Sho Minazuki

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

With the fall of Garleton, Alnard and those he could help evacuate, flee for the Reynes border, and take up temporary camp north of Gareth, towards the village of Galehaut. Within a week, news of the Empire’s capital of Edinburgh falling to Lyonesse sweeps the continent, however despite their victory, they show intent to also take Alnard, demanding that the Reynes forces hand him over, or suffer the same fate.

They refuse however, and instead Alnard decides that he should help bolster their defenses against the Lyonesse army. A fortress currently occupied by bandits resides in the northern mountainside, which should serve as a good stronghold to fortify the border. And so he would put whatever resources he had to achieve this goal. From hereon-out, Alnard's goal was clear. To reclaim his homeland.

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Alnard Val Lothian
Base Camp south of Galehaut

The temporary base camp was... Serviceable. Everything was out in the open, somewhat exposed. However they were safely behind Reynes forces, so it was only to function as a base for their operation to take the fort east of them. It was tucked up in the mountains, and had a grand view. Currently home to bandits, it seems that it once was a Reynes fortress. What was it's name... Alymere? Apparently it was abandoned when times of peace came around, and such in-depth defenses were no longer needed. Only Gareth was necessary being the lynchpin of the Reynes border. For now, their goal lay to the east of them. Within the main tent was Alnard, Hadrick, and Gerrian, along with a few other soldiers standing guard. As they were finalizing the tasks that were needed to be done, based on information gathered by Gerrian, they were interrupted by someone at the tent entrance. Alnard signalled to let him in, and to his surprise, it was not a Reynes general. He recognized this garb, someone from one of the Lothian churches. He wore the red and white that was normal for Lothian cardinals, a relaxed yet stern expression, one eye hidden behind the black lense of his rectangular and sleek glasses, with a scar running down it. One can only assume he lost his eye and hides it as a result. He bowed courteously as he introduced himself, "My lord Alnard, I am Arcturus, the Cardinal of the Red Cup of the Lothian faith. I was among those rescued at Garleton. My presence was not to be known, but seeing as how the Empire has fallen as it has, I figure my original mission is no longer... Valid. If you require to know what that is, it was retrieval of an artifact, but I cannot divulge the details. For now, I am here to offer to you my services as a man of faith. If military matters require my attention, I am a skilled mage in all manner of magical arts milord", his voice was rather soothing, yet those who had a more hardened sense of people may be less inclined to feel comfortable around him. Gerrian in particular did not seem too approving of him. "I'm sure many of the soldiers would be relieved to have someone of the church here. We need all the help we can get, so I am glad we can add a Cardinal to our forces. I'll ask the men to prepare a tent for you to hold services", "That would be ideal milord. I must ask, I take it your wish is to retake the Empire's territories?", "Of course. But first we must aid those who have aided us", "Ah yes of course. The people have Reynes have always been a very open bunch, and a strong-hearted one. I see, very well. For now, if there is anything required of me, please, do not hesitate to call upon me", with that, the cardinal bowed out. After a few short moments, Hadrick voiced his concerns. "Milord, the Arcturus man... I have heard of him. Yet there is very little anyone knows of him. Is it wise to trust him?", he seemed to be trusting his gut on this. "There is little to worry in trusting him. He is still among his dubious deeds, known to be loyal to the Lothian Empire. However I do not like him. A familiar dishonesty rings in his voice to me", Gerrian seemed to be well-informed on the man. "Well, as I said earlier, we need all the help we can get... For now, let us focus on the task at hand. I think... The deadline was one week. That fort must be under our control in one week. Lyonesse forces are projected to be ready to attack the border in two, or three at most, but we cannot hope they will be the slowest among estimations. Well, we have our tasks, please, see to them", with that, the meeting was adjourned, and all returned to their posts.

_________________________ Status: Alive Class: Spell Lord Inventory: Rapier Vulnerary

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

BOSS BATTLE!

ENEMY!

• Bandit Leader (Alnard/Trace/Einar/Branna)
• Bandit (Einar/Trace +5 EXP)
• Bandit Archer (Einar +5 EXP)
• Bandit Archer (Branna/Thom +5 EXP)
• Bandit (Branna +5 EXP)

Participants, Results

Alnard
Branna @Typical - 40 EXP earned
Trace @Haeo - 35 EXP earned
Thom @Enalais - 5 EXP Earned
Einar @Savo 40 EXP earned

I'll just give the full amount to everyone who participated in the kill.

The bandit leader's screams were accompanied by the crackling of the fires around him. If Einar's sword didn't slash out a vital, then the pure brutality of Branna's spear would crush everything it drove through. As the bandit fell to his knees, any other bandits in the area would either be left without a leader and thus be met with a terrible fate, lest they were to evacuate, or those that would witness this scene would find it wise to run, regardless, the deed was done.

