t for the fact that I as a person can’t stand the thought of Hedwyn being separated from his family, I’d keep him all the way to the end of the game. Gol’s Bracer is OP as shit.

“Volfred, my old friend,” there’s an inconsistency here; Volfred tells you that he came in to the Nightwings *after* Brighton was already Liberated, and yet Brighton refers to him as friend when they’ve never met. Unless they met before either was exiled, maybe? Hrm.

–THREE CASES OF BANISHMENT SICKNESS? Welp there goes my strat.

Land in the Bloomingpool. Apparation offers to weaken Ignarius a bit. Knowing what’s coming I have to accept and I just. Feel kind of bad about it? -2 Quickness is pretty ouchy for already slow demons.

Aaaannd lost anyway. Dang. Freaking Bog Crones.

I really really really really hate Volfred’s Scribe Trial. Actively using him is a trip.

“But I can’t just leave the rest of you.” Yes, you can. You will.

SUCK IT MANLEY WE KICKED YOUR ASS

“I broke my vow to them…that we would all go free together. Reader, my friend…why would you do this? Will you ever forgive me?” Oh, Hedwyn. Hedwyn you sweetheart. There’s never been anything to forgive. Go home.

Bertrude does not like Sandra, apparently. And the feeling seems mutual.

Eight stars required. And with a Rite against the Withdrawn, I feel that one of them has to be Yslach. This may end up being a mistaaaaakkke.

CLOSE. SHIT THAT WAS CLOSE.

Just before Oralech crashes into you, there’s always a thunderclap. Kudos to SGG for their Audio Design there. Really. Also to how Mourning Song only comes in through the left channel once you’ve parked the wagon.

I adore how much more and more AJ gets so annoyed as you rack up victories and the game continues. Kudos to you, Mr. Cunningham. Massive Kudos.

“Shouldst thou seekest shelter, then may the elements be merciful to thee. Shouldst though seekest kinship, then may thy kin hold memory of thee. Shouldst though seekest darkness, then may nightfall come to thee in time…Shouldst thou seekest courage, then may bravery soon bloom within thy heart. Shouldst though seekest water, then may the oceans open wide for thee. Shouldst though seekest fortune, then…” What we hear Bertrude use of the Bog Benediction. Distant kin is still kin indeed, Berty.

9 Stars required. Activating Yslach against the Tempers (if they show) may be a mistake!

What in all worlds does it take to get someone to show in your last pre-Lib Rite?!

Whoa whoa whoaaaaa hold up. When you’re called to look upon the Golden Star for the last time…the other Scribes Stars are just gone. Was it always like that?

In The Flame has Ashley singing alongside Darren. Mental image of Celeste standing somewhere high and singing in tune with Tariq is got~

Alrighty, Sandy. Whatever end this comes to, you’re coming with me.

Just 9 required. Here I thought the game would knock you to 12. Hrm. Hrm.

NO GUTS NO GLORY /turns on all the stars, gets ass utterly handed to her.

Petition for someone (Reader?) in the Union to rename Oralech to Oralech the Merciful.

…Huh. If you don’t get a peaceful Return, Hedwyn is the one to lead the raid on AJ’s base, not Jodi. I’d wondered…

We shall find our way home….

Post Solis-Rite to Moonlight Alcove Stay 1.   Spoilers abound for both “standard” play and TN-Mode, proceed at your own risk. (mobile users, I do apologize.)

Gilman your enthusiasm is nice but CHILL THE HECK DOWN MAN.

So I know why they didn’t do it (Pyre has no actual violence and I adore that, plus needing Gilman and Deluge around for what’s coming) but I still can’t shake the thought of a banishment while clearing out the Spawn being a permadeath. You’re outside of the Rites. That the Wyrms have access to their Aura and Gilman is counting on the Reader for guidance kind of falls off the narrative/rules? I dunno.

Meta for a second: Pyre has no looping NG+ like Bastion does, but as a Player Insert like the Reader is supposed to be, the knowledge of what is set to happen makes things…interesting. Pyre’s VN style of between-Rites gameplay has its own rail to stay on and that…well. I did just kind of abuse knowing Jodi can’t take part in the Triesta Rite to avoid any of the others losing Hope. >> Sorry, Mama Jodi. I’ll do my best to get your kidlings home for you.

Also, I really love how much Jodi and Hedwyn trust one another. She–at the point of the Triesta Rite–loathes Harps. And yet she trusts his judgement on Pamitha even if she refuses to work with her. I just. Mother/Son relationships don’t get enough attention in games (you see a lot more Father/Daughter ones; see The Last of Us) and to see a healthy one here is just. All my feels.

Gilman. Gilman! GILMAN YOU CAN BE CHIVALROUS AND WORK WITH PAMITHA YOU TWISTED PRETZEL ARRRRGHHHHH why does he sit it out entire I still don’t understand. (that was a lot easier than I expected. Even with Yslach active.)

