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>>5423927
In the wake of Odesse and Dolofonos’ ambush, the Blackwings have been scattered, and several private battles are unfolding before you. You spot three such fights occurring by the tree line you’ve just emerged from. You want to come to the aid of all your soldiers, but you’re only one woman, and you’re forced to make a split decision in the short amount of time you have. Shelley is being given trouble by a lance wielding soldier from the Orthodox Church, her shorter sword putting her at a stark disadvantage. Without wasting any more precious time, you run toward her to assist.

As you approach, you can hear Shelley foul-mouthing her opponent, unleashing a barrage of expletives. The spearman grins as his weapon catches your “Left Wing” in her shoulder, eliciting a cry that equal parts worries and enrages you. Your magic having a greater reach than your spear, you don’t waste any time launching a Fireball that sails over the girl’s head and collides directly into the spearman’s chest. Any confidence the man was feeling is shattered as your spell sets him alight, roasting him in his armor. His attention now focused on patting out the flames eating him alive, he’s rendered helpless as Shelley launches herself from the ground and sends the man’s head flying with her Wo Dao.

“Blair! You’re alive!” She winces, falling back to one knee. You arrived just in time to save at least one unmounted pegasus knight from being skewered, but there was still another who needed help.

Diana was busy attempting to keep a much larger, axe-wielding warrior from sending her own head flying. So far, she was able to keep him at bay, but it would only be a matter of time before the hulking foe managed to overpower her smaller frame. Using the same trick as before, you hurl another fireball at the warrior. This time the enemy is prepared for you, managing to turn at the last second and deflect your spell with the blade of his axe. However, you capture his attention long enough for Diana to plunge her spear into the man’s throat. He drops his axe to clutch the spear, while Shelley plunges her sword into his side, ending him with an informal Triangle Attack.

“Blair! Thank the Goddess you’re safe! Where have you been?!” Diana shouts. Unlike Shelley, the girl doesn’t seem to have been hurt too badly.

>“Diana, you’re with me. Shelley, are you going to be okay?”

“I’ll be fine.” Shelley winces. “I’ll have Elizabeth patch me up.”

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>>5423929
Elizabeth! That’s right. You turn to where you’d seen the cleric being defended by Clay. Somehow, the blonde had managed to kill two of the enemies he’d bene in combat with and was working on a third, giving Elizabeth the time and space she’d needed to heal her wounds. Miraculously, Clay himself looks completely unscathed. Whoever the hell he is, he’s bizarrely skilled that much is true. With the immediate enemies cleared in front of you, you’re able to get a closer look at the battlefield, as well as the other Blackwings who are embroiled in battle.

Straight ahead, you spot Ava doing her best to apply a vulnerary in the middle of combat. Sebastian is guarding the woman while two Swordmasters attempt to flank around him and finish off the wounded Ava. They’re fast, and the hulking General is struggling to strike them with his blade.

South of them, the situation is reversed. Milly is attempting to move around a General, hoping to get around him and attack a group of magic casters and healers that have positioned themselves in the back. The assassin shows an abundance of caution as the enemy General attempts to keep her at length with his spear, swinging the weapon with reckless abandon.

Next to Milly, Corrine was being harassed by two spearmen, with a third one screaming on the ground, clutching his now missing right arm. She had both her axes in hand, and was covered in blood, though from this distance it was hard to tell whether it was her own or her enemy’s.

Meanwhile, the Crusaders were still hard at work attempting to knock down Arcadia’s wooden gate, under the watchful eye of their Commander. You could attempt to strike at Ivan and defeat the Crusader’s commander in one fell swoop, but doing so may prove risky, both for yourself as well as your allies who were still in need of aid.

>A): Assist Caleb
>B): Assist Roxanne
>C): Assist Sebastian and Caleb
>D): Assist Milly
>E): Assist Corrine
>F): Attack Ivan
>G): Split up with Diana and send her to a different target

>>5423931
>Assist Sebastian
>Send Diana to assist Caleb

Diana doesn’t have a ranged attack, so her reach is actually very limited. However, if 4 is dead Caleb can instead go kill the mages directly.

Meanwhile, Blair can use her magic to support Sebastian from a distance, stopping them from killing Ava.

>>5423931
>>C): Assist Sebastian and Caleb

Welcome back

>>5423931
>>5423942
Support.

>>5423942
+1

>>5423931
>>D): Assist Milly

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>>5423931
>“Diana, I need you to go help Clay, and then deal with those mages in the back. We’ll meet up after!”

“You got it boss!” The girl gives you a half salute, before running off to aid the newest member of the Blackwings. In the meantime, you set your sights on helping Sebastian and Ava. While the General looks to be completely unharmed, Ava is in dire straits, and it is all he can do to keep the enemy Swordmasters from reaching her. You rush forward and mark your target. The Swordmaster to Sebastian’s right is focused on trying to sidestep his much larger foe, and you once again are able to catch the enemy by surprise. You summon forth a Thunder spell. Lightning descends from the sky and catches the nimble foe in the middle of his maneuver.

>SPD: 37 + 6(Darting Blow) + 3(Fiery Blood+) = 46 (Double Attack)
>MAG: 24 + 5(Thunder) + 4(Fiery Blood+) = 33 – 10 RES = 23x2 = 46dmg

The Swordmaster screams as he’s fried alive by your spell. Before he can even react, you’ve already summoned forth another Thunder spell to follow up on your first attack. The man’s skeleton is briefly illuminated, and by the time your attack has ended, all that’s left behind are the charred remains of his corpse and ash.

>15xp gained! (65/100)

Upon seeing his comrade dispatched with total ease and noticing he’s now outnumbered. The second Swordmaster pulls back and retreats, heading towards the direction of Corrine and the two soldiers that she was fighting. Corrine has already dispatched a second Halberdier and is currently working on beating down a third but fails to notice the Swordmaster approaching her from behind. He slashes at your best friend’s back twice with his blade, causing her to stumble.

Boleslav is a short distance away from her, alone. Two Crusaders lie before him dead with arrows lodged within them, however a heavily armored General is giving the man pursuit. The Sniper is backpedaling, firing upon the armored figure, but his arrows are proving ineffective.

“Commander! Thanks for the help.” Ava says. The woman has finished applying her vulnerary and is back to full health. “You have my bow. Let’s push these bastards back.”

“Commander Blair! You’re a sight for sore eyes! What are our orders?” Sebastian calls out.

You’re close enough to Arcadia’s gate that you can see the heavy damage it has taken. Ivan and his men are not letting up and seem as though they’ll soon break through. You may be able to take him down with Ava and Sebastian backing you up, but there’s the matter of your comrades who may still require assistance.

>A): Attack Ivan
>B): Assist Corrine
>C): Assist Milly
>D): Assist Boleslav
>E): Write-in

>Order Sebastian and Ava to assist you, or take on another task

I think Ava needs to go help Corinne, but I do not know how to distribute everyone else. It all depends on how long the gate lasts…

>>5424913
Alright, sod it,
Sebastian is too slow to intervene for anyone except Corinne, but does give us the means to fight right Ivan now.

Just hope the rest of our officers are able to roll up their line.

>>5424913
>Ava supports Corinne
>We unleash the most powerful AoE spell we have on Ivan and his retinue.
>Sebastian moves in afterwards to engage the survivors.

>>5424913
>>5424978
Yeah supporting this. Ava gives covering fire to Corrine while Blair and Seb attack Ivan and his mooks who are in AOE spell range.

Everyone else can converge on the stragglers at the back.

>>5424983
Also I just noticed, we've lost Uriel? Oh dear...

>>5424985
We’re missing a third of our captains, and all of our mooks.

Presumably, they’re deeper in the fog of war, and we haven’t found them yet- but it doesn’t look like we have time.

>>5424913
>>C): Assist Milly

>Order Sebastian and Ava to assist you, or take on another task
Assist Corinne

>>5423931
>>D): Assist Milly
>G): Split up with Diana and send her to a different target (Sebastian)

Oh woops didn't notice the update was out already.
>>5424913
>D): Assist Boleslav
>Sebastian and Ava help Corrine.
I'm not gonna let Corrine die on us.

>>5424978
This wins. Writing!

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>>5424913
>Order Sebastian and Ava to assist you, or take on another task

>“Ava, I need you to go and backup Corrine. Sebastian and I will deal with their leader while we have the opportunity.”

“Be careful, Commander.” Ava knocks an arrow on her bow, and runs off to assist Corrine, who is currently outnumbered and at a weapon disadvantage.

General Ivan and his men are only a short distance away from you, but the Paladin has hardly paid any attention to your exploits, instead choosing to oversee his men’s efforts to knock down Arcadia’s doors. You can hear him barking orders at the soldiers who are looking to cut their way through the wooden gate and begin slaughtering the village’s inhabitants.

“Faster men! The sooner we deal with the heretics inside, the faster we can leave this forsaken place!”

The gate to Arcadia doesn’t look like it has much left in it. While you and Sebastian are outnumbered, you can’t allow the enemy to breakthrough without a challenge. You’d utterly fail your promise to Elias if you did. Fortunately, the Crusaders working on the gate are all grouped up, allowing you the opportunity to attack them with a Fimbulvetr. You feel the magic coursing through you as the wind picks up and the air becomes frigid. Most of the Crusaders continue their task unflinchingly, with the exception of their commander, Ivan, who turns towards you.

“The Witch of Magdred Way. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that a daemonette like you would come to the aid of a village of heretics.”

>“I’ll give you one chance to call this attack off and leave with your men alive!”

Ivan scoffs. “You killed so many of my comrades back at Magdred! Do you truly think I’d give up an opportunity to see them avenged? I, Ivan the Firestorm, shall send you hurdling down towards the flames of hell!”

>Ivan
>Level 35 Paladin
HP: 61
STR: 33
MAG: 15
DEX: 32
SPD: 29
LCK: 18
DEF: 28
RES: 18
Weapons: Flame Lance (+10 DMG, Targets Res), Spear (+8 DMG, Ranged)
Skills: Wary Fighter (Cannot Double, or be doubled)

You let loose your Fimbulvetr spell, taking careful aim to not do any further damage to the village gate. A tornado of ice blankets the area, engulfing the four Crusaders in front of you. The three at the door fall immediately, their screams lost as the loud icy winds flay them alive. Within the tornado though, you see a spark of flame. Ivan emerges forth on his warhorse, holding a familiar weapon you’ve seen before. A Flame Spear.

>3 Crusaders Killed (15 XP gained, 80/100)
>Ivan, missed!

Ivan gallops towards you, his spear engulfed in flames and poised to strike you down. Sebastian steps ahead of you, raising his shield to take the blow in your stead.

>Great Shield Activates: (%Chance x Level to negate all damage)
>RNG: 31, 22 (Both attacks nulled)

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>>5426404
Your heart jumps as the Knight of Faerghus moves to take Ivan’s attack. The Flame Spear is a magic weapon, and even Sebastian’s high defensive skill won’t be enough to save him from being cooked alive in his armor. You scream at him to get out of the way just as his shield collides with Ivan’s spear. A screeching sound erupts as the spear’s magic activates, but somehow, Sebastian manages to divert the flames with his shield towards the side and away from himself. Ivan looks on incredulously, before attacking again with his spear. However, the same outcome occurs. Sebastian expertly diverts the flames away from himself with his shield, taking virtually no damage. With the Paladin directly in front of him, he gives him an upward chop with his axe.

>STR: 35 + 17(Silver Axe+) = 52 – 28 DEF = 24 DMG (Ivan: 37/61 HP)

As you stare on in disbelief at what just occurred before you, you hear a shrill, animalistic cry in the distance. Turning around, you find that the Blackwings are managing to successfully clean up their foes. However, that isn’t what grabs your attention. In the sky, five winged Demonic Beasts have made their appearance over the tree line and are heading towards the direction of the battlefield. If you squint hard enough, you can make out a figure in the distance that seems to be almost directing the creatures. That must be Odesse.

“General, you appear to be having great difficulty against these mercenaries. Allow me to assist you.” The Sage’s voice reverberates throughout the forest.

As the Demonic Beasts make their appearance and begin flying towards Arcadia, the sky suddenly darkens, and you feel a surge of energy coming from inside the village. You’ve used the spell enough yourself to recognize what’s going on. Someone is casting Bolting! Sure enough, a huge arc of lightning shoots forth from the sky and attacks the Demonic Beast in the middle. The monster lets loose an ear-piercing shriek, before falling out of the sky, dead in one strike.

>A): Focus on taking down Ivan
>B): Turn around and assist your allies against the remaining Crusaders/Demonic Beasts
>C): Attempt to fight Odesse
>D): Write-in

Whoops I made a mistake. Ivan's skill should be Wary Fighter+, meaning he can double, but can't be doubled himself. Although somehow he got completely RNG fucked anyway lol.

>>5426405
>A): Focus on taking down Ivan
Put Ivan in the dirt with our absolute gigachad Sebastian. Hopefully that will route any remaining Crusaders and let us focus down the beasts. Maybe Anemone will be nice enough to fry one or two more of them for us too.

>>5426405
>>A): Focus on taking down Ivan
He’s mounted, we can hardly flee….

Also, oh shit, Boleslav! Just run!

>>5426405
>>A): Focus on taking down Ivan

>>5426405
>>B): Turn around and assist your allies against the remaining Crusaders/Demonic Beasts

>>5426405
>>>A): Focus on taking down Ivan

>>5426405
>A): Focus on taking down Ivan
Holy fuck Sebastian, this is why Faerghus boys are superior. Also we can't leave Sebastian alone to face his flame spear or let Ivan run rampant around our back line. Boleslav just run

>>5426405
>A): Focus on taking down Ivan
Corrine is going to get help in time, right?

>>5426405
>>A): Focus on taking down Ivan

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>>5426405
With the enemy commander right in front of you, now is not the time to get distracted. You’ll finish Ivan off first and then turn around and deal with that damned Sage. Transmuting magic into your Silver Spear, you dash out from behind Sebastian and attack the enemy Paladin, who still seems to be in utter disbelief that his first attack failed.

