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>>4932214
“Is everything alright, Sir?” Asks the gatekeeper.

“All is fine, we also had an encounter with the Western Church’s soldiers. The Priestess and one of my students sustained injuries during the resulting bout. Please see to it that they are given medical attention.”

“Of course! Leave it to me!” The gatekeeper gives a signal, and the gates of Garreg Mach open to you. A few knights and clerics come your way to ensure that Elizabeth and Mercedes are taken care of.

“I’ll be heading forward to give me report to the Seneschal.” Says Leopold. “Excellent work out there, all of you. I dare say some of you spoiled brats may even become proper Knights one day.” He glances in your direction. “My offer still stands, Blair. Farewell.” With that, the knight departs.

Elizabeth, who is being carried away in a cart, bids the knights to wait for one moment so that she may address you.

“Blair, I never thanked you for saving my life earlier. When that slab of stone had pinned me, I was sure that would be the end of things.” The Priestess looks exhausted, both physically and mentally, but she somehow manages to put on a smile. “I don’t have a home to go back to, so I imagine I’ll be here at the monastery for a while. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to call on me.” With that, the woman is carted off.

>You Gain a C-Support with Elizabeth!

“I’m sorry we didn’t get to see the festival this year, Blair.” Says Mercedes. “Next year though, I promise that Annette and I will treat you to a great time!”

“That’s right!” Annette affirms.

>You smile and nod. “I’ll hold the both of you up to that!”

As Mercedes is carted off, with Annette at her side, Raphael and Ignatz step into view.

“Finally, back at the monastery. Time to pig out, I’ve been eating rations for days! Let’s go Ignatz!” The blonde boy turns to you before departing.

“You’re pretty tough for a short-stack, Blair! I’ve been wanting a rematch ever since the mock battle. If you’re up for it, you know where to find me!”

>”I’d like that Raphael. I’ll give it my all!”

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>>4932220
As both boys depart, you ready yourself to enter the gates when you feel a firm hand slap directly against your left buttock. Yelping, you turn around with a hand on your spear to find Corrine standing there.

“What? I saw Muscles over there do the same thing to Four-Eyes after the battle. I wanted to try it out.”

>You sigh. “Do you truly find mocking me at every juncture to be so entertaining?”

Corrine shrugs. “It does break up the dullness in-between battles rather nicely.”

>You let your guard down. “You know, were it not for your penchant for bloodshed, you’d make very capable ally. I wouldn’t have survived had you not backed me up.”

Corrine scoffs. “You’re one to talk. Where’d you learn to impale a man and lift him up like that? That was positively frightening. With moves like that, you’d make for a scary villainous knight in some hogwash children’s tale.”

>You cover your eyes, exhausted. “There you go again with the mocking…”

Corrine laughs. “This was fun. Don’t be a stranger, Blair.” The girl walks off, with a pep in her step.

>You gain a C-Support with Corrine!

You’re the last person to enter through the gates. From what you heard from the gatekeeper; things seemed to have taken a turn for the worse since your departure. You sigh and walk through, thinking about what skills you’ll focus on this month to distract from the ongoing events.


>Select options for the following:
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month

PROFICIENCIES:
Lance: B-
Authority/Tactics: C-
Axe: D
Flying: D
Sword: E+
Reason: E+
Bow: E
Cavalry: E
Brawl: E-
Faith: E-
Heavy Armor: E-

https://fireemblem.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_classes_in_Fire_Emblem:_Three_Houses

>>4932226
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Tactics
>Flying
Good afternoon QM!

>>4932226
Welcome back Tree!
I don't remember what the plan was but gosh if I'm not enthusiastic about Blair's future.
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Tactics
>Lance
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>Flying
I think we wanted Swordbreaker from Lance before swapping off to Reason iirc?

>>4932226
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Reason
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>Sword
>Flying

>>4932226
Heya Tree! I can't believe Raphael called Blair a shortstack. I thought she was fairly slim, has she 'grown' over the last few months?

>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Tactics
>Flying
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>Reason
We've already reached the required skills for becoming a Pergasus knight (hell, it's enough to become a junior officer already too), I think we can start working towards the next step it also gives *reason* to hang out with some fun characters :^)

>>4932285
Good news anon! You get to vote on both A and B!

>>4932226
>>4932394
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Sword
>Flying
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>Reason

Got my votes mixed up the first time

>>4932226

>A) Tactics, Lance

>B) Reason

Corrine and Gatebro in one update, my autism is vindicated, Gatecoin saved from the dumpster.

>>4932226
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Tactics
>Flying
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>Reason
I hope the shortstack remark is accurate, that would be great.

I'd rather we gain a couple inches in height, iirc we're already shorter than Edelgard and she's only 5'2. We're a bit close to midget territory

>>4932226
>>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>>Tactics
>>Lance
>>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>>Reason
We are literally so damn close to getting swordbreaker from lances B so I don't want to drop lances just yet.

>>4932226
I'd like to change my vote >>4932402 to increase lances one grade instead of flying. Realized that swordbreaker is a thing then it'd be really nice to have. It'd be fun to rub it in Felix's face :^)

>>4932226
>>4932394
>>4932408
Changing my vote for the third time, swordbreaker is a really good thing to have.
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Lance
>Tactics
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>Reason

>>4932226
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
Axe
Flying
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
Authority/Tactics

>>4932226
>Select options for the following:
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Tactics
>Lance
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>Reason

>>4932226
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Tactics
>Lance
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>Reason
We finally met best boy Gatekeeper and we got an ass slap from Corrine, already off to a good start

>>4932226
>A) Pick two Proficiencies to raise by one grade this month.
>Lance
>Tactics
>B) Pick one Proficiency to raise by two grades this month
>Reason
After we get swordbreaker were can pretty much stick to Reason/tactics/flying for a good while.

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>>4932226
>Chapter 5: White Clouds, Verdant Rain Moon, Tower of Black Winds

While you decide to continue focusing on your Lance and Tactics skills, this month you think it may be worth it to brush up extra on your abilities with Magic. Despite the Black Eagles having some of the best access to magical talent, you haven’t really kept up with your studies in the subject. You figure some refresher courses couldn’t hurt.

As you enter through the gates and make your way to the courtyard, you notice a large commotion within. Students, clergy, and knights are gathered in a circle, surrounding some sort of raised platform. As you move forward to get a closer look, you overhear some of the onlookers talking.

“I can’t believe those bastards had the audacity to try and kill the Archbishop!”

“I’ve never seen a public execution before.”

“I heard when your head gets cut off, your body remains conscious for a few minutes longer.”

“Gross, shut up! That’s just a myth!”

There’s to be an execution? Judging by what you’ve overheard, these must be the men that the gatekeeper had mentioned tried to infiltrate the Holy Mausoleum.

“Blair!”

You turn at the sound of your name to see Dorothea running towards you. The girl embraces you in a hug, squeezing you tight.

“You’re okay! We were worried sick when you and the others didn’t return on time.”

>You do your best to answer her as you’re being smothered. “We were attacked once we reached the village. The ones who attacked us appeared to be in league with these men.”

“The Western Church?” Asks Dorothea, with some surprise. “Figures. The Professor and a few of us fought them off when they infiltrated the Mausoleum.”

You want to ask her more about what occurred when the crowd falls silent. You’d only seen the Archbishop Rhea from afar, but she cuts an imposing figure as she steps onto the platform. Your first thought is how beautiful she looks. While her true age is unknown, you imagined her to be much older judging by how long she’s served as the Church’s matriarch. Every step she takes is full of grace, and the white dress that she’s outfitted in looks far more lavish than anything you’d seen even the most affluent noblewomen wear. All this contrasts sharply with the dark look on her face.

“Men of the Western Orthodox Church!” She shouts. “You stand guilty of committing the gravest of blasphemies! Defiling the Holy Tomb of our Goddess Seiros is a crime so foul, so vile, that only death can serve as a fitting punishment for your sins!” From her side, Rhea draws a slim, shining sword. You’ve heard stories of the Sword of Seiros, the Archbishop’s personal Relic Weapon, but the blade is far more beautiful than the stories tell.

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>>4934550
Holding the blade with both hands, Rhea lifts the sword up high. You manage to avert your gaze at the last second before you hear the cut, and the crowd cheers. As you look away, you feel Dorothea squeeze your hand.

“This is kinda heavy for having just come back home, no?” You hear Dorothea whisper into your ear. “Let’s get out of here.”

>You nod. “Yeah, let’s go back to the dorm. I’m pretty beat.”

You both step out of the crowd and head back to your room. You suddenly feel exhausted.

>You gain a B-Support with Dorothea!”

You get back into the full swing of classes later that week. After class is over one day, you’re stopped by Professor Byleth, who asks you to come to her office.

“I’m impressed, Blair. You’ve really taken your Authority lessons to heart, and I received word that you performed admirably during your mission to Tauros Village. We have an opening, and as promised, I’d like to formally offer you the position of Junior Officer of the Black Eagles House.”

>You nod excitedly. “Thank you, Professor! I’d be happy to accept.”

“This isn’t just a title change, Blair. This is a serious duty. You’ll be responsible for the safety of your fellow students that you lead into battle. They’ll look towards you for instruction and guidance. You’ve been in the heat of battle enough times that I’m confident you know how to protect yourself, but I need to know that you can do the same for your colleagues. Tell me, Blair, are you up to it?”

You think back to Leopold, and how he was able to immediately take charge of the battlefield and ensure everyone’s safety. Are you capable of such a thing?

>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.
>B): Am I really able to effectively command others, especially if things go south or I get hurt? Perhaps I may be better off as a soldier serving in another’s unit for now.

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.

I don't want to get stuck with Hubert, and we've been working up to this anyway

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.

Risking life for bullshit is dumb. We did this for ambition.

>>4934559
>>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.
Let's do this!
Also I hope we'll get to talk to Rhea, or Seteth eventually...

>>4934559
>>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.
It's nice to see the leader personally taking down the enemy don't you think? Also I like how we are so close with Dorothea we gained her B support just by arriving here.

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.
We haven't been grinding authority for nothing.
Also hopefully that B rank with Dorothea means we've going to be tagging along on the Dorothea/Ingrid paralogue in the future.

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.

We should try to become a commanding officer type. It would be a cushy job
Unless a massive war breaks out or something

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.

>>4935155
>Unless a massive war breaks out or something
As likely as world being ruled by lizards.

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.

>>4934559
>A): This is no time to be coy. You’ve been working towards this moment. This is just the first step to you becoming a leader of men.

>>4935155
>Unless a massive war breaks out or something
No way dude, this continent is as peaceful as can be. The only way we see active combat after graduation is if we get sent to Fodlan's Locket to aid House Goneril in pushing back a barbarian assault.

>>4934559
B): Am I really able to effectively command others, especially if things go south or I get hurt? Perhaps I may be better off as a soldier serving in another’s unit for now.
Obligatory contrarian vote. :^)
>>4935288
Either there or Gautier territory. Though since we're with the empire for now, at least it's more likely we get sent on a peacekeeping mission in Brigid like dear ol pops. The real one.

>>4935483
>Gautier
That reminds me that Blair's first real outing as a junior officer is going to be dealing with the Gautier beast. Talk about a trial by fire.

