@Pirouette Nicely posted. I was going to say it immediately, but then I went "I'm gonna post immediately, so I might as well do it then", but then this happened. Hah. ... And I'm sorry to say, but things didn't entirely work out. Sorry about that.
Anyways, yeah. You all didn't do much, but it took a while anyways, somehow. Tell me if I did any errors. Now, then. Onwards!
Ralia’s little pranks quickly proved that these villagers were seemingly completely impossible to annoy. They gave little laughters as they looked for whatever had pranked them, Oddishes and Shroomishes just curiously looking around and then relaxing like “oh, well, this is fine too” after levitating off the ground. Hopefully, however, she didn’t prank a Gloom, because then it’d release a stink that’d smell for, what was it again? Right, a mile. That’s probably the more than the whole of Stillwood Village.
That said, otherwise the village continued as usual while Claire called Erika.
‘… Aw.’ Kristy looked disappointed. Still, she quickly reestablished her smile and looked happy again. ‘Alright! I’ll be here whenever you feel ready, probably~’ Kristy giggled and then waved him off. Gym Guy nodded back to Dawkin at the thanks, and then Dawkin was on his way again.
Then, through Raremine Town and onto the Miner’s Hangout. It’s basically a bar, because they’re serving drinks, laughing and drinking together in here, but they’re also offering all the necessary tools and equipment for proper mining and giving advice to new people. Dawkin was more than welcome among them, quite a few more than eager to answer his questions. Then it turned out he was just asking about what he could expect around them. Well, they could answer that, too!
‘Well. Mostly the desert is filled with sand, ground-Pokémon and the sandstorms started by said Pokémon. Still, there are the odd grass-type cactus-Pokémon, and there’s also the odd Darumaka around.’ ‘Desert Mines contain roughly the same things as the desert, only more powerful and with rock-Pokémon thrown into the mix. But, you can dig up valuable stuff, like fossils or nuggets? Haha!’ ‘Route 16… Over the water. It’s perhaps the most dangerous Route in Isson. It’s not safe to attempt crossing surfing on a Pokémon, the inhabitants will pull you under. Stalford’s Ferry offers a platform to stand on, but even then you must be ready to protect the boat. Not a route to cross without a decent electric-type, hah.’ ‘Going north to the cliffs of Route 8 and then up to the Mountain Valley are excellent places to obtain yourself a Flying-type Pokémon. There’s a good reason why the flying Freecape Ferrymen originates from Freecape Town, just in-between!’ ‘Crossing the desert, the old tombs are waiting… but there really isn’t much there for anyone who isn’t an archeologist or desiring a Ghost-type. The Mystic Oasis, said to have sprung out when a meteor hit the desert, is a much more friendly tourist-destination… but you might need to hire a Vivillon from the Bug Garden to find it!’ ‘Psht. You know they’re intentionally being vague on what Pokémon can be found, right? It’s like an unsaid rule not to tell too much to young trainers so they can discover things for themselves~! That is, unless you’re seeking a specific Pokémon you can name, then we’re all happy to point the way!’
He got some tips and such. Dawkin could be a bit more specific about what kind of information he wanted, or he could move on.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in cities~ 2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Talking can give you info on local rumors and such. 3. Exit. Exit the town to any of the connected areas. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Notable Places. Visit any of the places in the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Pokémon Gym. Kristy, the Desert Princess. Ground-type Gym, Minor League 6.4. Desert Miner’s Hangout. The workers of the Desert Mine live around here. They can give tips about the desert! 6.5. Research Lab. For archaeologists, those who want to talk to Dunstan and those who want to resurrect fossils. 6.6. Stone Store. Where all the stones of the Desert Mines or Frozen Cave eventually end up! Lots of evolutionary and other kinds of stones! 6.7. Bug Garden. A garden within which bugs thrive. Vivillons can be hired here for tracking down the Mythic Oasis! 6.8. Warehouses. Because the things they mine here needs somewhere to be stored. This includes Ancient Pokémon, apparently, as some of the warehouses are pens. 7.1. Amelia. She’s still in town, Dawkin could go see her if he wanted. 7.2. ???. A girl in a dark dress with a Seviper slithering behind her is in town. Wouldn’t be that special, but people are turning their heads in interest like she’s well known.
Connected areas: Route 6. The Vast Plains open up to the north of Raremine. The shorter paths lead to Route 8 and 16, while west far enough leads to Lakewatch Town. Route 7. The single rocky desert of Isson, it connects to the Desert Mines, the Old Tombs and to the Mythic Oasis.