>Transmute: 2/5
>MAG: 24 + 14 (Silver Lance) + 4(Fiery Blood+) +5(Lancefaire) = 47 – 18 RES = 29 DMG (Ivan: 8/61 HP)

Your spear punches a hole through Ivan’s breastplate, the magic completely ignoring the sturdy armor that the paladin wears. He screams loudly as the spear lodges itself into him, refusing to let go and allow him to escape. He swings his Flame Spear down and connects with your shoulder, the magic activating and engulfing you in a small tornado of flame.

>MAG: 15 + 10(Flame Lance) = 25 – 19 RES = 6 DMG (Blair: 30/52 HP)

Compared to having your ribs broken and teeth nearly shattered by Dolofonos a short while ago, you barely feel the burn. Ivan’s attack hardly does any damage thanks your healthy resistance to magic. You power through his attack while holding on to your spear that is still lodged in the Paladin’s chest, preventing him from escaping, and allowing Sebastian to land one final clean blow. The armored knight pulls back his Silver Axe and slams it forward as hard as he can muster. He connects with Ivan’s chest, sending the man sailing off your spear with a wet rip to slam onto the ground, off his horse. (Ivan: 0/61 HP)

>15xp gained! (0/100) Level Up!

>Blair Weaver
>Level 35 Seraph Knight (0/100)
HP: 53 (90%) + 1 = 54
STR: 28 (40%)
MAG: 23 (50%) + 1 = 24
DEX: 24 (45%) + 1 = 25
SPD: 37 (65%) + 1 = 38
LCK: 21 (30%)
DEF: 23 (50%)
RES: 20 (40%) +1 = 21
CHARM: 18 (45%)

“D-demons…you people are…” Ivan’s final words trail off as the huge, gaping hole in his chest causes his lungs to fill with blood, ending the Crusader’s life. With Ivan’s death, the gate of Arcadia are now secure, but there’s still no shortage of problems you’re facing. Odesse himself seems to have opted to simply watch the battle, showing no signs of joining the fray. However, the Winged Demonic Beasts he’s summoned are another matter. They aren’t stopping to harass the Blackwings. Rather, they’re ignoring them and setting their sights on Arcadia. You try and think fast, wondering how you’re going to deal with four flying Demonic Beasts when your mages and archers are still out of position, when you hear a voice call out to you from above.

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>>5428022
“Blair!” A female voice shouts. You look above and are surprised to see a woman riding a pegasus. And not just any pegasus either, but one that’s sporting a familiar dark coat. Much like yourself, this woman is evidently a Dark Flier. She doesn’t look familiar, though it’s hard to tell from where you’re both positioned. Regardless, something about her features seem almost unnatural. “I can stop those Demonic Beasts before they reach the village, but I’m going to need your help. Quickly, get on!” She gestures for you to ride second on her pegasus, as she lands on the ground.

Up close and personal, it’s much easier for you to tell that this woman looks like no human you’ve ever seen before. Her ears are longer, and her eyes are…red? Combined with the outfit she’s wearing; she looks as if she’d be the villain in some children’s fantasy book. Her pale, almost translucent skin reminds you somewhat of Kronya and Solon. Still, she doesn’t look nearly as “deformed” as those two had. Could this be Anemone?

The question though, was if you could trust her.

>A): Get on the Pegasus
>B): Refuse, attempt to rally the Blackwings and fend off the Demonic Beasts from the ground
>C): Screw the monsters. There’s a Sage right in front of you, and you won’t let this opportunity slip you by.
>D): Write-in

>>5428026
>A): Get on the Pegasus
Oi seb, taking our boss kill exp is no bueno.

But also, dear lord one of those fuckers is bearing down on Elizabeth. Even a hail mary bolting probably won't down it and I don't think we're in range for aircalibur, might as well see what zany scheme this slithering has.

>>5428026
>>C): Screw the monsters. There’s a Sage right in front of you, and you won’t let this opportunity slip you by.
I'm not voting for this because I want it to win, I just want to be the little nagging voice pressing Blair forward towards a fleeting lead

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>>5428117
I should clarify that they're completely ignoring the Blackwings in favor of touching down in Arcadia.

>>5428026
>A): Get on the Pegasus

>>5428026
>>A): Get on the Pegasus
You know allying with a slitherer that also happens to be a Dark Flier really won't do Blair anymore favors in the eyes of people... But damn is her image gonna be wilder then ever.

>>5428169
Oh crisis averted then. Still think we should I go with this chick because everyone is super out of position and we need to keep Anemone alive too.

Also QM I'm still chuckling over Ivan's absolute disbelief over Seb's NO DAMAGE moment. Great scene.

>>5428026
>>C): Screw the monsters. There’s a Sage right in front of you, and you won’t let this opportunity slip you by.

>>5428026
>A): Get on the Pegasus

>>5428026
>>A): Get on the Pegasus

We cannot fight them on the ground.

>>5428026
>A): Get on the Pegasus
Really interested in how the slitherers have an abundance of ebon wing steeds. Are they just stealing them or do they know the technique to make them?

>>5428026
>>A): Get on the Pegasus

>>5428026
>>A): Get on the Pegasus

>>5428026
>>A): Get on the Pegasus

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>>5428026
Wasting no time, you leap onto Anemone’s dark pegasus, holding on tightly to the strange woman as she takes off into the sky. You note to yourself that despite your extensive experience with flying, this is the first time you’ve ever ridden second to someone on a pegasus. And it’s with this strange woman, no less. If you didn’t have four bloodthirsty Demonic Beasts barreling towards you right now, you might almost be embarrassed about it.

“Do you know any anti-air spells?” Anemone asks you, while keeping her focus on the four Demonic Beasts in the sky and charging towards them.

>“I can use Aircalibur about five times.” You shout over the wind. “Wait, don’t tell me your grand plan was to use us as bait!?”

“It is my duty to protect the village at all costs, including my own life. The enemy Sage is Odesse. He’s an archmage with the ability to control Demonic Beasts. His goal is to destroy Arcadia, but failing that, he’ll make do with killing me. If he thinks he has me in an unfavorable position, he’ll divert those creatures to attack me instead. Now, brace yourself!”

True to Anemone’s words, the four Winged Demonic Beasts that were racing towards Arcadia have now surrounded you and your new companion.

>“You’re insane!” This is not the plan you would have come up with, but it’s too late to protest now. You’re in the thick of it, and the only way out is to fight. The first Winged Beast charges towards you, it’s talons out ready to rend you to pieces.

>20% Chance to hit (RNG: 93, Miss!)

Anemone swiftly steers her pegasus out of the beast’s range, exposing its backside and allowing you to rend it to pieces with two hastily cast Aircalibur spells.

>Aircalibur 3/5
>MAG: 25 +3(Aircalibur) +4(Fiery Blood+) – 13 RES = 19x3(Eff. DMG) = 57x2 (KO)
>15/100 XP

The Beast falls in an explosion of feathers and gore as the Aircalibur spell slices it into dozens of pieces, raining blood down upon your poor companions below. You’ll have to remember to apologize for that later, assuming you get out of here alive.

The second beast follows up directly after the first, attacking much in the same fashion as its counterpart.

>20% Chance to hit (RNG: 53, Miss!)

Another miss, with Anemone this time pulling her pegasus up just as the beast snapped its talons shut. She may be a stramge one, but when it comes to handling a pegasus, she’s certainly more than capable. Catching on to your part quickly, you launch another barrage of Aircaliburs down into the creature’s head.

>Aircalibur 1/5
>MAG: 25 +3(Aircalibur) +4(Fiery Blood+) – 13 RES = 19x3(Eff. DMG) = 57x2 (KO)
>30/100 XP

You’re treated to another explosion of gore as the Aircalibur spell connects with the enemy below. They may be Demonic Beasts, but even these creatures are helpless against the effectiveness of your magic and Anemone’s flying.

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>>5429543
Rather than charging at you with its claws, the third beast lets out a torrent of flame from its mouth, which races towards you.

>20% Chance to hit (RNG: 28, Miss!)

Anemone pulls to the side, and you feel the heat as the flames just barely miss you. By now, you’ve already use Aircalibur to the point where you can only muster the spell one more time. Nevertheless, you fire it at your target, hitting the creature dead on. While not enough to kill the beast, it deals enough damage that you knock it out of the sky, leaving it to the Blackwings down below.

Only one Demonic Beast remains in the air, but it makes no sudden moves.

“Superb. I would expect nothing less from you, Lady Anemone.” You hear Odesse’s voice, as clear as though he were standing right next to you. “You possess great skill, a credit to your lineage, to be sure. But you are still an abomination. An impurity that mocks everything our people have stood millennia for. One that I will ensure can no longer do us harm!”

The Demonic Beast in front of you begins to glow a dark purple. It lets out a loud scream, forcing you to cover your ears as Anemone flies away from the creature. The creature stays still, glowing brighter and brighter, before flying passed you to hover directly over Arcadia.

“It’s going to explode!” Anemone shouts. “We have to stop it!”

>“What do you want me to do?! I can’t cast Aircalibur anymore!”

“You have a Blessed Lance, don’t you? Use it!”

>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)
>B): Getting up close is too risky. Try and use your strongest magic on the creature before it explodes (Fimbulvetr x2)
>C): Write-in

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>5429544
>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)
Let's do this.

>>5429544
>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)

Jousting a bio bomb while flying through the air with a blessed lance? Metal as fuck, lets do this

>>5429544
>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)

>>5429544
>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)
Can we use Yara's roll boosting abilities here or do we need to be closer to her?

>>5429544
>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)

>>5429544
>>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)

I guess Bolting is too dangerous in the middle of a village but it would serve as our strongest magic attack wouldn't it. Specifically for siegecraft and I guess larger attacking units

The one in the village grew another 20 HP, mysterious

>>5429678
Sorcery is a destructive but potent art.

>>5429544
>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)
From my calculations double fimbulvetr on its own will only do 58 damage to this thing. (ignoring any possible crits). This looks like our best shot at saving the village.

>>5429544
>>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)

>>5429544
>Speed under it and rake across it's underbelly with your Blessed Lance, splitting it wide open
RULES OF NATURE
does this one have a mask like the others? Besides being cool this move might be easier, no mask to deflect off

>>5429544
>>A): Impale the creature through the eye with your Blessed Lance (DEX x 3: Roll between 1-75 for Success)

>>5429603
I'd say she'd have to be a bit closer!

Rolled 41 (1d100)

A wins. Rolling. Roll must be 1-75 to succeed.

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>>5429544
>“Get me closer then, quickly!” You shout at Anemone. On command, her dark pegasus swiftly chases after the Demonic Beast, which continues to glow a brighter and more vibrant purple with each passing moment. You unsheathe your Blessed Lance and position yourself for a decisive strike. You’ll only have one shot at this. If that flashing purple is any indication, the beast is getting ready to explode. You’ve never heard of such a spell before, and you don’t want to be around to find out what the outcome will be. If Odesse believes this is his trump card, then it’s sure to be something terrible for everyone involved.

Anemone does not slow down as you draw nearer to the Demonic Beast. That’s just as well. While it will make precision difficult, you’re going to need all the momentum you can get. You pull closer in towards your target. You can feel an ungodly amount of heat emanating from it, so much so that you think you’re going to melt. The creature isn’t the only thing giving off steam. The Blessed Lance in your hands is practically glowing white hot, as if begging you to let it gorge on the monster’s blood. Fortunately, it won’t have to wait any longer. As the pegasus charges directly at the creature’s face, you thrust your spear forward, connecting with the mask the monster wears, right where it’s eye should be. It lets out a loud roar as its head is pushed back, threatening to knock you off the steed. But you don’t let up. You continue to push the glowing hot spear into the mask. You ignore the burning in your hands, the throbbing of your ears, and the unbearable heat of the creature, and continue to push the spear forward. Your screams meet the Demonic Beast’s, and then, finally, something gives way. The creature’s mask shatters into a million pieces and the lance easily glides in through its eye, brain, and finally, exits its head on the other side. You then rip the spear up, splitting its head in two, as Anemone steers the pegasus up towards the sky. The three of you are drenched in its blood as the creature begins falling from the sky to land in an empty patch of ground in the village below. It no longer glows that eerie purple you saw before, lying still, completely dead.

>50/100 XP

You look down at the creature from on high as a river of blood begins to pool around it. The heat is gone, but you’re still panting heavily, and it hurts to breathe. Between Dolofonos, fighting alongside your allies, and these damned Demonic Beasts, you can’t remember the last time you worked this hard. You tilt too much to your right, and nearly topple off the pegasus, before Anemone balances you back straight, and offers you her shoulder to lean on.

“My little champion. After all that, you mustn’t go dying on me now.” She says softly. You begrudgingly accept her shoulder and wrap your arms around her waist, unsure you’ll make it back to the ground if you don’t.

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>>5430354
“This is a disaster.” You hear Odesse say. “But I promise you this, you will be dealt with in due time, wretch. And as for you…we’ll be watching you, Blair d’Rusalka. Your crimes against our kind will not go unanswered. There is nowhere you can escape to.” The voice trails off. When you squint, you can no longer see Odesse in the distance. You finally get up close to another Sage and he manages to get away. A disappointment, but at least you were able to keep your promise to Elias. Maybe he can rest in peace a little easier now.

You feel the pegasus land, and you’re back on the ground. You dismount with the help of Anemone and look around you. All the fighting appears to be over. Crusaders and Demonic Beasts litter the ground, and yet all of your Blackwings appear to have made it through the fighting. A job well done.

“Blair!” You hear Corrine call out. She rushes forward, axes drawn, along with the rest of the Blackwings. You note that she’s the only one in the group whose weapons are out, and she stares at Anemone with trepidation. She’s not the only one either. Some of the Blackwings look as though they are taken aback by the woman’s strange appearance.