"Excellent work, now we must get going, before the Lyonesse army closes in on us".

BATTLE CONCLUDED!

---

The Fields

The Knights of Reynes marshalled before the Lyonesse army, their striking silver and blue armor set to oppose the verdant greens of the Lyonesse forces, darkened by night, with only the moonlight and fires raging in Garleton from the initial strike to light them up. The Brigadier General Everett had gone out to the middle to meet with the general who leads this Lyonesse force. His armor was scratched, yet well-polished, showing years of service and combat, the only things new that he wore, were his cape, and the clothes beneath the armor, seated upon a jet black steed. The Lyonesse general was immediately apparent, he wore a black, sleek armor with green underneath. He seemed to wield no weapon, with only a book strapped to his side. A Dark Knight.

"To think, I would be honored by the presence of one of the Four Lions, I had expected the Lion of the West, but I suppose the North will have to do. Alvarez, you would burn a city before giving it's citizens a chance to escape?", despite Everett's words, he did not show any fury. It was a jest, but more likely, seeing Alvarez, the move made a lot of sense to him. As far as combat experience with Lyonesse went, it was only in skirmishes in battles in the past. However in the case of Alvarez, he knew he would likely be getting his share of cunning tactics tonight.

"It was the surest way to get to the young lord housed within, unfortunately it seems our calculations were a bit off for the volley of magic. With such a meager force behind you sir Everett, I suppose you don't expect to walk away alive this evening", the voice of this general was confident, articulate. It was unusual as many of Lyonesse were carefree individuals who preferred wide open spaces. Alvarez, the General of the North, while he was in combat the weakest of the four, he had the most political sense. It was quite likely he was not here on orders at all, but to completely lock in Lyonesse's victory over the Empire.

"I only do my duty as my duty demands, surely however you do not think you can win with sheer numbers? One soldier of Reynes counts for ten of Lyonesse",

"Such confidence, but I suppose we shall learn this in the hours to come. My lord will not be satisfied until the whole of the Lothian legacy is erased, and I had come here following a little bird. I suppose a raven, would be more accurate. Regardless, I plan to make short work of you and your forces, and then, the young prince shall find himself in my clutches before he can make it to Reynes", he taunted. His smug expression hidden underneath his helmet. His confidence was something he was not at all afraid of showing here.

"I wonder how well that plan will go for you. But enough talk, it has been awhile since I tested my lance upon a battlefield. One of the famed Four Lions will be a perfect exercise", with that, the generals both returned to their armies, and with the sound of war horn the two armors would clash into each other.

---

Garleton Castle Courtyard

As Alnard arrived to the courtyard, there were already a great deal of people here. Furthermore something was different. The great statue of a dragon in the center had been pushed aside, and there was a route going underground. So this was the passage Gerrian spoke of. People were already filing into it. After awhile, Gerrian emerged.

"I am sorry milord, but Hadrick ordered we start evacuating sooner, furthermore I was one of the only ones who knew how to navigate these tunnels. It is good you are unhurt", Gerrian motioned to some soldiers to take his place in ushering people into the passageway.

"That is all well and good. I am just glad so many people have made it here. But let us be away. General Everett is buying us much needed time, every moment is precious", he ordered.

---

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Prologue
End

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Kimetsu no Yaiba - Shingetsu

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Storm Pillar Estate

---

With a short bow he simply responded with, "of course". The answer was simple, there was no need to talk himself up. The thought of turning one's blade upon another member of the corp though, was of course taboo. This was a unique circumstance, of course, that being related to a traitor. He had seen this man grumpy, but today he seemed to be quite furious. His eyes perceived a kind of aura from him, not too much unlike that of a furious oni, indeed, he seems quite livid today. It appears he must be wary of the Spirit Pillar too... Perhaps prudent. Of those who attended, only the Spirit Pillar's words felt... Excessive, and not for her vulgar language either. Regardless, he already dismissed himself and began to see to preparations. A cage is it? To obtain some crows. Suppose he should bring a bag too, if there are any freshly laid eggs, they could take them and raise a new batch alongside a mother group.

Well, crow rearing was not exactly their priority anyways. He should travel light regardless. He stepped away towards the quarters and asked for a bag, and a bird cage. He was sure there would be some at the estate, but going prepared never hurt anyone, except the demons he's had to hunt of course. While this was being prepared he saw to his blade, sliding it out of it's sheath he took a cloth and some oil to it, giving it a quick polish before he would set out on his journey. Based on the maps, this would be a few hour trek. He may not encounter anything for this entire journey, to and from, but in actuality he was just excited to be going out after so long. His face never changed as these thoughts ran through his head.

