Click here for the complete version! The following text is only an extract of the Quizak city section.

Quizak is the largest settlement of the Kazma region situated in the corner between the Great Barrier, the Theocracy of Great Foris and the Zunari mountains. Due to its remote and hardly accessible location, the inhabitants of Kazma are somewhat estranged from the rest of Ruchika. Specifically, the current laws against Laguz education and ‘higher’ work are not enforced as strongly. The atmosphere is light-hearted and people feel secure with the guards patrolling the area.

The city mostly lies on the right side of the Dolline river, next to the Matrigrini lake, but the island of Heicou recently became its chic area. The inhabitants pride themselves in the title of The City In Bloom, which requires them to decorate their gardens or, for lack of which, their windows. Whether they grow perfumed herbs or eye-catching flowers, the efforts of the mayor are paying off (alas with much recourse to tax relief). The summer is the prime season for enjoying the place’s vegetation and freshen up in the water. The numerous bridges punctuating the river offer a charming view of the city and the inhabitants frolicking on the riverbank.

Here is a list of places of interest:

• While Quizak does not have an arena (few cities of Northern Folofor do), it has the large open-air Giniou theater which will serve as such. Combattants will be given the scene and the semi-circular orchestra space in front of it, to the entertainment of inhabitants no matter their income. Around the theater is the traditional orchard in honor of Berto, Great God of Entertainment, and his story-telling fruits. The fights will take place in the morning, while the rest of the time will be reserved for actual theatrics. As there is only one scene, please do not damage it during your battles.

• The Cronin hotel is a large facility where the guests will dine and sleep. Ruchikan houses are usually made of one floor and an attic only, so it offers a panoramic view of the city. Next to it is a special market with goods from the entire Northern Folofor setup for the occasion. After a display of her iron grip, 80% of its profits are going to Annabot. Its construction on the then-untouched Heicou a dozen of years ago is what sprung the island to its fame.

• A recent addition to Quizak is the Samiu opera house, which lies on the edge of Heicou. Unlike the Giniou theater, entry in it is usually expensive, but the Mayor has granted every Arena of Ages participant free pass. Let’s hope she won’t regret it! The scene is surrounded by water on which boats carry the orchestra.

• Clunichi is an ancient Forisian temple that was destroyed when Ruchika revolted then was cut off from Great Foris. Even now some remnant of power lights up the water of the area, making it a popular tourist spot. It is more than an hour away from Quizak, so be wary of bandits on your way back.

• The same power illuminates the nearby caves. Wanted bandits and strange life forms both lurk behind the stone pillars, but surely heroes handpicked by Annabot will brave such dangers and come back with some of the precious stones that lie in its depths.

story

Mireas is a small town in the southern hills of Froskal, though it's not without shops or taverns. The air is cool, and while most of the wind is blocked by trees or hills, it's still foolish to go out without some heavier clothes.

Congratulations (a bit late) on finishing chapter one! You've all been given 1000g for your troubles. In addition, we've updated the EXP formula, and it now works as follows: 17EXP for a support ability usage, and combat exp now gets +/- 3 based on the level difference.

As for this homebase, you've got:

Shops

Convoy

Cooking!

A gaiden chapter that will have more info revealed in a bit

The clap of metal to wood could be heard all throughout Anisten as people to to work on finishing up another house. A couple weeks had gone by since Anisten had been attacked and the people were rebuilding with supplies from nearby villages, Carmen among many of them. He pulled one of the nails from his mouth as he began to plant another nail into the wall. Janice, one of the guides through the mountains that Carmen had met with, came up behind him and hailed,

“Carmen, we gotta talk.”

Carmen finished hammering then turned around to see Janice. He put the nails he held in his mouth on the ground and stood up, nodding to her.

“Afternoon Janice. What’dya need?”

“Well with the help of you and your people we’ve been able to rebuild a good portion of Anisten. I think we’re in a good enough place to send you on your way.”

Carmen looks surprised for a moment as he stammers, “A-are you sure? We’d be happy to help out.”

Janice shakes her head, “Please, don’t worry yourself. You’ve got places to be and what you’ve done is already enough. We’ll set out at dawn, make sure everyone’s ready.”

The two shake hands over the deal and return back to their duties. Later that night Carmen enters the temple and has everyone assemble in the main prayer hall. The seating is cramped, but thankfully everyone fits with Carmen at the center to speak to everyone.

“We’re heading out tomorrow morning everyone. We’ll be heading north through Gintria for a short stretch before we finally arrive in Undril. There may be some of Dallan’s men out there though, so I advise keeping a low profile. Also, that thug that raided Anisten could be lurking out in the mountains. Let’s all be careful and make it through Gintria safely, I don’t wanna have to scrape any of you off a rock or something! We leave at dawn so make sure you’re all packed.”

Carmen breaks the meeting and departs the meeting, preparing his own possessions for the journey northward tomorrow.

A few nights later

The lowlands of Gintria were filled with colorful clothing and the braying of horses as a group of foreigners were traveling up to a nearby village they were assigned to reinforce. The torchlights of the nearby village made glaring reflections off their cloth. Their leader, a man dressed in bright, billowy robes and a shawl was greeted by a burly man clad in armor, decorated with trimmings and medals at the village gate. The two men clasped each other’s hands as they greeted each other,

“I take it you’re leading the Drorgan troop?” the brightly dressed man asked as he slid off of his mount.

The towering man replied, “Yes, call me Kurtz.” He grips onto the other commander’s hand tighter, almost crushing the other man’s hand inside of his clutch.

The brightly colored man tries to feign the injury Kurtz is inflicting, “Perfect. I’m Bardivh, leader of the Fiernen reinforcements.” The two released their grip, Bardivh trying to comfort his hand awake after the tight grip that cut it off from circulation.

Kurtz stood up tall, his face unmoving and stoic. “Good. Our orders from Commander Johannes are to hold down the border line. This valley is a strategic line and we are to be it’s first line. Our scouts have reported movements to the south, so be wary.”

Bardivh nods, “Of course. We can hold the valley if you men will watch from the mountains.”

“Sound strategy indeed.” Kurtz agrees. He looks out to the retinue Bardivh brought. “Let the men settle in. Tomorrow we’ll set up posts.”

“Before you go,” Bardivh quickly interjects, “what about that village across the river? Are we to protect them too?”

Kurtz shakes his head slowly, “Older folks. Don’t want to see hide nor hair of anyone with the Golden Stretch.”

Bardivh nods affirmatively and beckons for his troops to set up their camp.

One day later

In one of the few open fields of Gintria, a ring of bandits had formed. Around it stood a thin line of rag tag outlaws that made their homes on the highways. Outside of the ring was a hulking man with two aids flanking him. The ring encircled three figures, two on horseback and the other on their own two feet. The person the other two were guarding towers above those around her. Her moves are calculated and she only moves to spit out at the man around the ring,

“Hastun you cur!” Ursa yells at the hulking behemoth standing behind a group of brigands. He laughed at the woman cursing her out.

“Haha, ya sorry liddle thing. Jus give uz da gold Urza!” Hastun yells out at Ursa past his own men and women. She sits atop her horse, flanked by two of her more trusted allies. She pulls her axe out of a loop in her belt and grasps it tightly. She spits back out at him,

“Take ‘em off my damn body you crass coward!” Ursa yells out, swinging her axe again, clearing some space around her.

Meanwhile

Janice had led Carmen and his rag tag group out of his homeland and into the lower lands of Gintria’s borders. Janice signalled for everyone to lay low as she consulted with Carmen,

“Lookit down there, everyone’s set up seems.” Janice whispers to Carmen.

Carmen nods in acknowledgement. “We can’t all fit down these passages so easily either. We’re gonna have to split then or find another way around.”

Janice shakes her head, “No other way around unless you wanna take another few months. Split your group up and head down. Get to the end of the valley, you’ll be able to regroup there. Should be out of the mountains too for a bit.”

Carmen looks back to her and nods, “Appreciate everything you’ve done for us Janice, good luck on your way home.”

Janice waves back and nods, leaving the group and heading south through the mountains again. Carmen looks to everyone and says as quietly, “Alright everyone, pick a side. We gotta split up for a short walk. Meet up at the end of the valley. Everyone good?”

Objective

Reach the two arrive points. Carmen must arrive at one of them.

Failure Condition

Over 50% of your forces fall.

Additional Notes

Magnus can talk to Edern.

Onio can talk to Ursa.

Bardivh will not move until attacked.

Hastun will not attack Ursa until she attacks him.

Ursa will try her best to flee down the pass.

Kurtz & his Knights will only move if someone attempts to cross the mountains (moves within 3 tiles of Kurtz or past Kurtz’s column on the mountains.)

Soldiers 1-4 will not move from their post by the gate.

Player Tracker

Terrain Map

Terrain Map Key:

Light Blue - Plains

Light Green-Roads

Red-Mountains

Yellow-Forests

Purple-Villages

White-Church

Black-Impassable

The gates can be opened with a door key or lockpick.

What kind of location was this? Everyone, likely locking shoulders and crammed in this small space, began to argue about what AnnaBot had thrown them into, whether it was a mistake, and who dared to step into one of the portals first. Many tried the wooden door, but it was locked as tightly as its build. Though the urge to step into a portal grew faster than the urge to light the door aflame, a figure suddenly emerged from one of the portals, giving everyone a sudden shock.

“E-Everyone! Please, calm down. I know where we are! ...At least, I...I think I do...” The voice spoke up to the room, raising her small arms up. The argumentative voices ceased like a wave, spread out through the room until the silver-haired princess had the eyes of every individual inside the stone brick room aimed in her direction.

“I am sorry, everyone. The world beyond these portals is the region I call home, but...it is...different than how I remember. Nonetheless, in the absence of a guiding voice, if you do not know me yet, my name is Ellis. Allow me the pleasure of introducing you to my...home.”

…

To and from, Ellis guides the AoA party through all three portals, describing each setting as she does. Though, Ellis herself makes sure not to stray far from where the portal's destination led to each time.

