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>>5935897
>“Stand down, Ingrid.” You lay a hand on her shoulder, allowing Luin to fall and point towards the ground rather than Kate. “I trust her. She chose not to kill me, even when the opportunity must have seemed enticing. No matter how she may feel, I still consider Kate a friend. And right now, we have more pressing matters to deal with. Please, go and alert the others. We need to hurry up and take the tower.”

Though seemingly still conflicted, Ingrid nods and complies with your request. She rushes back across the bridge to rally the Blackwings. Meanwhile, you peer over the side and down below, into the canyon still filled with thousands of pilgrims who’d come here to see the second coming of the Goddess Sothis. By now, word had begun to spread amongst those gathered that their Patriarch and Oracle, Bennett, had fallen in battle. You’d hoped that if they’d learned of Bennett’s demise, that it would shatter their resolve. After all, the best thing that could happen for everyone would be if these gathered masses returned home. Instead, you find that things have not quite played out as you would have liked.

The assembled mass of pilgrims had fallen into despair. Thousands of men and women wailed deeply, their voices carrying far across Zanado. You could see people beating their chests in anguish, pulling at their hair, and falling to their knees in utter ruin. Though they’d been tricked into coming here by the work of Bennett and Anacharsis, they were still true believers. Bennett had promised them that the Goddess would be descending from heaven to save them soon. He’d stoked their hopes and wishes. And now that they’d seen him killed by you and the others, it was as if something had broken inside them. The pilgrims no longer seemed intent on fighting the Blackwings, but they certainly weren’t making to leave anywhere. You began to fear that you might have somehow made things worse.

“Blair!” Ashe calls out to you. He and the rest of the Blackwings join up with you. Ingrid leads Elizabeth and Kayla over towards where Anemone is sitting, and the two clerics begin fussing over her immediately, helping to restore her back to health. “Thank the Goddess you’re okay!” He embraces you tightly. Ashe looks shaken, almost in the exact same way he’d been after having been forced to kill Lonato. Being forced to contend with the corpse warriors, it was easy to understand why. You yourself felt as though you were barely holding it together. And all the despair echoing from down below was certainly not helping matters.

>“Ashe, what’s our status?”

“Ahh, right.” Ashe takes a second to compose himself. “Those pilgrims have stopped trying to get in our way. They just sort of seem to have…given up. Why are the Hellwings here?”

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>>5935898
>“Don’t worry about them. They’re here to help us out. Has everyone been gathered?”

“We’re all present and accounted for.” Clay says, joining in. You notice that he’s dragging along a few newly acquired items in hand. He’d taken the sword and shield relics that Felix had been using. In addition, he’d also stopped along the way to grab Bennett’s bow, as well as his tome. “We can grab the others later, but I found no sense in leaving those that we could still use behind. I may not be a bearer of the Crest of Fraldarius, but I should still be able to make use of this sword, albeit at a more limited capacity. Scratch as well can make limited use of the Aegis Shield with her Crest. And as for these…” He gestures towards the bow and tome. “Why don’t you take them?”

>“Are you mad? Ashe and I don’t have Crests. Those relics will-”

“They aren’t relics.” Clay shakes his head. “But they’re close. The church calls them Sacred Weapons. They were forged by Saint Indech and Maculi themselves and meant to correspond with the Crests of their comrades. Unlike Heroes’ Relics though, these weapons were not forged from the bones of Nabateans. You won’t be subjected to their curse if you use these. Again, you won’t be able to draw out their full power like Bennett did, but they’re still incredibly strong.”

>Obtained Wind Caller’s Genesis! (+14 DMG, + 2 MAG/RES, Restores 5% HP every turn, allows an extra charge of Forseti.)

Ashe accepts the bow cautiously, though relief seems to spread across his face once he holds the weapon in hand and draws the string back. “Thank you, Clay. I’ll be sure to make every shot with this count.”

A large explosion from the front of the tower diverts your attention. The Blackwings have detonated the blasting powder that had been dropped in front of the large door. In a large puff of smoke and rubble, the door has been blasted off, granting you and the others access to enter. Almost immediately following the detonation, you were able to sense something incredibly powerful from within. It was the same sort of feeling you’d had when you fought the likes of Diogenes and Odesse. This was the oppressive aura of a powerful spellcaster. Anacharsis was waiting for you inside, and he was not bothering to mask his presence.

“Blair.” Anemone springs back to her feet. She no longer sports the wound she’d suffered from Bennett and looks as good as ever thanks to the work of your clerics. “Are you ready? We can’t have much time left.”

You nod. As you prepare to give the order to charge inside, a shadow from above stops you in your tracks. The screaming and wailing from the pilgrims suddenly grows far more intense. Fear joins their already potent despair and anguish, and they break into a panicked frenzy.”

“D-Demonic Beasts?!” Elizabeth cries out. “Dozens of them!”

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>>5935899
From every corner of Zanado, both by land and sky, Demonic Beasts were descending upon the tower. You’d never seen so many in one place before. The pilgrims huddled down below soon find themselves surrounded, with no means of escape from the deadly creatures. Likewise, several flying variants were now landing on the bridge, heading directly for the Blackwings. Before the first one can make contact, a ballista bolt rips out and smashes through the back of the monster. It lets out a pained scream, before falling off the side in a spray of blood. However, several more rush to take its place, and in just a few short seconds, pandemonium breaks out.

“Where did these come from?!” Sebastian roars, taking point between the beasts and his comrades. He serves as a bulwark, knocking back a large wolf from where it came.

“They’re here for us, of course!” Anemone seethes. “Anacharsis must be using them to buy himself more time. We can’t afford to be held back by these things!”

“We can’t just leave them here either though!” Corrine yells. “If they don’t try following us inside, then they’ll give the canyon a whole new coat of red once they finish slaughtering those people!”

>“Some of you will have to stay out here and deal with them.” You say as another ballista bolt fired by Caleb fells a beast that was drawing too close. “Guard the ballista and the pilgrims while me and a few others go inside and deal with Anacharsis.”

“I’m going with you.” Ashe declares. “I won’t hear no for an answer.”

“Likewise.” Anemone says.

From what you could sense inside the tower, Anacharsis was a powerful Sage. Easily twice as strong as those that you’d already encountered. There was no telling what sort of cards he still held up his sleeve. If one were not up to the task of fighting him, it was likely they’d only hold you back. Only a small force of your strongest allies would suffice here. The rest would be better off fighting back the horde of Demonic Beasts and ensuring the safety of those down below in the canyon.

>Choose 7 Blackwings to accompany you inside the tower. Ashe and Anemone will join automatically. The Blackwings with the most votes will win.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ESxa3V-d3Mb27ZG97cbRoVMeD6HHEIySF9nJqqd48dc/edit#gid=0

>>5935900
>Corrine, Kate, Ingrid, Scratch, Clay, Diana, Kayla
The time has come, lets fucking GOOO!

>Final Thread
Let's fuckin' go. Have been eagerly awaiting this.

Hope you've been well, Tree!

>Clay with the Sword of Moralta, Scratch with the Aegis Shield, Ashe with The Inexhaustible, and Blair with the Wind Caller's Genesis

Huge pickups. Reasonable stat increases, too-- most are only marginally better than the old weapons, but have bonuses on top of it. We'll still be relying on Ingrid for Crest+Weapon shenaniganry.

>>5935900
>Corrine, Kate, Ingrid, Scratch, Clay, Diana, Uriel

>Corrine
Gotta have our homegirl with us at the end. She is actually fairly middling in terms of stats, but she has healing and can hit either defensive stat.

>Kate
She's basically a second Blair, though without the Stun.

>Ingrid
No explanations needed here...

>Scratch
She has decent bulk and damage with the Aegis Shield, Crest of Indech, and Tormentor.

>Clay
Bravery, my beloved. Hits either defensive stat, has basically infinite healing so long as he's not one-shot, and he's got the Sword of Moralta to fish for crits.

>Diana
She's here for the Right Wing bonuses. Plus with Blair's old Killing Lance and Avoid+, she's got some dodge potential.

>Uriel
Healing, decent bulk and damage, and, of course, Slayer for that x3 damage.

Honorable mentions go to Leopold, Sebastian, Rocks, and Damian, who all would've been useful, but are either too vulnerable to RES, or otherwise don't contribute as much as the other choices, imo.

>>5935900
>>5935900
Dawn of the final thread. It's been a good few years guys, and thanks for them tree.
>Wind Caller's Genesis
Thanks for the cool loot Benny

>Corrine
She's been with us from the start, no way are we leaving her out of the final battle. Plus healing is always good.

>Ingrid
Who rocks up to the final boss and leaves behind Luin. Plus she needs to avenge the Lions

>Clay
Boy can finally hit def now, he's come so far kek

>Diana
One does not leave +3 speed behind. Plus though she's one of the few without healing or regen hopefully avoid+ will make up for it.

>Scratch
She can't take take on Anacharsis himself but will probably be able to hold off his adds

>Uriel
Slayer + healing OP

>Kate
Urgh if it wasn't for Gae Bolg then I'd have replaced her for Leopold in a heartbeat. If this was an actual vidya I would have just chucked Gae Bold on Leopold and deployed him kek

>>5935900
>>5936184
Actually screw it, going with my HEART instead of my head and changing my vote to
>Corrine
>Ingrid
>Clay
>Diana
>Scratch
>Kate
>Leopold

Uriel is much more useful going against the demonic beast hoard with slayer, and Leopold needs to live up to his promise of being there to support Blair as she guts her father. Plus Leopold has a good chance to proc sol for heals

>>5935900
>Corrine
>Ingrid
>Clay
>Diana
>Scratch
>Kate
>Leopold

Sure why not.

>>5935900
>Corrine
>Ingrid
>Clay
>Diana
>Scratch
>Kate
>Leopold

A fine a fellowship as any, I would think.

>>5935900
I'm going to go with:

>Corrine
Where would we be without our sister?
>Kate
Kate. Our first friend, our enemy. Maybe the last face we ever get to see. If Blair dies in there, is this how you'll remember me? What if this battle is our legacy?
>Ingrid
The Agarthans are Glenn's true murderers, in a way. Today, Ingrid avenges not only him, but everyone who fell in the Tragedy of Duscur. Today, their spirits, and those of the Blue Lions, find rest.
>Diana
Our Right Wing. We lost the Left, but not the Right.
>Clay
A hero of eld, riding again. Our very own answer to the Blade Breaker, in a way.
>Uriel
>Leopold
A master, his student, and his student. Three generations fight as one.

>Final thread
Time to end this by killing our adopted dad. I hope we get final chapter quotes from our deployed units.

>>5935900
>>5936194
Supporting.
Uriel instead of Leopold is likely the more optimal choice, but it'll probably be fine. Leopold has decent stats and his weapons and skill aren't even that bad. He just lacks an overpowered weapon/skill/Crest that the top tier Blackwings do have.
The only main worry is that we'd just have Corrine as a healer and she can't heal herself. But we hardly ever had her fight anyways so she should mostly be safe as a staffbot.

>>5936520
We could potentially switch scratch with Uriel if we wanted to have another healer?
I brought her along for the aegis shield passive and x 4 hits tormentor hits if she doubles but I still don't like her Res considering daddy dearest is a sage.

Uriel might be better on sheer utility over her and has better res

>>5936531
I was honestly considering something similar while I was at work. Scratch is pretty good with her new Relic Shield, but she's still... okay. Silver Gauntlets+ are solid, but only when she's doubling someone slow for quads. It doesn't help that she has a whopping 15 RES and is going up against the guy with Valflame.

We could consider bringing in Leopold/Uriel or maybe Yara for Premonition instead. Leopold and Uriel might not survive if they engage and then get attacked by Anarcharsis on enemy phase (then again, that's probably the same for everyone), but they should still be useful for DPS if Blair lands the Stun.

>>5935900
>>5935900
>Corrine, Ingrid, Diana, Kate, Clay, Uriel, Leopold
Gives us two healers and a good mix of story relevant units. Uriels RES and heals gives him more staying power than Aegis shield.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

just let me roll

>>5935900

>>5936194
Right first off I apologise for flip flopping on the vote so much, you can send the blackwings to take me out after tree.

FINAL vote
>Corrine
>Ingrid
>Clay
>Diana
>URIEL
>Kate
>Leopold

Because I fucking forgot about the blessed lance on Uriel. Breaking out the math early but the lance regens slightly more than the shield - he gets 5HP per turn whereas scratch gets 4 (okay 3.55 technically)

It's small beans but he also is another healer with better res. Scratch can use her shiny new toy outside

>>5935900
>Corrine
>Ingrid
>Clay
>Diana
>Uriel
>Kate
>Leopold

The final battle, think of the nice things we will do in retirement as countess.

Corrine
Kate
Ingrid
Clay
Diana
Leopold

Are all confirmed.

There's a tie between Scratch and Uriel. I'll leave it open juuuust a tad longer in case someone votes or changes. If not, I'll roll for it.

>>5936989
>>5936046

Sure, I'll swap my vote from Scrach to Leopold; the loss of the point from Scratch should mean that Uriel pulls ahead.

Looks like we really are going with the three generations of mentor and mentee, huh? We just need Mary here, and we'll have four. I suppose we technically taught Diana, but we only really helped her reach her potential, as opposed to 'raising' her.

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>>5935900
Corrine, Kate, Ingrid, Clay, Diana, Leopold, Uriel. These were the seven warriors you chose to accompany you, Ashe and Anemone inside the tower. Fearsome fighters all, you could rest easy knowing that they were the ones watching your back. Each should be able to hold their own against whatever terrors Anacharsis had in store for you. The group gathers at your side, and you prepare to enter the tower.

“Don’t worry about us, Blair.” Milly says. Next to her, Damian works at channeling a long-range meteor spell, aiming for the flock of Demonic Beasts in the sky. “We’ll try to save as many of these fools as we can! Just make sure you give that Sage a good thrashing!”

Several wolf-like Demonic Beasts charge again towards the tower entrance but are stopped in their tracks by the combined might of Sebastian, Rocks and Scratch. The Aegis Shield does not glow in her hands as it did for Felix, but it serves as an effective bulwark, nonetheless. The bandit holds the shield with both hands to absorb a blow, and then uses it as a makeshift bludgeon, bashing the beast in its neck and snapping the base of its spine.

You and your chosen party rush into the tower, leaving the rest of the company to handle the horde of monsters. As you step foot inside the tower, a curious thing happens.

“Huh?” A puzzled Corrine exclaims, looking back through the door in which you just walked through. “Can anyone else not hear anything outside anymore?”

Corrine was right. The second you walked through the entrance of the tower; it was as if the whole world had been suddenly silenced. You could still see the raging battle outside occurring, but the clash was entirely deafened to you. It was as if you were staring through a window to another, far-off world. Save for detritus, the interior of the tower itself was almost entirely vacant. Scattered throughout the architecture were large gashes and craters across the walls and floors. Examining them closely, you didn’t believe that these were caused by just the passage of time. They were made deliberately. Several murals had also been painted across the walls of the cavernous room you were occupying, but as to what they were originally meant to depict, it was impossible to tell. Someone had defaced every single painting, scrawling across them in an inky deep black.

“…Is this place giving anyone else the creeps?” A nervous Diana asks, staring up towards where the tower extended. A large spiral staircase led to the tower’s upper floors. So high did they climb though, that you were unable to make out what awaited you at the very top. You could only guess by the throbbing, pulsating sensation that this was where Anacharsis was waiting for you.

“…Tread carefully.” Clay warns. “This used to be the home of a people far older than our own. Powerful magics run deep here.”

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>>5937093
Wasting no further time, you and the others begin running up the seemingly never-ending spiral staircase, ascending towards the upper levels of the tower. Along the way, you find several more examples of the mess you saw down below. Amongst the potsherds and debris, you see the same black ink dotting every corner of the tower unevenly. Your first thought was that it must have been some sort of paint, used to blot out the images that had been painted on the walls you pass by. But when you begin to see it more frequently, and on every floor at that, you suspect that this was not paint, but blood.

“…I don’t understand.” Leopold says breathlessly as he ascends the stairs. “Zanado is supposed to be a holy place, is it not? And yet…this choking feeling. It’s as if every step we take is oppressive.”

“This is no holy place.” Uriel adds in. “One need not be magically attuned to see that the darkness here is thick and ever-present inside these walls. I do not believe this to be a recent change, either. This tower must have been fouled and corrupt for thousands of years.”

“How can that be?” Leopold exclaims in shock. “Is Zanado not the home of the Goddess? Is that not the entire reason we Knights of Seiros prohibit entry here?”

“If this was the Goddess’ home, she’s since moved out long ago.” Clay exclaims, wincing as he exerts effort to continue climbing. “The old man is right. Something haunts these grounds.”

As you and the others continue climbing, the exhaustion you all feel grows worse. This was not just an issue of physical exertion though. You’d all been through far worse. It was as if the very air itself was growing harder to breathe with each step. All were feeling the effects of the tower’s oppressive aura. All save Anemone, who raced ahead of all of you several steps in front. Having assumed her Agarthan form, she seemed totally unimpeded here. Perhaps her kind were unaffected by whatever magic was at work here?

As you step on a landing, you nearly lose your balance. Only Ashe’s support keeps you standing straight. Bending over to catch your breath, you look up to thank your lover, only to see that he’s no longer there. None of your allies were. Instead, you were surrounded by three unfamiliar figures.

The first was a cloaked man. Though his face was obscured, you could see pale thin strands of white hair peeking out through his hood.

The second was a green-haired little girl. She reminded you of Flayn in a strange way, though far younger.

