They were on their way soon enough. Emperor Rioga smirked at the initiative taken as they were already entirely on their way out. His son, Alvin, had taken the Fire Emblem (feel free to add it to your inventory) and Rioga was somewhat proud of how his son, his friend, and the rest of them pretty well dedicated themselves to this task. I didn’t seem like he had very much else to say. Except for that…
“Renais is filled with good people, but they do not have the martial might to stand against Jehanna in a war and there are Jehannan Mercenaries in Renais as well. The nation of Frelia has a much more fickle and distrustful leadership, but therefore have trusted no Jehannan Mercenaries and they may be able to stop Jehanna with their land’s defensive advantage. Rausten has an impressive army and the many monsters make invasion difficult, but they’re geared to fight monsters and have ties with Jehanna.” Not to mention you have to go through Jehanna to get to Rausten. And that the individuals that first claimed destroying the Fire Emblem would rid the monsters from this land were from Rausten. “Carcino…” Rioga paused a bit. He did intend to speak of every nation, but… “… Has little army, nowhere to hide and enlists Jehannan mercenaries constantly, although they trade with almost all of the world.” They don’t get deep into Frelia, but the villages in eastern Frelia are used as outposts to trade with the rest of Frelia. In any case. “I’ll trust you all to make a decision of where to go or what to do depending on the circumstances.” Just basic information.
And since Kalte and Griswal already did their conversations with their respective NPC to look up to, guess I don’t have to worry about that. Nero would nod with satisfied calmness as Griswal was on their way, while Garric would drop his smile as Kalte turned away and ran. “Tsk…” He had held the smile to encourage his student, but frankly, Garric didn’t think any of them had any chance of surviving. The swordsman reached down into his pocket and picked up an apple from it, glaring at the enemies in his current internal map of the place. Sion was attacking forward towards the Throne Room, completely ignoring the passage to the left. … Suppose that was a good thing.
“I make no promises, Sir.” Nero responded to Alvin’s request to hold back on them, his usual attitude clear as day. Garric was a bit more raw. “Handicap? Let me tell you, giving people handicaps gets you killed! We’re going to sweep them up so badly they’ll be mopping the rocky floors with their decapitated faces…” … Garric was more annoyed than normal, having had to see off his student like that. Rioga smirked at him a bit, lifting his axe a bit to prepare for combat. “Now, now, don’t be like that, Garric. We’ll show them what we’re capable of. Don’t you worry about us, Alvin.” Garric looked clearly annoyed as he looked towards the prince and then at his own apple… and then he bit into the apple, chewing a bit as he stared down at it. “… Any poison? No? Great.” … And then he threw the apple into the air, gripped the sword that wasn’t even drawn, sliced through the air and perfectly cut off the part where he had chewed, grabbed the apple again after having sheeted his sword and then lobbed the apple to Alvin. “Always poison-test the apples before eating them! You’re a hundred times more likely to be poisoned than I am!” That was delivered with a warning glare at the prince. If he caught it or whatever he did was up to him. Rioga chuckled a bit, and then raised his hand in salutation to his son and anyone who hasn’t already escaped. “Good luck.”
“Now, let’s worry about how I have a Weapons Triangle disadvantage against two out of three of our opponents.” Rioga said as he turned to the other two in the room. At this, Nero closed his eyes a bit to focus on the opposition. “… Sion, Nethanel and Rhodri… Powerful opponents, all three.” Garric inspected that image and… “Tsk. Leave Nethanel to me. Sorry, neither of you can hit him. You because Axes, Emperor, and you’re simply too slow, General.” He didn’t look very happy at this conclusion. Nero stared at the match-up a bit… “… I cannot defeat Sion, but I can defeat Rhodri.” He turned his head towards his Emperor. “Sir, you will not be able to defeat Sion either, but you can survive him for long enough for us to defeat his assistance. Then we will assist you in the final battle.” … Rioga smiled at this. “… So the Kings shall clash?” Nevermind that one is an Emperor. “It was inevitable, I suppose. Alright, I accept this plan. They’ll no doubt be going for a match-up of their own design. We won’t let them have their way.” Garric rolled his eyes a bit. “Just a warning, my clash with Nethanel will be over in an instant. Who’s standing after it may be able to attack the remaining enemies at once.” Both the others acknowledged this with nods. “Alright, that’s how we’ll do this…” Rioga smiled for the upcoming battle, despite knowing how it would likely end…
___
Aldo would shake his head slightly at the conversation that were and run off after the rest of them, currently in silence due to everyone else making way too much noise out there. As he was coming out, apparently he was seeing a bunch of potatoes strewn across the floor, the three obviously not thieves as well as the bags they had stolen. Everyone else was obviously moving soon enough, but apparently there was an amount of Grado forces intending to capture the thieves… Aldo got an expression that sincerely expressed ‘Seriously?’ as he stared at them. The researcher and adviser perhaps didn’t have the authority to actually do so, but he stated.