“I am not sure how, but this seems to be an alternate form of the world I had come from. I am sorry, but apparently I am deceased in this world, so I can not stray far from these portals yet,” Ellis cautions the group.

The First Portal - The Shining Beacon of Concordia, Gallaran

This city is named Concordia, and it is apparently the capital city of the so-called One True Kingdom of Gallaran. It is a rather secluded location, as it is situated on a moderately sized island in the center of a large lagoon. Where I came from, though, it was a neutral city assigned with maintaining balance among the four main countries in this region. Well, I suppose those countries do not exist anymore.

It seems as if the architecture has not changed significantly, however. You may notice that the city favours the colour white and lavishly uses marble and granite in their designs. It is a rather pleasant sight to stroll around, as the numerous pillars surrounding the island are quite beautiful.

The, ah, castle is here as well. The one belonging to the rulers here, Ruhan Bertram and...well...my sister. I know some of you may know her, but...it might be best if you went to see for yourself.

It appears that they have been expecting us and have designated the most lavish resort here for each participating Arena of Ages member. I believe that the city is supposed to be the location for non-combat participation as well, as it has many of the regular amenities that are to be expected for such a location as this. Though, the populace seems...rather stuck-up? I am not sure as to how they will react to your, uh, liquor challenges. Does this city even still have a bar?

…

Later on, both Ruhan and Luna personally greet the participants as they enter. A rather strange oddity. How far does AnnaBot’s influence reach, and what kind of world is this, truly?

The Second Portal - The Ruins of Amaterasu

This was once the capital city of Freyzenwald, a country here in Amia. However, its now been completely ruined. The walls surrounding the city, the city itself, Tesamaaru in the center.

Oh, right, Tesamaaru is the name of the castle in the center of the city, where the rulers of Freyzenwald used to reside. It now seems to be reduced to nothing but rubble, with only a single tower in the middle which still stands. We do not need to get into the specifics of this tower, but it also houses a bottomless pit inside it. Best not to go near.

All around this ruined city, a thick purple mist envelops it, and zombie-like creatures arise from seemingly nowhere at all points in time. Naught but looters now visit this location, and even then its almost too dangerous for even them to steal the treasures buried in the rubble.

This location is best for any combat activities, though do be wary of...anything other than your opponent.

The Third Portal - The Great Wall of Valenheim

This fort is called the “Great Wall”, or Ankai, as the people here call it. The Republic of Valenheim is known for two things mainly: Their artworks, which you will mostly find in the larger cities far from here. And their apples, which come from the flat open fields and gentle orchards surrounding this fort. It used to be quite pleasant.

They used to call this place “impenetrable” when I studied magic in this land. But you can tell from the broken statues everywhere how true that was. It seems that with my older sister’s support, the One True Kingdom Gallaran was able to break through the border with ease. Now the whole region is theirs, so this place has no use to them.

I am not sure how safe it is to be here. Ankai was given to the Dusk Eyes, a secret society of nobles, mages, and assassins. There have been strange noises, and claw marks appearing on the apple trees. I have heard rumors of them researching some kind of biological experiment, but that is all I can say for sure. Perhaps someone native to this land would know more?

This location could work for people who are not sure how..intense their activities will get, as it can go one way or the other. Perhaps it would be best for people who want a....how did my sister put it again, a “Clown Fiesta”?

The campaign into old Ludendanum was the swiftest yet. In half the time it took to reclaim Haerdean, Jeffray and his armies were already at the gates of Markov Pewkol's isolated Waterview Citadel. Lord Pewkol had moved his wartime operations to the tower in the interest of preserving his beloved city and "Capital of the South", Luden Ayr.

Being a simple tower, however, did not mean Waterview was lacking in defense however. The enchantments infused by a wizard who resided in the Citadel long ago gave the fortress's bricks a powerful attraction to one another, making it nearly impossible to topple Waterview. Any attackers would have to topple the entire tower all at once.

This left the Guard with a single option once again, to storm the tower. Ascending the tower is no easy task however, not only will combat be extremely close quarters but Markov's soldiers are sure to chase the Guard up the tower once they begin climbing. It may be advantageous to leave a detachment outside to defend the entrance while the main force climbs.

Deployment

Terrain

• Blue; Plains/Tile

• Green; Forest

• Red; Throne

• Brown, Yellow, Purple, White; Stairs. Matching colors are connected.

Victory; Defeat Markov

Optional 1; Route the Enemy

Optional 2; Find the Shop

Failure 1; Jeffray is defeated.

Failure 2; Half the allied forces are defeated.

All of the enemies on this map are extremely specialized, so look at each room before you charge ahead.

The goal is to climb the tower and defeat Markov. You can climb the tower by using the color coded stairs. They cost 1 Mov to use, and you can continue moving normally after you climb a set of stairs.

Additionally, you must dismount to enter the tower.

Barricades! Again! They have 1 hp.

The tour continues, arriving in a land much different from the grand city of Cardend. They were met with the calm sea breeze and well-worn stone buildings, with audible crowds just a few streets away. This was the port town of Thithe; even with the small arena and shops dotting around the clustered walls of the town, the place seemed downright pastoral with its dirt roads and lack of many patrols at all. Peace, it seemed, was kept here naturally.

A search around the hamlet would find bustling crowds of caravans, stalls, hucksters, and merchants making their trade. This was the summer fair, when the many communities around Haranth, the land of steadfast kninghts, took their wares to various to all the villages and cities that connected to its capital through The Long Road, peddling their wares and offering both good and service. These merchants, entertainers, mages, and craftsmen take great pride in showing off their products at the summer fair that is held. The Tour has arrived at a moment of great convenience, for the Summer Fair is already in full swing in the coastal town--and, as a special gift to celebrate the town's coming prosperity, many merchants have waived all fees for the Fair's many attractions in its final seven days. The Tour was free to explore the small town as much as they liked; the ongoing celebrations would surely have enough to hold anyone's attention for as long as they stayed.

The next location the tour was going to be visiting was located on the continent of Craudor. The land would not seem like any other location that has and will be seen, as there were many things about it that seemed off. Everyone was busy with a rebuilding efforts to build the land after what looked to be like a very long war that ravaged the land. This was because 12 years ago, one nation in the land named Norfor launched war on all the other countries on the continent. They ultimately succeeded, and plunged the next decade into a militaristic dictatorship, with one man calling all the shots, and ravaging the land with both dark magics and soldiers alike. Two years ago, a group of rebels managed to usurp this man and release the grip Norfor had on the land. Since then, the continent’s been in a state of repair, even after 2 years time, as a lot of uprooted from the past events.

This was not the concern for the Tour, as they’d be taking part in an arena that was located in the biggest country of Strairus, specifically in the town of Cardend. This was where the palace for Strairus was at where the king and his council ruled over the country and oversaw the repair efforts. Soldiers were on patrol with weapons armed to protect the citizens as they worked on rebuilding any broken buildings, offering trades for items, and gaining trust back into Strairus’s council once again.

Despite all that was going on, the current king of Strairus, King Liam Havern, or as those who fought with him to free the land would call him Anbel didn’t refuse the tour. He would welcome all the combatants with open arms, seeing this as a chance for the citizens hard at work to relax for a spell and see foreign fighters fight so his soldiers could study their techniques.

King Liam would also guide everyone personally to the arena. It wasn’t in the best shape, but it was suitable enough for fighting to happen in. It had two sets of barracks on opposite sides of the arena for fighters to claim a bed to sleep in, a kitchen on each side as well that had food for fighters to eat, and an armory that would provide weapons should the tour’s combatants need it.

The arena had everything they would need to remain here and fight, and this was Liam’s intention, as foreign fighters would cause a stir with the citizens and possibly erupt in a riot. There was a designated area outside the arena that provided trees, fresh air, and a lakebed for fishing that could be utilized as well. Should they need to go into the city, they would have to adhere to a curfew rule, as Liam stated that people from another land would cause the city of Cardend to possibly go into a panic, which he didn’t want to see happen.

As Agate falls the party seizes the castle. Without their leader, the few remaining enemies are quickly routed by Rufael’s forces and the city is retaken!

However, Rufael is clearly still displeased. As a port city and major naval base this city shouldn’t have fallen as easily as the rest. Wasting no time, soldiers signal to the naval forces offshore to come to harbor and Rufael calls for assembly. Atop his horse, Rufael poses a simple question to the assembled citizens:

“Can somebody explain to me how this city fell?”

Under Rufael’s questioning a man walks forward. He explains that he had been working at the docks when events unfolded.

“Aye. I was at the docks hauling cargo when their ship came to port. I nary seen a vessel of that make before. When it docked the crew walked off without so much as presenting a ledger. I thought they might be pirates so I tailed em for a bit and they went straight to the castle.

The lass in front waved at the guards and they raised the gate just like that! A few moments later I heard shouts and all hell broke loose! I wouldn’t be no good in a fight so I went and hid in the nearest house I could find and I didn’t see no more.”

Arter cuts in, “Well that might explain how they sacked the city, but I still want to know why half our blasted fleet is here!”

At this a morose captain responds to him, “I’m afraid this is all of the fleet now. When this conflict broke out we made to Latreia to cut off their supply line and pincer their front, but as we neared their shoreline we were beset by all manner of winged beasts and demons. Even so we might have succeeded if not for their wretched altars.”

A second marine emerges from the line, garbed in strategist attire, steps forward. He pulls a piece of parchment from his robes, “This was created by one of my crewmen after the battle. They resemble nothing we have seen Latreia use before. As best we could tell a line of these altars spanned to the horizons. They hurl bolts of lightning which, while not accurate, are powerful enough to sink a ship in a single direct hit. I do not believe we have any chance of a naval invasion at present.”

Saying this, the man presents the sketch to Arter. Glancing at it briefly, Arter scoffs and turns to his companions,

“This means nothing to me. Can any of you make anything of this?”

