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>>5380178
“We’ve been over this, Blair. There’s no shortage of blades in Fodlan happy to kill you to comply with the Orthodox Church’s command. Even in Derdriu you aren’t safe from those madmen.” Corrine tells you. While in the city, she wants you to be accompanied by bodyguards, and she won’t take no for an answer.

>“Fine the. I’ll go alongside Sebastian and Theo.”

Corrine claps her hands. “That’s better!” She looks at you through narrowed, suspicious eyes. “You know…those two must be the furthest possible thing from a guy like Ashe. Tall, big muscles. Not so lanky…maybe this is just what you need?”

>“Enough. It’s bad enough you’re treating me like a kid in need of parental supervision. You don’t get to start teasing me as if we’re back at the academy.”

Corrine sighs. “If only we were. You were so much cuter back then…”

Your second-in-command leaves to accommodate lodging for the rest of the company, and you soon find yourself flanked by your company’s two infantry captains, Sebastian and Theo.

“Commander.” Sebastian bows. “I’m honored you would select me to accompany you to the castle. I vow to see you there safely.”

Theo yawns. “Couldn’t you have picked Caleb instead of me? Or hell…anyone else? We’re back in the capital after weeks of being on the road. The last thing I want to do is work.”

“Ingrate! The commander specifically chose us for this assignment, and this is how you act? Commander, allow me to correct-“

>“It’s fine.” You grab Sebastian’s hand, easing his sword back into its scabbard. “Truth be told, I’m not too keen on being chaperoned myself. But Corrine seems to think there may be danger, and I can’t exactly say she’s wrong. If some hooded assassin does in fact try to waylay me, I’d feel safer with the two of you by my side. “

The hulking armored knight relaxes, clearing his throat. “Of course. Thank you, commander.”

Theo laughs. “Let’s hope someone is actually dumb enough to mess with the Blackwings and their Witch. I could go for a good scrap right about now.”

>“Don’t call me that in public. It’s embarrassing…”

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>>5380179
To reach Derdriu Castle, where Claude holds court, the three of you make your way towards the center of the city. The square is the most active part of Derdriu, with various merchants lining the streets, working deals and shouting about their wares. While crowded, most people do their best to avoid your path, stepping out of your way with a squeak. The less-informed ones do so out of fear of your compatriots. Theo and Sebastian stick out amongst the crowed, standing several feet taller than everyone there and both sporting mean looks. The few more-informed ones amongst the crowd though are doing their best to avoid you specifically. Despite having fought for the Leicester Alliance on more than one occasion, many still regard you as a “Witch”. Something to be feared.

As you’re walking through the busy streets, you notice a crowd gathered ahead. The assembled masses are listening to the words of a robed figure, who you gather is currently in the middle of preaching on something.

“I say to you, repent! Repent, brothers and sisters, for the end is nigh! The Goddess is displeased with her creations, who would follow the words of the Whore of Fodlan, Rhea! See how she engulfs the world in bloodshed! As we speak, innocent souls are consumed by the flames of war, and twisted Demonic Beasts roam the land, consuming all who cross their path! This is not a world fit to inhabit! It is rotten and diseased, and soon the Goddess shall send a torrential flood to purify these lands, washing the nonbelievers and sinners away into the void! Only those who repent their sins and seek salvation, turning their backs on the false Church, shall be saved!”

While some in the crowd loudly hiss and shush at the speaker, you notice a non-negligible amount of people murmuring their agreement. The Orthodox Church’s teachings are spreading fast. It seems Corrine may have had the right idea after all.

“Admittedly, I was never much for the faith. But I can’t recall any priest from the Church of Seiros preaching anything so…doom and gloom.” Theo says.

“Orthodox bastards.” Sebastian hisses. “He dares preach on the loss of life when their Crusaders were content to slay anyone who wouldn’t renounce the Archbishop? And the way these people eat this drivel up. It’s infuriating.”

>“It can’t be helped. You must admit, these certainly do seem like the end times. Derdriu is one of the few places on Fodlan the war hasn’t come to yet, and even that’s starting to look like it may change soon. It’s no wonder everyone thinks the Goddess is displeased.”

“Let us continue. I don’t like the direction this is heading.” Sebastian says, looking off towards the right. You follow his gaze towards a group of men who have been listening intently to the preacher’s words. Some of them appear to be staring right back at you.

>“Good idea.”

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>>5380180
After a few more minutes of walking, you reach the castle. You’ve been here before, and the guards allow you entrance upon recognizing you. You find the castle in its usual state, abuzz with activity. Soldiers and clerks run around with purpose, each of them aware that the truce with the Pro-Imperial faction of the Alliance could break any day. As you’re walking through the courtyard, you hear someone shout your name.

“Blair! You’re back!” Hilda shouts, running over towards you.

Hilda Valentine Goneril. Daughter of the head of House Goneril, and young sister of Holst Goneril, the strongest warrior of the Alliance, whom you fought alongside with at Fodlan’s Locket. Hilda had been a student of the Golden Deer back when you were at Garreg Mach, but your paths did not cross until after you joined the Alliance. Bubbly, cheerful and possessing a deceptively high-level of energy that ran contrary to her desire to slack off, Hilda served as Claude’s right hand.

>“Good to see you, Hilda. We returned to Derdriu just this morning. I was just on my way to report the success of our mission to Claude.”

“Duh. I didn’t even need to ask if it was a success. Knowing you were on the case, I bet that creep didn’t even stand a chance. Come on, I’ll escort you to see “His Royal Highness.”

>A): Inquire on the rest of the Golden Deer
>B): Ask how her brother is doing
>C): Ask how things have been in Derdriu and the Alliance
>D): Write-in

>>5380182
>A) Inquire on the rest of the Golden Deer
Welcome back.

>>5380182
>C): Ask how things have been in Derdriu and the Alliance

Any noteworthy rumours catch your ear or any big events that went on while we were gone?

Welcome back, QM. You brought a shiny new google doc I see.

>>5380182
>B): Ask how her brother is doing

We never really interacted much with the golden deer so I can't say I care much what the rest of them have been up to and we're heading to see Claude right now who we'll likely get information on Derdriu and the Alliance anyway.

>>5380182
>>A): Inquire on the rest of the Golden Deer

>>5380182
>B): Ask how her brother is doing
How's his buttchin treating him?
Also I checked the Blackwing company info and Sebastian just has a skill that could just null all damage, fucking ay.
Also Roxanne looks cool.

>>5380182
>C): Ask how things have been in Derdriu and the Alliance

Hurrah!
The sheets are actually really helpful. Do our officers not have defensive or offensive skills, or are they just the generic ones from classes and so not included?

Theo has less defence than I thought, honestly, though he is a heck of a lot faster.

>>5380182
>C): Ask how things have been in Derdriu and the Alliance

>>5380182
>C): Ask how things have been in Derdriu and the Alliance

Theo and Sebastian's dynamic is great, I love laid back/prim and proper duos.

Yara, Sebastian and Ava's personal skills look super good, going after the Boar was the right choice there. And with that 5+ flat mag boost it looks like Damien has finally she'd his dead weight status. He'll synergise super well with Blair now.

>>5380182
>>C): Ask how things have been in Derdriu and the Alliance

Welcome back Tree!
>>5380182
>B): Ask how her brother is doing
Asking after people who fought alongside you just seems polite

>>5380182
>>5380182
>C): Ask how things have been in Derdriu and the Alliance
Blair just casually re-sheathing Sebastian's sword for him had me chuckling, she really has matured as a leader compared to the girl who botched her rousing speech before facing Miklan.

>Tall, big muscles. Not so lanky…maybe this is just what you need?
Listen to the woman, Blair. Also reunion with Leopold when, I've been missing that fine strapping gentleman.

>>5380182
>>A): Inquire on the rest of the Golden Deer
the blackwings info is neat, we've got a good crew if I do say so myself

>>5380182
>B): Ask how her brother is doing

Welcome back

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>>5380182
In the short time you’ve known Hilda, you’ve grown fond of her. Something about the pink-haired beauty reminded you of Dorothea, whom you missed just as much as Ashe. As she’s escorting you towards Claude’s study while your bodyguards remain behind, you strike up conversation with her.

>“So then, what have I missed? How are things fairing here in Derdriu and the Alliance?”

“Well, they’ve certainly been better.” She frowns. “The fighting hasn’t reached the Alliance, but everyone’s acting like it’s only a matter of time. Morale in the city is at an all-time low, and those Orthodox guys aren’t really helping. Right now, the Pro-Imperial faction is playing nice, but Claude thinks we’re at the point where if we slip up even once, they’ll use it as a pretext to launch an attack over the Great Bridge of Myrddin. If that happens, it won’t be long before the Alliance is in total chaos, just like the Kingdom.”

>“It’s only natural to be stressed at the prospect of civil war. I’ve seen first-hand what’s happened to Faerghus. Towns and villages razed, bandits and thieves every way you turn, brothers forced to fight each other. It’s very ugly.”

“Claude’s doing his best to keep up appearances. Making us look a lot stronger than we really are. I think if it weren’t for him, Edelgard and Hubert would have had their way with us a long time ago. I just worry he’s pushing himself too far.”

>“If anyone could match those two devils in a game of wits, my gold would be on Claude.”

“You think so?” She asks you. From the look on her face, she’s thought about this a lot. “You must have interacted with those two a lot back at the academy. Are they as good as they seem?”

>“We didn’t interact as much as you’d think. I wasn’t exactly in the ‘in-crowd’ of the Black Eagles. Still, they’re certainly very capable of planning ahead and keeping things under control, that much is certain. Though, I have my suspicions they’re receiving some substantial help.”

“I see…” She pouts. If she’s expecting you to clarify further on who exactly you mean, she’s sorely mistaken. “I just wish we weren’t so alone. With the Kingdom on the verge of collapse and the Knights of Seiros scattered, it feels like we’re the only ones left standing up to those jerks. When’s something good going to happen?”

>“Hopefully as soon as Claude thinks of it.” You stop in front of the Alliance leader’s door, which Hilda opens to announce your presence.

“Yoohoo, your royal majesty! Blair’s back, and she’s here to see you.”

“Ahh! Just the moody Pegasus Knight I was hoping to see! Please send her in.” You hear Claude say from within.

“I’ll leave the two of you to it. The last thing I want to do is sit in on some boring debriefing.” She smiles. “Glad you’re back safe, Blair. Don’t be a stranger.” She departs, allowing you entrance into Claude’s chambers.

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>>5381458
>“Your Majesty.” You bow before the leader of the Leicester Alliance. “I have returned with news on the success of the mission you gave me.”

The lord sighs. “Hey, I told you to just call me Claude. No need to add on the fancy titles or anything. We were classmates after all. Just pretend like we’re still at the monastery.”

>You rise. “But I didn’t know you at the monastery…”

“And what a shame that was!” He exclaims with a grin. “We’ll have to make up for lost time after the war’s over.”

Claude von Riegan. Heir to House Riegan, and leader of the Leicester Alliance. Or at least half of it, in any case. These days, you took most of your orders directly from Claude, a feat that most mercenaries could only dream of aspiring to. He was a good boss, that much was certain. He was extremely intelligent with how he utilized your band. He paid well, and he treated you with respect and dignity. He also didn’t laugh you out of the room when you confided in him your theories on the “shapeshifters” controlling the Empire. There was very little more you could ask for in an employer or leader. Claude was a master strategist, and one could make an argument that he was the one single-handedly holding the Empire back from completely conquering half of Fodlan. It was for that reason you both admired and did not trust him. For all his jovialness and smiling, the leader of the Alliance had a definite dark side. You had the feeling if it meant stopping the Empire for good, he would not hesitate to sacrifice just about anything or anyone.

“So then, how’d it go? Is Echeverria still in business?” He asks, leaning back into his chair and peering at you over a stack of papers.

