Well, that wasn't a very big jump at all. I can still kill these guys in two turns, and I'm at no real risk of dying unless they use a freezing ability 5 times in a row or something (and I can negate one of those with Shhhh). It is taking me 3-4 turns on average because of all their jade scorchstones, TTs, and freezing potions and abilities, and I do have to pay attention to my health a little bit.
Challenger Quotes:Professor: Well -- we are come to it. The reckoning. You face the greatest enemies of knowledge. Do not allow them to prevail! (Don't worry; they're not very great.)
Lanie and Lillie: Are you ready yet? ... We're telling Mum that you hit us. ... We don't like your choice of party clothes. ... Who are you? You're not on the guest list. ... If you want an invite to the next party, stop hitting us. ... That's it. Get the lollies ready. We're mad now. ... We're a little busy hosting an obelisk party. Shoo. ... You will pay for that! (Only if your mum is stronger than you are!)
Rasala the Bright (whose design isn't at first glance -- at least not until she starts fighting; her shield is awesome): Oh let's get on with this fight. ... Do you think I became leader of the Order because of my pretty fur? Ha! ... Step aside, and observe a sorceress in her element. ... Release the fireballs! Mwahahahahaha! ... Your attacks do not alarm me. I am a powerful sorceress. ... The Obelisk is MINE! I mean OURS! ... I can't believe you beat me! (Believe it! And apparently the Order is not as altruistic as she made it out to be. Or she's not.)
The Duchess: Are you sure you want to fight? ... Empty threats are not my style. ... I have toppled empires. You don't quite compare. ... This is all part of my plan. ... Poor fool, you have no idea. ... Such a violent manner! I won't have it. ... You will see the consequences of your actions soon enough. ... You only think you're clever, my dear. ... You would threaten a lady? How ungracious. ... You have no idea what I'm capable of. ... You have become quite an annoyance. (Yes, that last one is what she says when defeated! And there's some subtle foreshadowing that opening the obelisk will not be good.)
Kanrik: GRRRRRRR.... I'm not impressed. ... That's not a proper dagger. This is a proper dagger. ... Too slow. ... You only think you can defeat us. The Thieves Guild is everywhere. ... Strength only gets you so far, you know. ... Stealth has its uses, you know. ... Perhaps we could work together. You could -- oh, you're familiar with backstabbing? Fine. ... GRRRRRRR... (Yes, he starts and finishes the same way. And Crocodile Dundee reference FTW! Kanrik is definitely the funniest.)
Commander Flint: Time to fight! ... Plan? Of course I have a plan. Fight, win, get obelisk. Keep it simple. ... I am your DOOOM! ... You'll never get through me. You can just forget about the obelisk. ... Are you a Floud or a fighter? Come on, I'm falling asleep here! ... Keep it coming, pipsqueak. I barely felt that. ... You will not last long the next time we meet! (Longer than you, Commander, longer than you. And that's all that matters.)
(This list makes me wonder how much of the color I missed in earlier rounds from ending the fights too soon. Not that I'm going to extend them to find out!)
Achievements: