Win Quotes
After the battle
If you’re reading this in your email, there’s likely a message about this being too long for email. But there’s a chance you won’t need to go the website to get what you want from this post.
One convention of fighting games is to have a line of dialogue from the winning character at the end of match, referred to as a win quote. These help show more of the character’s personality and relationships. The classic way to display this is with a textbox over character artwork after the match.
As part of the fighting game framing, I’ve written out unique win quotes for each match up between the potential protagonists. These are all independent of the main stories, you’d see them in the versus mode of the game. Which is why they include lines for mirror matches, when both players pick the same character.
To further sell the framing, I decided to do some programming and make a win quote selector. This lets you pick a match result and see the associated win quote, letting you hunt for specific win quotes if you want, like Aodh vs Fintan.
And the reason why this post is too big for email is because they’re also all written out here, where you can get the experience of just going to the wiki and looking at the full selection of a character’s win quotes, organized by speaker and alphabetical order.
Amezwar
VS Amezwar: What’s going on here? Some sort of impostor?
VS Aodh: Oh great Avatar of Flames, please listen to King Xamida’s message. Wait, no, come back!
VS Aris: I still fondly remember our conversation about battle strategies, it’s been quite helpful.
VS Eamon: My own king is rather jealous of your fire sword, but it seems impractical. It’s a testament to your skill already that it hasn’t burned you.
VS Erlingr: You only started fighting for real towards the end, didn’t you? Guess it’s true gladiator fights are more of a show, but you look like too much of a genuine warrior for this.
VS Feriel: Good fight, you’re getting better. Already have some training exercises in mind for you.
VS Fintan: So this is the power of a dragon’s brand. The way you’ve integrated the use of fire into your swordplay is impressive.
VS Hákon: Even without your mastery over ice, you’d make a difficult opponent.
VS Hyperion: If you’re not going to use your magic, you should at least use some kind of weapon. Fighting unarmed is a last resort.
VS Kazuko: Hunting techniques like yours aren’t meant for a fight between people, you’ll need a proper fighting style to defeat me.
VS Metrophanes: They call you the traitor shaman, don’t they? How do you live with such a title?
VS Nisha: I can tell you don’t care for fighting, so thank you for the chance to face such an unusual battle.
VS Quiahuitl: So that’s the strength that unified Xilaman. I’ll always a respect a leader who fights alongside their men.
VS Walakea: A proper weapon will rarely lose to mere fists, you shouldn’t rely on something as primitive as hand to hand combat.
Aodh
VS Amezwar: Leave me alone already. Your kingdom and king both suck.
VS Aodh: At least this wasn’t the usual nightmare.
VS Aris: I already know I fucked things up, I don’t need a lecture.
VS Eamon: I know I’m the reason you’re king, but please, try to forget me. You’re better off that way.
VS Erlingr: A slave willing to defend slavery, is everyone on these islands a fucking lunatic?
VS Feriel: Hey, is Xamida still king of Pheona? He is? Damn it, he better not start again with that ‘avatar of flames’ nonsense.
VS Fintan: Fintan… there’s nothing I can say. Farewell.
VS Hákon: Ha, beat you at your own game slaver. What’s so great about power anyway? The kind we have just screws everything up.
VS Hyperion: I’m not sure living alongside mortals is for me. Why did I even let you talk me into coming out to this festival?
VS Kazuko: You should enjoy your chance to see the world while you can. Pilgrimages don’t last forever.
VS Metrophanes: I’m glad I didn’t burn any of your puppets, I can tell you put a lot of effort into making them.
VS Nisha: Is Ciara still staying at your library? I hope she’s been okay.
VS Quiahuitl: What was that about standing up to even the might of the dragons?
VS Walakea: Ugh I get it, I ruined everything about Lunis for everyone. Leave me alone. Have you even been to Lunis?
Aris
VS Amezwar: Thanks again for your hospitality while I was in Pheona, I learned much from you and your order.
VS Aodh: We both made grave errors, but at least I faced the consequences of mine.
VS Aris: That felt a little satisfying, which concerns me.
VS Eamon: I worry you can be a touch too vengeful at times. At the very least, don’t let your anger influence your decisions as king.
VS Erlingr: I can understand why your people keep your magic to yourselves, though I can’t help but wonder what warfare would look like if it was more widespread.