>“Unfortunately, business went south for our merchant friend long before I got to him. But I was able to make sure the thing that was wearing his skin never made it to Castle Siward.” You explain to Claude in detail how you ambushed “Echeverria” and his guard. How he summoned Demonic Beasts during the battle, the book you found, and how he was carrying a load of humans that were meant for Ordelia.

“That’s…a lot to take in.” Claude whistles. “I’m glad you caught him before he reached the castle. The last thing we need are any more nobles throwing their lot in with Count Gloucester. But some of this other stuff you’re saying is concerning. What would that man have needed kidnap victims for?”

>“Perhaps as fuel to make more Demonic Beasts?”

Claude shakes his head. “But he did that already. That girl you found said he’d turned her brother and another villager into those monsters. So why keep the others if he wasn’t going to turn them? Surely, they’d just drag him down?”

>A): Were they meant for some other experiment?
>B): Maybe he was looking to cause chaos in your lands?
>C): Express suspicions about Ordelia

>>5381459
>>A): Were they meant for some other experiment?

>>5381459
>A): Were they meant for some other experiment?
big think

>>5381459
>>C): Express suspicions about Ordelia

>>5381459
>A): Were they meant for some other experiment?
Claude probably already has marked Ordelia is suspicious considering Solon also hails from there, but his hands are tied so long as the Alliance is unstable. The last thing he wants to do is provoke a conflict in a pro-empire state which will give the empire an excuse to send reinforcements.

At least this sets us down the line of credit implantation experiments, which Blair hasn't picked up on yet. Damn it's been too long size I've

>>5381579
>Damn it's been too long size I've
a-anon?
did... did the slitherers get him?

>>5381459
>A): Were they meant for some other experiment?

Remind me, who was Ordelia again?

Also, welcome back! Glad I caught this early.

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>>5380372
You can assume they have their generic skills from their classes but I didn't include them in the spreadsheet. I want to be careful about not overwhelming with too much statistical info.

>>5381579
RIP Anon.

>>5381585
Kek

Gonna say it's been too long since I've played the deer route, can't remember if/when Lys spills the beans of her experimentation to Claude.

>>5381587
Ordelia tried to provide aid to its neighbour house Hyrm of the empire when the latter tried to defect from the Empire some years back. That defection failed, and as retaliation the Empire sent it's forces to meddle in Ordelia's affairs, which allowed the Slithers to move in and start experimenting on people there. Lysithea was forced to undergo the same experiments as Edelgard did, granting her two crests, a much reduced lifespan, and white hair.

Currently the territory is pro-empire, but like most pro-empire alliance territories its mainly because they share a border with the Empire. Lys, the next heir, is backing Claude.

>>5381459
>B): Maybe he was looking to cause chaos in your lands?

>>5381579
That's one mouth silenced.

>>5381459
>A): Were they meant for some other experiment?

I mean...it could just be that it is more logistically sound to hide soon-to-be demons in a nice human sized package instead of a hulking, unsubtle demon form. Transport them to the relevant area of use in human form, fit more into each wagon, transformation is easy to administer if I remember how our friends turned out right.

>>5381459
>>C): Express suspicions about Ordelia

>>5381459
>>A): Were they meant for some other experiment?

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>>5381459
>“Were they perhaps meant for some other experiment?” You muse. “The Demonic Beasts themselves gave the impression that they were a last resort for defense. Before they appeared, Echeverria…or the man posing as him rather, had cast some sort of spell. That was likely the trigger that caused those humans to transform. They were separated into two separate wagons, likely so that when the transformation occurred, they wouldn’t get in each other’s way. But none of the other humans had been experimented on or turned into beasts. They were packed together, too. It’s possible he had something else in mind for them. Something he couldn’t do until he reached Ordelia.”

Claude taps his fingers on the crowded desk, staring off. “About as good a guess as any, I’d say. Though, it is just purely speculation. We know the Empire isn’t above utilizing such methods. Though if experimenting with creating Demonic Beasts is just one thing they’re working on, I shudder to think what else is on their agenda. I’m reminded of Remire Village. I wasn’t there myself, but I understand you were.”

>How could you forget. The way you understood it, Solon, one of their “Seven Sages”, had done something to the village’s inhabitants. He had somehow caused them to lose their minds, leading them to commit numerous self-destructive acts, including burning down their own homes and attacking their neighbors. You saved as many as you could, but in the end, almost the entire village was put to the sword. “It was…not pleasant.”

Claude sighs. “In any case, we don’t have much to go by other than a vague connection to Ordelia. And given that it’s well-situated in Pro-Imperial territory, it’s not like you can just go take a look for yourself. Because of its location near the border, Ordelia has always been in the shadow of the Empire. The Count there is a good man, but in the face of Imperial interference, ongoing raiding from bandits, and his own poor health, there’s not much he can do to stand up for himself. Hell, he doesn’t even govern much himself these days. Most of that is left to his minister.”

>“So…you’re saying there’s nothing we can do?”

“Afraid not, my friend. At least not until this truce between both factions is over. And when that day comes, we’ll have much bigger problems on our hands.”

>“I understand some people think that day is coming soon.”

He smirks. “Ahh, have you been talking to Hilda? Or just listening to those insane Orthodox preachers?”

>“I noticed they’re more numerous since the last time I visited…”

“Can’t do anything about that, I’m afraid. I’ve already got one war on my hands. Can’t add a holy war on top of that.” He studies you closely. “That being said, you probably shouldn’t walk around alone while they’re here…”

>Inquire on the state of:
>A): The Alliance
>B): The Kingdom
>C): The Empire

>>5382226
>B): The Kingdom

>>5382226
> The Kingdom

it's funny how Blair started as a Black Eagle, but is one of the most Faerghus-aligned characters on Fodlan. The power of Cute Boy(tm)'l do that to you, I guess.

>>5382226
>B): The Kingdom

>>5382226
>>B): The Kingdom

>>5382226
>B): The Kingdom

Blue Lions-adjacent at this point. BL Route when?

>>5382226
>>C): The Empire

>>5382226
>B): The Kingdom
Never forget that Blue Lion's lost the house choice by only one vote.

In retrospect going from BE to SS was great character development for Blair so I'm not (too) salty about how things have turned out, but damn what could have been.

>>5382226
>B): The Kingdom
Don't think Blair has told Claude about Dimitri's fate since she doesn't fully trust him, but I am interested to know if Claude suspects that Dimitri is alive.

Yeah we're blue lion adjacent but all that's gonna do is provide more suffering when they're all slaughtered at Gronder. Really hoping we can do something to avert their fate on that one, I don't condone cute boy slaughter.

>>5382226
>B): The Kingdom
>>5382237
>That Kingdom bussy got me questioning my loyalty to the Empire
man... I hate myself for writing that

>>5382226
>B): The Kingdom

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>>5382387

>>5382535
Never forget how we lost of 5 years of family building.

>>5382535
KEH
splendid

>>5382569
Just means Blair's going to need to make up for lost time.

My current assumption with how our reunion with Ashe is going to go is like how it is in the none-Azure Moon routes, where we have to beat his ass before he'll join us.

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Found something we could use for Corrine.

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>>5382226
>“How fares the Kingdom?” You ask Claude. Ever since leaving the service of Duke Fraldarius, you’d only heard bits and pieces of information on how Faerghus was contending. What you had heard, you didn’t like.

Claude raises an eyebrow. “The Kingdom? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were from there and not the Empire.”

>“I still have a few friends in Faerghus. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about their safety.”

Claude shrugs. “Well then you won’t like this. Things haven’t exactly been going smoothly for our friends up North. The Empire and the Dukedom have all but fully consolidated their hold over the country. The only pockets of resistance in the Kingdom fighting back are concentrated entirely around Fraldarius, in the northeast. There’s been no sign of Dimitri at all over the years, with the Kingdom lords seemingly doing the bulk of the decision making. Despite the odds being entirely stacked against them, they’re certainly fighting back valiantly. But it’s only a matter of time until they fall. When that day comes, I worry Edelgard will turn her entire focus on us.”

>“Good news is seemingly hard to come by these days. Feels like all we can do is buy time until a miracle happens. Maybe if we’re lucky Edelgard will trip down some stairs or something.”

“Wouldn’t that be fortunate.” He trails off.

>“So, any new missions or jobs you have in store for me?” You ask.

“Actually, no.” He leans back. “There’s nothing I need for you to do right now. That’s not to say there won’t be in the near future. I’m sure I’ll need you to slit someone’s throat eventually. But as for right now, you’re free to do as you please or seek employment elsewhere. I’ve had Hilda ensure that the gold for your last job was delivered to your Lieutenant.”

>“Thank you, Claude. If you need anything, let me know.” You depart the lord’s office, linking back up with Sebastian and Theo, who had been waiting for you outside the castle gates.

“So, where to now boss?” Theo asks you. “The day is still young, after all. No need to go back to the others just yet. Let’s have some fun.”

“Is that really wise?” Sebastian says. “We’re here to ensure the Commander’s safety. Going sight-seeing now of all times is hardly the best idea.”

“Exactly!” Theo says. “We’re here to ensure Blair’s safety. So, if anyone tries to mess with her, you and I can smash their heads in no problem.”

>“Well…I can’t deny I wouldn’t mind walking around a bit.”

>A): Head to the Arena
>B): Head to the Inn
>C): There’s a merchant you know in town that sells good quality gear
>D): Go towards the port
>E): Go to where the rest of the Blackwings are

>>5383611
That's a good design! Though I daresay it's not smug enough to fully represent /ourgirl/

>>5383787
>>C): There’s a merchant you know in town that sells good quality gear
Tempted to go see if anything cool is happening at the arena, but we do have a decent chunk of cash... wonder if there's any rare finds like stat rings available

>>5383787
>B): Head to the Inn
OR
>D): Go towards the port
Claude's let us loose, so we have time searching for ANY intel on the Slitherers.

>>5383787
>>D): Go towards the port
Rumor hunting.

>>5383787
>D): Go towards the port
COME HERE YOU SLITHERING FUCKS! I KNOW YOU'RE SNOOPING IN OUR WATERS!

>>5383787
>D): Go towards the port
Let's buy a boat for our band, fuck it

>>5383787
>D): Go towards the port

Might as well.

>>5383787
>>C): There’s a merchant you know in town that sells good quality gear

>>5383787
>>B): Head to the Inn

>>5383787
>D): Go towards the port

>>5383787
>Maybe if we’re lucky Edelgard will trip down some stairs or something

Holy shit.

>D): Go towards the port

>>5383787
>>B): Head to the Inn

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>>5383787
>“The docks sound nice. I always feel so stifled when I come to the city. I could do with a bit of a fresh sea breeze. And besides, the sun is still out. There’s plenty of people going about their business in public. If someone were to try and make a move on us, I doubt they’d do so in this setting.”

“As you wish, Commander.” Sebastian relents.

“The docks?” Theo groans. “Fishing is so boring, though. I wanted to do something fun. Maybe grab a few pints of ale and get into a brawl with some rowdy drunks?”

>“You sure know how to show a lady a good time. But don’t go complaining now, doing something was your idea. Besides, I’m sure your body could use a bit of a respite from the alcohol. Now, come along, or I’ll leave you behind.”

The Berserker grumbles, before falling in line and accompanying you to Derdriu’s busy port area. The city is well-known for being one of Fodlan’s most profitable commercial trade harbors. Ships from all corners of the continent, and even some from abroad, line the docks, their wares being unloaded and readied for sale. Eventually, you find a nice bench, overseeing a busy section of the dock, where the three of you take a rest.

>“Do you like the water?” You ask Sebastian.

“Well…I never quite learned how to swim.” He responds.

Theo laughs. “Of course not! With all that armor you’d sink to the bottom like a stone.”

“You’re one to talk. Perhaps you could benefit from a good dunking into the river. It would certainly improve your hygiene.”

“There you go, starting fights again! Tell him off for me, Blair.” Theo prods you.

>“I actually don’t mind. The both of you remind me of two good friends I used to have. They’d bicker nonstop with each other, but in reality, they were extremely close, and always had the other’s back. The two of you make a show of being enemies, but I think you appreciate each other’s company more so than you’d like to admit.”

