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. If you got help with Aka's cure while in the Orgasmic Empire, you'll be able to do all Chapter 3 research projects. Otherwise you'll have to sacrifice one. (And if you were wondering, no, you can't just let Aka die.)


 * 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.
 * Choosing this at any time prior to visiting Zirantia gets you affection with Wynn.


 * 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 off-hand equipment from the trader in the Order's yard.
 * Robin is allowed to take the final trial.
 * You can access the inner yard of the Order.
 * 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 can pick one of the remaining topics to research after the invasion of Yhilin, or the new option of examining Dari.


 * 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.

New topic:
 * Dari's Condition
 * Robin attempts to discover more about Dari's nature as a twisted Unwoman.
 * The earlier you pick this, the more affection Dari gains, starting at if researched now. Thus this may be the best time.
 * Robin develops a possible plan to transform Dari, but not one we have the resources to act on in the immediate future.
 * It's hinted that this may allow us better understanding of Unpeople in general, but so far this has not been relevant.

After visiting the elven kingdoms
In addition to whichever of the previous topics you haven't completed, Robin now presents the option of studying to become a full member of the Order of Yhilini Thaumaturgy.


 * Orc Development
 * If you haven't done this by now, you should; there are affection and mechanical benefits to having Balia begin "evolution" by a certain point, and after the next section will be the last chance to meet that deadline.


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


 * Yhilini Magic
 * See above.

New topic:
 * Order Exam
 * Allows Robin to pass one of the trials needed to increase her rank in the Order of Yhilini Thaumaturgy.
 * The full rewards of this are unknown, but it is a requirement for creating Robin's Arcane Crystal.

After visiting Zirantia
In addition to the previous topics, Qum offers a new project. Qum's "research" is a one-time opportunity and will consume Robin's next research period rather than this one. If you've kept up with research so far, there's little reason not to let her, but you should decide before speaking to her.


 * Orc Development
 * Not immediately relevant, as far as we know.


 * Essence Shielding
 * Not immediately relevant, as far as we know.


 * Yhilini Magic
 * See above.


 * Order Exam
 * See above.


 * Dari's Condition
 * See above.

New topic:
 * Qum's Project
 * Helps in the Third Arclent War. Prevents collateral damage on several sides, army size loss, and instability.
 * If nothing else, it gives to her affection.

After receiving succubus refugees
If you approved Qum's project, Robin will be occupied with that during this time, and thus you cannot assign her another project.


 * Orc Development
 * Not immediately relevant, as far as we know.


 * Essence Shielding
 * Not immediately relevant, as far as we know.


 * Yhilini Magic
 * See above.


 * Order Exam
 * See above.


 * Dari's Condition
 * See above.

After visiting Aram
Robin can manage one last project, and unlike previous visits to Yhilin, you will see the effects immediately in the walking-around part. Also, due to a bug that will be fixed, she will be able to complete an additional project in time for the war, but not in time for the player to see the effects.


 * Orc Development
 * See above.


 * Essence Shielding
 * See above.


 * Yhilini Magic
 * See above.


 * Order Exam
 * See above.


 * Dari's Condition
 * See above.