The third was a hulking, grey-haired man with scars running across his chest. Perhaps most surprising of all, the Sword of the Creator rested in his hands.

>A): Approach the cloaked man.
>B): Approach the green-haired girl.
>C): Approach the wielder of the Sword of the Creator.

>>5937094
>A): Approach the cloaked man.

So... Arval/Epimenides, Sothis, and... Nemesis? How curious.

>>5937094
>C): Approach the wielder of the Sword of the Creator.

This option is curious, since unlike Arval, an Agarthan, and Sothis, a Nabatean (Goddess), Nemesis is only human, even if he was essentially just a pawn in their games in the end. I wonder if he's more than just a bandit, or if his ambitions meant anything.

>>5937094
>C): Approach the wielder of the Sword of the Creator.
We're following in his footsteps in a way - a baseborn moral going up against the immortal others

>>5937094
>>C): Approach the wielder of the Sword of the Creator.

>>5937094
>C): Approach the wielder of the Sword of the Creator.

>>5937094
>>A): Approach the cloaked man.

>>5937094
>B): Approach the green-haired girl.
We must confess our sins to the Goddess Herself.

>>5937094
>B): Approach the green-haired girl.

>>5937094
>C): Approach the wielder of the Sword of the Creator.

>>5937094
>B): Approach the green-haired girl.

>>5937094
>B): Approach the green-haired girl.

C wins, writing!

>>5937094
Okay that is Nemesis but who are the other two? Sothis? But why would she be here? An illusion? Let's see...

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>>5937094
Your eyes fall on the giant man who wields the sacred weapon of your professor. As you examine him closer, your surroundings seem to fade, and the throbbing sensation assailing your head grows worse. You stagger back, careful not to lose balance and fall back down the stairs. You feel simultaneously light-headed, while also in the throes of agony. It was as if you were experiencing Yara’s vision quest once more, only ten times worse. You know this is no natural occurrence. Was this the work of Anacharsis? Or was the tower itself attacking you?

You open your eyes to find yourself back outside the tower. Despair clutches your heart as you fear you’ve been teleported back from where you came. However, you realize that this is not the same place you entered. This tower has not yet fallen victim to decay and battle. These were no ruins standing in front of you, but a shining and proud marvel, built to honor the creator Goddess. Staring at this ancient wonder that was built to last for generations, there was only one feeling that welled up deep inside you.

Contempt.

With a deft flick of your hand, you push open the sprawling tower doors. Inside, there was a huddled mass of people. Several of them men were armed and shouting, each of their weapons pointed towards you alone. They all possessed the same distinct green hair, denoting them as members of the same bloodline. The looks on their faces were varied. There was anger, confusion, and determination. But mostly there was fear. These were the so-called Children of the Goddess? With such a lofty name, surely they would be able to provide with a decent challenge. You unsheathe your new weapon. The gathered throng of children shriek in terror upon witnessing your golden blade. It seems as though they can instinctively tell its origins. Several of the cloaked figures who followed you here take a step closer to witness what was about to occur.

You would be sure to give them a show.

With a flick of your hand, the Sword of the Creator extends out in a whiplike fashion. The first line of Children are cut in half, spraying their siblings in a shower of blood and bone. The second line hardly has any time to react, for you are already upon them. A green-haired youth trembles as he gazes upon your countenance. He never thinks to use the spear in his hand, and your blade crashes through his skull.

You dislodge the blade and disembowel three more that stand in your way their intestines flowing from them like a river.

A man swings at you with a large axe. You meet his attack head on, cutting through the finely crafted steel as if it were reeds. He falls back in shock, his arms reduced to stumps.

A sorceress strikes at you with divine magic from the upper levels of the tower. You easily dodge the attack and counter. Your weapon extends and stretches impossibly long, impaling her.

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>>5938153
A group of Children gather up the courage to attack you in unison. At least a dozen green-haired fools set upon you with their blades, believing they stand a chance. However, this sword was not the only weapon gifted to you by those cloaked men. You activate the so-called “Crest of Flames” and with a flash of blue and a swing of your arm, the enemy is reduced to a smoldering pile of cinders. You step over the charred corpses in your path, crushing a burning skull underfoot.

At that moment, the remaining Children drop down their weapons and fall to the floor, begging vainly for mercy. Like your weapon, it seems as though they recognize the symbol produced when you used your Crest. Your display of power is all that it takes to reduce them into a blubbering mass of terror. Their reaction could only mean that they understood the significance of what you had done. That you’d killed the goddess Sothis, and had her bones fashioned into the very sword you wield. But if they knew that much, it made no sense why they’d choose to surrender.

For if you didn’t spare the very Goddess herself, why would you spare them?

The slaughter of the Children of the Goddess continues, painting the walls of the tower’s interior with their blood. You manage to pull yourself away from this carnage. The real you, not the psychopath that had initiated this chaos. Though you can barely understand what it is that you just saw, you realize that these events must have occurred here in the past. That man used the Sword of the Creator to slaughter the “Children of the Goddess”, the Nabateans. He killed them all using a weapon fashioned from the bones of their mother. It was no wonder that this place was tainted now. Unfathomable evil had occurred here, and still haunted these very halls. Were these visions meant to be the tower’s last line of defense? To keep you from reaching the summit?

You try to stand but are unable. Your allies were still nowhere to be found. In fact, you seemed to now be somewhere completely different from where you’d remembered. It was as if you’d been somehow warped to a different level of the tower. Wherever it was you were, there were only two directions you could take. Continuing your ascent or returning back down.

You grit your teeth. This was no time to lounge around. Nor would you turn back.

>A): Use your strength to get back to your feet and continue the ascent. (STR+LCK: 70% to succeed)
>B): Use your magic to muster a defense against the tower’s psychic assault. (MAG+LCK: 69% to succeed)
>C): Jump to your feet and race up the stairs. The quicker you reached the summit, the quicker this would all be over. (SPD+LCK: 82% to succeed)

>>5938154
>>C): Jump to your feet and race up the stairs. The quicker you reached the summit, the quicker this would all be over. (SPD+LCK: 82% to succeed)

SPEEEEEEEEEED

>>5938154
>B): Use your magic to muster a defense against the tower’s psychic assault. (MAG+LCK: 69% to succeed)

Oh boy, genocide. I wonder what the other visions would've shown us.

>>5938154
>B): Use your magic to muster a defense against the tower’s psychic assault. (MAG+LCK: 69% to succeed)

This feels like the right way to go. Maybe swap to the Wind Caller's Genesis for an additional +2% chance.

I should probably also ask, is the Wind Caller's Genesis a Spell like Fire, Thunder, etc, but with infinite uses? Or is it more like a better version of our Magic Staff?

>>5938185
You can consider it a weapon with infinite uses, that also grants an extra charge of Forseti. It's different from other spells in that you would need to have it equipped, meaning you aren't holding Gungnir.

>>5938154
>B): Use your magic to muster a defense against the tower's psychic assault. (MAG+LCK: 69% to succeed)

YOU WILL NOT BRAINWASH US, SNAKE DAD

>>5938189
That makes sense, thanks! I was wondering for a second if we'd get MAG + 20 (Forseti) + 14 (WCG) for damage calc, which certainly didn't seem right.

Overall, WCG is certainly our second-best spell. It doesn't hit AoE like Fimbulvetr, or work as Siege like Bolting, but it hits harder than both of those, provides a couple useful stat buffs, and heals... 3 HP per turn? And I assume because it's Wind-magic, it hits Fliers effectively.

Plus, it gives us another charge of Forseti, which we can now use aggressively as opposed to holding onto it for the crucial moment though naturally, we'll want to keep a charge in reserve for that regardless.

>>5938154
>C): Jump to your feet and race up the stairs. The quicker you reached the summit, the quicker this would all be over. (SPD+LCK: 82% to succeed)

Also just realised
>10 blackwings in tower
We the new 10 Elites

>>5938329
Then who's our Maurice?

>>5938154
>B): Use your magic to muster a defense against the tower's psychic assault. (MAG+LCK: 69% to succeed)

69

>>5938154
>C): Jump to your feet and race up the stairs. The quicker you reached the summit, the quicker this would all be over. (SPD+LCK: 82% to succeed)

>>5938154
>B): Use your magic to muster a defense against the tower’s psychic assault. (MAG+LCK: 69% to succeed)

>>5938335
Scratch, abandoned because of her shitty RES kek

Also, dropping in to say that I've set up a tvtropes page for this quest if anyone wants to add/change stuff. (Also feel free to change the intro article I fully admit it is terrible) https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Fanfic/FireEmblemThreeHousesQuest

>>5938640
>TVTropes Page

You know what? Actually pretty based, rereading all of it gives me some very fond memories of the quest. The Damian love is appreciated as well-- though I do believe it's spelled with an 'a', rather than an 'e'.

We've had mathanons before, but you're now a loreanon. I'll be reading the page as it updates going forward, heh.

>>5938702
>typo on damian
kek you spoke too soon anon, I gotta turn in my loreanon cap after that blunder

Also yeah re-reading the early school phase portions after everything that's gone down hits like a truck - especially everything to do with the poor lions.

>>5938154
>C): Jump to your feet and race up the stairs. The quicker you reached the summit, the quicker this would all be over. (SPD+LCK: 82% to succeed)

>>5938640
Incredibly based of you anon

>>5938640
Oh yo that's cool, to think there's a Tvtropes for this quest that i've been reading since day one.

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>5938640
Hahahaha that's very cool and pretty filled out too! Thank you for making that anon. Was not expecting this and I've had a blast reading through it.

B wins. I'll give the +2 from WCG, so roll needs to be 1-71 to succeed.

>>5938935
>27
PRAISE SOTHIS

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>>5938154
You stir the magic deep inside you, almost as if you were about to cast a great spell, only to stop at the last second. Your gambit pays off, and the effects of the tower’s visions slowly start to fade as your own magic takes over. The images of slaughter that were rapidly flashing before your eyes disappear, as does the throbbing sensation in your head. While the measure was only a temporary one, you hoped that it would last long enough for you to finish your ascent. You stand back on your feet, feeling invigorated that your plan worked.

>+2 MAG Temporarily

You race up the nearby staircase, hoping that perhaps you would catch up with your allies, but to no avail. Even when you stop for a moment to catch your breath, you’re unable to hear anything either above or below. If the other Blackwings were still in the tower, it appeared you were separated by considerable distance. Not knowing where they were, you couldn’t take the chance to go back down and look for them. Time was running short, and the dread you felt gathering at the top of the tower was growing every second. Regaining your bearings, you continued running and running further up the stairs, until, finally, you reached the very summit.

You were as high as the clouds now, able to see them through the exposed roof. A great chill hung heavy in the air. Four large pillars stood at each corner of the floor. At the very top of each pillar, an orb of ominous darkness pulsated vibrantly. A line of energy traced from each tip, meeting in the middle, where a woman was suspended seemingly in mid-air. You did not recognize her, and she appeared to be unconscious. She was in rough shape. Her clothes were torn and ripped, and she was covered in wounds. Though her eyes were closed, you could see from the twisted grimace on her face that she had suffered great pain.

A man stared up, watching her suspended in air. Even with his back turned, you knew exactly who he was. Charles d’Rusalka turned around to lay his eyes on you for the first time in five years. He must have known you were here to stop him. To put an end to his plans and cease the summoning of the Agarthan gods. And yet as he looked upon you, it was not with a countenance of rage or anger or even determination to stop you.

Your adoptive father looked at you the way one might look when seeing a long-lost relative for the first time. His eyes lit up, and a great smile plastered across his face.

“So, THAT is what you look like now!” Anacharsis laughed jovially. “My word! What a fine woman you’ve grown into, Blair! See? I told you that you’d grow taller if you just gave it a bit of time.”

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>>5939044
You blink, unsure of what to say. This man planned to condemn thousands of souls to the void. He’d abused his own subjects to acquire more Agarthium. He’d manipulated countless individuals to get to this point. And here he was acting as if he were at a family reunion. You find yourself at a loss for what to say.

“How have you been, Blair?” Anacharsis asks with a smile. “I’ve heard so many fascinating things about you. Both from Rex, as well as from communication from Shambhala. You have no idea how my heart swelled with pride when I’d heard you were the one that slew that fiend, Odesse. I knew you were a special girl. From the moment I laid eyes on you back in your home in Magnesia, I knew there was something about you. An intuition I could not explain. Perhaps it was merely the faintest flicker from my gods, communicating with me in their deep slumber. Or perhaps it was simply my imagination. But I never could have imagined you’d grow into the person you have today.” He takes a step closer, offering you his hand. “Please, tell me about your adventures. While there’s still time left.”

You unsheathe Gungnir and hold it out, blocking the space between you and Anacharsis.

>“Where are my friends?”

“Unharmed.” Anacharsis says. “Though admittedly, while I warped you further up, I’ve stalled their progress quite a bit. I thought it for the best if you and I were to speak alone. Rest assured; they are in no danger. For now, at least. Once Zahras opens, even those within this tower won’t be safe. But you know that already, don’t you? There’s no way ‘Hoff’ would not have shared those details in order to prevent you from journeying to Zanado. Though since you’re here, I can only assume he and Wedge are no longer amongst the living.” Anacharsis’ good cheer is replaced with a look of melancholy. “I pray they finds it in their hearts to forgive me the next we meet.”

>“Hoff told me everything about your plan. How you intend to sacrifice all those people outside to reawaken your gods.”

“Oh, good. That saves us some time.” Anacharsis says with relief. “Truthfully, you’ve helped a bit. Reawakening our lost deities requires the sacrifice of the Goddess’ faithful. But even with all of Bennett’s preaching, I found that the pilgrims outside were not nearly as zealous as I hoped they’d be. It makes one wonder why they even bothered to come in the first place. Even after all these years, humans never cease to fascinate me.” He shakes his head. “Fortunately, though, they now find themselves crying out in terror for the Goddess to save them. Their vaunted Relic wielding heroes were all slain. Their prophet was laid low. And now a horde of Demonic Beasts encircles them, ready to devour. Only the Goddess can save them, so they pray for a miracle. I’d hoped it would have been the Knights of Seiros who’d arrive to do the dirty work, but I suppose the Blackwings will suffice.”

>>5939046
>“And that woman? Is she your Agarthan sacrifice?”

“Meet Cleobulus.” Anacharsis makes an unenthusiastic wave. “For a Zahras unveiling this grand, nothing short of a Sage would do for a suitable offering. I lured her here with false promises, playing into her depraved and vain nature, and she followed along eagerly. Don’t feel too bad for her though. Those simulacrum of your friends outside were her doing. She repurposed the remnants of Diogenes’ research, although it turned out to be rather poor, both in taste and effectiveness. In any case, please don’t wake her. I only just recently managed to get her to shut up.”

>“Why are you doing all this?” You ask, desperation evident in your voice. “Please, tell me! Is this all to avenge your daughter? For revenge?! Do you do it in hopes of reviving your people?! Please, tell me why you’d stoop to such madness?!”

Anacharsis smiles. “Even just one of those reasons would be enough for me. Come, let us waste no more time on this foul subject. Regale me with tales of your deeds. Tell me about your battles with the other Sages. How you fought against Rex. Are there any men in your life that you’ve given your heart to? I would hear of everything before I open Zahras. I can even warp you out of here before all is said and done. Know from the bottom of my heart, that I truly never wished for you to get caught up in any of this.”

>“Then why?!”

“Direct that question to your own Goddess!” Anacharsis hisses, losing his temper. “It’s all HER fault. This war between our people has never ended! Even after our gods were cast aside, we were still made to suffer! Driven underground like vermin while her own children sprouted! What I will do today is in answer to all the evil Sothis has committed! The near extermination of my people! Do not presume that I am the aggressor here. All that I do is justified!”

>A): The Agarthans lost a war that they started. It was only natural that the punishment they faced would be dire. What you are doing is the last, desperate gasp of a dying race.
>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?
>C): Your gods were already defeated once by Sothis and her creations. She would only cast them aside again if need be. This is a futile endeavor.

>>5939048
>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?

It's probably a longshot, but I hope there's a chance of a diplomatic ending where we get Anarcharsis to stand down. Blair already promised Anemone that she would make Rusalka a potential haven for Arcadians, I'd really love to see if the two races could just get along.

>>5939048
>>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?

Man, Anacharsis is cool-- all of the evil stuff he's done aside, anyway. I'm sure in another world, Blair would've grown up with him as her adoptive father, and Anacharsis with her as his newfound daughter.

A damn shame we'll have to kill him.

Also
>he has Cleobulus ready as a sacrifice

Kek. And here I thought we'd be facing down two Sages-- the fact that he straight-up defeated her and is ready to use her as fuel before we even got here is hilarious. And also a little frightening, if he's able to do all that without breaking too much of a sweat.

>>5939048
>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?

Now I'm *really* curious as to what kind of visions we'd have seen in the other ones, if ever. No doubt it'd change the dialogue here.

>>5939048
>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?

It will never not be morbidly funny to me that Edelgard spent her life going on about "the Church is a conspiracy by the lizard people to control Fodlan!" when there are THREE of them (five if you count the one who decided to go literally pound sand and the one who put up a "gone fishing" sign IMMEDIATELY after the War of Heroes was over).

>>5939048
>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?

>>5939048
>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?

>>5939048
>>A): The Agarthans lost a war that they started. It was only natural that the punishment they faced would be dire. What you are doing is the last, desperate gasp of a dying race.