Theo gags. “As if I’d ever be friends with a pompous blowhard of a knight like this guy. Sorry, Blair, but your instincts are way off.”

“Apologies, Commander. This is a rare moment where I must disagree with you…” Sebastian says.

>“Sure, whatever.” You sit there, ignoring the two as they continue to lightly trade jabs with each other. Even their incessant bickering is not enough to ruin your moment of respite. You sit there for what feels like an hour, enjoying the calming sea breeze and beautiful weather. You think about how nice it is to have some time to yourself where you aren’t thinking of the war, lost friends, or shapeshifting freaks. You’ll need to do it more often.

>+1 MAG during next battle

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>>5385523
>“Alright then, let’s be off.” As you stand up from the bench, stretching your tired legs and arms and letting loose a yawn, someone bumps into you hard.

“W-whoops! Apologies, my lady!” A boy that appears to be no older than 12 has fallen on the ground before you and is working his way back to his feet.

Perhaps this trick works on some people, but you take pride in your situational awareness.

>A): Swiftly snatch your coinpurse back out of the thief’s hands without him noticing (SPD: 95% Success)
>B): Trip the boy as he gets back up (DEX: 75% Success)
>C): Grab the boy and pin him to the ground (STR: 81% Success)
>D): Talk to the boy and attempt to reason with him (LCK: 63% Success)
>E): Let him go. He looks like he needs it more (-500 gold)

>>5385524
>>A): Swiftly snatch your coinpurse back out of the thief’s hands without him noticing (SPD: 95% Success)
wonder how far out into the sea Theo could throw a kid...

>>5385524
>A): Swiftly snatch your coinpurse back out of the thief’s hands without him noticing (SPD: 95% Success)
If he gets away after this then he deserves it

>>5385524
>A): Swiftly snatch your coinpurse back out of the thief’s hands without him noticing (SPD: 95% Success)

>>5385524
>A): Swiftly snatch your coinpurse back out of the thief’s hands without him noticing (SPD: 95% Success)

Just how big is the coinpurse for it to fit 500 gold?

>>5385524
>>B): Trip the boy as he gets back up (DEX: 75% Success)
What a cunt move, do it.

>>5385694
I don't think it's literally 500 gold coins, just 500 gold worth of currency.

>>5385524
>>C): Grab the boy and pin him to the ground (STR: 81% Success)

>>5385524
>>A): Swiftly snatch your coinpurse back out of the thief’s hands without him noticing (SPD: 95% Success)
I want the money, but we could just politely tell him, once we have the purse, how he may have picked the wrong mark, and if he really doesn’t have better places to be.

>>5385524
>>B): Trip the boy as he gets back up (DEX: 75% Success)

>>5385524
>>C): Grab the boy and pin him to the ground (STR: 81% Success)

Fuck em kids

>>5385524
>>B): Trip the boy as he gets back up (DEX: 75% Success)

>>5385524
Do we just want our money back or are we intent on talk to this kid for plot hooks? 'cause if we just want our money then A is the right call but if not...

>C): Grab the boy and pin him to the ground (STR: 81% Success)

>>5385524
>A): Swiftly snatch your coinpurse back out of the thief’s hands without him noticing (SPD: 95% Success

>>5385524
>>>B): Trip the boy as he gets back up (DEX: 75% Success)

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>5387227
Beefed the roll

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>>5385524
You’re no cutpurse, but you certainly have the speed required for the job. The boy feigns embarrassment, and you lend him a hand back on his feet.

>“Try to be more careful.” You say, gently. As you help him back up. He smiles and goes on his way, not realizing you had slid your hand into his pocket and retrieved the purse. He runs off, failing to notice his prize missing. A part of you wishes you could see the look on his face when reality hits him. No one makes a mark of you!

“What a little bastard.” Theo observes. “Still, he’s got quite a set of balls on him trying to pickpocket the most infamous mercenary this side of Fodlan.”

>“And you were just going to let him run off? So much for protecting me.” You jingle the coin purse in the Berserker’s face. “You’d have to buy your own booze.”

As the three of you attempt to leave again, you’re once again interrupted, this time by a well-geared blonde man.

“A moment, my lady. That boy that bumped into you just now. He attempted to pickpocket your coin purse, correct?” The man asks.

>“He certainly tried, yes.”

“And you retrieved the purse yourself, letting the boy run off without confronting him?”

>“Well I certainly wasn’t going to beat up a child…”

He narrows his eyes. “And am I to understand that you did not place a hex, or some sort of curse on him as punishment?”

>“Huh?!”

He shakes his head. “Apologies, that sounded rude. I saw the whole thing unfold and, truth be told, I became nervous. I’d heard the rumors about you, and when I saw that boy getting himself into more than he’d bargained for, I was anxious for his safety. But you treated him kindly, given the circumstances.”

>“What rumors would these be exactly?”

“The ones that say you lure children into your home made of sweets, then grind them up and turn them into a twisted stew that allows you to see the future.”

Your mouth hangs slightly ajar. A part of you had been a believer that leaning into the whole “Witch” angle would do well for your mercenary reputation. You still remember how some men would speak in awe at the mere mention of the “Sky Shadow” or the “Silent Demon” and “Blade Breaker. But at some point, the rumors and fear surrounding you became so far-fetched you’d had a hard time keeping up.

The man laughs. “Clearly, that was just nonsense! Still, it appears at least one rumor I’d heard about you was true.” He places a hand on his heart, a serious expression returning to his face. “You’re as beautiful as they said you were.”

A pregnant pause follows. With the exception of the sounds of the busy docks and blowing wind, no one utters a word.

“Where to now, Commander?” Sebastian clears his throat, mercifully breaking the silence.”

>A): Continue conversing with the blonde
>B): Head to the Arena
>C): Head to the Inn
>D): Visit the merchant
>E): Go to where the rest of the Blackwings are

>>5387263
>D): Visit the merchant

BEGONE DISGUSTING MAN THING. YOU ARE NOT ASHE.

>>5387263
>>C): Head to the Inn

maybe they'll be rumors or job offers there

>>5387263
>A): Continue conversing with the blonde

Now I'm curious, I doubt this random convo is just a random convo, surely it is significant and not a devilish attempt by the QM to tempt us away from our beloved. Maybe this just happens to be the slitherer we were looking for all along!

>>5387263
>A): Continue conversing with the blonde

>>5387263
>A): Continue conversing with the blonde
Thank God we didn't bring Corrine along, we'd never hear the end of those otherwise.

>>5387263
We sure have a reputation all right, next thing we know people are starting rumors of us living in a house that walks with giant chicken legs.
>D): Visit the merchant

>>5387263
>>C): Head to the Inn

>>5387263
I'm full on Ashe, but...he's got a portrait and I'm interested to know what his deal is.

>A): Continue conversing with the blonde
>A): Continue conversing with the blonde

>>5387263
>A): Continue conversing with the blonde

Tell him our heart belongs to another. THE ASHE TRAIN HAS NO BRAKES.

>>5387263
>A): Continue conversing with the blonde
What a beautiful compliment, from a beautiful man. Other than Corrine, we rarely get compliments on our physical appearance... Let's get to know him!

Chat gets complimented once by a suspicious man and gets their panties in a twist

>>5387582
>Chat
>>5387263
>>D): Visit the merchant

>>5387582
>Chat
I've go nothing wrong with suspicious people, I was pro Corrine from the start people me are upset someone other than Ashe is flirting with us.

>>5387582
>Chat
Back to akun

>>5387263
>>A): Continue conversing with the blonde
I want to say begone thot but curiosity gets the better of me

>>5387601
I will not hide my preferred hunting grounds

>>5387263
>>D): Visit the merchant

>>5387263
>C): Head to the Inn

>>5387263
>A): Continue conversing with the blonde.

I want to point out to him that the way he worded that isn't necessarily a compliment. Also a man wearing armor wouldn't talk to the captain of a mercenary company just to hit on her I hope.

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>>5387263
>“May I ask who you are?” You say to the blonde man. “It’s not often I have strangers coming up to me. Let alone ones as…colorful as yourself.”

“Ahh, but of course. I sometimes forget my reputation does not extend to these corners of Fodlan.” He clears his throat, before taking a dramatic bow. “I am Clay, adventurer from the far-off land of Dagda. At your service.”

“Dagda?” Sebastian asks, incredulously. “You’re a far way from home. What would you be doing here?”

He rises, giving you a beaming grin. “Back home, I’m known as a famous Hero. The bards often tell tales of my prowess on the battlefield. When I’d heard of the great war ravaging Fodlan, I thought to venture forth and pledge my blade to a worthy master.”

“So, you’re a foreigner, here for war?” Sebastian asks, distaste evident in his voice.

“Bit hypocritical of us to judge, no?” Theo says.

>“A worthy master? Well, there’s currently three of them. Take your pick. With your ‘qualifications’, I’m sure any one of them would love to throw you to the front lines.”

“Ahh, but I’ve already found my master. She stands before me, in all her radiant beauty.” He takes another dramatic bow.

“The hell’s with this guy? You want I should rough him up?” Theo asks you.

“There isn’t an adventurer around who hasn’t heard of the tales surrounding the dreaded Blackwings! I will admit, I’d heard you to be a terrifying villain. That you lure men and woman to your service through seduction for your own gain. I thought that if our paths were to cross, I would surely have to vanquish you in honorable combat.”

>“You certainly have no problem speaking your mind..”

“But seeing how you chose to take mercy on that common pickpocket, I realized just how wrong I’d been. Perhaps there is a half-truth to those rumors, and I have simply been led astray by your soft alabaster skin and deep eyes. But until I find out the truth myself, I wish to pledge my sword to your service!”

Goddess, the man certainly knows how to lay it on thick. You study him a bit closer. You’d only seen one person from Dagda before. Another mercenary that had worked at the Academy, Shamir. She’d looked nothing like the man before you, with her dark hair and sharp features. It was hard to say whether Clay fellow really was from Dagda or not. You had a feeling he was lying, though for what reason you couldn’t be sure. As for his competence, that was another matter. His gear looked high-quality. From what you could see of the sword hilt strapped to his side, it was of artisan make. He’d also seen your reverse pickpocket that boy. Sure, he was already staring at you to begin with, but only sharp eyes should have been able to catch that maneuver.

“Let him join.” They says. “We could use more cannon fodder.”

“We don’t even know who he is…” Sebastian mutters.

>A): Accept him into your service
>B): Decline
>C): Trial him

>>5388769
>C): Trial him
What are you hiding you sussy man. Maybe we can ask around the blackwings and see if anyone has met someone from Dagda so we have a bigger sample size than just Shamir.

>>5388769
>C): Trial him

I don't think he's a Slitherer, but he might be a spy anyway. Either way, we should start testing people for Agarthan corruption.

>>5388787
Oh god, maybe he's an agent sent by Claude to spy on us to make sure we don't end up interfering with any of his plots.

>>5388769
>>B): Decline
He's either a spy, a slitherer or worse, someone who will try to steal Blair from Ashe!

>>5388769
>>C): Trial him

>>5388769
>Trial him
What a handsome, charismatic young fellow! Naturally, we can't quite accept him within our ranks just like that. Let's see what he's made of!

>>5388769
>C): Trial him

>>5388769
>C): Trial him

>>5388769
>C): Trial him

He's probably not a spy, but I want to make sure. Also, I kinda want to see Theo or Sebastian beat him up, so this is fun.

>>5388769
>C): Trial him

KEEP YOUR FORKED TONGUE BEHIND YOUR TEETH. Slithery fuck. It's not paranoia if it's true!

>>5388769
>>C): Trial him
oh you like Dagda?
name every city

>>5388769
>>C): Trial him

>>5388769
>C): Trial him
>>5388790
We're on his side, if he did this then that'd just cause unwanted distrust between allies, if he wanted to spy on us he'd send Hilda to do it as we and her are pals and Claude wouldn't even need to tell her to spy on her only to report back what happens.