“Don’t you all have better things to do than to try to capture this meaningless rabble!? Let them go! You have greater enemies to face!” … The angered Grado soldiers would hopefully realize that going after these thieves when Jehanna was attacking was perhaps not the brightest of ideas and return to their posts. Aldo would then continue with simply follow along, running behind the rest of them unless commanded otherwise.
___
The priest Ret called for would first be staring, wondering what was up, but start heading over. Then he was left behind as the person who had called left to shoot magic at a Fighter. Then he’d see that you guys already had a healer, gruff a little and then head back to the position which he had.
___
On the left, the two Fighters, apparently named Leonard and Carlson (They’re even named in my map-files now XD) had been simply looking at the Pegasus and Myrmidon there, not expecting any trouble. But the first sign of trouble had come in the shape of a running archer and his two companions, who clumsily spilled potatoes everywhere and bothered the Pegasus…
“Hold on, aren’t those…” Carlson said, staring an excited glare after realizing something. Because if you know them, it’d make sense that they’d know you in turn, right? Possibly not by name, but…
“Yeah. Funny seeing them in a castle about to be conquered… And with them locked in…” Leonard would grin and stare as well, feeling mildly happy that those pesky beings had drawn the short straw.
“If we capture them, we’d get a pretty penny, right?” Carlson said, a wide grin appearing on his face as he considered.
“Yeah, lesse, Pegasus, Myrmidon, Brigand” (because he assumed Ret was a Brigand) “and them… We could get a few more guys, and we could take them.” Leonard said. “If we act now, we could do it before Sion arrives…”
… There was no future in that plan, however. For the door was bashed open and a Cavalier came riding through towards them with a sword ready to slice. Behind them, more warriors appeared, and the Brigand came running at them and threw a magic bolt (!?) while the Pegasus came up behind to support him…
Leonard barely escaped a lethal cut from Marwood, jumping back instead of countering, bracing himself against the wall. Carlson intended to strike back, raising his axe, but was suddenly struck with a bolt of lightning, yelling out in pain as he stumbled backwards onto the same wall, charred and would probably have been incapacitated if not for a Fighter’s endurance (HP, I guess XD). The rider announced that he was the Prince of Renais… … … Carlson and Leonard exchanged a glance.
“We’re not paid for this.” “We’re not stopping them and we’re not dying.” … In immediate agreement the two Fighters spun on the spot and dashed down the corridors, Carlson shouting out “They’re trying to escape!” making the nearby soldiers and mercenaries group up trying to stop the attack while Leonard and Carlson escaped behind the formation.
Further in, the two soldiers fighting the Knight realized that rather than trying to break into the Treasure Chamber they should be doing their actual mission of trying to stop people from getting out, being fairly more disciplined and loyal than Carlson and Leonard. They dashed down, lances raised, intending to strike at the riding prince with their lances, because… Weapons Triangle. You guys need axes, badly. Also, do keep from naming random enemies you come across, you make me spend excess time on things like this. XD
___
“WHAT!? They’re trying to escape!?” Morag called out, angered, staring forward in what was apparently disbelief.
“… May I suggest requesting reinforcements-” The soldier to his left tried desperately, fearing for his life and position.
“HOW DARE YOU! Would you like it to get out how THE GREAT I, MORAG OF THE SPIKE GUILD, couldn’t complete my mission and had to ASK for REINFORCEMENTS…!? NO! NEVER! I’LL STOP THEM RIGHT HERE, WITH THE POWER OF THE SPIKE GUILD!” … The Spike Guild currently trying to get into the Treasure Chamber and was otherwise locked from assisting by two Knights up there.
“… Yes, sir…” The soldier said, silently.
“Let them come! I am Morag, leader of the Spike Guild! I cannot be breached through, I’ll stop them all here, and continue to live a rich and lively life in a mansion all of my own…!” Morag raised his voice and held his weapon above his head, not even noticing that Soldier to his left just ran off behind him, leaving in hopes of living another day…
Notable individuals:
Blue female shaman (sprite-only, she doesn't look like one XD) outside of throne room Calico – A friendly young serving girl from Grado with a secret fondness for dark magic.
Blue Mercenary outside throne room Kalte – A strong-willed Swordsman who likes to travel.
Blue Knight outside throne room Griswal – A proud knight of Grado heritage. Stoic, but empowered.
Blue riding prince to left Marwood – A Renais prince with a good heart and a rebellious streak.