>>5939048
>>A): The Agarthans lost a war that they started. It was only natural that the punishment they faced would be dire. What you are doing is the last, desperate gasp of a dying race.

>>5939048
>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?

>>5939048
>A): The Agarthans lost a war that they started. It was only natural that the punishment they faced would be dire. What you are doing is the last, desperate gasp of a dying race.

>>5939048
>>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?

>>5939048
>B): What of the extermination that your people have committed? This tower showed me its past. You manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that lived here. Have you not already had your revenge?

>>5939048
>A): The Agarthans lost a war that they started. It was only natural that the punishment they faced would be dire. What you are doing is the last, desperate gasp of a dying race.

>>5939048
>“Justified?!” You bark harshly. “What of the extermination that your people have committed? I saw what happened here. How you manipulated the wielder of the Sword of the Creator to massacre the Nabateans that called this place home. You were present when it happened, weren’t you? You watched the whole thing. Is that how you knew that Zanado was not actually a holy place? You watched as the Children of the Goddess were driven to near extinction, killed by a weapon fashioned from the very bones of their mother. How can you say that you have not already had your revenge?”

Anacharsis looks taken aback. From his expression, it seems that the visions you were recently shown were not his doing. He opens his mouth to speak but says nothing. He truly did not expect you to throw his own deeds back at him, nor that you were privy to such history. If you squint hard enough, a part of you even believes that he might currently be feeling shame.

“…It seems this place is not as devoid of the Goddess’ presence as I thought.” Anacharsis shakes his head, laughing. “You’re right, I was here. In fact, I was the one that painted over those murals with Nabatean blood, thousands of years ago. I preferred them better that way.” He smirks, proud of his work. “You’re right in that I’d achieved vengeance that day. Nemesis delivered it to me in such a great quantity that even now I still rank him the greatest of your kind.”

>“You defiled Sothis’ home.”

“I repurposed it.” Anacharsis corrects you. “This tower now stands as the ultimate monument to our gods. An eternal reminder of our greatest victory against the forces of Sothis. That is why I am able to open the rift to Zahras here. Knowing that the groundwork for their revival was set in stone thousands of years ago, how could you possibly hope to put an end to the awakening?”

>“Because I’m tired of MY people being manipulated.” You retort. “Humans had nothing to do with the war between your two races. And yet we’ve constantly been manipulated by the remnants of both of your sides. We aren’t tools or fuel for you to use as you please! Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve seen the results of your influence, and I’ve grown sick of it. I won’t allow you to continue to toy with our lives!”

“You’re right.” Anacharsis says remorsefully. “It is an unfortunate truth that humans have been caught in the crossfire of this never-ending war. Neither we Agarthans, nor the Archbishop, possess the numbers necessary to exert our control. So, we fight using you instead. It is a fact that I regret. A constant reminder of just how far we’ve both fallen. Still, that is all the more reason I cannot back down now.”

>>5939910
“Oh, how I wish I could show you our home, Blair.” Anacharsis bemoans, tossing his hands up. “The Church would have you believe that all we built were Javelins of Light and the Titanus, but how far from the truth that is! We created such marvelous things. Beautiful works of art and culture adorned every street. The advancements we made in both magic and science would take your kind thousands of years to reproduce. All of it was gone in a flash by the work of Sothis, but it need not remain that way! With the return of our gods to us, our people may still have a chance! A deity able to watch over us can provide much. It can protect us. It can guide us back to what we lost. That is what we require. That is what we’ve always needed to ensure that our legacy can live on!”

>“Your legacy? You’d doom all these people for that?”

“Why would I not?” Anacharsis scoffs. “In the grand scheme of things, what are a few human souls in exchange for a millennium of history and knowledge? This world already belongs to your kind. The Agarthans may never achieve dominance again, but at the very least, our legacy may live on. And our people may even be able to rebuild. To be able to leave the underground.”

Up above, Cornelia, or Cleobulus, rather, still floated. From how Anacharsis had spoken earlier, you got the impression that he could likely open Zahras at any time now. With Bennett’s death and the turmoil outside, he had everything he needed to achieve ultimate triumph.

And yet here he was, still willing to trade words with you.

Perhaps things were not quite as ready as he made them sound. Or perhaps this was merely his way of gloating now that he was on the cusp of victory. Or maybe, just maybe, there was the smallest possible chance that even he was not fully convinced that this was the right thing to do. In any event, every second you kept him talking was another second Zahras was not opened. And it also presented your allies with more time to reach the tower’s summit.

>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.
>B): The very legacy you speak of nearly drove the world to ruin. I saw what the Javelins of Light did to Merceus. Knowledge like that is better off lost to the world, forever.
>C): You’re simply using the past accomplishments of the Agarthans to justify your unquenchable desire for revenge.
>D): (Attack Anacharsis.)

>>5939911
>>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.

If he's still willing to talk I'm willing to take a gamble.

>>5939911
>>B): The very legacy you speak of nearly drove the world to ruin. I saw what the Javelins of Light did to Merceus. Knowledge like that is better off lost to the world, forever.

Hmm, this feels similar to the conversation we had with Leif about what the Sreng should do. One option is 'correct' and gains points, one option is a 'dud', and doesn't gain or lose points, and one option immediately results in a failed negotiation-- though it does seem like we also have an additional option to try and get the jump on him if we're not confident in talking him down.

I do recall Hoff mentioning that he (and likely Anarcharsis by extension) didn't approve of the damage being dealt to the Arcadians. I also recall him refusing to acknowledge the fact that when the Agarthan Gods walked the earth, they drove it to ruin, instead claiming that 'this time will be different'.

C feels right out-- if I'm reading into Anacharsis' character correctly, his desire for revenge is less unquenchable and more... of an excuse for him to keep going, since he's desperate for a way to ensure his people don't die out?

But now here's the coinflip-- what is greater, his desire for a legacy, or his self-preservation instincts? It's clear that he's ready to doom the world if it meant saving his people, of course, but is that only the means to an end, or does he truly not care?

The answer, I feel, lies in Blair. Anacharsis clearly still loves her as he would a daughter, and like any father, he's ready to go against his child's wishes if he thinks it's for the best. And, besides, killing your evil dad isn't exactly a new concept to Fire Emblem games. But the fact that he still cares about her at all does give me the impression that he still has some feelings.

Could be wrong here, of course, but...

>>5939911
>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.

Now I don't know if he'll consider the Arcadians to be worthy successors, but if we can convince him that they have a safe haven in Rusalka, they might be able to rebuild rather than hide away from the world and await death or extinction.

>>5939911
>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.

>Anacharsis not responsible for the visions
Was not expecting that - Sothis really got so sick about us memeing about the goddess giving us our toughest battles that she decided to give us a helping hand with DIPLOMACY?

Hoff was pretty positive about the Arcadians, and it seems that he and Anacharsis generally are of the same mind about things, so maybe remind daddy that the argathans already have something to safeguard their memory, they don't really need some dark god.on top of that?

Plus if he does open the portal to hell, he'll be dooming the Arcadians to the same hidden, underground existence as the Argathans considering everyone is going to be super fucking pissed at anything remotely resembling a lizard person. He'll ruin their chances of co-exsistuance with the humans forever
Does he want that?

>>5939911
>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.

>>5939911
>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.

>>5939911
>>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.

Okay lads, how likely do you think it is that Anacharsis is just willing to let this go and end this peacefully? I mean... If he does stop here, then what? Like, he is responsible for a lot of manipulations and deaths so would he get put to prison or would he be free? What would Anemone think if he just gave up? Would the church figure him out and want his head? Guess we'll have to see if we roll really good on Charm here.
Though there has to be some kind of battle unless TH is actually ballsy enough to end the quest without a big boss battle.

>>5939911
>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans

Don't be greedy dad

>>5939911
>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.
While I don't have high hopes, it'd certainly be something if this ends with talk no jutsu being successful and Blair calling Anacharsis the coolest dad.

>>5939911
>C): You’re simply using the past accomplishments of the Agarthans to justify your unquenchable desire for revenge.

>>5940022
>unless TH is actually ballsy enough to end the quest without a big boss battle.
There are still two powerful Agarthans in the room with us, and one needs to be sacrificed.

Just because one sees reason doesn't mean the other will.

>>5940022
Anacharsis unfortunately still has a lot to answer for even if he decides to call this off. Between the years of suffering inflicted on the people of Rusalka, and all the people he's hurt... no doubt that he'll be executed for those crimes in any court. I suppose if she does manage to talk him down, Blair might be able to just... banish him from Fodlan under oath that he'll never do any evil again, but I dunno if he'll accept that-- to say nothing of the other companions that are currently ascending the tower.

I suppose it's better than dying at the hands of your daughter though. Or worse, killing her to achieve your dream.

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>>5940114
Oh fuck yeah let my bad bitch Cornelia be the final boss here.

>>5939911
>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.

>>5939911
>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished among themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.

I mean, two of them have been working for/with us for a significant chunk of the war.

>>5940371
>pic
This lines up with the trend we see of Agarthans bodyjacking people they sorta-kinda look like anyway (Thales and Volkhard, Solon and Tomas, Kronya and Monica), but it's funny that we never actually SEE Cleobulus unmasked and therefore have no idea WHAT she looked like originally.

>>5940441
You think she picked a human that looks like her cuz she loves her own beauty or did she pick someone she considers a beautiful human so she can feel the enticement in human's eyes like her own body would for agarthans? Or do agarthans even get horny anymore?

>>5940494
Unless she gets an event in Heroes, we will literally never know. This is both immensely frustrating and frankly hilarious.

>>5939911
>A): Your people have already safeguarded their legacy. The Arcadians have flourished amongst themselves all this time. They live above ground, and some have even co-existed with humans.

>>5940344
Well, killing Anarcharsis isn't going to turn back time and prevent all the suffering he's caused. But he could spend the rest of his life turning things around for the better. Restorative justice rather than retributive justice could go a long way here, especially considering that this guy is a sage.

>>5940769
Of course, that requires him to play nice going forward. If we give him a chance to make things right and he goes back to his nonsense, all history will remember is us letting him get away with everything.

>>5939911
>B): The very legacy you speak of nearly drove the world to ruin. I saw what the Javelins of Light did to Merceus. Knowledge like that is better off lost to the world, forever.

>>5940769
>>5940839
I certainly wouldn't mind it, if he decides to genuinely put in the effort. He can be a good man if he tries, I'm sure. Unfortunately, the Church, the people of Rusalka, and even the other Blackwings basically consider him kill-on-sight, so if we let him go, I think it'd probably have to be in secret.

Would be nice though. BBEG being talked down and redeeming himself for the remainder of his life is always a fun trope.

>>5940769
>>5941211
I don't see Anarcharsis backing down from this - he's waited for millennia and sacrificed how much, just to turn back a step away from completion?

If anything I see Blair getting to him with her words to translate into his stats getting nerfed to show his shaken resolve or something. Pissing him off might have resulted in him getting stat boosts. Besides if we let him go we absolutely will have to fight Anemone.

I'd also support final boss Cleo purely so Uriel the thotslayer can ride again kek

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>>5939911
>“Your people’s legacy has already been safeguarded, but perhaps you and Shambhala have chosen to ignore that inconvenient fact. The Arcadians have lived amongst themselves all this time. They reside above ground, and despite not being full-blooded Agarthans, they carry on the knowledge of your kind just the same. When I saved them from Odesse’s attack, they welcomed me and my company into their village with open arms. They’ve managed to survive and eek out an existence in this world without the help of your gods, and despite Shambhala’s persistent attempts to destroy them.”

“This is for them too, though!” Anacharsis retorts. “Though they may reside above ground, they are still forced to hide themselves away. They should not have to suffer in this world alone, bereft of the protection of any higher powers. Shambhala has fallen, and the Arcadians need no longer fear attacks from the Seven Sages. Under the watchful protection of our gods, they may be able to step away further from the shadows.”

>“Do you really believe that?” You question him. “While you may think of them differently, I’ve heard how the Sages have referred to them. They thought of the Arcadians as little more than abominations. They saw the dilution of Agarthan blood as an affront to everything they stood for. Would your gods not feel the same way? How would they react upon discovering that their children had mixed their bloodlines with the spawn of Sothis? The very same Goddess that they waged war upon and were ultimately driven away by. Would still offer those Arcadians protection? Or would they call their wrath down upon them.”

“…They would not harm them.” Though the Sage reaffirms his beliefs, you get the impression he is trying to convince himself more than he is you. “They certainly could not. The Arcadians are almost all that remains of our people. My lords would surely see that and realize that they could not hold such a grudge.”

>“How can you be so sure tha-“

“Tell me, Blair.” Regaining his composure and demeanor, Anacharsis interrupts you. “Since you’re so keen to question my motivations, allow me the opportunity to question your own. Did you not come here to stop me? I can’t help but think that were Rex standing before me instead of you, he would not be so verbose. He’d point his spear at my heart, and that would be that. And yet, you hesitate. So then, why all this protracted back and forth? Do you truly believe this is something that can still be settled by words?”

>A): Make no mistake, I will slay you. Your crimes demand that I do just that. But I would know what possible justifications the man I called father would have to go to these lengths.
>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.

>>5941445
>A): Make no mistake, I will slay you. Your crimes demand that I do just that. But I would know what possible justifications the man I called father would have to go to these lengths.
He's already happily skipped down the path of destruction long before today. It's very obvious he doesn't give a shit about humanity, he was seeing the daughter he lost rather than the human Blair from the get go.

What he did to the people of Rusalka alone calls for him to die. Then we have the fact that he just sat back and allowed Cornelia to all turn our friends into fucking zombies, and he's also the one who let her lose to ruin the Kingdom in the first place.

>>5941445
>>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.

>>5941445
>>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.
I would love to say something about if he truly only cared about destroying everything, he wouldn't have bothered raising Blaire.

B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.

>>5941445
>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.
Change your mind!

>>5941445
>A): Make no mistake, I will slay you. Your crimes demand that I do just that. But I would know what possible justifications the man I called father would have to go to these lengths.

>>5941445
>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.
I think he does actually care about humans to some extent. More than the average Agarthan does at least. He had Rusalkan soldiers still loyal to him and there's Wedge who even knew about him being a moleman.
He's wasting time talking to us now instead of immediately opening up Zahras and he's showing doubts that the gods wouldn't kill the Arcadians. We don't have any insight on what the Agarthan gods are like since we got front row seats to Nemesis kino instead, but Anemone is convinced that bringing them back is bad news.

>>5941445
>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.

Dad, please step off.

>>5941445
>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.

As much as I don't think this will work, I'd like to see him waver. Also, every second he keeps talking is another second the Blackwings get to catch up.

>>5941445
>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.

I want to believe.

>>5941291
That'd be a pretty solid way to go about things, desu. But seeing as I am curious as to whether not we really can talk him down...

>>5941445
>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.

Martha did say that we didn't always need to swing our spear to get our way, but this is a bit of a matter of principle. I do think he needs to pay for his crimes, but I do hope that it doesn't have to be in blood. Besides, if all else fails and he attempts to open the portal anyway, we can kill him and call it a day, probably.

>>5941445
>B): I do. I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction. To cause the same indiscriminate wrath that claimed the life of your family.
Let us hope

>>5941445
>A): Make no mistake, I will slay you. Your crimes demand that I do just that. But I would know what possible justifications the man I called father would have to go to these lengths.

>>5941445
Anacharsis made a compelling point. Were Rex here instead of you, he would not have faltered. He would not attempt to dissuade Anacharsis with words and get him to stand down. The two would instead clash, allowing their actions to determine which one was in the right. Rex had spent years planning for this very moment, and when you’d killed him, you inherited his mission. Ever since that day at Gronder, you knew that you would have to turn your spear against this man who’d helped raise you. Who’d taken you in as his own and shown you genuine affection and love. You’d declared you’d stop him many times to all who’d listen. But now…

Was it fear that stayed your hand? Your eyes drew up to the unconscious and battered form of Cleobulus. Amongst her many wounds, you could see that she had been badly burned. The only person who could have done that was Anacharsis himself. He was a Sage thousands of years old. Maybe even older than the ones you’d fought previously. Just how powerful did that make him?

You knew from the start though that he would make a fearsome foe, and you were still willing to take the risk of coming here rather than staying in Rusalka. So, then what was it?

At that moment, you found yourself thinking of your vision quest. Of Martha, and what she had said to you.

>“I do not believe you truly wish to continue down this path of destruction.” You say after some time. “To cause the same type of indiscriminate death that claimed the lives of your family. You accuse me of hesitating, but you yourself have not yet opened Zahras, have you? Perhaps I am wrong, and there is in fact no way of dissuading you from doing this. If that is the case, then I will do everything in my power to stop you. But at the very least, I would try to offer you an alternative path. It’s the least I can do to repay you for all that you’ve done.”

As Anacharsis sighs, you lose sight of the proud and deadly Agarthan Sage that had been standing before you a moment ago. His shoulders slump as his eyes gaze away from you towards the floor. Still in the guise of his human form, you’re taken aback at seeing your adoptive father looking this way. For the first time, he looks to be his age. He’s tired and worn out, and seems to contemplate his next words carefully.

“I appreciate the sentiment, Blair.” He finally says. “I truly do. But there is no turning back for me now. Imagine if I were to do as you wished? Say that I called off the Demonic Beasts. That I ended Cleobulus’ life without extracting her heart, or that I destroyed these very pillars here? What then?” He asks you. “Do I accept that all this planning and sacrifice were for nothing? That I betrayed the trust of my subjects for no reason? That I stood by and watched as Cleobulus raised your friends from the dead for no purpose?”