>>5388769
>C): Trial him

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>>5388769
It’s true that you could always use more swords. Between mercenaries either leaving your service or falling prey to the perils of the job, recruitment was important. However, it was also true that you couldn’t just accept everyone. A successful mercenary captain will attract a variety of men and women ready to fight for a promising amount of gold, but not all of them will meet your standard. Beyond requiring skilled fighters, you need people that you can trust. Clay looks competent enough, but you know better than anyone that looks can be deceiving.

>“I’m willing to give you a trial run.”

“A trial?” He looks up, perplexed.

>“You’ll follow us around, but you won’t have access to our camp. You won’t be filled in on any of our missions. You go where we go, and you fight who we tell you to fight. You won’t be paid, and you won’t have access to our services. This arrangement will continue until I feel you’re ready to become a full-fledged Blackwing. That’s it, take it or leave it.”

You expect Clay to balk at your “offer”. Only a mad man or desperate fool would agree to fight for free against unknown-

“Very well, if that’s what it takes, then so be it.” He salutes you. “Allow me to show you what I’m made of. My dazzling performance will surely win you over. You’ll have me at your side soon enough, I’m sure of it.”

“Alright, well you heard the lady. Stay out of camp and get ready to leave when we tell ya.” Theo says, brushing passed Clay. You and Sebastian follow suit, leaving the strange blonde man behind.

>“I believe I’ve dealt with enough strangers for today. Let’s return to the others.”

While in Derdriu, Claude has allowed the Blackwings to take shelter within the city’s barracks. It’s there you find the rest of your company, resting up and intermingling with the stationed soldiers from the Leicester Army. Most of your captains are present as well, with the exception of Yara and Damian. The two of them had been hard at work attempting to find a scholar or mage in the city that might be able to translate the strange language you’d found in Echevarria’s book. A few days pass though, and they’ve yet to have any luck. All you can do now is wait for some sort of news to arrive. Whether it be a new job, or word from your mages on a potential translation.

>Choose someone to talk to excluding Yara or Damian
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ESxa3V-d3Mb27ZG97cbRoVMeD6HHEIySF9nJqqd48dc/edit?usp=sharing

>>5389638
>Roxanne
Uriel and Roxanne are the only ones we haven't really talked to yet and I find Roxanne interesting due to her personal skill: Intimidate, I wonder what kind of person would be so scary they'd have Intimidation as their personal skill.

>>5389638
Supporting >>5389643

>>5389638
>Roxanne

this would be the other riding captain, yeah the only one we haven't had any sort of conversation with

>>5389638
>Roxanne
First time votan

>>5389638
>>Roxanne

>>5389638
>>Roxanne

>>5389638
I just realized Uriel has DOUBLE EFFECTIVENESS against Demonic Beasts.

>>5389638
>Roxanne

Obligatory 'she doesn't have to put up the red light'.

>>5389638
>>Roxanne

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>>5389638
With very little to do now that you were essentially unemployed, you decide to pay a visit to one of your cavalry captains, Roxanne. You find her in her usual environment, holding court within the Training Grounds of the Derdriu barracks. She stands within the middle of one of the rings, dressed in scant but her training garb and drenched in sweat. Surrounding her are the prone bodies of what appear to be a combination of Alliance Soldiers and Blackwings. Only one is left standing in her vicinity. An Alliance soldier appearing no older than 18, who looks as though he may wet himself at any minute.

“Well? Are you just going to stand there? Come, take your best shot!” Roxanne laughs boisterously.

>“Roxanne, that’s enough. What have I told you about playing too rough? Especially with outsiders?”

The woman turns around on a dime upon hearing your voice. She beams a smile at you. “Commander! Care to join me? I’m desperately bored dealing with these ones.”

Roxanne was one of your more eccentric captains. If the Goddess had seen fit to make Rex d’Rusalka a woman, the product would have been Roxanne. Born the eighth child to a minor noble family of the Empire, Roxanne was guaranteed no inheritance of her own. Rather than be married off to some fat merchant or join the clergy though, she decided to pursue her own wealth through combat. Her family could never afford or care to send her to a place like the Officer’s Academy though, so Roxanne fled from her home at a young age, joining a mercenary company. She jumped from company to company, until she had eventually found some longevity with none other than Jeralt’s Mercenaries. She’d served with both Captain Jeralt and Professor Byleth until the very end of the company, during the Battle of Garreg Mach. Afterwards, she worked for the Empire for a time, having served a contract under Ferdinand during the Battle of Charon. After Ferdinand’s rout though, she saw an opportunity to earn more gold working for the Blackwings.

>“No, thank you. I don’t believe in dueling my subordinates. It wouldn’t be a good look for me to lose. Moreover, it isn’t a good look for you to be beating up on Derdriu’s soldiers. Remember, we’re guests.”

“Oh please, they love it! These boys are barely professional soldiers. Seeing folks like us gives them something to talk about. Ain’t that right, you little squirt?” She yells at the soldier that had been left standing. He squeals, dropping his weapon and backing out of the ring.

>“It’s an order, Roxanne. If you don’t like it, I hear that Jeralt’s Mercenaries are back and under new management. I’m sure Leonie could use a veteran like you under her banner.”

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>>5391159
Roxanne sticks her tongue out and makes a rude gesture. “Don’t make me laugh. Some upstart little farm girl playing at leading the greatest mercenary company there was. It’s a bad joke. I’m much happier with you, even if you are constantly on my ass.” She exits the arena, stepping over her unconscious training partners. Hard to believe this woman used to be a noble.

>“Oh? It’s not as though Leonie and I are that different when it comes to background and training. Who knows, we may even have an opportunity to work with them in the future.”

“The two of you are night and day. And that isn’t the same mercenary company I fought under. The Blade Breaker and the Silent Demon were amazing. I’d have followed them to the depths of hell if they asked. But…they’re dead. And now I’m a Blackwing, which is far more preferrable to working with those amateurs.”

>“My, I’m not used to hearing such praise from the Great Roxanne. Hard to believe I could ever live up to the Professor, though”

“Oh, that’s right…you called her ‘The Professor’. Well…you’re certainly not Byleth, that much is certain. But you’re ‘The Witch’. And that’s good enough for me.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Returning to your tent, you plan on enjoying a good glass of wine when you’re stopped by the appearance of Damian, who blocks you path.

“Blair! Good news. After days of scouring this damned city, we finally found someone who claims they can translate that book.”

>Your eyes widen in surprise. You hadn’t expected the two to meet with success “You did!? Where? Who? What does it say!?”

“Hold your horses, woman! He appears to be some sort of travelling monk. We found him in an inn not too far off from here. He’s with Yara right now. He claimed he could read the text, and even translated a sentence for us. But that was all we got. He said he wouldn’t translate anymore until he met with you. Privately. He was most insistent on that last part.”

>“Is that so? He knows who we are?”

“He seemed to figure it out. We’d spoken to a lot of people after all. He must have overheard something. He’s a strange one, I’ll give him that. And for all we know, he could entirely be making this translation up.”

>“Well, what was the sentence that he translated?”

Damian shrugs “Didn’t mean anything to me, but it went like this. ‘I worry that our new Sage is taking a greater interest in his own ambitions than in our goals.’

>A): Agree to meet the man in private at the inn
>B): Bring one or two people with you (Who?)
>C): Have people lying in wait nearby
>D): Write-in

Roxanne's cool.

>>5391162
>C): Have people lying in wait nearby

The last time Blair investigated something privately, it didn't really turn out well for her. I think she'd at least keep Boleslav or Milly waiting in the wings in case shit goes down.

>>5391162
>>C): Have people lying in wait nearby
yeah, this is sus
we have a lot of good talent to help out, Milly could scout things out ahead of time, and Boleslav could keep an eye out for trouble showing up during the meeting.
Slap a couple of fliers in there on standby in case they need to gtfo and I think we're covered

>>5391198
to add to this, I think the important thing is to keep our crew's presence very light, since this guy could just be thinking that we're the slitherers trying to bait him out lmao
it would suck to lose a good lead because he thinks we're trying to surround and assassinate him

>>5391162
>>C): Have people lying in wait nearby

>>5391162
>C): Have people lying in wait nearby

>>5391162
>>A): Agree to meet the man in private at the inn
This time be the ingredient

>>5391162
>>C): Have people lying in wait nearby

>>5391162
>C): Have people lying in wait nearby

I don't know how he'd know how to translate it without being a snake himself. We're getting this translation by mutually beneficial agreement or by force if we have to.

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>>5391162
>C): Have people lying in wait nearby
>>5391205
If this guy turns out to be a fellow paranoid conspirator then that'd be great, finally Blair has a friend who understands the snakes
also what the fuck is this capcha?

>>5391162
>C): Have people lying in wait nearby

>>5391162
>>C): Have people lying in wait nearby

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>>5392831
“Be that as it may, the contents of the book that remain legible are most illuminating.” He leans in closer, looking you in the eyes. “I hear you were there when Solon died. You probably won’t be happy to hear they have someone else continuing his work.”

You suddenly tense up. The details surrounding Solon and Remire Village were never made public. Moreover, this is the first time since your encounter with Alena all those years ago that anyone has ever even insinuated the existence of Solon and his kind unprompted. You don’t know if Elias is a danger yet, but you have a strong feeling he’s not just making things up just to earn a few gold coins. He does, in fact, seem to be able to read the language within Echeverria’s book.

>“Who are you?”

“I told your friends I was a scholar. That’s not exactly a lie, but it’s also not my only purpose or pursuit. What I can tell you, is that I take great interest in the history and customs of the ancient civilizations that preceded our own. Particularly, the one responsible for the writing in this book.”

>“Is that so? So then, what else does that book say?”

Elias smiles. “Plenty. I’ve read through the entire thing while waiting for you to arrive. Unfortunately, given the exclusivity of my skill, surely you understand that I can’t just give away the contents for free?”

>“If it’s gold you’re after, you can name a price.”

“Ahh, I’m afraid I hold very little interest in material wealth. The pursuit of knowledge, and its preservation are what I am truly after. I’d be willing to part with the information. More so, I’d be willing to even make an introduction to a certain benefactor of mine that I believe would be able to shed even greater light on the machinations of the Seven Sages. In return though, I would ask for your services as a mercenary in dealing with a pressing and urgent matter.”

>A): Hear Elias out on what he’d have you do
>B): Outright decline to work with him
>C): Threaten Elias
>D): Write-in

>>5392833
>A): Hear Elias out on what he’d have you do
Remind him that we don't exactly run a charity and are currently under contract, and as such if we're doing things for free, we can't exactly guarantee sustained performance and that other things may take precedence, or need to be cleared with our employer.

>>5392833
>A): Hear Elias out on what he’d have you do
I feel like what he's going to want is more books, or for us to deal with some Slitherers who're on his trail.

Uh did a post get deleted or something or am I missing something here?

>>5392833
>A): Hear Elias out on what he’d have you do

Was there a post before this one?

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>>5392833
(This should be the first post)

Damian leads you to a tavern on the western side of Derdriu known as “The Red Wyvern”. Located near the docks of the city, the inn usually plays host to a diverse customer base composed of all walks of life. With most people working at this time of day, the tavern is relatively empty. You walk inside with Damian, while a handful of Blackwings inconspicuously loiter outside. Boleslav, Caleb, Milly and Sebastian chat amongst themselves outside, ready to barge in at the first sign of trouble. You can’t be too careful. Whether this person Damian found is genuinely able to read the text in Echeverria’s book or not, the fact that he wants to speak with you in private forces you to play cautiously. The idea that he may be an assassin sent by either the Orthodox Church or even the Shapeshifters has crossed your mind more than once, and you can’t help but feel a little nervous.

Once inside, you spot Yara sitting in a corner of the tavern, across from a blonde-haired man in robes. He looks ordinary enough, if not a little out of place in the seedy tavern. Echeverria’s book lies on the table between them, closed. As you make your way over, Yara gets up and greets you.