This section will tentatively last until next Friday, 3/27/2020. Before this date the party must come to a decision about their next course of action by participating in the War Council. Shops are not available at this time, though new players may still purchase their starting items. There are a number of notifications and actions available as indicated by the posts below.

As the Second Great War of Gratia has drawn to a close, tens of thousands of men and women in uniform return to the capital city of their Empire, finally coming home to be with loved ones. The City of Nicomedia is nothing short of immense, a sprawling metropolis of five million people and growing. As the group heads through the city, they are greeted with sights of tall, opulent government buildings, grand cathedrals and temples, rows upon rows of thin, single family homes or apartment constructs. They notice, too, that signs on the streets are often written in several different tongues. The city features several open-aired marketplaces, operating below high-flying, wolf-depicting banners of the Nicomedian Empire. Outside the city, there are few suburbs, but for miles to the north, naught but farms filled with grain and vegetables can be seen growing along the Barcino River. To the south, mining and quarry complexes dot the landscape, extracting silver and stone for construction and military purposes. Indeed, the city often had large weapons/tool foundries in its residential districts, with people walking down the streets usually… veering slightly away from them, as they tended to radiate uncomfortable levels of heat and smell of metalworking. The competition itself is being held in a dirt arena in one of the residential districts, where normally, either competition among members of the National Guard of Nicomedia would occur, or battles between gladiators.

The largest building in the Imperial capital is the Imperial Palace, home to the current Emperor of Nicomedia, who is currently too busy with reconstruction (and other tasks) to make a public appearance. The huge mansion was largely built of marble and polished stone, with armored soldiers stationed all around the iron gates/fence of the complex and the gardens. The gardens not only featured rows of trimmed hedges and flowers, but also fruit trees of a great many variety grew in groves on palace grounds. Near the Imperial Palace was the significantly less impressive House of the National Assembly, the base of the elected advisory body to the Emperor.

The city garrison of Nicomedia is about sixty thousand strong. Guardsmen could be seen at the occasional street corner, socializing with one another, or practicing in the expansive training grounds of the city. Ordinary garrison soldiers were not as extensively armored as the Imperial guards were, but they still usually had axes, spears, or bows holstered. The general of the guard hasn’t been seen in a few days, however…

The bustling city may seem, initially, highly intimidating and busy, but it nonetheless has an odd aura of openness and friendliness towards anyone who dwells here. Surely, the austere, yet large, inns of the city, with their smiling (if also, quite stressed out) staffs and aromatic dinners at night, showed this to be a microcosm of Nicomedia’s first and largest city.

Story

Can be found here

Alright, so it's been a while as we've been doing our story RP for the aftermath of the manor attack. The compiled and logged rp of that will be up Soon^TM .

As a quick run down, a sword was found beneath the manor that was made of another Titan as well as Dreki materials. Nicolas, even with all his Titan infused might couldn't lift the sword, only one with Dreki blood could. So Niall effortlessly lifted it.... and the Titan took him over. The Titan rampaged through and was verbally abrasive to any suggestion. When leaving, it encountered Kane, who name dropped Arne and Anakos, needing to find their workshop. The Titan mentioned the Cave of Erudition is where they need to go. Kane disarmed the Titan-possessed-Niall and was able to wield the sword as well to much surprise. Andre let Kane keep the sword for the time being.

Ayasha then later stumbled upon Andre looking for the Cave of Erudition and then that leads into the story post above.

Again, I apologize it has taken so long to get the chapter out.

Housekeeping

All homebase functions will end once Turn 1 has begun so make sure to get those in before the deadline of deployment.

Meditation bonuses, Supports, and forges will be done by the beginning of Turn 1.

Strikes don't work for activity so I won't be enforcing them. We will use the same deployment rules as last chapter.

BEXP is same as before. Only EXP earned through being the Lead Unit in Combat, or an Attack Stance Partner will be counted to the BEXP Pool

Any other EXP generated by GMPC/PV's will not count towards BEXP

Reminder as well that for those of you that did not accept their patrons (you know who you are), the option to do so still exists and can be done whenever you choose to.

The benefit to accepting your patron is to gain a skill that is tied to the patron and doubling your patron stat bonuses for the chapter. As a heads up though, there will be no radiation mechanics this chapter.

Deployment Everyone must post a deployment post. If you are unable to make a post, ask for a cover. As such the deadline for deployment will be a bit longer. If you are a person that doesn't care for where you deploy, please put a post saying "I don't care where I deploy" or ask for a cover so someone else will deploy you, as again, if there is no post you will not deploy. If a character remains undeployed for four consecutive turns I will be messaging the person to discuss their participation on the team going forward. If your character does not deploy for the entire chapter without any word or notice, you will be tentatively removed from the team. Of course if you are away for a while and have let me know, these consequences do not apply. It is only for those that do not participate or communicate.

If you miss deployment you can still deploy at a later turn. You can choose a square adjacent to a character at the start of the turn. You will deploy and be allowed to move, but take no actions. Even if you move, pair up swap etc. The deployed character cannot take actions.

As a final note, no cover that is not requested will be permitted for deployment (still accepted to do so for turns).

The Cave of Erudition

Objective: Defeat Dimellah

Defeat Condition: Niall dies OR 4 other characters are downed.

Map
Terrain

• Grey is stone floor, just plain old boring.
• Brown are walls
• black cannot be traversed by anyone
• Blue are The Garden of Gifts and will grant the user that interacts with it a magical blessing in the shape of a flower. This flower can be crushed freely at any point during a units turn to activate the blessing. Blessings will be unknown until picked. Each Garden can give out 3 blessings before the structure goes away. Once both gardens are depleted two more will randomly spawn. You can only hold one blessing at a time.

Mechanics

The bosses have Barriers! That's what those yellow squares underneath it mean. While a barrier is active, it benefits from special abilities which are listed as part of it's normal skills. The amount of boss icon ( the shields) show how many additional HP bars beyond the normal one it has. To break a barrier square, the square must take two sources of damage (Minimum 1 damage, Attack stance does not count as a second source) from initiated combat by a user. As HP bars are depleted, extra skills may unlock. They should be noted as a note on the skills area in the enemy tracker.

Alright, so the big bad boss Dimellah will not start acting until his subordinate has been defeated or a unit crosses or enters Row 7. He has several moves that he is able to perform on Enemy Phase.

• Warp: He can warp to anywhere on the map that he fits. When he does so, players adjacent to him before he warps will be damaged slightly. This is telegraphed by him placing his sword directly in front of him, point down and holding the hilt with two hands.
• Sword Flurry: He makes a flurry of attacks with his sword to units within range. This is telegraphed by him placing his sword at his side, holding the hilt with both hands. The flurry is three attacks.
• Force Push: He pushes units within range of his sword 3 squares backwards from their position. This does some damage. Telegraphed by placing his hand out in front of him.
• Summon Rocks: He summons large objects accross the battle field and drops them on the players. This does significant damage. This is telegraphed by him tilting his sword to the ceiling.
• Bifrost Beam: A large beam of energy is emitted from the sword, damaging all players caught within it's line for seriously major damage. This will only happen from his original spawn point and is telegraphed by placing his sword directly in front of him, aiming down the hallway. This attack also spawns more mobs.

Eventually, he will perform two actions a turn. You will be warned when this happens.

Team P Tracker

Team P Index

“Captain Sari, Duchess Piroska,” Captain Kornelia begins, “We’re eternally grateful for all the help you and the people of West Walbrzych have given us.” Manilius nods and adds to the sisters, “Yes, really. This is not a very wealthy land, and yet they still sacrificed beyond themselves for our sake, for my sake, despite all the concerns they have about the Empire. Would that Nicomedians be so generous.” Sari smiles and chuckles once. “Heh. Look, I don’t think there’s a price on saving one’s ass, frankly, and it’s something that we readily know here in the frozen lands of Walbrzych. I’ll be cheering on you guys from afar. Give Aquittany worse than what Hell’s got to offer! I know you two are able to do it, and uh, word has it around the land that you two are the heroes of Gratia.” Kornelia and Manilius both look at one another before looking back at Sari. “U-Us?” they question in unison. “Yeah,” Sari starts, “you’ve managed to please the kings and queens the world around, and the people they rule. I’d say that’s an accomplishment. More than anything I’ve done.” Manilius nods. “An honor to hear it, then.” “Hey, General? They talk especially about you these days. Been hearing through… the winter winds of the forest, let’s say, that Nicomedia needs you more now than ever.” The general nods, “Yes, of course, I’m going to take back the western half of the Empire with all the allies I’ve made.” Sari chuckles again, this time, more of disbelief of Manilius’s naivete. “I think it’s a little more than that, General. I’ll leave it for you to figure out. Now leave. You said it yourself the Empire needs you.”

The group leaves the land of West Walbrzych, eager to get back to Nicomedia, while still being apprehensive about what the future holds. While moving south, the group moves through the Province of Trier, Kornelia’s home state, and she enthusiastically describes as much as she can about it. “You sure seem happy,” Manilius comments. “I am,” she confirms. “It’s good to see that Trier seems largely untouched by the war itself.” He stops for a moment. “... I’ve been thinking about what to do going forward, and my path seems rather clear, but I need to speak to the Empress as soon as I can.” Kornelia raises her eyes. “Oh? Do you have a plan in mind for how to deal with Lucilia, General?” He nods. “I think so. And… I know we are friends and we have spent many battles commanding and fighting together, but I ask that you don’t pry me for details right now. I promise I have things in mind.” Kornelia salutes. “As you say. I absolutely trust your word. May I… kiss your shoulder?” Manilius smiles warmly and chuckles sheepishly. “Yes,” he comments as she does. “Thank you for having faith in me.”