“That was amazing, Blair! You were so cool!” Diana shouts. “The way you picked apart those beasts one by one! Ahhhhh!” She screams cheerfully.

“Are you okay, Blair?” Corrine asks, not taking her eyes off Anemone.

“She’ll live, but she’s overexerted herself fiercely. Here, you should have your healer attend to her immediately.” Anemone transfers you over to Corrine, who quickly grabs you in her arms and pulls you away from the woman.

Anemone curtsies towards the group with all the grace of a noblewoman who’d practiced the motion her entire life. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for coming to the aid of our village. I must go now and attend to my people. We don’t have much in the way of wealth, but you are welcome to all that Arcadia offers. Spend the night within the safety of our walls, and come seek me when you are ready, Blair.” She turns around and walks towards the inside of the village.

>A): Speak with your comrades
>B): Receive healing and head straight inside Arcadia
>C): Write-in

>>5430357
>B): Receive healing and head straight inside Arcadia
Nap time, talk later.

>>5430357
>>A): Speak with your comrades

>>5430357
>>B): Receive healing and head straight inside Arcadia

>>5430357
>A): Speak with your comrades
We're in charge, we should speak with our people

>>5430357
>A): Speak with your comrades

Corinne can heal us while we rest and chat.

>>5430532
…….whoops.

>>5430357
>A): Speak with your comrades

>>5430357
>A): Speak with your comrades
Yeah they deserve to know what the fucks going on now, no need to tell every detail but at least we can say that we got e vendetta against another race of people but this chick is one of the good ones, hopefully

>>5430357
>A): Speak with your comrades
So this chick is a slitherer / dragon person hybrid then going by the ears huh. No wonder she's so fucking OP. Betting that Clay is also some sort of slitherer since he's basically a walking brave weapon, because I remember that if we'd got Monica!Kronya in our team during school phase then she would have been a super OP character as well. We gotta keep an eye on him in Arcadia.

>>5430357
>>A): Speak with your comrades

>>5430357
>A): Speak with your comrades

I'm an Ashe fag but timeskip Corinne is hnngggg

>>5431098
How dare you let yourself be blinded so.

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>>5430357
“You aren’t going anywhere, Blair.” Elizabeth says, kneeling by your side and beginning the process of healing you with her magic. “That woman is right. You really pushed yourself to your limit. Any more and I’m afraid your body would completely fall apart. Thank the Goddess you’re still alive.”

“Yes, only the Goddess could keep a suicidal idiot like yourself alive and in one piece!” Corrine says. “Honestly, just what the hell were you thinking? Accepting a ride from that strange woman? You could have been killed out there!”

>“Quit chastising me, it’s not like I had a choice in the matter. It was all that Anemone’s idea. Besides, it seemed like the best opportunity to deal with those flying Demonic Beasts and keep the village safe.”

Corrine sighs. “So not only are the two of you Dark Fliers, but you also have the incredibly annoying habit of rushing headfirst into extreme danger to save others. I’d question if the two of you were related, but fortunately you look nothing like that freak.”

“I don’t know…I personally thought she was a bit of a babe…” Clay interrupts, rubbing his head in confusion.

“And just who the hell asked you?! Why are you even here in the first place sneaking up on us?! One wrong move out there and Theo would have gutted you thinking you were those Crusaders.”

>“She has a point…what are you doing here?”

Clay shrugs. “I thought I was just following orders. You told me to stay outside your camp, follow you around and fight whoever you fight, and well, here I am! So, did I pass my trial?”

You rub your temples, feeling an awful headache. It truly has felt like one of the longest days of your life, and it isn’t even over yet. This man in front of you is a complete enigma. He seems friendly enough, albeit a bit goofy and lecherous. But beneath that exterior lies an incredibly talented fighter. You recall how he protected Elizabeth, fighting off three Crusaders single handedly while suffering no damage himself. He’d said he was an experienced mercenary from Dagda, but was he really that good? Sneaking up on you was suspicious enough, but you must begrudgingly admit that he’s quickly shown himself useful, and you can always use a skilled fighter.

>“Let’s meet in the middle. As far as I’m concerned, sneaking up on us was a negative, but you did well out there. I’ll be keeping an eye on you, but at the very least, I suppose we can start paying you wages and letting you sleep in camp.”

Clay gives a triumphant fist pump. “Good enough for me! I’m totally yours, Commander.” He jauntily walks off, to join the other Blackwings that are busy looting the corpses of the Crusaders for any valuables.

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>>5431649
“You really think we can trust that guy?” Corrine asks you.

>You shrug, wincing from the soreness. “Probably not. He’s definitely hiding something. But if he’s willing to fight, I won’t stand in his way.”

“If I may…” Elizabeth says softly, not looking up from her work. “When I’d suffered an attack from one of those Crusaders, he quickly came to my aid and drove them off. As I watched him fight, I noticed a certain…aura? It looked familiar, but in the heat of battle I’d shrugged it off. Now that I’ve had some time to think about it…it reminded me of those two girls. Annette and Mercedes.”

>“Huh? What about them?”

“Forgive me, I’m not an expert on the subject, but they were Crest-bearers, no? I saw them use their Crests back in Tauros Village, when we were fending off that attack.” Elizabeth shrugs. “The feeling I had seeing them back then, it was the same as watching Clay.”

“That idiot has a Crest?” Corrine whispers sharply. “How would that even be possible unless he were a noble?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know for sure. It’s possible I may have just seen something else, or even be misremembering. Oh, sorry Blair, this is going to hurt.” With barely a warning, Elizabeth pops one of your ribs back into place.

You scream loud enough to wake the dead. You love Elizabeth, and consider her a dear friend, but her bedside manner leaves much to be desired.

>“Crest or no Crest, we’ll deal with it later.” You say, trying your hardest to hold back the tears. “Let’s focus on one thing at a time here. After all these years of fighting and running and stumbling in the dark, a sea of answers is awaiting me in that village. I’ll hear everything from Anemone’s mouth myself.” You manage to stand with the help of your two friends. The various Blackwings are milling around, still scavenging the battlefield. You notice that Nero has looted Ivan’s Flame Lance and is enjoying waving it around, much to the annoyance of Ava. You figure he can keep it. That spear served its purpose when you couldn’t rely on your magic, but you’ve become an adept sorceress well above what that weapon is capable of.

“Oh, Blair!” Milly calls out running to you. “I found this on one of those Crusaders, you should take it! Help yourself to some loot.”

>You Receive a Goddess Icon! (+4 LCK Permanently on Use)

>A): Head inside the village to meet Anemone
>B): Speak with your comrades (Choose one currently on the map)

>>5431650
>B): Speak with your comrades (Choose one currently on the map)
>>Ava
I have a bit of trouble distinguishing between our captains, but at least her I remember. Hopefully I get a better sense of them as time goes on

>>5431650
>A): Head inside the village to meet Anemone

>>5431650
>>A): Head inside the village to meet Anemone

>>5431650
>>A): Head inside the village to meet Anemone

>>5431650
>>B): Speak with your comrades (Choose one currently on the map)
Clay

>>5431650
>A): Head inside the village to meet Anemone

>>5431650
>A): Head inside the village to meet Anemone
Hey girl our new recruit is a tiny bit sus, mind scanning him with your hybrid dragon powers real quick?

>>5431650
>A): Head inside the village to meet Anemone
A Crest huh? Clay's becoming more and more enigmatic, also I found his thoughts of Anemone amusing, good taste lol.

>>5431650
>A): Head inside the village to meet Anemone

I for one wish to hold Clay down and strip him by force. To find his crest of course.

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>>5431650
>“Theo, Boleslav, I want you to retrieve Elias’ body and bring it into the village. He died trying to protect this place. He should be given a proper burial.”

The warrior and sniper nod, running off to complete their task, while you and the rest of the Blackwings enter through the near-ruined gate of Arcadia. Even seeing it with your own eyes, you can hardly believe that an entire village is hidden away within these woods. Small huis and houses dot the area, not looking very much different than the ones you passed by in the Edmund territory on the way here. The interior of the village itself didn’t see any damage during the fighting, with the only evidence of a conflict being the bleeding corpse of the Demonic Beast lying in the center. Around the corpse are what must be Arcadia’s villagers, all of them keeping a fair distance away from it.

“Are we truly safe? Won’t they come back?” You hear one of the villagers ask of Anemone, who currently has everyone’s attention captured.

“For now, I believe it will be some time before Shambhala sends any more groups after us. The beating they received here will make them think twice about coming back without an army at the helm. And they won’t be able to march through Leicester territory that easily.” She notices you and your group’s arrival and looks up. “And we have these heroes to thank.”

One by one, Arcadia’s villagers turn to face you, allowing you to get a good look at them for the first time. Among them are normal, regular looking folk. The kind you could pass by in Derdriu and not think twice about taking a second glance. But there’s a fair number of others that look similar to Anemone. Pale skin, white hair and red eyes are a common feature, amongst other peculiarities and uncommon features. It’s almost unnerving. A part of you can’t help but feel unwelcome, but some of the villagers greet you with a hearty cheer.

“Our heroes!”

“Praise the gods!”

“My lords, thank you!”

The villagers surround your group, offering their praise and gratitude upon you for saving them. You’re certain that some of the Blackwings find the entire situation weird, but at least the reaction you’re treated to makes things a little easier.

“Heh, now this is something a mercenary can get used to!” Nero says smugly as he flexes in-front of a white-haired woman, who claps excitedly.

“I’m relieved the reception is so warm.” Anemone says, joining you. “Other than Elias, we don’t have any exposure or contact with the outside world. I figured everyone might react a bit colder, but I suppose they’re just happy to be alive.”

>“About Elias…”

“I know. I figured as much when I didn’t see him with you. Not only was he a great benefit to our village, but he was also a dear friend. He sacrificed all to keep a place like ours safe from powers greater than any of us. His passing will be hard, for certain.”

File: Anemone's House.jpg (103 KB, 735x520)

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>>5433369
>“If it’s any consolation, the man who was responsible is currently rotting somewhere in the woods. I believe Odesse called him a Talon.”

Something sparks in Anemone’s eye for a second. “You and I have much to discuss. You and your friend should join me in my house.” She glances towards for Corrine, who’s stayed by your side the entire time. Your companions here will be well taken care of by the village, I assure you.”

Anemone leads you and Corrine towards a house that is larger than the others you’ve seen in the village. As you walk in, you’re greeted by the pleasant aroma of incense. The first thing you notice is the copious number of books inside. There are tomes everywhere. Lining shelves against walls, scattered across tables, and several even litter the floor. You haven’t seen so many books in one place since the library at Garreg Mach.

“I’ll make us some tea. I imagine you have plenty of questions. Please, sit and make yourself at home.” She says as she shoves some books that were on the counter onto the floor, revealing a hidden tea set. In the absence of any visible furniture, you opt to sit on a tower of books next to you.

“Plenty of questions is an understatement.” Corrine says, choosing to stand. “And we aren’t leaving until you answer all of them. You owe us at least that much.”

“Owe you? I suppose.” Anemone says, not looking up from her work. “Though from my point of view, I could just as easily claim that your actions today make us even. After all, Shambhala would have never found our location had you not interfered with my plans back in Rusalka, five years ago.” She turns to face you, holding a tray with three cups. “Sorry, but there’s no sugar. It isn’t as though we get trade caravans out here.”

“Interfered? Just what are you talking about?”

>“We’ve met her before, Corrine. By now, we shouldn’t be surprised that they can change their appearance. Though this appears to be your true form.” You accept the cup of tea Anemone offers you. “I had my suspicions, though they became confirmed when you asked me about my Blessed Lance earlier. I recall you seeing me with that weapon before when we were outside Akzeriuth.”

Corrine narrows her eyes, taking in the woman again as though it were the first time. “Alena?”

Anemone curtsies, before taking a seat on a stack of books opposite yours. “I’m pleased to see you again, ladies. You’ve both matured into real beauties, and in just a few short years. Now them, how may I assist you?”

>Choose 3:
>A): Ask what she is
>B): Ask what this place is
>C): Ask how this was your fault
>D): Ask how she tracked you down
>E): Ask her to translate Echeverria’s book
>F): Ask her for your scythe back
>G): Write-in

>>5433370
>A): Ask what she is
>E): Ask her to translate Echeverria’s book
>G): Write-in: Ask her if our adoptive father is like her

>>5433370
>E): Ask her to translate Echeverria’s book
>A): Ask what she is
>B): Ask what this place is

>>5433370
>>5433459
Support
Knowing her she'll probably won't give us a straight answer about the count but it's the best opportunity we'll have to ask this

>>5433370
>>5433459
I, too, will support this line of questioning.

>>5433370
God fucking dammit I knew it was her! My inner Boar is rumbling to awake!
>F): Ask her for your scythe back
Highest fucking priority
>A): Ask what she is
>E): Ask her to translate Echeverria’s book

>>5433459
>>5433370
Support

>>5433370
>C): Ask how this was your fault
>E): Ask her to translate Echeverria’s book
>F): Ask her for your scythe back

>>5433370
>C): Ask how this was your fault
>E): Ask her to translate Echeverria’s book
>F): Ask her for your scythe back

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>>5433370
>“For starters, I’d like to learn exactly what you are. We’ve been calling your kind “shapeshifters”, though Elias seemed to balk at that. Whatever the term may be, it’s clear from just a glance that we’re different breeds of people.”

“To answer that question, we’ll need to have ourselves a brief history lesson. One that I doubt you were ever privy to at that fancy academy of yours.” Anemone says. “For millennia, the land we stand upon had been inhabited by a group of people different than the ones you know now. These were the Agarthans. The Agarthans were not created by Sothis, but instead were born through the efforts of a pantheon of gods, of whom they worshipped fervently.”

“Sothis?” Corrine asks.

“Sothis is the true name of your Goddess. A fact carefully guarded by the Church. In many ways, the Agarthans were not much different from your own people. They had their own nations and leaders. Their own unique cultures and traditions. They had hopes and dreams. They fell in love and warred with each other. And they made great advancements in magic and technology. Advancements that remain lost to this day and may remain so forever.”