“Commander, glad to see you well. May I introduce you to our new friend, Elias?” She gestures to the man, who gets up and offers you a handshake.

“Commander Blair.” He says, politely enough. “I’ve heard great things. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

>“I hear that you were able to read the language in this book here. I’d be most interested in gathering your thoughts.”

“Yes. I’d be happy to tell you more about that. But first…if you wouldn’t mind?” He looks towards Yara, offering an apologetic smile.”

“Say no more. I’ll be outside, Commander.” Yara says. You catch a hint of an implied threat in her tone. If this Elias wishes to try anything uncouth, he’ll have a hard time getting away. The Duscur woman makes her exit, leaving you alone with Elias. You take a seat across from him.

“First, allow me to offer my sincerest apologies. I understand how this must all look, but I believe it would be better for both of us if as few people as possible were involved in this conversation. Given the nature of what we’re to discuss, I’m sure you agree.”

>“Can’t say, given I have no idea what you’re talking about. The only sentence you translated for my mage was hardly anything to go by.”

“Another matter for which I must apologize for. As I said, discretion is key when discussing these matters, and I had to pick something that I felt would captivate your attention, but not give too much away. The book you delivered to me is in a poor state. It’s damaged, and many of the pages are ripped and soaked in blood. I take it that was your doing?”

>You shrug. “The prior owner didn’t exactly hand it over.”

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>>5392864
>>5392866
Yes! Apologies, that's my mistake. The thread was showing the deleted post on my end.

>>5392887
There there, mistakes happen
>>5392882
>>A): Hear Elias out on what he’d have you do

>>5392833
>>C): Threaten Elias

>>5392833
>A): Hear Elias out on what he’d have you do
Derdriu's the home of suspect blond men, first Romeo and now this guy.

>>5392833
>>>A): Hear Elias out on what he’d have you do

>>5392882
>>A): Hear Elias out on what he’d have you do

>>5393211
>Derdriu's the home of suspect blond men, first Romeo and now this guy.
Looking at the Leicester Alliance as a whole, I think it’s something in the waters.

>>5392833
>A): Hear Elias out on what he’d have you do

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>>5392833
>You sigh. You’d hoped you could just pay the man off for the information, but it seems there are some things out of the reach of even gold. “Of course. Nothing related to these creatures is ever that simple, is it? Very well then, let me hear what you’d have in store.”

“Believe me when I say, this wouldn’t be solely for my benefit. Are you familiar with the Edmund territory, just north of Derdriu?”

>“I’ve never been, but I hear it’s nice. It’s an Anti-Imperial territory. An up and coming, wealthy county that has strong leadership backing it in its Margrave. Lots of trade, some decent coasts. Untouched by the war. Sounds like a nice place to getaway to, all things considered.”

“Perhaps, assuming one stays out of the so called, ‘haunted forest’ that lies tucked away towards the northwest.”

>“Haunted forest?” You raise an eyebrow. “If you’re planning on scaring me with a ghost story, I’d rather we get back to the point at hand.”

“It’s a bit of a local legend in Edmund, so I’m not surprised you hadn’t heard of it. But it’s one the locals take deadly serious. Within the north of Edmund is a large stretch of woodland, covered in a perpetual deep fog. The legends say that a wandering beast stalks those woods, attacking all who find themselves lost within and feasting upon them. Very few hunters have entered those woods and come back alive. But the ones that do, report finding human remains strewn about, as well as sensing an uncanny feeling that they were being watched.”

>“Let me guess, you want me to slay this Demonic Beast before you’ll tell me anything?”

Elias shakes his head vigorously. “Goddess no! This is no normal Demonic Beast, I assure you. I fear nothing short of several Heroes Relic and experienced warriors would take that monstrosity down. No, what I require is something else entirely.” He leans in closer, the same way he did when he’d spoken of Solon. He looks around, ensuring no one is eavesdropping, before continuing. “Within that forest lies…a village. You’d never find it on any map. In fact, you could likely count on one hand the number of people that are aware it even exists. But believe it or not, a small, quaint, peaceful village lies tucked away in those woods. They’ve somehow found a way to exist in that place without being harried by the numerous Demonic Beasts lurking within the woods. Does that sound familiar to you?”

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>>5393943
>You narrow your eyes. There’s only one group of people you know that would be capable of such a feat. “It does, in fact. But how do you know this place even exists?”

“Because I’ve been there.” Elias says. “I was born in Edmund. In my younger days, I went into those very woods, attempting to research the local legends myself. I wandered endlessly. It was a fool’s endeavor. The Demonic Beasts within are unlike any other you’d find in Fodlan. My companions were all killed, and it was all I could do just to keep fleeing. As I collapsed, and readied myself for the end, I was suddenly saved by those very villagers and taken in. I owe them my life and have been loosely affiliated with them ever since. The benefactor, that I had mentioned, also resides within this village”

>“Fascinating. But you still haven’t explained what you’d want me to do here.”

Elias sighs, closing his eyes. “Through a series of unfortunate events, the location of the village was revealed to the very same group of people the man who wrote this book belonged to. As we speak, a sizeable group of assassins from the Orthodox Church, likely with some backing from the Empire, are making their way to Edmund in secret. I hear you’re intimately familiar with that church’s tactics, though in this instance, conversion is off the table. They plan to raze the village to the ground and ensure there are no survivors.”

>“What about the Demonic Beasts, and the fog? Won’t that hinder them?”

“The fog is not natural. It’s spellcraft, native to the people that reside within that village. The man leading this group will recognize that and know just how to navigate through it. The village itself has few fighters. If things are left as they are, they’ll stand no chance. Fortunately, I also was taught by the villagers how to navigate through the fog without being assailed by Demonic Beasts. Which brings me to the point. I’d like to hire you to save Arcadia from those assassins. In return, I’ll reveal the contents of this book, as well as introduce you to someone I think may be able to answer the countless questions you likely have.”

>A): Agree to help
>B): Decline
>C): Press him for more information on Arcadia and its villagers
>D): Write-in

>>5393944
>A): Agree to help

It's either a village descended from non-Slitherer Agarthans, or some other similar ancient tribe.

>>5393944
>C): Press him for more information on Arcadia and its villagers

Lmao is this just a copy of Arcadia from Blazing Blade, but with Agarthans instead of dragons?

>>5393944
>>A): Agree to help

Let’s try to not burn goodwill. Not like we have any way to verify anything he’s saying regardless.

>>5393944
>A): Agree to help

>>5393944
>>C): Press him for more information on Arcadia and its villagers

>>5393944
>A): Agree to help
It's our best lead desu, and with her track record Blair wouldn't turn her back on the someone threatened by those religious nutjobs.

>>5393944
>>A): Agree to help
I'll trust him

>>5393944
>A): Agree to help

>>5393944
>A): Agree to help

>>5393944
>A): Agree to help

Sounds like a good way to look behind the curtain-- and to get paid for it.

>>5393944
>“Very well. If helping you is the only way to get the information I seek, then I suppose I have no choice. But once this is over, you had better live up to your end of the bargain. You’ll give me the full translation and allow me to speak with this so-called benefactor of yours. If I catch even a whiff of you trying to pull a fast one on us while we’re in Edmund Woods, you’ll be sure to regret it.”

A sigh of relief from Elias. From the look on his face, it’s as if a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders. “Thank you, Blair. I promise you; I meant every word of what I said. You and your company are the only ones I felt confident I could entrust this mission to without jeopardizing Arcadia’s safety in the process.”

>“Oh? Why’s that? You seem to know a great deal about me and where my interests align.”

“My benefactor had kept a close eye on your group and its exploits during the war. She’d said there was a chance you could be of remarkable help. Still, I’d had no idea just how true the things I’d heard about you were.”

>“What? That I eat children’s bones and seduce men into my bed or some other nonsense?”

Elias pales. “W-what? Why would you say such a horrid thing? I meant that you’re an incredibly kind and caring soul.” He clears his throat. “I-in any case, with your help, we stand a real chance at saving the village. But the sooner we leave, the better. The men I was talking about left Derdriu this morning. They numbered a little over thirty in total.”

>“You saw them? How did you know?”

“I’ve followed those men as far as Gloucester. A few months ago, one of our own went missing while investigating one of the Orthodox Church’s generals. That same general came to Derdriu disguised as pilgrim of the Orthodox faith, along with several others in the same garb. I’m sure you’ve noticed those types hanging around the city in far greater numbers. It’s a convenient disguise, given that the duke is unable to move against the clergy as easily as he would an armed force.”

>“You believe this associate of yours gave up the location of the village?”

“Not willingly, I’d imagine.” He says, grimly.

>“You said that they’d have someone who’d be able to navigate through the magic fog. Is this Orthodox general you’re after a shapeshifter?”

“Shapeshifter?” Elias asks, confused. “That’s an interesting name you’ve come up with for them. I see why you’d choose it, though it’s not exactly accurate. In any case, it’s hard to say. We never confirmed it. He could be one of them. Or he could simply have one of them in his ranks.”

>“Investigating a general of the Orthodox Church’s army, several leagues away from home in your quaint little idyllic village. They have some interesting hobbies in this Arcadia you speak of.” You cross your arms.

>>5394854
“All will be revealed in due time, I promise. But for now, time is of the essence. How soon can we leave?”

>“I’ll need to run it by my captains and select some folk for the mission. Likely not until tomorrow morning. You said there were over thirty, yes? How many of my people can you reliably guide through the forest with no casualties?”

“I’ve never led a large group into the woods before. The concealing spell the villagers taught me can keep us safe from the Demonic Beasts, though I can likely only cover around 20 or so soldiers reliably. Maybe less if you’re bringing mounts.”

>“So we’ll be outmanned. Can we rely on help from any of the villagers?”

He shakes his head. “Only a handful. Many of them are pacifist by nature. But the ones that can fight…they’ll more than make up for the lack of manpower.”

>“Very well. I’ll gather my men now and meet you at Derdriu’s north gate tomorrow.”

He gets up, bowing deeply in your direction. “Thank you again, Blair. Words alone cannot express my gratitude. If all goes well, we should be gone for no more than a few days. I’ll make my own personal preparations for the trip and see you tomorrow.” The man rushes out of the tavern, sparing no glance at your companions who were waiting outside.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

20 people. That would be enough to include your captains, as well as a few others. If you’re going to be outmanned, you’d feel comfortable if it was your strongest fighters by your side. While you’re not technically being paid for this job, there’s plenty of reserve gold in the company’s treasury to cover the cost.

There was one minor problem, though.

The only Blackwings that knew about the “shapeshifters” were Corrine and Uriel. For everyone else, you’d kept their existence a secret. This had always worked well enough. Throughout the last few years, your travels and battles put you in virtually no contact with them. But now, for the first time, you’d be mobilizing your mercenaries for your own private goals. While they’d still follow you into battle, they’d likely have many questions as to just why they’d be accompanying a strange man into the supposedly haunted Edmund Woods to do battle with Crusaders.

>A): Attempt to explain the situation to your mercenaries (Luck: Roll between 1-21 for success)
>B): Give them only the necessary information on the mission.
>C): Ask Corrine what she suggests
>D): Write-in

>>5394857
>B): Give them only the necessary information on the mission.
Outline the mission and (lack of) pay, and ask for volunteers. If we get more than we can safely take select for mobility over everything else, since we will both need to catch up, and be able to outrun various opponents, be able to run away from and lure them into local "fauna", and to hide from ranged opponents in the fog.

It might also be worth taking extra supplies since we don't know what the village will be able to support, in whatever condition we find it in.

>>5394857
>B): Give them only the necessary information on the mission.

>>5394857
>B): Give them only the necessary information on the mission.

It's a job that'll open some doors to future contracts, and all that.

>>5394857
>B): Give them only the necessary information on the mission.

>>5394857
>>C): Ask Corrine what she suggests

>>5394857
>C): Ask Corrine what she suggests

>>5394857
>C): Ask Corrine what she suggests

>>5394854
>“My benefactor had kept a close eye on your group and its exploits during the war. She’d said there was a chance you could be of remarkable help.''
It's gonna be that fucking bitch isn't it? The one who stole our scythe, goddamnit i can already see where this is going.
>>5394857
>B): Give them only the necessary information on the mission.