>>4935488
Hah, now that'll be something to see. On a funnily relevant question, I wonder Blair's ladyboner would rate crests.

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>>4934559
You made up your mind months ago. This is the path you’ve decided to embark on, and you won’t let this opportunity slip you by.

>You nod and raise your fist. “Yes Professor, I believe I am more than capable. I promise not to let you or the Black Eagles under my command down.”

Professor Byleth studies you for a moment longer, before flashing you a thumbs up and smiling. “Very well then, congratulations on the achievement, Blair. At the end of this week, you’ll report to me after classes, where you and the other officers will be briefed on the upcoming mission this month. That will be all for now.”

You bow and make your way out of the Professor’s office, a new pep in your step, excited to tell Dorothea the news that you’ll be joining her as a junior officer.

As your week continues, you focus on practicing more with your spear. You’ve come a long way with it since the days of “stick them with the pointy end.” Particularly, you feel comfortable boxing out sword users. If you ever get the chance to duel Petra again, you’re confident you’ll be able to take her down.

>You Gain the skill “Swordbreaker!” (+20 Hit and Avoid when facing Sword users).

At the end of the week, you report alongside the rest of your junior officers to Professor Byleth, who has already received word on a new mission that you’ll be undertaking this month. As you look around, you spot the familiar faces of Petra and Caspar, who wave you over to join them. Once everyone is present, the Professor begins the meeting.

“Cadets, this month’s mission will involve venturing into the Kingdom’s territory to put down a group of bandits that have been plaguing the region.”

“We’re back to fighting bandits?” Asks Caspar, disappointed. “I was hoping we’d be giving those Western Church bastards a pounding after what they pulled.”

“This isn’t just an ordinary group of marauders, Caspar. Their leader is Miklan Gautier, a former noble who has stolen his family’s Relic Weapon, the Lance of Ruin.”

Murmurs break out in the assembly hall upon hearing the news that the enemy was a noble carrying one of the fabled Heroes' Relics. You recall Catherine and her Thunderbrand and the devastation she was able to work on the battlefield. You certainly don’t want to be on the receiving end of that.

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>>4936046
“Fear not, according to our intel, this Miklan lacks the Crest required to make full use of the Relic. In his hands, it should be nothing more than a well-crafted lance. The true danger lies in his tactical prowess. Miklan is a gifted leader, who’s been able to put a sizeable group together. In addition, he’s taken command of Conand Tower, turning it into his personal headquarters.”

“Conand Tower is a fortress of some repute.” Adds Hubert. “According to maps made available to us, there isn’t much room to maneuver once inside. Additionally, to make your way to the center, where this Miklan will most likely be, requires going through a winding path. Perfect for archers to let loose a volley of arrows against invaders.”

“Due to the tight nature of the corridors we’ll have to traverse, we’ll be going forward in loose formations, and with less students than usual.” Says the Professor. “Leading the pack will be units led by Edelgard, Ferdinand and Caspar. Behind them, we’ll have Linhardt, Dorothea and Hubert running magical support, while Bernadetta and Petra will lead units covering us from range. Blair, you’re in charge of defending our backline. Conand Tower is a sprawling structure, with many corners and hallways that could give way to an ambush. You and your unit will ensure our backline doesn’t crumble to any surprises.”

>So, it’s backline coverage for you. Very well, not the most exciting thing in the world, but you’re determined to make a good first showing. “Understood, Professor.”

“Good, we’ll go through unit compositions at our next meeting. You’re dismissed.”

You leave the assembly hall. It’s the weekend, which means you have your first day of free time ahead of you.

>A): Seek out Leopold for training
>B): Head to the Training Grounds for some practical dueling.
>C): Head to the Marketplace and seek a job for some extra gold (Current: 550 Gold)
>D): Spend some time at the Fishing Grounds/Chapel/Mess Hall (Choose One)
>E): Spend time with one of your supports. (Choose One)

>Ashe: B
>Dorothea: B
>Bernadetta: C
>Caspar: C
>Petra: C
>Felix: C
>Mercedes: C
>Elizabeth: C
>Corrine: C

>>4936048
>A): Seek out Leopold for training
It'd be a waste not to take him up on his offer

>>4936048
>E): Spend time with one of your supports.
>Felix
Geeze Felix, why does YOUR house get all the early game missions?

Also he's the best to give us the downlow on the Gautier situation given he's friends with the house's heir - he might be able to possibly get us in contact with Sylvain.

....Plus I REALLY want to have another match against him now we have swordbreaker under our belt.

I totally support spending time with Leopold this month to cement our training bond, but I want to see if checking in with our BL contacts will give us another opportunity like the one we had with Ashe.

>>4936048
>A): Seek out Leopold for training

>>4936048
>A): Seek out Leopold for training

I wonder what kind of selection we'll have for our squad, since we'll most likely end up commanding other NPC's like ourselves as opposed to actual characters. Maybe we can get Corrine out of Huberts War Crimes Squad and see if she mellows out instead of going full crazy.

>>4936048
>A): Seek out Leopold for training

>>4936048
>A): Seek out Leopold for training

>>4936048
>>A): Seek out Leopold for training

blair still has no hobbiiiiiiiiiies it's so sad ;-;
hm. well let's compare. characters in the game usually can be summed up in two or three hobbies and a few character traits. sylvain, for example, is a womanizer/dislikes women, dislikes crests, and then he additionally doesn't try hard despite intelligence. for hobbies he also enjoys art, fashion and games. maybe you could say that being sociable is also a hobby of his, though it's less explicit. and marianne feels she brings bad luck and avoids people, is devout, and is quiet. her hobbies are animals and praying. I think most other characters are similar.
blair tries hard to be an ethical knight, but is also practical. and there's some amount of bloodlust to her which disquiets her.
but she has no hobbies outside training! there's enough space in there for one, surely. she does spend a lot of time talking to people but I feel like that's more an artifact of the structure of the quest than her being actively sociable like sylvain.
does she like animals and pegasi? it has been one of her primary goals while at the academy to become a pegasus knight. but in the scenes with her interacting with a pegasus I wouldn't say she had a special affinity, either, and there's been no mention of her taking extra time of her own to spend with them the way that marianne gets in the game.
what would be her favorite gifts? owl feather of course, and probably the training dagger or whetstone, but what else? what are her favorite foods and flowers? characters who like training usually like the meat foods. does she even like flowers, or is she like ingrid in actively spurning the accoutrements of femininity?
I think part of why Blair doesn't do anything except go talk to people and train is b/c it's not clear what benefit the fishing grounds/chapel/mess hall would provide for her other than random conversations, since she's not hanging out there to raise students' motivation like byleth would. are we meant to try these things out to find out if they do anything special, Tree, or would you mind telling us?
>>4936048
>while Bernadetta and Petra will lead units covering us from range
petra gonna be a sniper or assassin it seems
>C): Head to the Marketplace and seek a job for some extra gold (Current: 550 Gold)
I'm curious what jobs Blair would even do

>>4936048
>>C): Head to the Marketplace and seek a job for some extra gold (Current: 550 Gold)

>>4936048
Aw man, is Sylvain going to miss out on getting closure with his dearest brother? As much as I want to train with Leopold, I can't help but scheme up a way to set things up while working from Blair's limited knowledge and contacts...
>E): Spend time with one of your supports.
>Felix
(Perhaps we can hook up Sylvain with Caspar or something so he can be part of the vanguard), Blair meanwhile might want to try out her new skills while meeting with someone from the kingdom to see if she can get any heads-up

>>4936048
>E): Spend time with one of your supports. (Felix)
Time to get more info on the mission, no doubt Felix has heard plenty from Sylvain...hopefully.

>>4936409
Nice write-up anon, you're right. I should focus a little more on Blair's quirks and hobbies. Those incidentally are the most fun updates to write for me. I'll have some more Blair centric updates soon.

>>4936048
>E): Spend time with one of your supports. (Felix)
We also need to thank him for recommending to buy the torch, its helped us in 2 missions now.

>>4936048
>E): Spend time with one of your supports. (Felix)

>>4936048
>E): Spend time with one of your supports.
>Felix
His crest won't matter if he can't land a hit.

>>4936048
>>A): Seek out Leopold for training
I’ve forgotten if I voted already, hopefully not

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>>4936048
You recall Leopold’s words. An opportunity to train with an elite member of the Knights of Seiros is something that doesn’t happen every day. You decide to head to the Knight’s Grounds and seek the man out to take him up on his offer.

Upon entering the Grounds, you find Leopold barking orders to a group of junior knights. As you approach him, he spots you and bids you to come over.

“So, you decided to come after all?” The knight smirks, turning his attention away from the trainees to you. “I take it you came to learn something actually useful for a change?”

>You do your best to ignore the knight’s brash nature. “You mentioned that you would personally train me. How could I resist an invitation from the Great Sir Leopold?”

Leopold raises an eyebrow. “Is that a hint of sarcasm I detect? Pray tell what has you in such an uncharacteristic mood today.”

>“If you must know, I was recently promoted to the rank of Junior Officer.”

“Is that so? Well congratulations, and it only took you almost half of the school year!”

>You refuse to take the bait. “If only I’d had such a caring and guiding mentor such as yourself from the beginning, perhaps I’d have achieved the rank sooner.”

Leopold scowls, before turning to the trainee knights. “You’re dismissed for the day. Leave.” He turns back to you. “Grab a spear and get in the ring.”

You pick out a spear from the rack as the trainee knights pass you by, some openly gawking as they do so. When you settle on a spear, you get in the training ring only to find Leopold already standing there, his own spear in hand.

“So, you’re to lead men in battle?” He asks. “To do so, one must remain in full control of their emotions at all times. Losing your sense of self will only lead to making rash decision making, and rash decisions lead to lives lost. I’m aware that you’re prone to losing your temper when confronted with danger. Such a trait is fine if you’re some freak Almyran Berserker, but I don’t see the makings of one in front of me.”

Before you know it, Leopold charges you. The man is a Paladin with years of experience. There is nothing you can do to stop his gauntleted fist from connecting firmly with your stomach, sending you to your knees to reel in pain. You clutch your abdomen and can feel tears welling in your eyes as you struggle to breathe. (-9 HP).

“Throughout the course of our training, I intend to beat this trait out of you. I look forward to seeing how you develop. Now, pick up your spear. We’ll be going through drills.”

You struggle to your knees, trembling as you can barely hold on to your spear. A burning desire to snap this man in half is welling inside you.

“I don’t have all day, Blair.”

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>>4938445
You rush to attack Leopold with a barrage of spear jabs, but the man blocks each thrust with seemingly little effort.

“Concentrate! You’re clouded by your rage! You’ll never hit me that way!”

This continues for another two hours, and unfortunately, you’re unable to strike a hit on the veteran knight.

“Enough, we’ll call it there for today.”

>You’re on your knees, drenched in sweat and panting. “N-not done yet…”

“Your heart is liable to give out if we go any further. Your battle rage is a fitting trait for one who throws themselves into the fray with little thought, but it ill suits a leader. I don’t know what caused you to develop such a habit, but throughout the course of our training, I intend to root it out of you. You’re dismissed.”