VS Feriel: For a mere novice you did quite well, keep training. Try not to forget the purpose that drives you.
VS Fintan: You use Aodh’s command of fire more thoughtfully than he ever did.
VS Hákon: The macuahuitl still intrigues me after all this time, a weapon for capturing rather than killing. Maybe I should train with it myself.
VS Hyperion: You're too harsh on yourself Hyperion. Even if you don't believe you can be trusted with power, I do.
VS Kazuko: Hmm, I think you’re onto something with some of your tricks. An inventive mind like yours is a gift to your tribe.
VS Metrophanes: I still say you need back up puppets. Drakon would probably get upset if they got damaged.
VS Nisha: Reading about fighting strategies and styles is one thing, but you need practical experience too. Those chandelier traps have potential however.
VS Quiahuitl: You remind me of an old friend, sorry if I looked at you strangely.
VS Walakea: For all your boasting about Hirzeni Martial Arts I wasn’t expecting you to start throwing metal at me. I guess that’s one way to use draconic powers.
Eamon
VS Amezwar: Leave. I have nothing kind to say to one of King Xamida’s men.
VS Aodh: Uncle Aodh, there’s so much I have to say. Please, just stay and listen.
VS Aris: I know you’re focused on your homeland at the moment, but feel free to come to Lunis anytime. It’s nice to have people I can trust.
VS Eamon: I wonder what the message behind this dream is.
VS Erlingr: So, that was what grandfather lived through. I hate having to put up with these slavers.
VS Feriel: Pheona must be even more arrogant than I thought, sending some greenhorn to fight in a tournament like this.
VS Fintan: I may have won, but I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to live up to your legacy, Uncle Fintan.
VS Hákon: Being strong doesn’t give you the right to control people.
VS Hyperion: Thanks again for getting Uncle Aodh to come here. Even if he’s avoiding me, I trust we’ll finally meet again.
VS Kazuko: Enjoy the freedom of your youth while you can, you never know what responsibilities will come to tie you down.
VS Metrophanes: How would you feel about a chance to put on one of your puppet plays in Lunis?
VS Nisha: If you write anything about this, I’d appreciate it if you could transcribe a copy for me.
VS Quiahuitl: Not sure I’ll ever be able to understand someone as power hungry as you, I quickly grew sick of the taste.
VS Walakea: I have a lot of hope for that school you, Nisha, and the others are putting together. Let me know if I can help.
Erlingr
VS Amezwar: Ha, it’s been a long time since someone pushed me to the limit the way you did. And I forgot to fight like a gladiator again, ugh, I’m in trouble.
VS Aodh: Oh, you want to espouse the virtues of freedom? Like when you forced immortality on your friends? You’re too childish to take seriously.
VS Aris: Interested in my magic? It’s for my people only. You have your own powers, and we have ours.
VS Eamon: It isn’t that unusual for the grandson of a gladiator to be of high social status. You’re not special, foreigner.
VS Erlingr: So this is what I’ve become…
VS Feriel: You have some solid fundamentals, but they’re not yet a firm enough foundation for more advanced techniques. You should-, sorry, old habits.
VS Fintan: Mainlanders like you will never understand our ways, so I don’t care what you think of me.
VS Hákon: Don’t pity me, it’s unbecoming of a councilor like you. This is simply how things are.
VS Hyperion: All that power, and you choose to live quietly in some town only noteworthy for having you in it. What a waste.
VS Kazuko: Come at me with a real fighting style if you want to win.
VS Metrophanes: I don’t think puppet theater will be popular here, but that’s an impressive form of magic you have.
VS Nisha: Your lack of care for fighting might piss me off more than anything else.
VS Quiahuitl: The strongest should lead, you embody that well.
VS Walakea: You Hirzeni sure hold on to grudges, the occupation of your homeland was long ago. Besides, some of your moves look rather familiar.
Feriel
VS Amezwar: I won?! You weren’t holding back were you, wait you never do that. Oh Great Ashen Mother Pheona, thank you.
VS Aodh: So this is the Avatar of Flames. You look… sadder than I expected.
VS Aris: You’re like a small army in yourself with those siege weapons, if you come to Pheona I bet you could help us out with the bandits.
