Post made. Apologies for the length for those troubled by it.
Aldo is, as you may have guessed, the device I will be using to push the plot forward if you're in a bind. He'll stick in the back when it comes to actually making decisions or fighting important fights (unless you command him to fight an important fight), he'll just provide the necessary information in times of need so you can make decisions.
The magic I gave him is, all in all, just an excuse to make things more convenient. If enough of you think this is completely absurd, then I will remove it. That's about it.
He was also the absolutely first character I created, the first character I intended would join you as an NPC, and the first character to get his class doubled by a player character... XD ... I already asked Bunny if that was fine or if I should change his class, and it was fine. All of you are going to get NPCs with the same class as you, anyway. ... Or at least your promotions. Haha. He'll be following your orders in battle, as will all NPCs, they will all follow the orders any player character gives them. Yupp, should a King or Queen join as an NPC, they'll follow the commands of the servants. No problem at all.
I apologize for having the NPCs talk a lot without you being able to respond. If you want to interrupt somewhere, do tell, and I'll consider it.
That's about that. If you have any complaints or see any errors, tell me, and I'll see to it. That is all. GM, out.
Edit: *sees @TheHangedMan as user reading the page* And oh, yeah, there was that side-quest... Haha... Alright... ... ... Give me a bit longer, unless you want to, like, start it out. You could, like, write the situation you think you're in and I could make a map to match it and control it from there... ... ... But that probably wouldn't be very nice of me... Haha...
Jehanna’s invasion of Grado was swift and efficient. With many of Jehanna’s mercenaries already scattered across Grado, the guild leaders had heard of the plans ahead of time and the country’s few troops were swiftly incapacitated and the nation was put under Jehannan domination. Even Sir Wilhelm, a high-standing and famed general within Grado’s top circle, has been unable to win his battle against the enemy, further dealing another blow to the morale of the remaining Grado troops. And yet, the soldiers of the Fire Emblem’s nation stand firm, for they know what they are defending. … However, they also know that they cannot win. This battle is one which is doomed to be lost, for Jehanna’s strength simply overpowers any which Grado has to counter them with. With the few remaining soldiers defending Grado forced back into Grado Keep (which is apparently what Grado’s castle is called according to the game itself), and are preparing for a final battle. In the meantime, Emperor Rioga of Grado hatches a desperate scheme that should have been put together way before the enemy was knocking on their doorstep, but King Sion of Jehanna’s attack was simply so swift, this is how it became…
_________________
“… They have arrived at the gates.” General Nero informed Rioga with a professional voice, though there was a grim undertone to his voice as the black-haired armored general holding his Steel Sword against the floor, his gaze passive but judging. On his back was a Steel Lance and a Steel Axe prepared as well, this man had the full control of the Weapons Triangle, there was a reason why he was one of the most respected men in Grado with this aura.
“… So they have.” Rioga confirmed, his gaze grim as well, though more uncharacteristically so. Emperor Rioga of Grado usually seemed so sure and proud of himself, like nothing could go wrong, but this had clearly changed with the most recent development. Indeed, few men would be able to keep cool with this incident falling upon their shoulders. The Court Emperor sat at his throne for the moment and looked across the room at the individuals present, that he had called to his throne room.
To his right was one of the most skilled men of Grado, Swordmaster Garric. A man known for being overly cautious and never trusting anything, knowing it could all be trying to kill him. He was currently frowning, looking around the people present and towards various exits as if he felt he was the one who needed to detect a sneak-attack before it happened. Beside him was his student, Kalte, who had come along with the summoning of Garric. Which of course was intentional.
To Rioga’s immediate left was General Nero, of course, but opposite him was Griswal, another trusted knight of Grado. Nero had picked himself among his many knights one which would be present to listen to what was next. Rioga understood the choice completely. A bit further left was the serving girl, Calico, who was apparently serving them drinks as would have been normal in these circumstances. Truly, how dependable, even in Grado’s darkest hour… There as well was Arathyra, a young healer that was only recently employed. Really… she probably didn’t have this in mind when she sought the job.