Leopold is already gone by the time you’re able to collect yourself off the floor. The man’s words echo in your head. He may have a point. You’re not thrilled by your performance today, but at the very least, you feel like you’ve gained some good experience, and started on the path to making a serious development.

>50xp gained. Level up!

Blair d'Rusalka
Level 9 Fighter (20/100)
HP: 29 (80%) + 1
STR: 14 (45%)
MAG: 10 (50%) + 1 = 11
DEX: 8 (45%)
SPD:13 (55%)
LCK: 8 (30%)
DEF: 9 (50%)
RES: 5 (25%)
CHARM: 10 (40%)

You leave the Knight’s Ground, intent to do better the next time you train with Leopold. As you look up at the sky, the sun is still up. You’re still feeling full of energy, and in the mood to do something leisurely before turning in.

>A): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.
>B): Go to the Mess Hall. They’re making one of your favorite dishes today, Peach Sorbet!
>C): Head to the Greenhouse. Being around some flowers may cool your currently raging spirit.
>D): Head to the Sauna. Sit there and sweat your troubles away.

>>4938447
>D): Head to the Sauna. Sit there and sweat your troubles away.
Maximize GAINS

>>4938447
>A): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.

>>4938447
>>D): Head to the Sauna. Sit there and sweat your troubles away.

>>4938447
>A): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.
Relaxing, yet a great activity for reflecting a la toilet thoughts. Also yeesh that's a harsh level up, and coming off from his intention to beat Blair's really good personal out of her? Leopold's not making a good first impression as a tutor smdh looking forward to see where it takes us

>>4938447
RIP, such a poor level up
it seems Blair likes sweets, though.
>B): Go to the Mess Hall. They’re making one of your favorite dishes today, Peach Sorbet!
they only serve your favorite once in a while, you've got to get it while you can!
>>4938569
perhaps she'll get a + version of it like the Lords and Byleth do, post timeskip or post training?

>>4938447
>B): Go to the Mess Hall. They’re making one of your favorite dishes today, Peach Sorbet!

>>4938447
>B): Go to the Mess Hall. They’re making one of your favorite dishes today, Peach Sorbet!

>>4938447
>A): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.

>>4938447
>B): Go to the Mess Hall. They’re making one of your favorite dishes today, Peach Sorbet!
Damn, he'd better replace our skill with something GOOD

>>4938447
>>D): Head to the Sauna. Sit there and sweat your troubles away.

>>4938447
>D): Head to the Sauna. Sit there and sweat your troubles away.

>>4938445
>Throughout the course of our training, I intend to beat this trait out of you

So never train with him again is what I'm hearing?

>>4938447
>D): Head to the Sauna. Sit there and sweat your troubles away.

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Continuing to train with Leopold would replace Blair's current personal skill with something arguably better, not worse.

>>4938447
>>C): Head to the Greenhouse. Being around some flowers may cool your currently raging spirit.

>>4938447
>D): Head to the Sauna. Sit there and sweat your troubles away.

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>>4938447
You decide a trip to the Sauna would be perfect! After working out your muscles with Leopold, you figure it’s just the sort of soothing therapy that you’re in need of. Besides, it’s rare that you get some time to just sit back and relax. You spend so much time training and marching into battle that a good cleansing is just what you need.

You arrive to your destination, changing into the smallclothes provided by the spa, and enter the sauna. You find that you have the whole place to yourself for the time being (perfect, as you’re feeling a tad shy about the current outfit), and you pour out some water onto the embers.

Sitting back, you feel utterly relaxed, perhaps the most you’ve felt since coming to the monastery. The steam is already working its course in soothing your aching muscles, and you feel as though you’re on a cloud. You think back to all that you’ve done so far since coming to Garreg Mach. You’ve been running around left and right, getting into duels and battles and risking life and limb for others. No one said the path to knighthood would be easy, but you feel as though you’ve been neglecting your own health. You make a mental pledge to yourself that starting today, you’ll try and focus a little more on enjoying some personal free time.

As you close your eyes and drift, brainstorming some potential fun activities to get into, the door opens and a familiar looking boy walks in. You recognize him from the Mock Battle, a Blue Lion. Sylvester?

“Well, if it isn’t the lovely Blair? This sauna session just got way more exciting!”

>“Sylvain.” You recall now. This boy surrendered after you had defeated Felix. It seems like an eternity ago. You’ve never really interacted with him beyond that first encounter, but from what you recall, he has quite the reputation as a –

“Mind if I join in?” The orange haired youth takes a seat on the bench, sliding next to you. Perhaps a little closer than you’d probably like, given that he’s currently decked in only a pair of shorts, and you’re not wearing much more yourself.

>“Go right ahead, it’s a public service.” You slide slightly away to the right.

“Hahaha that it is.” The boy laughs. He’s staring at you. Intently! Uncomfortably long, even!

>”Y-yes?” You stammer out.

“Oh, sorry! I’ve heard a lot about you Blair. How you really came through for Ashe and how you saved Mercedes when she was hurt. It’s just…the stories really don’t do you any justice.”

>“They often have a habit of being greatly exaggerated.”

“Not this time. Everything I’ve heard really understates just how beautiful you really are.”

You immediately get up, grab another bucket of water, and pour it out onto the coals, adding much more steam.

“H-hey isn’t that a lot?”

>”I like it this way!”

You take a seat back on the bench, an awkward silence now filling the room, before Sylvain does his best to break it.

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>>4940725
“Hey, rumor has it you were recently promoted to a Junior Officer in the Black Eagles house. Congratulations!”

>You nod. “Thank you, I’ll be undertaking my first mission this month.”

The boy gives you a serious look. “I hear you’ll be going up against some really tough foes. The bandits in that region are not to be trifled with. Rumor has it they’ve got a fearsome leader and are a true military force to be reckoned with.”

>You look at Sylvain, detecting a hint of…worry? “Thank you for the warning, I have faith that the Professor and Lady Edelgard will lead us to victory.”

Sylvain shakes his head. “But what good is victory if comes at the cost of your life? No…I can’t…”

>“Huh? Is something…?”

“I’ve only just met you but…if anything ever happened to you, I’d…” Sylvain suddenly stands up abruptly and faces you, a determined look on his eyes. “You have my spear, Blair. Just say the word, and I’ll accompany you to the dreaded Tower of Black Winds! I’ll be your knight in shining armor!”

Feeling that familiar blush crawling to your cheeks, you get up and pour even more water onto the coals. The room is now completely imperceptible with the thick layer of steam now blanketing it.

“T-that’s way too much Blair!”

>“Goddess! What’s wrong with you man! You can’t just say things like that! Why would you even want to go to that dreadful place?!”

“My passion and convictions are true, Blair!” You hear from…somewhere in the fog. “I wish to protect that beautiful smile that has eased the souls of my classmates! Please, my lady! Allow your sworn knight, Sylvain Jose Gautier, to accompany you!”

Gautier. It suddenly hits you like a sack of Killer Axes. The bandit leading the group of rogues at the Tower of Black Winds, the one that stole the Heroes’ Relic, his name was Miklan Gautier. That would make him Sylvain’s…something. You recall that this boy has a Crest, and it dawns on you. He’s trying to use you! The Black Eagles have been assigned this mission, and he’s doing anything he can to tag along so that he can settle whatever family feud he has and grab the Lance of Ruin! He must have heard about what you did for Ashe and figured he could tag along on something similar.

You grab the bucket, ready to bat the pushy noble away, when it suddenly dawns on you.

>What if I can use him?

This is the first time where you’ll be serving as an officer. You’re not sure yet what your unit may look like, but you’re pretty damn sure having a Crest user in your ranks will be a tremendous blessing.

In theory, at least. The last time you saw this man, he was throwing down his spear and running away from you, Bernadetta and Petra.

>A): Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!
>B): Thanks, but no thanks. I can handle myself out there.
>C): Tell him you’ll think it over, but you make no promises.

>>4940726
>Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!

>>4940726
>>C): Tell him you’ll think it over, but you make no promises.

>>4940726
>A): Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!
>Knighted by a girl in the sauna
This is the most on brand Sylvain moment ever kek

Let's put that shiny new junior officer badge to use! Blair's right that if we're going to go anywhere near the beast then we'll need all the firepower we can get, and from her dealings with Ashe Blair seems to be willing to go the extra mile to her people deal with family matters (could that be stemming from the fact that her own happy family life was cut short too soon...?).

>>4940726
>A): Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!

He deserves closure. Also was this whole update an excuse to use that picture lmao

>>4940726
>A): Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!

>>4940726
>C): Tell him you’ll think it over, but you make no promises.
We should probably clear this with The Professor first. The situation is different from the one with Ashe, as he was coming to Gaspard either way to try and talk Lonato down. Sylvain is not coming to Conand Tower unless we get him permission first, and having Byleth give permission and lay down the whole situation before Sylvain makes the choice to join us or not is the way to do this.

You don't Knight a Philanderer in a Sauna, Sothis preserve me from this idiocy of Anons.

>>4940726
>C): Tell him you’ll think it over, but you make no promises.

>>4940726
>>C): Tell him you’ll think it over, but you make no promises.

>>4940726
>C): Tell him you’ll think it over, but you make no promises.
How dare he toy with this poor maiden's heart by complimenting so brazenly? D-did he mean it...?

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>>4940848
I knew when I first saw it I'd have to incorporate it at some point.

>>4941181
I am so fucking glad I stumbled upon it now
>>4940726
>A): Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!
As if there's any other choice.

>>4940726
Adding on to >>4941248
>D): Just drop the act. If you want my help, please, just say so.

>>4940726
>>4940848
>>4941306
Supporting this writein as well

>>4940726
>>A): Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!
It's hilarious and I don't think there's a girl who goes along with Sylvain's antics in canon. Blair deserves a silly side!

>>4940726
>A): Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!

>>4940726
>A): Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!
+ this write in>>4941306

>It suddenly hits you like a sack of Killer Axes
Too good

>>4941464
Blair hamming it up to match Sylvain to cover up her embarrassment would be way too fun I agree.

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>>4940726
The absurdity of this situation isn’t lost on you. Why do all these Blue Lions gravitate towards you, anyway? You’ll have to get the Professor’s approval to have Sylvain accompany you, but if you can manage that, you’ll have a powerful ally backing you up during your first showing as a Junior Officer.

>“Rise, Sylvain Gautier, and attend to me as my knight!” You say, doing your best to sound as serious as humanly possible given the surroundings.

You can’t tell if the boy actually rises. It’s still way too steamy to see anything after all. But you do hear him respond.

“My lady, I will not let you down!”

>“See to it that you do not. And you can drop the act. I’m happy to help you reacquire the Lance of Ruin, so long as you follow my orders while we’re out there.”

“Uhh...r-right.” You can tell from the sudden drop in bravado that the boy is feeling somewhat ashamed of his ploy. “I am yours to command.”

>You feel a bond growing with Sylvain!

>“I’ll focus on getting approval from the Professor. Until then.” You grab your towel and head towards the exit. As you open the door, you spot Caspar, who was just on his way into the sauna.

“Hey Blair!” The youth walks in the room overflowing with steam before stopping abruptly. “W-what happened here?! It’s way too hot!”