Amelia settled on a bench in the garden, and released her Pokémon from their balls so they could enjoy the surroundings. From there, there was a rather colourful view as the Vivillons in their many different patterns fluttered about, bringing plenty of life to this place for the ghosts and Amelia to watch. Occasional buzzing from Ninjasks flashing past, but they weren’t minding her. The ghosts could wander, perhaps bring about some curious Scatterbugs and Spewpas that were young enough to find them to be new. It was late and there was a pleasant air within the Bug Garden, perfect for relaxing a bit. They’d be taking their time, and for quite a bit of time, there was calm in the world.
… So. Something wandered into their range.
To Amelia’s ghosts, who just happened to be out right now, it was as if a terrifying monster with a powerful aura appeared. A dreadfully evil energy which lashed out as if trying to ensnare them, as if it wanted to absorb them. A presence like one which could bring an end to their ghostly existence, it was a terror walking to their senses. … That is, unless they were of evil minds. Then the powerful presence walking was seductive, promising untold might should they come try make it theirs, an almost flirtatious tone to the unnatural energy.
To Amelia… she had sensed this once before. A presence that terrified nearby ghosts, but also, she could now feel, had a multitude of Ghost-Pokémon on their body. At least one, a powerful one, was outside their Pokéball. This was the same presence she had once encountered in Witchpeak Cemetery…
… So, it was just passing by, walking through Raremine Town, definitely not caring about the Bug Garden. From the direction, it had just come from the desert in the middle of the night and was going back inland. It showed no intentions to stop and consider Amelia, if she just held tight it would pass and she’d be free to move again. If Amelia didn’t have this sense and these Pokémon, she wouldn’t even have noticed. Then again, perhaps she had reason to intercept it? All up to her.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in cities~ 2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Talking can give you info on local rumors and such. 3. Exit. Exit the town to any of the connected areas. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Notable Places. Visit any of the places in the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Pokémon Gym. ??? 6.4. Desert Miner’s Hangout. The workers of the Desert Mine live around here. They can give tips about the desert! 6.5. Research Lab. For archaeologists, those who want to talk to Dunstan and those who want to resurrect fossils. 6.6. Stone Store. Where all the stones of the Desert Mines or Frozen Cave eventually end up! Lots of evolutionary and other kinds of stones! 6.7. Bug Garden. A garden within which bugs thrive. Vivillons can be hired here for tracking down the Mythic Oasis! 6.8. Warehouses. Because the things they mine here needs somewhere to be stored. This includes Ancient Pokémon, apparently, as some of the warehouses are pens. 7.1. Dawkin. He’s still in town, Amelia could go see him if he wanted. 7.2. ???. A girl in a dark dress with a Seviper slithering behind her is in town. Wouldn’t be that special, but people are turning their heads in interest like she’s well known. 7.3. The presence. Amelia can pretty easily find the source, it carries plenty of Ghost-Pokémon, after all.
Connected areas: Route 6. The Vast Plains open up to the north of Raremine. The shorter paths lead to Route 8 and 16, while west far enough leads to Lakewatch Town. Route 7. The single rocky desert of Isson, it connects to the Desert Mines, the Old Tombs and to the Mythic Oasis.
Unfortunately, Sno did not wake up, and being hit by numerous Struggle Bug missiles meant being asleep took one step further to becoming fainted.
Chic came out, but unfortunately once again her opponent successfully predicted Ember to be the next move and Vivillon flew over, scattering Powder. Chic attempted the Ember, but the powder covered over her detonated upon contact with the flames, damaging her while Vivillon flew unharmed above. Then it turned into a Gust VS Scratch battle, and unfortunately Vivillon out-damaged Chic on that front and Chic eventually fainted. Then, finally, Gibs came out… and Vivillon was much faster than Gibs, sending Struggle Bug shots from a distance, and the already considerably damaged dragon couldn’t take them coming from all sides and as such was struck and fainted.
Erika unfortunately lost this one.
‘Oh, my. Did I get too serious?’ Daisy asked, tilting her head on the other side of the arena. ‘I will give you one note of comfort, though. I can’t use Vivillon in Gym Battles because it’s not a Grass-type. I have to use a weaker Pokémon instead. Tihi.’