>>5942413
>“You are a Sage, thousands of years old, with great power and knowledge at your beck and call. You may never be able to fully make up for the crimes you have committed, or the lives that you took. But are you not just as capable of doing good? Would it not be more meaningless for you to die here, having accomplished nothing, than it would be for you to work towards finding redemption?”

“Would you prefer if I open an orphanage?” Anacharsis laughs wryly. “Or maybe I can volunteer at the Church of Seiros, handing out bread to the poor folk? I’m sorry, Blair, but there is no path towards redemption for me. All that I can do is look forward and try to steel my resolve. I’m glad that you and I were able to have this moment. It is a true shame that Marron was not granted more time with you. I know that were he here now, he’d be beaming with pride. Just as I am. But time is short. Your friends are near, and neither one of us can afford to hesitate any longer. Whichever one of us is able to find the resolve to strike first will be the victor.”

Was he right? Were his sins truly too great? You sensed that the time for conversation truly was over, and that Anacharsis was finished speaking with you. Once the others arrived, battle would begin. His final words linger in your head. Whoever struck first would be victorious. The old man standing before you barely resembled your adoptive father. Though he might have said otherwise, he had yet to find the resolve he was looking for. With such conflicting thoughts running through his head, you doubted that he could fight you at full-strength. Given how powerful he likely was, that would be a great boon.

And yet, if his thoughts truly were wavering, perhaps it was still not entirely out of the question that you could get him to stand down? You could try and make one final plea for him to stop all of this. To embark on a different path. Maybe it wasn’t impossible? But if you failed this time, you feared it would only strengthen Anacharsis’ resolve. The advantage you’d be able to count on during a fight with him would be lost.

>A): Take up your spear and fight. (Anacharsis’ base stats will be lower.)
>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)

>>5942414
>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)
Fuck it, fuck the odds. Worst case scenario, we'll deal with him the old-fashioned way.

>>5942414
>A): Take up your spear and fight. (Anacharsis’ base stats will be lower.)
40%? And he'll be at full strength with valflamme if we whiff it? Yeah sorry dad you're getting the tragic silver snow boss battle treatment.

>>5942414
>>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH

>>5942414
>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)
If it fails, so be it.

>>5942414
>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)

>>5942414
>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)
Time to gamble.

>>5942414
>A): Take up your spear and fight. (Anacharsis’ base stats will be lower.)

>>5942414
>>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)
We don't half ass this shit, if there is a chance we take it, if it fires back we live with it, we will do what we have always done, we risk it all for the best outcome.

>>5942414
>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)

BELIEVE. Also, using the goddess as an argument, wtf lmao.

>>5942414
>A): Take up your spear and fight. (Anacharsis’ base stats will be lower.)

I'm sorry, but I don't believe. I can't believe. We've stalled all we can, and you can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved. Even if he did raise us. I don't think Ashe would forgive us, either, for sparing our adoptive father after he had to give up his all those years ago. Nor would the people we've lost, friend and foe alike. Lysithea and Edelgard both would have a lot to say about letting our feelings cloud our judgement even after we've tried everything.

>>5942611
>Ashe
To be fair that ending was entirely Lonato's fault, old coot too stubborn for his own good.

But yeah I don't see Ingrid, Anemone and Kate being too happy if we let him walk. Maybe Ingrid will be pacified if we let her tear apart Cleo since she was the ring leader behind the corpse warriors, but the other two...

Okay, so part of me was afraid of the logistics of redemption (and still is, frankly), especially if we're open about it. Another part of me is afraid of the ensuing battle, knowing that the stat decrease might be just what we need to win against Anacharsis without losing any more captains.

But... then I decided to look back on the root of it all: what would Blair do, in this case?

Well, by all accounts, this is a 'good ending' Blair. Not untouched by war by any stretch of the imagination (Ordelia and Gronder Field saw to that), but with her ideals largely intact. She defected from the Empire to hunt down the true enemy, she joined forces with the Arcadians to root out evil, and for the most part, was largely vindicated in that regard.

Blair didn't undergo the Crest Implantation Surgery, destroyed Diogenes' research, and even managed to get through the entire quest without losing Beathan. She even managed to pull Ashe out of his depression spiral by giving him hope for the future instead of directing him towards more revenge. Even Martha, the original catalyst for Blair's anger, directed her to look forward to the life that comes after, than to go on an eternal crusade.

It's ironic, but although it seemed Blair was taking on Corrine's more bloodthirsty side at the start of the timeskip, I think she's gradually shaken it off and became *more* idealistic as the quest progressed. She's seen what revenge did to the Kingdom of Faerghus, and I don't think she'd want it here.

We started the quest by killing a bandit begging for mercy in Zanado. Here we are at Zanado again, presented once again with the choice between mercy and duty.

I think she'd think it's worth a shot.

>>5942414
>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)

As a disclaimer, I urge all anons to think on this vote. I'm sure there will be ramifications here, especially on a success. In fact, convincing Anacharsis to step down may only be the first step to the process-- afterwards, we may need to talk Anemone and the Blackwings into accepting the outcome. I'm perfectly willing to attempt this roll and fail; I think we can handle a boss fight even at full strength. Ironically, this is a roll where I'm more afraid to succeed than anything else, but let's see if we can't get a golden ending.

>>5942414
>A): Take up your spear and fight. (Anacharsis’ base stats will be lower.)

>>5942414
>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)

To be honest, I don’t believe, but I want to. I think we can take him even if he doesn’t have debuffed stats, so… at worst, we tried.

>>5942611
>Ashe:''Hey Blair I had to lose my adoptive father and it fucked me up so it's kinda unfair you get to keep your adoptive father, you should kill him instead.''
Yeah that is very Ashe like thing for him to think.

>>5942414
>B): “No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches us that much. I believe that applies to you as well. I’m going to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. We could use your help. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I will walk alongside you.” (Charm Roll: 40% to succeed) (If roll fails, Anacharsis base stats will be normal)

I can fix him

>>5942414
>A): Take up your spear and fight. (Anacharsis’ base stats will be lower.)
I want to believe but a tragedy is what we deserve

File: no casuals.jpg (68 KB, 949x576)

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Rolled 45 (1d100)

Rolling. Must be 1-40 to succeed.

File: 1655865190666.png (507 KB, 1282x1111)

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Rolled 1 (1d8)

hue

>>5943312
oof. almost

>>5943312
>Maeve roll flashbacks
oh for fucks sake old man, at least make it a nat 100 epic fail or something.

>>5943312
Awwww

>>5943312
Can QM be bribed in order to get those 5 out of the way...

>>5943328
I wanted the buy the CHARM item (forgot what it was) but anons never voted with me!

>>5943312
Damn that was close. It's a gag at this point with how awful our luck at sparing Agarthans is.

>>5943329
The romance novel? We bought that didn't we. And it was +2 charm so even if we passed up on it, it still wouldn't have helped here.

Also rereading the threads and came across this gem by Leopold while we're feeding him the special fish
>You won’t be able to save them all. The only thing you can do is press forward and do your best for their sake.”

Man saw the ending, someone tell the church we have a prophet on our hands. In retrospect I deeply regret getting two caught up in the Blue Lion / Black eagle wars in the early threads and not voting to take him along on Blair's paralogue, because if we did then he would have had a front row seat to the entire saga of Blair's daddy issues kek

FUCK

well

At least we'll have a strong boos fight to finish this quest off.

>>5943312
O Goddess, why hast thou forsaken us?

File: 1639105609280.jpg (501 KB, 1167x1200)

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>>5943343
>The romance novel? We bought that didn't we. And it was +2 charm so even if we passed up on it, it still wouldn't have helped here.

You had me curious to go back and look. Though it was a contentious vote, we ultimately bought the Killer Lance instead.

>“My Little Pegasus Knight Can’t Be This Cute!” 7th Edition (+6 CHRM Perm): 4000g
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5423927/#p5461128

Shame on anons for not pondering their crystal ball!

File: Flame Wisp.png (554 KB, 841x1000)

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>>5942414
>“No one is beyond redemption. The Goddess teaches that much. I choose to believe that applies even to your kind as well. I swore to create a home for the Arcadians within Rusalka. They could stand to benefit from the guidance of a Sage who used their talents for good. If you wish to make up for your sins, then I swear to walk alongside you on that path.”

Upon uttering your final plea, the old and tired man you saw earlier vanishes. The Sage stands straight and tall, eyes staring ahead with a renewed purpose. Anacharsis shakes his head with a frown and chooses not to further contemplate your words. Your hair stands on end, and you can feel the same terrifying strength you sensed earlier as you were making your ascent up the tower. Instinctively, you know that your words have failed to sway your adoptive father, and he has now resolutely decided on his course.

“Enough.” Anacharsis declares. “I did not come this far just to give up my cause. I will see this through, no matter the cost. If you cannot find it within yourself to do the same, then I will drag your resolve out of you! THAT is the most I can do for you now. Fight me with all your strength. Let us see which of our gods allows us to prevail!”

In a flash, a spark of flame materializes directly before you. It dances wildly, before taking the shape of a humanoid figure. While you’re unable to sense any great power radiating from the creature, it seems to be dangerous all the same. It slowly begins to approach you when suddenly, someone calls out your name out from behind you.

“Blair!” Ashe cries out. You turn to see the Blackwings, who have just reached the tower’s summit. With the force of power being generated within the room, it doesn’t take them very long to assess the situation, and each of them draw their weapons, backing you up.

“You vanished right before our eyes!” Corrine says breathlessly. She takes a position at your side, brandishing her axe against both the flame elemental and Anacharsis. “We tried to race here as fast as we could, but this damn tower goes on forever.” She looks up at the Sage, narrowing her eyes. “I take it negotiation is already out of the question? Good. I’m really pissed off and could use a way to vent my frustrations.”

“Ahh, I remember you.” Anacharsis smirks. “Blair’s school friend. So good to see that the two of you have remained in touch. Thank you for taking care of her all this time.”

“Is that…Cornelia Arnault?!” A wide-eyed Ingrid asks in shock. “What is she doing here?! And why is she suspended in the air?”

>“Anacharsis intends to use her as the sacrifice needed to open Zahras! We need to stop him here, or else all is lost!”

“You’ve seen how the spell works.” Anemone warns you. “So long as we don’t give him an opportunity to claim her heart, he can’t open the portal. Hold nothing back!”

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>>5943541
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOgtgKyGTHY

“Blair’s said such kind things about you.” Ashe says, drawing back his bow. “To think it would have to come to this…but it doesn’t matter who you are, I won’t allow you to harm her!”

“Sorry, ‘dad’. But you’ve made Blair sad enough!” Corrine says. “As her sister, I’ll make you pay a thousand times over!”

“This is Anacharsis?” Kate asks, Gae Bolg in hand. “My lord, Rex...watch over me. I swear I will drive your spear through this fiend’s heart.”

“Were you the one that did that to my friends?” Ingrid warns darkly. “No, it doesn’t matter if you were or weren’t. I’ll take you out all the same!”

“Hah, now THIS is what I live for!” Clay laughs, hoisting the Sword of Moralta. “This is sure to be the greatest fight of my life!”

“I still don’t really get what’s going on…” Diana admits, taking position. “But that doesn’t matter! If Blair wants you gone, then you’re a goner!”

“You raised a decent enough kid.” Leopold says proudly. “Did you ever guess it would be your undoing? Try not to regret it too much in the afterlife.”

“Goddess, I beseech you.” Uriel prays. “Grant me the strength for one last fight.”

“You’ve amassed quite the collection of both devoted and talented friends, haven’t you, Blair.” Anacharsis says smugly. His flame elemental dances erratically, not yet attacking. “Though we may be enemies, I will not disgrace you all in your final moments. I will grant you each a clean, honorable death!”

In his left hand, Anacharsis balances a great torrent of flame. In his right rests a thin and sharp looking ebon rapier, made from Agarthium. He begins walking forward, ready to fight you with everything he has.

You intend to do the same.

>Anacharsis
>Lv. 51 Dark Sage
HP: 350/350
STR: 35
MAG: 40
DEX: 52
SPD: 48
LCK: 20
DEF: 35
RES: 45
Weapon: Agarthium Rapier (+13 DMG)
Magic: Valflame (+20 DMG, Inflicts Burn for 2 turns. 3 Casts), Arcfire (+12 DMG, Unlimited Casts)
Skills: Dual Attack (Anacharsis can attack twice per turn. Once with his weapon and once with his magic. He cannot attack the same target twice)
Auto-Counter: (Anacharsis will counter automatically from both melee and range with his corresponding attack)
Summon Flame Wisps (Summons 1d8 Flame Wisps every turn)
Nihil: (Immune to Stun)


>Flame Wisps
>HP: 1/1
(Deal 5 Damage to Enemy and inflict Burn for 2 turns. Anacharsis can choose who these attack at the end of the turn.)
Burn: (Deals 10 DMG to unit each turn. Stackable. Can be cleared with Restore)

>Attack (How?)
IMPORTANT: All player units will attack first; in whatever order you like. Anacharsis will attack after all player units have moved. Units may skip their turn. Flame Wisps will attack after Anacharsis. Choose your unit order wisely!

>>5943520
See, this is what happens when you don't commit to charmmaxing. Now, I wish it hadn't come to this but I'll admit, this feels pretty hype.

Hoo boy. 5 points off of CHARM success, eh? Clearly, we should have invested in the contraband /u/ book.

Well, at least this wraps up nicely. We tried our best to convince him, Anacharsis decided against it, and now all we really need to worry about is taking him down.

>>5943543
I'm away from my usual computer right now, but this one looks like one hell of a fight. A couple questions...

>Can we attack from Melee Range with Magic, and if so, will he retaliate with the Rapier, or with Valflame/Arcfire?

>Can Ashe attack from melee distance with The Inexhaustible?

>For Dual Attack, it says that he attacks twice a turn, once with weapon and once with magic, but does he still double slower targets?

>Does he still double on retaliation against slower targets?

>Does Summon Flame Wisps activate in addition to his normal turn, or does he need to use an action to do it? (i.e. does he attack twice with Dual Attack, and then uses Summon Flame Wisps for free, and then because there are Flame Wisps on the field, the Wisps attack attack?)

>Can Flame Wisps attack on the turn that they are summoned?

>Is Anacharsis under the same rules as we are in regards to spellcasting charges? As in, if he uses Valflame twice on a retaliation, that's 2 uses spent-- but if he were to double again with Valflame with 1 use remaining, he'd get to use it twice?

>I presume Flame Wisps always hit their target and always apply Burn, but in turn, cannot dodge or double?

>Can we target a Flame Wisp for the purposes of splashing onto Anacharsis with Fimbulvetr / Burning Quake? If so, is doubling still possible, or does the Flame Wisp dying on the first hit stop that?

I may have more questions in the future, but that's what I have for now.

>>5943587
>Can we attack from Melee Range with Magic, and if so, will he retaliate with the Rapier, or with Valflame/Arcfire?
I don't see why not.

>Can Ashe attack from melee distance with The Inexhaustible?
He can't.

>For Dual Attack, it says that he attacks twice a turn, once with weapon and once with magic, but does he still double slower targets?
He does.

>Does he still double on retaliation against slower targets?
Yes

>Does Summon Flame Wisps activate in addition to his normal turn, or does he need to use an action to do it? (i.e. does he attack twice with Dual Attack, and then uses Summon Flame Wisps for free, and then because there are Flame Wisps on the field, the Wisps attack attack?)
Summon Flame Wisps is free. They'll be summoned after they finish moving. That could have been worded correctly, sorry. Look at it this way.
Anacharsis attacks -> Flame Wisps attack -> Flame Wisps are summoned

>Can Flame Wisps attack on the turn that they are summoned?
They cannot

>Is Anacharsis under the same rules as we are in regards to spellcasting charges? As in, if he uses Valflame twice on a retaliation, that's 2 uses spent-- but if he were to double again with Valflame with 1 use remaining, he'd get to use it twice?
Yes

>I presume Flame Wisps always hit their target and always apply Burn, but in turn, cannot dodge or double?
Correct

>Can we target a Flame Wisp for the purposes of splashing onto Anacharsis with Fimbulvetr / Burning Quake? If so, is doubling still possible, or does the Flame Wisp dying on the first hit stop that?
You can, but yes, you wouldn't double. The Flame Wisp dying would stop that.

>>5943587
Oh, a couple more question I just thought of.

>Can Anacharsis choose which spell he's using to retaliate with, or will it always be Valflame or Arcfire?

>Does Anacharsis count as a Dark Mage for the purposes of Slayer?

>Does damage from Burn trigger before or after beginning-of-turn healing like the Blessed Lance or the Sacred Weapons?

>I presume that because we didn't bring Yara with us, her Premonition is unavailable?

Will write up some numbers soonish, maybe. Might be a while until I'm back at my usual computer.

>>5943595
>Can Anacharsis choose which spell he's using to retaliate with, or will it always be Valflame or Arcfire?
He'll prioritize using Valflame so long as he has charges.

>Does Anacharsis count as a Dark Mage for the purposes of Slayer?
He does.

>Does damage from Burn trigger before or after beginning-of-turn healing like the Blessed Lance or the Sacred Weapons?
It does

>I presume that because we didn't bring Yara with us, her Premonition is unavailable?
It is unavailable.

>>5943594
>>5943629

Thanks for answering all the questions! That definitely clears things up.

>Leopold's line
Based.