>>5394857
>>C): Ask Corrine what she suggests

>>5394857
>C): Ask Corrine what she suggests

>>5394857
>C): Ask Corrine what she suggests

>>5395151
>It's gonna be that fucking bitch isn't it?
it totally is

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>>5394857
Perhaps you should consult Corrine on what you should do. As one of the only people in your life who understands what you’re dealing with, she should be able to provide some valuable insight. Upon returning to the barracks, you find your Lieutenant already waiting for you within a makeshift tent serving as your temporary seat of command.

“There you are. How did things go? Did Damian and Yara actually find out anything useful?” She asks.

You fill her in on your conversation with Elias, and the upcoming mission to Edmund. As you go further and further into detail on just what awaits you, her face continuously grimaces and sneers, to the point you fear it may be stuck that way permanently.

“So, if I understand correctly, we’re to trust this stranger we just met to lead us through a haunted forest crawling with Demonic Beasts, to fight a group of assassins from the Orthodox Church, being led by a shapeshifter seeking to genocide a village whose population are likely other shapeshifters. Did I understand that correctly?”

>“Well they’re not really called shapeshifters…”

“That’s not the point, Blair!” She yells at you, poking you in the chest. “Say all of this is true, and we find some village of people like Kronya and Solon. Then what? Are we going to genocide them ourselves? It sounds as though we’d be better off letting these Orthodox goons do the work for us and then take them out ourselves.”

>“Elias says they’re not affiliated with the same group those two belonged to.” You say, rubbing the spot Corrine poked. “In any case, we won’t find out unless we go there ourselves. It’s been five years, Corrine. This is the first real trail we’ve had in five years! We can’t just let it go cold. We have to see what’s in this Arcadia for ourselves.”

Corrine growls. “You’d better have that damned Blessed Lance ready to go. I didn’t follow you all those years ago to end up…digesting! In some Goddess forsaken haunted forest!”

>“I was thinking…given that this is the first time we’ll be on a mission centered on finding out more about that group. Maybe I should come clean to the others? You know, on the existence of those shapeshifters?”

A pregnant pause follows, where Corrine simply stares at you bewildered. She grabs both your ears and pulls them roughly.

“Have you gone completely mad?!” She yells. “Because that’s what they’re going to ask you if you tell them that there’s a cabal of shapeshifting freaks masquerading in the highest positions of the Empire!”

>“Okay! Point noted! Quit it!”

“They’re mercs, Blair.” She says. “Like it or not, their loyalty is to coin, and extends as far as you being able to provide both that, and victory. If we’re paying for this job out of our treasury, that covers the first. Now you just need to supply the second.”

>A): Agree w/ Corrine
>B): Disagree. You owe them honesty. (Luck: Roll between 1-21 for success)

>>5395797
>A): Agree w/ Corrine
She makes sense to me

>>5395797
>A): Agree w/ Corrine

Don't tell them that were going to save a village of Shapeshifters, tell them we've been hired to save an entirely "normal" village of wizards.

>XXXWJX
Captcha says we're gonna get fucked by this mission.

>>5395797
>A): Agree w/ Corrine

Thank you big sis, very cool.

>>5395797
>A): Agree w/ Corrine

>>5395797
>>A): Agree w/ Corrine

>>5395797
>A): Agree w/ Corrine

>>5395797
>>A): Agree w/ Corrine

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>>5395797
It doesn’t take long for your captains to assemble together in one room. Given that most of them were just sitting around waiting for the next job, it’s not as though they were busy or anything. Looking around the room, you recall Corrine’s words. Yes, they were mercenaries, and many of them were likely only in it for the money. As long as you could provide that, there’s a fair chance some of them would commit whatever atrocity you could come up with. That being said, you still felt a certain camaraderie with them, and wouldn’t throw their lives away recklessly. You liked to think they sensed that about you and appreciated the sentiment. You decided that you weren’t going to tell them about the shapeshifters. At least not now, in any event. You’d supply them with only the necessary information.

>“Good news, ladies and gentlemen. We’ve officially got ourselves a new job. It should prove to be a quick one. A handful of us will be heading towards Edmund tomorrow, to take out an Orthodox general that’s been spotted in the area. He’s targeting a local village for one of their usual conversion jobs. We’re to eliminate him, and ensure the village remains safe. We can only bring a few soldiers with us, and you’ve all been selected. Any questions?”

Silence follows, before Nero raises a hand lazily. “Who’s paying us?”

>“Our employer prefers to remain anonymous. Rest assured though; you’ll all be compensated the usual amount.”

“Anonymous?” Shelley asks, squinting her eyes. “That sounds suspicious.”

>“I assure you, everything has been verified and confirmed.” You lie.

“Why only a handful of us though?” Damian asks. “If it’s Crusaders we’re up against, shouldn’t we make sure we’ve got as much firepower as possible?”

>“The terrain we’ll be fighting in is said to be very…foggy. Bringing too many soldiers in that environment may prove to be a logistical nightmare.” A half-life. Having half your company wandering into the fog to be devoured by Demonic Beasts certainly would be a logistical nightmare.

Your answer is greeted by groans from all around the tent.

“I hate fog.” Boleslav mutters.

“Shape up you lazy sows!” Corrine yells from your side. “You’re mercenaries, not every job is going to be a piece of cake!”

>“Corrine will be selecting who comes with us, but if you’re a captain, it’s a safe bet you’ll be there. Bring torches and healing items. If no one else has any questions, dismissed.”

The mercenaries file out of the tent, grumbling and chatting amongst themselves. That was easy enough. Perhaps after the war is over, you’ll start your own business? Now, all that’s left is the actual battle. You have your own preparations to make before you depart tomorrow. Namely, your pre-battle ritual.

>A): Read over your notes (+2 temp. Mag)
>B): Held the pegasus carving Ashe gave you (+2 temp. Dex)
>C): Held Kronya’s dagger (+2 temp. Str)

>>5397102
>A): Read over your notes

We're probably gonna be fighting a lot of Demonic Beasts because nothing is allowed to smoothly around Blair, so extra Magic is doubtlessly going to be useful.

>>5397102
>A): Read over your notes (+2 temp. Mag)

Uh, what's going to happen to the one blonde guy who's following the group? Someone's going to tell him not to follow, right?

>>5397102
>A): Read over your notes (+2 temp. Mag)

>>5397102
>A): Read over your notes (+2 temp. Mag)
We're already getting a +1 mag from our time at the docks, might as well double down. Increases Blair's chances of nuking a health bar or two once someone punches a hole in the demonic beasts shields.

>>5397102
>>A): Read over your notes (+2 temp. Mag)

>>5397102
>>A): Read over your notes (+2 temp. Mag)
I was gonna pick Kronya's dagger because I'd want more strength for our Bless lance, but we did get a bonus to magic before so it's best to boost it as much as we can.

>>5397102
>>C): Held Kronya’s dagger (+2 temp. Str)

>>5397102
>>B): Held the pegasus carving Ashe gave you (+2 temp. Dex)

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Next update is a bit delayed as I'm moving around a bit this week. Should hopefully come by tomorrow.

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>>5397102
You decide to go over your notes before the start of the next mission. Hidden in your chest, underneath your clothes and other personal belongings, is a small diary. Rather than containing writings that detail your heart’s longings though, the book contains your thoughts and notes regarding the mysterious group you’ve been trailing. While spruce on details, you’ve managed to fill it with your own personal theories and findings. You glance towards one section that has remained relatively spruce since you first penned the journal. The Seven Sages of Agartha. Underneath the heading lies only one name. “Solon”.

You have no idea what this “Agartha” thing is. It could be a place or person or even the name of the group you were after itself. But from what you gathered during your encounter with Solon, they seem to be the ones likely calling the shots. Solon was one of them, but as for who the other six could be, you haven’t nary a clue. On the next page, you’ve penned a list of “suspects”. People who could theoretically belong to the group, potentially even holding the position of Sage, but whom you’d had no evidence to suggest so. At the top of the list was Cornelia Armin. By all accounts she was a noble and pious woman before she decided to stage a coup against Dimitri. Certainly “shapeshifter-like” behavior.

There were some others on the list, whom you felt less strongly about. Patriarch Bennett of the Orthodox Church was a suspect, but according to Leopold, the man was always a bastard. Count Gaspard was another. The man was supposedly always a decent noble, now backing the Dukedom with most of their military might. You’d hope Ashe was doing okay, serving under a probable monster. One name was written down a few times, each one sloppily crossed out. Count Charles d’Rusalka. Your adopted father and benefactor. You weren’t ready to face that one just yet.

You recall Elias’ translation. There’s another Sage around somewhere, up to no good. Even the man masquerading as Echeverria had his doubts about this one’s intentions. If even those bastards could have reservations about their leadership, you were sure whatever this Sage was up to was bad. You’d have to track him down and get the answers for yourself. You close the book, and head to sleep, many more questions left on your mind.

You and the Blackwings meet Elias at the gates of Derdriu. If your comrades have any suspicions about the strange man, they fortunately keep them to themselves. Doing a quick headcount, you’re together with not just each of your captains, but many of your elite fighters as well. Shelley and Diana flank your sides and Milly has torn herself away from the convoy to join in mission. Even Elizabeth is present. According to Corrine, she refused to stay behind, stating that she wanted to be useful to you.

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>>5400279
Edmund lies near Derdriu, and Elias says that the trip to the woods in question should take not even a day. As you’re travelling through the county, you can’t help but notice how peaceful and orderly everything looks. The roads are clean and straight, with travelers greeting you warmly. The people are hard at work in the fields, and the land looks bountiful. Even though the war had yet to come directly to the Alliance, many of the towns and provinces within Leicester were still feeling its effects. Food shortages, lack of trade, and banditry were some common problems being faced in places like Ordelia or Siward. But Edmund seemed to be thriving by all accounts, a testament to the efforts of it’s Margrave. You’d heard he had an adopted daughter. A Golden Deer who had been enrolled in Garreg Mach the same year you were there. You’d have liked to meet her, given the similarities you shared, but alas, no one seemed to know where she was these days.

>“So, who is this Orthodox general we’re trailing anyway?” You ask Elias as you’re travelling.

“His name is Ivan. He’s about as veteran as they come in the Crusaders. He’d fought with the Western Church for several years and managed to survive their recent war with the Knights of Seiros. By all accounts, he’s a ruthlessly efficient Paladin with a track record of success in carrying out the Patriarch’s orders.”

>“Never heard of him. I’m sure we’ll waste no time getting acquainted though. How far ahead do you think they are? It would be great if we could find them before entering the woods.”

Elias shakes his head grimly. “Small chance of that. I’d imagine they’re in the woods right now searching for Arcadia. Only Lady Anemone’s magic would be stalling them.”

>“Lady Anemone? I don’t believe you mentioned her before.”

“She would be the benefactor I spoke of. She’s the one that saved my life all those years back. Lady Anemone is a master of a lost form of magic that few in Fodlan are capable of. Illusions. The fog that blankets Edmund Woods is not natural, but rather the effect of a ritual spell that is Lady Anemone’s doing. The spell not only creates the heavy fog the woods are famous for, but warps and twists the very land itself. If someone were to enter those woods without knowing how to navigate them, they’d find themselves perpetually walking in circles. One could walk a straight line for hours and wind up back at the entrance.”

>“Sounds great for the locals…”

“As a ‘local’ myself, I can assure you there isn’t a soul in Edmund that would enter that place.” He trails off. “Incidentally, that same Illusion magic is how they’re capable of ‘shapeshifting’, as you call it. It’s complicated, but my Lady should be able to explain more.”

>A): Ask about Anemone
>B): Ask about Illusion Magic
>C): Ask about the Margrave and his daughter
>D): Write-in

>>5400281
>A): Ask about Anemone
>B): Ask about Illusion Magic

These go together very well already, and any knowledge of how to stump Shapeshifters is always good.

