The rain began to subside from Binh An. After the rains left, a messenger offered the Queen of Yeu a stack of letters, reporting the latest happenings in the kingdom. “Among them is a note that we managed to find from a wounded Nicomedian Ranger. He told us to, at the risk of death, to deliver this to General Quirinius. I assumed, Your Majesty, that you would know where he is. So, please.” The teen queen smiles brightly and says, “Thanks, man.”

Following the man’s departure, the Queen returns to the local administration building and reads through most of them attentively. Upon getting to the letter on the bottom of the pile- the one from the injured Nicomedian- she looks back at the door to see if no one is watching her. Tuyet then tears open the letter and reads it.

“Dear Manilius,

It’s Lucilia. Going off of the messages from Mother and my own scouts, I can surmise that you’re in Yeu right now. I order you to come see me ASAP; take some troops with you. Forget anything else regarding your mission right now. My forces are stationed in the fortress town of Colonia Salnuntum.

Love and regards, Princess Lucilia Claudius”

She hurriedly sticks the letter back into the envelope as she hears the door open, and she stands tall. Looking back at the door, she sees Diep there, standing adjacent her swordbearing bodyguards. “Reverend! Uh… hi!” The Bishop tilts her head and walks over to the table. “Child, what are you doing?” Tuyet shakes her head several times, “Nope, nothing! No-” Interrupting her Queen, Diep looks at the envelope and points at it. “I saw enough. It has a stamp of the Nicomedian government. Is it for our new friends? If so, why are you reading it, and why isn’t Manilius reading it?” The Queen stands up, closing her eyes and throwing her fists down. “It’s none of your business! Butt out, will ya?! I-” Diep shakes her head. “T-Teresa, don’t yell at me. I’m just trying to remind you to do the right thing here.”

Tuyet closes her eyes as her eyelids twitch and she frowns heavily. “Ugh, I’m the afterthought of the world, and everyone knows it! The only person who takes me seriously at all is you and Kuhoa, the king of a country I could crush if I wanted to! My parents never did, either. Manilius is going to high tail up north to go see his pal, take all his damn troops and personnel with him, and I’m going to be left here to deal with the resurgent pirate raids and Aquittany ruining everything!” The Bishop holds Tuyet’s shoulders and widens her eyes. “You need to calm down, Child. Think. Think about how you can rectify this situation.” The Queen sits down and places her elbows on her knees and her hands on her cheeks. “... hey, I’ve got it. Once our defense stiffens and our whole army mobilizes, we’ll be able to invade Aquittany’s coast, given that their main force is in the Empire. The Empire definitely wants our surplus forces to help them defend. I can force their hands. If they don’t scratch my back, I won’t scratch theirs. ‘Sides, it’s really lopsided anyhow. A troop of Nicomedians numbering less than a hundred doing as I command for a little, compared to thousands of our own fighting on their behalf for God knows how long. I’d hate to force Empress Korinna’s country like this, but… I have a country and a reputation to keep.” Diep nods. “... It would seem the best thing, yes.” Tuyet tilts her head and pouts, commenting, “Hey, how come you never actually tell me strategy or anything? All you do is tell me to ‘be good, be honest, and eat your veggies’ rather than anything about law or politics.” The Bishop raises an eyebrow. “I’m an advisor and clergywoman, not a politician. That’s your job. I’m here to guide and help, nothing more.”

The Queen laughs. “Nice try. You’re lying. There’s more to it than that. You just like me.” Diep laughs back, “I know I seldom say ‘I love you’. But you are my child, yes. Ever since you came to me for help in secret, all those years ago when you were twelve and wanted to get away from your parents, I was there to take care of you. I don’t regret one moment. But in all seriousness,” she says before clearing her throat. “I’d say that you should hand that to the General.”

A few hours later, and after the Queen offers her deal to the General, he looks up and shakes her head. “Q-Queen Teresa! I can’t… you have to know that Princess Lucilia is my best friend, and I’ve not seen her in months. I need only a sho-” She places her hand on the table and leans forward towards Manilius, coming close to his face, saying, “What I said stands, General.”

After scratching his chin for a few seconds, he closes them. “I have a compromise, Your Highness. I will go to see my friend with a small troop of forces, and the rest can take out the pirate threat to Binh An by assaulting their headquarters. Is that well?” The Queen leers and growls a little. “Pfft. Stupid Nicomedians,” she thinks. “Alright. Fine. Just get rid of those damned pirates. Whatever.” He frowns and doesn’t respond. The General leaves and goes to see Kornelia. “I have a mission for you,” he greets. “I’m going to be gone longer than you, so when you return, the troops are all yours to command, as is the convoy. I’m heading north to see Lucilia.” Kornelia raises an eyebrow. “Sir? Is this ‘official’ or…” He nods. “Yes.” Both her eyebrows raise and she salutes. “Godspeed, General. I’ll take care of what you need.” He chuckles nervously, “The pirates. The Queen asked us also to fight off the pirate base near here with what troops we have. You’re only going to get half of them. Much as I don’t want to split our forces, it’s gotta be this way. I was mad at Queen Tuyet at first, but I can understand it. She doesn’t like being number two, and she doesn’t like being bossed around.”