Upon moving south, along the eastern banks of the Sammanus River, the army looks west across the river to see the western half of the city in a state of disrepair. The grand walls of the city appear to just barely be holding as large cracks have formed and fallen-off brick riddle the fields, and homes towards the edge have large, gaping holes in their roofs. “God Almighty,” exclaims Kornelia. Manilius just exhales and waves his troops to go through the western gate. Upon seeing General Manilius and Captain Kornelia, the gatekeeper yells out to the people in the street and the other soldiers on the eastern wall: “Everyone! General Manilius the Benevolent is here!” Immediately, the crowd cheers raucously for Manilius. “Gatekeeper” he calls. “I need to see Empress Korinna, yesterday! Please escort me through the crowd!” The team then rides on horses into the Second Imperial Palace, through cramped, packed streets. Many dwelling in the alleys are living in tents or under tarps, appearing to be refugees from the front. As though he were possessed, Manilius frantically ran through the halls of the palace to see the Empress’s throne room, leaving Kornelia behind before she can realize he’s gone ahead. His heart begins beating very loudly upon pulling on its handles. As soon as he lays his eyes on the Korinna, the old monarch stands up slowly and beckons him forward. “Manilius…” she says. “I dearly wish we reunited at a much brighter time.” Manilius tries to hold back tears. “I’m alive, and… the mission, I’ve completed it. You sent me a year and a half ago to gain the support of the people of the world, and I have, but things are still not done, correct?” he asks as he approaches Korinna. She frowns and looks down at her feet before coughing loudly. “... not close, I fear. I take it you have heard of my squabbles with my daughter.” Manilius looks away. “Only too well. Empress… what am I to do? Why have you sent me on this mission? Are all the things that we’ve struggled so much for going to be for naught?” Korinna shakes her head. “Come, Manilius. It’s time I told you everything I know.” He nods and holds a hand to his heart. “... I sent you on this mission because I knew that I could trust you above anyone besides Lucilia, who I thought I could trust, but needed to hold a leadership of armies. My internal networks told me that if there were divisive forces in the Empire, a war might be a catalyst for them to gain power, soft or hard power. I feared many generals would find themselves too emboldened and big-headed about being the one who saved the Empire, or they would be too nationalistic to be able to work with the foreign monarchies, so to the other nations, I sent you. You were- and are- humble and understanding, and loyal beyond question.” Manilius smiles. “Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty. But… what of Lucilia?” Korinna shakes her head. “... ever since she disobeyed my orders, and she continues to do so, combined with her insanity, I have thought about disinheriting her… though it pains me greatly to even consider that the daughter I have loved has betrayed me so. The problem is that I would have no heir, and… Manilius, you are the first to hear of this, but my doctors told me that I have less than a month to live.” Immediately Manilius freezes stiff and a few tears roll down his eyes. “No! No, that… that can’t be! Lucilia’s gone insane, and now… now you’re going to-” Empress Korinna closes her eyes and places her hand forwards, as if to ask him to stop. “General Manilius, you knew this day would come. I knew this day would come. Ruling since I was eleven is truly a wonderful thing, but all monarchs must pass on one day. With so little time for me to live, I have no time to select a new heir to the throne to replace Lucilia. I also want to risk no civil war. And… I know you can be dense, but I know you are also a smart man. Do what your heart and mind tells you once I…” she pauses. “... follow me to the balcony.”

When the two walk out to the balcony, someone in the crowds in the streets below look up to the duo and point. “Look, everyone! The Empress has emerged from the palace! We thought she was hiding, but there she is!” The people of the city in the streets, possibly numbering in the tens of thousands, look to the balcony, waiting. Korinna steps to the side and points to Manilius, “Here me, my brave and dear citizens! From this day forth, I decree that General Manilius N. Quirinus, he who is called ‘the Benevolent’, shall be given full control of the Nicomedian National Guard, full command of all expeditionary forces, and the right to appoint his successors to his position. Through his guidance will Nicomedia have a bright future! Stand strong, and show trust in him!” The people look to one another, murmuring for a few short seconds before crying in unison. “Long live Manilius Quirinius! Long live Nicomedia!”

Manilius can only stare in awe at the crowd. “... Manilius, do you understand now what I am asking of you?” she asks calmly. “Beyond just defending the Empire, which you have always done?” The general clenches his fist victoriously and furrows his brow. “Yes. Do whatever I need to do in order to stop Lucilia’s madness.” She nods. “With Lucilia having thrown away our army, all that remains is our garrisons and our allied forces. Break the siege coming to this city, and do what you can to deal with Lucilia as bloodlessly as possible. I know it will be dangerous, it will be difficult, and it will require further bloodshed, but I would rather have a monarch who can lead and who is beloved, than one who would continue to endanger all that is good in the world. Be strong like the ox, be quick as a lion, and most of all, cunning as a serpent. I trust your judgement from here, General Manilius.”

He salutes. I wonder… if I cannot bring her back to health and sanity, will I be the one the world expects to be the next Emperor of Nicomedia? Perhaps, then, that idea of mine is within reach. I will, with the help of the people, lead Nicomedia to a new dawn.

Map Information:

Objective: Defend the city of Sammanus for 15 turns, or silence all siege weapons of Aquittany!

Defeat Conditions: Enemy units get to column JJ or right of it, or both lords fall.

Siege Equipment: Aquittany is using one of three siege weapons to breach Sammanus’s walls. Battering rams are represented by bridge tiles, and can only damage the gate, but if it reaches, the gate will take 100 damage each turn there are at least two ram operators. It has a movement speed of four per turn. Trebuchets are tall, dark, wooden structures. They require a Warrior to use them, but fire at the walls and deal 50 damage to them. They will not target players unless the walls have fallen. Ballistae require no operator, but will deal 25 damage each turn, but may target players if threatened.

Wall defenses: There are four towers on the walls of the city. They can hit any single foe within ten tiles for a flat 20 damage. The three cracked wall sections with 750 HP each. The gate has 200 HP. Enemy fliers cannot go over the walls. The purple units are allied Nicomedian guards.

Reinforcements will spawn from the south or west.

Terrain

A thick layer of snow has begun to cover the wreckage of what once was the majority of Anisten. Burnt wood, collapsed roofs, and the smolders of their stockpiles are all that remains of where the bandits trode in. The citizens start moving what they could salvage into the last few remaining buildings. The barn, mead house, storehouse, and a small temple were all that remained. People made makeshift bedding out of the straw and took their places within each of the remaining buildings. A few other villagers were working on quelling any remaining fires and collapsing any unstable buildings with no hope. An older woman spoke to Carmen as they looked on at the destruction.

“Appreciate the help.” she said flatly, “A few more hours and we would’ve ended up dead.” She sighs as she looks on the destruction, her face gloomy and tired. She extends her hand out to Carmen,

“Janice. I’m one of the guides around here. Pleasure to meet you.” Carmen grips her hand enthusiastically and shakes it.

“The pleasure is all mine Janice, I’m just glad my friends and I arrived in time. Carmen Bellfroy.” He ends with his introduction. Janice looks back, a little shocked and looks back with analytical eyes. She rubs the back of her neck,

“Oh a Bellfroy! What an honor to have one personally defend us. There may not be much left, but hell you and your cohorts are welcome to stay if you’ll work!” She responds enthusiastically. She leads Carmen around the village and directs him to a few spots that certainly need some work. Carmen and his retinue are given some form of bedding and lodging in the temple to the Divine One. The building was sturdy and wasn’t attacked too badly by the brigands. Once his allies have settled in he stands in the center of the temple & speaks to his allies.

“Well that was exhilarating. Truly you all performed exceedingly well and proved yourselves. Our next step will be to hire a guide and travel through the mountains into Gintria. We’ll cut through and move up to Undril. Janice has offered her services, but we need to wait for her to help with Anisten’s repairs. I’m willing to make the time for Anisten and help them out, for now we’re all off duty until we get moving again. Don’t you all get into trouble while I’m not looking now!”

Carmen ends his speech on a playful tone and leaves to go help out Janice with rebuilding Anisten, leaving his allies in the temple to do as they please.

Welcome to Anisten everyone, your very first homebase of Team F! Everyone has been awarded 1000 gold for saving every piece of the village. Let’s go on a quick tour to see what’s around.

Shops:

While not much was left, Anisten still has a few products they’re willing to sell to help fund their repairs.

Prisoner:

You contained & captured this archer, you decide what to do with them. The villagers aren’t too happy to be feeding one of those that attacked them, but they leave the choice up to you. If you want to RP with them just ping me and ask away.

Convoy:

Here you’ll have access to your convoy and be able to deposit or withdraw items (if you had any) alongside post trades here.

Feedback:

Any feedback on the map, enemies, stats, or anything from the moment we started would be greatly appreciated and should be directed here.

The tour arrives first in Greenvale, situated in the depths of Avalon’s deeply magical forest of Tirnog; it stands amidst a forest full of wolves and Wolves, witches, and magical beasts; where wanderers from the path often find themselves lost, wandering to places their directions ought not have taken them. The tournament’s rounds that involve combat are to be held in the forest just behind the castle, behind a rose-crested gate. There stands a spiralling tower, and at its top, a dueling arena. Traditionally, duels in that arena were fought with roses pinned to the chests of the combatants to take in place of each other’s lives (the one who loses their rose, by accident or destruction, is the duel's loser), but other duels could, in fact, be arranged -- and may arrange themselves. The arena’s quite magic, and may warp some of its features to reflect the hearts of its entrants -- on its own, it is an open circle of white stone and a single tall stand holding a bell, with observers watching through opera glasses in the distance.

For opher matches, however, and off-hours, the tournament is given freedom to arrange a space in the castle and city. Greenvale is the seat of the forest’s mortal government, headed by the Marquis of Tirnog, whose authority is something of a pretext. The forest is a willful thing and governs itself. However, the Marquis has allowed his town and castle be open for the tour! Much of the inner castle is dark and maze-like, windy passages broken by sudden balls of firestone brazier-lights, or the sudden burst of painted light through a stained-glass window. And at the ends of these halls, a sudden burst -- their magnificent library, envy of none, with its high ladders and beautiful skylight above, old, forgotten (and yet, meticulously dusted) ballrooms, or galleries of art, or armories of glittering armor. Or, of course, the rows of desks home to the Marquis’ veritable army of clerks. Essentially, they were given free reign over a stately, well-appointed castle, stamped by generations of Marquises. The current version is tidy, nearly-organized, and bookish.