“So, where did such a great people go?” Corrine scoffs.

“One day, after thousands of years of Agarthan civilization had prospered, a Fell Star descended onto the world. Seemingly from the heavens itself, Sothis had made herself known to the Agarthans. With her, she brought into existence a race of people known as the Nabateans, her original descendants. These Nabateans were powerful beings, possessing terrible abilities similar to your own Crests. Sothis had wished that her and her people could co-exist with the Agarthans and their gods and enjoy the bounty of the land together. For a time, they did. A golden age society emerged under the cooperation of both races, and the watchful eyes of the Goddess. However, that peace was soon shattered. Despite the good they had accomplished together; the two races could never truly reconcile their differences. It wasn’t long until many of the Agarthans began to see the Nabateans as usurpers. Invaders that had come to seize their homeland and replace their own progenitor gods with Sothis. Conflict became inevitable.”

>“They went to war with each other?”

Anemone nods. “A war unlike this planet ever has or will see again. The Agarthans and their gods went to battle against Sothis and the Nabateans. It was a war that lasted for centuries, with millions of lives lost on both sides. Large, sprawling cities that had stood for thousands of years were vaporized overnight. Crops wilted and failed, as the land became inhospitable. The very life force of the planet itself was drained to fuel the ongoing war effort of both sides. Eventually though, it was Sothis and what little remained of her Nabateans that came out victorious.”

>>5434244
“That’s impossible!” Corrine shouts. “If what you’re saying is true, how could a war that massive remain unknown for so long? You’re telling me everything just…got better?!”

“That’s actually exactly what happened.” Anemone says, pausing to take a drink from her tea. “Sothis had won, but it was a hollow victory. By all measures, Fodlan was dead. Rather than ruling over a barren wasteland with the small handful of her children that survived, she exhausted what remained of her power to restore Fodlan back to its natural form. She’d even repopulated it with new life to inhabit the land. That would be you humans. Given the state she was in, the humans she created lacked the same power the Nabateans possessed. But it was good enough for her. Sothis’ efforts to restore the land caused her to fall into a deep slumber. And the Agarthans that managed to survive the war fled to where they could hide from the Goddess’ watchful eye; into the very earth itself. They’d live underground, forming a new society, hiding from the light, while jealously watching what they perceived as an inferior foreign race occupying their homeland.”

>“Assuming you’re telling the truth…that’s a lot to take in. You’re saying that the group that we’ve been after, the one that’s been responsible for pulling the strings of this entire war and that led the attack on us today, are the remnants of the Agarthans from thousands of years ago? And…you’re an Agarthan too?”

“Correct. Though in my case, I’m a half-breed. My mother was an Agarthan, while my father was a Nabatean. This village, Arcadia, was founded by the two of them long ago. The Agarthans that survived the war focused single mindedly on one goal: Controlling humanity through the shadows and destroying the Church of Seiros. However, there were some among them that tried to make peace with their new circumstances. Rather than living a life of jealousy and hate beneath the surface, they wished to try and co-exist with humanity. So, some of them fled Shambhala, the underground capital of the Agarthans, and formed a new home, hidden away from their people who now saw them as traitors. That home was Arcadia, and it’s stood within these woods ever since. Many of the villagers here are descendants of those Agarthans who broke away from Shambhala. Some of them have Nabatean lineage, and others human. Though, as you plainly stated, the Agarthan features are strong. Were we to live anywhere else, we’d sorely stick out.”

>“It sounds as though you didn’t just try and live peacefully away from the Agarthans. You’ve been actively working against them as well, haven’t you? Isn’t that what you were doing in Rusalka?”

>>5434250
Anemone shrugs. “They wish to see humanity enslaved and us destroyed. The way I see it, given our knowledge of their existence, we’re in a better position to oppose them than anyone else in Fodlan. Unfortunately though, very few of the villagers here are capable of fighting. And with the loss of Elias and Eulalia, we’re in a bad state.”

>“Eulalia?”

“An Arcadian, and the only other person in the village besides myself capable of changing their appearance. She went missing investigating a potential link to the Agarthans in Gloucester. I believe she’s been captured, and it was through her that Shambhala learned of the village’s whereabouts.”

>You produce Echeverria’s book from with your pouch and offer it to Anemone. “I’d shown this book to Elias. He had promised to fully translate it for me in exchange for coming to your aid. No one I knew could read it, but I’m guessing it’s written in the Agarthan language.”

Anemone flips through a few pages quickly, raising her eyebrows. “Indeed, it is. It looks as though you found the log of a Talon. One that seemed to enjoy jotting his thoughts down. I’ll review this and return it back to you with my findings. I’m sure it contains information that will be valuable to both of us.”

>You think of another question you wish to ask Anemone. One that you dread hearing the answer to. “When you were in Rusalka all those years ago…you tried to assassinate my adoptive father, right? The Count of Rusalka?”

“Sorry?” Anemone offers.

>“Did you attempt to do so because he was an Agarthan?”

Anemone sighs, finishing off her tea. The silence feels like an eternity to you before she answers. “I wish I could tell you definitively. I’d imagine that’s a question that’s weighed on your mind for some time now. Only a select few Agarthans are capable of Formshifting. Those that are, tend to be either Sages, the leaders, or Talons, the assassins. When an Agarthan that can Formshift comes across another Agarthan that has changed their appearance, we can instinctively tell that the aura which they possess is not their own. Unfortunately, I never got to meet your Count in person. Just as I arrived outside his room, I was stopped by one of his soldiers who possessed far greater skill than I’d anticipated.”

You recall that Anemone, disguised as Alena, managed to kill several Rusalkan soldiers before being stopped outside the Count’s private chambers by Wedge, his Knight Commander and the man who trained you in your younger days.

>>5434251
“I wished to assassinate your father in hopes that it would slow the movement of the Agarthium coming from Rusalka. Perhaps it was a good thing I was stopped outside though. Had he actually been a Sage or Talon, I likely would not have left unharmed.”

Perhaps sensing your disappointment with her answer, Anemone continues. “That being said…if he were in-fact an Agarthan, no one would know better than you. The Agarthans of Shambhala have little love for humans. Even when disguised as humans themselves, they can hardly hide the contempt and disdain they have for your kind. When disguised in leadership positions, they’re prone to abusing their powers and oppressing the people they rule over. If this man treated you at all with any modicum of love or care, I’d wager the chances of him being one of them are very low.”

>Choose 3
>A): You said this was my fault. How exactly?
>B): Ask what the Agarthium is really being used for
>C): Ask how she knew to have Elias track you down
>D): Ask for your scythe back
>E): Ask what she intends to do now
>F): Confront her about using Douglas and inciting a revolt in Rusalka
>G): Write-in

>>5434252
>A): You said this was my fault. How exactly?
>F): Confront her about using Douglas and inciting a revolt in Rusalka
>E): Ask what she intends to do now

>>5434252
>F): Confront her about using Douglas and inciting a revolt in Rusalka
>A): You said this was my fault. How exactly?
>E): Ask what she intends to do now

>>5434252
>A): You said this was my fault. How exactly?
>E): Ask what she intends to do now
>F): Confront her about using Douglas and inciting a revolt in Rusalka

Well this is interesting. The conversation with Rex and the Count implied that the Count was an Agarthan, though Blair was hardly privy to that. I suppose that this will just make whatever eventual showdown occurs more dramatic. I guess the Count in particular is a rather soft hearted example of an Agarthan.

>>5434252
>B): Ask what the Agarthium is really being used for
>E): Ask what she intends to do now
>F): Confront her about using Douglas and inciting a revolt in Rusalka

>>5434252
>B): Ask what the Agarthium is really being used for
>E): Ask what she intends to do now
>F): Confront her about using Douglas and inciting a revolt in Rusalka

>>5434252
>B): Ask what the Agarthium is really being used for
>E): Ask what she intends to do now
>F): Confront her about using Douglas and inciting a revolt in Rusalka

>>5434252
>A): You said this was my fault. How exactly?
>C): Ask how she knew to have Elias track you down
>D): Ask for your scythe back

>>5434252
>B): Ask what the Agarthium is really being used for
>F): Confront her about using Douglas and inciting a revolt in Rusalka
>D): Ask for your scythe back
I will not forgive the theft even if she has the highest of reasonings for doing so.
But this is pretty interesting, I don't remember the history of the slitherers much so is this your of version of them you've made up or was this hidden in some dialogue in the game?

>>5434503
It's never really presented well in game, but this is there actual canon origin with some liberties taken in regards to their Gods and their Formshifting. They'd been on Fodlan long before Sothis showed up.

>>5434252
>>E): Ask what she intends to do now
>>B): Ask what the Agarthium is really being used for
The scythe isn't really that important, except for a collector or as a memento of where we got it. Blair would never really use it
>D): Ask for your scythe back

Not only will Blair basically never use the Scythe, but it also just paints a target on her back by those who know what it is, be they Agarthan or people who know about the snakes and want to stop them. Though of course, Blair should be a known character anyway considering everything she's done so far.

It's not the items usefulness why I want it it's a matter of principal, it was our trophy and she took it.

>>5434252
>A): You said this was my fault. How exactly?
>E): Ask what she intends to do now
>F): Confront her about using Douglas and inciting a revolt in Rusalka

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>>5434252
>“You said this was somehow my fault? How’s that exactly. Surely you aren’t blaming me for interfering with your inane plan back at Akzeriuth? All I did was stop the Demonic Beast that YOU let loose.”

Anemone waves her hand, as if dismissing the thought. “It’s unfair to say that was your fault. At the time, you were only following orders given to you by someone whom you trusted. There was no way you’d have been able to know what would happen had the Agarthium continued to flow unchallenged. But the unfortunate matter is that as a result of your actions, it did. The ore was shipped to various places in Fodlan. I thought that at least following those shipments would lead me to high-ranking Agarthans, and perhaps who they were masquerading as. Unfortunately, I am merely one woman, unable to be in multiple places at once. So, Eulalia volunteered to assist me. An eager girl, but one unexperienced in the ways of espionage. Letting her go was my grave mistake.”

>“So, Eulalia was captured while following the Agarthium that was sent to Leicester?”

“Correct. She followed the ore that was sent to Leicester, while I followed the ore sent to Faerghus. The final destination of the shipment I followed was Fhirdiad, where its unloading was overseen by none other than Cornelia Arnault, current head of the Faerghus Dukedom. I mentioned that those of us with the power to Formshift can recognize our own kind. There’s no doubt, that woman is an Agarthan. And a Sage at that.”

>“A Sage pulling the strings in the Kingdom. I suppose that makes sense. And I suppose there’s a good chance that whoever is the mastermind behind the Pro-Imperial faction in Leicester is also a Sage.”

Anemone nods. “Count Gloucester is the main suspect. Eulalia had been tailing him. With her gone, we can’t say for sure. But at least this book of yours may be able to provide some clues.”

>“Just what is this Agarthium being used for anyway? I’ve recognized the ore in some of the weapons the Agarthans have been equipped with. Sure, its durable steel, but it doesn’t seem all that special otherwise.”

“Only the low-grade Agarthium is used for the purpose of creating weapon and armor. The rest of it is harnessed for far greater evil. I mentioned that during the war between the Agarthans and the Nabateans, the very land itself was scorched and made inhospitable. Much of this was in part due to the weapons the Agarthans employed. While the Nabateans excelled in magic and sorcery, the Agarthans were a technological people, employing mechanical constructs made from Agarthium that could fight tirelessly and single-handedly slay hundreds before being taken down. The worst of these creations though, were the Javelins of Light.”

“What are those?” Corrine asks, helping herself to another serving of drink.

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>>5435539
“They’re hard to explain, but they’re the trump card of Shambhala. The Javelins of Light are capable of complete and total destruction of their target, leaving nothing behind but fire and ash. Entire cities, military fortresses, anything that the Javelins target are completely vaporized with nary a trace of their existence left. Their usage nearly destroyed the world. Ever since Sothis restored the land using the last of her power, only one Javelin has been launched. If you’re familiar with Ailell, the Valley of Torment, that would be their work.”

“I am. You don’t hear a name like ‘Valley of Torment’ every day.” Corrine says. “It’s the closest thing to hell on Fodlan. The valley is completely uninhabitable, drenched in lava and pools of fire that burst from the ground. Just about everyone keeps their distance away from that place, and for good reason. The way the legends tell it, the valley was made that way as a result of the Goddess’ displeasure with humanity. Though you’re saying otherwise?”

Anemone shrugs. “Shambhala rewrites history when it suits them. It’s not as if the Goddess is around anymore to correct them.”

>“If Shambhala has such a powerful weapon, why aren’t using them to eradicate their enemies as we speak?”

“The Javelins are costly to make. Agarthium is the only metal capable of creating the necessary material to fire the weapon, and that ore itself was mostly lost after the Goddess recreated the world. It seems she missed a few spots though, as Rusalka has an abundance of the substance. With the ore freely flowing, they should have as much as they need to create more Javelins. As to why they haven’t vaporized us all yet, I suspect a few reasons. The magic necessary to fire one of those Javelins would point just about every sorcerer worth their salt to Shambhala’s location. Additionally, the Agarthans wish to enslave humanity and control them from the shadows. A task that would be rendered impossible if they scourged the land again. I suspect, given precedent, they’ll only use these Javelins once pushed to the brink. But if this war appears as though it may not end favorably in their terms, you can be sure they’ll use them.”

>“So, what do you intend to do? Are we truly the only ones that even know enough about their plans to stop them?”

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>>5435542
“I intend to continue to oppose Shambhala. First, I need to find Eulalia. If she is still alive, it is my responsibility to return her to the village safely. Then, I’ll continue to try and locate the Seven Sages and eliminate them.” She waves the book you gave her. “I believe the identity of one of our culprits lies within. So, perhaps I should turn the question over to you. Knowing what you know now, what do YOU intend to do? If you truly wish to make an enemy of Shambhala, then the two of us together can pose to be a huge thorn in their side. With your soldiers and my knowledge, I believe we can catch these Sages out in the world and eliminate them.”