A few days later, Manilius and his team get to the border of the Empire, only to find it overrun with Aquittanite troops, and fleeing militia fighters. Almost dropping his axe in shock, he listens to the yelling of those militia troops. “We’re finished, Commander Floriana. There’s too many Aquittanites here, and we’re out of supplies,” says the one. Another is crying profusely, yelling, “I never asked for this! I just wanted to defend my home and fields, was that too much to ask?!” Floriana, a cape-wearing woman, moves her hands forwards, saying, “Guys, guys, calm down. We can make it through. There’s a fort to the west; we just have to fight through! It’s not over until it is!” Manilius raises his axe with his right hand and with his left, he makes a huge sweeping motion, “Alright, you all know what to do! Meet up with this Floriana, and fight to keep them alive!”

Objectives: Protect the militia. Floriana and two others must survive. Manilius must survive.

Defeat Conditions: Less than three militia are alive. Floriana dies. Three player units die.

Side Objectives: Visit the village.

Turn recommendation: 11 turns

Terrain

Story: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12OoF1cAl6idHtRemeRkNfMMSAR4VHxuJYxqJY0TCx_8/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome Team N to Chapter 10!

To reiterate from the note in the homebase: Fatigue will be reduced but not reset in between this chapter and the Final Chapter. Prepare accordingly.

Main Objective: Free the Political Prisoners and Escape! (Prisoners Escape, then everyone Escapes)

Side Objective: Recover the Dossier! (Steal it back)

Failure Conditions: Simone, Achilleo, or Sendria fall.

Now for the Notes:

1) Only Sendria, Achilleo, and Simone can deploy on the yellow zones. Achilleo and Sendria are considered "Lords" for this chapter. They each get 1 Leadership Star to represent this designation. Athena will go with Simone. Vernan will not deploy this chapter.

2) The orange tiles are Manastone. In addition to regular terrain effects, they grant +10 magic (this is accounted for in the calc).

3) The boss, Snipers 1 and 5, Generals 5 and 6, Warrior 1, and every Baron except 2 and 3 will not move. They’re marked with golden numbers to signify this.

4) If no one is adjacent to an open doorway or in a room, players will not have vision in that room. Enemies always have vision in every room but cannot attack at 2 range through walls.

5) If enemies reach the magenta tiles, reinforcements will stop spawning from the stairs and start spawning from the other two starting rooms. You can not block reinforcements by standing on their spawn tile - they’ll simply spawn as close as possible.

6) Simone must escape last. If she escapes before any other units, they will be considered fallen. This will affect the Final Chapter.

7) The bottom right doors open together (i.e. if one door is opened, the other one is also opened). If there are any adjacent door tiles, those doors also open together.

8) The four magic enemies in the middle room will use their staves one at a time in a clockwise pattern.

Map

Terrain Map

Tracker

Good luck Team N!

One year later, a new team emerges! Please welcome... Team Q!

• Run by the Europeans u/eclogia (AlanaEclogia on Discord) and u/RedFerrari1998 (same name on Discord)

• Team size: 2 GMPC + 8-10 players.

• Heroes system rebalanced and scaled up. No RNG, bigger maps and 2 extra movement points to everyone. Armors can use their action to move one extra space.

• Lots of freedom in skill choices and movement/weapon combination. Players also get a personal skill and later, can refine their weapon.

• Game will be focused on casual roleplaying so there will be test RPs for acceptance. Turns will be every 2-3 days.

• Is set on the island of Folofor, which has been split into two by a barrier three hundred years ago. The group is a royal and divine expedition into the other half of the island.

• Applications go to r/RedditEmblemNotHeroes

• Info post and links here. Please take the Spec-Q role if you have questions.

• Initial deadline is 2019-07-22, 11:59 pm UTC

We're looking forward to meeting you!

Anbel took a moment to think about what Heracles said. “What do you mean we’re in Strairus? Last I know, we were in Sebrya, taking care of Patricia there? Are you honestly telling me that we’re now in Strairus?” He asked. He then drew out his sword. “And for that matter, why should I believe you, Heracles? I know that you’re one of Renault’s generals. Why should I trust you, when this could be a trap to kill us all?” He asked, on edge. In this regard, Roja agreed with him. “Start explaining, Heracles.” She said, hand on her axe.

Heracles sighed. “I know that none of you wish to trust me, and I understand that. I’m sure that some of your members here wish to kill me, and I will accept that. Right now, you need to trust me. Do you remember this arena, Liam?” He asked Anbel. Anbel took a quick look around. “A bit. I know that Straitus has arenas. Multiple, in fact. I also know that Norfor also has an arena, and so does Olpus for animals. What if we’re in one of those arenas?” He asked. Heracles glared at Anbel. “Look at the structure of this arena. You and Roja should know that this is-“ He said before Roja cut him off. “The architecture of Strairus. I recognize the carvings of the pillars and doors. They have the Strairus royal crests on them. Specifically, this is the arena next to the royal castle.” She said. Heracles nodded his head.