And of course, in front of Rioga were the two princes. His own son, Alvin, along with his Wyvern. Because everyone is allowed to take their beasts anywhere in the Fire Emblem world, that’s why the castle corridors look like they do. … Rioga was trying to tell himself that it was mostly professional why he had picked him, not because he wanted him safe more than he wanted the object safe… And then Prince Marwood of Renais, who had turned his back on Renais to help Grado out in their time of need. Rioga could respect that, and would grace the prince with the permission to join In saving the world.
The door out was standing slightly ajar, so it was possible that the people on the immediate outside could hear him. Rioga didn’t mind. All soldiers of Grado knew what they had to do, and as such anyone was allowed to accidentally come across the information he had to say. (That is to say, the three who have “Throne Door” in the descriptions of where they are can listen in if they want)
“Everyone. Thank you for coming.” Rioga stood up, staring out over the little crowd, talking as if none of them had any specific position higher than another. Like the status of princes and commoners had disappeared in the times that had come.
“Grado has reached its darkest hour. I fear that even should all of us fight, it would be in vain and only result in us getting ourselves killed.” Rioga aimed a very intentional glance over the two princes as he gave the little word-less voice of warning…
“However, we can still achieve our objective. Our objective is to save the world, to ensure that the Sacred Stone of Grado, which traps the soul of the Demon King, also known as the Fire Emblem…” Rioga would reach behind him, and from SOMEWHERE pick up a small stone. Small enough to fit into a palm, a shining little stone seemingly burning with demonic dark supernatural fire that didn’t seem to injure the one holding it… “… avoids destruction.”
“This is your mission. Nero, Garric and I will be holding up King Sion for as long as we can. The rest of you…” It slightly occurred to Rioga that he may have accidentally included the serving girl in ‘the rest of you’, which wasn’t entirely intentional. Eh. “… are to break through the less defended exit and attempt escape with the Fire Emblem. After that, you will need to make your own decisions of where to head, but always keep the stone safe at all times. You may not leave the stone unprotected somewhere where you think it may not be found, for monsters have been proven to be drawn to it.” Otherwise just sealing it in the bottom of a lake would have been a viable option...
Garric would turn his head and look at Kalte with somewhat raised eyebrows, since his student had clearly been included in the people that were to defend the stone. There appeared to be some doubt as to his student’s capability to help out in the mission. … But Garric always doubted that, even during training, so it was nothing odd as the swordmaster turned and looked back towards Rioga.
“Alvin. Marwood. Princes of Grado and Renais. I will entrust the stone to you. The fate of the world will be in your hands.” “Kalte. Garric has trained you into quite the fine swordsman. Griswal. General Nero personally volunteered you for being a trusted knight. Both of you, protect them well.” “Arathyra. I apologize for having to request this of you so soon after you came here. But should they be injured, please support them with your staff and mind.” “…” Rioga took a moment to look at Calico. “… The princes may possibly have trouble looking after themselves. I am not going to demand you to follow them.” He left it at that. … That was the serving girl that his son had made friends with, wasn’t it…?
“And one more thing.” Rioga would state, looking over towards his right, staring a bit. “Aldo. Take a step forward.” … From behind the pillar a Shaman took a step forward. Those who do not visit the research department would not be familiar with this individual, however, it is otherwise likely that you would perhaps have seen the trace of him, because Aldo is one of Rioga’s advisors when it comes to magical matters, but can also be informative on any and all other parts of life. He has a serious little glare in place, staring at the rest of you as if wondering if they can really pull this off.