We failed the Charm roll, but we were lucky with the Wisp roll at least. Not going to vote now, but it seems like the best play here is to bait out all Valflame uses in the very first turn so we don't have to worry about him doubling someone slow. He kills Leopold, Corrine, and Uriel with a Valflame double. On that note, Leopold buffed with Rally Spectrum would still be doubled but he does survive the Valflames. It might legitimately be a good idea to have Leopold Rallied and attack with Spear since that leaves one more person left that needs to bait and tank Valflame. He'll of course need Corrine and Uriel to heal him right afterwards.
If we use up Blair's turn with Rally, that leaves Diana, Ashe, and Anemone who are ranged to bait the Valflame and can avoid being doubled.
Anemone has the best magical bulk with Diana second. But Anemone does have a 5% chance to get crit. Low chances of us getting screwed over, but I think our past failures with keeping Agarthans alive is a sign here. In hindsight, the Iron Rune would have been better just so we could toss it to Anemone.
Though if the Count counterattacks AOE attacks, Ingrid is also an option. She has less magical bulk than Anemone but more than Diana. Burning Quake does only have 3 uses, but I imagine that should be enough unless this isn't his final form or some surprise final boss shows up. Amusingly Forseti getting an extra charge also doesn't change much since we double the Count if we initiate.

>>5943629
>If we use AOE attacks on the Wisps, would the Count still counterattack us?

>How much HP does Mend heal?

>Would we be able to box the Count in to limit who he can target by having four people surround him?

A few more questions while I crunch numbers...

>Does Swordbreaker always apply due to Anacharsis using an Agarthium Rapier with Dual Attack and Auto-Counter? Or would it only apply if he would retaliate with the Rapier?

>Does Swordbreaker apply when using magic, or is it a Lance-only thing?

>Do you count as 'not engaged' if you attack from range for the purposes of triggering Alert Stance? Or does Alert Stance only trigger if you are attacked by an enemy who you weren't fighting on the previous turn?

Thanks again for your assistance.

>>5943629
This might because my brain is very tiny, but my questions are
>When exactly does burn damage trigger on a unit?
Am I reading it right that it's at the start of the burned units turn, before the any weapon healing kicks in?

>Can dad only use dual attack when he's initiating?
So basically he can't dual attack when he's countering?

>>5943719
First, agree that Leopold's line IS the coolest. Love this grump so much.

Second, Rallied Leopold survives a double valflame with 5 HP from my math, so burn better trigger at the start of his next turn for his own sake.

We really need to figure out how much a mend heals, because that determines if Corrine and Uriel both need to go in with the mends or if Corrine can restore to cleanse Leopold of burn.

Leopold rallied does 18 damage, but thanks okay because he's here to tank.

As for who baits the next valflame...

>Diana
If avoid+ procs we're golden. If it doesn't, with her being burned she will def be killed if A targets her since we're potentially burning (heh) both our healers on Leopold.

Since she can double with A with the right wing bonuses, I'd suggest leaving her to fish for crits with killer lance or just poking him with the spear.

>Ashe
Valflame will hit him for 35 damage, and leave him burned at 25 HP. Not worth it, he's better off eating an arcfire.

>Anemone
Gets hit with valflame for 18 damage. With her HP pool she's the best bet to eat the burn too.

So I suggest Anemone for the final valflame.

>How does Anemone's Hide skill work? Would it prevent an enemy from finishing her off if she were in kill range, for example? Or does it just lower 'priority' when targeting with attacks?

>How many charges of Eclipse does Anemone have?

>Can Corrine build stacks of Bloodthirsty by defeating Flame Wisps?

>Can we move units away from the fight to discourage Anacharsis from targeting them, or should we assume that all fighters and wisps can hit each other in this arena?

Will post my numbers once I get back to my home desk.

>>5943719
>>5943777
>>5943777
Honestly Diana is better off just killing the wisp this turn actually.

Her damage calcs against Dad (ain't no way I'm typing out his full name every time).

With right wing she doubles him

>Killer lance (no crits)
(39+11) - 35 x 2 = 30

>Spear
(39+12) - 35 x 2 = 32

And dad's damage on her
>Arcfire
(40+12) - 35 = 17

>Rapier
(35+13) - 25 = 23

Her going in with killer lance and getting smacked by rapier leaves her at half health.

Since everyone (apart from Leopold) has decent health after their combat phases, I suggest using her to take out the wisp so it can't burn a third person after the two who are tanking the valflames. Then depending on his wisp roll next turn we can do crowd control with ice magic, Leopold (since he's useless against dad) or burning quake in a pinch

>>5943791
Doing some math and I just realised that Clay is our problem child here.

His damage calcs
Sword of M: (42 + 13) - 35 = 20 x 2 = 40
Windsword: (42 + 8) - 45 = 5 x 2 = 10

Dad's damage calcs on him:

Arcfire: 52 - 20 = 32 PER HIT x 2 = 64 total
Rapier: 48 - 36 = 12 x 2 = 34
Valflame: 60 - 20 = 40 damage PER HIT x 2 = 80 damage total

If he's rallied and eats an arcfire then he survives with 6 HP to spare and heals up to full
52 - (20 + 5) = 27 per hit x 2 = 54

I admit I'm shaky on how the fuck turn order works if both units double and clay initates. If it goes

>Clay
>Clay
>Dad
>Dad

Then unrallied Dad nukes him off the face of the planet even with Arcfire because clay won't be able to get in a blow to heal.

Looking at the calcs of those who can't be doubled by dad

>Diana: Attack with spear
She gets hit with valflame for: 60 - 35 = 25 damage, leaving her burned with 25 HP
>Healed with mend
If mend does a flat 20 heal like the staff does this brings her back up to 45 hp.

If dad goes after her on his turn
Arcfire: 52 - 35 = 17
Rapier: 48 - 25 = 23
So she'll be able to survive her burn damage on the next turn

>Ashe
Valflame: 60 - 25 = 35
Ashe escapes with 25 HP left. If he's healed for 20 HP back up to 45...

Arcfire: 52 - 25 = 27
Rapier: 48 - 21 = 27

...Ashe is very symmetrical huh. No matter what dad hits him with on enemy phase he'll make it out with 18 HP. Then he'll lose 10HP to burn on his turn, get healed for 3 (okay 2.5) HP by the bow, leaving him at 11 HP.

>Anemone
Valflame: 60- 42 = 18
Arcfire: 52 - 42 = 10
Rapier: 48 - 21 = 27
With her chonky HP pool she doesn't need heals to get her to survive enemy phase

Now we look at Leopold, our other problem child who can get doubled

Arcfire: 52 - 27 = 25 damage per hit x 2 = 50
Rapier: 48 - 30 = 18 x 2 = 36

If we get the valflames out of the way, leopold CAN survive being doubled with arcfire, only barely.

>>5943543
So I suggest that the plan is
>Diana - Attack Anacharsis with spear
>Uriel Heals Diana with Mend
>Ashe - Attack Anacharsis with bow
>Corrine heals Ashe with men
>Anemone: Attacks Anacharsis with Luna
>Ingrid: Attacks Anacharsis with Luin
>Kate: attacks Anacharsis with Gae Bolg
>Leopold: equip brave lance and get rid of wisp.
Brave lance so if Dad engages him on melee leopold can double.
>Clay: Equip sword of M and close in on dad so that dad had no choice but to attack him on melee, but do not attack this turn.
He needs to be in melee so he can try to heal with sword of M
>Blair: Rally spectrum Clay so he survives enemy phase.

This plan allows Clay to survive being engaged by dad on enemy phase, gers rid of the wisp and gets rid of valflame, while keeping everyone in good-ish health.

>>5943543

Just wanted to add onto my plan - >>5943835
> if Diana manages to proc Avoid+, Uriel should skip his turn rather than heal her

>Uriel Damage calcs
Arcfire: 52 - 26 = 26 x 2 = 52
Rapier: 48 -25 = 23 x 2 = 46
He'll survive by the skin of his teeth if dad engages on him at full health during enemy phase with arcfire, and he also has regen with blessed lance.

>Corrine damage calcs (no valflame)
Archfire: 52 - 30 = 22 x 2 = 44
Rapier: 48 - 27 = 21 x 2 = 42
She'll also survive an enemy phase at full health.

>>5943719
>>If we use AOE attacks on the Wisps, would the Count still counterattack us?
He won't.

>How much HP does Mend heal?
User's Magic+20

>Would we be able to box the Count in to limit who he can target by having four people surround him?
Yes!

>Does Swordbreaker always apply due to Anacharsis using an Agarthium Rapier with Dual Attack and Auto-Counter? Or would it only apply if he would retaliate with the Rapier?
It would only apply with the Rapier.

>Does Swordbreaker apply when using magic, or is it a Lance-only thing?
Either or.

>Do you count as 'not engaged' if you attack from range for the purposes of triggering Alert Stance? Or does Alert Stance only trigger if you are attacked by an enemy who you weren't fighting on the previous turn?
The former.

>>5943777
>>When exactly does burn damage trigger on a unit?
At the start of their turn, before they make any action. Healing would kick in first though.

>Can dad only use dual attack when he's initiating?
He cannot dual attack when countering, no. Only when initiating.

File: Final (7).png (49 KB, 1511x733)

49 KB PNG

>>5943783
>How does Anemone's Hide skill work? Would it prevent an enemy from finishing her off if she were in kill range, for example? Or does it just lower 'priority' when targeting with attacks?
She is always lowest priority for an enemy to initiate their attacks on.

>How many charges of Eclipse does Anemone have?
Two.

>Can Corrine build stacks of Bloodthirsty by defeating Flame Wisps?
She can.

>Can we move units away from the fight to discourage Anacharsis from targeting them, or should we assume that all fighters and wisps can hit each other in this arena?
You can. I've updated the map a bit. We'll call it Anacharsis' effective attack range. Anyone standing in purple would be able to attack and be attacked by Anacharsis. If you have a ranged unit attack Anacharsis, it will be implied they're standing in the purple. I'll note that you can have your Corrine and Uriel stand directly outside the purple and heal ranged units without fear of being attacked. As the map stands now, they'd have to enter the purple to heal Melee units.

Purple will be Anacharsis' effective range for this turn, though it can be subject to change.

>>5943543
>(Summons 1d8 Flame Wisps every turn)
Okay I was wondering what was up with that 1hp flame thing, like I was thinking it has some insane fucking stats in exchange for no HP, but yeah if he can summon up to 8 of them in a turn then those fuckers are gonna start becoming a problem.
Also I kinda like that Anacharsis is just so normal, like he has good stats, can counter and attack twice which is strong, but there isn't any like, insta kills or half all damage taken shit.

>>5943543
>>5943918
Okay now we have the info about ranges and boxing in, updating my plan again for the final time. >>5943835

>Anemone: Attacks Anacharsis at range with Luna
>Diana - Attack Anacharsis at range with spear
>Uriel: Heal diana with mend if she does not proc avoid+. If Diana procs avoid+, use mend on Anemone instead.
>Ashe: Attack Anacharsis at range with bow
>Corrine heals Ashe with mend
>Ingrid: Attacks Anacharsis with Luin (at AK 64)
>Kate: attacks Anacharsis with Gae Bolg (at AJ 65)
>Leopold: equip brave lance and get rid of wisp (ending at spot AK 66)
>Clay: Equip sword of M and box Anacharsis in at spot AL 65. Do not attack.
>Blair: Rally spectrum on Clay

This leaves dad valflameless and boxed in melee range with Kate, Ingrid, Clay (rallied) and Leopold, and he'll have to attack two of them.

Uriel and Corrine are healing the ranged units so they aren't in danger of being attacked - if Diana gets the avoid+ then them healing ashe and Diana mean all 3 ranged units are on full health. If Diana doesn't get the avoid+ then Anemone isn't in danger of being attacked and has enough HP to tank a few turns of burn.

For the units boxing dad in, a rallied Clay gets doubled with arcfire for 54 damage. But a rallied Clay does a decent chunk of damage back to him in turn, doing 50 HP damage and healing himself almost to full HP, and he has a good crit chance.

If dad goes after brave lance leopold with arcfire, leopold makes it out alive with 11 HP to spare. He then doubles dad which may proc a sol heal, but he can be topped up next turn with mend.

Ingrid and Kate can comfortably eat whatever dad throws at them.

This takes us into turn two with Blair at full HP, 2/3 of our ranged units at full HP (potentially 3/3 if Diana procs Avoid+), and the ability of two of the people boxing dad in melee range to be healed up by Uriel+Corrine, with Clay potentially being at close to full HP. Blair and Clay can then swap places so clay is out of attack range.

I was toying with having Blair boxing in A and attack him this turn with Clay killing wisp, but then that takes us into turn 2 with Blair, Leopold, Kate and Ingrid and Anemone not at full health, and we can only heal up two people per turn. Plus we don't know if dad is gonna hit the wisp jackpot.

Also the differences in Blair and Kate's res is insane. What the fuck were the Hellwings feeding her?

I suppose a question that should be asked is that if it's theoretically possible for someone to just go and kill Cleobolus since she's on the map (albeit her HP is just replaced by INCAPACITATED) -- that'll resolve the boss fight (and feed whoever kills her a level), though it'll probably make Chuck go nuts and nuke us all lol

>>5944113
Resolve things in that Chuck can't activate Zahras, that is, unless he can somehow do the ritual by just tearing out his heart like Anemone said, which... might not be impossible for the end boss of the quest

What the hell are they feeding sages for them to have 350 HP? He even gets to be level 51 as well, he got to break the level cap!

>Anemone: Attacks Anacharsis at range with Luna
>Diana - Attack Anacharsis at range with spear
>Uriel: Heal diana with mend if she does not proc avoid+. If Diana procs avoid+, use mend on Anemone instead.
>Ashe: Attack Anacharsis at range with bow
>Corrine heals Ashe with mend
>Ingrid: Attacks Anacharsis with Luin (at AK 64)
>Kate: attacks Anacharsis with Gae Bolg (at AJ 65)
>Leopold: equip brave lance and get rid of wisp (ending at spot AK 66)
>Clay: Equip sword of M and box Anacharsis in at spot AL 65. Do not attack.
>Blair: Rally spectrum on Clay

Apologies. I wanted to post this last night, but it looks like I passed out before I got the chance to. Thankfully, it seems the other mathanons have been hard at work, which should hopefully corroborate these numbers.

>>5943543
One thing to note is Anacharsis' incredible SPD stat. Our own SPD, for reference, is...

SPD Levels:
>Blair: 47 SPD + 2 (Gungnir) + 3 (Right Wing) = 52 SPD (+6 if initiating)
>Ashe: 43 SPD + 2 (The Inexhaustible) = 45 SPD
>Anemone: 49 SPD
>Corrine: 38 SPD
>Kate: 49 SPD (+6 if initiating)
>Ingrid: 50 SPD + 10 (Crest of Daphnel/Luin) = 60 SPD (+6 if initiating)
>Clay: 33 SPD
>Diana: 51 SPD + 3 (Right Wing) = 54 SPD
>Leopold: 38 SPD
>Uriel: 34 SPD

With a whopping 48 SPD, Anacharsis can double Corrine, Clay, Uriel, and Leopold. Ashe is only barely saved from doubling by the stat bonus from The Inexhaustible. Meanwhile, Blair, Diana, and Ingrid always double Anacharsis; though if Blair stops using Gungnir, then no doubling occurs (unless she has Fiery BLood+ active, or if she initiates, in which case she always doubles). Kate only doubles him if she initiates, and otherwise goes even. Ashe and Anemone both only hit once.

vs Anacharsis
>Blair: 35 STR + 2 (Gungnir Bonus) + 20 (Gungnir) + 5 (Lancefaire) + 3 (Betrothed) = 65 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 30 x 2 = 60 DMG (7% chance to crit, dealing 90 DMG) (no misses due to Swordbreaker)
>Blair: 34 MAG + 2 (WCG Bonus) + 20 (Forseti) + 2 (Temp Mag Bonus) + 5 (Black Tomefaire) + 3 (Betrothed) = 66 - 45 (Anacharsis' RES )= 21 x 2 = 42 DMG (27% chance to crit, dealing 63 DMG) (16% chance to miss; 29.44% chance to miss *at least* once; 2.56% to miss both)
>Blair: 34 MAG + 2 (WCG Bonus) + 14 (Wind Caller's Genesis) + 2 (Temp Mag Bonus) + 5 (Black Tomefaire) + 3 (Betrothed) = 60 - 45 (Anacharsis' DEF)= 15 x 2 = 30 DMG (no crits) (16% chance to miss; 29.44% chance to miss *at least* once; 2.56% to miss both)

>Ashe: 41 STR + 11 (The Inexhaustible) + 5 (Bow Prowess) + 3 (Betrothed) = 60 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 25 DMG (26% chance to crit, dealing 75 DMG) (no misses)
>Ashe: 41 STR + 6 (Silver Daggers) + 3 (Betrothed) = 50 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 15 x 2 = 30 DMG (no crits) (no misses)

>Anemone: 28 STR + 15 (Crescent Scythe++) = 43 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 8 DMG (no crits) (15% chance to miss)
>Anemone: 44 MAG + 7 (Flux) = 51 - 45 (Anacharsis' RES) = 6 DMG (no crits) (15% chance to miss)
>Anemone: 44 MAG + 0 (Luna) = 44 - 0 (Anacharsis' RES) = 44 DMG (no crits) (15% chance to miss)
>Anemone: 44 MAG + 18 (Eclipse) = 51 - 45 (Anacharsis' RES) = 17 DMG (no crits) (15% chance to miss)

>Corrine: 38 STR + 16 (Silver Axe) = 54 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 19 DMG (no crits) (16% chance to miss; 29.44% chance to miss *at least* once; 2.56% of missing both)
>Corrine: 32 MAG + 14 (Bolt Axe) = 44 - 45 (Anacharsis' RES) = NO DAMAGE

>>5944244
>Kate: 31 STR + 2 (Gae Bolg Bonus) + 20 (Gae Bolg) +5 (Lancefaire) = 58 - 35 = 23 x 2 (if initiating) = 46 DMG (no crits) (7% chance to crit, dealing 69 DMG) (3% chance to miss; 5.91% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.09% chance to miss both)

>Ingrid: 38 STR + 17 (Luin) + 5 (Lancefaire) = 60 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 25 x 2 = 50 DMG; 20% chance of Crest Activation, dealing an additional 18 DMG (19 if initiating) (no crits) (no misses)

>Clay: 42 STR + 8 (Windsword) = 50 - 45 (Anacharsis' RES) = 5 x 2 = 10 DMG (no crits) (9% chance to miss; 17.19% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.81% chance to miss both)
>Clay: 42 STR + 13 (Sword of Moralta) = 55 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 20 x 2 = 40 DMG (13% chance to crit, dealing 60 DMG) (9% chance to miss; 17.19% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.81% chance to miss both)

>Diana: 39 STR + 11 (Killing Lance+) = 50 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 15 x 2 = 30 DMG (26% chance to crit, dealing 45 DMG) (7% chance to miss; 13.51% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.49% chance to miss both)
>Diana: 39 STR + 12 (Spear) = 51 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 16 x 2 = 32 DMG (no crits) (7% chance to miss; 13.51% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.49% chance to miss both)

>Leopold: 36 STR + 10 (Brave Lance) = 46 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 11 x 2 = 22 DMG (no crits) (7% chance to miss; 13.51% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.49% chance to miss both)
>Leopold: 36 STR + 12 (Brave Lance) = 48 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 13 DMG (no crits) (7% chance to miss)

>Uriel: 39 STR + 10 (Blessed Lance+) = 49 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 14 x 3 = 42 DMG (no crits) (17% chance to miss)
>Uriel: 37 MAG + 1 (Nosferatu) = 38 - 45 (Anacharsis' RES) = NO DAMAGE
>Uriel: 37 MAG + 15 (Aura) = 52 - 45 (Anacharsis' RES) = 7 x 3 = 21 DMG (no crits) (17% chance to miss)

Assuming we don't miss, don't crit, and don't activate any Crests... and don't care about lives and are just throwing ourselves at him...