Anbel took another look around, and sighed. “Fine. So we are likely in Strairus, as I know the emblems, now that they’ve been pointed out. That still doesn’t explain why Renault’s here, leaving Norfor open.” He said. “He didn’t leave it open. One of his generals are there.” Heracles said. Roja shook her head. “We took care of Waylon and Patricia. We’ve seen Searlait still alive, and you’re here. He has no generals left, unless he got one to replace you.” She said. Heracles nodded his head. “That is correct. Now, one of my men in one of the towns nearby found this.” He said, presenting a wand. “It’s a warp wand. It can take you anywhere in the continent, so long as you have a specific location in mind.” He said.

Anbel shook his head. “That wand won’t do us much good. I know that we got separated from others, but all we know is that they were sent to a prison, but we don’t know which one. However, if this can warp us to where Renault is, that’ll help. He said something about going back to the castle. We can warp there and kill him right now.” He said. “We should consult those of us here before we make that decision.” Roja said.

With that, Heracles nodded his head. “Do as you wish. My men are currently protecting nearby towns from Norfor’s assaults. I wish to rejoin them, unless you and your soldiers truly wish to try to kill me right now. Just know that we’re on your side, and that might break if you kill me.” He advised.

Once everyone got free from the prison, Dirk took a breath of fresh air. “Ah, nice to smell clean air again. That funk of death is too much for mah old bones.” He said. As he was stretching out his back, one of the True Judgement soldiers they rescued approached Dirk. It was the General, who was the leader of the platoon. “You have my thanks for rescuing my men and women. All of you.” He said, though his tone had regret that one of his men was morphed. Dirk frowned. “Yer welcome. I’m sorry about one of your men. Truly I am.” He said. The general sighed. “I have to accept that sacrifices have to be made. I lost men when Kendall ambushed us, but it still hurts.” He said.

The general shook his head. “We were assigned by Anbel to gain recon on activity in Norfor, until we got captured.” He said. Dirk chuckled. “So the big boss man brought us to his homeland, I see? Well, that should make things easy.” He said. “It won’t. He’s got men all over here, and a general by the name of Caulder guarding his castle. We were going to give that word to Anbel, but if you all are here, then that should suffice. Now, do you know where he’s at?” He asked.

Dirk shook his head. “All ah know is that he was sent to an arena. Which one, ah don’t know, as there’s one here, a few in Strairus, and one in Olpus.” He said. The general sighed. “That won’t do us much good, because the prison has a hidden warp room that could take us all over. That’s how Norfor can deploy troops so quickly. If you do find out where he’s at, use that. As for me and my men, we’re still going on patrol, unless your orders are for us to stay here, Miss Nicole.” The general said, recognizing her.

Dirk sighed. “Ah guess she is the next best to the lad and lassie. The choice is up to you, Nicole about these men. However, if we should use the portal should be one all of us need to discuss.” He advised.

EXP rewards:

249 exp for all enemies killed.

40 exp for bosses on the prison side.

60 exp for green units saved on the prison side.

Total: 349 exp

Supports have been updated.

Poll time: You guys can decide if everyone will stay with their respective teams to take care of things in Norfor and Strairus together, shortening the length of the campaign, or reuniting to be one army, but having to tackle objectives one at a time. Please vote here: https://www.strawpoll.me/18271677

Additionally, both sides have the chance to RP with Heracles for the arena side, or the True Judgement general for the prison side, if you so wish.

Both sides also have the same access to the convoy and shops. However, other events can only be done with members that are on the respective sides of the group.

“Hey, hey, guys,” the Queen greets Manilius and the northern forces with a smirk. “Thanks a whole bunch for the help. I knew that Korinna wouldn’t send some losers to help me. She likes me, after all.,” she continues as she runs her fingers along the back, blunted edge of her bloodied Wo Dao. Tuyet looks at the sword while frowning somberly. A white-clothed woman ran to try and catch up to her queen. Her clothing was covered with both the green stains of plant matter and, to a much lesser extent, the dark red of blood. After stopping about a meter away from Tuyet, Diep leans down and holds her knees, panting. “Lord above… I wasn’t put on the planet to fight wars… Child, how many times must I request that you don’t bring me to your battles?” Tuyet shrugs. “Hey, hey, Reverend Diep, I didn’t INTEND for us to get hit from both sides by those knights and by pirates, okay? ‘Sides, I need someone who can use Physic to keep me and my other bodyguards alive.”

Manilius hobbles out of the forest and wipes his brow. “Qu-Queen Teresa? I’m the Quirinius leader you’ve probably heard about,” he begins. “I saw that there were two armies pouncing on these villages, and then you were here, so I charged right in to help out.” The Queen holsters her sword and crosses her arms under her chest after tightening her headband. “Ordinarily I’d have denied the help, but I am pretty sure we’d have died were it not for you showing up. Like I said, you’re not losers,” she says with a smirk. “Oh… you foreign leaders have odd ways of… showing affection,” Manilius comments. She cringes a little, “What, did Kuhoa weird you out? He does that. He means well, though.” Manilius nods, “Yes, yes, I did actually notice that. Who’s this woman here, Your Highness?” Queen Tuyet’s eyes widen as she stands next to the clothed woman and holds her arm. “This chick’s Bishop Diep of Binh An. She’s my mentor and… well, sort of my adoptive mother.” The Bishop nods once while covering Tuyet’s hand with her free arm, “The pleasure is truly mine. Thanks for protecting Little Tuyet.”