>>5400281
>>A): Ask about Anemone
>>B): Ask about Illusion Magic

>>5400281
>A): Ask about Anemone
>B): Ask about Illusion Magic
Tell me everything. Also Marianne is MIA and we're going to be poking around in her paralogue woods? Blessed lance and Uriel are gonna be working overtime.

>>5400281
>C): Ask about the Margrave and his daughter
I like Marianne...

>>5400281
>A): Ask about Anemone
>B): Ask about Illusion Magic
Probably save the 'who the fuck is Alena' question for his boss.

Also we need to catch up with Elizabeth soon, girl's a trooper

>>5400281
>>C): Ask about the Margrave and his daughter

>>5400281
>A): Ask about Anemone
>B): Ask about Illusion Magic

>>5400281
>>A): Ask about Anemone

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>>5400281
>“This Anemone…what’s she like? And what’s the deal with this illusion magic of hers? I’ve never heard of that sort of spellcraft before.” You ask Elias.

“I’m not surprised. They wouldn’t exactly be teaching it at the Officer’s Academy. It’s a magic that’s native only to those belonging to Lady Anemone’s race. Even then, only certain people are born with the innate ability to use it. In Arcadia, only Anemone and one other person have the gift.”

>“It’s that rare?”

Elias nods. “It is. That being said, you’ve probably encountered it more than most. First at the Academy. Second with the person masquerading as Ecehverria.”

>“How fortunate for me.” Still, it was somewhat good to know that the enemy’s ability to shapeshift was nothing more than magic, and incredibly rare magic at that. Having further clarity into the enemy and the extent of their abilities was a small comfort.

“As for Lady Anemone.” Elias says. “She’s an interesting sort. She sports a youthful appearance, but something about her mannerisms and the way she speaks betrays her true age. The villagers in Arcadia look up to her as their wise and experienced leader, and she in turn defends them from the outside world that would seek to do them harm. She seems a gentle sort when in the village, though I harbor no doubts she’d do whatever it takes to keep her people safe.”

>“And yet she went ahead and saved you from the brink of death when you went trampling around in her backyard? I’m surprised. In my interactions with her kind, they don’t seem to place any value in anything other than themselves. Even the loyalty they hold toward their own people is dubious at best.” You recall Solon plunging his hand into Kronya’s chest. Sending her off to whatever that terribly cold and dark realm was. You’d had nightmares about that place before. Zahras.

Elias gives you a sympathetic look. “I understand that nothing that I could say would ease the doubts you have, and for good reason. You’ll simply have to meet her yourself and make your own decision when the time comes.”

After hours of walking through the county, followed by a quick rest, your group stands directly outside the Edmund Woods. Long gone is the peaceful and serene environment you had glimpsed during your march. You haven’t seen any signs of another human in what seems like hours. The grass is overgrown, and the well-kept road has all but disappeared into the brush. Even the sky itself looks different somehow. As if the sun struggles to pierce through the thick trees with its light. A gloomy overcast sky reigns over the land.

“This place…sucks.” Corrine says nonchalantly.

“Blair, I’m scared.” Diana whines. “Where did you take us?”

“It’s as I feared.” Elias says. “We didn’t encounter Ivan and his men on the way here. They must be already inside searching for Arcadia. If you and your men are ready, we must make haste!”

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>>5402398
You turn to look at the Blackwings you brought with you. With the exception of Uriel, who looks unbothered by the gloom, and Roxanne, who is humming a tune, all of them appear to be some degree of nervous. Some, like Damian, who has his arms crossed and is tapping his foot, hide it better than others. Diana, on the other hand, is currently cowering behind Sebastian’s bulky form. You figure it best to say something to try and improve morale.

>“Get it together, soldiers! We’re the Blackwings! It’s going to take a lot more than some made-up ghost stories to make us turn away! Those Crusaders are likely cowering away inside, shaking in fear of fairy tales and their own shadow. Let’s show them it’s us they should be afraid of!”

A few unexcited murmurs and shouts of agreement, but you didn’t expect much more. That type of talk gets the regular infantry excited, but your captains have heard it all before. In any event, it seems to have done the job of stirring them out of their own imagination.

>“We’re ready. Lead the way.” You tell Elias.

Your party enters the Edmund Woods. A few steps in, you begin to think everything you’d heard about this place was an exaggeration. It looks like just about any other non-haunted forest you’d been in, and you can see clearly enough. However, others in your party seem to be inclined to disagree.

“Do you hear that?” Boleslav asks you.

“I don’t hear anything except us walking and your damn mouth flapping.” Nero says.

>“Exactly.” The veteran hunter replies. “There’s nothing else. No birds, no animals. Everything is completely still except for us.”

Silence follows, with Damian speaking next. “Surely there’s a logical explanation for that. Right? Do the animals just not come out this time of day?”

“This place is evil.” Yara cuts in.

“That’s not a logical explanation, woman!” Damian shouts at her.

“I’ve felt an absolute lack of the Goddess’ presence since stepping into these woods.” Elizabeth says.

“As have I.” Uriel says. “I’m having a hard time imagine who would live here.”

>You give Corrine a nervous look. Morale is breaking faster than you’d expected. “Well, I don’t think it’s that bad. I mean, it’s not as foggy as we thought!”

That sentiment lasts only a few minutes longer. As the party continues to follow Elias’ lead, a cold, deep fog slowly sets in. The fog grows thicker and thicker, to the point you can barely make out the visage of the person next to you. In this case, it’s Diana, who suddenly bursts into tears.

“I want to go home!”

“Torches!” Corrine shouts. Everyone produces their own torch that they’d brought, only to discover that upon setting them alight…nothing happens.

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>>5402399
“I’m afraid those won’t do any good.” Elias says. “Against Lady Anemone’s spell, those torches are nothing more than a small spark. Allow me.” Uttering an unfamiliar incantation under his breath, Elias claps his hands. A wisp of flame appears, circling around you and your group once, then twice, and then faster than your eyes can keep up. It produces a brilliant light that blinds you momentarily. When you open your eyes once more, you’re able to see the members of your party again, though not much more than that.

“This is a spell taught to me by Lady Anemone. A fascinating piece of work. Not only will it produce a modest amount of vision for us, but the wisp will also lead us towards the location of Arcadia. It should also keep us safe from the creatures lurking within these woods…provided we stay within its effective range.”

“Great, thanks for waiting to produce that at the very last possible second.” Corrine growls. “Now, can we get back on with the show?”

“Wait!” Boleslav hisses. “Do you hear that?”

“All I hear is Diana about to piss her pants. If you hear something, spit it out!”

“It sounds like…footsteps.”

Doing a quick headcount, it appears that everyone from your party is present and was not lost in the momentary lapse of vision. But you hear it now as well. There are footsteps, coming towards you in the direction you just came from. You look expectantly at Elias, but he simply shrugs.

“The enemy?” Corrine mutters to you. “What are your orders?”

>A): Stand by and do nothing
>B): Have your ranged units fire in the general direction of where the noise is coming from
>C): Have your melee units ready to pounce on whatever comes near
>D): Write-in

>>5402401
>C): Have your melee units ready to pounce on whatever comes near

Standing by is a good way to get stabbed if this is an enemy, but firing blindly is a good way to kill an ally if it's not.

>>5402401
>C): Have your melee units ready to pounce on whatever comes near
If they got fucked skin then hack the fuckers

>>5402401
>>C): Have your melee units ready to pounce on whatever comes near

>>5402401
>D): Write-in
"Be ready but, I have a feeling I know who this is." Walk towards the footsteps, let's test Clay's reaction to a surprise attack.

>>5402401
>>C): Have your melee units ready to pounce on whatever comes near

>>5402401
>>5402719
Support

Didn't see anything about Blair telling him not to follow, can't say I'm all that surprised.

>>5402401
>>5402719
Support.
Blair's got alert stance up anyway. And if it was an ambush the enemy would have pounced on us by now instead of giving their direction away.

>>5402401
>>B): Have your ranged units fire in the general direction of where the noise is coming from

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Engage Quest when?

>>5403063
Use Stand rings to marry the ghosts of heroes pasts to kill thyne enemies

>>5403063
Engage feels like it's gonna be another Fates.

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>>5402401
You flash a signal to Theo. He recognizes it as the sign you typically give him when you’d like the Berserker to refrain from killing something. Acknowledging your request with a nod, he takes a wide pose and braces himself for whatever is walking towards the group. All remain silent and still as the footsteps inch nearer and nearer. On edge, you find yourself grabbing the hilt of your spear. Finally, after what feels like an eternity of long anticipated waiting, someone breaks through the barrier of light Elias set up. It’s…

“Oh, there you guys are!”

Clay is quickly grabbed by Theo and shoved onto the floor, where the hulking man keeps him pinned to the ground, axe in one hand ready to chop down.

>“You?! Did you follow us all the way from Derdriu?”

The blonde’s face is shoved into the dirt, causing him some fair amount of trouble in answering you. He somehow manages to look up and answer. “I thought it would be a surprise!”

“Oh, you got us good, alright.” Theo snarls from atop him. “Shall I cut him loose, Blair?”

“W-wait! I was just following your orders!”

>“I don’t recall telling you to follow us.”

“Actually…that’s exactly what you DID say.” Clay says. “You said to follow you wherever you go, and that you wouldn’t fill me in on any of your missions, and to fight whoever you told me to fight! Now, can you please get this brute off me?!”

You look towards Sebastian, who was present when you first met Clay.

“I…recall you saying something of the sort. Though this is a rather literal interpretation of your orders…”

“It’s not like we can just send him back, Blair.” Elizabeth chimes in. “He won’t make it through this fog. And he seems like he meant well.”

Clay struggles to crane his neck towards the cleric. “The fair maiden is correct! I’m here now, allow me to help you in battle against whatever foe would assail you in this unholy place!”

>You groan audibly. What a fine start this was off too. “Consider this your trial, then. Get off him, Theo. We’ve wasted enough time here as is. Let’s get moving.”

After Clay is integrated into the group, you all once again begins following Elias’ lead. The party walks in a loose formation, staying within the circle of light that Elias had summoned earlier. You understand now why you were told to only bring a handful of men and to leave any of your mounts behind. The circle is rather tight, and even just a few more additions would have meant some people might be walking outside the circle’s influence. You’d have liked to have Beathan with you, but in this fog, it was far too dangerous to fly anyway.

>“How long until we reach Arcadia?” You ask Elias. The mage has been following the guidance of the wisp that Elias had summoned earlier. Every so often, the wisp would make a turn in direction, and Elias, as well as your party, would follow.

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>>5403831
The land itself is difficult to navigate. There’s no road or clear path ahead. You and the others are forced to climb over branches, heavily wooded brush, and hilly terrain, which tires you out. This had been going on for a few hours now. You had no idea the woods were this large before you stepped foot in them.

“It shouldn’t be too much longer.” Elias mutters. “The wisp senses and follows Lady Anemone’s own magical aura. It tracks onto her, while allowing us to avoid the paths in the woods inhabited by Demonic Beasts. Or even worse, the paths that loop in on themselves.”

>“Loop in?”

“I mentioned Lady Anemone has the ability to twist this forest with her illusion magic. Without the proper guidance, one could find themselves back from whence they came, even if following a straight line.”

Another hour of walking passes. Followed by another. At this point, you and the others are beginning to get the creeping sensation that something has gone awry.

“That damn thing up there has us walking in circles!” Corrine complains loudly. She must have had her hair snagged on a tree, as it currently sports leaves and branches. “Are you sure we can trust it?!”

>“She has a point…” You say to Elias. “It’s beginning to get dark, and you’ve been saying we’re nearing the village for hours now. What’s going on?”

“N-nothing to fear. The amount of people walking through the woods right now must be…throwing the wisp off. Fortunately, we should be arriving momentarily…” He trails off, unconvincingly.