60 (Blair, Gungnir) + 30 (Ashe, Silver Daggers) + 44 (Anemone, Luna) + 19 (Corrine, Silver Axe) + 46 (Kate, Gae Bolg) + 50 (Ingrid, Luin) + 40 (Clay, Sword of Moralta) + 32 (Diana, Spear) + 22 (Leopold, Brave Lance) + 42 (Uriel, Blessed Lance+) = 363 DMG

This actually kills Anacharsis in one turn, but it pretty much sacrifices everyone except Blair, Kate, Ingrid, Anemone, and Diana in a suicide rush. Of course, this also assumes we don't miss any attacks (and with Anacharsis' SPD, he's likely to dodge a few crucial attacks and kill one or two people during the enemy phase), so it's pretty unlikely. A more reasonable spread would be...

60 (Blair, Gungnir) + 25 (Ashe, The Inexhaustible) + 44 (Anemone, Luna) + 46 (Kate, Gae Bolg) + 50 (Ingrid, Luin) + 40 (Clay, Sword of Moralta) + 32 (Diana, Spear) = 297 DMG

This approach removes Corrine, Uriel, and Leopold from attacking, and switches Ashe back to the bow. Unfortunately, Clay would be in kill range after. If we remove the risk of death from Clay by using Rally Spectrum+...

>>5944245
25 (Ashe, The Inexhaustible) + 44 (Anemone, Luna) + 46 (Kate, Gae Bolg) + 50 (Ingrid, Luin) + 50 (Clay, Sword of Moralta) + 32 (Diana, Spear) = 247 DMG

Not bad. We can can safely kill him in as much as two rounds, if we land our critical attacks. Meanwhile, let's check and see what would happen if Anacharsis attacks.

vs Blair
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 33 (Blair's DEF) = 17 DMG (15 DMG if Gungnir equipped) (no crits) (20% chance to miss; +6% chance to miss if Blair initiates; +40% chance to miss if not engaged) (56/73)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 27 (Blair's RES) = 33 DMG (31 DMG if WCG equipped) (no crits) (+4% chance to miss if Blair initiates; +40% chance to miss if not engaged) (40/73; Burn for 10 DMG next turn)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 27 (Blair's RES) = 25 DMG (23 DMG if WCG equipped) (no crits) (+4% chance to miss if Blair initiates; +40% chance to miss if not engaged) (48/73)

vs Ashe
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 21 (Ashe's DEF) = 27 DMG (54 DMG if Silver Daggers equipped) (no crits) (no misses) (23/50, in Kill Range; KO otherwise)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 25 (Ashe's RES) = 35 DMG (70 DMG if Silver Daggers equipped) (no crits) (no misses) (15/50; Burn for 10 DMG next turn, in Kill Range; KO otherwise)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 25 (Ashe's RES) = 27 DMG (54 DMG if Silver Daggers equipped) (no crits) (no misses) (23/50; in Kill Range; KO otherwise)

vs Anemone
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 21 (Anemone's DEF) = 27 DMG (5% chance to crit, dealing 81 DMG) (no misses) (48/75; KO otherwise)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 42 (Anemone's RES) = 18 DMG (5% chance to crit, dealing 54 DMG) (no misses) (57/75; Burn for 10 DMG next turn; 21/75 otherwise)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 42 (Anemone's RES) = 10 DMG (5% chance to crit, dealing 30 DMG) (no misses)(65/75; 45/75 otherwise)

vs Corrine
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 27 (Corrine's DEF) = 21 x 2 = 42 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (15/57; in Kill Range)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 27 (Corrine's RES) = 33 x 2 = 66 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (0/57; KO)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 27 (Corrine's RES) = 25 x 2 - 50 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (7/57; in Kill Range)

vs Kate
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 31 (Kate's DEF) = 17 DMG (no crits) (3% chance to miss if Kate initiates; +40% chance to miss if not engaged) (53/70)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 40 (Kate's RES) = 20 DMG (no crits) (3% chance to miss if Kate initiates; +40% chance to miss if not engaged) (50/70; Burn for 10 DMG next turn)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 40 (Kate's RES) = 12 DMG (no crits) (3% chance to miss if Kate initiates; +40% chance to miss if not engaged) (58/70)

>>5944247

vs Ingrid
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 31 (Ingrid's DEF) = 17 DMG (no crits) (18% chance to miss, +6% chance to miss if Ingrid initiates) (47/64)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 37 (Ingrid's RES) = 22 DMG (no crits) (18% chance to miss, +6% chance to miss if Ingrid initiates) (42/64; Burn for 10 DMG next turn)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 37 (Ingrid's RES) = 15 DMG (no crits) (18% chance to miss, +6% chance to miss if Ingrid initiates) (47/64)

vs Clay
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 36 (Clay's DEF) = 12 x 2 = 24 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (36/60)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 20 (Clay's RES) = 40 x 2 = 80 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (0/60; KO)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 20 (Clay's RES) = 32 x 2 = 64 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (0/60, KO)

vs Diana
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 25 (Diana's DEF) = 23 DMG (no crits) (32% chance to miss) (26/49)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 35 (Diana's RES) = 25 DMG (no crits) (32% chance to miss) (24/49; Burn for 10 DMG next turn; in Kill Range)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 35 (Diana's RES) = 17 DMG (no crits) (32% chance to miss) (32/49)

vs Leopold
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 30 (Leopold's DEF) = 18 x 2 = 36 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (25/61)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 27 (Leopold's RES) = 33 x 2 = 66 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (0/61; KO)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 27 (Leopold's RES) = 25 x 2 = 50 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (11/61; in Kill Range)

vs Uriel
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 25 (Uriel's DEF) = 23 x 2 = 46 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (11/57; in Kill Range)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 26 (Leopold's RES) = 34 x 2 = 68 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (0/57; KO)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 26 (Leopold's RES) = 26 x 2 = 52 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (5/57; in Kill Range)

>>5944248
That was a lot of numbers, but essentially...

>Corrine, Clay, Leopold, and Uriel will die in one round to double Valflame if Anacharsis has any charges remaining.

>Double Arcfire won't kill Corrine, Leopold, and Uriel in a single round, but it will leave them at critical levels of health, which makes any attacks from Flame Wisps potentially lethal.

>Clay will actually die in one round to double Arcfire if he isn't able to steal HP.

>Ashe deals more damage with his Silver Daggers thanks to its double attack feature, but switching to them immediately puts him in doubling range, which will then let him be killed by pretty much anything.

>Rally Spectrum+ stops Clay and Ashe (Daggers) from dying to doubled attacks, but we lose out on Blair's damage.

>Blair, Ingrid, and Kate can all safely tank any of Anarcharsis' attacks.

>Anemone is likely the best tank against Valflame, but she has a 5% chance to get crit. Ironically, she can survive a Valflame crit just fine (with 21/75 HP), but she immediately dies to an Agarthium Rapier crit, even at full HP.

>Diana has an excellent dodge chance (32%) and crit chance (26% with the KL+), as well as decent RES. She's not as bulky as the other four fliers though, so she needs to rely on dodging.

>>5943939
With Clay's current stats....

>Clay
>Level 46 Hero
HP: 60/60
STR: 42
DEX: 39
SPD: 33
LCK: 37
DEF: 36
RES: 20

vs Anacharsis
>Clay: 42 STR + 8 (Windsword) = 50 - 45 (Anacharsis' RES) = 5 x 2 = 10 DMG (no crits) (9% chance to miss; 17.19% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.81% chance to miss both)
>Clay: 42 STR + 13 (Sword of Moralta) = 55 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 20 x 2 = 40 DMG (13% chance to crit, dealing 60 DMG) (9% chance to miss; 17.19% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.81% chance to miss both)

vs Clay
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 36 (Clay's DEF) = 12 x 2 = 24 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (36/60)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 20 (Clay's RES) = 40 x 2 = 80 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (0/60; KO)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 20 (Clay's RES) = 32 x 2 = 64 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (0/60, KO)

Assuming Clay sticks to Anacharsis like glue, and has the Sword of Moralta out...

>Clay initiates, dealing 20 DMG (60/60; 20 DMG dealt)
>Anacharsis retaliates with A. Rapier, dealing 12 DMG (48/60; 20 DMG dealt)
>Clay doubles, dealing 20 DMG, healing 12 DMG (60/60; 40 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with A. Rapier, dealing 12 DMG (48/60; 40 DMG dealt)

Clay: 48/60; 40 DMG dealt

>Anarcharsis initiates with Arcfire, dealing 32 DMG (16/60; 40 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 20 DMG, healing 20 DMG (36/60; 60 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with Arcfire, dealing 32 DMG (4/60; 60 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 20 DMG, healing 20 DMG (24/60; 80 DMG dealt)

Clay: 24/60; 80 DMG dealt

He survives, even if he initiates while unrallied. Though he has to be in the thick of the fight to do it, and if he misses even one attack, then it's over-- if Anarcharsis gets free attacks off from range, then the man is obliterated entirely. It also means that it is no longer safe for Clay to be in the thick of the fight. If Clay were rallied, however....

>>5944294
>Clay
>Level 46 Hero
HP: 60/60
STR: 42+5
DEX: 39+5
SPD: 33+5
LCK: 37+5
DEF: 36+5
RES: 20+5

vs Anacharsis
>Clay: 42 STR + 8 (Windsword) + 5 (Rally Spectrum+) = 55 - 45 (Anacharsis' RES) =10 x 2 = 20 DMG (1% chance to crit, dealing 30 DMG) (4% chance to miss; 7.84% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.16% chance to miss both)
>Clay: 42 STR + 13 (Sword of Moralta) + 5 (Rally Spectrum+) = 60 - 35 (Anacharsis' DEF) = 25 x 2 = 50 DMG (16% chance to crit, dealing 75 DMG) (4% chance to miss; 7.84% chance to miss *at least* once; 0.16% chance to miss both)

vs Clay
>Anacharsis: 35 STR + 13 (Agarthium Rapier) = 48 - 41 (Clay's DEF) = 7 x 2 = 14 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (46/60)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 20 (Valfame) = 60 - 25 (Clay's RES) = 40 x 2 = 70 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (0/60; KO)
>Anacharsis: 40 MAG + 12 (Arcfire) = 52 - 25 (Clay's RES) = 27 x 2 = 54 DMG (no crits) (no misses) (6/60; in Kill Range)

Assuming the previous conditions...

>Clay initiates, dealing 25 DMG (60/60; 25 DMG dealt)
>Anacharsis retaliates with A. Rapier, dealing 7 DMG (53/60; 25 DMG dealt)
>Clay doubles, dealing 20 DMG, healing 7 DMG (60/60; 50 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with A. Rapier, dealing 7 DMG (53/60; 50 DMG dealt)

Clay: 53/60; 50 DMG dealt

>Anarcharsis initiates with Arcfire, dealing 27 DMG (26/60; 50 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 25 DMG, healing 25 DMG (51/60; 75 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with Arcfire, dealing 27 DMG (24/60; 75 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 25 DMG, healing 20 DMG (49/60; 100 DMG dealt)

Clay: 49/60; 100 DMG dealt

With that in mind, I do think it's fine if Clay engages on his turn instead of just walling Anacharsis off. If he chooses not to engage, and Anacharsis attacks him with Arcfire, he instead is at 56/60 HP, with 50 DMG dealt. Admittedly, there is a nonzero chance that Clay dies if he engages, even when rallied, if he misses his first attack during the arcfire phase (4% chance). But we do lose out on a lot of damage by not attacking.

tl;dr: it's safer to rally Clay and then not attack with him, but I think it might not be worth it? Though I suppose dealing 197 on Round 1 is more than sufficient for a Round 2 or Round 3 kill.

>>5944295
With all that said, my vote goes to what the mathanon wrote in >>5943939, but with a slight variation.

>>5943543
>Anemone: Attacks Anacharsis at range with Luna
>Diana - Attack Anacharsis at range with spear
>Uriel: Heal diana with mend if she does not proc avoid+. If Diana procs avoid+, use mend on Anemone instead.
>Ashe: Attack Anacharsis at range with bow
>Corrine heals Ashe with mend
>Ingrid: Attacks Anacharsis with Luin (at AK 64)
>Kate: attacks Anacharsis with Gae Bolg (at AJ 65)
>Leopold: equip brave lance and get rid of wisp (ending at spot AK 66)
>Blair: Rally spectrum on Clay
>Clay: Equip sword of M and box Anacharsis in at spot AL 65. Attack.

This is slightly less safe, and it does pull Blair out of attack range (it would be nice if she were attacked at least once, to trigger Fiery Blood+), but it does more damage while being *mostly* safe.

>>5944294
Actually, for Clay his skill is the brave effect so he should be attacking consecutively.
So if he initiates, it'd be Clay attacks twice, then the Count attacks twice. Meaning that if Clay initiates at full health, he's not healing.
And if the Count initiates, Clay gets hit once and then counterattacks twice, and then he gets hit by the Count another time.
It's bad to have Clay initiate, but this does mean that we're less likely to get screwed over by a bad roll on enemy phase.

>>5944307
Is that how it works? That would definitely change things, if that's the case.

Normal (Clay Initiates):

>Clay initiates, dealing 20 DMG (60/60; 20 DMG dealt)
>Clay doubles, dealing 20 DMG (60/60; 40 DMG dealt)
>Anacharsis retaliates with A. Rapier, dealing 12 DMG (48/60; 40 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with A. Rapier, dealing 12 DMG (36/60; 40 DMG dealt)

Clay: 36/60; 40 DMG dealt

>Anarcharsis initiates with Arcfire, dealing 32 DMG (4/60; 40 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 20 DMG, healing 20 DMG (24/60; 60 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 20 DMG, healing 20 DMG (44/60; 80 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with Arcfire, dealing 32 DMG (12/60; 80 DMG dealt)

Clay: 12/60; 80 DMG dealt

Normal (Clay doesn't attack; Anacharsis initiates)

>Anarcharsis initiates with Arcfire, dealing 32 DMG (28/60; 0 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 20 DMG, healing 20 DMG (44/60; 20 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 20 DMG, healing 16 DMG (60/60; 40 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with Arcfire, dealing 32 DMG (28/60; 80 DMG dealt)

Clay: 28/60; 80 DMG dealt

Rallied (Clay Initiates):

>Clay initiates, dealing 25 DMG (60/60; 25 DMG dealt)
>Clay doubles, dealing 25 DMG (60/60; 50 DMG dealt)
>Anacharsis retaliates with A. Rapier, dealing 7 DMG (53/60; 50 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with A. Rapier, dealing 7 DMG (46/60; 50 DMG dealt)

Clay: 46/60; 50 DMG dealt

>Anarcharsis initiates with Arcfire, dealing 27 DMG (19/60; 50 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 25 DMG, healing 25 DMG (44/60; 75 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 25 DMG, healing 16 DMG (60/60; 100 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with Arcfire, dealing 27 DMG (24/60; 100 DMG dealt)

Clay: 24/60; 100 DMG dealt

Rallied (Clay doesn't attack; Anacharsis initiates)

>Anarcharsis initiates with Arcfire, dealing 27 DMG (33/60; 0 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 25 DMG, healing 25 DMG (58/60; 25 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 25 DMG, healing 2 DMG (60/60; 50 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with Arcfire, dealing 27 DMG (33/60; 50 DMG dealt)

Clay: 33/60; 50 DMG dealt

Overall, attacking with a Rallied Clay does put him at 24 HP, which is 9 points lower than if he chose to not attack. Quite notably, this does put him in range to dying to a double Agarthium Rapier attack if he were unrallied (he still survives a single Arcfire while unrallied, though he's on 1 HP after), but only if he misses both of his counterattacks.