No rewards for losing. Her Pokémon were healed by the staff, and then she was sent back to the reception, where she was thanked for participating, and “we hope you come back to try again!”. Moments later Erika was outside, and responding to Claire.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in cities~ 2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Talking can give you info on local rumors and such. 3. Exit. Exit the town to any of the connected areas. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Notable Places. Visit any of the places in the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Pokémon Gym. ??? (for one of you, anyway) 6.4. Herb Store. Selling bitter medicine that is very good for your Pokémon! 6.5. Flower Shop. For decoration and for pleasant smells, the flower shop has the best selection in Isson! 6.6. Berry Garden. Allows trainers to rent earth to plant their own berries. New trainers gets a kit to start them off! 6.7. Treehouse Arena. Even forest-people want to battle it out sometimes. Lots of berries as prices~ 6.8. Ancient Woods. An older part of the forest. Dangerous, but said to hold a link to the past. There are large old rocks here. What more could they hold? 7.1. Joshua and Ewan. The two friends are currently in Stillwood Village. They’re currently examining the Flower Shop. That is, Joshua’s eagerly examining it, Ewan’s waiting.
Connected areas: Route 4. Forest route at the base of Mt. Strength leading west to Rainrock City. Route 5. A grassy incline connecting mountains, forests, plains, Stillwood and Lakewatch. Route 14. The waters of Dragon Lake are also known as Route 14. It connects Lakewatch Town, Highhill Town and Stillwood Village. Mountain Valley. A passage between Mt. Strength and Mt. Chill, a shortcut to Worldedge City.
@Rune_Alchemist Teh-heh, I was kind of specifically thinking of Isolde there for a moment when I decided to have Aldo throw the stones to you all. XD Anyways, yupp. Good insight in Isolde's current state as well. Well posted.
@Pirouette ... Aw. That was beautiful. Well posted. I like the insights into the training and the emotional turmoil that she got to go through. Nice. I'm just gonna go collect myself for a bit now.
@Crimson Raven I wonder, does pianos exist in the Fire Emblem world? Are they too technologically advanced? I have no idea. Oh, well. I've been told all the changes requested have been made, so...
Kara is accepted. Move her over to the character tab.
There we go. The roleplay has started. The IC is currently showing the main party, that I intend the rest to join soon enough.
Aldo exists to give me a mouth to give you information through. Also, all your classes will be doubled soon enough as NPCs will be joining your team, unless you go with one of those runs where you refuse to recruit anyone, I suppose. Just a reminder. I did make Eisenhorn aware of it ahead of time, and he was fine. Heh.
The Tactician's Stone is a method of me to give you the powers a player of Fire Emblem would have, even though you're actually characters in the game.
Now, then. You four. @Pirouette, @Rune_Alchemist, @Apollosarcher and @Eklispe. I realize that was a lot of time where I maybe should have given you the time to react where I didn't, but I did want to get this part over with fairly quickly. Do tell me if you object to that you'd just be standing there at any point, heh.
Don't worry about the other three. They're occupied with something else, for now, that you're just not seeing yet. Heh.
All pictures are urls to larger pictures, heh.
Tell me if you have any issues with anything I've done or whatever. Questions to let you play as you like or so. That'll do it.
Feel free to have lengthy reactions if you want. That last part can be a bit delayed, happening first when you're all are ready for it.
With that, Fire Emblem: A Blinding Light has officially started. Go for it.
It all began when a young Rausten Cleric arrived at the gates of Grado Keep, delivering terrifying news. The Kingdom of Jehanna were planning an invasion. Emperor Rioga was quick to action, gathering what forces Grado had to spare. Taking great care not to alarm the Jehannan mercenaries across the nation, the commanders Tilda and Ansovald were dispatched to look after the people in west Grado using their mobility and connections, while general Wilhelm took command of Grado’s army, reinforcing the east. Messengers were sent to their allies in Renais and Frelia, hoping to unite their front to a force that could counter Jehanna. It seemed everything was going right for a potential Grado triumph over the odds.
Yet, Jehanna’s invasion happened before the messengers could even arrive. It was quick, ruthless and efficient. Sion’s forces spearheaded straight into the heart of Grado. Wilhelm’s army fought to resist, yet Jehanna’s overwhelming numbers and the fact many mercenaries were already on Grado soil made the enemy unmatchable. Jehanna showed no mercy to the defending forces, destroying Grado’s army and leaving the leading general Wilhelm’s fate uncertain. While Tilda’s efforts had saved many, rogue Jehannan mercenaries were taking the opportunity to raid the defenseless Grado landside, and Ansovald had seemingly disappeared.