VS Eamon: Thank you for being my opponent, Your Majesty. It was an honor to see your fire sword, I was hoping I’d get that chance.
VS Erlingr: You like fighting, don’t you? I want to get better at it, but I don’t think I enjoy it.
VS Feriel: Uh, why do you look like me?
VS Fintan: It almost looks like you’re dancing, I wish my movements were that graceful.
VS Hákon: Thank you for hosting this festival. People say a lot of things about the isles, so it’s nice to know what things are really like here.
VS Hyperion: Um, sorry if this is wrong, but, were you going easy on me? It felt like you weren’t using your full strength.
VS Kazuko: Huh? Oh, I guess I have the time to go fishing later, but I’ve never done it before.
VS Metrophanes: I wish my family were here, I bet they’d like to watch one of your puppet plays.
VS Nisha: If you have a library, do you have any books on farming? There might be something to help my family in them.
VS Quiahuitl: It was an honor to face you Your Majesty.
VS Walakea: Chief Amezwar always says unarmed combat is never ideal, but it seems like enough for you. I guess having more arms helps.
Fintan
VS Amezwar: I’ve heard how your king has been retelling the Bloody Day. Tell him my sword wants to meet his heart.
VS Aodh: Even after the Bloody Day, why can’t I hate you?
VS Aris: Tell me, from one drake to another, how do you really feel about your immortality?
VS Eamon: I haven’t been strong enough to set foot in Lunis again, but I hear you’ve made a great king. If the sky has mercy your reign won’t be the failure mine was.
VS Erlingr: A slave in favor of slavery, once I would have been curious to hear your perspective. Now I don’t care. You’re just an idiot.
VS Feriel: Go back to your family while you still can, you never know when tragedy will strike.
VS Fintan: I wish this had been to the death.
VS Hákon: I’ve begun to understand why your people conduct war the way they do. To fight without killing, if only I had embraced that in my own way.
VS Hyperion: Don’t talk to me about pain. Even you haven’t known death like I have. This sorrowful rage keeps me from forgetting, so I’ll live with it.
VS Kazuko: Always traveling from place to place, even if it’s a set route, your people have a wonderful way of life.
VS Metrophanes: If I’m ever the subject of one of your plays, don’t glorify me. My own homeland already seems intent on that.
VS Nisha: You want me to help with your school? In the past I’d have been eager to, but now… I’m not the same person I used to be.
VS Quiahuitl: Still the same as ever I see. You should value what you have before you lose it.
VS Walakea: I’m not in a mood for one of your lectures disguised as a story.
Hákon
VS Amezwar: I heard you’re the strongest man in Pheona, and you certainly live up to it. Let’s fight again sometime.
VS Aodh: Brother, I’m glad you’re finally out in the world again, but would it kill you to be more civil?
VS Aris: Making siege machines out of light, that’s a clever use of your powers. We should train with each other sometime and exchange techniques.
VS Eamon: Our systems of thralldom aren’t about control, they’re about responsibility. Though even some on the council need to be reminded of that.
VS Erlingr: You’ve changed, Erlingr. Now I have another reason to hate the whole gladiator business.
VS Feriel: I think you’ve got a lot of promise, keep at it. And don’t feel too bad about this loss, I’m one of the strongest people here.
VS Fintan: If you ever need a place to stay, you can rest at my household. It’s said you shouldn’t grieve alone.
VS Hákon: Is this the work of some Radakali sorcerer?
VS Hyperion: Come on brother, use more of your power. Sure it can destroy a lot, but we can also protect people with it.
VS Kazuko: If you need any help getting something for your tribe here, come to me.
VS Metrophanes: I think puppet theater could do more good here than you know, any chance you’re willing to teach it?
VS Nisha: If I didn’t have so many responsibilities here, I’d probably be going to your school myself.
VS Quiahuitl: I know us dragons are powerful and it makes sense to worry about that, but you don’t have to be so aggressive about it.
VS Walakea: Don’t worry, I still remember my promise. I’m not letting anyone on the isles start anything with Hirzen.
Hyperion
VS Amezwar: Trust me, you don’t want to see my full power. It’s better for everyone if I hold back.
VS Aodh: You’re doing a good job of controlling your flames, but still, don’t get too comfortable with them. You know what happens when the likes of us lose control.