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>>4941968
You head back to your room, ready to turn in for the night. You notice that you have a new package from the Count. Upon opening it, you find this month’s 500 gold stipend, (1050g Current) and another brief letter.

“Continue the fine work, Blair. Serve Lady Edelgard with anything that she requires.”

Short and sweet, as always. Your new father has such a way with words. You discard the letter and head to sleep.

Classes the next week go on as usual, with you devoting time out of the week to brush up on your magical skills. Another officer meeting is called to discuss unit composition for the upcoming battle. Most of the officers already have their dedicated cadets that serve under them, but seeing as this is your first time leading, you’re not sure who the Professor will be assigning to you. You figure it best to tell her about Sylvain before she assigns you anyone.

“Hmm, I’m not thrilled about it.” Says Professor Byleth. “I’d much rather you did this with your fellow Black Eagles. But, given the circumstances...I suppose I can allow it. If we can get the Lance of Ruin out of Miklan’s hands and into Sylvain’s, it may decide the course of the battle right there.”

“My, you’re growing quite fond of the Blue Lions, aren’t you, Blair?” Says Hubert. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you have plans to leave us for them. I’m sure something like that would just shatter Count Rusalka’s heart.” He adds, snidely.

>“I simply wish to help a fellow cadet in need. If we can add a Relic user to our arsenal, all the better.” You say, hopefully convincingly.

“The other two cadets in your unit will be Xavier and Martha. Both are mages, trained in White and Black magics respectively. With the strong frontline that you and Sylvain can provide, coupled with magical support, I trust that our company won’t find themselves waylaid by any surprise attacks.”

The meeting carries on for a few moments longer, before being dismissed. The excursion to Conand Tower will begin in two weeks. For now, it’s the weekend.

>A): Head to the Training Grounds for some practical dueling.
>B): Head to the Marketplace and seek a job for some extra gold (Current: 1050 Gold)
>C): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.
>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet.
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Choose One)

>Ashe: B
>Dorothea: B
>Bernadetta: C
>Caspar: C
>Petra: C
>Felix: C
>Mercedes: C
>Elizabeth: C
>Corrine: C

>>4941969
That turned out well. Oh, and don't worry Hubert. We would *never* leave the black eagles, right guys? wink wink nudge nudge
>C): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.

>>4941969
>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet.

>>4941969
>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet.
Blair deserves it. Also go away Hubert you're the worst

>>4941969
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Choose One)
But I still want to bully Felix with swordbreaker and work towards his paralogue (the more EXP we get in school phase the better)

Also after the asskicking Leopold gave us it'll be a good pallette cleanser for Blair to match up against a tough but hopefully beatable opponent. Maybe try to put some of his lessons into practice.

>>4942030
Oh might be helpful if I actually chose the guy.
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Felix)

>>4941969

>>4941969
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Ashe)

>>4941969
>C): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.
>>4941979
I don't know about you, but I want to stay.

>>4941969
>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet.
>>4942061
I also don't want to leave and it bothers me that we interact with the lions so much that our loyalty is questionable.

>>4942061
Honestly? I want to go, but I'm having a hard time coming up with an ic reason for Blair to want to beyond 'this place seems to have nicer people in general'.

>>4941969
>>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)

>>4942061
>>4942100
Same

>>4941968
Blue lions do gravitate towards us, maybe it's the knight thing i dunno.
>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet.
Time to treat our girl after such a hot and steamy encounter... I did love Blair just putting in more steam lol

>>4942100
I agree, but the entire first half of the game is just Blue Lion central when talking about plot relevance. On the other hand the only Blue Lion that we've gone out of our way to interact with socially has been Felix.

Ashe and now Sylvain could be argued to be making use of mission appropriate contacts that Black Eagles just didn't have. We did mostly ignore Corrine and instead took the opportunity to talk to the Blue Lions girls on our last mission though. That one could be argued either way. I think we're still ahead on non-mission Black Eagle social options? Too lazy tog o back and check.

>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet.
Edelgard, Linhartd, Bernadetta and Dorothea are also fans, so maybe we'll get lucky and Dorothea has managed to drag Bernadetta out of her room for a little.

>>4941969
>>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)

In fairness, from Blair’s perspective, moving houses is just a manner of who she wants to study with and interact with. It would be scandalous to ~disassociate herself with the future Empress, but she wouldn’t have an inkling that it might decide her future allegiance.

As far as she knows, she might just study with the Blue Lions for a few years, with much more pleasant people, and then graduate and become an Adrestian knight who just happens to have Farghus friends.

>>4942361

The biggest question to me in this quest is Byleth's timeskip. I doubt we are going into dragon stasis, so our final faction could be decided later than anons might think.

>>4942361
Not everyone in the Black Eagles is unpleasant, it's only a few people.

>>4941969
>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet.

>>4941969
>>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet.

>>4941969
>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet

>>4942460
But 100% of people she's met from the Lions were nice to her.

We can probably lure most of our BE supports to BL if we switch. Corrine might follow her cute Blair, Bernie will probably jump at leaving her terrible father, Dorothea still hates nobles at this stage and has a B rank with Blair and with his war phase paralogue with Mercie Caspar is pretty much an honorary BL.

The hardest one would be Petra because she's a political hostage, but she hates the Empire in all routes including CF so it might be doable.

>>4941969
>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet

>>4942460
Black Eagles are a bit weird for me, because they have like only 2 people I don't like with them being Edelgarde and Lindhart, Edelgarde because I just don't agree with her action in the second half of the game, and Lindhart because he's just a lazy shit, like c'mon dude you can sleep in the night and study during the day bruh.
But I don't mind Hubert, he's the right sort of evil dastard that I enjoy so I'm on board getting to know him better.

>>4942146
There's few little reasons here and there
>Stuffy nobles look down on her
See Damien's group.
QM said we'd be seeing negative social consequences for going with Ashe but that doesn't seem to have happened yet.

>Passed over for Junior Officer position repeatedly
Leopold has already pointed this out but I can't believe Corrine the butcher was chosen as a Junior officer over Blair, especially when everyone saw how Blair directed her team to victory in the mock battle. And the whole training session with Leopold was him hammering in that bloodlust is not a good trait to have in a leader of men.

Plus other Houses have had commoners/crestless people as officers since day 1. Ashe is literally the same social status as us and he's made junior officer way before us.

>That one rando from Hubert's death squad wants to beat us up in a dark alley.

>Hubert's giving her the stink eye for just hanging out with some perfectly friendly people.

Also a meta reason but Blair's character has shown be be consistently against wanton violence and tries to do the peaceful solution when possible
>Hated killing defenceless bandit
>Horrified at Corrine desecrating the corpse
>Avoides a village riot
>Spared gaspar soldiers like she couldn't do with the bandit
>Tried to take Lonato alive instead of killing him for the boss exp
>Working with Leopold to tame her bloodlust
I honestly don't see an IC reason for her to sign up for Edelgard's slaughter. To me her ties with the Count and Rex aren't strong enough to justify that much Loyalty to the Empire. The Count sees her as an asset only and their relationship isn't anything like the strong Lonato-Ashe bond. Plus Rex her future leige Lord has very few redeeming features (even Blair was at a loss to talk him up to Hubert) and seems to be everything Blair is trying to avoid (battle hungry ect).

>>4941969
>>D): Go to the Mess Hall. You still want that Peach Sorbet.
I do want Blair to go fishing, especially with that juicy phrasing of 'real' father, but the fishing festival is a perfect time for that plot hook to come up.
>>4942557
These are all very tolerable for most people. We can never avoid dealing with unpleasant people or difficult moral choices, and many of the unpleasant people you've mentioned are people who Blair would have to deal with regardless of which schoolhouse she joins. Black Eagles house is hardly Slytherin, anyway. Blair has friends among them as well as enemies.

Personally I want Blair to stick it out in BE, because conflict drives narrative, and the internal conflict between Blair (as a Black Eagle) and what the Black Eagles/Adrestia will become is a great story.

What Three Houses offers as a game is a lot about perspective and how your view of events changes depending on where you are. What this quest offers is, in turn, a different kind of perspective from the game. Blair is a very different protagonist from the isolation of Byleth, having distinct attachments and duties to the broader society of Fodlan. I want to lean into those attachments, rather than trying to treat Blair as a pseudo-Byleth who can go wherever they want.

>>4942683
Fair enough, I personally think that Blair not being able to go with the Empire due to her morals might also be compelling. We're going to have drama either way because no matter what Blair chooses a good chunk of her friend group will be left on the other side.

Just pointing out that there are reasons for her to switch houses if she wants to.

>Blair as a pseudo-Byleth who can go wherever they want.
But Byleth is the most static character of them all? Unless we're on the church route once they pick a house that's it until. Blair as a POV character switching houses makes her the anti Byleth in this case.

Also if we're talking about switching houses during the school year it's not that odd for someone to do so, other students can do so in game.

Blair has no reason in canon to suspect that what house she chose now determines in who she'll fight for in a war 5 years down the line.

>>4942557
Don't think the others are really that big a deal, but this one specifically I wanted to address.

>Passed over for promotion
What makes Corrine worse than us? The bloodthirst that you admit we also have? She at least doesn't berserk when hurt so it wouldn't degrade her performance. Maybe if we hadn't avoided all of the opportunities to talk with her more we could have found out why she was given the opportunity.

For the commoner/crestless thing, Hubert has no crest and he's been an officer since day one. As for commoners, Dorothea beat us to officer, though I don't remember if it was said when she was tapped for the position.

Leopold told us three things that were strikes against us. Lacking nobility, lacking a crest, and lacking presence with that last one being the worst of them all. Byleth has had us working on Authority(/tactics) since our first mission to help overcome that last one and as soon as we met the benchmark that was set for us, we were given the opportunity to be an officer. That hardly seems like being passed over repeatedly.

Right now I don't think there are any strong reasons to switch houses. Yeah, she doesn't have strong ties to the Count, but she also doesn't really have any reason to oppose his wishes either and jumping ship away from Edelgard would do that.

When the big choice comes I'd argue that Blair as a crestless wonder would actually benefit most from supporting Edelgard's plan. Yeah, the violent revolution isn't really our thing, but the end goals of tearing down the class structure and the tyranny of crests could be something that I'd see our girl being for. Really depends on how it's framed in the moment and whether or not she's been sounded out prior to that turning point.

>>4943410
But is Blair a ''Ends justify the means'' kind of girl? She is pragmatic but is she that pragmatic? I don't think so.

>>4943777
Yeah, she hasn't exactly struck me as the 'plunge the entire continent into war because it will help my station' sort of person. I'm not sure *how* it could feasibly be sold to her in a manner to convince her to side with Edelgard, but I guess I won't dismiss the possibility of coercion or something.