Blue Faithful outside Throne Room Arathyra – A sweet young healer from Grado
Blue Wyvern in the middle of the Throne Room (you get movement bonus for remaining) (Though more cheerful than the image claims~) Alvin – Prince of Grado. Gregarious and diplomatic, though a fine warrior in his own right.
Blue male Shaman outside Throne Room Aldo – A shaman researcher and advisor on things magic in service of Grado. Magically gifted and incurably serious. Weapon Mastery: Dark: D Level: 1 Equipment and Items: Flux, Vulnerary, Guiding Ring.
Green Warrior in Throne Room Rioga – The Court Emperor of Grado. Trusted by his people. Known for catching bandits and trying to strengthen Grado’s military. Weapon Mastery: Axes: B, Bows: C Level: 5 (25) Equipment and Items: Steel Axe, Tomahawk
Green General to Rioga's right Nero – Commanding guardian of Grado and one of Rioga’s best men. Weapon Mastery: Swords: ???, Lance: ???, Axe: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Steel Sword, Steel Lance, Steel Axe, Knight Crest
Green Swordmaster to Rioga's left Garric - Skilled Swordmaster in employ of Grado. Excessively cautious about himself. Weapon Mastery: Sword: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Steel Blade, Killing Edge, Hero Crest
Red Hero at Right Corridor Sion – Jehanna’s King of Red Sands, cause of this war. A graceful and deadly swordsman who can seem gentle and/or devious depending on who you are. Weapon Mastery: Swords: ???, Axes: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Lancereaver, Silver Sword, Wind Sword, Elixir.
Red Swordmaster behind Sion Nethanel – Second-in-command of the Royal Guild. His swordsmanship and bloodlust is only matched by his adoration for Sion. Weapon Mastery: Swords: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Killing Edge, Runesword.
Red Berserker to Sion’s Left Rhodri – Brutal leader of the Wheel Guild. An excellent drinking partner who’s jolly personality masks his lack of compassion. Weapon Mastery: Axes: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Battle Axe, Tomahawk, Elixir
Red Mercenary at Left Entrance Morag – The leader of the Spike Guild. Proud, confident and looking for wealth and fortune above all else. Weapon Mastery: Swords: D Level: 3 Equipment and Items: Steel Sword (is what that qualifies as now)
Two Fighters in Left Corridor heading downwards Leonard and Carlson – Fighters in the Spike Guild. Tough-guy bouncers, but a lot more cowardly than they appear. Weapon Mastery: Axes: D / D Level: 2 / 2 Equipment and Items: Iron Axe, Iron Axe
Purple Archer outside Throne Room, together with his allies Aiph and Darius Archibald – A friendly poacher who wanders around Grado with his merry band of bandits. Has a hidden dark side.
Purple Thief with Archibald Aiph - Thief with thin, wiry frame assisting Archibald. (As far as I know.) Weapon Mastery: Swords: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Iron Sword, I'd assume, possibly something more, I haven't given it any thought.
Purple Fighter with Archibald Darius - Right hand-man of Archibald with a gruff voice. (As far as I know.) Weapon Mastery: Axes: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Iron Axe, I'd assume, possibly something more, I haven't given it any thought.
Red Thief standing on top of a wall just under outside of Throne Room Habit – A Thief hailing from Jehanna who seems unable to refuse any task.
Green Odd Guy to the left of the in front of throne room Ret – A Mage from the rural mountains of Caer Pelyn, uncivillized yet seemingly the honorable sort.
Green female Myrmidon to right of Throne Door, placed partly towards the wall Narina – A defiant woman born in Jehanna but raised in Renais.
Green Pegasus Knight in the corridor to the left of Throne Door Lexa – A jaunty young pegasus knight from Frelia. Often has her head in the clouds.
@Eklispe Ah. I don't think you can speak with him yet. He's kind of at a rather high altitude. He's not technically there until his post says so. Unless @Draconfound is fine with it, I'm going to have to ask you to change that. When I skimmed the post a while ago, I appear to have assumed you were talking with Archibald, but that seems to have been hasty of me. In any case. I am working on the continuation now, because you've all waited long enough.
Was it three days ago I gave @DAWNSTAR that mention? Not a word, huh. Alright, she should only need one post to catch up when she do, I'll make arrangements to continue soon enough.
The one who is the root to all this is the woman, isn't she? I am not entirely sure how to confront her, and I do acknowledge that it may be difficult to do so. But I do believe she needs to make a decision rather soon, one way or another. Convincing her to "stop things" isn't necessarily the best thing, but at least press that button to try to make her feel guilty about what she's doing. As in, trying to talk to her in order to make her make a decision who she wants to be with. Because... she quite plainly cannot have both unless her husband agrees, and I quite doubt that to be the case. Then again, you may be misunderstanding something, in which case she should be given the chance to defend herself. ... Not saying that defense might not be filled with lies, but in either case.