The party walks on for another half hour, before Nero interrupts with a shout. “For fuck sake! I put a carving into that tree three hours ago! We’re fucking lost!”

>You roughly grab Elias’ shoulder, forcing him to turn around and face you. “Remember when I said if you were trying to pull a fast one there’d be hell to pay? Well spit it out! What’s going on?!”

The man looks pale and shaken, and stammers in his effort to answer you. “I-I’m sorry! This has never happened before, honest! I-it’s Lady Anemone. She’s actively warping her illusion spell and the wisp can’t keep up with it! She must be trying to throw Ivan’s group off the trail!”

>“I thought this damn spell of yours was supposed to be special!”

“I-it is! But if the enemy has a Sage or a Talon with them, they’d be able to track down Anemone’s scent just like we are. For anyone who knows what they’re looking for, her magical aura would be extremely potent!”

>“So what do you suggest?” You seethe.

“I-I can’t keep this up much longer. I’ve had this spell up for too long…not to mention I’m physically exhausted. We should set up camp and try again after some rest. If Anemone is still manipulating the fog, it means Ivan’s group must be lost out here somewhere too.”

>A): Agree to set up camp
>B): Refuse, force the man to keep going

>>5403832
>A): Agree to set up camp

Only Elias and a few others are allowed to rest at a time. At least 5 people need to be on watch at the same time. We're not getting fucking eaten by Slitherers or Beasts.

>>5403832
>A): Agree to set up camp

>>5403832
>A): Agree to set up camp

Calling it now, Clay is a snake

>>5403832
>>A): Agree to set up camp
This is a trap isn't it

>>5403832
>>B): Refuse, force the man to keep going

Maybe we will run into Ivan's group rather than find Anemone. I think camping will have us surprised by something honestly.

>>5403832
>>A): Agree to set up camp


Keep going for a random amount of time, then take shifts.

>>5403832
>>B): Refuse, force the man to keep going

>>5403832
>A): Agree to set up camp

>>5403832
>>B): Refuse, force the man to keep going

>>5403832
>A): Agree to set up camp

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>>5403832
You grit your teeth, perplexed at how you ended up in this current situation. You choose to believe Elias is telling the truth. The man looks pale and is sweating profusely, and you don’t reckon it’s only because you’re scaring him. He’s not the only one either. Your men have been marching for hours now, and all look to be passed the point of exhaustion. With the sun setting and your vision likely only to get worse, you feel as though you have no choice but to camp out in this hellish place.

>“Fine. We’ll take a breather. Get as much rest as you need, but only as much as you need. The second that you’re able to walk again, we’re moving out.”

Your soldiers, having expected to stay within the confines of Arcadia, were not prepared for an extended camp. As such, supplies are relatively meager. Even worse, with Elias taking his nap, the spell that he had been casting to maintain the group’s vision has fizzled out. You can now barely see just a few feet in front of you. You bid your companions to get some rest, while you and a few others take rotating shifts to keep “watch”, as impossible as it currently seems. In such conditions and with the threat of Demonic Beasts lurking about, you’re not quite sure how restful of a sleep they’ll get.

You sit there for some time, doing your best to stay alert and avoid dozing off. A difficult task, given that you yourself are also exhausted. You’ve taken first sentry duty alongside Ava, who was your only volunteer. The two of you share no words, afraid that any noise may attract unwanted visitors to your location. This goes on for some time, with you doing your best to keep your eyes wide open.

You’re suddenly bolted awake by the loud roar of a Demonic Beast. Your body jerks shakily and you instinctively get to your feet, tripping over the mutilated corpse of Ava. Your stomach lurches but you continue running in a random direction, attempting to get away from the beast. Your vision is poor at night, but even still you can make out the prone, bleeding bodies of your comrades.

>“Shit! Shit! Shit!” You curse yourself for falling asleep. This is all your fault. You keep running, tears in your eyes as you trip over something. Someone has grabbed onto your ankle. It’s Corrine. Blood is pouring from her eyes and a silent plea for help attempts to escape her trembling lips. You freeze in place, unsure of what to do, before the girl is dragged off fiercely by some unseen force into the darkness. You scramble back to your feet and begin desperately fleeing once more. The beast from behind and you hear it charging towards your direction, louder and louder. You try running harder, your legs on the verge of collapsing. Suddenly, something huge soars over you, landing directly in your path.

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>>5405553
The Demonic Beast. You’ve never seen one this huge before. Even in the darkness you can make out its form. You scramble to unsheathe your Blessed Lance but are unable to find it. Shit! You must have left it when you fled. This can’t be happening, you think to yourself, as your legs finally give way, and you collapse on your bottom. Something on the beast’s head begins glowing an ominous blue. Even in your maddened state, you can tell it’s a Crest. No use worrying about that now though. The Beast lunges towards you and-

“Blair! Wake up!” Ava sharply whispers in your ear, shaking you.

You awaken with a gasp and in a mad scramble. You grab on to the first think you find and squeeze it hard. In this case it’s Ava’s thigh. It feels firm, and real. You were dreaming, and you’re back to reality.

“It’s okay. You were convulsing in your sleep.” Ava whispers. “Get some rest, I can take it from here.”

>“Ava…thank-“ You suddenly hear something from further away. A familiar stomping sound, and growling. It’s far off, and still faint, but you can hear it, nonetheless.

>A): Wake the others, prepare for a fight against a Demonic Beast
>B): Keep silent, wait to see if the beast passes by
>C): Write-in

>>5405554
>A): Wake the others, prepare for a fight against a Demonic Beast

>>5405554
>C): Write-in
Wake Elias up and tell him to find us a solution that won't involve making everyone panic, right this instant. Those demonic beasts are probably gonna be something else, stronger than the Empire's, so let's not gear up for a fight unless we can't help it.

>>5405621
Supporting

>>5405554
>>5405621
Support

>>5405621
Supporting

>>5405554
>>5405621
Support. Man better have packed the demonic beast repellent spray

>>5405554
>>5405621
+1

Writing. Also updated the spreadsheet with Clay's stats

Clay (Lv. 32 Hero)
Weapon: Runesword (+8 DMG, Restores HP on hit)
Personal Skill: Bravery (Always attacks twice, no matter what)
HP:50/50
STR: 28 LCK:29
DEX: 30 DEF:27
SPD: 25 RES: 12

>>5406170
Yo what the fuck? His personal skills fucking good.
Who the fuck is he exactly?

>>5406170
>Runesword (+8 DMG, Restores HP on hit)

Kill him, kill him now. I NEED THAT SWORD!

>>5406195
He's an incredibly obvious spy. Whether he's working for Edelgard or Claude is still up in the air.

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As gingerly and quietly as you possibly can in this situation, you shake Elias awake. The man has only been asleep for three hours, but that’s going to have to suffice. He resists your touch at first, but after more rigorous prodding, the mage finally opens his eyes and groans awake.

>“Wake up, damnit! You need to come up with something to get us out of here, and fast. Otherwise, we’ll be sitting inside one of these creature’s stomachs before the night is through!”

Elias takes a while to get his bearings, before responding. “T-too soon, haven’t rested enough yet. I need more tim-“

>You shake the mage again. “We don’t have time! Do you hear that?”

In the distance, you can unmistakably hear the sound of a Demonic Beast rumbling about, as if searching for something. Your comrades are still fast asleep, and you’re afraid that the noise that will come with martialing them to their feet will only serve to lure the beast closer to your position. Thus, Elias needs to use the same trick he did before to keep the creatures away.

“F-fine, I’ll do my best…” Elias sloppily gets to his feet and begins muttering the same strange incantation you had heard previously. After a few moments, the wisp you had seen before reappears, once more darting in a circle around your group. The fog that was blanketing your surroundings dissipates, and you can once again see your immediate area more clearly. “T-there. If we’re doing this, then let’s not waste time. Lady Anemone may alter the forest’s layout again at any moment. We need to beat the enemy to Arcadia…”

Part of you is worried about Elias. The man is clearly not well, and this excursion is taking its toll on him. He’s having a hard time standing up straight and is leaning against a nearby tree for support. He’s not the only one. You would have loved to get a few more hours of sleep yourself, and you find that you’re battling to keep your eyes wide open. Still, you’re concerned that if you spend any more time within this hellhole, the nightmare that you just woke up from will come true.

>-1 to all stats for the next battle

You and Ava go around rousing the party from their sleep. They don’t look to be faring much better than you do, but at least they were able to get somewhat of a reprieve. Once everyone is on their feet and ready to go, you all begin following Elias and the wisp’s lead once more. Bathed in the wisp’s light, you realize that you can no longer hear the Demonic Beast. A small measure of comfort, to be sure. You aren’t sure how long you follow Elias within that place, but the next thing you know, the sun is beginning to rise.

“This is it…we’re nearing Arcadia…” Elias whispers.

>“You’ve said that before. How am I to believe you?”

“This time I mean it…Lady Anemone hasn’t altered the landscape for hours now….”

>“You don’t sound too excited.”

“I fear that something else may be taking her attention.”

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>>5406216
>You exhale sharply. “Could Ivan’s group ha-“

“Something’s coming!” Elias shouts. “Blair, look ou-!”

It all happens so suddenly. As Elias turns to try and warn you, something emerges from within the fog and silences him. A dark, black figure, with a gleaming weapon in one hand, has collided with your guide. Elias’ panicked cry transforms into a grotesque gurgle before your very eyes. His head, only barely connected to the rest of his body, bares a look of frozen horror as a hot spurt of blood hits you. The figure’s free hand, holding an identical looking weapon, twists in mid-air towards your own neck. You’re prepared for him though and meet his attack with the butt of your spear, blocking his attack. The assassin uses the momentum to launch himself backwards, into the very fog he emerged from. As he does, Elias’ body collides with the floor.

“How fortuitous!” A voice echoes from all around you as you get to Elias’s side. “We came here to deal with the traitors, but to think we’d find another of our hated enemies here as well. The gods truly smile upon us today.”

>“Who are you?!” You cry, attempting to staunch Elias’ bleeding as the rest of your squad unsheathes their weapons and prepares for battle. Elias’ spell is already beginning to wear off. The man was dead before he even hit the ground.

“You long search for us ends here, Blair d’Rusalka!” The voice echoes. “Allow us to make our formal introduction!” Your body suddenly feels weightless. As you attempt to gather your bearings, you feel as though you’re being pulled away. You’ve never experienced this type of magic before, but your mind quickly pieces it together. Warp magic! One of the rarest forms of magic, and an incredibly difficult one to counter. Before you can shout to the others, you find yourself teleported away from them. You’re no longer sitting by Elias’ body, but somewhere else within the forest, and can no longer hear your comrades.

“Dolofonos.” You hear the same voice exclaim. Upon the utterance of what sounds like a name, the assassin you saw kill Elias emerges from the fog once more to stand in front of you. Clad in ebon and gold armor, his face is mostly covered by a mask, but in his hands lie two wicked looking blades that appear to be made of Agarthium. “I know you’ve been looking forward to meeting our curious friend for some time now. I encourage you to show her a Talon’s hospitality, while I drag the traitors screaming out of their hovel.”

“Thank you, Lord Odesse.” Dolofonos says, flatly. You unsheathe your spear and face off against the assassin, who makes no sudden movement. “That dagger, tied to your waist. Where did you acquire that?”

>Is he talking about Kronya’s dagger? You’ve used it once or twice since Ashe gave you the weapon. It was mostly a keepsake these days. Something to remind you of who and what you fought for.

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>>5406218
Dolofonos sneers hatefully towards you. Twirling his blades, he jumps back into the fog leaving you seemingly alone. You know better though. You’re being watched, waiting to be pounced on.

>A): Stand your ground (Alert Stance/Swordbreaker)
>B): Cast magic and attempt to smoke the assassin out of hiding
>C): Run into the fog and attempt to pursue
>D): Flee and attempt to find the other Blackwings
>E): Write-in

>>5406220
>>A): Stand your ground (Alert Stance/Swordbreaker)

Get fucked, retard. We're almost purpose built to ruin this guy's day.