Also didn’t mention this before, but you can’t skip the in-Rite training for new members like Ti’zo or Pamitha. Annoying but meh.

I really adore Jodi as a character, but her Scribe Trial? CAN GO SUCK AN EGG. Slowpokey Jodi against three Harps down a freaking bottleneck of a map? /sigh why. why why why.

Volfred does himself no favors in your first meeting with him. At the time of my first playthrough, I was just waiting for him to turn around and stab me, or one of the others in the back. Potentially literally. Pleasantly surprised that wasn’t the case, but this “thank you for looking after my books” bull still rubs me so wrong. (Also, Hedwyn? You are an absolute sweetheart and I am still, even after 6 playthroughs, damn well sure that’s going to get your bum killed one day.)

Manley. Manley. Oh how I love to hate you.

One blockwide blackout later, I still love the Prayer Beads. They may be far too cheaty here, but I don’t give a shit.

“Don’t let it go to your head, of course.” Volfred, shut up.

One thing I don’t quite get is why in the world Volfred continually pushes the Reader on the way to Alodiel. He tries to get them to leave, forces the question of Freedom on them, and then goes hogwild about how a non-active participant can’t leave the Downside. It honestly feels like he’s trying to get rid of the Reader and I don’t. Quite understand why. Does he want to do the Reading? Does he not think they have a place with the Nightwings? Obviously by this point the Reader does so I just. Don’t. Get it.

Also I understand why he’s objective about it, but did he have to crush Hedwyn’s hopes about the First Four getting out like that? For someone who needs the Nightwings, early-game Volfred sure does his damndest to break their leader(s).

Mae’s Scribe Trial? Utter *joke*. Sandra, darling, you *can* pull on the Titan Stars if you want to challenge us, you know?

Chose Mae for the first Liberation. Had too many Stars active and Ignarius had 160 Pyre…AND DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO ME FOR THE FIRST 100 HE JUST STOOD THERE AND LET ME DOUSE HIM GAME WHAT. Won that handily.

The sky with only Titan Stars, with that red glow, is downright spooky.

Jodi. Jodi, honey. “….within my care.” You’ll see her again if I have anything to say about it.

You can first hear about Oralech and Erisa here, in the Moonlight Alcove. Volfred gets markedly chattier from this point on, too.

Next time: We fly.

Beginning to Post Solis-Rite. Spoilers abound for both “standard” play and TN-Mode, proceed at your own risk. (mobile users, I do apologize.)

Story hasn’t changed any so far, but I doubted they’d change the first couple hours. Hrm. 

Skip tutorial? YES PLZ

Titan Stars are already active before you can even select the Ridge of Gol. …AND THEY’RE ALL FUCKING HERE NOT JUST THE FIRST THREE WHAT THE SHIT–

YES RUKEY I SEE THEM ARGH. –and three have to be selected to proceed even into the first Rite with the Accusers? Well double shit. Going to need that extra Enlightenment anyway.

Accidently miss a bit of of flavor text before heading into the Valley, attempt to reload: “In True Nightwing Mode, you are committed to your choices and cannot turn back.” GAME. GAME DO NOT CALL ME OUT ON THIS SHIT.

Hi, Mae! Hi, Ron! Ooh, yes, good, your inventory is fully unlocked already what do I get but the contract for more money I will probably regret this choice. (I do. Should have saved for the Ashen Coal.)

Feats of Glory unlock much earlier. AS IN THIS SECOND RITE EARLIER YES PLZ AND THANK YOU SGG.

Attempt a 12 Star Rite against the Fate, get my ass handed to me. At least it was just Dalbert and not Manley. (fucking Manley.)

Ti’zo baby~ Oh how glad I am to see your fuzzy face.

Funnily enough despite having the entire Book unlocked, Tariq still asks if you know something of his nature. Which, nope, still don’t. (Also yes the entire Lute is open! Yay Acoustic Thrash Pack!)

-3 Hope because of the stupid Flagging Hands. Still kicked Uhmidlhe’s arse. (Berty plz come with uuuuusssss)

I have a love-hate relationship fighting Crones. Hate because of the Aura Wave they have, love because sometimes them trying to jump me by their Pyre sends me IN TO IT HA!

(Side note: I really love how annoyed/startled AJ sounds when Shax is active and the opposing team comes back at once. The Titans are cheats, AJ~)

Hedwyn. Seasick. ….this Rite will be fun I already rely on him far too much. Like every time before.

…actually that was fun I didn’t get hit even once. Pyrehearts you suck. Still hate the jumping over things but MEH! 

….wait. The next Rite is the Triesta Rite. Pamitha. The Essence. Jodi sitting things out. ….well shit.