I think in the world where Blair does not have a bunch of voices in her head screaming at her, she would be brought on side of Edelgard by appealing to the justice/idealistic part of E's platform. it's not so much that she would benefit from a Crestless society and more that she sees the difficulties that the current system causes, and might fall into the wake of a powerful reformer like Edelgard. additionally without the influence of the players, someone in Blair's social position would probably naturally come into contact with more of the crestless portions of society, or else be placed in a position where someone's (her own or a friend's) lack of a Crest exposes her to something she sees as unjust.

ofc quest-Blair so far doesn't really have an established opinion on Crests beyond 'I don't want to fight against them' but it's possible that her contact with Sylvain, and her generally less-privileged friends who are more likely to adopt crest-opposing stances, will bring her to a position more likely to sympathize with Edelgard's goals. or perhaps she will feel motivated by feudal duty and loyalty to the girl who is in fact her lawful sovereign. it's not up to someone in Blair's social position to decide if there will be a war, after all. she just fights it. or maybe she will take the position that it's better to guide Edelgard to a less bloody path than to try to oppose her directly. there's lots of ways I can imagine Blair siding with Edelgard without her being forced to, and without compromising her established personality

>>4944424
>it's possible that her contact with Sylvain, and her generally less-privileged friends who are more likely to adopt crest-opposing stances, will bring her to a position more likely to sympathize with Edelgard's goals.
Or, it might make her realize that it's a popular sentiment and that pursuing war for such a change might not be necessary. Besides, she has had far more exposure to the hatred and fanatisism of the anti-cental church folk from what we've seen so far. And the fact that the war decleration comes right off the back of an attempted raid (and endangering all students that tagged along with Byleth to the tomb) and follows with an immediate invasion of Garreg Mach, I can only see it as a really hard sell to get Blair to run on over to the Edelgard's side, even if she might largely agree with her underlying ideals.

Whatever the case, I think I'd like a chance for Blair to introspect on her late father (and by proxy perhaps her view on war) which is why I'd love for her to go fishing

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>>4941969
Earning the potential ire of the future heir of House Vestra and aide to her Imperial Majesty has worked up quite an appetite. Fortunately, you remember that the Mess Hall will be serving one of your favorite dishes this week, Peace Sorbet. It’s an impossibly cold frozen dessert that you’ve only had a select few times in your life, but it left a lasting impression on you. As a part of your vow to treat yourself a little nicer, you venture forth to acquire the treat.

The Mess Hall is a common meeting place for students to gather and spend time idling away from the everyday pressures that come with being a cadet at Garreg Mach. As you take up a position in line to order the sorbet, you recall the first time you had the treat.

You had just arrived to Castle Rusalka for the first time, right after your father had died. You were a shut-in mess, refusing to talk or interact with any of the castle’s teachers or servants. Word of your demeanor eventually got back to the Count, who called you to attend to him in the castle’s dining hall. When you arrived, you found him and his son, Rex, sitting there, each with their own bowls of sorbet. They bid you to join them and enjoy the mysterious dessert.

It was the first time you’d ever had anything so delicious. Your real father had been an ordinary soldier in the Count’s army, there was no way he’d ever be able to afford anything so luxurious. You spent the rest of the day eating and getting to know your “new family.” The Count was by all means a friendly, caring gentlemen, who treated you better than he had any right to. Rex was much more abrasive and had quite the tongue on him. You almost had a hard time believing he was a noble, but you could tell he was well-meaning. By the end of that first meal together, the Count had promised that if you performed admirably in your studies, there would be more sorbet as a reward. And there was. You looked forward to the occasion every time it came up.

But eventually, the three of you stopped having those meals together. The Count became more distant, and much colder. Rex became more disinterested in court affairs and was often gone from the castle for months on end. And you eventually left the castle and were sent here.

You snap out of memory lane as a bowl full of Peach Sorbet is handed to you by one of the Mess Hall’s attendants. As you turn around and look for a place to eat, you hear a voice call out your name.

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>>4944802
“Blair! Over here! Sit with us!”

You spot Dorothea waving at you. At her table is Bernadetta, who looks mortified by Dorothea’s yelling gathering unwanted attention from the other students, and Edelgard. You sit down with the three girls to enjoy your sorbet.

“I didn’t know you had a sweet tooth, Blair.” Remarks Edelgard.

>You nod, staving off the brain freeze the first bite gives you. “Mhm, it’s a guilty pleasure of mine.”

“I love the sorbet here.” Says Bernadetta. “So soft, but so flavorful as well. It’s a small comfort in this cruel world.”

>The four of you bond over frozen treats!
>You gain a C-Support with Edelgard!

The next week comes, and you spend it brushing up on your tactical skills. While you still haven’t had a chance to speak with Xavier or Martha, you’ve been overlooking some strategies for mages, and you’re confident you’ll be able to make adequate use of the two of them.

The expedition to Conand Tower will take place next week, but for now, you have one last opportunity to enjoy some free time.
>A): Head to the Training Grounds for some practical dueling.
>B): Head to the Marketplace and seek a job for some extra gold (Current: 1050 Gold)
>C): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Choose One)

>Ashe: B
>Dorothea: B
>Bernadetta: C
>Caspar: C
>Petra: C
>Felix: C
>Mercedes: C
>Elizabeth: C
>Corrine: C
>Edelgard: C

>>4944805
>C): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.

It's this or go to the training grounds to beat up Sylvain/Petra

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Felix)
I just want to beat him up as a bonding exercise.

>>4944805
>>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)

>>4944805
>C): Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.
let's fuckin relax/develop

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports.
>Felix

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Felix)

>>4944805
>Go Fishing. You haven’t fished since your real father died, and you’re feeling nostalgic.

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)
We just had a break, fishing can come later.

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)

>>4944805
>>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)

Oh, I forgot to mention. Thank you so much Tree, these last few updates were wonderful! I'm glad for the peeks into Blair the person and I hope as the quest continues that she becomes a character we all cherish as much as our canon favorites.

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>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Ashe)
Found a nice pic just now

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports (Felix)

>>4944805
>>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)
The time has come to Social Corrine! Gimme my bloodhungry axe bae!

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)

>>4944805
>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Corrine)

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>>4945302
Could possibly work as post-timeskip Blair I suppose. We'll see if her smile can be protected though.

>>4945844
>Blair's physical growths turn out to be better than every other character
I'm all for it desu

>>4946034
I second this.

Don't want to be too much of a bother, but something strikes me. The count suddenly became cold, distant.

Our foster dad was kill and replaced by a fucking slitherer.

>D): Spend time with one of your supports. (Choose One)

> Corrine

Though I will admit there may have been some Corrine samefagging this time. Know it is not I.

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every quest with a young female character does this. peeves me

>>4946126
Does what? Genuinely curious.

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>>4944805
As you stand outside, pondering how you’ll spend today’s free time, someone grabs your left arm from behind and wraps themselves around it.

“You look bored.” Remarks Corrine. “Let’s grab a seat and get some tea. It’s a beautiful day today.”

>“You never struck me as the type to be into tea parties.”

“A well-rounded girl has many interests.” She purrs.

>You sigh. Well, why not. You figure you owe her after fighting side by side back at Tauros Village. “Sure, but give me my arm back!”
The Monastery holds many attractions, but none are quite so well-regarded as the Tea Grounds. The Tea Grounds serve as an outdoor dining area, where students can take a seat and enjoy a varied collection of brews from across Fodlan. The grounds are often considered a popular date spot, a fact that embarrasses you to no end as you observe some of the other couples currently enjoying themselves. You settle on a Sweet-Apple Blend, while Corrine orders a strong Mint Blend. You both grab a table, taking shade underneath an attached parasol.

>As you both sit there, sipping your tea, you’re the first to speak. “It occurs to me that…we’ve never had an actual conversation.”

“No, back during the march to Tauros Village, you were much more content to make friends of those Blue Lion girls than spend time with little old me.” Corrine teases.

>“It’s not exactly like we hit it off well the first time.” You grimace, recalling your interactions at Zanado.

“Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot. Now seems like a good time to start over though, no? Let’s get to know each other better.” She smiles, taking a sip of her tea.

>“Very well. You’re a talented fighter. Your wild nature in battle makes me think that you never trained with a Man-at-Arms, but the way you cut through your foes so efficiently strikes me as someone who’s done this before. Where did you learn to fight?”

“I’m self-taught.”

>”R-really?”

“Of course.” Corrine puts down her cup. “My full name is Corrine de Clare. I am the fifth daughter of a minor Baron in the Boramus territory of the Empire. Father had no greater aspirations for me than to shut up and present well so that I could be married to some noble with deep pockets. That seemed like a bore though, so I took it upon myself to learn how to fight. Eventually, I found that I had something of a talent for it.

>“And how did you discover that?” You ask, dread mounting.

Corrine smiles. “I stole an axe from the armory and snuck away to the woods. I started small. Rabbits first. The occasional deer. Father thought I’d been taking lessons with a singing coach he’d hired for my sisters and me. He never was very bright. I threatened the woman that’d she be the next target I’d practice on if she told anyone what I was doing. I was always quite the troublemaker. That kept me covered, for a while at least.”

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>>4946261
>You momentarily forget about your tea. “I take it animals weren’t the only thing you practiced on.”

Corrine takes a sip. “I became somewhat of a folk tale in Boramus. Villagers would see a girl, dressed in full noble regalia, taking practice swings with an axe in the forest. I imagine it was quite the sight. Eventually, some boys who’d caught word of what was going on followed me out there one day. They’d had some lofty ideas of things they wanted to do to me.” Corrine smirks. “In hindsight, I probably could have high-tailed it out of there, but I’d wanted something bigger than a rabbit for a change. I let them come closer thinking they’d be in for a treat, and then…” Corrine places her cup on the table with some considerable force. “Chop.”

>“So you had killed before coming to the Academy?”

“Three village boys. Unfortunately, I couldn’t hide them as well as the rabbits. Not to mention I came back to the castle covered in blood. Father was none too pleased. The villagers were even madder. They’d threatened to riot right there, thinking that those ‘sweet little boys’ were just fodder for some noble’s deranged daughter. Eventually, Father relented, growing tired of my antics and the ‘shame’ I brought to the family. I was sent to an imperial academy in Enbarr, far away. That’s where I met Hubert. It was at the recommendation of House Vestra that I come to Garreg Mach. Father knows his place and was happy to comply.”

>“That’s quite a lot to take in…You’re from a noble family but it sounds like you want nothing to do with them. If that’s the case…what do you want? Why come to the Academy? What’s your end goal?”

Corrine stares at her tea for a moment. If you didn’t know any better, she looks almost…sad. “I don’t have one. At Boramus I was just a tool for my father. Someone to marry off to strengthen the family. Here, I’m just a tool for the Empire. A weapon to throw at Edelgard’s enemies, until I’m eventually killed and discarded. In either case, there’s nothing to look forward to. I might as well try and enjoy myself before the end.”

>“You make it sound as if you expect to die soon.”

An awkward silence follows before Corrine lets out her trademark laugh. “I appear to have rambled on a bit. Forgive me, Blair. You’re so cute, I just want to tell you all my secrets!”

>You sigh. It appears the serious nature of today’s conversation has ended. The two of you finish your tea, before departing.

“That was fun, we’ll have to do it again sometime. Until then!”

>You feel a stronger bond growing with Corrine!

That was quite the day. Before turning in, you decide to see if there’s any last-minute shopping you might want to do before the mission.