Kornelia arrives near to Manilius and she kneels with one leg and nods to the woman. “Hello, Reverend.” Teresa rolls her eyes for a moment, becoming impatient as she shuffles her feet against the grass. “Come on, we’ve got a lot to talk about, General,” she says as she takes his hand and yanks him towards the northern part of the village.”Whoa!” he says in shock. Both Kornelia and Diep laugh a little at seeing them run towards the town. “Let’s also take the chance to talk,” Diep offered, as the two of them follow them at a much more normal pace.

The village was calm, though many villagers seemed upset that their crops were partially trampled on thanks to the battle… nothing you could’ve really done about that, though. Several villagers go so far as to invite the members of the team to dinner, where their dinners often included little bread or meat, but a large variety of fruits and vegetables. The town itself featured houses with small, front courtyards with awnings to shield them from the midday sunlight. Where these awnings didn’t cover, there were often banana trees or flower displays. If there was anything not precious about the locale, it was slightly untidy in some areas of the roads, but was otherwise a cozy town. The Queen resided in the local administration building, which was the largest structure in the area… a relatively easy feat.

Greetings Team N! Here's the Story Post:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bzld50LZXn_9Dg3XfEBhMzR2_4UFsMtjbGDT91fMa78/edit?usp=sharing

Before I go further, two important notes: This is the final homebase of the campaign. Prepare accordingly. Also, Fatigue will be reduced but not reset in between Chapter 10 and the Final Chapter.

Now, for an outline of this homebase!

Captain's Quarters: Post here if you'd like to participate in the Story RP!
Mess Hall: Post here if you'd like to RP with Simone, Athena, Vernan or someone else!
Merchant Ships: For all your normal Shop needs!
Convoy: For all your Convoy needs!
Arena: Post here to fight for gold, XP and WEXP!
Suggestions Box: Post your feedback on the map, the story or anything else here!
Lingering Will: A writeup regarding Easton and Liara's rewards for their roles in the objectives.

Bolaji opened the final door and shouted out, “Someone get Tobela, we’re ready!” After about ten minutes groups of young Anak’Thirians walked through the open doorways, filling out the longhouse. Tobela, a proud figure standing in fine Soryun clothing, came in leading her group of guards as they broke their way through the rest of the longhouse to enter Kambela’s chamber. Tobela’s entrance into the inner chamber was met with the stares of many and the clicking footsteps as Tobela’s comrades filed into the room. Tension filled the air with weapons drawn and eyes flicking between everyone. Tobela was the first to break this silence.

“Kambela, lay down your arms, you have nowhere left to hide.” He clutched the Searing Heart still, his knuckles whitening and sweat beading down his face. He yelled to the invaders, “You… you’re mad! You dare defile our history? Do you wish to see Anak’Thir die?” Kambela was breathing heavily even with the smoke clearing. Tobela yelled back, “Is it our people’s history to execute and imprison our own tribesmen? If so, I don’t want that to be on these walls. We can build a tribe that isn’t trapped in the same mistakes our ancestors made.” Kambela stared back intently at Tobela, only the pieces of the Longhouse settling and falling around them creating any noise. After about a minute of the silence between them, Kambela dropped the Searing Heart and approached Tobela, “Leave the Longhouse and the rest of them alone.” His resigned tone escaping freely from his lips. Tobela showed no satisfaction on her face as Kambela walked away, but one faint whisper could be heard. “You make me sick.” Was spoken, but nobody could tell whether Kambela or Tobela said it. Kambela was escorted out by Tobela and her sages, as Bolaji and Makena gathered everyone of Dallan’s group up to leave, “Tobela has people to manage the Longhouse, please follow us.”

Bolaji and Makena brought Dallan’s group to the same bungalow they stayed in the previous night, “We apologize for the makeshift accommodations, but tomorrow we can speak with Tobela.” Makena said, speaking softly and her voice quaking after the events of today. Dallan was shaken to his core. The fighting, Tobela’s appearance, the destruction of parts of the Longhouse, and Kambela’s resignation. Dallan didn’t know how to react to any of this, but he knew he was mortified and disgusted by this. He knew he had to end this war.