As soon as that was prepared, he thanked the attendant, and began heading out on his journey. They even kindly gave him a small lunch box for his trip, to which he gladly thanked them for.

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

Oh yeah right I forgot to mention.

Last hit isn't defined by who posts last for this instance. It's a done deal.

I may add an extra thing for similar situations where EXP gets levied evenly instead. So please bear with this right now.

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

You guys got a day left.

If no one posts, Alnard gets the kill and only those who've already attacked the boss will get anything.

Kimetsu no Yaiba - Shingetsu

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Storm Pillar Estate

---

His eyes shot open as the meeting came to a close. The other pillars were certainly interesting, unfortunately the interactions witnessed here told him little about them as people, though he has some insight into their priorities when it came to business. Saburo the Crane Pillar sees the larger picture, it is true, with the progress of humanity, comes it's old traditions to come under threat. He who has lived in a city before is well aware of this, but his old man had considered opening a dojo to keep the art alive at least. Furthermore a hidden threat. He has heard them uttered before but rarely if ever by name. It appears he is yet privvy to those matters. Still, Saburo sees that there is more than two forces at play, or possibly to come into play.

Next predictably the Love Pillar Maria seemed to care for others, in this case the River Pillar himself. From a pragmatic perspective, losing one of the Pillars is pretty big, if they can rein him back in, that would be avoiding a huge loss. It was not realistic, but the idealistic approach always gives humanity to one's thoughts. He expected no less from a woman of the cloth.

The Sea Pillar Kikumi has prevention in mind. The vulnerability presented by a Pillar defecting was indeed a pressing matter. If this event got out to others, then it would expose them to further dangers and instability, and of course, such an event was unacceptable. Of course next, was the Spirit Pillar. At first he thought these two were sisters, due to their similar features, but that appeared to be false. Regardless, the Spirit Pillar Fushigi seemed to focus more on the message, and the punishment. Indeed, how they execute him would be important... In his opinion if they have him willingly seppuku, it would send the message that the River Pillar had realized he was in the wrong, and took responsibility for his actions.

Everyone had already dispersed while Kuuto remained within the hall, standing by the old man. It would be inappropriate to leave right this moment, furthermore he wondered if there were to be any directives for him. As far as he knew, the one who left their estate and defected with the Pillar was Kurakumo. A name he remembered, as he remembered the names of all at this estate, for security reasons. He did not know the student very well, and as far as he knew the other students were a bit wary around him due to his glare. Though while that was the case... The attendants didn't seem so pervasive around him.

For now he awaited for what would come next... In actuality he hoped to be dispatched, despite his calm demeanor, he was still young, and exhibited young desires. Besides, he sought something to keep his blade polished.

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

Branna @Typical
Trace @Haeo
Thom @Enalais
Einar @Savo

If any of the following people want EXP from the boss I'll give you guys about... 2-3 days, before I close up the battle. Just get a hit in if you haven't yet.

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

BOSS BATTLE!

ENEMY!

• Bandit Leader (Engaged with Alnard/Trace)
• Bandit (Einar/Trace +5 EXP)
• Bandit Archer (Einar +5 EXP)
• Bandit Archer (Branna/Thom +5 EXP)
• Bandit (Branna +5 EXP)

Participants

Alnard
Branna @Typical
Trace @Haeo
Thom @Enalais
Einar @Savo

Alnard was locked in combat with the Bandit Leader. Before the bandit appearing behind him could strike, black draconic wings swooped past him as Branna engaged him in combat, striking a convincing blow. If the blow did not kill, the bandit would be at least forced to back off, but their ability to sense danger was a bit lacking, after all.

In the middle of their clashes, Alnard would manage to take a step back, before the Bandit Leader would find himself being attacked by Trace. The sweeping blow was not one he could simply evade in this circumstance, forced to turn and block the attack, giving Alnard a chance to blast him with a ball of fire.

As the interaction came to an end, Branna had already cleaned up the new bandit, and the leader himself was now surrounded. Trace, Einar, and Thom behind him, while Alnard and Branna were at his front, with a burning wound across his chest. The end was not long it seemed for him. He could not run, and even if he did, the burning buildings would serve to block his path as the flames raged and the city began to crumble.

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

I will update sometime round Saturday or Sunday. Regardless of who's posted.

Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

Whichever is fine. If you head for boss you'll put yourself at a disadvantage as you won't be guaranteed exp or a hit on the boss. I'd suggest escaping. You can still say you're on lookout for more escapees, and not make it to the castle right away, as long as you confirm to me you've picked the option to escape.