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>>4946263
>Gold Available: 1060g
>Items Available for Purchase:
Killer Lance: 3500g
Silver Lance: 3000g
Iron Sword: 300g
Iron Lance: 300g
Iron Axe: 300g
Javelin: 450g
Hand Axe: 450g
Steel Sword: 650g
Steel Lance: 650g
Steel Axe: 650g
Torch: 200g
Vulnerary(x3): 100g
Iron Shield: (+2 Def, -2 SPD): 700g

Items Available To Sell: Iron Sword (200g), Iron Lance, (200g), Javelin (225g) Vulnerary(x6) (25g each)

Choose any combination of the following:
>A) Select something to buy.
>B) Select something to sell.
>C) Do nothing.

>>4945302
>>4945844

Maybe in the face a bit, but those tits are fucking huge lol. Way too big for the growth spurt Blair would. I could see it fitting a post-time skip Corrine though. Actually looks a bit like Dorothea.

I've been throwing around ideas for post-time skip Blair but it's still a ways away I feel.

>>4946267
>A)Buy a Steel Lance
Let's hope we can use it well enough. Corinne's life story was interesting... I'd feel bad if she just died like that, as a pawn for Edelgard.
Also I don't mind cowtits but I doubt that there'll be much focus drawn to them due to the nature of the quest. It doesn't matter all that much, it's up to QM.

>>4946267
>C) Do nothing.
Killer Lance spotted, new goal acquired.

>>4946276
Yeah, that's fair. I was personally not that interested in giving Blair big assets, and now that you mention it the pic does look/feel more similar to Corrine

>>4946267
>C) Do nothing.
Let's save up money for like a Killer weapon.
Also Corrine is pretty interesting I have to say, glad we talked to her.

>>4946267
>C) Do nothing.
If we had gone a bloodthirstier route you could say timeskip Blair resembling Corrine is thematic or something.

>>4946155
this kind of stuff:
>>4946034
>>4946049
it's gross!
>>4946267
>C) Do nothing.
I was somewhat thinking to sell the iron sword but Blair might want to use it later, training for her Falcon Knight certs or to take advantage of Levin Swords. Which are also very expensive, so if Blair wants a Killer Lance as well then I think she'll have to start doing market jobs during her free time to supplement her allowance!
>>4946302
giving corinne a life outside of the purposes other people give her is best accomplished by just being friends with her. I think she's lonely and trying to reach out to Blair

>>4946267
>>C) Do nothing.
Can’t think of anything to buy right now. Also Corrine needs a good friend, I hope Blair’s bond gets higher with her
>>4946276
>no cow tits Blair
Poor girl
>>4946547
> it's gross!
How can one man be so gay?

>>4946267
C) Do nothing


I'm for the Killer Lance, myself.

Also as to that Corrine bit: "I can save her." Ahem.

>>4946687
>How can one man be so gay?
I use exclamation marks, what were you expecting? I literally have a boyfriend.
but I just also dislike the objectification applied to fairly young girls. it doesn't really serve any character purpose beyond a weird pedophilic audience gratification i.e. fanservice.

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>>4946756
>a character growing bigger tits
>objectification
>pedophilic
Correction, how can one man be so retarded

>>4946267
>C) Do nothing.
The stuff about better physical growths was mostly a joke, but I really just want to get taller. She's shorter than Edelgard!

>>4946267
>C) Do nothing.
We can probably get by with what we have until we get enough for a killer lance.

>Blatant Corrine samefagging
God deciding whether to switch houses or not is going to be an utter mess.

>>4946861
Only 3 ID's had only 1 post, I don't think it was that bad this time around, perhaps they just had their ID changed. I certainly hope so at least.

>>4946911
Well, I'm a phoneposter on data, so I guess my IP changes quite a bit over time. I don't samefag though, it's not right.

>>4946931
I certainly hope everyone else is in a situation, but for this vote specifically I don't think there was a problem. However, the last time this quest was run there were 116 IPs for 455 posts. At this point I expect every single vote to have someone complaining that their option didn't win due to samefagging.

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>>4946941
I certainly had my suspicions the last thread, though this one seems much more reasonable, especially given the participation rate for each prompt. At least at the moment, anyway. Either way, it's not something I can really easily enforce. Just have to hope everyone plays nice.

No update tonight unfortunately friends. We'll be back tomorrow.

>>4946267
>>C) Do nothing.

>>4947126
What's cooking, noodle looking?

>>4947126
EDELGARD NOOOOOOOOOO

>>4947126
EDELGARD DON'T DO IT

>>4947126
edelgard save some for me

>>4947126
How villainous! I wonder what it tastes like
Didn't want to bring it up due to risk of shitflinging and my own IP changing a bit since I move around a bit, but it has felt like I've fairly consistently seen about 2 new IPs appear every time there's a Corrine vote. I *hope* that's just a coincidence.

>>4946931
>>4947649
I'm this anon, and it feels like I change IPs every day or so, and considering that there's typically one update a day I know I may be one of them. Perhaps I should namefag in this thread so you can be sure there's no foul play?

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>>4946267

You look like a girl who’s just been told by her mother that she doesn’t have enough money to buy her some sweets. At least that’s how you feel as you stare at the Armory’s brand-new Killer Lance that they have in stock. As you look inside your purse to see if there’s any loose gold, you resign to your fate. Maybe with enough scrounging or even taking an odd job here or there, you’ll be able to afford the weapon.

The day of the operation to Conand Tower is here. Ensuring your gear is all set and prepared, you venture forth to the staging area, where you’ll be meeting your teammates, Xavier and Martha, as well as Sylvain. As you arrive, you notice that many of the Black Eagles are already here. As you wait around for your squad to arrive, you’re approached by two cadets, a perky looking female redhead, and an unfortunately bald for his age male youth.

“Are you Blair?” The redhead asks.

>You nod. “That would be me, yes. I take it the two of you are Martha and Xavier?”

The bald one speaks. “That would be correct, a pleasure to meet you, Blair. May the Goddess watch over us as we seek to deliver justice.

>“Err…yes. May she.”

“You’ll have to excuse Baldy over here. He’s very much the devout, pious type. Even shaved his own head cause of it. Why’d you do that again, Baldy?”

“I told you to stop calling me that!” The boy snaps. “And if you must know, vanity is a sin in the face of the Goddess and her creations.”

“Aren’t you worried the shine caused by your head may give away your position to an enemy archer?” Asks Martha.

“The Goddess protects.”

>You interrupt this scene before it gets any more ridiculous. “Hair or not, I’m glad to have you both aboard. I understand you’re well-versed in magic?”

The two mages cease their bickering to regard you.

“Aye, my healing spells will ensure that we stand true.” Xavier responds. “Don’t get the wrong idea either, I’ve also been instructed in offensive white magic as well. Any enemy that seeks to make an easy target out of me will regret it.

Martha reaches her hand out. You can see little flames dancing across her fingertips. “I’m all about offensive magic. Fire magic to be specific! I’ll roast those freaks! By the time we’re done with this mission, you’ll never want to eat grilled meat again!”

>“Right…well, I intend for Sylvain and I to provide adequate defense for the two of you to work your spells.”

“Speaking of which, where is the Faergus cadet that will be accompanying us?” Asks Xavier.

>“…Good question.”

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>>4948353
All the cadets were supposed to have been here by now. Yours is the only unit that is not entirely present. You’re sure that boy was given the proper instructions.

“Cadets! Move out!” You hear Professor Byleth yell.

What the hell!? Where is he?! Yours is the only unit standing still as the others begin to fall into formation. After what seems like an eternity of just standing around as the other units begin marching, you spot Sylvain running towards your group. You notice that his uniform is only halfway on.

“Blair! Sorry I’m late!” He says, breathing heavily. “You wouldn’t believe the night I had. I was up all night with this girl. I tried to sneak out this morning so I wouldn’t disturb her sleep, but then she started freaking out! I had to lose her, but it was such a hassle. Then I realized I forgot my uniform and…”

As Sylvain continues trying to find the perfect excuse, one thing remains clear. Your first foray into being a Junior Officer is already off to a less than stellar start.

>A): You’ve wasted enough time here. Excuse Sylvain’s lateness and move out.
>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.
>C): HARSHLY admonish Sylvain. What would Leopold do?
>D): Write-in

>>4948354
>>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.

>>4948354
>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.
Yeah, I don't care what he does in his free time, but we're doing him a favor so the least he could do is take it seriously.

>>4948354
>>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.
Damn whore of a man will have to learn to be more serious when it comes to dealing with Blair

>>4948354
>A): You’ve wasted enough time here. Excuse Sylvain’s lateness and move out.

We can spend the entire trip yelling at him, but we can't hold the entire group back by doing it now. Seriously, you'd think that he'd take THIS mission of all missions seriously.....Unless that translates to him trying to fuck the jitters away.

>>4948354
>>>A): You’ve wasted enough time here. Excuse Sylvain’s lateness and move out.

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>>4948354
>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.

>>4948354
>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.

>>4948354
>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.

>>4948354
>>D): This is inexcusable but you need to march back to the others, once you have caught up with the rest you will give Sylvain an earful.

>>4948354
Missed like 10 days of posts (catching up it's been a treat), but supporting this >>4948745

>>4948354
>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.
Looks like some ears need to be pulled. Ask him kindly to bend down a bit to lend it to us.

>>4948354
>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.
Sylvain, what would Blair do without her knight! You've gotta be more timely. How can you rescue a girl if you're busy putting your armor on, or if you leave your lance under your bed?

>>4948354
>>B): You need to correct this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. Admonish Sylvain before moving out.

>>4948425
>trying to fuck the jitters away.
Yeah he has a lot of issues and using his whoring as a way to (badly) self medicate his various traumas are one of them. Not surprised he pulls this on the day we march out to kill his brother, but Blair has got to put her foot down with him.

>>4948354
+1 >>4948745

>>4948354
>>4948425
>>4948745
Switching to this

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>>4948354

You’ve read about situations like this in your studies. The occasional “dressing down” you’d have to give an insubordinate or incompetent soldier. While you never expected to have to do it so early in your blossoming officer career, you know that ignoring Sylvain’s tardiness may lead to some worse issues further down the line. You don’t wait for the boy to finish his jumbled excuse making as you interrupt him.

>“Gautier!” You raise your voice. “Shut the hell up and listen good! I didn’t have to bring your sorry ass to this mission! You’re here under my orders and you’ll damn well follow them to the letter! If that’s too difficult for you to understand, let me know now and I’ll find someone more capable!”

You’re not sure how natural that came out. You suddenly realize that it’s kind of hard to reprimand someone who’s much taller than you. But fortunately, your words seem to have cut through to Sylvain, who looks as though he’s seen a ghost.

“Y-yes, I’m sorry. Please forgive me, Blair. I will follow your command with no issues.” Sylvain stammers out.

>“Good, we’re leaving now.” You tun, followed by your unit, and reconnect with the rest of the Black Eagles.

Conand Tower is located between the Kingdom’s territories of Fraldarius and Galatea. Many years ago, it was used as a fortification in the Crescent Moon War, where the Leicester Alliance declared their independence from the Kingdom of Faergus. The tower has remained unmanned since then, however from the intel you received, the walls still stand strong. Miklan Gautier and his band have been using it as a staging ground to rob passing caravans, making a fortune, and the local militia are completely outclassed. You hope that you’ll fare better than they did.