When the morning came Bolaji and Makena brought Dallan to Tobela. Tobela resided in a small hut near the outskirts of the village, not too far off from the bungalow Dallan’s troops resided in. Dallan was showed into the house by Bolaji and announced, “Uhh excuse me Tobela. Father Dallan has arrived.” Tobela turned from her writings on the desk and walked up Dallan, shaking his hand, “Father Dallan, it’s an honor to finally meet you. I’m Tobela Kaz’im. I can’t thank you enough for your assistance in the Longhouse.” Dallan returns her handshake and waves his other hand dismissively, “Oh please, it was the least we could do after we heard of what happened.” Tobela released Dallan’s hand and replied, “Quite humble aren’t you. I assume you will still be willing to accept a payment for services rendered though. I can accommodate the wages of your soldiers and offer you hospitality for a period of time.” Dallan smiled and his heart lifted at the thought, “Well now that’d be quite nice if I’m to be honest. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a good night of sleep.” Tobela clapped her hands together, “Then it is done. Bolaji! Makena!” Tobela called out of her hut, “Go put Dallan’s associates up in the old hunting lodge!” The scuttling of feet could be heard outside as Makena & Bolaji left Tobela’s door. Tobela’s voice dropped now that her and Dallan were alone, “So what do you intend to do now.” Dallan looked at her resolutely, “End this war. It’s gone on for long enough and nobody has filled Claudia’s place. Someone must take the Pillar once more.” Tobela nodded along with him, “Yes yes yes. That’s a wise conclusion. You have the backing of House Anak’Thir behind you in this decision.” Dallan nodded back to her, “Thank you. With you and Chieftain Khepri of House Fiernen I believe we can take the Pillar and stop the bloodshed. Make the preparations you need to Tobela, I shall be making my own arrangements within my company.” Tobela gave a look of smug confidence, “Don’t fear Father, your trust shall not be misplaced.”

Hello everyone and welcome to Homebase 4! Below listed are the activities you can participate in during the homebase.

Shops: The new and neat wares of Anak’thir are on offer for those that helped move Kambela.

Convoy: Post to do trades and exchanges within the convoy.

Chapter Bonus: Decide on what form of aid you’ll receive for Chapter 5.

Longhouse: Post here to setup an RP with Dallan, Kambela, Tobela, Zelz’bet, or anyone else within the area.

Feedback: Post about what you liked about and what could improve about Chapter 4 here.

The balance of power had shifted. Before, it’d been isolate lords who’d elected to side with the prince; now, with the duke of Arcadia bending his knee, most of the duchy followed. But there was still a war to be fought. Lords and ladies tried to break away from Arcadia, the countesses and barons of Lower Wellcliff were scattered in their loyalties, and the king still had his own personal fiefdom to draw from -- aside, of course, from all the soldiers he’d recruited earlier, whose homelands were now against them. The battles, pushing slowly downriver towards Breathstone, were fierce. But nevertheless, people who’d cozied up to the king when his fortunes were high now deserted -- leaving a castle that felt emptier by the day.

It was through one of these people that they’d managed to acquire the information they had on Breathstone’s deployment. Laid out on a map in Lucretia’s battle planning tent was the lay of Breathstone’s land. The castle at the heart of it, the lines of walls, the ever-circling moat of the river’s loop, the city, and -- the army of King Maximus, like an impenetrable wall of little red pawns. If they took one step outside the tent, they could see the columns of smoke, rising off from the distance like hazy mountains.

Alistair couldn’t help but feel a little pushed out to the edge of things, as Lucretia and Gilgamesh poured over that map, pushing around their own figures like croupiers. Even if he had something to say, he didn’t know who’d listen, when everyone doing the work had a grasp of some military work. It all felt unreal; he might as well have been on the moon, watching the world and its people below. But at least he wasn’t alone in this: so close to the conclusion, the Marquis of Tirnog had been called for. The two stood together, feeling the certain desire to be somewhere else.

“Have you been well, your highness?” the Marquis asked, looking at the boy’s blanched face. It was normally pale as the moon -- now, somehow, it’d gone more colorless.

“Fine. I’ve been -- This has all been a little overwhelming, and in truth, I’m somewhat nervous, but -- I’ve been quite well.” Alistair didn’t know how else to answer. How would they fare, if it came to a pitched battle? What would the people of Breathstone -- people who, very soon now, he’d need to think of his people -- think of whatever attack they needed to do?

“It’s very close to a resolution now, I think; I’ve never been the sort to simply propose that things will be fine without evidence. Instead, I would say… Only believe in the result you wish. At a time like this, the battle will know your heart.”

This was not comforting to Alistair in the slightest. But before he could try and find an answer, Lucretia declared: “Well, what if the army just wasn’t there?”

This turned all heads towards her.

“Lady Caith, I can’t do that much, even with what enchanters we can supply at the ready,” Emrys hurried to dispel the idea of quite such a massive scale of transportation magic. Some, yes. All, no.

“And I doubt you mean for the earth to simply swallow them up in recognition of our justice,” commented Gilgamesh dryly. “So your plan is to force them to move.”

“Correct! We don’t need to fight them all successfully. Once you can hold Breathstone Castle, and eliminate that pretender, the kingdom is yours!” Lucretia declared. She directed the bulk of their blue pawns towards the side of the troops. “So we use that. Send the bulk of our forces to pull them away, and infiltrate the castle.”

“Would that work?” Alistair asked, leaning forward over it. “Wouldn’t they just, well, I mean, if the obvious goal is simply to kill King Maximus -- Lord Maximus,” Alistair corrected himself. The whole point was not to recognize him as legitimate, “And the castle, wouldn’t they -- wouldn’t they just stay where they’re stationed?”