<Aldo’s Character Sheet has been added to the NPC list> alt. <You've unlocked Aldo's Character Sheet!> (due to not wanting to affect the player’s choice of classes, I have withheld the characters that I make for the intention of joining you unless I seen reason not to)
Name: Aldo Appearance: Apparent Age: Young man Gender: Male Nation: Grado Class: Shaman Weapon Mastery: Dark: D Level: 1 Background: A young shaman that was born to a researcher in the elder magical arts. Aldo’s grandfather had been somewhat of a genius, with many discoveries being made that he simply didn’t let anyone know about. Young Aldo, though, who so excitedly stepped into the dark research on his own, impressed the old man and he allowed Aldo to delve into the his research. Unfortunately, the old man died rather soon after, but Aldo was allowed to go through all the research and make it his own. Aldo is now disproportionately powerful, exceptionally skilled with the non-destructive parts of the elder magic but inferior with the combat kind, and with near zero experience he can do really little. However… magically, he is exceptional, and now serves as a magical advisor to the royal throne of Grado and is considered someone who the world simply cannot lose by King Rioga, who knows what he is capable of. Equipment and Items: Flux, Vulnerary, Guiding Ring. Personality: He’s way too serious for his own good. The young boy will most likely lecture anyone who takes it too easy, always prioritize maximum safety and he isn’t afraid to encourage abandoning civilians for the good of the world. However, Aldo has, as can be guessed, a rather sensitive soul that responds positively to kindness and affection. He tries to act mostly about himself and his nation, to make brutal decisions for the good of the masses, but he has an innocent heart below that, which will be forced to act righteously should disaster strike right before his eyes. He’s braver than he thinks he is. Ability Assessment: His dark spells are really destructive due to his phenomenal magical ability and his skill with the spells is also top notch… but everything else falters. Magical as well as physical defense falters, even by the degree expected of mages, his speed is laughable since he never worked out and he won’t be dodging attacks any time soon. However, should he be allowed to strike first or support, don’t expect enemies to easily avoid his spells and be left having taken some serious damage. Quirks/Talents/Aspirations/Other: You see that Guiding Ring in his inventory? It is his precious memento of his dead grandfather, and he will vehemently/childishly defend it and protect it from being taken from him or used, despite the advantages it might give to the recently promoted magic-user. Other than that, Aldo’s lack of skill is of mention. He never did anything but research magic, military and politics, so he can’t do anything else. Like, cooking, cleaning, tying shoe-laces, talk to girls he randomly gets crushes on… That sort of thing. He dreams of becoming a researcher worthy of his diseased grandfather who can aid the world. R-button Summarization: A shaman researcher and advisor on things magic in service of Grado. Magically gifted and incurably serious.
“Aldo. Accompany them. Use your knowledge to guide them should they hit a wall, and use your magic to assist them in times of need.” Rioga states to him, giving him direct orders that should immediately signify to the readers of this post Aldo’s role as an NPC.
“Yes, sir. I will do my best.” Assuming this trip doesn’t end before we even leave the castle, his tone seemed to say. Rioga would smirk a little at Aldo’s behavior before turning towards the rest again. “Aldo has magic that has resulted from years of research that I am sure will come to great use for you all. Please, show the fruits of your family’s research.” … With that, Aldo would turn and look towards the individuals gathered in the room, bring up a hand towards his mouth and focus the magic, before releasing it. It would be the first time any of you got to experience this. Suddenly, a mental image of the battlefield would take form inside your heads… ... Unless you dodged it, which is entirely possible.
This is me trying to replicate the strategic advantage any Fire Emblem player will have while playing the game. Otherwise it would be illogical to think that you could act through a wall or otherwise.
“… After my spell is cast, an image of the battlefield will be placed in your minds for the entity of the battle. It will update as things goes along." It does not obstruct vision, just imagine it as having a map-screen on the lower screen of a DS while the upper is your vision. "Using my magic, I can also allow you to communicate with each other over the distance of the battlefield. Simply think of the people you intend to talk to, and you’ll be able to speak to this individual. Anyone can terminate this connection if they want to at any time simply by willing it. … However, it only works for people who have been affected by the spell, so you cannot talk to enemies or those not yet on your side until you’ve approached them. However, now that I have cast the spell, you can add it yourself on anyone who willingly accepts it. I myself don’t need to be on the battlefield for it to work.” And this paragraph was just mechanics that I wanted to have in the game. “… I can teach this magic to other magic-users if necessary.” If you’re going to split up…
“… The western corridors are notably light on enemy troops.” Nero inputs with a small sense of urgency. Like, ‘do not waste this chance’.
“Right, then you should get moving as soon as possible. Any questions?” Rioga says, looking towards the crown and holding forward the Fire Emblem for anyone who’s intending on grabbing it. Most possibly one of the princes.