“Do you guys know why they call this place the Tower of Black Winds?” Chimes Martha, breaking the silence that’s been following your group ever since you yelled at Sylvain.

>“No, please enlighten us.”

“Legends say that a Knight of Faergus single-handedly defended this place from a Leicester army. He was a ferocious fighter, clad in jet black armor, who slew his enemies with no remorse! Eventually, he was slain at the very top of the spire, but with his dying breath, he vowed to haunt the tower and ensure it never fell into enemy hands. Soon after, a mysterious wind blew in, soldiers from the Leicester army began feeling ill, catching mysterious illnesses that crippled some and outright killed others. They soon fled the tower, and since then, it’s remained unoccupied by all.”

Xavier snorts. “Clearly just a superstition, otherwise we wouldn’t have to be venturing to this forsaken tower in the first place.”

Martha shrugs. “Hey, you never know. Could be there’s a monster waiting for us there! Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!”

“There’s a monster in there, alright.” You hear Sylvain mumble from under his breath.

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>>4949338
Three days pass, and you find yourself outside the dreaded Tower of Black Winds you’ve heard so much about. You’ll give the stories some credit, the place looks imposing. Though you’re not sure whether to credit that to the dark stone masonry, the gloomy overcast sky, or the impaled heads of presumably Faergus soldiers and merchants that ran afoul of the bandits.

“Seiros preserve! What manner of fiend would do something like this?!” Exclaims Xavier.

“Dear old brother never did know when enough was enough…” Sylvain mumbles again.

Brother? You knew he was related to Miklan somehow, but brothers? No wonder he’s been a mess the last three days.

“Looks like there’s no one out here to greet us.” Says Martha. “Guess they’re all holed up inside.”

You recall your mission briefing. This Miklan is apparently an experienced tactician. You’re certainly going to have your work cut out for you. You recall the strategy books you’ve been reading lately often talking about “psyching up” your soldiers. Perhaps some words of encouragement may go a long way here?

>A): Try your best to say something inspiring
>B): You’re overthinking things Blair!
>C): Write-in

>>4949342
>>C): Stay calm and don't die.
That should be enough.

>>4949419
Based.

>Support

>>4949419
+1
I'm feeling inspired already.

>>4949342
Can’t think of anything good so supporting >>4949419

>>4949419
+1

>>4949342
>>B): You’re overthinking things Blair!

>>4949342
>A): Try your best to say something inspiring
Oh boy, I gotta hear her attempt at rallying them

>>4949419
sounds a little demoralizing, at least with people you hardly know. If we're doing something simple, I'd prefer 'Stick together and we'll pull through' or something

>>4949342
lmao blair is truly hopeless at every part of command other than tactics. I was not expecting her to be that harsh with sylvain, hopefully she hasn't sunk the possibility of friendship with him
>C): "We're the rearguard, so the others are depending on us. Stay ready for anything."
Something short and simple is all that Blair is capable of. There are a few things that would make this better oratory, like being specific about who 'the others' are (using the names of those we're protecting to make it tangible) or saying our soldiers' names to make it direct to them. But Blair is only Authority C and is a bit of a social brick so I don't think she'd be aware of that kind of thing.

What are the odds on Sylvain breaking formation to go fight his brother?

>>4949342
>>4949838
>C): "We're the rearguard, so the others are depending on us. Stay ready for anything."
Adding on to this:
>"The bandits have had time to familiarize themselves with the tower and it's layout, keep your eyes peeled for secret passages that can be used to outmaneuver us, or possible ambush points."

Do not under any circumstance say this >>4949419 , it is perhapse the dumbest thing we can say at this moment. We're the Officer in charge, we're supposed to show confidence and provide direction for the troops to rally their morale, this just makes us look like an idiot who doesn't know what she's doing.

>>4949342
>C): "We're the rearguard, so the others are depending on us. Stay ready for anything."

>>4949342
>>C): "We're the rearguard, so the others are depending on us. Stay ready for anything."

>>4949342
>C): "We're the rearguard, so the others are depending on us. Stay ready for anything."

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We're technically tied but I don't feel like waiting for a tiebreaker for a decision of relatively minor importance so I'm gonna combine both of them.

Hue

>>4950549
Bueno

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>>4949342
While the strategy books you read often mentioned officers giving their subordinates rousing speeches before leading them into battle, they offered scant detail as to what to actually say. Clearing your throat, you attempt to give it your best shot.

>“Stay calm, and don’t die.”

The three cadets under your command stop what they are doing to stare at you with a blank look plastered on each of their faces.

>Oh no! Salvage this, think fast!

>“Uhh, we’re the rearguard, so the others are depending on us. Stay ready for anything.”

That doesn’t seem to inspire much confidence either, but at least that judgmental look has been wiped off their faces. You hear the clarion call from further ahead, signaling that the Black Eagles are getting ready to assault the tower. Taking up your spear, you move forward, Sylvain, Martha and Xavier following behind.

As mentioned earlier, your job is to serve as the rearguard while the others cut a pathway into the tower. As such, you’re not immediately exposed to the fighting that’s taking place further ahead, but you can certainly hear the commotion as Edelgard and the Professor lead the vanguard. Already men and women are screaming as the sounds of battle reach your ears.

“Dorothea! Bernadetta! Concentrate your fire on those archers up above!” You hear Professor Byleth yell.

“Y-You heard her! Fire!” Bernadetta commands her unit. A wave of arrows and flame wash the upper parapets of the tower as the bandits flee from their vantage point.

“Press onward!” Byleth orders, the entire army making their way into the tower. You and your unit are the last ones through the gate. The inside of the tower is surprisingly spacious, and in much better condition than a supposedly derelict tower has any right to be. You won’t find any breakable walls here, Miklan seems to have seen to that much at least.

The bandits had formed a defensive line at the hallway’s entrance to try and stop you, but after being peppered by Bernadetta and Dorothea’s initial assault, they’ve pulled back further into the tower.

“When are we going to get to the front?” Sylvain asks, a hint of impatience in his voice.

>“As soon we can make sure the way is cle-“

Just as you speak, you hear a distinct sound coming from the direction that you and everyone else had entered through. If you didn’t know any better, it sounds almost like…hooves?

>“Cavaliers!”

Miklan must have had scouts watching the Black Eagles enter the tower, and now plans to flank you from behind. If they manage to get passed you, they’ll tear a hole right through Bernadetta and Dorothea.

>A): Call for a defensive formation. Have Xavier and Martha get behind you while you and Sylvain hold them off.
>B): Move forward towards the cavaliers, the less space between them and your ranged units, the better.
>C): You can overhear movement to your left. There’s movement behind that wall, and they may be intending to flank you. Clear them out.
>D): Write-up

>>4951846
Oh shit we have a fucking cavalry coming on our asses.
>A): Call for a defensive formation. Have Xavier and Martha get behind you while you and Sylvain hold them off.
I think this is best, moving forward to the cavaliers would give the Myrmidons a chance to attack Dorothea while going for them makes the cavaliers attack better.

>>4951846
>>A): Call for a defensive formation. Have Xavier and Martha get behind you while you and Sylvain hold them off.

>>4951846
>>A): Call for a defensive formation. Have Xavier and Martha get behind you while you and Sylvain hold them off.

>>4951846
>A): Call for a defensive formation. Have Xavier and Martha get behind you while you and Sylvain hold them off.
Let's also call out that we heard enemy movement from behind the walls to our left.

>>4951846
>A): Call for a defensive formation. Have Xavier and Martha get behind you while you and Sylvain hold them off.

>>4951846
>A): Call for a defensive formation. Have Xavier and Martha get behind you while you and Sylvain hold them off.

In the game, Blair and Sylvain would both have Knightkneeler. I know there are no combat arts here, but it's a tool that I miss in situations like this.
That thought makes me wonder what Blair's combat art list would look like. With her hybrid growths, probably Frozen Lance, Hexblade, or another of the magic-damage arts. No Vengeance, or else she's just too much like Bernadetta, but she doesn't fight enough like Dimitri with Glowing Ember, or the speed-based characters who get e.g. Windsweep or Lance Jab. Can I wish that she has Swift Strikes...? Better not, lol, Swift Strikes is always a character-defining combat art. Hit and Run would make Blair a bit too similar to Ingrid, especially if Blair has Frozen Lance. She might just have Monster Piercer and Frozen Lance for her Lance arts.
What do you all think? What about for other weapon types?
>>4951846
'>C:'
The cavaliers are still just a sound, and will catch up. Waiting for them is just wasting time that could be spent better.
I suppose it's possible that unless Blair splits her group up that she's just choosing which of Bernadetta and Dorothea, her closest in-house friends, gets donked.
If you want to split up so that neither Bernadetta nor Dorothea gets donked then something like this?
'>D): Ask your squad to set up a defensive formation here, while you go cover Dorothea's flank.'
Blair could probably take care of those Myrmidons proficiently, since she has Swordbreaker, and then come relieve her crew, who would be very hard pressed without her. Alternatively she could stay back and send Sylvain forward, since he's so eager to keep moving:
'>D): Stay here and protect Bernadetta while sending Sylvain ahead to cover those worrying noises behind that wall.'
Something like this might appeal to Blair in that she's taking the most dangerous position of stopping all those cavaliers herself, while protecting both of her friends' squads. But it's also possible with both of these votes to split that it's trying to do too many things.

To be clear about what I'm voting for:
>C): You can overhear movement to your left. There’s movement behind that wall, and they may be intending to flank you. Clear them out.
>D): Stay here and protect Bernadetta while sending Sylvain ahead to cover those worrying noises behind that wall.

But in general I think it's most important to keep moving forward and being proactive - we're not going to stay here for the rest of the fight. The rest of the Black Eagles are going to keep moving forward and Blair and company can't get bogged down, especially if we want to position Sylvain to see his brother.
I also want Blair to adopt a mobile way of thinking in her commanding - she plans to be a Pegasus Knight, and that means staying fast and agile, not hunkering down. Even though Blair is in Gilbert's place, that doesn't mean she has to fight like him. Blair's victory in the mock battle came through manuevering her squad actively and with purpose. She should keep that up.

>>4951846
>D): Stay in a defensive formation and send Sylvain to deal with those noises you heard.

I really hope Sylvain doesn't break formation afterwards to go after his brother.

>>4951846
>A): Call for a defensive formation. Have Xavier and Martha get behind you while you and Sylvain hold them off.
Never abandon a defensive position, especially a chokepoint when you're outnumbered.

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>>4951846
>“Sylvain, to my side! We’ll hold them off here and let Martha and Xavier back us up with their magic!”

“Right!” Sylvain retorts, wielding his spear and taking up position next to you.

It doesn’t take long for that first wave of cavaliers to reach you. While they were galloping at you full force, they have no choice but to slow down when it comes to turning the corner to where your unit is positioned. You aren’t sure if these cavaliers were expecting to get the jump on soft targets, but the first bandit that you spot has a surprised look on his face as he gallops towards you, only to have his horse’s head impaled by your spear. You stop it dead in it’s tracks as the rider is knocked off it’s back.