I don't think it changes too much if he chooses to attack, though admittedly, the 4% miss chance is certainly something to note.

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So looks like we're currently split between these orders?

>>5943939
vs
>>5944299

If Anons want to vote on either of these or come to a consensus, I'll leave this up for a little while longer.

>>5943543
I will +1 >>5944299 , lest we fail the DPS check in the final battle.

>>5944351
>(he still survives a single Arcfire while unrallied, though he's on 1 HP after)

Not sure what I was smoking here; I think I forgot to change the last number for Rallied Clay Initiation

>Anarcharsis initiates with Arcfire, dealing 27 DMG (19/60; 50 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 25 DMG, healing 25 DMG (44/60; 75 DMG dealt)
>Clay retaliates, dealing 25 DMG, healing 16 DMG (60/60; 100 DMG dealt)
>Anarcharsis doubles with Arcfire, dealing 27 DMG (33/60; 100 DMG dealt)

Clay: 33/60; 100 DMG dealt

Here's the numbers I've crunched for potential turn. This assumes no misses, no crits, and no crest activations.

Turn 1 (Player Phase)
>Anemone: Deals 44 DMG, takes 18 DMG (57/75; Burn for 10 DMG next turn; 21/75 otherwise)
>Diana: Deals 16 x 2 = 32 DMG, takes 25 DMG (24/49; Burn for 10 DMG next turn; in Kill Range)
>Uriel: Uses Mend on Anemone (75/75; will Burn to 65/75 next turn) or on Diana (49/49, will Burn to 39/49 next turn)
>Ashe: Deals 25 DMG, takes 35 DMG (15/50; Burn for 10 DMG next turn)
>Corrine: Uses Mend on Ashe (50/50; will Burn to 40/50 next turn, and then recover to 43/50)
>Ingrid: Deals 25 x 2 = 50 DMG, takes 17 DMG (47/64)
>Kate: Deals 23 x 2 = 46 DMG, takes 17 DMG (53/70)
>Leopold: Kill Wisp
>Blair: Rally spectrum on Clay
>Clay: Deals 25 x 2 = 50 DMG, takes 14 DMG (46/60)

Turn 2 (Enemy Phase)
Anacharsis (Rapier)
>Ingrid: Deals 17 DMG to Ingrid, takes 25 x 2 50 DMG (30/64)
>Kate: Deals 17 DMG to Kate, takes 23 x 2 =
46 DMG (36/70)
>Clay: Deals 7 x 2 = 14 DMG to Clay, takes 25 x 2 = 50 DMG (53/60)
>Leopold: Deals 18 x 2 = 36 DMG to Leopold, takes 10 x 2 = 20 DMG (25/61)

Anacharsis (Arcfire)
>Anemone: Deals 10 DMG to Anemone, takes 41 DMG (65/75 if healed, 47/75 if not healed)
>Diana: Deals 17 DMG to Diana, takes 32 DMG (32/49)
>Ashe: Deals 27 DMG to Ashe, takes 25 DMG (23/50)
>Ingrid: Deals 15 DMG, takes 50 DMG (32/64)
>Kate: Deals 12 DMG, takes 46 DMG (41/70)
>Leopold: Deals 25 x 2 = 50 DMG, takes 10 x 2 = 20 DMG (11/61)
>Clay: Deals 27 x 2 = 52 DMG, takes 25 x 2 = 50 DMG (33/60)

Corrine, Uriel, and Blair would be out of range.

Turn 3 (Player Phase)
>Anemone: Takes 10 DMG from Burn. (65/75 if healed, 47/75 otherwise) (37/75 lowest possible)
>Diana: Takes 10 DMG from Burn. (39/49, otherwise, no damage from Avoid+) (22/49 lowest possible)
>Ashe: Takes 10 DMG from Burn (40/50) (13/50 lowest possible), heals for 3 DMG (43/50) (16/50 lowest possible)
>Clay: Heals for 3 DMG (49/60) (36/60 lowest possible)

'Lowest possible' in this case assumes that they were targets for the highest possible damage attack from Anacharsis on the subsequent turn (usually Arcflame), though the 'no misses' clause still applies, which means it's still possible for Clay to die if we get really unlucky.

If we chose not to initiate with Clay, as per the other option, then he's instead at 36/60 at the start of Turn 3, but is largely safe even if he misses both of his attacks (9/60 on Turn 3)

>>5943543
>>5944299
Supporting to break the tie since I think it's actually 2-2 right now with this >>5944233

Rolled 8 (1d8)

The Mathanons ride one last time.
>>5944299
Rollan and Writan

>>5944425
>8

Hoo boy. Rinea pls

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>>5943543
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlDEYMAgc2k

The Blackwings spring into action, spreading out and surrounding the Sage of Agartha. The first attack of the battle belongs to Anemone though, who targets Anacharsis with her dark magic.

“Ahh, the Lady of Arcadia herself.” Anacharsis smirks. He hardly looks concerned, even as Anemone summons forth her strongest attack. “I can appreciate all that you’ve done to safeguard your people from Shambhala. But don’t you know that Shambhala has already fallen? You and I need not fight. In fact, what I do today will prove to be a great boon for our kind.”

“I’ve never once been ‘your’ kind.” Anemone retorts back. “You stood by as Odesse tried to exterminate the Arcadians. Save your sympathies, for I have no use for them or your dark gods!”

“Very well.” Anacharsis muses. “But your ignorance is showing. There is nothing ‘dark’ about my lords. Our deities were gods of light. Of flame! As their speaker and prophet, allow me to show you firsthand their wrath!”

>Anemone: (Luna): 44 DMG
>Anacharsis: 306/350 HP

The Sage takes the brunt of Anemone’s strongest magic, piercing through his resistance. He is sent sliding back across the floor but maintains his footing. In retaliation, he raises both his hands to the sky, and begins an incantation in an unfamiliar tongue. You sense a great power welling from his position. You’d seen this spell once before, during Douglas’ execution all those years back. You knew you’d have to face it again one day, but you still feared what was about to come. From the sky, a tower of fire descends and engulfs Anemone where she stands. The sheer force and magnitude of the spell causes you to shield your eyes, and you can feel the intense heat boiling over. When you look up, you’re shocked to see Anemone still standing. Flames continue to burn away at her body, but she does not falter.

>Anacharsis: (Valflame): 18 DMG
>Anemone: 57/75 HP (Burnx1)

>Diana (Spear): 16x2 = 32 DMG
>Anacharsis: 274 HP

Diana chucks two of her spears towards Anacharsis while his attention is drawn away. Her throws are right on target. She lets out a small cheer before she too is engulfed in the Sage’s tower of flame.

>Anacharsis: (Valflame): 25 DMG
>Diana: 24/49 HP (Burnx1)

Ashe attacks the Sage next. Though he lacks the Crest needed to conjure a magical arrow on The Inexhaustible, he finds that a physical arrow works just as well. “I don’t care who you are. If you’re going to harm the woman I love, I’ll do whatever it takes to stop you!”

“Woman you love?” Anacharsis raises an eyebrow. “Ahh, I see. They say the hardest thing a father experiences is seeing his daughter stolen by another man. Burning you to cinders will surely be a cathartic experience.”

>Ashe: The Inexhaustible: (25 DMG)
>Anacharsis: 249 HP

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>>5944579
>Anacharsis: Valflame (35 DMG)
>Ashe: 15/50 HP (Burnx1)

Ashe is brought to his knees as another Valflame is called down upon him. Before you can scream in panic, Corrine and Uriel rush forward. The two use their healing magic to restore both Diana and Ashe to full health. While the two are pulled away from the brink of death, you note that the healers are unable to do anything to extinguish the painful magical flames that still work at consuming them.

>Diana: 49/49 HP (Burnx1), Ashe 50/50 HP, (Burnx1)

Several of your comrades rush into battle, seeking to surround the Sage on all sides. Ingrid attacks in a blind rage with Luin, and Anacharsis counters with his Rapier. The two begin trading blows, with Ingrid getting the better of him. She takes a gash across her face but manages to slash at the Agarthans chest twice with her Relic, sending him back towards Kate.

>Anacharsis: 199 HP
>Ingrid: 47/64 HP

“That lance…” Anacharsis mutters as he notices Gae Bolg in Kate’s hands. “So…you managed to make it here after all, Rex.”

“I will strike you down in place of my lord!” Kate declares. She thrusts her spear twice at the Sage, who takes the blows head on.

“I never did understand what you Hellwings saw in that beast. But very well, you may try. I will send you to your lord all the same!” Anacharsis answers back with his own thrusting attack.

>Anacharsis: 153 HP
>Kate: 53/70 HP

Leopold swipes at the flame wisp with his spear, and the creature disappears with a scream. As he does so, he moves up to barricade Anacharsis, keeping him boxed in between Ingrid and Kate. You empower Clay with your magic, increasing his fighting abilities substantially. He then moves up, completing the Sage’s encirclement.

“What do we have here?” Anacharsis remarks as he examines Clay closely. “To think my daughter would keep company with one of your kind. How much vitality have you stolen from others in order to cling so stubbornly to your life?”

“Don’t blame me.” Clay says. “It was your manipulation of Nemesis that led to Seiros delivering the Crest of Chevalier. If anything, I should thank you. I’ve been able to lead an amazing life because of what you’ve done.”

Anacharsis laughs upon hearing Clay’s words. “I know not what lies you fed Blair, but it matters not. Killing you will be doing this world a service!”

Clay rushes forward with the Sword of Moralta, activating his Crest and striking at the Sage, who retaliates with his weapon.

>Anacharsis: 103 HP
>Clay: 46/60 HP

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>>5944581
Pushed to the brink and forced to fight defensively while surrounded, Anacharsis does not immediately switch to go on the attack. Instead, he roars with a bestial rage as eight additional flame spirits are summoned, surrounding each of your fighters that had gone on the offensive. With his life flickering and his ambition slipping out of his grasp, Anacharsis begins tapping into the very limits of his power. So great is his magical aura that he begins to glow with a visible red aura, and you feel the same sensation you had when he’d previously been throwing out Valflame.

The end was near, but the enemy was not faltering. This was his last stand. It was the Agarthan Gods last chance to awaken and return to Fodlan. The fate of the very future of their existence rested upon his triumph. Neither of them planned to make this easy for you..

>Anacharsis will now retaliate with Valflame in both range and melee. (Unlimited Casts)
>After a unit attacks, one Flame Wisp will explode, dealing 10 DMG onto that unit and triggering that unit’s Burn stack)
>Burns will be cleared upon Anacharsis’ defeat, without triggering.

>Attack? (How?)

>>5944582
All-in on Valflame, huh, dad? That'll certainly be something.

I've got a few more questions before I start plotting out numbers.

>If Anarcharsis is killed before it rolls over to his turn, will the Flame Wisps remain on the field, or will they die? If so, do they explode, or just fade away?

>If a Flame Wisp is destroyed by ranged attacks, do they still deal 10 DMG to the unit that destroyed them?

>When a Flame Wisp explodes, does it apply Burn to the one that destroys it?

>If a Flame Wisp is destroyed by AoE, does the attacker take all of the damage at once?

We're seeing the end of it now. Time to end this.

>>5944597
>After a unit attacks, one Flame Wisp will explode, dealing 10 DMG onto that unit and triggering that unit’s Burn stack)

Oh, I think I've misread. Does that mean that these Flame Wisps will detonate after a unit attacks, and not on death?

Also, a few other questions.

>How many Wisps could we catch in one blow from Fimbulvetr or Burning Quake?

>If a unit targets and kills a Flame Wisp, will another Flame Wisp detonate, or will they have killed the Flame Wisp that would have detonated?

>If a Flame Wisp detonates on someone with no Burn stacks, they take 10 DMG from the explosion, but do they take any additional damage or Burn stacks?

>>5944582
>>5944582
Okay so that went well! Thanks to the other math anons helping out with Clay.

As for the plan
>Clay retreats out of purple
>Corrine heals Anemone
>Kate attacks with Gae Bolg (46 damage)
>Blair attacks with gungnir (56 damage)
>Leopold attacks with brave lance

Right this should do it. Blair and Kate take him down to 1 HP - got Leopold to give the killing blow purely because of the convo back at GM where he says that Blair shouldn't have to be the one to do it. Admittedly I haven't calculated his miss chance, if he can miss we can pick someone else. Though dad can double him, with Leopold initiating dad won't get a chance to strike back.

Kate gets left with 23 HP(after the burn trigger and getting hit with valflame for 20). Healing up anemone to full just incase dad gets a form change or Cleo decides to join the party after - if there the case Corrine and Uriel can go in and heal Kate and Ingrid next turn.

(Also Tree, Diana's HP should be at 49 rather than 39)

>>5944611
Oh ignore my comment about Diana, forgot about the burn damage.

Diana can survive a wisp exploding on her and trigger her stack - even if the exploding wisp adds another stack of burn (20 damage with one stack, 30 damage with 2)

Same with Ashe

Leopold doesn't have to worry about burns being at full health.

Kate...needs healing actually, gonna change my plan real quick.

>>5944582
>>5944611 - Plan change!
>Clay, Diana, Anemone, Ashe retreats out of purple
>Corrine heals Kate
>Kate attacks with Gae Bolg (46 damage)
>Blair attacks with gungnir (56 damage)
>Leopold attacks with brave lance

Kate being at full HP means she can tank the valflames (-20), the wisp explosion, (-10) and potentially -20 HP from two burn stacks.

All the burned units (and Clay) are safe because they're out of enemy range.

It looks like we can easily kill the Count right now with just 2 units. Ingrid is guaranteed to deal at least 50 DMG, lowering him to 53 HP. Blair with a Gungnir double deals 30 * 2 = 60 DMG.
If we do miss once, Ashe with Silver Daggers is guaranteed to finish him off since he can't miss. Though if Sothis really hates us and we somehow miss both Gungnir hits, he'd be suiciding into the Count since he gets doubled without the bow's SPD boost.
If we really want to play it safe, Rallying Kate guarantees that she won't miss and she'll deal 56 DMG total from her double, killing him.
On that note even if it's not optimal, Uriel with Rally could also get the kill, but he has 12% to miss. No other combination works to kill him with only two attackers unless we want to gamble on Ingrid's Crest and crits.
As for the Flame Wisps, I initially read it as them kamikazing into anyone that attacks, including if they attack the Count. It probably doesn't really matter too much in the end since our main attackers would be able to tank Valflame and the wisps anyways.

>>5944616
Blair actually does 60 DMG total with 35 STR + 2 (Gungnir stat boost) + 20 (Gungnir) + 3 (Betrothed) + 5 (LF) - 35 DEF = 30 * 2 = 60 DMG

>>5944616
Poor Corrine gets it, taking 20 damage from the exploding wisps from Blair and Kate's attacks and 20 damage from 2 burn stacks from wisps. Hoping here that killing dad stops the wisps because neither she or Uriel will survive a third round of explosions.

Ingrid might also work - she looks to be out of the wisp aoe, but honestly kate has more of a reason to see dad dead so might as well give it to her.

>>5944618
>Blair damage
Thanks for that anon! Not going to change my plan since I've already made things messy enough, but Blair and Kate teaming up to take him out makes narrative sense too.

>>5944582
A +1 for >>5944616 , looks like it all checks out.

Going with Kate and Blair might actually be dangerous. Blair has a non-negligible chance (29.44%) of missing once.
Kate and one Gungnir hit only deals a total of 76 DMG, and Leopold with Brave Lance deals a total of 98 DMG. If only we selected the +1/-1 DMG back at Rusalka. I do wonder if the fact that we haven't used Eulalia's bolts yet means that there's something else we're fighting or if it was just a trap option all along.

If we go with Ingrid, Blair, and Ashe, then we only have a 2.56% chance (Blair missing twice) for us to be screwed over and Ashe dying. Ingrid really does hard carry us with how much she's done against the Hellwings and Bennett.

And of course the most risk averse option where it'd be impossible to have someone die would be Rallying Kate and then having both her and Ingrid attack.

Last option I can think of where Leopold does kill the Count would be with Ingrid, Kate, and Leopold attacking. Ingrid without her Crest activating knocks the Count down to 53 HP. Kate then lowers him down to 7 HP. Leopold would of course be able to kill him with just a single hit. Blair could Rally Leopold to increase his accuracy and damage, allowing him to get the kill if he hits twice if we're unlucky enough for Kate to miss once.

With that in mind:

>>5944582
>Kate, Clay, Diana, Anemone, and Leopold retreats out of purple
>Corrine heals Ingrid
>Ingrid attacks the Count
>Blair attacks the Count with Gungnir
>Ashe attacks with Silver Daggers if the Count still isn't dead

Might as well continue the tradition of letting Ingrid carry us against bosses and then finishing the boss off ourselves.

>>5944582

Yeah changing my vote >>5944616
to back >>5945007

Because I didn't realise that Blair had that much of a miss chance and I'd rather have Ashe be on the chopping block than Leopold

Ashe potentially getting the last hit is a nice throwback to how the Lonato fight ended, with Ashe taking out Blair's adoptive father.

