Research

As a theoretical mage, Robin is the scholar in the party. At certain points you are able to direct her research efforts, producing various effects - some minor, some greater.

Trin's Contract
After Trin joins the party in Chapter 1, you can ask Robin to research improvements to her contract. Talk to Robin in the Yhilin Palace's library and select "Research" from the menu. After the start of Chapter 2, talk to Trin to update the contract. This increases both Trin's and Robin's relationship points.

There is no downside or opportunity cost to doing this, so it is highly recommended.

During the reunion
If Simon has acquired a transformation spell for Aka during his stay in the Orgasmic Empire, Robin can start researching one of three research options (see below); otherwise, Robin is too occupied with researching Aka's transformation to do anything else.

You are able to choose each of the ignored topics later in the game, so it looks like the choice boils down to in which section of the game a particular result is most convenient to you.


 * Orc Development
 * Robin joins Balia in her efforts to improve your orcs.
 * Improvements to army size and quality, which come into play during the Doom(ed) King's invasion of Yhilin.
 * Unlocks the option to "evolve" orcs after the invasion, when Balia designs a new orc prototype.


 * Essence Shielding
 * Robin is able to finish this in time for the Ardford summit. It prevents the detection of Simon's unusual soul by many, if not most methods.
 * An extra lead on unpeople investigation (the Inquisitor in the Holy Knights of Ardford)
 * Simon can participate in an optional battle in the Unforge.
 * Simon can assault the mage tower during the invasion of Yhilin.


 * Yhilini Magic
 * Studying Yhilini magic allows Robin to get closer to the Order of Yhilini Thaumaturgy.
 * Reduced chaos and improved acceptance after the invasion of Yhilin.
 * You can buy a Seer Crystal for Robin's custom accessory from the trader in the Order's yard.
 * Robin is allowed to take the final trial. (Irrelevant at this point, as the prerequisite sub-trials can't be completed even after returning from the elven kingdoms.)
 * You can access the inner yard of the Order. (Also irrelevant at this point.)
 * After returning from the elven kingdoms, you can meet a mage interested in working with succubi.

After the invasion of Yhilin
After picking a research topic during the Reunion, Robin is left to pick one of the remaining topics to research after the invasion of Yhilin.


 * Orc Development
 * See above. Main downside of not choosing it earlier is missing the army bonuses during the invasion.


 * Essence Shielding
 * Doesn't seem to be immediately relevant.


 * Yhilini Magic
 * See above. Picking it now has no effects on chaos and acceptance.

After visiting the elven kingdoms
In addition to whichever of the previous topics you haven't completed, Robin now presents two more topics.


 * Orc Development
 * See above.


 * Essence Shielding
 * Choosing this prior to visiting Zirantia gets you affection with Wynn.


 * Yhilini Magic
 * See above.

New topics:
 * Order Exam
 * Allows Robin to pass one of the trials needed to increase her rank in the Order of Yhilini Thaumaturgy.
 * The exact rewards of this are unknown (as of v0.24), but it is likely to be a requirement for accessing the Order's magical forge and thus creating Robin's Arcane Crystal.


 * Dari's Condition
 * Robin attempts to discover more about Dari's condition as a twisted Unwoman.
 * She develops a possible plan to transform her, but not one we have the resources to act on in the immediate future.