>“How am I supposed to respond to that? I saw what you do to people that work with you. You used Douglas and his men. Got many of them killed by your own Demonic Beast, and then left them to be executed when the plan went south. How am I supposed to believe you won’t do the same thing to us?”

“You can’t.” Anemone says plainly. “Stopping Shambhala and keeping my people safe is my ultimate goal, and I’d sacrifice anything to ensure that goal is reached. I won’t apologize for Douglas. I tried to warn him that he needed to destroy the mine and that waiting for concessions from your Count was pointless. He didn’t listen, and chose to have his revolt instead, leaving all of us worse off.” She gets up from her seat and faces you. “I understand that we got off on the wrong foot. Had I known that the future held the possibility of us working together, I may have explained more to you that day in the forest. However, without each other, we’re powerless against the might of Shambhala. I lack the manpower, and you lack the knowledge. Together, we stand an actual chance to make a difference. I’m not looking to use you, but rather, for us to lend each other our strength so that we can ensure the world is not bathed in the destruction wrought by the Javelins of Light.” She extends her pale, slim hand towards you. “If you believe such a cause is just, I’d ask that we work together.”

>A): Agree to work together with Anemone
>B): Refuse her offer.
>C): Write-in

>>5435543
>A): Agree to work together with Anemone
Just because she sucks doesn't mean she's wrong.

Hey, having a disagreeable ally you work with only to defeat a greater evil... where have I heard that before? Oh, right. What was her name again? Edelgard?

>>5435543
>A): Agree to work together with Anemone
>Write in: Ask her to scan Clay to see if he's a slitherer
Because there's slitherer shifty and then there's regular old shifty and this at least rules one of them out.

>>5435543
>A): Agree to work together with Anemone

I wonder what Claude is going to think of all of this.

>>5435543
>A): Agree to work together with Anemone
Make sure she knows this is business agreement, and that she WILL pay us monetarily at some point in the future. We're not like the Greil Mercenaries, we can't coast off of good-will and free shit like they can.

>>5435553
Just because Anemone is a prick doesn't mean she's distasteful.

>>5435543
>>B): Refuse her offer.

>>5435553
...I was so close to actually joining with her but you just had to remind me of her.
>>5435543
>B): Refuse her offer.
>C): ''Call me foolish all you want but I just can't join forces with you, it's a matter of principle... But while I won't join you I don't plan on harming your village, you can count on that at least.''

>>5435588
You know with what Anemone said about knowing other shapeshifters on sight you'd think she would have recognized Clay... Which means he's just some weird strong human or he's like super duper high tier shapeshifter.

>>5435805
You don't want to be your personal enemy's foil? Weak.

>>5435543
>B): Refuse her offer.

There are other allies and she is really blase about the troubles that keep happening to her operations and people

>>5435543
>>A): Agree to work together with Anemone

Nobody else believes us.

>>5435543
>>A): Agree to work together with Anemone

>>5435543
>A): Agree to work together with Anemone

>>5435543
>>B): Refuse her offer.
Never trust (((them)))

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>>5435543
It’s hard to find fault with what Anemone is saying. It will be difficult to trust her, a fact that she herself is all too aware of. But the truth is you’d be in a much worse position attempting to fight Shambhala without her knowledge and guidance. If she really is serious about taking the fight to the Seven Sages, and you have no reason to believe she isn’t, then she’ll need your military power as much as you’ll need her brain. You warily extend your hand forward, grasping Anemone’s and shaking it.

>“Very well. I can’t imagine that we’ll become best friends, but our goals are aligned and right now that’s good enough for me. The Seven Sages. Let’s kill them all.”

Anemone offers you a smile. “We’ll make them pay; they can count on that.” She gets up, clutching Echeverria’s book. “I should have all the secrets inside this thing pried out by tomorrow morning. In the meantime, you and your comrades are more than welcome to stay within the village. When you’re ready to leave, I’ll escort you out myself. Now that the threat posed by Odesse and his Crusaders has been taken care of, the return trip should be a lot smoother than what you dealt with getting here. I have a spare room here that you and a few others can use. It’s nothing lavish but should provide you with sufficient comfort and warmth.”

“Anything is better than sleeping out in those accursed woods again.” Corrine says. “Are those Demonic Beasts your doing?”

Anemone purses her lips and shakes her head. “They certainly provide an unintended extra layer of defense for keeping our village hidden, but they aren’t the work of anyone from Arcadia. They’re ‘natural born’, attracted by the power of a Demonic Beast created through a Heroes’ Relic. Both the weapon and the creature seem to attract all manner of Demonic Beasts to these woods.”

>“There’s a Heroes’ Relic in Edmund Woods?” That was the first you’d heard of such a thing. You’d thought all the Heroes’ Relics had been accounted for by the various noble families seeking to claim them.

“Yes, but I wouldn’t go entertaining any ideas of treasure hunting if I were you. I understand you learned what happens when you touch one of those things without having a Crest. The Beast is also far stronger than any of its normal counterparts, with a thirst for blood far more insatiable. There’s a reason none of the locals enter these woods. In several years, the only person I’ve seen do it was some foolish noble girl.”

>“Noble girl?”

Anemone shrugs. “She looked noble, based on her attire. A pretty thing with blue hair. It was a strange occurrence, to say the least. Why would someone like that come here? Before I could approach her, she vanished. I imagine she was consumed by that beast. In these woods, death comes in an instant.”

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>>5436845
Corrine scoffs. “Everything you’ve gone on about today is scary enough, we don’t need your ghost stories on top of that. Just make sure you know where you’re going tomorrow.”

That night, you find yourself in the room Anemone had lent out to you. Alongside you is Corrine, as well as Diana and Shelley, who have joined you. The room is sparce, with nothing but a single bed and a table sporting a lit candle. The door is closed, but you can see a faint light underneath the door’s frame. Anemone, hard at work reading the log you gave her.

“This seems like a fine situation you’ve gotten us into, Blair.” Shelley says. “Care to explain just what this has all been about?”

“What’s the big deal? We’ve fought Crusaders before. This wasn’t exactly a new experience.” Corrine says. Your Lieutenant has taken the entire bed for herself, leaving the three of you sitting cross-legged on the hard wooden floor.

“Yes, but we’ve always been paid for that. You said our employer was anonymous but look around you. There’s nothing valuable in this village. This little excursion was paid for by our own treasury. Moreover, we’re in the middle of nowhere, defending a village no one’s ever heard of, that’s populated entirely of what one could charitably call ‘freaks’, from Demonic Beasts and Crusaders that shouldn’t even be here.” She sighs. “I’ve been around longer than both of you girls. I know well enough when the hornet’s nest has been kicked. Usually, it’s not too much longer until the bandits or mercenaries I’ve found myself attached to end up dead. So, who did we piss off?”

“Shelley’s being dramatic.” Diana says. “Blair said it wasn’t a big deal, and I trust her. Right, Blair?” The girl looks as you with wide eyes. They remind you of Beathan’s when you dangle a treat in front of him.

“All I’m saying is I’m not the only one who’s curious to know what’s going on out here. The Blackwings trust you to a fault, Blair. You’ve been an honest Commander, and more importantly, you deliver results. But if we’re biting off more than we can chew, we should at least know what we’re up against.”

>A): Tell Diana and Shelley everything you know about the Agarthans
>B): Give them only sparce details about the Agarthans
>C): Keep everything to yourself, come up with a different story
>D): Write-in

>>5436846
>A): Tell Diana and Shelley everything you know about the Agarthans
There is enough proof around us that we won't look that crazy now.

>>5436846
>>B): Give them only sparce details about the Agarthans
Another race of humans are infiltrating the high society and we want them dead

>>5436846
>A): Tell Diana and Shelley everything you know about the Agarthans

I don't suppose that Marianne is still alive? I'm assuming she's the one that disappeared into the forest. Helping her kill Maurice would be nice.

>>5436846
>>A): Tell Diana and Shelley everything you know about the Agarthans
lying and keeping secrets from our forces will hurt us and our ability to lead anyone. we kept it secret before because, from their point of view, it wouldve been going on a costly and dangerous excursion based on our superstitions and some rumors. now that its done, and they've gotten a closer, clearer look at the enemy force that is the agarthans, we can hopefully count on them to continue to follow us.
Plus, there's not gonna be a lotta business if the world ends.

>>5436846
>>B): Give them only sparce details about the Agarthans

>>5436846
>>A): Tell Diana and Shelley everything you know about the Agarthans

>>5436846
>A): Tell Diana and Shelley everything you know about the Agarthans
They're our wings after all, we owe it to them.

Also that's where Marianne got off to huh. Wonder if we'll run into her.

>>5437109
Seeing as she went in there with no help, Maurice probably killed her. I really hope I'm wrong though.

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>>5436846
You don’t feel good about lying to Diana and Shelley. You’ve been through hell and back with both girls, and they’ve stuck by you the entire time. No more secrets. You can only hope that recent events will lend you enough credit for the girls to believe you, rather than think you’ve gone stark raving mad.

>“Well…it all started five years ago, at Garreg Mach…”

You tell the two pegasus knights everything you know, sparing no detail. You start with how you’d met Anemone before under a different guise. How Kronya masqueraded as a Garreg Mach student and killed two of your closest friends. You tell them about the fight with Solon and Professor Byleth. How Solon managed to cause an entire village to lose their minds and attack their neighbors. How Demonic Beasts are created through humans. Perhaps that would be enough had you chosen to confide in them before you left Derdriu, but you don’t stop there. You go further at length detailing the new information you learned from Anemone. How the Agarthans live underground and have access to powerful weapons capable of scourging the planet. How they pull the strings of almost every powerful nation on Fodlan. You spare no detail, speaking at length about your experiences with Shambhala and the Agarthans. By the time you finish your tale, the candle that was burning on the table has long been extinguished, and you can hear Corrine gently snoring on the bed. In the dark, it’s hard to make out the two girl’s faces. Perhaps a merciful blessing, as you’re not sure your nerves could take the looks of utter disbelief that must be there.

“Wait…so Edelgard’s an Agathan?” A puzzled Diana asks.

>“Agarthan. And no, I think she’s human.”

“Well, what about Bennett? Is he an Agarthan?”

>“Uhh…maybe. I never actually met him.”

Diana gasps. “What if Claude is an Agarthan?!”

>“I-I don’t think Claude is an Agarthan.”

“Ahhh, this whole thing is confusing.” Diana sighs, laying spreadeagle on the floor. “I can’t keep up. Just tell me who to fight, okay Blair?”

“Confusing is an understatement. It’s downright preposterous.” Shelley says. “Forget about the Orthodox Church. If a Knight of Seiros heard you saying half the things you just claimed, he’d burn you at the stake for heresy.”

>“Do you believe me? Can you understand now why I haven’t exactly been jumping at the prospect of telling you…any of this?”

Shelley gives off a sigh of her own, leaning forward with her chin in her hand. “If I didn’t know you well enough, I’d certainly think you’d gone off the deep end. And Corrine’s been in on this too?”

You hear an affirmative groan from the bed. You figure by now it’s likely been three hours since midnight.

>>5437827

“Still…assuming you’re telling the truth, doesn’t this seem like you’ve bit off more than you can chew. We’re ordinary mercenaries, and you’re talking about going to war with a race of thousand-year-old underground cave dwellers that control almost every piece of Fodlan from the shadows. What are we supposed to do against that?”

>“I can’t just sit idly by and let them run around unopposed, can I? At first, this started as nothing more than revenge for the friends I had lost to them. But after hearing what Anemone said, I realize there’s much more at stake here. If they win this war, they’ll continue to oppress and rule over humanity for who knows how long?”

“How do you know you can even trust her? She’s closer to one of them than one of us. And you just said she’s even held a blade to your throat before. Is that really someone you wish to join at the hip with?”

>You shrug, leaning your tired back against the bed. “I don’t have much of a choice. You’re right, she doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. But for as long as I’ve known her, she’s been opposing Shambhala. And truthfully, I think there may be some good to her. I don’t believe she was lying about her intent to protect this village and its inhabitants. That’s more noble of a cause than I’ve seen from any other Agarthan.”

A short silence follows before Shelley speaks again. “I suppose this doesn’t change who our enemy is. Since the beginning we’ve been fighting against the Empire and the Dukedom and the Patriarch’s goons. I guess now we’ve just got a bit more…context. But make no mistake, if anything really weird starts happening, you can bet I’m gone.”

“These Agarthan guys started the war, right? That means they’re the ones who killed Serena.” Diana speaks up from where she’s lying. “I’ll stop them with you Blair. No matter what.”

“You said Uriel already knows about this stuff, but I’ll smooth things over with the others who may be wondering just what we’re up to.” Shelley says. “If you do decide to come clean to them one day, perhaps we should work on your delivery, first.”

>“Thank you, both of you. It means a lot to me that you…don’t think I’m crazy.”

“You’re brash.” Shelly says. “And reckless. And you’re not transparent, and you’re far too infatuated with your first crush. But no, I don’t think you’re crazy.”

“Are you all done yet?” Corrine murmurs, half-awake. “Shut up and go to sleep already!”

>“Quit hogging the bed then!” You shove your Lieutenant over, who puts up a half-hearted attempt to fight you.

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>>5437828
After getting a good night’s rest, you and Corrine meet with Anemone again that morning, in the same crowded room with the books. The half-breed is hard at work putting together some sort of stew. A few days ago, you were looking to get revenge against Alena, and now you’re eating breakfast with her. A strange turning point in your life, for sure.

“I finished reading the book.” Anemone says, pouring you and Corrine a serving of stew.

>“Learn anything interesting?” You poke at the dish for a brief second warily, before giving into your hunger and eating. You can’t imagine she’d go through all this effort just to poison you.