_________________
“Everyone! Force yourselves into the treasure chamber! Grado’s known to have been a rich nation” (among bandit-myths) “and King Sion is so focused on the Fire Emblem, if we steal as much gold as we possibly can before he gets the Fire Emblem, we’ll be filthy rich!” Morag called out loudly over his troops from the furthest back, the one-eyed Guild Leader of the Spike Guild leader not at all completely considering why he was positioned here at all. “The majority of the Grado army is busy with Sion’s superior troops! We’re free to do as we like! As long as we guard this portion of the castle, we can do as we please! So, all but the bare minimum, strike at the treasure chamber!” The path to the treasure chamber is now the top-left staircase that so many enemy soldiers are trying to enter but cannot due to a number of knights standing in the way constantly being healed by the priests behind them…
“Don’t hold back! Steal! Take! There’s no focus here, we ignore the rest of the battle, the rest of the battle will ignore us! This is the chance of a lifetime! All for the treasure chamber…!” Morag calls out, the mostly bald, greedy one-eyed man raising his weapon above his head as his troops respond, fighting away, pressing at the chamber while leaving the path out relatively unguarded…
“… Hey, what if they try to escape through here? Emperor Rioga is no fool, he must know he can’t win…” The soldier to Morag’s left asked him, frowning and looking around in worry.
“What are you talking about?” Morag looked at him with a glare of how stupid the soldier was. Then he raised his weapon… “I am Morag! Undefeatable leader of the Spike Guild! Let him come! As long as I am personally guarding the western exit, the Demon King himself wouldn’t be able to get out if he tried…! Ha-ha-ha…!” And as such, Morag expressed his confidence in his fighting-ability and how the western exit was completely safe from any form of attempts to escape, the soldier beside him having no choice but to assume this to be the case as he shifted his uncomfortable weight a bit, staring forward hoping that nobody actually try to escape due to assuming this place to be swarmed with enemy troops, like it would be should Morag had followed his original orders…
_________________
“… The Spike Guild holds the western entrance, eh?” The giant, muscled form of Rhodri mumbled and a grin formed on his expression as he heard of this fact from none other than King Sion of the Red Sands himself. He thinks for himself, his absolutely giant axe hefted over his shoulder, thinking about the rowdy group he’s had to work with for a while… “… Aren’t they just a little unreliable for a mission of this sort of importance? I mean, I could place myself and the Wheel Guild there and close the lid for good! Ho-ho-ho!” Rhodri laughed a bit for himself, thinking of how much he’d outperform that silly guild. … However, the sound of a sword being drawn brought his attention back, looking at the back of the red-caped white-haired armored man who had commanded this invasion…
“The Spike Guild is unrefined, but numerous. With the Grado Military focused on us, they should do their job of filling up space… amply.” The calculated voice of this absurdly calm and focused man rang like a melody though the air, and from his tone there was absolutely no doubt that this man had complete control of this situation. It was just something around him, an aura of dominance that was hard to mistake, anyone in his presence simply felt inferior to him, and yet Rhordi grinned behind this man. This power… was why Rhodri was happy following a man like this. “… Besides,” Sion continued. “… Should they fail me in this regard, then I will know that they were not doing their jobs and will be able to punish them accordingly.” Sion’s voice sounded a touch amused as he said so. … You put them there knowing that would happen so you could deal with a growing problem within Jehanna’s ranks, huh, Sion? … Rhodri chuckled at the thought. Wasn’t that a little bit much of a risk to take for the sake of this important a mission? Still, it was amusing…
To their right, a man was smiling so very widely, a thin man with his bare upper body exposed staring with adoring eyes at his lord, white skin and creepy demeanor as the pale individual stared at him. This was Nethanel, a swordsman so utterly dedicated to Sion that it was… disturbing. Still, we was possibly the deadliest swordsman in the world as well, nobody Rhordi wanted to stand against… His eyes were filled with happiness, a reaction to Sion’s ploy about the Spike Guild, like it was the most brilliant move in the world that was so utterly like his lord to do and nobody else would have thought of such a wonderful move to make… … … Eh. Rhodri shook his head a bit at the pale swordsman’s expression and turned forward, readying his axe for battle.
“Hear me, soldiers of Grado.” Sion spoke, looking out over the armored knights of Grado. “This is a battle which you cannot win. I will spare and treat any individual who puts down their arms with dignity and respect. I have come for the Fire Emblem, not for your lives. Hand it over, step aside and allow us forward, and not a single one of you will need to die. However, stand against us, and we will not show you any mercy. So please, do stand down.” The King of Jehanna said with a stale tone, looking out over them as if he cared about them. … The soldiers of Grado gripped their weapons tighter, preparing themselves for battle, and stood firm. … A small smile came across Sion’s expression for a briefest moment before he looked at them with a stale expression, and a merciless glare. “… No?”