VS Aris: Stop asking me to become padishah. The desert does not need the likes of me ruling all of it, you know firsthand what my anger can do. I’m starting to wonder if you’re just teasing me.
VS Eamon: Don’t worry, I’m not letting either uncle of yours leave this festival without talking to you.
VS Erlingr: I wish there was something I could do for slaves like you.
VS Feriel: Protecting people is a noble goal, I’m sure you’ll make a great knight.
VS Fintan: Please, listen to me. Isolating yourself is only going to make things worse for you.
VS Hákon: Sometimes I think you believe in people a little too much. You underestimate how many people abuse their power over other people.
VS Hyperion: This is a weird vision, I’ll have to ask Metrophanes or Gaiene about it.
VS Kazuko: Sending youths out into the world to prove their worth, that seems rather cold to me. I hope you’re able to return to your tribe.
VS Metrophanes: Hey no fair, how can I hurt Vulture Shah when he’s my favorite of your characters.
VS Nisha: Be careful with that school of yours, people are going to try and drag you into their schemes. Try to stay out of it.
VS Quiahuitl: You’re right to reject relying on dragons.
VS Walakea: I still feel like I’m relying on raw power, and that’s dangerous. Could you help me train some more?
Kazuko
VS Amezwar: That armor of yours looks amazing, where can I get some like it? Though actually, it might be a little heavy for hunting.
VS Aodh: Those weapons of yours are really cool, maybe I could find some of my own to bring back to the tribe. What are they called?
VS Aris: I thought only dragons could control elements like that, but I also heard they have wings in every form they take. Are you a dragon?
VS Eamon: Wow, where did you get a sword like that? It’s so cool. Do all kings have swords like that? My tribe doesn’t have any.
VS Erlingr: Oh, you’re one of those gladiators. I’m sorry for what fate brought upon you.
VS Feriel: It’s nice to meet someone around my age here, want to go fishing sometime?
VS Fintan: Are you okay? You seem kind of sad, or angry, or both.
VS Hákon: My parents told me to beware the people of the isles, but you seem nice.
VS Hyperion: People say you’re a gemstone collector, what do you think is the prettiest kind? I’m looking for things to get for my tribe as part of my pilgrimage.
VS Kazuko: Woah you look just like me, is this what having a twin is like?
VS Metrophanes: Maybe I could take puppetry back to my tribe, or at least a puppet. Would you be willing to share?
VS Nisha: My people don’t read, so I can’t bring a book with me. And I’d like to bring something back that people can see, not just knowledge I might not be able to use.
VS Quiahuitl: Is that the same kind of ball for that ball game people play in Xilaman? It sounds fun.
VS Walakea: You remind me of the elders of my tribe, but you look a lot tougher.
Metrophanes
VS Amezwar: Being called a traitor stings even when it’s true, it must be worse when it’s false. I hope your countrymen see reason soon.
VS Aodh: I’m aware it doesn’t mean much since we hardly know each other, but my condolences for the tragedy you faced.
VS Aris: I wonder which one of us is hated more in Gaiapolis?
VS Eamon: Hmm, a chance to preform in Lunis. I’ll have to think it through, my plays may not have the most relevance to your people.
VS Erlingr: Now I see. You gladiators aren’t so different from puppets. How can you be so accepting of this?
VS Feriel: Try not to lose sight of what matters most, it’s easier than you think.
VS Fintan: The dead are not truly gone, if you’d only open your heart you’ll feel their souls on the wind. Your sorrow blinds you with mere mirages.
VS Hákon: Even if you use it well and benevolently, the amount of power one has over their thralls shouldn’t be possessed by anyone.
VS Hyperion: You underestimate your own soul, you’re no tyrant. Don’t restrain your own power, we all know you’d use it responsibly.
VS Kazuko: You shouldn’t let yourself be distracted by mere trinkets, think more about what your tribe needs rather than what impresses you.
VS Metrophanes: If only it was my younger self I was fighting, then I’d really enjoy this.
VS Nisha: I’ll have to consider your offer, teaching would certainly be a better legacy to leave behind. But I’d rather do so in my village for now.
VS Quiahuitl: You remind me of myself when I was younger and more ambitious. I won’t bother giving advice you won’t understand yet.
VS Walakea: Preserving traditions is a noble pursuit, though it must be difficult without any writing.