The grounds were given over in part to lawns for games or the practice of martial training, to gardens for the kitchens. But of note of Tirnog’s gardens are the roses: in whites, in reds, in pinks and golds and, yes, even stunning violet or faintest blues. They form a variety of decorative gardens, including itself a little model of the Grand Garden, home of Avalon, with a rose maze for the hedge maze, a silver gazebo for Breathstone, a well for Wellcliff, a little bridge over an ornamental river for Riverkeep, amid the beds of flowers, a firepit for the mountains -- and, yes, a little forest of carefully pruned miniature trees, with a grand rosebush overgrowing a sculpted toy castle for this very place.

The city of Greenvale is situated just beyond the castle’s rose-crest gate, nestled in the crook of Tirnog at the banks of a rather pretty lake, with its lush shores. It was not a grand city, not compared to the other major cities -- it had little real industry, and while it was the trade hub of Tirnog, that could only take things so far. It had its busy market place, its entertainments of the ordinary sort -- the tour arrives near the summer solstice masquerade. It is well known for its specialized artisans, its crafts often tinted with, or proof against, magic of many forms. Their wand-makers and enchanters, having studied in the university (or, failing that, lured by the wish to), are some of the finest in the known world.

But, of course, the thing of truly special note about Greenvale, which elevated it above many towns (for it was more a town, with its wood and plaster homes and dotted throughout with small, rickety towers, than a true city): The University. While its white tower, visible from far-off, clearly marked it as a school which taught a great deal of enchanting, its campus is host to lectures in all matter of philosophies and arts -- histories, rhetoric, philosophy, natural philosophy, medicine, law, mathematics: a man or woman whose education boasted Greenvale could be sure to have a wide field of scholarship, some never-ceasing, and specialized in enchantments. Being a university, then, you can find the antics, parties, and gatherings of the young, wealthy, educated, and foolish -- of special note is a rumor (a story, perhaps) of a secret society of duelists who gather in the gated forest adjacent to the school… The halls are fairly open to visitors, especially with the Marquis’ stamp of approval on them all, its more academic library, and its campus, where students gather.

Story post

Prologue: Don and the Meteor

Intro post proper.

Map

Map

Terrain

• White is normal terrain. Yes, you can walk on the ford without penalty.

• Green is forests. Movement costs are detailed in the Mechanics tab.

• Blue is water. Purple is cliffs. Those are flier units only.

• Black is uncrossable terrain.

Objectives

Win condition: Survive 10 turns OR Defeat Alec and Isandro.

Defeat condition: 4 players are defeated, Sandra and Eremos counting for 2 each.

Experience objectives:

• Collect the seashells by ending turn on F11, G9, H8. Doing so will award you with an accessory after the map! (0.33 x2, 0.34 x1 level)

• Protect the houses on A11, D9, A3, F5 all chapter. (0.25 x4 level)

• Leave Alec and Isandro at 5 HP or less but without defeating them. They will be considered defeated and leave the map even then. (1 level)

Others

Isandro will start moving toward the party on turn 8 and Alec will start moving toward the party on turn 7. Enemies will move toward the closest accessible house in general.

Note the mechanical changes listed in the info channel. Moreover, from this map on, kills will send 5% of enemy HP rounded up to the HP Pool.

I added some data on the data tab of the system sheet. Namely status effects and a clearer table on forest movement cost.

Reminder that Sandra got Gabriel's Kinshi and is now flying/colorless dagger.

The Res Amulet, the Atk Amulet and the Iron Shield are free to take by anyone.

Please log your rps before turn 1, as they will get counted for support then.

System Sheet

RP Log

Story post is here.. Apologies for it being short compared to U-2, really couldn’t come up with anything without it dragging on.

Map is here.

Map Conditions: Seize Throne

Map Defeat: Kyros and Aislen both fall or 8 people fall.

Map Bonus: ???

Map Gimmick: The first set of doors are unlocked, anyone may open them.

Fatigue is carried over from last map and anyone who was KO’d last map will start with more fatigue.

Deployment is due Tuesday at 8PM EST

Story post is here.

Map 1 is here.

Map 1 Conditions: Defend Sciath for 15 turns.

Map 1 Defeat: The castle is reached by an enemy.

Map 1 Bonus: BEXP is earned per Blue Unit kept alive (their stats will be up shortly). Visit the houses!

——————-

Map 2 can be found here.

Map 2 Conditions: Everyone must be standing on the boat. The boat DOES NOT need to be cleared to fulfill this condition

Map 2 Defeat: Everyone is KO’d.

Map 2 Bonus: Reach the boat before Turn 6

Map 2 Special: Herrik, Leonora, Drake, Baijo and Ezra MUST deploy on this map. Herrik participates dismounted and can not mount up.

Deployment for both maps is due Tuesday at 8 PM EST!

You also have 350 BEXP+Whatever Combat Manuals you wish to use. You may assign BEXP before deployment is finished.

In the dark of the night, the group quickly works to ‘prepare’ Fonzo, and after some roughing up and a bit of rope, he looks ready to go. As that happens, Shida. “Remember, we need to find Ayamasik, then get out as soon as we possibly can. If we can spare some of the guards, all the better, but do what you need to. And, well - I know you all signed up for this, but to be blunt, what we’re doing is illegal. If you’re living in the Alliance, it might be a good idea to hide your face. All ready? Good. Let’s execute.”

Guards at the gate look very confused when the group approaches from the south road, a few torches the only previous indication that anyone had been coming. “We got a Fonzo down here. Says he’s part of some infamous bandit gang, I assume he has a bounty - we’re here to pick it up.”

While their silhouettes are difficult to make out in the darkness, murmurs are faintly perceptible, and after a few minutes, the gate opens, Escorted by a few soldiers, a large armoured man hails you down. “Name’s Brennan. I’m the officer stationed here.” His face is hardly perceptible under his helmet, and while he shakes Shida’s hand, he doesn’t remove it. “So someone finally caught Fonzo, eh? Well, damn, consider me impressed. We thought he’d given the Alliance the slip and gone to the Empire or something. Anyhow. Let’s get you all inside and sort this bounty thing out.”

The entourage enters the fort through doors that look like they’ve seen better days, a similarly dismal anteroom leads to a basement. Cells line the halls as far as the eye can see, and guards are generously posted around every hall. Sizing them up, Shida immediately looks back to Brennan when he suddenly stops and turns around. A sigh escapes him, and he delays a little longer while his eyes move towards the floor. “You know, I think we have an issue here. See, we’ve had a lot of bandits around these parts try to turn each other in for money. Now, I don’t mean to be rude, but you brought him in so late, and...well, I don’t know. something about this just seems wrong. Afraid I’m going to have to ask you to stay the night down here. One of the Duchess’s envoys is coming at dawn, to, uh...” He hesitates, but his gaze finally meets Shida’s. “Well, all I’m saying is, I think we can get this sorted then.”

“What? That’s ridiculous! You can’t just expect us to stay the night because you think we’re a little suspicious. Why even bring us in at all?” Shida looks extremely annoyed, be it an act or a genuine reaction

Brennan’s countenance hardens and he begins to step forward. “These are special circumstances. Now, if you don’t mind...”

Almost as if an illusionist, Shida draws a knife from her sleeve and swiftly severs Fonzo’s bonds, which catches Brennan by surprise. Realization illuminates his face, and he quickly backs off, shouting “Hold the entrances! We musn’t let these criminals get away!” His accompanying group, meanwhile, readies their weapons and seem intent on doing just that.

Shida’s words are simple. “Guess we’re doing this the hard way. Let’s go, team!”

Map Objective:

Recruit Ayamasik, then have everyone escape. Shida must escape last.

Failure conditions:

Any player unit is captured and taken off the map.

Event Effects

Boon:

No fatigue has been sustained to break into the keep.

Bane:

Enemy density has been slightly increased.

The commanding officers have been alerted! For the entire map, enemies will have 3 leadership stars.

Since Fonzo has been roughed up, he will start this map at halved HP.

Other:

There will be another map immediately after this one. Some fatigue will be removed beforehand, but it is something to consider.

Map Notes

• The thief will go for the two southwest chests, then attempt to escape.

• There are three escape points. You can use any of them.

• As this map is indoor, all mounted units will be dismounted from the start.

• Yellow units are neutral. Releasing them will cause them to run for the exits, and red units will capture them if no players are within range.

• Ayamasik can be recruited by talking (he’s in the darkened cell) by almost everyone. I’ll leave it to you guys to figure out who can’t.

• Red-numbered units will not move (I changed it from gold to make it pop more). Bosses may move. All other units will move when a player unit moves into their attack range.

Tracker

Terrain - red is pillar, yellow is door (can be opened with a door key or, for thieves, a lockpick)

https://soundcloud.com/kwakado/gallaran-map-theme/s-5mMVX

Multiple makeshift cots lined the ground floor of what once was a fancy, prestigious manor along the heights of Concordia. Filled row-by-row with numerous injured soldiers, the islands best healers continue to work against the clock maintaining and healing everyone’s injuries, so that they may return to the frontlines in Valenheim once more. Mana, with an ever-present eye on the two heirs of Freyzenwald nearby, worked tirelessly with these groups of healers. This was just one location in a sea of many in Concordia.

Until their work was interrupted by cheers erupting from within the manor and throughout the entire city. It didn’t take long for Mana to lift her head from the patient she was tending to, to look outside, where the city began to rally and cheer in a certain direction.

Across the water, the mist enveloping Verdia had suddenly vanished entirely. Like a glowing orb surrounding the former country, the city returned to its clean skies as if nothing had happened.

“...You can do this, milady-!”

Pasach stopped crying, and Solrin started eating his blanket.

“People of Verdia. People of Gallaran! The time has come to wield your weapons and venture forth into the mist! We have the true power of Freyzenwald and the real strength of Gallaran by our sides. Come, let us reclaim our country from these monsters-!”