Will hold off on my vote until I figure exactly how the Wisps work. Good job on the other mathanons coming up with safe permutations though. Will try my hand on making themed finishers, with Blair finishing, or with Ashe finishing, with Leopold/Kate/Ingird finishing, etc

Sorry for the late reply here folks!

>>5944597
>>If Anarcharsis is killed before it rolls over to his turn, will the Flame Wisps remain on the field, or will they die? If so, do they explode, or just fade away?
The Flame Wisps will die without exploding.

>If a Flame Wisp is destroyed by ranged attacks, do they still deal 10 DMG to the unit that destroyed them?
They don't, but another Flame Wisp will detonate instead and deal 10 DMG, eliminating them from the field.

>When a Flame Wisp explodes, does it apply Burn to the one that destroys it?
It does.

>If a Flame Wisp is destroyed by AoE, does the attacker take all of the damage at once?
They don't.

>>5944603
>Oh, I think I've misread. Does that mean that these Flame Wisps will detonate after a unit attacks, and not on death?
Correct.

>How many Wisps could we catch in one blow from Fimbulvetr or Burning Quake?
With the way they're split up, 4 Each.

>If a unit targets and kills a Flame Wisp, will another Flame Wisp detonate, or will they have killed the Flame Wisp that would have detonated?
Another Flame Wisp will detonate.

>If a Flame Wisp detonates on someone with no Burn stacks, they take 10 DMG from the explosion, but do they take any additional damage or Burn stacks?
They would take 10 DMG and are Burned.

>>5945408
No worries Tree! Just wanted to make absolutely sure before committing to a plan.

The fact that detonating does apply Burn stacks is an issue, but by the looks of things, we don't have to worry too much about the Flame Wisps. Still, we can still take steps to ensure that they're a non-issue entirely.

My suggestion would be... Sending Ingrid in to use double Burning Quake, to kill all eight Flame Wisps in one go without triggering any of them (as they would all be dead). Kate and Blair follow up, and Ashe in reserve to secure the kill if all else fails.

If needed, we can actually stop Blair from attacking, and have someone like Leopold, Uriel, even Corrine jump in for the final blow instead for other victory paths. Alternatively, send Blair in first, with Kate backing her up, to have Ingrid get the kill.

>>5944582
>Clay moves out of Anacharsis' attack range.
>Ingrid attacks Anacharsis, activating Burning Quake twice.
>Kate attacks Anacharsis.
>Blair attacks attacks Anarcharsis with Gungnir.
>Ashe attacks Anacharsis with Silver Daggers if Blair still hasn't killed them yet.

50 (Ingrid; Luin; Burning Quake) + 46 (Kate; Gae Bolg) + 60 (Blair; Gungnir) +30 (Ashe; Silver Daggers) = 186 (if not counting Ashe, then 156). That overkills dad (103 HP) by 83 HP.

This, I think, is likely the safest approach that still allows Blair/Ashe the kill? There is a nonzero chance that Kate whiffs both her attacks (0.09%), but Blair actually has enough damage to kill him even if she does. Of course, Blair has a 16% chance to miss, a 29.44% chance to miss *at least* once, and a 2.56% to miss both, but she only needs to land one attack, provided Kate lands one or both hits. And even if Blair does miss both, Ashe cleans up, which truly is revenge for that time we stole the kill on the Patriarch that one time to spare him of the pain (and level up XP).

It should be said that Ashe can still die here, but the odds are so abysmal (Kate and Blair both need to miss all of their attacks for a chance of 2.304E-5) that it's basically negligible. In fact, the odds of Kate landing a crit and killing him before it rolls over to Blair's turn is much higher-- truly the spirit of Rex.

Here's the numbers for that turn. This assumes that there are no misses, no crits, and no Crest Activations, with a disclaimer at the end.

>Ingrid: Deals 50 DMG, kills all 8 Flame Wisps, takes 22 DMG (25/47 HP, will Burn for 10 DMG to 15/47 next turn)
>Kate: Deals 46 DMG, takes 20 DMG (33/70, will Burn for 10 DMG to 23/70 next turn)
>Blair: Deals 60 DMG. On a miss, takes 33 DMG (40/73; will Burn for 10 DMG to 30/73 next turn) (Blair actually kills him on her first attack, and only receives damage on a miss)
>Ashe: Deals 30 DMG. If the worst-case scenario occurs, then he dies.

Essentially, Triangle Attack with Blair as the Finisher, and with Ashe as the backup.

>>5945109
>>5945531
Looks like my ID changed, but yes, same anon here.

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>>5945532
Other permutations:

Blair Finisher (See >>5945531)

Ingrid Finisher
>Blair attacks
>Ingrid attacks

Kate Finisher
>Blair attacks
>Kate attacks

Blair can also simply choose to Rally Spectrum+ on Kate/Ingrid to secure the kill. Allowing her to have defeated her father without even directly engaging him.

Ashe / Corrine / Diana / Clay / Leopold / Uriel / Anemone Finisher
>Ingrid attacks
>Kate attacks
>Blair Rally Spectrum+ on X
>X attacks (they only need to do 7 DMG to kill him, assuming Kate lands all of her attacks)

Overall, this truly was one of the boss battles of all time. Actually pretty hype, and required multiple mathanons to just write equations for several hours to get it done. Part of me wonders if there will be a Phase 2 to this fight though, or if we're already in it.

>Captcha: 0NWAYK
Yes, we are indeed on our way, or perhaps it's Blair's own way. Who can say?

>>5945007
Going over the math again, Ashe could actually just stick with The Inexhaustible to kill the Count.
Ashe does 25 DMG with the bow and the Count would already be at 103 - 50 - 30 = 23 HP left if Blair only lands one hit.
Technically it's safer to have Ashe stick with the bow since he won't immediately die on the counterattack and if he gets a crit, he would kill the Count even if Blair misses twice.
I'll stick with my vote though. It's definitely a stupid reason, but I find the image of Ashe running up to shank the Count funnier. We only have a 2.56% chance of things going wrong. Our luck can't be that bad.

>>5945531
Wouldn't using Burning Quake twice mean that Ingrid is acting twice in a single turn though? I don't think that would be allowed.
To get rid of the wisps, we could allocate the units who won't be attacking the Count to target the wisps. We only need four units for this since the other four wisps will kamikaze into the units attacking the wisps. But it doesn't really matter since they'll be gone once the Count is dead and our main attackers can tank Valflame and the wisps.

>>5945548
iirc, Burning Quake is kind of like Transmute, and can be applied to an attack at-will. Since Ingrid doubles, she can use it twice in succession, much like how Blair can use Fimbulvetr twice in a turn if she outspeeds the opponent.

I could be wrong though, and if I am, then assuming we're following >>5945531, Ingrid would take 20 DMG from the Flame Wisp (10 from Explosion, 10 from triggered Burn Stack; 5/47).

Kate would also take 20 DMG from a Flame Wisp on her turn (10 from Explosion, 10 from triggered Burn Stack; 13/70).

Blair would kill the Count on her turn, but if she doesn't, then she'd take 20 DMG as well (10 from Explosion, 10 from triggered Burn Stack; 10/73)

Ashe would die if he had the daggers out, though if he were using the Inexhaustible, he'd be at 5/50 HP (give or take 3 HP from recovery). I will agree that Ashe running in with the daggers is a lot funnier though.

There would be no more Flame Wisps after Blair attacks, but everyone would die from Burns next turn though. However, since Burns are cleared on Anacharsis' defeat without triggering, we'd be safe from burn.

So yes, even if we can only use Burning Quake once, we should be fine. In fact, if we attack with Ingrid, Kate, and Blair, assuming they all hit, we can ignore the Flame Wisps entirely and just rush Anacharsis down without worrying about it.

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>>5945007
Unless I'm mistaken, it looks like we're going with this?

>>5946004
Looks like it, yep. Blair and Ingrid together do enough damage to kill Anacharsis, and Blair can even afford to miss once, provided Ashe runs in to secure the kill. It's not as dramatic as a triangle attack, I must admit, but it doesn't change too much in the end as well, and is even a safer engage.

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>>5944582
The scorching heat in the room feels overwhelming as several additional flame wisps materialize, surrounding you and your party. Though the creatures are obviously dangerous, Anacharsis was on his last leg. The damage he’d incurred from your company’s all-out attack had revealed his weak spot. Rather than be whittled down fighting these spirits, you’d press the attack and hope that they’d vanish along with the Sage upon his defeat. There was also still the threat of Valflame to contend with. In their current, damaged state, it was possible your friends might not be able to withstand a blow from the spell. Having been undamaged so far, it was time for you to relieve them. You’d been leading the charge all these years thus far, and you were not about to stop now.

>“Back away from him!” You order, running into the heat of battle. Behind you, Corrine follows along, looking to heal those allies that suffered damage from the Sage’s strikes. “Leave him to me!”

Most of your allies offer no protest. They back away from Anacharsis, focusing on barring the path for the Flame Wisps. Only one of them chooses to remain behind, trading blows with the former Count. Seeing the Crest-bearer still embroiled in battle, Corrine uses her healing magic to restore Ingrid back to full-health. The act seems to be just what Ingrid needs to break the stalemate she was in and land a brutal blow on her opponent. (Ingrid: 64/64 HP)

With a roar, Ingrid smashes the Sage’s right arm with a sideswipe of Luin, breaking the limb and nearly bringing him to his knees. She lifts the spear up and swipes down. Anacharsis takes a nasty blow down the front. Before Ingrid can finish him off, another tower of flame descends from up above, engulfing her. Ingrid screams as she tries to fight off the magic. When she looks to be on the verge of success, a Flame Wisp suddenly materializes behind her. Grabbing onto her, the wisp explodes in a bright flash, sending your comrade hurtling across the floor in a smoldering state. (Ingrid: 21/64 HP) (Anacharsis: 53 HP)

You strike Anacharsis before he can get back up, slashing the Sage across the mid-section with Gungnir. He slides across the floor, trying to back up away from you, but you give pursuit. When you’re a step away from plunging your spear through his heart, you’re caught in the heat of Valflame. The pain is excruciating, and nearly causes you to drop your spear to the ground as you are brought to your knees.

“I warned you to stay out of this, Blair!” You hear Anacharsis taunt over the roaring flames. “Now it is your resolve against my own! Prove to me that your desires are greater than my own…or I shall make sure there is nothing left of you but ash!”

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>>5946158
Anacharsis is mere steps away from you, even as Valflame works at rendering you into a smoldering pile of bones. Rising to your knees, you move forward slowly, resisting the Sage’s master-level spell every inch of the way. You take one step, then two, and finally three. Your armor has nearly burned away, and every inch of your body is screaming in agony. You open your eyes, which had involuntarily shut when Anacharsis hit you with his attack. You no longer saw the Sage in front of you. Instead, what was there was the end of your journey. The life you swore you’d lead once all was said and done. You don’t see an Agarthan sage, but a desperate and flailing man, who, for all his bravado and talk, sensed that the end was near. That unless a miracle occurred, he was bound to fail in his life’s work.

At that moment, you knew it was time. To seize your future, and to grant the man you once knew as Charles d’Rusalka the peace he’d long been seeking. You plunge Gungnir into Anacharsis’ heart. (Blair: 43 HP) (Anacharsis: 0 HP)

In an instant, Valflame disappears, as do the wisps that were remaining in the room. You fall to one knee, panting heavily. Anacharsis still stands, though Gungnir has been lodged firmly in his chest. He stares down at the spear, seemingly uncomprehending of how it could have arrived there. Any traces of desperation that were on his face have vanished, replaced with an eerie calm. He falls to his knees, the two of you now at eye-level.

>“Aren’t you going…to assume your true form?” You ask, badly winded.

Anacharsis shakes his head, chuckling. “It would make no difference. If I’m to die here, I’d rather it be in a form recognizable to you.”

>“Fool...You should have backed down when you had chance.”

“Perhaps. But I’m fine with things this way too. With you being the one to stop me.”

The two of you sit there in silence. Comprehending that the battle has ended, your allies give you both a wide berth. You hear Corrine and Uriel tending to the wounded behind you, including a badly injured Ingrid.

“Blair.”

>“Yes?”

“Though I have no right to ask this of you…please humor an old man on his death bed.” Anacharsis’ eyes drop to the ground between you. “Can you find it in your heart to forgive me? I understand that what I ask is laughable at best. I’ve done terrible things. To you, to your people, and to your friends. This is a request purely out of selfishness. That I may pass into the great unknown where my gods still sleep, with at least the consolation that there is some part of you that does not entirely loathe my very being. If I managed to do some good in the thousands of years after Bronte’s passing, I could be content with that.”

>A): Forgive Anacharsis
>B): Do not forgive Anacharsis.

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis
Its alright. I think we've had enough grudges for a lifetime. Now neither of us has to hate anymore...

Good shit, mathanons! I'm glad we could beat the final fight without a single casualty, even at full difficulty. My only hope is that everyone else outside managed to make it out without losing any captains as well.

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis

Be at peace, father. Blair can give you that much-- she tried so desperately to talk you down, that she would even face you at your full strength. Although you must pay for your crimes with death, you can at least be at rest.

No more enemies. It's time to move on. Probably.

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis

>>5946160
>>A): Forgive Anacharsis

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis
We have to let go, and so does he. Rest in peace, and let death be the end.

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis
May you life a better life next time

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis
Let it go.

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis

Desperately hope we don’t have to do a Cornelia fight after this lol

>>5946160
>A): Forgive Anacharsis

>>5946160
>>A): Forgive Anacharsis

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>>5946160
>“I forgive you.” You say, answering Anacharsis’ request. “While I cannot agree with what you tried to accomplish here, I also cannot fathom the depths of despair you’ve lived in these last thousand years. The anger and pain that consumed you must have been overwhelming. You lashed out at the world in response, and while I cannot say you were justified, I understand why you did this. It was because of you that I was even able to be here. I am what I am today only because you took an orphaned girl in and raised her as though she were your own flesh and blood. Whether I was just a replacement for Bronte or not, I will always be eternally grateful for the love and support you have shown me. For what that is worth, you can pass on knowing that.”

“Oh, Blair.” Anacharsis starts. “…Replace? You could never replace Bronte. She was her own person. One that I loved dearly. Just as you are your own person, not a replacement. You will always occupy your own special place in my heart.”

Anacharsis’ head slumps down. His breathing ceases. After thousands of years, the Sage of Agartha has finally passed on. You retrieve your spear from his chest, allowing his body some measure of dignity. As you stare down at the corpse of your adoptive father, you’re unsure how to feel. You’ve known for ages now that things would come to this. With Anacharsis’ death, your battle has officially ended. Shambhala has fallen, and those who slither in the dark can no longer pose a threat to Fodlan. You’ve accomplished everything you set out to do and survived, yet you can hardly bring yourself to even crack a smile. You thought once you were done fighting, you might feel a sense of relief. But it seems that five years of living on the edge, swinging your spear at shadows, are harder to shake off than you thought.

At that moment, someone grabs your hand and squeezes. Ashe is standing beside you. He says nothing, simply staring ahead and offering comfort. He understood what you were going through better than anyone. He’d lived through it himself after all. You squeeze his hand back. It would be some time before you could return to a true sense of serenity. It could take several years, or maybe even the rest of your life. But at least you knew you wouldn’t have to face that journey alone.

“I-is it over?” A breathless Diana asks aloud. The pegasus knight fidgets as Uriel goes to work on her with his healing magic.

>“It should be. Anacharsis had said he’d summoned those Demonic Beasts here. With his defeat, they may have already scattered. Still, we should go back outside as quickly as we can just in case. I’m sure the rest of the company still needs our support.”

“Thank the Goddess. Going down will be much easier than coming up was.” Clay sighs, stretching.

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>>5946903
“Aren’t you forgetting someone?” Anemone says, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. You sense that the sometimes-awkward Agarthan was offering you her condolences in her own way. She points up towards the exposed roof, where Cleobulus still floats, trapped in-between the four obsidian pillars. “What’s she even doing up there anyway?”

>“She was Anacharsis’ sacrifice.” Frankly, you were surprised she hadn’t awoken during the battle. Either Anacharsis had done a real number on her, or the spell that kept her chained also served to subdue her.

“…Well, we can’t very well just leave her there.” Anemone says.

“Are you suggesting we take her with us?” Ashe asks.

“Huh?” Anemone’s face contorts with abject confusion. “No, I’m suggesting we cut her head off. And destroy these pillars too. Better safe than sorry.”

>“It’s…rare that we get a Sage gift-wrapped to us like this.” You admit. “It almost feels too good to be true.” Indeed, after the fight you’d just had, you were hardly eager to go picking another. Especially with an entirely different Agarthan Sage. “So, how does this work?”

“The pillars are keeping her dormant.” Anemone explains. “In her current state, a child could kill her now. It’s not much more complicated than that. Have your husband here shoot an arrow at her or hit her with magic. Just don’t destroy the pillar. It’ll release her shackles. While she may be battle-damaged, she’s still a Sage. Better not to risk it.”

Though this was the first time you’d met her, Cleobulus indeed had much to answer for. It was because of her that Faerghus had become the wreck it now was. Not to mention that Anacharsis had said the revival of the Blue Lions was her work. If ever there was a Sage in need of removal, it was her.

>A): Kill Cleobulus yourself.
>B): Ask Ashe or Anemone to do it.
>C): Offer the kill to Ingrid.
>D): Destroy the pillar and release Cleobulus’ shackles. Perhaps she has important information.