>10xp gained! (30/100)

To your side, Sylvain does the same, knocking the bandit off the back of his steed and to the ground. The two cavaliers that accompanied them become entangled in the mess of flailing limbs both human and animal alike and are unable to breach the defense that you and Sylvain form. One of the cavaliers still on his horse screams in agony as he’s engulfed in flames, falling to the ground off his steed. The other cavalier is surrounded by some sort of light magic, which intensifies as the man rapidly withers, almost as if the very blood inside him had been sucked out.

“Nosferatu!” You hear Xavier yell.

Before the first cavalier that ran into you can get off the ground, you’re already on him, plating your spear firmly through his throat. He jerks a bit, before laying still. To your side, Sylvain has already executed his bandit.

>30xp gained! (60/100)

You can hear the sound of more horse hooves up ahead, signaling that this was not the only wave of cavaliers that intended to flank you. Behind you, you can hear the fighting growing somewhat dimmer. The other units must be pushing back the bandits further ahead.

>“Maintain formation! There’s more horsemen com-!”

As you’re barking your commands, you spot movement from up above. Two of the archers that had fled upon Bernadetta and Dorothea’s initial assault have returned, and they have their bows trained upon your group. They let loose two arrows, both of which find their mark hitting you and Sylvain. (Blair, 23/29, Sylvain, 24/30).

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>>4953202
From behind, you spot two bandits, each decked with short swords, charging your position. These bandits must have been the source of noise you had heard to your left. If left unmolested, they’ll make contact with Xavier and Martha shortly.

Further ahead, the sounds of the second wave of cavaliers’ hooves are getting closer. They’ll be ramming into you shortly.

>A): Maintain position. Xavier and Martha will have to hold off the Myrmidons on their own.
>B): Both you and Sylvain will turn around and fight the Myrmidons. You’ll be exposed to the cavaliers, but your mages won’t have to fend off those swordsmen.
>C): (Swordbreaker) This is what you trained for! Those two swordsmen will have a hard time breaking through your spear. But can Sylvain hold off the cavaliers on his own?
>D): Write-In

>>4953205
>C): (Swordbreaker) This is what you trained for! Those two swordsmen will have a hard time breaking through your spear.
>D): Write-In: Have the rest of our group fall back out of the range of the Archers and take new positions, then attempt to pull out and join the new formation

With both flanks exposed we can't hold this location and we're getting dangerously far behind the main group, we lock down the Myrmidons while the rest of the team pulls back and prepares to handle the next wave of Cavaliers coming around the corner. Best of the best we manage to kill both Myrmidons, but keeping them in check and manuvering ourselves north whilst stalling is the priority.

Next turn we might have to YOLO the Cavaliers as we can't catch them if they break through, and it'd look pretty bad if we fucked up our first mission as an Officer.

>>4953205
>>C): (Swordbreaker) This is what you trained for! Those two swordsmen will have a hard time breaking through your spear. But can Sylvain hold off the cavaliers on his own?
He's got a Crest, as much as he dislikes it. He's gotta do it.

>>4953205
>C): (Swordbreaker) This is what you trained for! Those two swordsmen will have a hard time breaking through your spear. But can Sylvain hold off the cavaliers on his own?

>>4953205
>>4953241
Support

>>4953205
>C): (Swordbreaker) This is what you trained for! Those two swordsmen will have a hard time breaking through your spear. But can Sylvain hold off the cavaliers on his own?
>D): Pull back closer to the main force, and have our mages back up one another by attacking the archers. They probably don't expect them to go on the offensive.

>>4953241
+1

From the narrative description, is it that every cavalier is actually two separate units- mount and horse- and thus a wave of four units of cavaliers is actually only two riders?

And if not, where did the other two horseman go?

*horsemen

Ah, no. I see. Sorry for my inability to read.
:)

>>4953241
Support, also now that we are hurt I wonder if our personal skill will activate, Blake didn't seem more angry after getting hurt so I wonder if Leopold managed to beat that out of us.

>>4953205
Gotta give my +1 to >>4953241

>>4953205
>>4953241
Supporting

>>4953241
>>4953205
Support. Miklan has more than one ambush planned anyway so us falling too far back means that our mages and archers are deadmeat

>>4953205
+1>>4953241

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>>4953205
>“Pull back! Leave these swordsmen to me!” You yell, as you charge towards the enemy myrmidons that are intending to flank you.

The swordsmen are cut off from your mages as you step into the fray. Immediately, they turn to you as their primary target, but find that they’re both unable to get through your iron-clad defense. You subconsciously note that training with your lance so much since coming to the academy has paid off wonderfully.

Both swordsmen are parried by your spear, and you retaliate with a jab to each bandit, sending both of them backing off. (-17 HP x2 Myrmidons).

>20 xp gained!

The bandit swordsmen reel in pain, but don’t have time to dwell on it for long as they’re stuck down by Martha and Xavier, who are pulling back to rejoin with the main group. The two mages are able to successfully pull back without being harassed by the myrmidons or the archers above thanks to your efforts. Unfortunately, though, you and Sylvain are still well within range of the archers above, who intend on turning you into pincushions. Both men above pull their bowstrings, and arrows find their way into Sylvain’s arm and your chest. (Blair, 17/29 HP, Sylvain, 18/30).

You seethe as you rip the arrow out, just in time for the cavaliers to turn the corner. One of the horsemen that faces you is wielding a sword, while the other has a sharp looking lance. They’ll be charging your position momentarily.

>A): Let Martha deal with the Archers up above while Xavier heals you. Maintain position against the two cavaliers.
>B): Direct Martha and Xavier to back you up offensively against the two cavaliers. You’ll pop a vulnerary in the meantime to offset the archers continued volley.
>C): Continue backing up until you’ve aligned fully with the main group, doing your best to cover for your mages.
>D): Write-in

>>4955890
>>A): Let Martha deal with the Archers up above while Xavier heals you. Maintain position against the two cavaliers.

You do not give ground to Cav

>A): Let Martha deal with the Archers up above while Xavier heals you. Maintain position against the two cavaliers.

>>4955890
>A): Let Martha deal with the Archers up above while Xavier heals you. Maintain position against the two cavaliers.

Wait, don't enemy reinforcements show up right behind you when you turn the corner near the top right? I hope the main group isn't going to get assassins on their ass while we're catching up.

>>4955890
>having squishy mage aggro the archers
It's like you people want to get our squadmates killed

>B): Direct Martha and Xavier to back you up offensively against the two cavaliers. You’ll pop a vulnerary in the meantime to offset the archers continued volley.
>D): Write-in: Lob one Vulnerary over to Sylvain (if he doesn't have one) too so he can power through aswell

Break the Cavaliers quickly and then hightail it back to our main group afterwards, if we stick close to Bernadetta she'll suppress the Archers on the high ground for us while we cover the rear.

Vulneraries seeing some good use this Quest, I hardly ever used them at all during the game. Might actually have to buy some more of them later.

>>4955890
>B): Direct Martha and Xavier to back you up offensively against the two cavaliers. You’ll pop a vulnerary in the meantime to offset the archers continued volley.

>>4955890
>You seethe as you rip the arrow out,
wow blair that's really dumb, I know it gets in the way but that's a sure wayto make the wound worse and bleed more heavily, hope she gets the selfcontrol to just snap the shaft w/ more training from Leopold
>>C): Continue backing up until you’ve aligned fully with the main group, doing your best to cover for your mages.
>>4956016
yes, you get a group of thieves. on maddening difficulty in the game, this level is one of the most difficult and they're part of it. they're the absolute WORST because they have PASS which means they can move through your units in order to reach your squishies. they're not same-turn, thankfully but you have to be on the ball to kill them immediately or they will run past whatever you tried to use to defend and will kill your archers and mages.
this is slightly metagaming since we know Miklan's general plan, and I expect Blair's path will take her places that we do not have magical omnipotent knowledge of, but for now we know so we should keep this kind of thing in mind.

>>4955890
>>A): Let Martha deal with the Archers up above while Xavier heals you. Maintain position against the two cavaliers.

>>4955890
>>A): Let Martha deal with the Archers up above while Xavier heals you. Maintain position against the two cavaliers.
The mages *should* be able to handle *a* volley from the archers as long as we and Silvain can take care of the Cavaliers. Once they're taken care off though, we should fucking book it to the rest of the group

>>4955890
>A): Let Martha deal with the Archers up above while Xavier heals you. Maintain position against the two cavaliers.

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>>4955890
>“Martha! We’re taking fire here! Deal with those archers!”

“Did you say fire?!” Martha retorts, hands alight with magic. Turning her attention towards the archers up above, she launches a fireball towards one of the bandits just as he lets loose an arrow in her direction. The arrow strikes true, catching her in the ribs and causing her to scream out, (-10 HP, Martha 14/24) but the archer fares much worse, becoming engulfed in searing flames. Clutching her ribs with one hand, Martha uses the free one to launch another fireball, turning the unfortunate bandit into ash.

In front of you, the cavalier with the sword charges first. He’s galloping towards you at full speed, but his short sword proves to be an ineffective weapon. You sidestep to your left at the last second and swipe your spear horizontally, knocking the man off his steed. The horse continues galloping forward, but you don’t think much of it as you plunge your spear into the bandit’s face, killing him.

>30xp gained! Level Up!

Blair d'Rusalka
Level 10 Fighter (10/100)
HP: 29 (80%) + 1 = 30
STR: 14 (45%) +1 = 15
MAG: 11 (50%)
DEX: 8 (45%)
SPD:13 (55%)
LCK: 8 (30%) + 1 = 9
DEF: 9 (50%)
RES: 5 (25%)
CHARM: 10 (40%)

>New Class Skill Gained! Strength +2

You pull your spear out just in time for the cavalier with the lance to swoop in and take his own stab. You’re fast enough to pull out your spear and take your own thrust just as his lance comes down. The man catches you in your right shoulder (8/29 HP), but it’s a trade that you’ll take as your own spear goes through his throat. The momentum of his horse nearly beheads him as the animal gallops off, master falling to the ground, dead.

>30xp gained! 40/100

You’re covered in blood and trying to catch your breath. Sylvain does not appear to be faring much better than you did. To your side you spot the tell-tale sign of a crest activation. Sylvain plants his sword cavalier directly into the ground while attempting to fend off the one with the lance. (Sylvain 9/20 HP) You feel the familiar sensation of healing magic invigorating you as Xavier restores some of the wounds that you had taken. (Blair 23/29 HP)

With newfound strength, you lift your spear up and plant it right though the back of the enemy cavalier, tossing him off his horse and securing the kill.

>30xp gained! (70/100).

The last archer, after seeing what Martha did to his friend, decides to back off and link up with the other two archers further north.

Your team is badly hurt, and you want to take a second to call a breather for everyone to recover, but just as the thought enters your head, you spot four bandits emerge from hiding. Swords in hands, they look like they’re ready to make mincemeat out of Bernadetta and Dorothea.

>A): Take a second to heal up before charging forward and fighting off the ambush.
>B): There’s no time to waste, you’ll have to charge ahead. Your promise to protect Bernadetta still stands.
>C): Write-In