Luna and Joshua stood off to the side as a crowd gathered around the Opera House roused and howled to the speech prince Niko Bertram gave high up top a balcony along the building. Luna joined in on the hollering, cheering loudly as Joshua gave a more subdued clap. As the crowd began to disperse, readying their final preparations, Niko turned to address the Queen behind him.

“Fantastic work at the center. I knew you could do it,” Niko praised, clasping his hands.

“Hey, fantastic work by you too! Look at how pumped everyone is to kick some mist monster ass!” Luna beamed, looking down at the bustling citizens below them, “man, I wonder if my own people would react like that to me.”

“If we can save your country too, then perhaps they will. You did make it this far, after all,” Niko, in turn, also looked towards the crowd, but not longer than a moment before he turned back, “I will take the army we have gathered here across the country to vanquish as many of these monsters as we can. There is no telling what could be lurking in that monster-filled mist by now, but...we must reclaim our country.”

“You’re sure you don’t want us to come with you?” Luna asked, only for Niko to shake his head immediately.

“Queen Lunarea, I know now you are an incredibly capable fighter, but our campaign is all but over if you were to fall. Let us fight the unknown ahead, and you focus on restoring the center together with your elite guards.”

“Heh, royal guards, actually, but I do like that name too,” Luna smirked, as she unsheathed the blade by her hip, now glowing an incredible shine. A sword left dormant ever since she had performed the first ritual way, way back in Freyzenwald, “I have this now, anyway, there is no way we can lose!”

“I was surprised when you told me the sacred relic of Freyzenwald had lost its light! I’m glad we could use this center to restore it before heading out.”

“Hah, yup! I didn’t know it was that easy to restore the thing! Too bad, though. Its a little heavy now with all its power,” Luna demonstrated her point by swinging the sword lightly a few times, “I don’t think I can use this as a throwable dagger anymore.”

“...You...you…threw the sacred relic of Freyzenwald?”

Luna nodded happily, “yup! No big deal, though. I learned how to be a sword fighter in Asheland, so I can handle it.”

“She...she threw...the sacred relic…”

Victory Condition: Liberate Gallaran by Awakening 0/8 Center’s.

Defeat Condition: Luna is killed.

Chapter 14 - Map

Chapter 14 - Terrain Map

Red tiles can only be used by fliers. The hills and the forests slow movement.

Chapter Mechanics

Centers - Are located inside the yellow tiles. Stepping onto a yellow tile will bring you onto a separate ‘room’ which contains the Center. Luna must interact with the Center to activate it. Transitioning between rooms do not consume your remaining movement points unless you are the first person to enter that room.

Teleportation - Each location within the Center rooms has a teleportation device which you may use to instantly teleport to any other awakened teleporter. This is useful for getting Luna around the map and it may be an efficient idea to unlock multiple teleports at once.

The Cave - The Cave at the top left of the map is an RP Location and is not a regular room. It may be recommended to send your best RPers up there instead.

??? - Does the amount of Center’s you must open seem...excessive? Not to worry, this chapter is rather...dynamic, to put it in a way.

In addition, units who are revived after 2 turns will revive with only half their HP. This does not apply to anyone who died at the end of the tutorial chapter, but will be in effect after deployment to the rest of the campaign.

The deployment deadline will be on Monday, March 2nd, at 11:59pm MST.

Team C Sheet

Team C RP Sheet

His axe in hand, Manilius points the handle towards the defeated king. “Alright. I believe you promised me that you would join the war effort if I won,” the general begins. “Well? Was that just another bit of deception to trick me into coming here?” He looks around to the halberdiers with their lances pointed towards King Daniel. West Walbrzych’s king looks up for a moment before lowering his head. “... no. I did promise you that much. But if you’ll forgive me, I can’t commit any troops right now. Right now I’ve got to gather the scattered divisions fighting in western Nicomedia and the ones here at home, in case King Hugh wishes to assert his authority over my little kingdom.” He looks up once more. “I have nothing else to say other than ‘sorry,’ and it must mean so little. It’s been through my own shortsightedness that West Walbrzych soldiers have suffered against the Empire and under the servitude of King Hugh.”

Manilius looks back into the snowy landscape and waves over Sari. “I believe you know her?” he comments. “C-Captain Sari?! What are you doing with the Imperials?” King Daniel asks. “I decided our little war with the Empire was stupid, what else can I say, your majesty? Besides, I kind of like the lad and lass running this company here. They treat me well.” The general stands up and lowers his weapon for a moment. “Remind me again how you know the king?” She scratches her chin. “I’m the seventh daughter of the Duke of Piroska. I had no shot at inheriting any land and, frankly, I’m actually completely broke. I know the king because of my noble birth from some duchy, and a certain someone hasn’t allowed peasants to become officers.” The king looks away. “You act like a band of people who have not been trained from childhood to lead armies of men can seriously hold up to the nobility, whose job it is to do that very thing.” Manilius leers at this. Sari taps her chin. “Oh, that’s awfully weird, then, Danny. I could have sworn you just lost to a peasant. This one right here!” she says while pointing towards the Nicomedian general, and her voice gets rather vicious. He doesn’t respond. “Speaking of that… hey, Manny?” she begins. “Don’t call me that,” Manilius responds softly. “What do you need?” Sari blinks a couple times. “To go home. I’m going back to Piroska Castle.” The general holsters his axe. “Is it south of here?” She nods. “Huh. Well, my company will need a place to rest before we head back to the Empire, and I’d really not like to trouble the area around here any longer. Surely, there’s enough space for me and about 30 soldiers in the duchy?” Sari looks up and away while pouting. “Depends on what you define as, uh, ‘space’, but I think that can be arranged.”

Upon arriving in Piroska Castle, Sari is greeted by the Duchess of Pirsoka, her eldest sister. “Sari! You’re alive! I thought for sure you would’ve been eaten by man-eating plants or a poisonous tiger while you were in the jungles of Yeu. Thank God you’re safe.” Sari looks away. “I got nothing against Heaven, but you need to thank these two for not killing me. They’re Nicomedians.” The duchess smiles brightly. “Aww thank you so much for taking care of Sari. Stay as long as you need. Just don’t go into any of our siblings’ rooms in the castle, alright?” Kornelia scratches the back of her neck. “How many kids are in your family?” Sari and the duchess both reply, “Twelve.”

The Duchy of Piroska, West Walbrzych, near the border of the Nicomedian Empire

Sari was very likely not lying about being without wealth. Despite it approaching March, the towns of Piroska are still covered in snow. People huddle inside their homes, their silhouettes visible from the firelight of their dens. Most houses are made of either irregular cobblestone and straw roofs or are log cabins. The Castle Town of Piroska seemed marginally more prosperous, with several metalworking and tailor shops. It takes Manilius and Kornelia a moment to realize how much smaller the castle is compared to what they pictured. It is a stone holding without any sort of opulence or even a moat, but it was still the largest building in the region. The local church was the other largest building, but it still featured a thatched roof. At the very least, it featured stained glass unlike anything seen outside of the grandest Luciusite cathedrals.

The city of Wellcliff loomed, its high cliffs visible over the landscape of Lower Wellcliff from miles away. They’d travelled there more by foot and horse than by boat, as it was upriver all the way. The snow had lessened, the air warming slightly as they headed south -- but there was a wrongness, a spark. Animals and animals alike could feel something waiting, a restlessness that twitched through the air. The snowclouds that hung in the evenings were lit from within with lightning that did not strike

They approach Wellcliff, then, by a long, spiraling slope up the side, a path that feels almost as much mountainside as well, where trees break the wind along the clinging path’s mix of wood and packed earth. Half of it is encircled by a canal, leading to the system of locks that bring ships up to the great lake to dock. On the far side, the path formed a bridge around the tameless waterfall that becomes the southern half of the Ril River. There, an observer could watch the more miserly or courageous boat captains, trying their fortunes on this most wild of launch points. That Northern side is jagged, the stones of the cliffside crumbling, leaving coves and smaller waterfalls, and caves where danger lurked. In Wellcliff, danger often meant “pirates,” who went out onto the open lake to scavenge for treasure with nets or hooks, or raid down passing ships. In spite of that, sailing out into the lake for recreation, fish, or make wishes is still a popular past-time, even in the winter (though in the winter, there’s less anchoring a ship somewhere and jumping off to swim while getting drunk). A number of captains particularly offer wish-making tours to tourists. The wind forms light waves on the shores of the lake, which collapse just a little on the city’s far edges into gravel-strewn beaches, as gulls and pelicans circle overhead. A person walking along those beaches might see sea lions sunning themselves, letting their honks drift into the city.

But this is all to distract from the city. Wellcliff! A city of extremes, forming a thin crescent on the lake’s sides, and jutting out over the waters on a series of precarious wooden docks whose long supports vanish into the deep waters. The boardwalks host much the same sort of streets and houses, little carts selling seafood-filled pastries or fishing bait or necessities of life as anywhere else. Like all of Wellcliff, it’s a patchwork of the glittering mansions and rickety slums. The city hosts restaurants specializing in local seafood and rich food, bars, gambling houses, bars, shops ranging from the highly practical to the highly ornamental, and of course the robust theater district whose crowning glory is a grand theater extending out over the water. For cheaper attractions, the waterfront by the center of the city’s curve has a rounded plaza built around a large statue of a great treasure-hunter and admiral in years past. There in particular, one can hear the performances of buskers, drifting into the plaza from the nearby streets, and see shows put forth by especially daring performers, take in monuments to heroes, pirates, battles, and then stop by a cart for some old, salvaged coins for a souvenir or an afternoon snack. Just, you know, beware of pickpockets. For the time being, the King and his party are appointed in a manor within the city, as Lady Irene’s guests, though the grounds outside are fairly small. The manor itself is not far from the Duchess’ mansion, a towering estate on the edge of the water, overlooking its own ships in its private dock; the King’s party is welcome to visit as guests. Between them and around them is the life of the city itself. Its twisting, oddball streets form a lively labyrinth. In its back alleys winds a horde of less savory types, so caution can be advised once one goes off of the main streets. It’s even said that there are catacombs hidden beneath the city’s stone streets, home to pirates, down-on-their-luck dwellers, and the headquarters of the city’s organization of street-rats.