“Interesting yes, good no.” Anemone takes a seat across from you with her own dish. “There is in fact, a Sage in Leicester. One that seems to be pulling the strings behind the Pro-Imperial faction, and much more. I even managed to learn his name and location.”

>“Sounds good to me. Is it Count Gloucester?”

“No. It seems despite the shortcomings in his personality, he’s actually human. Our target isn’t in Gloucester, but Ordelia.”

>“Ordelia? That’s where Echeverria had been planning to take those villagers. You’re saying this Sage is there? Who is it?”

“The Sage in Ordelia is named Diogenes. He appears to have replaced Solon after his untimely demise. As for just who he’s masquerading as, that wasn’t exactly clear. But apparently, it’s someone who holds a large amount of sway over the Count there.”

“Count Ordelia is an infamously weak ruler, overseeing an ill-kept territory plagued by poverty and banditry. I’d wager this Sage has something to do with the state that county is in.” Corrine says.

“It seems that aside from stoking the flames of war in Leicester, this Diogenes has some other interesting hobbies.” Anemone continues. “The book makes mention of the Sage devoting much of his time to experiments deep within the bowels of Castle Ordelia. Experiments which include research into Crests.”

>A): Ask Anemone for information about the Seven Sages
>B): Ask Anemone about the experiments
>C): Ask Anemone if there’s a way to find and stop Diogenes
>D): Write-in

>>5437829
>Ask Anemone if there’s a way to find and stop Diogenes

>>5437829
>A): Ask Anemone for information about the Seven Sages
>C): Ask Anemone if there’s a way to find and stop Diogenes

>>5437829
>>A): Ask Anemone for information about the Seven Sages
>>C): Ask Anemone if there’s a way to find and stop Diogenes

>>5437919
Support

>>5437829
>>A): Ask Anemone for information about the Seven Sages

>>5437829
>C): Ask Anemone if there’s a way to find and stop Diogenes

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>>5437829
>“What do you know about the Seven Sages? I’ve been able to deduce that they’re the ones pulling the strings, but what exactly is their deal?”

“You’re correct, they’re the ones operating as the leaders of Shambhala.” Anemone says. “Historically, the Seven Sages have always operated as the council that rules over the Agarthan people. Before they went underground, the position had been held exclusively by magic casters who contributed extensively to Agarthan society, magic and technology. Nowadays though, they’re more focused on torturing humanity. The only record we have of them are those left behind by my mother. Given their age, I can’t vouch for their reliability. Still, Agarthan lifespans are much longer than human ones. Coupled with their own life-extending magics, it’s likely that most of the same Sages have been in power ever since the war with the Nabateans.”

>“Do you know their names? Their Agarthan ones, in any case?”

“Of course, though it’s been a while. Let’s see.” She drums her fingers on the table in front of her, eyes closed as she recollects the names from her mind. “Thales. Solon. Cleobulus. Odesse. Myson. Anacharsis. Pittacus.”

“Never heard of them.” Corrine remarks dryly.

“Of course, the list may not be entirely accurate anymore.” Anemone continues. “With Solon confirmed dead and this Diogenes being a new name, one can safely assume he’s a replacement.”

>“I’ll make a note of it. In the meantime, any suggestions on finding and stopping Diogenes? Claude, my employer, has had his own suspicions about Ordelia. He believes they’re being threatened into joining the Pro-Imperial faction. But with the current stalemate in Leicester, it would be impossible to intervene without starting a massive civil war.”

“Yes, and I would prefer to avoid that outcome.” Anemone says. “Civil war would give the Adrestian Empire an excuse to invade. With their armies in Leicester, they’d inevitably try to destroy Arcadia again, only this time they’d succeed.”

“Can’t you go to Ordelia and do a little subterfuge?” Corrine asks. “You said yourself you can tell who those shapeshifters are, right?”

“I can, though it also means they can tell me apart as well.” Anemone says, biting into her breakfast. “Still, we don’t have much of a choice. I’ll just have to find him before he finds me. Once his identity is uncovered, we can figure out how to knock him off. It’ll also give me a good chance to find Eulalia.”

>“We’ll have to return to Derdriu. I imagine it’s only a matter of time until Claude needs us. How are we to get in contact once you have news?”

“I’ll send Stormy to come and find you. You’ve already ridden him once. He should be able to track you down just about anywhere you go now. Dark pegasi are remarkable creatures that way.”

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>>5439253
>“Stormy?” You narrow your eyes. “That’s a cuter name for a pegasus than I’d have thought from you.”

Anemone leans back and shrugs. “What do you want? I’m still a girl. In any case, if we’re decided, then let’s get on with it. Once you and your men are ready, I’ll escort you out of the woods.”

You rendezvous with the rest of the Blackwings in the center of Arcadia. At some point, they must have helped the villagers remove the corpse of the Demonic Beast, because you no longer see it lying there. Your companions are all too eager to leave the woods. Even with the warm hospitality they received from the villagers, it’s hard to deny the eerie nature of the place. Still, the Arcadians wish you well on your journey back, offering their thanks and praise for saving them from Odesse. It took nearly a day for you to trek through the woods and find the hidden village, but with Anemone’s guidance and the absence of her obscuring spell, you find the exit in a mere two hours.

“Amazing how much distance you can cover when you aren’t wandering around in circles.” Corrine muses.

“The obscuring spell keeps our village safe not just from outside intruders, but from the Demonic Beasts as well. Even with the proper means to navigate the woods, finding your way through is a difficult feat. One that Elias was all too aware of. When we encounter Odesse again, I’ll make sure he pays dearly. It’s the least I can do for Elias.”

>A): We’ll get your revenge, you can count on that
>B): Don’t let a desire for revenge cloud your mind
>C): Be safe in Ordelia
>D): Write-in

>>5439256
>>A): We’ll get your revenge, you can count on that
Revenge all the way, become the boar but calm, like an angry horse, a mare of dark dreams, a...
Nightmare you could say.

>>5439256
>C): Be safe in Ordelia

>C): Be safe in Ordelia

Man I really want to see if we can find Marianne, but Blair has no actual reason to attempt anything like that.

>>5439256
>>B): Don’t let a desire for revenge cloud your mind

>>5439256
>C): Be safe in Ordelia

>>5439256
>>C): Be safe in Ordelia

>>5439256
>>C): Be safe in Ordelia

>>5439256
>A): We’ll get your revenge, you can count on that

>>5439256
>>C): Be safe in Ordelia

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>>5439256
>“Just be safe in Ordelia. We can’t have you go dying on us yet.”

Anemone smiles mischievously. “Is that concern that I’m sensing? Or is it perhaps just that you still have need of me? Either way, thank you. Rest assured; this is far from my first time going undercover behind enemy lines. This Diogones won’t see me coming.”

>“Good to know. In that case, I’ll await your correspondence. Until then.” You nod your farewell to Anemone. Now that you’ve exited Edmund Woods, you and the rest of the Blackwings begin making the trip back to Derdriu. When you turn around, the half-breed is already gone.

“I hope you’re right about this.” Corrine says from your side. “She’s without a doubt the most suspicious person we’ve ever attached ourselves to.”

>“We’ll just have to have some faith for a change. It’s like she said. She needs us as much as we need her. And if she does try her hand at a double-cross, or using us as some sort of sacrifice, I’m confident we have ways to make her regret it.”

“Oooh, scary! I love it when you get cutthroat.”

>“I learned from the best.”

The trip to Derdriu is mostly uneventful. You pass by the same villages and fields that you had passed while walking through Edmund. Only this time, many of the people out and about openly gawk and stare at your party. You wonder if the icy reception is due to their surprise at you returning from their famous haunted woods, but then you realize that you’re all still covered in gore and grime. You yourself are the worst one yet. Your armor is cracked and dented in places where you were hit. Blood from both Crusaders as well as Demonic Beasts has dried on your nails and hair, which is tangled and matted. At one point during your trek, some children that had been busy playing in the fields scream and flee upon spotting you on the horizon. You and the rest of the Blackwings continue to alarm everyone you come across, until finally, after what feels like an eternity, you make it back to the gates of Derdriu during the late afternoon.

“H-halt! W-who are you?” The city guard stammers out. He’s used to letting in numerous merchants and travelers daily, but your group sticks out like a sore thumb.

>“Blair Weaver. We’re mercenaries in the employ of Lord Riegan, returning from a mission. Please allow us through.”

“T-the Witch?” The guard says, giving his partner a strange look before turning back to you. “We received word yesterday that Lord Riegan has been looking for you. You should go and report to him immediately.”

Claude is looking for you? When you had last seen him, he’d mentioned he didn’t have any work for you. Has something changed?

>“Thank you, I’ll make sure to go and see him. Uhh…after I’ve cleaned up of course.”

“I believe that may be for the best…”

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>>5440948
You return to the Derdriu barracks where the rest of the Blackwings have been stationed. Many of them clamor around you, hoping to hear tales about the “secret mission” you’d embarked on. You’re able to gently brush them aside though with the help of your captains and make a beeline for the wash, where you do your best to freshen up before your meeting with the most powerful man in the Leicester Alliance.

>“How do I look?” You ask Corrine. You’re still wearing your armor, but at the very least it’s been cleaned. As a mercenary constantly on the move, it isn’t as though you have much in the way of formal wear.

“Like a girl after my own heart.”

>“Great, well then, I’m off to meet Claude.”

Corrine springs up and blocks the door, not allowing you to pass. “Have you learned nothing?! I’m not letting you leave without at least two people guarding your back.”

>“But it’s getting late and everyone’s tired from the trip. Maybe it’d be best if the-“

“No buts!”

>A): Choose two Blackwings to accompany you
>B): Insist you’re fine alone (LUCK x 2: Roll between 1-42 for Success)

>>5440950
>>A): Choose two Blackwings to accompany you
Damian and Roxanne

I changed my mind. Damian for having a noble upbringing which could be an interesting contribution to the meeting, and Roxanne because she's a Great Knight and I want a meat shield if we really do get ambushed.

>>5440950
>B): Insist you’re fine alone (LUCK x 2: Roll between 1-42 for Success)
It's going to be fine

>>5440950
>>A): Choose two Blackwings to accompany you
seconding >>5440964
as much as I'd like to see more of my boy Boleslav I like these two, too

>>5440950
>B): Insist you’re fine alone (LUCK x 2: Roll between 1-42 for Success)

AHAHAAHAHA C H A O S

>>5440950
>>B): Insist you’re fine alone (LUCK x 2: Roll between 1-42 for Success)

>>5440950
>A): Choose two Blackwings to accompany you
Damian and Milly

>>5440950
>A): Choose two Blackwings to accompany you
Damien and Sebastian
We still haven't congratulated Sebastian on him no selling that Flame spear twice and that is unacceptable

>>5440950
>>B): Insist you’re fine alone (LUCK x 2: Roll between 1-42 for Success)

>>5440950
>A): Choose two Blackwings to accompany you
Damien and Roxanne
Crusaders have too much of a pressence in Deridru, not dying due to chance after finally getting leads on the snakemen. Also we have to live to meet Ashe again.

>>5440950
>A): Choose two Blackwings to accompany you
>Corrine and Uriel
Claude would be used to Corrine's type of people and she's basically just a more bloodhungry Hilda while Uriel is a holy knight who knew about the slitherers before this mission, a veteran would be of most use here.

>>5440950
>A): Choose two Blackwings to accompany you

Damian and Sebastian

>>5440950
>A): Choose two Blackwings to accompany you
>Sebastian
>Damian

A wins. There's a tie between Sebastian and Roxanne so they'll both come along with Damian.

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>>5440950
>“Fine. I don’t imagine Roxanne will complain too much about a little extra work. I’ll take Damian with me too. I expect tons of complaining from him, but at least it should make for an entertaining walk.”

“Take Sebastian as well. He’ll be offended if you don’t. I think that man likes to fancy himself a bit as your personal shield.” Corrine says.

>“Well, he did come through for me during the last battle. He put himself in harm’s way to protect me from Ivan’s attack, at great risk to himself.”

Corrine whistles. “A dashing knight coming to his maiden’s rescue. If you ask me, he seems like a far better catch than Ashe. He’s taller, stronger, and perhaps most importantly, he’s on our side.”

>“What kind of Commander would I be if I started dating subordinates?” You brush passed Corrine and exit your command tent. Despite her teasing, you believe she means well. You haven’t seen Ashe in over five years. If you did somehow manage to run into each other again, there’s a fair chance it would be as enemies, fighting on different sides. Perhaps your friend was hoping you’d fall for another or move on before that day came. Commanding a mercenary company was one thing but matters of the heart were another. Where’s one to find time for love when an ancient underground race of villains are slithering in the dark, hoping to enslave humanity? Surely romance should come as a second priority.

You group up with your personal guard, and begin making your way to Derdriu’s keep, where Claude awaits. Night has already fallen, and the streets are beginning to clear out, but you don’t imagine you’ll have any difficulty meeting with your employer. You aren’t sure if Claude sleeps at all. The Alliance Leader seems to be up all day and night, weaving his intricate schemes and plans all with the intent of keeping the Alliance together. Given that he’s up against the likes of Edelgard and Hubert, any less would certainly spell disaster.

“Why me?” Damian whines in the middle of your walk. “After all that nastiness back at Edmund, that you’d seek to give me even MORE work to do confounds me.”

>“I thought you’d enjoy a chance to rub elbows with the most powerful noble in Leicester.”

The mage scoffs, his face darkening. “I am no longer a noble. That viper Hubert saw as much to that when he executed my father and stole our wealth. Oh, how I’d love to get my hands on that cretin.”

Roxanne laughs. “Cheer up, sourpuss. I’m not a noble anymore either. Sure, it’s tough to deal with at first, but you quickly get used to it. No more stuffy rules or protocol to follow. No more dreadful banquets where you’re paraded out in front of suitors, each of them eyeing you like a piece of meat.”