I'd say call her, tell the house that you want to speak directly to her, and then try to make that happen somehow. Then ask her, speak to her and press her about it. Of course, then there's the question of if she'll react like a sane human being or like a child. That's what I think. And perhaps give your father a piece of warning, but yeah, it is her fault to begin with so beyond a warning shouldn't be necessary.
I'd also like to mention I have zero relationship experience and the above is all from watching love-dramas, but in any case. I felt like I should make my input. That's all.
Habit will probably be in front of the throne room next "turn"
*looks at map* ... *looks at your text* ... *looks at map* ... Alright, your funeral.
Eh, I was actually not aware of when exactly you meant, so I placed you on the wall again. XD
So, yeah. That's the image showing where it seems you guys have moved now. Lexa and Ret seemed to have moved to the same square, so I moved Lexa above Marwood, which could be qualified as "behind". Kalte took back the attack, so the status changed a little, so yeah. If there's a problem, tell me about it. Arathyra went as far as to where Griswal was formerly placed, and Alvin didn't move yet. I DID actually have something I wanted to say to him first from the other three, so... XD
@DAWNSTAR has yet to post. I'm giving her a bit more time, because you were all relatively fast. I also have yet to give the NPCs a turn, which I will before you guys get to move again, though Arathyra is allowed to move a bit more if she wants to. Of course, I'll listen to any changes or otherwise you desire to make and such. This is just me showing where you are from your posts and me thinking. That's about it.
...
After we've secured the escape route, will we escape immediately or keep fighting as long as we can while in movement range of escape? The second is much riskier, but what I typically do on escape levels in strategy games to maximize XP gain
That makes sense in a video game, in a roleplaying game where you're actually trying to escape from a warrior king way beyond your level of skill...? XD
I actually think that the grid system could be quite helpful… It's a bit hard keeping track of the other characters when they're zooming around all over the place.
Each square is 48x48. ... *stares around him to see if anyone would make his job easier*
Eh, gee. I vote for "For Blue Skies", and did that entry really have to start with the word "For" so I had to put two "for"s in a row?
In any case. I vote for it because it stunned me with exact proper amount of storytelling with a twist which was foreshadowed just enough to have been a superbly executed twist with a most ingenious use of a PS to confirm the suspicion and also have it as a fun and completely sensible way of putting it on the end. The way it was made as a personal letter made it feel so personal, and made the twist in the end much more difficult to realize, and despite the depressing nature of what had happened it filled me with a satisfied happy aura. I'll simply say that I enjoyed it the most, and therefore it gets my vote. Well executed, well conveyed and well written, I simply feel it rather perfectly did what it was written to do. That is my opinion in the end. That is all.
Edit: The runner-up for my vote would be Never Forget. Definitely.
@71342@Lightning Fast Thanks, and alright, then~ @Lionheart Well, when it comes to the fighters I'm pretty sure they have the things under control, but then there are some other enemies close by. Still, you'll have an update before your next post, so you'll be able to look at the map. @Nightmare Bunny... If you really want to... *eyes trail to top-left corner of the map* ... I can unleash the Spike Guild on you? ... Now THAT would require a defensive line... Teh-heh...
@TheHangedMan Oh, my. You're... really, really good. ... And you weren't kidding when you wrote that she was... 'developed'.
I'd like to make a small note to all of you in the fighting ahead. If none of you ever get hurt, Arathyra will not be getting any experience, which would be really unfair, right? Of course, getting hurt just for her to get experience would also be silly, but... XD
Edit: Also, any of you not-blue ones that would consider yourselves blue come the next screen? Mainly asking Lexa and Ret here... XD
The rest of you don't need to make a second post along with 71342 before I've updated the map and reacted with the NPCs as well as given Narina a change to react to all the craziness that just happened right past her... Haha. Edit: Yupp, as he says.
That Pegasus' attitude is a hilarious addition. XD
Also, because we now have a villager, I made a sprite. Doesn't he look lovably awkward? XD ... It can probably differ if the villager uses bows instead, but we currently don't have a such. Haha.
Edit: Well, he still has the choice to pick up a bow if he feels like it, simply due to the class he's picked, but eh. Teh-heh.
Xaltwind
Renose
Rune_Alchemist
RPM
Savo
Framing A Moose
Ariamis
Not a Sayan
sprite. Doesn't he look lovably awkward? XD ... It can probably differ if the villager uses bows instead, but we currently don't have a such. Haha.