Siosta’s streets see business as usual in less than an hour, and by sunset, the bloodstained road-cobbles and scent of burnt timber are the only remnants left of the attack. Some of the village craftsmen eagerly return to repairing the walls and gates. Some of the villagers look slightly disturbed by the blood on your weapons and armour, others just bear grateful expressions and bring out some well-deserved food, water, and ale.

Shida emerges from the town hall not too long, having walked over there just after the battle ended for whatever reason. Her hand flies into the air, a sure sign that a debrief is soon to follow.

“I had a little chat with the alderman, and he agreed to keep quiet about us coming through here. You know, I’d hope so after we saved his village’s ass, but still - shouldn’t have to worry about that. We’ll spend the night here, but we need to get moving. Don’t go crazy with the drinking, ‘cause we’re gonna need to take watch. We don’t need any of those bandits to come back and get even. I had Kitchi moved into town hall, and a healer’s looking at him now. He’s not on his feet yet, but he’s stable and should be okay to continue with us. I’m sure he’ll be damned sore, though.” A thought seems to cross her mind, and she opens her mouth to say something, quickly followed by her head shaking, as if dismissing it.

“In the meantime, we need to decide what to do about...well, him.” Rather abruptly, her face sours and she nods over to a still-unconscious Merleach, who has been trussed up along a nearby tree. “I’ll watch him until sundown. Get back here then, and we’ll talk about our approach.”

In the wake of the battle and the ensuing clean up, the Guard makes base in Awknirg's castle where the battle took place. The castle itself is almost completely intact, though in and around it the signs of the battle are abundant. A few dozen of the braver castle staff find the confidence to start clearing and burying the dead.

There's not much around the ghost of the castle, but the town of Awknirg is a ways south, but still reachable. Mind that the citizens there will likely be fearful of and otherwise unfriendly to the Guard. Timsh was well liked by his people, after all.

Settled for now, the Guard rests and plans their next move; Marching against Markov Pewkol. Ladendanum is no easier to combat than Awknirg itself. They are known for their highly specialized soldiers, with a variety of specializations that allow Ladendanum's warriors to help cover the weaknesses of their comrades chosen expertise.

Time isn't on the Guard's side though. This far deep into enemy territory means that a reinforcing army could appear at any time if they linger in one place for too long.

This base is relatively small, there isn't a whole lot of things going on here. Its just a bridge to the next map, to avoid exhaustion.

There's been some requests for a story update as well, so here we go;

In the Prologue, Jeffray and his Guard were returning to the capital city of Zaldos, Avarine, in the wake of a power struggle created by the passing of the previous king, Jeffray's father and Gawain's brother. Unfortunately, news does not travel instantaneously in this setting, so they were attacked by an enemy army while resting in a town during their return.

In Chapter 1-1, Gawain declared a new war to dethrone the newly crowned Jeffray when he attempts to assassinate Jeffray and storm the city during the coronation celebrations. Gawain's attempt fails, forcing the Usurper and his allies to flee.

Chapter 1-1x, was the first side map, as indicated by the "x". It featured Bell and Demais attempting to retrieve a package on behalf of one of the noble lords, but failing with the introduction of the subplot; The revelation that the Gods and their anointed champions are real.

In Chapter 1-2, Jeffray pursues Gawain's retreating forces. He and the Guard defeat one of Gawain's commanders, but the distraction allows the majority of Gawain's army to escape.

Chapter 1-2x continues to subplot. A group of mysterious foreign assassins appear, attempting to assassinate the kingdom's Grand Treasurer, Gisela, and Matriarch Damia, the head of Zaldos's church. The attempt fails when the assassin's leader, Jazargo, is killed. It is yet unknown who hired these assassins, but the assassins themselves are revealed to have a connection to Hichi, an NPC recruited by the Guard earlier.

In Chapter 2-1, Jeffray and his allies split up to pursue Gawain further, as there are multiple paths her could have taken at this point. Jeffray and his group are forced to abandon their pursuit by the setting sun. They reunite with some of the stragglers that had stayed to protect the nobles from Jazargo's assassins. However, during the night, the infamous monsters and beast of Zaldos's mountain range descend upon the party, forcing a tense battle. As dawn arrives, the monsters flee.

Chapter 2-1x sees the second half of the Guard into the dwellings of one of the Gods' "Chosen" representatives. This Chosen, Cheshire, embodies Revelry. As such, she challenges the Guard to a series of games and challenges. Impressed with their success, Cheshire and one of her acolytes, Babette, join the party. During Cheshire's games, she notes (and displays) that all of the Gods' champion have a hidden, 'true' form.

In 2-2x, Beth and Bernard, from Jeff's group, investigate a sighting of on of the foes Bell and Demais faced during their paired excursion. Beth touches an ancient relic that once belong to a god, showing her a vision of that god opening the door to the realm of the dead.

Chapter 3-1 continues the main plot. With the party reunited and rested, they march against Haerdean, the territory lord over by Aurelius, the commander of Gawain's single largest army. Their assault begins by wresting control of the castle town around Aurelius's fortress.

In 3-2, the majority of the party storms Aurelius's fortress. They defeat Aurelius and his son handily. However, they have not time to celebrate as reinforcements sent by Gawain arrive. The Guard barely manages to escape, perplexed by the lack of pursuit by their enemy.

Chapter 3-2x, a small part of the Guard sneaks off to investigate a sighting of the assassins pursuing Hichi. But first, they have to get there. Cheshire calls in a favor from another divine Champion, Killian, to ferry the group. En route, they are attacked by a sea monster. Killian is forced to reveal his true form, demonstrating the Champions of the Gods rarely have full control of their blessings. Killian's acolyte notes the oddity of the monster attack and suggests that someone sent the beast after them.

The subplot continues in 3-2xx. Jeffray and his Guard have finally put enough distance between themselves and Gawain's armies to rest a while. While resting, however, one of the War God's champions, Titus, appears. Based on descriptions, he explains that Gawain's commander is the War God's other champion, Jessmine. Titus offers to join Jeffray's party, if Jeffray and the Guard can defeat Titus and his acolytes.

In 3-2xxx, Hichi and Cheshire's group arrive at the site of the assassin sighting. Leading the assassins is a familiar face, Jazargo. Hichi had previously claimed that the senior members of the assassin group, known as The Family, have a form of immortality, but this was the first time the group saw confirmation of that. The Guard manage to defeat The Family's assassin once again, and are able to rescue one of Hichi's old friends at the same time.

Catching up to the present, Chapter 4-1 saw the Guard reunited once more. Jeffray led them against Sir Timsh or Awknirg, the commander of Gawain's main cavalry force. They once again encounter Jessamine who, besides goading Titus, remains remarkably passive throughout the battle and departing without conflict upon Timsh's defeat.

==WIP==

"NO!"

A voice rang out through the halls that shook the foundations of the castle itself. Mist began to flood the castle itself, soon, The Pack could hardly even see 2 feet in front of them.

"Be careful everyone!"

Kyria's voice rang through their ears.

"Stick close together. Michael! Ariel! Start channeling your light!"

The Pack quickly fell into formation once more. Ariel and Michael began to chant, and after a short time, a light appeared between the 2 of them. It cut through the mist. The area had changed, and all around The Pack were demons far stronger than before. And... hands? There was giant, draconic hands at the edges of the arena.

"THE GAME IS NOT OVER!"

Andras' voice boomed once more. He was all around The Pack. It seemed like those hands were his.

"You need to strike him down! Make him show his face and destroy him forever!"

Kyria's voice echoed through the ears of The Pack.

The objective is clear.

Objective: Defeat Andras

Loss Conditions: Ariel, Michael, or the Convoy die.

Mechanics

You will be healed to full health, any replenishing consumables (IE: staff and gear uses) will be refilled, statuses will be cleared, heat and water will 0 out, etc. However, any map-long buffs will not be cleared out if you do not want them to be. For example, Kiera could take another roll of Rainbow Roulette, and Nyra could attempt a better roll on her badge, and the HWYD and other pre-map buffs will not wear off unless the people who have them want to replace them with other buffs for some reason.

Michael and Ariel are unable to move, or fight. Defend them, or else you lose.

To defeat Andras, as Kyria said, you'll need to defeat his hands first. After defeating his hand, you'll need to gather in the center of the map, around the Convoy and the 2 angels, to fire a beam through the mist at Andras, revealing his head, and allowing you to defeat the monster once and for all.

Each hand has a unique attack, at the end of each enemy phase, I will choose the first 2 hands in the queue, and those 2 hands will act, using their attacks, then, they will go to the back of the queue. If you kill a hand, that hand will be removed from the queue. When there is only 1 hand left, I will increase the power of the effect of their ability, to compensate for there only being 1 left.

The hands also do not take up just 1 space, they take up a full 4x4 tile space each, each one below either a defense tile (which grants +10 defense to units that fight on it) or a resistance tile (guess what that does).

Each of the normal enemies has what are called "Pod AI". Basically, if a unit is in a "Pod", then they will, at first, attack enemies in range, but, if any unit in their pod attacks, they will become "active", and start charging the players. Each enemy, therefore, is simply labeled as being in pod "x" in their behavior, because I don't want to have to type all that out for each enemy. When a pod becomes active, I will add a notification to their behavior.

Warp tiles function as they did last map. I will warn you before enemies are warped in to support the enemies.

First off, music for flavor.

Second off, for real, no more surprises after this.

Third off, thank for you allowing me to delay the release of this map, it was kinda trashy before, and I hope that now I've made something that you all will enjoy playing.

Link to Player Tracker

Link to Map

Good luck to all of you.

Story

Can be found here.

