Aoife

Aoife
Character Information
Allegiance(s):	Nemea
Occupation:	none
Race:	Dark elf
Soul:	Arbalest
Birthday:	January 20
First Appearance:	Zill O'll

Aoife (オイフェ) is an optional playable character in Zill O'll who can be recruited by the protagonist. She is introduced as a minor antagonist who later becomes one of Nemea's traveling companions in the game's main story.

Famed for her masterful archery, she is also known under the nickname "Rapid Fire Maiden" (鉄火姫). She is 38 years old at the start of Zill O'll.

Role in Game

Unlike elves, dark elves are hunted for their rare skins. Aoife failed to protect her sister and sought revenge. She crossed paths with Nemea and the protagonist in Liberdam. Nemea suspected darkness influenced Aoife. They subdued her and instead of seeking revenge, Aoife felt regretful. Nemea spared her and advised her to find a new purpose. Aoife decided to follow Nemea to discover her true purpose. If the protagonist searched for the weapons of darkness, they became rivals with Aoife, Zelig, and Doldrum opposing them. If the protagonist proved stronger, Aoife respected them when they rescued her in Ulkarne.

While Angeerdan and Xenetes's armies clash in the south, Aoife and company are separated from Nemea as they search for weapons of darkness in the east. Her companions and the protagonist reunite by chance within a desolate village. Both parties are too late to save the villagers from Juspbros's massacre, but they drive the dark elf away from his final victims. Wanting to pursue the dark elf, Aoife requests for the protagonist to escort the surviving children to Karula's care. The player can choose to refuse or oblige her.

When rumors of Nemea's death spread throughout the land Aoife demands for the protagonist to help look for him. If the player decides to assist her a second time, their paths will cross again at Evil Dragon's Fault. Juspbros and Shali soundlessly defeat the dark elf and the dwarf, and Zelig defects to their side. An unconscious Aoife is prepared to be the honorary blood sacrifice needed to summon Azlagorza, one of the seven dragons of Vyashion. If the player hasn't properly built their ties with her, Aoife will lose her life to awaken the evil dragon. The player is then forced to defend themselves against Azlagorza.

If the protagonist becomes friends with Aoife, the summoning will be cancelled. Zelig will feel guilty for betraying his comrades and use his last moments to repent. He destroys the tablet needed for the dragon's summoning before his body explodes. The protagonist's party then kills Juspbros, and Shali decides to retreat. When Aoife wakes up at Felidae Manor, she learns what happened to her comrades. Grateful for the protagonist's kindness and still hoping to reunite with Nemea, Aoife offers to join the main party. The protagonist can choose to accept or decline her offer.

In the protagonist's ending, Aoife accompanies them. They save a dark elf from headhunters and offer to guide him to safety. The dark elf is offended by the human protagonist and insults their sympathy for him. Aoife slaps him for his disrespect and criticizes his meaningless racism. She shares Nemea's advice with the dark elf, which silences him with its peaceful message. Although she hasn't found her life's purpose yet, Aoife is happy to experience the value of friendship.

In infinite's ending with the entire playable cast, Aoife supports Nemea's concerns for the protagonist's sudden departure. She elaborates that everyone left behind on the continent will constantly worry for him/her. The dark elf adds that the protagonist is the one who taught her to love someone again and, like his/her other companions, wants to be by his/her side.

Personality

Aoife is a strong-willed person who easily gets angry and confronts anything that upsets her. It's hard to change her mind unless she convinces herself to stop. When she's not angry, Aoife is calm and distant, observing things from a distance. She can be forceful and violent when interacting with people, probably because she has experienced discrimination in the past. Over time, she starts judging people based on their individual qualities rather than their race. Her love for her sister helps her find peace and become stronger.

However, Aoife still takes great pride in her heritage. She believes that only she can fix the bad behavior of her people. She thinks that others wouldn't understand them well enough. Sometimes, she may bring up her dislike for elves, but she quickly dismisses it.

Fighting Style

She is one of the strongest archers who can join for the main party. She possesses high AGI and DEX stats, and she is likely to shoot critical hits. As an elf, she will have automatically possess decent MIN and INT bonuses when she levels up. Her somewhat low VIT hampers her maximum health and defense, however, so try to alter her equipment to compensate.

In infinite and infinite plus, the player can obtain Kheryuneia's bow if they have recruited Aoife and Fety. Aoife can use it to help defeat the evil bosses at the end of the game. It is also one of the requirements needed to see her ending.