Nethanel smiled, fingering his blade on his right side with his left hand, knowing it would taste blood soon. Rhodri gave a smirk as he heaved his giant axe in front of him to prepare for battle. The numerous troops behind them made themselves ready in similar ways.
“Then… you have already made your choice. A pity.” … And with that, Sion took his first step towards the Grado battle-line, his boot against the floor echoing like the sound of judgment approaching…
_________________
To the left of the entrance to the throne room, there were two fighters standing staring at the Pegasus Knight and the Myrmidon in the direction of the throne room. They stood immobile, with confident grins, seemingly only in place there in order to guard the passageway while the rest of the Spike Guild were seeking to force their way in towards the stair in the top left. This is simply a report of what they’d be doing.
_________________
The ways to the left and right are directions towards different parts of the keep, like living rooms and similar, nothing that is important. For the sake of this mission, the exits are those two down there.
On the top right side of the battlefield, a certain band of misfits led by a certain archer would be going through the Keep’s corridor carrying the spoils after having stolen from a pantry. … Still, while some Grado soldiers would be surprised to see them, they wouldn’t be more afraid of them than they already are for the Jehannan army, if anything some might shout to them to get to safety or stay out of the way if they aren’t going to help fight against the Jehannans…
Also, even if these are visible on the map from Aldo’s spell, they’d probably appear as green un-unique along with the rest, it wouldn't be obvious they're odd. It was just confusing with even more green units for players to see. ... Actually, Aldo's spell probably don't bring game-colors in...
At some undetermined spot on the map, a thief had sneaked in. On the map, he appears to be standing on top of the wall. He wouldn’t be visible on said map. Habit can choose to move to wherever he wants, for now, and appear where he likes. That’s about it.
@Lightning Fast Wilhelm the what... "Worthy" sounds a lot like self-praise. Did he give that name to himself, was he given it officially given or was it a nickname bards randomly gave him? Because then "Wilhelm the Worthy" sounds likely since they're talking about him being worthy of legacy of ancient Grado or something. Yeah, I'm blaming all of his fame on the bards. He somehow became an idol, now, rather than a great warrior. He's that too, but the random bards made him into Chuck Norris by creating loads of absurd facts... Yeah, think of him as Chuck Norris, who would actually lose to Bruce Lee but everyone thinks he'd destroy the planet if he feels like. XD
And yeah, I do imagine everything being a bit smaller scale in Fire Emblem, somehow. Like, yeah, battles actually do take place with the amount of soldiers that we see on the battlefield. That is how I'm going to roll, anyway.
If you'd like to add anything, feel free. I'll look it over when you say you're done.
@ruler710 If it is magic then yeah, suddenly move double speed seems to be it. Unless we're also bringing in the different kinds of dances from earlier GBA titles, then they can do a variety of things. Haha. ... Or, well, suddenly allow the user to post another set of actions without allowing the rest of the world to react... But that sounds silly. haha.
@Nightmare Bunny ... Got stuck writing on the intro scene trying to figure out if Rioga is actually asking the serving girl he doesn't know is a Shaman to accompany them on this supremely dangerous mission along with the rest (and if so, why) or if she's going to follow them on her own after that he has presented the mission to the rest of them. Thoughts?
That's two people who posted it in the wrong place first. Eh, acceptable enough. Nice image! XD
... An image that I have in my folder here immediately went through my mind when I read of this... "Sir Wilhelm the White"... Did you have to theme him after a color...? Because this image so totally fit my mental projection...
Unfortunately he wasn't "Wilhelm the Purple". XD
Hm. I am raising my eyebrow a little bit at how great you're making Wilhelm sound, even in the second paragraph. He's sounding like he's THE man of Grado, pretty much, with bards praising him and him leading entire armies against hordes and such. I was kind of intending that to be Rioga, but to a smaller scale than this. Remember, monsters are few enough in number that normal villages still exist relatively safely with but a standard wall. While protection is in order, there are few groups of monsters large enough to be deemed a major hero by defeating. As well, Grado's supposed to be rather weakened, this guy sounds like he's got everything handled by himself. But, seeing how he apparently had enough mercenaries under his command that they could defeat him, suppose mercenaries of Jehanna actually comprised most of that army. Not that armies does much use when the majority of your enemies are spread out like that. Oh, well. It is fine, I just want to point it out. I'll decide myself how much of it is overblown.