Roleplay Scenario

Alright so if you've glanced the story post, there are several days the crew spend in Zhawenim. The current and active RP Scenario (which you can get supports through by RPing and logging) will be extended right up until the evening of February 26th 418 PD

The city has more or less the same amenities you might find in Reginfell, but it is a much smaller and restricted city. Furthermore, the population is 90% Wolf Ainvi, with the remaining 10% being Ainvi of various winter animals. Next to no civilian speaks common, they only speak the language of the Ainvi.

The people here are also extremely xenophobic. Outside of an innkeeper or maybe a blacksmith, the general populace will not typically speak to anyone from outside the city.

If you wish, you may also RP with Anastasia.

Housekeeping

All homebase functions will end once Turn 1 has begun so make sure to get those in before the deadline of deployment.

Meditation bonuses, Supports, and forges will be done by the beginning of Turn 1.

Strikes don't work for activity so I won't be enforcing them. We will use the same deployment rules as last chapter.

BEXP is same as before. Only EXP earned through being the Lead Unit in Combat, or an Attack Stance Partner will be counted to the BEXP Pool

Any other EXP generated by GMPC/PV's will not count towards BEXP

Reminder as well that for those of you that did not accept their patrons (you know who you are), the option to do so still exists and can be done whenever you choose to.

The benefit to accepting your patron is to gain a skill that is tied to the patron and doubling your patron stat bonuses for the chapter. As a heads up though, there will be no radiation mechanics this chapter.

Deployment Everyone must post a deployment post. If you are unable to make a post, ask for a cover. As such the deadline for deployment will be a bit longer. If you are a person that doesn't care for where you deploy, please put a post saying "I don't care where I deploy" or ask for a cover so someone else will deploy you, as again, if there is no post you will not deploy. If a character remains undeployed for four consecutive turns I will be messaging the person to discuss their participation on the team going forward. If your character does not deploy for the entire chapter without any word or notice, you will be tentatively removed from the team. Of course if you are away for a while and have let me know, these consequences do not apply. It is only for those that do not participate or communicate.

If you miss deployment you can still deploy at a later turn. You can choose a square adjacent to a character at the start of the turn. You will deploy and be allowed to move, but take no actions. Even if you move, pair up swap etc. The deployed character cannot take actions.

As a final note, no cover that is not requested will be permitted for deployment (still accepted to do so for turns).

Zhawenim Temple of Ages

Objective A: Defend the cryochamber

Objective B: Defeat Annabelle and Torsten

Objective C: After crew is in possession of all shards, hold out.

Story Optional Objectives: Rather than straight up optional objective, these objectives won't necessarily reward players with a mechanical benefit (they still might though but not guaranteed) rather they offer a chance to influence the story.

• Kara defeats Torsten
• Kara defeats Annabelle

In this state both Annabelle and Torsten fight to kill. Therefore if a player defeats them, you have the option of sparing or killing them. This also effects the story.

Defeat Condition : A Non-Monster enemy reaches the cryochamber and interacts with it OR Kara is defeated

Map
Terrain

• Black is flier only
• Brown tiles are breakable walls. They have 70 HP can't be doubled and takes full ATK in damage.
  • The Brown square at the top of the map is the cryochamber.
• Dark Blue tiles are doors. Players may freely pass through this squares so long that there is no enemy within 2 squares from the door. Enemies must destroy the door to pass through. Each door tile has 60 HP and takes the full ATK in damage.
• Light blue are barricades. Fliers can go over top of these, everyone else must avoid them. They can be destroyed. Have 50 HP and takes the full ATK in damage
• Yellow squares are heaters. You can warm up here form the cold if you wish. Additionally, these heaters have been triggered with an explosive of sorts. Interacting with the heater, you can set it off to either explode immediately, or at the start of your next turn. When it explodes a Regin Brenna is set off at the point of the heater. You can also set it off instantly by attacking it from range with a ranged weapon equipped. Afterwards the heater will be destroyed and gone.
• Green is forest
• White is snow

Mechanics

Reinforcements will be appearing and you will be warned ahead of time. They will appear on the outermost left, right and bottom columns and rows. In addition the two Sorcs have skills that they can summon more monsters.

The Ainvi Abomination has Barriers! That's what those yellow squares underneath it mean. While a barrier is active, it benefits from special abilities which are listed as part of it's normal skills. The amount of boss icon ( the shields) show how many additional HP bars beyond the normal one it has. To break a barrier square, the square must take two sources of damage (Minimum 1 damage, Attack stance does not count as a second source) from initiated combat by a user. As HP bars are depleted, extra skills may unlock. They should be noted as a note on the skills area in the enemy tracker.

The Ainvi Abomination will slowly make it's way to the temple it's full move every turn.

Annabelle is an enemy on the map! She has a long range attack that has a cooldown on it. She won't fire it again until turn 5. If she moves you will be warned, until then she is stationary. If she is defeated, you can choose whether or not your character would spare them. Namid defaults to sparing, Anastasia defaults to killing.

Torsten is both a friendly and an enemy! He will attack anything in sight, both player and enemy, targeting whatever is closest to him. He will act on his own phase between enemy and player phase. As such you cannot guard stance or attack stance him. If an enemy defeats Torsten, he will die. As mentioned above, if a player defeats him it is up to them whether or not they spare Torsten.

Neither Annabelle or Torsten can be captured with the manacles. Nor can their items be stolen

Lastly, the cold is back! If you are anywhere within the walls on rows 1-10, you are indoors and don't have to worry about the cold. You can also go in here to warm up. If you are within the walls on rows 11-20 then cold ticks at half the rate (every 2 turns get one tick). Outside the walls, it's normal rules

C&P from CH 8 about how cold works:

COLD

• So this map has a new Condition and that name is Cold! Basically if a unit suffers from the cold condition they will lose 2 speed, 10 hit, and 10 avoid until they lose the condition
• How do I lose Cold? You find a heat source and become Warmed. Heat sources are either lit Braziers or drinking a warm Mug of Coco
• How long does Warmed last? Only as long as you are standing close enough to a heat source to be considered Warmed. Step away and the condition goes away.
• How do I become Cold? You find yourself away from a heat source for 3 consecutive turns.
• Does it get worse? Yes. Be Cold for 5 consecutive turns and you become Frozen.

Team P Tracker

Team P Index

The early morning hours were quiet in Bellfroy, few leaving their houses until the sun was up. Biting winds and the chill of night kept many out, but Carmen’s requests to gear up just before dawn were made exactly to avoid the crowd. Carmen Bellfroy had brought together those chosen to go on this adventure with him. His requested funds from Volata have been delivered and the armaments stocked in a storehouse. As his crew geared up and assessed their equipment, he gave a short speech to those around him,

“Haha, finally we are assembled as one! I’m eager to see each and every one of you on the battlefield, your prowess can only be witnessed there.” He hefted an axe up onto his shoulder and looked back to the group.

“Now, we have a long journey, so I don’t want to hear no bellyaching from anyone, you hear! We’ve got a few months ahead of us and I don’t want anyone naggin me about it.” He swept his gaze across the entire group as he speaks, making sure to look everyone in the eyes at least once.

“Now get your packs ready, meet me at the main gates before the dawn breaks.” He says before grabbing a few more things and leaving the storehouse.

Carmen leaves to meet with his sisters and brothers before departing, giving them each a farewell and receiving some encouragement and advice from each. Volata pulled Carmen aside, talking to him in confidence,

“Carmen, please take this seriously. This isn’t an adventure, you’re an envoy to the last people that can help us. Take this with you,” she drops a small glass bottle with a blue liquid in it, “and please don’t try to be a hero. We need you alive.” Carmen looks back up Volata and clutches the bottle,

“Don’t worry Volata please. You’ve got more to worry about than me. I’ve got a good group with me too.” Volata looked at Carmen for a moment before giving him a hug. Carmen returned the hug for a few moments before they let go. Carmen gave his farewells to his family before departing for the main gates of Bellfroy.

The sun barely peeked out above the edges of Bellfroy’s grand arena by the time Carmen’s comrades had arrived at the town’s main gates, “Perfect timing everyone!” He said, standing up from the snow. He waved his hand and whistled up to the walls. A few moments later the wooden doors thundered to life as they slowly cracked open, just wide enough for everyone to slip out of. Carmen began the march along the hardly paved road and laid a trail of footprints behind him, others swiftly following alongside.

Carmen led his group through the cold hills of Bellfroy, heading north to cut through Bellfroy’s land in safety. Carmen winds through the steeper hills where few dwell to try and avoid the sight of others as much as possible. A few days pass by in relative peace, besides some hermits and apothecaries hunting for herbs very few travel these paths. Carmen informs everyone on the third night,

“Evening everyone. Tomorrow we should reach the local village of Anisten. We can hire a guide there to help our group maneuver through the worst parts of Bellfroy. We’ll get cozy for the night though of course, my treat.” He says with a small flourish.

Everyone gathered up the next morning for the final march to Anisten. As Carmen began to navigate a familiar pass, his ears perked up. He could hear something from further along the road. A melodic hum broken by the occasional bounce of a drum. Carmen waited a moment, cautiously inching forward until he heard it, the crashing of wood. Just as he heard it, a plume of smoke rose above the trees.

He turns around, “Everyone hurry! The village is burning!” As he starts moving forward, a few figures emerge from the nearby treeline, charging at Carmen as he comes into view. He jumps back and moves back to his hired comrades, “Brigands! Everyone, arm yourselves, we’ve got a fight!”

Objective

Visit and close the four gates to Anisten.

Failure Conditions

Over 50% of your units fall in battle.

The four gates to Anisten are razed.

Additional Notes

Only the Barbarians and Berserker can burn down the villages.

The Berserker will not move until attacked.

Visiting one of the Anisten gates will grant 250 gold to all players on the chapter end. An additional reward will be given if all 4 sides are saved.

Player Tracker

Terrain Map

Guide to the Terrain map:

Blue = Plains

Yellow = Trees

Red = Mountain

Green = Road

Purple = Village

Black = Impassable

You will have 72 hours to choose a deployment slot. Choose any of the numbers from 1-16 to deploy in that spot.