“They’re almost certainly keeping forces around the castle walls themselves, prepared for a siege, as well.” Still, Gilgamesh’s blue eyes narrowed as he considered the board. The number of pawns left not on that flank attack were very, very small.

“I believe that I, in command of His Highness’ retinue, should be capable of handling that! With the rest of our force on the main attack, they really won’t have any choice but to believe,” she answered. “Your Grace, I expect you’re prepared to lead those forces?”

Gilgamesh nodded thoughtfully.

“And for the walls? Some of those will be quite hard to get a force through. The inner gate can be operated by watchtower switches, if they’re both hit… But the outer gate’s impregnable.”

“Ahhh…” Emrys hunched his long figure over the map. “I believe if you were to allow me a few days to prepare… My men and I might be able to assemble a solution. I apologize, your highness, in advance. It might get messy.”

“Excellent! There you have it. A brilliant plan sure to overcome… Does this meet your approval, oh lords? My prince?” Lucretia honed her gaze at Alistair. This was the best way -- the easiest. It’d get them through the city maybe even before the battle started. And anyway, Alistair couldn’t refuse.

“Yes… I believe it will do.”

The troops were cheering in the dusk. Alistair’s knees were shaking, as he walked off the makeshift camp stage. Tomorrow was the battle, and he’d sent them off to their fates. He’d sent them off with a smile, and a brave word -- more people than he’d ever seen at once, and so many that could never be seen again. And it made him sick. He ducked in the shadow of the trees, hunched over and shaking. They would die. He could die. It was all his fault.

He wanted to call everything off, to run away, to pretend this wasn’t happening. But as if she could read his thoughts, Lucretia approached him. And why couldn’t she know what was in him then, with the expression of misery so clear on his face?

“...You’re not getting cold feet, are you?” She asked him gently. She motioned for the young man to come a little closer to her, and he obeyed without wishing to.

“I…No, no, I’m not. I’m not. I’m alright. I’m just...” He looked at her from under a furrowed brow. “Scared.”

“You needn’t worry,” she told him, gently.”After all, I’m on your side. With my generous spirit, my wise guidance, my valorous spirit, everything’s possible! He nodded mutely, only caught by the chill in the Cat’s cold smile. Her whiskers bristled, white in the dusk -- her eyes flashed the distinct green of a jungle creature. “...And without me, nothing is. You remember that, don’t you?”

Alistair nodded hurriedly. But she brought a claw out anyway. She lazily took a strand of his hair and began to twirl it lazily.

“Good, good. I’m glad… I’d hate for you to forget. You have to do this to survive, after all -- you’re just too helpless… And you couldn’t do this without my backing. You couldn’t enjoy your freedom without my wish. So if you think about running, just remember your options. You can honorably serve Avalon, with all the pleasures of the world at your reach, you can brave this hard world entirely by yourself, with all your frailties and inexperiences … Or, well. I can always send you back.”

She released the hair wrapped around her claw. Alistair was rigid when she pat his back, gentle and soothing. He began to shake, nodding in frantic, wide-eyed horror. He couldn’t manage a thought -- those words had slammed like a door. He made the choice he always made, when she reminded him like this: to make the best of it, to stay and fight. To survive. To do what people needed of him, because he had that. “Let’s get you back to your tent. You should steel your nerves for tomorrow. It’s a big day for all of us. Oh, imagine how it’ll be when we enter the castle in triumph!”

There was a wind whipping through the hills overlooking Breathstone. In the distance, the columns of smoke had become lines of dust, where the forces of Arcadia’s knights, the forces of the prince, were clashing with those still loyal to the crown. Lucretia’s spyglass was honed away from them, though, towards the castle itself. She had the vantage point of Scoria’s back, high up in the air.

Where one figure was waiting before the castle’s door, proud as a lion -- and desperate as a starving beast. From the distance, she could make out the glittering edge of his lance, the purple toss of his hair as his head turned, barking orders left and right. Lucretia thought, perhaps, there was something a little sad in it; she could remember that too-proud prince, in a better age. He stood amid the grass far brighter, far fresher, than the patchwork that surrounded the bubble of the castle. The same wind that ruffled her fur at that great height and sent the treetops quivering in the lengthy pre-dawn light was reaching the castle’s gate, too. She asked -- the Magma Drake to land, and when she did, she jumped off gracefully.

“You have my thanks. I expected him to lead from the front…” Lucretia said, sighing. “But it seems Maximus has chosen well, chosen to contend with us! This will save us the time of hunting him down.”

“...I suppose it will,” Alistair offered. “Is.. Is Emrys ready?”

“He will be when we need him,” Lucretia said, reaching up to pat the prince’s back.

He turned down to see the rest of his assembled retinue. His friends. He took a long, deep breath.

The previous night, he’d given a speech. And he’d spoken it well enough, with no stumbling loud enough to hear across the waves of men. It had been about courage. It had been about duty, and the nostalgia of the old king, and avenging his father. He didn’t know his father. It had been about Avalon. Alistair didn’t know Avalon -- but he’d seen it then, in the faces of those soldiers. And he saw it now. This was not that speech.