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>>5442517
“You get to do what you want, go where you want, fight who you want. No more obligations to the crown or to the dirt-farming peasants who till your land for scraps. Under the guise of comfort, nobility was really the ultimate constraint holding you back. And I’ve found my life far more fulfilling after escaping that constraint.”

“Easy for you to say, you battle-hungry freak. You were able to leave your family voluntarily, whereas mine was purged by the very rulers we had sworn to serve. How can I go about and live my life when those villains still stand as a constant reminder of all that I’ve lost?”

Roxanne shrugs. “At least you have a purpose now. A goal for your life that wasn’t just handed to you as a circumstance of your birth.”

“And what exactly is your purpose?”

“Fighting, of course! Getting stronger and stronger. Stronger than even Jeralt and Byleth. Who knows? If you’re nice to me, I might even kill this Hubert guy for you. I doubt you’re strong enough to fight the Empire’s Number Two guy.” She claps her hands and speaks in a mocking tone. “Don’t worry, m’lord! I, the Great Roxanne, will knock that villainous Hubert Von Vestra and reclaim your honor!”

“You were a noble as well, were you not Commander?” Sebastian asks you.

>“Kind of. Count Rusalka had adopted me into his family, but it’s not as though I were his heir or anything. All his titles and possessions would pass on to his trueborn son in the event of his passing. And as Damian here can attest to, my commoner blood didn’t exactly go by unnoticed.”

“The Sky Shadow!” Roxanne pipes-in cheerfully. “I’d seen him once. What a hunk of man, he was.”

“I understand you were more of a ward than the Count’s actual child.” Damian says. “Still, given your former brother’s…penchant for violence…wouldn’t it be safe to assume he may meet his end on the battlefield prematurely? With no other heirs, inheritance of Rusalka would likely fall on you.”

>You can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of this conversation. “If Rex were to fall on the battlefield, it certainly wouldn’t be by my hand. I’m in no rush to fight that monster. Besides, are you suggesting I start a coup in Rusalka?”

Damian shrugs. “I’ve heard of worse claims to the throne.”

>“You can forget it. If you’re in a rush to fight Rex, be my guest.”

“You can’t tell me you don’t miss it, though.” Damian says. “The stability. The comfort. The advantage afforded to you because of your newfound status. Were it not for the Count taking you in, you’d have never gone to Garreg Mach and learned all that you did. Surely you must have some pining to be a noble again in some capacity. Imagine it; Lady Blair d’Rusalka, Countess of Rusalka.

>A): That doesn’t have a bad ring to it
>B): Forget it, there’s no way you’d do such a thing
>C): Write-in

>>5442518
>A): That doesn’t have a bad ring to it
Having some measure of power beyond the figurative barrel of a gun is always useful, especially in a place like Fodlan.

>You haven’t seen Ashe in over five years. If you did somehow manage to run into each other again, there’s a fair chance it would be as enemies, fighting on different sides.
I RIDE OR DIE FOR ASHE

>>5442518
>A): That doesn’t have a bad ring to it

>>5442533
Blair's not Ike, she wouldn't totally abandon her nobility like that. And besides, nothing is stopping us from just making The Blackwings an official knight order.

>>5442550
>And besides, nothing is stopping us from just making The Blackwings an official knight order.

I didn't realize that was a possibility

>>5442518
>>A): That doesn’t have a bad ring to it
SOLD

>>5442553
>I didn't realize that was a possibility
It would be weird if it wasn't one. We might have to petition the next ruler of Adrestia, but other than that, we'd be golden.

>>5442518
>>A): That doesn’t have a bad ring to it

>>5442517
get fucked Damian
>>5442518
>A): That doesn’t have a bad ring to it
You know, making the Blackwings official knights does sound pretty nice after the whole war is over, if we manage to survive that is.

>>5442518
>A): That doesn’t have a bad ring to it
Support making whatever's left of the blackwings into a knight order if we make it out alive.

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>>5442518
>“You know, that doesn’t have such a bad ring to it.” You always thought the trappings of nobility to be a bit stuffy when you were younger, but perhaps it took the absence of said status for you to truly appreciate it. Still, as nice as the fantasy would be, a fantasy was all it was. The Empire gained more ground each day and was likely on the verge of winning the war. Though Rex never cared much for his inheritance, it was still rightfully his, and you didn’t see him dying anytime soon. Lastly, you hadn’t spoken to your adoptive father in over five years. You’re sure that your betrayal must have caused him no shortage of trouble, especially as the purging of “disloyal” nobles had just begun. Unless something drastic happened, there were truly few paths to the title.

“I think you’d make a fine Countess, Commander.” Sebastian says. “You don’t strike me as the type who yearns for nobility solely to reap the privileges. I’ve seen firsthand the types of sacrifices you’ve been willing to make, and how you take care not to waste the lives of your men. Though it pains me to say, it’s a far cry from what I’ve seen from some of the nobles of the Kingdom. Would that some of them showed the same exemplary leadership that you have, perhaps it would still be one Kingdom, rather than two.”

“Pfft, suck-up.” Roxanne teases. You don’t seem to think so. Sebastian seems to truly mean what he says. You smile and thank him, feeling good at the thought of having someone believe in you so strongly.

After some more walking, your group makes it to Derdriu Castle. The guards treat you with some suspicion, given the late hour, but once they learn of your identity, they’re all too happy to let you pass. After confiscating your weapons, you’re escorted into the sprawling keep by one of the Riegan troops, who takes you down the same path Hilda had during your last visit. As you make your way, you can’t help but appreciate how freely you’re able to meet with one of the most powerful men in Fodlan. As a mercenary, you should have been receiving your orders from perhaps a chamberlain or an officer in the Leicester Army. But Claude has taken to giving you your orders directly. A testament to how much the man has seemed to value you and the Blackwings’ work, and how he’s placed a good deal of trust in you.

“My Lord, Blair Weaver of the Blackwings has come to see you.” The Riegan guard announced, after knocking on the door to Claude’s study. A muffled voice from the other side announces that he will have you, and you leave your party behind as you walk in, shutting the door behind you.

“Blair! Where the hell have you been?” Claude asks, urgency plain in his voice. The man looks as though he hasn’t slept in days, bags heavy under his eyes. The room is in more disarray than the last time you saw it, with various documents, letters, tomes and unfinished dinners littering the area.

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>>5443661
>“My apologies, you had mentioned you hadn’t any work for me the last we met, so I had taken another job in the meanwhile.”

Claude scratches his head. “Right…but I hadn’t expected you to actually sign on to another job so soon. You usually only take the big ones. What did you get up to?”

>A quick pause before answering. “I’d found someone to translate the book I’d mentioned we’d retrieved off Echeverria. I investigated the matter myself. It didn’t contain much, but it did confirm our initial suspicions. The person masquerading as Echeverria had been taking his orders from someone inside Ordelia.”

“Did it say who?” Claude asks, perking up.

>“Unfortunately, no. It merely made mention that this person held some sway over Count Ordelia.” Anemone had made you promise not to speak of the village’s existence to anyone, afraid of the repercussions that may follow. Furthermore, while Claude may at least have said he believes you in regards to the Agarthan cabal pulling the Empire’s strings, you don’t know how you’d even begin to explain everything else you learned about the Nabateans and the Javelins of Light. For now, it may have seemed best to only tell him the key details.

“Well, that doesn’t exactly narrow it down. There’s no shortage of men that have managed to take advantage of Count Ordelia. Furthermore, we can’t exactly make ourselves too known there without drawing ire from the Pro-Imperial faction. Still, I have some spies embedded within the city. If one of them notices anything strange, they’ll certainly be sure to report it. Perhaps that might be able to help us narrow down who our culprit is.” Claude shakes his head. “But we’re getting off track. I have a bit of urgent news. You may want to sit down for this.”

>You haven’t seen Claude this animated since the battle with the Almyrans. You do as he says and take a seat on the opposite side of the table. “How bad is it?”

“Actually, that’s the thing. It’s not bad at all. In fact, it may be the best news we’ve received in ages. Professor Byleth is alive.”

>Sitting proves to be a pointless endeavor because you quickly stand up upon hearing the news. “What?! How is that possible? I’d heard she died during the Garreg Mach’s siege! That she’d fallen into some chasm?!”

Claude smirks. “Turns out teach’ is a bit harder to get rid of than that. Furthermore, she’s made quite the entrance as well. She cleared Garreg Mach of the bandits that had been inhabiting the ruins, and even repelled an Imperial Army that attacked the monastery. As we speak, the Knights of Seiros are rallying around their new ‘Sword of Seiros’. And it’s not just them either. Supposedly they’re receiving some outside help as well from some Imperial faction that’s grown a bit fed up with dear Edelgard’s rule. Now I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, but this might be the moment we were waiting for Blair.”

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>>5443672
>The Professor…alive. In the last few years, you hadn’t even thought of the possibility. Much of who you were you owed to her guidance. Occasionally, you’d think of her and wonder how she might handle things in your current situation. During particularly dark moments in your life, you’d wonder if she’d be disappointed in you. Disappointed that you fled Garreg Mach and didn’t fight by her side. What would she even say if she saw you? Would she even recognize you? “So…what would you have me do?”

“I’m glad you asked!” Claude says. “One of my people received a letter from Garreg Mach. You know Judith, right?”

>“The Head of House Daphnel, right? She’s a well-renowned hero in this country.”

“Yeah, that’s her alright.” He winces. “She’s always been a great ally to the Church, so it makes sense Seteth would seek her help. They’re requesting military and logistical aid from House Daphnel. The problem here though is much the same as what we face in Ordelia. We can’t exactly mobilize out in the open without tipping off the Pro-Imperial faction as to what’s really going on.”

>“I suppose you’ve come up with a plan, then?”

“I appreciate the faith you place in me.” Claude sports a signature smug grin. “We’ve selected a secret location to mobilize booth troops and supplies that will be able to link up with the Knights of Seiros. I’ll just need you and the Blackwings to escort Judith to the meeting point agreed upon with Seteth and the Professor.”

>“And where would that be?”

“It’s a cute little place you may have heard of. Ailell, the Valley of Torment. I hear it’s nice this time of year.”

You want to gag. If someone wished to hide from prying eyes, you can’t imagine a better location than that lava filled hellhole that was supposed to be damned by the Goddess. There wasn’t a soul in Fodlan that didn’t know to keep their distance. Still, Anemone had informed you about Ailell’s true origins, and you knew that was just superstition.

“So, what do you say? Up for a class reunion?”

>A): Agree to take the mission
>B): Decline
>C): Press for more detail

>>5443676
>>A): Agree to take the mission

>>5443676
>>A): Agree to take the mission
>>C): Press for more detail

I mean, yes.
But also please tell us more.

>>5443676
>>A): Agree to take the mission
Of course, but man, it's gonna be an awkward reunion for sure, but at least we'll finally get confirmation who's on our side and who is with edelgarde by seeing who shows up there.

>>5443676
>>A): Agree to take the mission
>>C): Press for more detail

>>5443676
>>A): Agree to take the mission
>>C): Press for more detail
Leopold soon. Can't wait to get verbally torn apart for not standing with the church 5 years ago aye.

Interested to see which, if any, of the Eagles have detected. I honestly can only see Dorothea and Caspar doing so.

>>5443676
>>A): Agree to take the mission

>>5443676
>>A): Agree to take the mission
>>C): Press for more detail

>>5443676
>A): Agree to take the mission

>>5443676
>A): Agree to take the mission
>C): Press for more detail

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>>5443676
>“I’m happy to accept your mission, though I’d hope to know a bit more about what you’re planning. Do you really intend to offer the Knights of Seiros military support?”

“If strengthening the Central Church and the Knights of Seiros will get the Empire off our back, I’m all for the idea.” Claude says. “Ever since the Archbishop disappeared, the Knights of Seiros have suffered greatly. But if Professor Byleth is at the helm, things have the potential to change. She wasn’t my own teacher, but I’ve heard plenty enough about her to understand what a force to reckon with she is. I’m all too happy to give her the support she needs if she’s willing to lead the vanguard against the Empire. It saves us from taking the brunt of the fighting and helps us avoid fracturing the Alliance.”

>“I see your point. I often saw her in battle first-hand. To call her incredible would be an understatement. I understand that she was a mercenary before joining the academy, but her skill with a blade is second to none. I’d wager she may rank among the strongest fighters in Fodlan. And that’s not to say anything about her ability to lead men.”

“Our lovely lady has got it all.” Claude says. “More importantly though, she represents a symbol of hope that’s desperately needed. She’s the first person in centuries to wield the Sword of the Creator. Any adherent of the faith would view her as being chosen by the Goddess herself. And for the Empire and the Orthodox Church, that spells a huge problem that they can’t ignore.” He leans back in his chair. “Of course, I expect that the two of them will understand that I have my own selfish motives for helping them. Hopefully if they see that I’ve sent a familiar face though, it may do some good in easing their suspicions.”

>“I’m not so sure I’m your girl for that. I suspect my Professor may be rather cross with me for abandoning the monastery during the siege.”

“If she’s anything like I’ve heard, I can’t see her holding it against you. No offense, but it’s not like the outcome of that battle would have changed had you been present. I was there myself. I fought against the Imperial Army, along with many other Crest users who would be considered force multipliers. We were thoroughly beaten, Blair. There’s no shame in running away to live and fight another day. I’d say given what a pain in the ass you’ve been to the Empire over the last few years, you’ve more than made up for your decision.”

>“Maybe you’re right. I appreciate the kind words, Claude.”

He waves his hand dismissively. “Hey, I can’t have my favorite Pegasus Knight getting down on herself, can I? Judith will be arriving in Derdriu in a few weeks. I’ll call for you once she’s arrived so that you may begin your escort.”

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>>5444507
>“Do you expect any trouble?”

“These days, trouble follows wherever you go. Ailell lies on the border of Alliance and Kingdom territory. There don’t appear to be any Imperial armies nearby. Given the valley’s reputation and utter lack of resources, almost all keep their distance from that place. With any luck, this job should be nothing more than a pleasant stroll.”