Now, Sion marches on Grado Keep. Faced with imminent defeat, Emperor Rioga hatches a desperate plan to keep the Fire Emblem safe…
Prologue: Fall of Grado
‘They will shortly be arriving at the gates,’ Nero informed, standing with a sword planted to the floor beneath him. ‘We should proceed quickly.’
Rioga nodded. The Court Emperor of Grado stood by his throne, tall and strong in body with an axe at the ready, his presence commanding. To the right of him stood General Nero, encased in armour except for his head and looking over the people present with a stern gaze. To the left stood Swordmaster Garric, who was frowning, arms crossed leaning at the wall and looking quite impatient.
‘Tsk,’ Garric clicked his tongue, looking obviously riled up by the entire situation. The man on Rioga’s right was known for being excessively cautious and merciless to anyone who he trained (most likely Reina), yet he always seemed in control in some way. This tension was not normal for him. Even Nero, who’s gaze was always exceedingly serious and grim, looked and sounded especially grim today. The reason why was natural.
Rioga gazed at the four people that had been summoned.
There was his own daughter, Reina. A stab of pain went through Rioga as he considered her. She wasn’t entirely ready, and it was partly his fault. He had focused on being an Emperor first and a father second, and now he felt that he was regretting it. He could but pray that she would grow in the face of what’s to come.
There was Isolde, the young Wyvern Rider. An admirable young woman that was the child of an admirable man, Rioga had high hopes for her, despite some famous examples of bouts of clumsiness. There was no doubts in his mind that he had not made a mistake in assigning her to his daughter. They’d grow well together.
Then Marwood, the prince of Renais himself, had rushed to their aid in this time of need. Why, Rioga could swear he saw some of the ancient heroes he descended from in this younger prince of their nation. Their messengers might not have made it to Renais, but Rioga was deeply thankful for Marwood’s being here.
Finally there was Titania, a Cleric of Rausten. She who had given them the warning. Rioga could not even begin to articulate just how grateful he was she had put herself in such great personal peril for the sake of a nation she had never visited. He could but hope doing this would give her the chance to get away… or continue to help.
‘Thank you for coming,’ Rioga said, raising his head and looking over the four. ‘As you know, Jehanna’s forces are approaching Grado Keep, and King Sion himself is leading them. I intend to defeat him.’ He said so as if it was an absolute certainty. ‘… But in case I fail, we cannot risk the Fire Emblem falling into the wrong hands.’
He reached into a pocket on his side, and retrieved the item. It was a shining little stone, burning with a blue fire of demonic energy that did not hurt the one touching it. He held it forth, for anyone who stepped forward to take it. He did somewhat intend Reina to be the one to take it, but it ultimately wasn’t that important as long as they took it.
Obtained the Fire Emblem!
‘Take our Sacred Stone, the Fire Emblem. Remember always that it contains the soul of the Demon King, and do not let it be taken. Monsters are attracted to its energy, so keep your party small enough to avoid detection but large enough to fight off monsters. Gain allies where you can, their might will be a priceless asset. Do not try to send one flyer with the stone ahead, as Gargoyles are known to swarm those who attempt such a strategy.’
‘Besides, Jehanna’s Sky Guild is bound to roam the skies soon, you’ll be spotted if you fly.’ Garric chimed in, frowning from his position on the side.
Rioga nodded. ‘Stick to woods and cover. Take the stone to one of our allies. Renais is full of good people, though I worry they might not have the force to resist Grado either. Frelia’s army has a natural advantage with the nature of their forces and terrain and they’re known not to trust Jehanna’s mercenaries. However, King Kennard is hard to predict, be careful with him.’ With that said, he looked to his daughter first, and then to the others in turn.
‘Reina. As Princess of Grado, your allies will look to you. I’m depending on you. The fate of the world lies upon the success of this quest.’ ‘Isolde. I know I have not made a mistake in picking you. Please keep my daughter safe. I’m trusting you to do what you feel is right.’ ‘Marwood. I’m immensely thankful that you came in our hour of need. If you would give it, your strength would be a blessing upon this quest.’ ‘Titania. You gave us a priceless bit of time. The least I could do is give you this opportunity to get away. The moment you’re outside, go where you desire.’