Eh, otherwise, there wasn't very much data on the guy himself, so there's not that much to argue about. Other than the fact that... Gosh, he has such a normal-sounding name in a world filled with fantasy-names...! XD ... Kevin is accepted~!
Just curious: what are the rules for class promotion in this RP?
I am going to try to stick with both game-logic and roleplay logic on that one. Let's say that the classes are, like, different styles of fighting. When you've trained one into your body, it will stick that way unless you take some SERIOUS effort into changing it to something else, which is something we won't be having the time to do with the war waging as it is. A promotion is therefore a natural evolution of said classes, which simply makes sense to do in order to grow stronger after a while. I am going to force you to use promotional items, however, and I WILL be remembering the internal levels in case someone feels like promoting on level 10 and another waits to level 20. Assume the Guiding Ring unlocks the magical power within a magician needed to promote, a Knight's Crest might include the necessary armor upgrade, Hero Crest probably has something with the physical body to do, the Elysian Whip... ... ... ... ... What's up with the Elysian Whip, really? Do they whip the poor beast to promote? Geesh. In any case. We're not there yet, but that's roughly that which I had in mind, nothing I've applied to the game yet, though. I'd like it to make sense in-character, as well.
Question, what do stairs mean on the map? Are they considered exits? Can characters stand on them?
The stairs lead to various places within the castle. A character can stand on them, but a unit coming up from the stairs will naturally not be blocked from ever appearing just because someone is standing in the way. Assume the character is standing by the side of one. I implore you not to go down them, it would become so troublesome for me to try to get the appropriate maps.
@Nightmare Bunny It was my own fault, really. OF COURSE you'd all spout suggestions when I said something like that, and of course I'd get even more unsure reading your respective options!
I made her a Soldier after posting that, because why not. Then you came with those varied suggestions. And then I was like "I don't know what I'll make her!". And now she's posted in the Frelian NPC section, for anyone to read, under the class ???. I can now decide later. And that contrast to that character trait of Rafaela's was... slightly accidental. I just felt like it at the time. Those that have mentioned relationships with Natalia, feel free to check and make sure it checks out.
Now to more important things; Getting this party started.
I hope nobody minds not being unique in their choice of class when we come to the NPCs, because sincerely, you guys have covered the majority of them already. I just want to create Natalia before I start and then I ran into "What class do I make her to make her feel unique? All classes are, like, taken! ... And I am not giving her an axe!" ... Sensibly, as a princess of Frelia, she would be a Pegasus rider... ... ... But there are no less than six Pegasus riding characters already...! XD
Wow. I applaud you, @PlatinumSkink, for getting all your reviews done so fast.
Sat most of the day to do it.
@PlatinumSkink I'm impressed, and thank you for the review! No offense taken here.
You're welcome~
And, @PlatinumSkink, no offence taken at all. I entered this more for improving my writing than to win, and the only way to do that is to get negative or constructive feedback :P People IRL tend to give me too much positive feedback which really doesn't help when I know in the grand scheme of things I'm not that good a writer -.- So really I'm more saying thank you for the review, even though negative (though my reaction might have been worse if I was in a less neutral/emotionless mood but still, thanks)
Heh. You're welcome.
In particular, Platinum I noticed you may have sugarcoated (from what I can tell) your opinion on some of mine. No need for it, bring it on!! XD
I have no idea which one is yours (or any of the previous two's either for that matter). If you'd like me to read it again and see what I say, PM which one it is. I mean, if it is clear I didn't like it, then it is probably not one of the two I'm thinking of voting between, anyway.
His, him. The main character is male. (This is in Go West). Do you have any feedback on how to make that more obvious?
... Wait, what? It was a guy? ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Huh. Perhaps "My father threw me out today. His own son." or something to that degree. ... Not sure what this changes with the entry, though.
Xaltwind
Renose
Rune_Alchemist
RPM
Savo
Framing A Moose
Ariamis
Not a Sayan