>“I hope you’re right…”

You say your farewell to Claude and gather back with your party. Your conversation with him is fresh in your mind. He’d mentioned that it seemed as though the Professor was receiving support from a faction of Imperials seeking to break away from Edelgard. You hadn’t heard of such a group before, and it seemed as though even Claude had limited information on who they were. A part of you hoped though that it might involve your classmates that you’d left behind. Perhaps upon hearing that the Professor was still alive, they’d rushed to join her? You could hardly wait to find out for yourself.

“The Valley of Torment…” Damian mutters. “You know, you seem intent on taking us to the worst possible places one can imagine.”

“I’m sure it’s just a name.” Roxanne says.

The mage groans and says nothing. By now it’s gotten incredibly late. The streets are deserted, and the torches that Roxanne and Sebastian carry with them are the only sources of light around. You’re almost never out this late at night and find the emptiness of the normally bustling city to be somewhat eerie. Not quite as scary as what you just experienced walking through Edmund Woods, but eerie, nonetheless. As you’re turning around a corner, you spot a group of men outside a tavern that appears to be closing for the night. They are gathered around a young girl and are prodding her.

“We want our money back!” One of the men yells.

“You said you could do the Refresh Dance, but that was a lie!” Another says.

“Ugh, I never said that! No Refunds!” The cornered girl yells.

“You’re either giving us our money back, or we’re taking something else in return.” A third man says. At this point you notice that the group of about a dozen or so appear to all be well-armed and armored. You figure they’re likely mercenaries who are staying in Derdriu.

“Why did we stop walking?” Damian asks. “Please don’t tell me you intend to do something about this.”

“Barbarians…” Sebastian mutters under his breath.

“Looks like a spot of fun.” Roxanne says.

>A): Get involved
>B): Mind your business and keep walking

>>5444510
>A): Get involved

>>5444510
>A): Get involved

>a dancer
Ew.

>>5444510
>A): Get involved
>>5444519
And a bad one at that it seems

>>5444510
>“Our lovely lady has got it all.” Claude says. “More importantly though, she represents a symbol of hope that’s desperately needed. She’s the first person in centuries to wield the Sword of the Creator. Any adherent of the faith would view her as being chosen by the Goddess herself. And for the Empire and the Orthodox Church, that spells a huge problem that they can’t ignore.” He leans back in his chair. “Of course, I expect that the two of them will understand that I have my own selfish motives for helping them. Hopefully if they see that I’ve sent a familiar face though, it may do some good in easing their suspicions.”

…..
Claude says that in the manner of someone who’s not an ‘adherent of the faith’.
Blaire isn’t a very spiritual woman, admittedly, but this seems a little far.
*suspicious looks*

>A): Get involved
There’s four of us and a dozen of them, so we should be winning easily, unless they’re of particular quality.

>>5444510
>A): Get involved
Walking away is so wildly out of character for Blair it's almost funny

>>5444539
what's suspicious? that Claude says people would look at Byleth as a person chosen by god?

>>5444574
That Claude would say
‘Any adherent of the faith’

And not
‘It’s almost like she is’
Or
‘With that sword, Byleth is’.

It strongly implies that Claude is not an adherent of the faith in question, and is from the outside looking inwards.

Mind, I don’t know what the people over in Leceister believe in, or where Claude is from exactly.
He doesn’t look like the rest of them.
But the way he phrased that makes me believe he doesn’t share our faith either.

>>5444615
...I mean, yeah Claude hasn't really been that much of a religious person, don't think thats a big reveal really

>>5444510
>A): Get involved

>>5444615
Claude 100% doesn't believe in the faith, his whole route in game is trying to figure out what the church is hiding. He probably acts far more faithful when he's not around Blair, he's probably figured out that she's not that religious either so she won't snitch.

>>5444618
>>5444621
……..oh.

I thought Blair did believe, if somewhat abstractly, and she just doesn’t think about it much.

That makes sense.

>>5444510
>>A): Get involved

>>5444510
>>A): Get involved

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>Ailell, the Valley of Torment
>this is where Ashe appears with the forces of Count Rowe to ambush Byleth in Silver Snow
>since we're not with the Professor, we'll arrive late into the battle so Ashe could've already fallen in before we even get a chance to (once again) have him switch sides

>>5444510
>A): Get involved

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>>5444711
OH NOoooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

Ashe did join the Black Eagles so she’ll probably talk him around. Right? Haha. It’s not as if he joined due to someone other than the Professor this time ha ha ha ha.

>>5444830
But who were the ones who sentenced his adoptive brother and father to death? Who are the people that Edie's regime change will benefit the most?

This is gonna be so spicy I can't wait

It's fine, we can just swoop in with our pegasus and steal him away from everyone else. He'll learn to love Blair again, no matter how much stockholm syndrome it takes.

>>5444838
exactly, even if he doesn't want to come with us at first, once we hogtie him he's just like any other cargo for our pegasus

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>>5444510
>“Hey! What’s going on here?” You shout to the assembled mercenaries. As you do, you can hear Damian groan loudly, slapping his hands onto his face.

The mercenaries turn away from the dancer to examine you. Getting a closer look at them, they appear to be armed with a variety of well-kept weapons, ranging from swords to spears and axes. There are two men with bows hanging out in the back, and a woman who looks to be a mage.

“Stay out of this, lady.” The lead mercenary spits in your direction. “This is between me and this lying, harlot.”

>“Is that so? Would you mind explaining why it takes twelve of you to intimidate a defenseless, unarmed woman?” You say as Sebastian and Roxanne move forward to flank you on each side.

The man looks at you as though you’re daft, and frankly you can’t blame him. Here you are wandering around in the middle of the night, sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong and attempting to provoke twelve armed and pissed off mercenaries.

“Well then, if you’re so eager to know, this woman owes us quite a bit of money.” The mercenary says. “She seems to sell herself very highly, but when it came time for us to do our job…well let’s just say her dancin’ left a lot to be desired.”

One of the other mercenaries’ snickers loudly. “Hey Mina, why don’t you show the nice lady those ehh…’pretty’ little moves of yours?” His laughing prompts the other mercenaries to start laughing as well. Gradually, they begin inching closer.

The dancer, Mina, clicks her tongue in annoyance. “Ugh, you’re such a bastard Rodolfo!” She slips through a crack in the circle surrounding her, and runs to hide behind you, grabbing onto your cloak. “There’s nothing wrong with my dancing! It’s not my fault that brutes like you don’t know how to utilize me properly!”

From your knowledge, you knew that the art of “Combat Dancing” was incredibly rare. Through the combination of a special type of magic and an intricate series of movement, Dancers could support their allies in battle. The most famous of these dances was the “Refresh Dance”, which was capable of completely curing a soldier’s fatigue and allowing them to rejoin the battle as if they were fresh. But in your entire life, the only Dancer you’d ever encountered was Dorothea, and even then, she was only allowed to pursue the specialization after winning the White Heron Cup.

The mercenary, Rodolfo, steps forth. “Like I said, this is between us and her, so step aside. Or maybe you feel like paying for her little misstep? If so, I think that…hmm…4000 gold seems fair compensation? That would certainly make up for the pay we lost out on, as well as damages incurred.” He smugly smirks.

“And now we’re being extorted…” Damian sighs.

>>5445184
“4000?!” Mina shouts. “You’re totally out of your mind, Rodolfo!” She clutches onto your cloak tighter, seemingly intent on using you as a human shield against the angry mercenaries.

“Tell me you don’t intend to pay them, boss.” Roxanne says. “We can totally take these losers.”

>A): Pay Rodolfo (-4000 gold)
>B): Ready yourself to fight
>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)
>D): Walk away

>>5445186
>>B): Ready yourself to fight
I would love to pretend to try intimidating them only to start punching mid sentence

>>5445186
>B): Ready yourself to fight
We've fought way worse then a "few" (probably drunk) mercs.

>>5445186
>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)

>>5445186
>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)
I wanna try.

>>5445186
>>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)
Gamble away baby, if that won't work then we'll say they walked into our blades

>>5445186
Well now he has a problem with us directly.

>B): Ready yourself to fight

>>5445186
>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)

>>5445186
>>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)

>>5445186
>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)

>>5445186
>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)
Time to fail at this and make Damian's entire year

>>5445186
>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)
No need for needless bloodshed.
Also, in my heart of hearts, I kinda hope we won't be able to get Ashe back so we can finally set our sights on someone else... Blair's gotta move on from that teenager crush!

>>5445443
Heretic! Never!

>>5445186
>C): Try to intimidate them (Charm Roll x 2: Must Roll 1-36 to succeed)
We lose nothing from trying

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>5445515
C wins, rolling. Roll must be between 1-36 to succeed.

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>>5445186
>“Do you have any idea who you’re messing with? You stand before ‘The Witch’, Blair Weaver, Commander of the Blackwing Mercenaries and currently in service to his royal highness Claude von Riegan, Leader of the Leicester Alliance! Cease this foolishness and you may yet walk out of here unscathed!” You declare.

Rodolfo looks taken aback at first, and for a second you think you’ve succeeded in intimidating the mercenary into backing off. However, slowly but surely, the look of shock on his face fades away. He examines you and your companions, before turning his head back to look at his own. It’s plain to see he’s weighing his options right now, and it looks as though he’s feeling rather confident in himself given his numerical advantage.

“The Blackwings, eh?” Rodolfo smirks. “Oh yeah, I’ve heard of you alright. Ain’t no mercenary worth his salt who hasn’t. But it seems as though you’re a tad confused. See, there’s only four of you that can actually fight, and while math ain’t ever been my strong suit, I know enough to know that means you’re grossly outnumbered. So how about you quit with the threats and posturing, and step aside so we can get this over with. Or don’t! I hear you’ve amassed quite a fortune for yourself over the years. I’d be happy to beat you unconscious and take what that woman owes me from your own purse.”

>You’re disappointed. Partly because you don’t really want to get into a fight over a complete stranger, but mostly because you tried your best at that little show of theater! You make a mental note to yourself to better practice your threats when you get a spare moment. “Well, you heard him friends. Please try your best not to kill any of them. While this isn’t exactly what I’d call civil discourse, we are still guests of his highness. The less trouble we cause the better.” You unstrap your spear from your back and face off against Rodolfo and his band.

“No killing?” Roxanne whines, disappointed. Her axe and shield are already out, and she bangs the two together harshly, producing a noise that makes two of the enemy mercenaries flinch. “I can try, but no guarantees. You hear that you blowhards?!” She yells at the enemy. “Don’t hold it against me if I can’t help myself, okay?!”

Before you can answer her, Rodolfo slinks back and allows six of his men to rush forward towards you, weapons drawn. Mina gives off a tiny yelp and release her vicelike grip on your cloak. The street you’re standing in is narrow enough that no more of Rodolfo’s men can charge forward without interfering with each other. Wordlessly, the six men split off into pairs, with Sebastian, Roxanne and yourself each engaged with one pair. The way they move and attack in cohesion, you can tell that they’re definitely at least a notch above your average soldier.

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>>5445754
The two mercs that attack you both wield durable looking battle axes. Given their weapon type and the narrow fighting arena, you find yourself immediately at a disadvantage. You hold your spear out and jab at the two axe fighters, leaving shallow cuts across their torso. They slow down their approach a bit and for a second you believe they may back off. However, they instead opt to work in tandem, charging you together at the same time. You swap to holding your Silver Spear in a defensive stance and catch both men’s axes on the shaft of your spear. Gritting your teeth, you’re pushed back by both axe fighters, when out of the corner of your eye you notice Mina…dancing?

You’d seen Dorothea dance more than a few times, both on and off the battlefield. You were never one for the arts, but even you could not deny that she moved with a certain grace and elegance. Mina on the other hand…

The girl was standing with her butt out, moving her arms as fast as she could up and down in an alternating pattern. She’d repeat this pattern a few times facing the left side of the street, before turning towards the right and continuing the same motion. Goddess protect, this is who you’re fighting for?!

As you continue holding off the axe fighters with your spear, you notice that the pressure they were placing on you is beginning to lessen, despite them showing no signs of letting up their attacks. A strange feeling begins to course through your muscles, and you realize that it isn’t them getting weaker. Rather, you’re getting stronger. Strong enough that you’re able to push back against both fighters and free yourself from their clutch! Taking advantage of your momentum, you swing the butt of your Silver Spear at the nearest fighter’s head. You expect to inflict quite a bit of damage, but instead when your spear collides, he’s knocked out cold and left slumped in the street. His ally is left staring at his friend’s prone form in shock, and he’s not the only one. You’re strong, but not that strong! Could this be the effect of Mina’s dancing?

“Woah! She knocked out Butch in one frickin’ hit!” A mercenary standing next to Rodolfo shouts.

>A): Move forward and press the attack
>B): Aid your allies in taking out their enemies
>C): Hold your ground and face the next wave of attackers

>>5445758
>>B): Aid your allies in taking out their enemies

>>5445758
>B): Aid your allies in taking out their enemies

>>5445758
>>B): Aid your allies in taking out their enemies

>>5445758
>The girl was standing with her butt out, moving her arms as fast as she could up and down in an alternating pattern. She’d repeat this pattern a few times facing the left side of the street, before turning towards the right and continuing the same motion. Goddess protect, this is who you’re fighting for?!

Now I really want her to meet Dorothea.

>>5445758
>B): Aid your allies in taking out their enemies

Well shit, looks like she's the real deal.

>>5445758
>>A): Move forward and press the attack

>>5445758
>B): Aid your allies in taking out their enemies

>>5445758
>>B): Aid your allies in taking out their enemies

Press the advance!

>B): Aid your allies in taking out their enemies
Okay a rather unelegant dancer is a good bit, I did like Olivia and her nervousness

>>5445758
>>B): Aid your allies in taking out their enemies

She's cheerleading, isn't she? Minus the pompoms.

I'm thinking that one anime dance where they shake their hands up and down from left to right.