Nisha
VS Amezwar: Would you be interested in a trade? My library could do with more texts from Pheona.
VS Aodh: Ciara has been worried about you, you should speak with her.
VS Aris: Have you considered writing down your military strategies? I’m sure many would love to learn from it.
VS Eamon: You’ve done well as a king. I’m certain history will remember your reforms fondly, especially the spread of literacy to the lower classes.
VS Erlingr: Someone like you puzzles me. Surely as a slave yourself you see the numerous problems with slavery?
VS Feriel: If you have a moment, I’d be interested in hearing what you know of your land’s traditions. You’d be surprised what is overlooked in written accounts.
VS Fintan: It saddens me to see you like this. What happened wasn’t your fault, everyone made their own decision.
VS Hákon: I know I won, but that hurt. I’d rather fight with words next time.
VS Hyperion: How is your gem collection going? There must be plenty of possible additions to it at this festival.
VS Kazuko: If you want something useful for your tribe, you should try bringing them a system of writing. Through writing, even the thoughts and feelings of mortals can transcend time.
VS Metrophanes: If you’d like, there’d be room for you to teach at my school.
VS Nisha: This is unnerving. Oh, it’s a nightmare, that explains it.
VS Quiahuitl: People like you who try to erase the past are the worst of all, I call every curse upon you.
VS Walakea: You think I looked like I was having fun? That’s odd, though on closer thought, I did get rather invested in this battle. And I wouldn’t mind another round.
Quiahuitl
VS Amezwar: King Xamida made a mistake mistreating someone like you. How about joining someone who appreciates loyalty and strength?
VS Aodh: Not even your flames can bring down my empire.
VS Aris: A strategist of your caliber and skillset would be most welcome in the Xilaman Empire. I’ll give you time to consider it.
VS Eamon: That fire sword won’t be enough to overcome my superior skill and power.
VS Erlingr: That magic of yours is quite powerful. If you were a free man I’d give you an offer to join me.
VS Feriel: If you’re looking to increase your station you should leave that rotting kingdom and come to the Xilaman Empire.
VS Fintan: The Lunan nobility didn’t appreciate what they had under your reign. My condolences for the Bloody Day.
VS Hákon: People say all sorts of vile things about me, but at least I’m no slaver. You might surpass Aodh as the worst of the dragons.
VS Hyperion: Someone as unambitious yet powerful as you is difficult for me to understand. But I doubt we’ll get in each other’s way, for now.
VS Kazuko: I didn’t found an empire to be spoken to so casually.
VS Metrophanes: Stop hiding behind your puppets and face me yourself.
VS Nisha: It’s just writing, who really cares about some of the inconvenient pieces being done away with. That Tetlacatl of yours is only an irritant.
VS Quiahuitl: You have guts impersonating me in front of me, and they’re going to spill to the ground.
VS Walakea: If you care so much for your homeland, why did you leave it?
Walakea
VS Amezwar: A fist itself is a weapon, don’t underestimate your own body.
VS Aodh: Man up already, coward. After what you did you don’t get to cut yourself off from Lunis or its people.
VS Aris: You know, I have experience match making if you want to stop being a bachelor.
VS Eamon: I understand punishing the wicked is part of your duty as king, but even righteous anger can lead one astray. Be careful.
VS Erlingr: Any overlap of our fighting styles is a mere coincidence. We made sure to purge the influence of people like you from our culture.
VS Feriel: You’re still young, don’t fret over this loss.
VS Fintan: There’s a story I should tell you. Don’t give me that look, I’m not one to lock away stories behind some scribbles.
VS Hákon: Don’t forget your promise. I’m grateful for it.
VS Hyperion: How do you expect to protect your village while neglecting your own power? Come on, we’re fighting again, no holding back this time.
VS Kazuko: My wife will probably try to push you to make your people literate, don’t bother with it. My people do just fine without literacy.
VS Metrophanes: Your use of puppetry has me intrigued. I’d be interested to learn more about it.
VS Nisha: I saw a smile as we fought, you might like things outside of your books more than you thought.
VS Quiahuitl: Tetlacatl has told me all about you. Countering ambitions like yours is the very reason I sought out immortality.
VS Walakea: So this is my doppelganger. At least I know I’m the better fighter.