‘With that all said, I intend to send you out through the hidden passage in the keep’s prison. But before that…’ Rioga turned to look to his right. ‘Aldo. Come forth.’
With that said, a young man in a Shaman’s robes stepped out from the pillar to their left, serious eyes gazing at them from under dark-blue hair. As he has been present repeatedly as an advisor on things magic to Rioga, those who lived in Grado would naturally know of him. Rioga spoke to him.
‘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.’
‘Yes, sir. I will do my best,’ Aldo replied. “Assuming this trip doesn’t end before we even leave the castle”, his tone seemed to say.
Aldo has joined the party!
Rioga smirked 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.’
Aldo nodded, and then from his robe he produced a couple of small, round stones that looked oddly black in colouration. He looked towards the four individuals present, and then decided not to approach them.
‘I have eight of these, and can make more given time. Here, catch,’ he instead called, and lobbed the rocks to each person in turn.
Obtained 1 Tactician’s Stone each!
Now, they could decide not to catch it, but with the assumption they do a vision appeared within their minds, a picture of startling clarity.
‘Using this, you‘ll be presented with a picture of the battlefield. It won’t show a picture unless you activate it, which you just do by simply focusing on it, but after that it will continue to show you this vision whenever you want it to as long as it’s still in your inventory. Individuals in the picture are coloured with colours according to their most likely allegiance, which isn’t always perfect, I’m afraid. The stones allows you to communicate to the holders of the other stones as long as they’re on the same battlefield, if you hold the stone and speak directly to it thinking of the person you want to talk to. In addition, this part’s a bit more unreliable, but sometimes it tries to share visions and conversations taking place within its range, if it thinks it might be relevant to you. You don’t have to listen or look in, you can blank it out and focus on the now, but it’ll be there if you want to.’
On cue, as he says that…
West Entrance
‘Hellooooooo, lovelies! Rejoice! Commander Ansovald of Grado is back, and I’ve brought reinforcements!’ Ansovald claimed proudly, seated high upon his horse, grinning happily at the General closing the doorway. His grin was twisted in every sense of the word, his armour holding a certain purple touch which he found oh, so noble, befitting of his birth. He advanced, his horse strutting forth…
‘…’ The General by the entrance did not budge an inch, blocking the way.
‘… Oh? There’s a significant lack of the fanfare I desired here here. Where is the cheering? The triumphant trumpets celebrating my arrival?’ Ansovald looked upon the man in curiosity, not seemingly having expected this.
‘… With all due respect, sir, we saw you approach the keep alongside the forces of Jehanna. Please leave, commander, and Emperor Rioga will judge you for your actions at a later time,’ declared the General.
‘Hm. How callous of you. I like it!’ Ansovald simply said, before an Elfire fireball surged from the Mage Knight’s hand, hitting the ground under the General and a hellfire erupted. The fire surged through the openings in the armour, and with a shout of pain the armoured man toppled.
‘The hard way it is. Jeremiah! Donovan! We’re taking this keep by force! Let’s show the King of Jehanna that we’re useful for more than killing messengers! And if my hired boys do their job, we’ll get out of this incident with a flowery bonus as well~!’ Ansovald called out to his lieutenants, before riding forth… in relative safety behind a trio of Halberdiers, of course!
‘Geesh,’ Jeremiah, Paladin astride a dashing stallion who dressed in a noble’s attire and somehow found himself under Ansovald’s command, frowned… but shook his head and grabbed his sword. ‘Yes, sir! Taking the keep!’
On the other side of Ansovald, a young boy in an open shaman’s cloak ran, preparing to make use of his magic… when he suddenly stopped.
‘…’ Donovan looked up into the roof, and to anyone watching the scene, it’d suddenly seem like he was looking right at them. The boy looked a little uncomfortable.
‘Please don’t watch me. I get nervous easily.’ With those words, Donovan waved his hand, scattering a bit of dark magic…
And the vision disappeared.
East Entrance
‘We’re sending Ansovald through the west entrance?’ Rhodri, giant muscleman and leader of the Wheel Guild, asked as they were wandering into the Grado Keep on the eastern entrance. ‘You sure we can depend on a traitor to be so reliable? I mean, I could just seal that opening shut with my own guild, then nobody could slip out!’ So Rhordi said, laughing out a heartily after. Nethanel aimed a look at him indicating his displeasure at questioning a decision of Sion. However, Sion was quick to speak.
