Sho Minazuki

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

WEST GATE
BATTLE START!

• Brigand (Bel, Rin, Einar, Sumire +5/10/5/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Rin, Sumire, Trace +10/5/5 EXP)
• Bandit Archer (Aiming at Kyran)
• Bandit Archer (Artemisia, Alnard +5/5 EXP)
• Mercenary* (Kyran, Engaged in combat)

Participants

@CriticalHit - Kyran
@Flood - Rin
@Amaterasu - Sumire
@Savo - Einar
@Lugubrious - Artemisia
@Haeo - Trace
@Yankee - Belisende

The West Gate exploded into a flurry of combat as Alnard's forces advanced. Trace was the first to ride in with a hail of arrows from Bel behind him going straight for the other bandit as they made the first advance. Einar would quickly follow up on Bel's arrows, going for a strike on a fresh opening made by her arrows, while Rin would rush in with the fervor of two men, strike both of the bandits with two quickly-executed strikes to clean it all up. Trace would be struck upon the arm as the Brigand attempted a counter-attack, but that was all he would manage to achieve, while Einar would avoid his opponent's blow entirely.

Barely moments after the two bandits went down, the charge of a mounted soldier ploughed through between the fighters. Kyran with sword in hand went straight for the Mercenary standing in the back, who had already braced his broadsword for what was to come. The charge of a horse gave weight to his strike as steel met steel, with enough force that he was able to drag his blade through the Mercenary's defense and strike him on the shoulder, at the same time as flinging him back. It was a hard blow, but not near enough to kill him.

All that were left were two archers, both of which who took aim at Kyran, while the Mercenary mounted his own counter-attack, going for a lunging strike. One of which was immediately waylaid by a blast of dark magic, making him easy pickings as Alnard spotted the opportunity and finished him off with a blast of fire himself.

Close behind Kyran was Hadrick, who was backing him up in his fight against the Mercenary, personally he could end this right now and slay the sword-wielding bandit in a single stroke, but Kyran's gutsy move compelled him to only back him up. If Kyran were to be vulnerable he'd slay the Mercenary in an instant. For now, Kyran would have to deal with the Mercenary's counter-attack, a great lunging sword strike, jumping just a few feet off the ground with sword raised. At the same time, he was covered from the other archer's attack by Hadrick. All he needed to do was focus on the one in front.

---

SOUTH GATE
Enemy Spotted!

• Brigand

@Typical

As Branna flew over towards the forest, from her wyvern she could see the south gate. Only one bandit standing guard. Perfect. Below her was Gerrian who was making it towards the forest as well, he should be in position to support her attack. Regardless, this should be an easy target. As soon as she's over the forest, she should be in range to dive in for the bandit.

Kimetsu no Yaiba - Shingetsu

---

River Pillar Estate, @Vocab

---

Ordinarily, waiting would not be a problem. Still, if the Spirit Pillar Fushigi did not hide things from him, then it still won't be a problem. There were other objectives he can fulfil while he was here after all. Considering the type of incident they were all dealing with, coming to blows is the last thing they needed, and even the smallest incident can be taken more seriously than it ordinarily would. Their alertness and observation of procedure was duly noted. He was surprised the young man, the First Wolf knew his name.

"I had no idea my name was known by others within the corp, but very well, if she is to be here soon then I can wait. Please keep in mind that hiding evidence will also be treated as treason at a time such as this. As I'm sure you're aware of the situation we're trying to deal with. For the time being I shall see to other matters around the estate. The River Pillar's unfortunate decision has left us with frozen communications, after all", he responded. Based on what he was carrying, a bag containing a cage, it wasn't hard to figure out what this matter might be. There were many crows around this estate, some were already cawing idly as they spoke. Surely, one cage's worth was but a drop.

If he would be allowed to do that, by the time the Spirit Pillar herself would arrive he should be able to fill the cage without much trouble. The cage could hold something like several to a dozen. Not much, but considering they are a vital communication resource, even a few were valuable. Hopefully, Kankuro in turn would be understanding. The Spirit estate as he is aware have their own sparrows too.

"Before I see to that allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Kirizanto Kuuto, the Tsuguko to the Storm Pillar. Heir to the Kirizanto family of demon slayers and practitioner of the Breath of Sky form", he stated.

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

@Haeo If you wanna do something like that, it'd take up the class' Ability slot, but it's possible.

Kimetsu no Yaiba - Shingetsu

---

River Pillar Estate

---

So others were here already. He would expect as much, need only send a message and those already near can be dispatched, whereas he had a full trip to go through. Still he walked on into the estate grounds as if it was not strange. He was told not to pay them no mind... But seeing as they were here first, paying them no mind and waltzing in to do as he pleased would be even more suspicious. Not that it was suspicious for him to be here. The Storm Pillar commanded authority and law amongst the Corp, more or less his presence would not be any different to that of a detective. Regardless of whether or not he was approached, he with an air of authority already began to speak. Approaching the nearest of the agents,

"I assume you are all here under orders from the Spirit Pillar? Excellent work, making it here so quickly. I am the Tsuguko of the Storm Pillar, here on his behalf to see to information and evidence in regards to the River Pillar and his betrayal. By the Storm Pillar's authority I would demand that all relevant evidence to be presented to me for inspection, hopefully we can cooperate on this matter", he does not plan to take it if he can help it, but anything damning, he may very well need to present directly to the old man. He has a writing set in his bag, if there are certain pieces of evidence that are good enough for just note-taking. Hopefully he will not have to walk the line between justice and the rules of the corps, and this investigation sect is friendly enough to cooperate with him.