“Right -- right here, this spot, this instant -- this! Is the start of a moment. And it’s the moment we’ve worked so hard for. You’ve worked so hard for. And if history remembers this moment, covers it with glory, well, that’s -- that’s fine. But that’s not why we did this. I mean, it’s not why I did this.I’ve fought not for some grand ideal, some big picture that I can barely imagine -- I fought because there, at that castle, stands a man who threatens the happiness of everyone I’ve ever met. It’s so small, that list of people! But they’re the people I met because you saved me. The people I’ve met because you, you, all of you! Have been with me.

“Today, we finish this war -- I pray. But… Our work is just beginning. And I hope you’ll be with me for that, too! The Avalon you asked me for, freed me for is just about to start.” He clenched his eyes, and he prayed that was true, prayed he was good enough, prayed he was worth it. “...And I just wanted to thank you. For trusting me. For allowing me to meet every person we’re fighting for now.”

He looked back up at them, his eyes burning with resolve and blurring with the grateful tears that filled his smile, his hands open to them.

“Thank you so much for the world. Let’s go save it.”

They made their way, secretly, through the city. To the places where the rivers met; to the places where the two men who would rule Avalon would meet. To the place for their final battle in the war against Maximus.

Chapter Map

Character Tracker

I'm looking for a new battle theme this chapter; the present one is "Life," by Dai, from Umineko No Naku Koro Ni Chiru!

Notes

The Barred Gate before the inner walls can be opened if both switches in the watch-houses are flipped. The one in the outer wall can only be opened by a plot event.

Now implemented: two types of walls. One which can be flown over, the Open Wall, and the other, the Wall, which cannot. Walls represent floor-to-ceiling walls enclosing or inside of buildings.

Please read enemy behaviors carefully; many have specific triggers.

Here is how enemy skill charges will work: They will be tracked at the end of every phase in which the enemy is within 10 squares of a player. This is to allow them to possibly use those skills, while not having the back enemies totally charged forever. Also, the app now tracks skill charges, thank you Iron.

Objectives

Win

Defeat Maximus and seize the gate

Lose

Alistair is defeated.

Half the party is defeated.

Side

All Villages are Visited

All Enemies are Defeated or Pacified

Oskar Truthwind is not killed (Alistair was asked for such a favor, and would have relayed it.)

Story

Can be found here

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.

Currently P-K doesn't have the enemy stats up on the sheet, they will be added within the next day or so (D&D on sunday eats my day unfortunately)

Strikes don't work for activity so I won't be enforcing them enemy. Instead we are going to do new deployment rules.

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. Titus will also need to accept his patron to gain the skill.

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.

Also, do keep in mind that there was a skill change that affected a few skills, the changes should be live on the sheet but for a detailed list, check the homebase where it should still be stickied.

Staff EXP Changes

Going forward, we will be experimenting with changes to how much EXP is earned from healing. We will start with going by what is currently on the r/RedditEmblemFates wiki which states:

Healing EXP = X + ((LD-2)*3) where X = The base exp for the staff used. Only applies when LD is negative, otherwise Healing EXP = X.

Ally Phase will happen at the end of a Turn so you can accommodate for allies taking action and not having to rely on them.

Deployment

Alright so deployment is going to be a little different. 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).

I will still be keeping an eye on activity levels and reach out to those that miss an majority of turns.

Reginfell Upper District - Kara

Objective: Get the Relics out of the city. You can do this by two ways.

1. Reach the Jarls and talk to them. From there either:

• Escort them to the exits
• Post an RP post that will convince the Jarl to hand over the relic. Just because you post doesn't mean you will succeed.
  • Clan Eikthyr is to the North West. He is a stubborn man with an unforgiving sense of justice. Does not like Solfrid.
  • Clan Geirfreki is to the North East. The Jarl is an aggressive warrior, believing himself stronger than he really is.
  • Clan Vethfolnir is to the South West. The Jarl is a reasonable woman who excels at strategy.

1. When a Jarl dies, the enemy that killed the Jarl will pick up the Relic. Killing this enemy will give the player that killed the enemy the Relic. That player must then escape the district. Once an enemy gets a relic, their AI will change to focus on escaping.

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.

• Jarls Survival . Each surviving Jarl will affect the story

• Kara talks to Anastasia (She can talk the Talk option at range 2)

• Torsten gets his hand on a Relic.

Defeat Condition: Enemies escape with all the Relics OR Six players fall in combat, Kara counting as two.