‘Ansovald is desperate to show he is useful to me,’ Sion declared, walking ahead of the other two, long red cape fluttering behind his armour and commanding presence echoing. It was as all where his calm voice made itself heard was immediately put under his thumb, absolute control attained through mere speech. Rioga unconsciously straightened his back, and Nethanel looked at their king with eyes of adoration. Sion continued.
‘For now, I will have him leverage his troops for my cause. However, with the first misstep, I will pressure him, and he will break. Desperate to make up for his failure, he will work himself to the bone. If he doesn’t fail or tries to betray me, I will simply crush him.’ Saying so, Sion paused. He leaned his blade upon his shoulder, turned his head and smiled back at Rhodri, the suitably charismatic smile of a proper king. ‘I do not like that man. His readiness to betray his country disgusts me. His life will be very difficult for him from now on.’ So was spoken in a dreadfully gentle tone.
‘Ooooh…’ Nethanel simply made a sound of adoration like Sion’s planning was, as always, utter perfection and nothing could possibly be wrong with it, and he’d probably slice apart anyone who’d claim so. Rhodri simply shrugged and smirked.
‘If you say so, sir. I’ll just go in bashing heads and leave the thinking to you,’ Rhordi settled on, grinning and heaving up his Battle Axe onto his own shoulder. Sion nodded, and then advanced upon the Grado battleline. The Grado troops were positively quivering from Sion’s presence, yet stood firm. Sion looked over them.
‘Soldiers of Grado!’ he addressed the troops. ‘You have fought valiantly. Your loyalty to your nation, bar a few exceptions, have greatly impressed me. However, your defeat is now imminent. I care naught for unnecessary loss of blood. Let me pass, surrender what I desire, and I will pull back my forces. Any Jehannan mercenary seen pillaging in Grado will be banished from the nation and branded a bandit. Your people will all be spared, and I shall provide the funds for a successful reconstruction. All I ask in return, is that you hand over the Fire Emblem. Fail to comply, and you will receive no mercy. Put down your arms.’
A silence passed as the mighty voice of Sion paused to allow a reaction. There were whimpers from among the lines, but the soldiers of Grado tightened the grips of their weapons, preparing themselves for the fight to come.
‘No?’ Sion asked, a slight smile coming to his lips, as if amused by their reaction. ‘Very well. If so strong is your conviction… Jehannan forces, advance.’
With that, Sion lifted his sword and charged. At his sides, Rhodri grinned as the mountain of muscle heaved his giant Battle Axe, and Nethanel smiled so happily after having been allowed to hear such a beautiful speech by his lord and then being allowed to spill plenty of blood for Sion. With unstoppable might, the Royal Guild struck into the Grado lines…
‘The enemy is closing in,’ Nero urged.
‘Right,’ Rioga nodded, then looked over them again. ‘Take this. It might help you,’ he said, handing over a pouch of gold to whoever accepted.
Gained 5000 Gold!
‘The prison is through the stairs to your left. Aldo, guide them to it. Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine. Go!’
‘This way!’ Aldo called, turning to move.
Now, what would the rest of those present do?
Notable Individuals;
Blue Lord Reina - The princess of Gardo. Appreciates the finer things in life. Weapon Mastery: Sword: E Level: 1 Equipment and Items: Précieuse (Rapier), Vulnerary
Blue Wyvern Rider Isolde - Clumsy, but reliable Wyvern knight. Weapon Mastery: Axe: D Level: 5 Equipment and Items: Halberd
Blue Cavalier Marwood - The prince of Renais with a good heart and a rebellious streak, cares deeply for others. Weapon Mastery: Sword: C, Lance: D Level: 4 Equipment and Items: Reginleif, Steel Sword
Blue Cleric Titania - A tough healer from Rausten, she forges her own path to help as many people as she can. Weapon Mastery: Staff: D Level: 5 Equipment and Items: Heal, Mend
Blue Shaman Aldo - A shaman researcher and advisor on things magic in service of Grado. Magically gifted and incurably serious. Weapon Mastery: Dark: E 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 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, Antitoxin, Vulnerary, Hero Crest
Red Hero on the right. Sion - Jehanna’s King of Red Sands, cause of this war. A graceful and deadly swordsman. Kind to his allies, terrifying to his enemies. Weapon Mastery: Sword: ???, Axe: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Lancereaver, Silver Sword, Wind Sword, Elixir
Red Swordmaster on the right. Nethanel - Second-in-command of the Royal Guild. His swordsmanship is only matched by his adoration for Sion. Weapon Mastery: Sword: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Killing Edge, Runesword