It may best be to assert himself as someone in a greater position than them. It would be difficult for them to go against him if that was immediately understood. Regardless the orders of their direct superior would be priority, so long as he doesn't ask for anything that would conflict with that, it should be okay. He had some doubts that they would present everything to him, so he would need to enter and do his own investigation too.

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

Alymere Fort - The Gate

Daybreak

They ride at the break of dawn. An early morning assault, a sound plan. The morning dew had barely become visible in the emerging sunlight as everyone arrived at the fortress. Alnard was pleasantly surprised that everyone put in so much work to make this operation a success, besides the planned operations and scouting, getting local knowledge and an unexpected boon in Blast Powder was more than pleasing.

In regards to those in his company, Kyran was assigned to stay with Alnard's forces. Since he was originally serving under Everett's command, he was suddenly without commander and it would be easiest for him to continue helping the young prince. Furthermore a local by the name of Wes had joined their party as a healer of sorts. Some among the soldiers were unsure of the origins, but the results spoke for themselves. They were glad yet more could attend to wounds.

The briefing was already done before they arrived, it was a straightforward task. Take the fort. They managed to get quite close to the fort before they were spotted by bandits on watch.

Alnard drew his sword, and with the swing of his blade pointing towards the fort, one word was all that was needed.

"Attack!"

Objectives

Hider

Victory Condition: Seize Throne

The Fort has begun to surge to life as bandits hear the call of their sentries. It'll be awhile for them to muster their defenses outside. The open and torn down gates make this more of an assault than a siege, and so the formalities are not required. Between the broken southern gate, and the crumbling wall in the north-western sector of the fort itself, there were various openings that can be exploited.

Enemies

Name: Bandit Leader*
Threat Level: B
EXP: 40(30)
Weapon: Axe

Name: Bandit Lancer (1)
Threat Level: D
EXP: 10(5)
Weapon: Lance

Name: Bandit Archer (4)
Threat Level: E
EXP: 5(5)
Weapon: Bow

Name: Brigand (10)
Threat Level: D
EXP: 10(5)
Weapon: Axe

Name: Sword Bandit (1)
Threat Level: D
EXP: 10(5)
Weapon: Sword

Name: Armored Bandit* (1)
Threat Level: C
EXP: 20(15)
Weapon: Lance, Heavy Armor

Name: Mercenary* (1)
Threat Level: C
EXP: 20(15)
Weapon: Sword

Name: Bandit Pugilist* (4)
Threat Level: D+
EXP: 15(10)
Weapon: Gauntlets

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

With Chapter 1 nearly here, I can reveal the map for it. It is being discussed on the discord, and the chapter will be up tomorrow.

Hider

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

Chapter 1 is set to be starting/being prepped this weekend.

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

List of Mentors

Hadrick

• Lance
• Axe
• Heavy Armor
• Riding

Hider

Name: Hadrick
Class: Great Knight
Role: Mentor/Combatant
Max Support: A Rank
Strength: Str/Def
Weakness: Res/Mag
Inventory/Spells:

• Silver Axe
• Steel Lance

Backstory:
A grizzled veteran and a famed commander of the Lothian Knights. Hadrick was born as a resident of Reynes, and became a mercenary in his youth. He wound up fighting for the Lothian Empire staving off bandits and escort missions, and eventually became a favorite among nobility. It was here he met his wife, and just as he would dedicate himself to her, he would also dedicate himself to the nation she called home. He became a feared and respected general with time, and opportunity, fighting many battles. Now retired, he advises the young prince Alnard in all matters to do with military. His wife has already passed, and now his goal is to fulfill his duty to the very end of his life.

Gerrian

• Sword
• Bow
• Flying

Hider

Name: Gerrian
Class: Assassin
Role: Mentor/Combatant
Max Support: S Rank
Strength: Spd/Lck/Dex/Str
Weakness: Res/Def
Inventory/Spells:

• Killing Edge
• Steel Bow

Backstory:
An assassin under the employ of Kalvas, sent to watch over proceedings with Alnard and report back. He has been ordered to help Alnard with all matters required to keep him alive, or to ensure his success. Naturally he is trained in all the clandestine arts. Gerrian himself is one of Kalvas’ assassins, to which he calls the Ravens, a personal division of assassins that he has raised himself, much like Elliot’s Order of the Blaze. Gerrian is one of Kalvas’ most trusted and is often entrusted with important tasks.

Arcturus

• Dark Magic
• Black Magic
• White Magic

Hider

Name: Arcturus
Class: Bishop
Role: Mentor/Combatant
Max Support: S Rank
Strength: Mag
Weakness: Spd
Inventory/Spells:

• Magic Staff
• Black Magic
• White Magic

Backstory:
The bishop of the camp who sees to holy ceremony for those who are religious within the army. A peculiar man, though nice, if it isn’t sermons, then it’s lies. He seems unwilling to talk of his past, always making something up, but if his ability to use even dark magic is anything to go by, it’s likely not something he’s proud of.

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.

---

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.

---

---

Prologue
End

---

---