Red Berserker on the right. Rhodri - Brutal leader of the Wheel Guild. An excellent drinking partner who’s happy aura masks his lack of compassion. Weapon Mastery: Axe: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Battle Axe, Brave Axe, Tomahawk
Red General on the right. Leah - Disciplined General of Jehanna’s Royal Guild. Regarded as a calming presence that can keep her sister, Kaelyn, in check. Weapon Mastery: Sword: ???, Axe: ???, Lance: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Short Spear, Steel Lance
Female red Halberdier on the right. Kaelyn - Deadly Halberdier of Jehanna’s Royal Guild. Regarded as a crazed loose cannon held in check only by her sister, Leah. Weapon Mastery: Lance: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Killer Lance
Red Mage Knight on left. Ansovald - Born noble and a traitorous commander of Grado. Pretends to be a kind soul, but makes dark deals beneath the surface. Weapon Mastery: Anima: ???, Sword: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Elfire, Runesword, Vulnerary
Red Paladin on the left. Jeremiah - A former Jehannan noble who somehow ended up Ansovald’s right hand. Weapon Mastery: Sword: ???, Lance: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Steel Sword, Horseslayer
Top red Summoner on the left. Donovan - Young summoner in Ansovald’s care. Possesses great power and little knowledge of how the world works. Weapon Mastery: Dark: ???, Staff: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Luna, Heal
@Crimson Raven Level - ... Could you make it 5? You'll still be far stronger than those around you. Hah.
Equipment - You're currently saying it's long range, but it's not that long, but... Eh. It's fine. Heh.
Ability - Nah, she can fly freely in human form. I just examined the in-game sprites, hah, those wings can be large. Anyways, yeah. We know you're fast. That's fine.
Size - Well. Looking at the in-game sprites, it's standing on an angle to just fit into the stage. It looks to be about two adult humans tall to the tip of the back (taller if the dragon's head is raised), and twice or more that long, in addition to quite wide, and that's not even counting the wings. That is definitely larger than wyverns, even if you are a bit smaller.
Weakness - Nice.
Weapon Mastery - Sure. That's an amusing idea. We can go with that. It might mean I'll be a bit punishing towards you in the beginning, though, heh.
Weapon Mastery - Ah, you know what? Yeah, let’s give the stones a weapon mastery thing. Sacred Stones didn’t have one, but why leave you out? Haha.
Level - 10 is high. Even higher when we consider that Manaketes don’t promote, they just continue being. Manaketes are naturally far stronger than their levels would suggest. Essentially, each Manakete level is essentially worth two human levels. I realize she’s a veteran of over a thousand years, but… gameplay reasons, ya know? Maybe she’s a bit rusty from only fighting weak foes for a while? XD
Background - The one part I have already read. Yupp, it’s fine.
Equipment - Ah, on the point of the range of the Dragonstone breath attack… It’s not quite two. Your reach is shorter than that of mages and archers. That said, it’s definitely further than a man can strike with a sword, so… 1.5? Well, we’ll keep track of it when we’re playing. Archers probably can attempt to fire from three tiles or more away, but I’ll give them serious to-hit penalties, haha…
Ability - Fine that she’s faster than the regular dragon, but fast enough to outrun a pegasus? I don’t know about that. When in human form her wings are too small, while in dragon shape she’s significantly heavier. You’re fast, sure, but fast enough to match the class which best feature is its speed? Not sure. You have so many other advantages.
I also desire you somehow mention the weakness of being a Manakete, because I can’t have you being a dragon all the time. Your dragonstone will serve as a battery, keeping your dragon-form powered. We can think of this as a natural barrier that exists in the dragonstone magic to ensure the madness of the dragon-form does not afflict the Manaketes, forcing them to stay human-shaped even when perhaps they wish otherwise. Over time, it’ll “charge up” again, but it’s to ensure you save yourself for when it matters or suffer the consequences.
Yeah. Otherwise, it’s fine. We did have that discussion about dragon-features, but we’ve decided that’s fine. I’ll await your comments on the things I’ve raised here.
Edit: @Crimson Raven ... Forgot to mention you, and mentions don't work when I edit them in. Oh, well, I'm confident you'll find this. Haha.
Xaltwind
Lunamaria Hawke
Kon Kon
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