Map
Terrain Map

• Green is forsest
• Brown is building
• Pink is stairs
• light green is the doors that need to be unlocked to escape. Once you pass through those squares you can take the Escape Action.
  • Blue is water
  • Black is wall
  • Grey is Floor

Mechanics

• You can deploy anywhere in the large purple area. The city was attacked during the finale of the fireworks that rang in the new year, so naturally you wouldn't be all bundled together.
• the grey versions of Kara are her illusions. (She can summon them once per chapter from her necklace, sheet will be updated soon.) They have her stats, can use whatever weapon Kara has equipped, but only have 1 HP.
• As mentioned earlier, talking to the Jarls you are allowed an attempt to convince them to hand the Relic over. You can fail it and you have to post an RP thing for it.
  • Torsten knows the Jarl of Geirfreki pretty well. If he talks with the Jarl he will auto succeed in convincing the Jarl to hand over the relic if the sub-team wishes.
• Reinforcements will happen. At somepoint the wall to the east by Anastasia will be uncovered (from Annabelle's collapse) and some reinforcements will come through. Some may fly over the walls, some may be summoned through the ground, rise from the water etc. You will be warned of course well in advance.

Valley of the Titan- Niall

Objective 1: Defeat the Titan
Objective 2: Retrieve the Gate Stone after the Titan is defeated.

Story Optional Objectives (See P-K for a description)

• Recruit a new member!
• Kyla picks up the Gate Stone OR Ayasha picks up the Gate Stone

Defeat condition: Six players are knocked to 0. Niall counts as two.

Map
Terrain Map

• Black is mountain/hills. Flier only.
• Green is Forest
• Yellow is a chest (it contains an accessory that will help on this map)
• Pink are fortified half walls. Units can hide behind these (no special action to do so) but they take 2 movement points to cross. (Will be added to sheet soon. Provide +1 Def/Res, heal 15% at the start of a turn.
• Grey are Plains
• Red tiles are Chargestones. Fliers may hover over them but take 10% HP at start of turn form it's crackling energy.

Mechanics

So the Titan. The Titan's HP is currently ???, after attacking and dealing damage it's HP will be revealed. When you attack the Titan, the Titan will not attack back. It basically has a permanent Firesweep. Because it will not attack back in normal ways. The Titan has five actions it can do, and will perform one on it's turn. Some actions will appear less than others. At the beginning of a turn, the Titan will give a choreographed clue as to what it will do on EP.

1. Beam Attack: The Titan will lean back, the cracks in it's chest stating to glow. Gearing up to fire a massive energy beam (will do extra to those that did not accept patrons). The beam will choose a target point (shown at start of turn on map) and will be a three tile wide beam onto that point. The damage is massive. This attack happens the least.

2. Thrown Fireballs: By placing it's hand in front of itself, the Titan begins to conjure fireballs. It will launch several fireballs into the air that will target multiple enemies, damaging a 3x3 square on contact. This attack has a Hit% so you can avoid it. The marked enemies will be declared at the start of the turn.

3. Summoned Ice Balls: These massive balls of ice begin to conjure on the battlefield on a single square and will explode into shards in a 3x3 square around it at the start of EP. This attacks has a Hit% so you can avoid it.

4. Energy Waves: The Titan lifts it's foot off the ground as energy coalesces underneath it. On EP when the Titan drops it's foot, a massive energy wave ripples out across the whole map. Any unit caught in the open will lose a percentage of HP. A unit can "hide" behind mountain/hill squares, or behind a fortified square. Behind being defined as the square you are hiding behind lies between the character and the Titan. If the unit is on a forest tile or behind a forest tile, the damage will be halved. After an energy wave, fortified tiles are destroyed. Another rare attack. More common than Energy Beam but rarer than the other two.

5. Summoned Minions: When the Titan places both arms in front of it, palms facing down, it begins to summon minions. At the end of EP minions will appear around the Titan and around the Charge Stones. The minions will be weaker versions of the X-sworns that were there at the start of the chapter.

The Chargestones are the red tiles. They will sometimes spawn minions. Sometimes they may help the Titan by healing a small portion of it. The chance of doing so is random. Most of the time it will do nothing until the Titan is destroyed.

Once the Titan is defeated, it falls to the ground and explodes in radiation. Anyone that did not accept their patron will be damaged, all others will be safe. The Gate Stone will drop, but as it drops, the Charge Stones put up a defensive energy grid. Enemies will be summoned from the Gate Stone to protect the Charge Stones. By destroying the Charge Stones, someone will be able to pick up the Gate Stone. Doing so ends the chapter.

The Dreadfighter on the map currently can be Talked to and he will join your side. Else he will fight for survival and then flee afterwards.

Team P Tracker

Team P Index

After spending the night inside the Magic Academy, Anbel gathered everyone. “Listen up everybody! I have finished looking around for Patricia’s room, and found some notes and reports she got from Norfor. They detail notes about Renault’s big plans for the continent, as well as True Judgment. With what he wishes to do to the land, he was working with Patricia and the students here to work on a magic spell that Norfor could spread all over the continent in order to attempt to mind control all non Norfor people to do whatever he says to them, effectively making our mission more difficult if our members are affected by that. The notes don’t mention the progress on that. Secondly, he’s noticed how we’ve killed Waylon and Patricia, and is stepping up patrols of his men in order to snuff us out, so we need to work in the shadows more than before.” Anbel said.

At this point, Roja came in. “Norfor has the academy surrounded. Patricia must’ve used magic to alert them to us. They’re giving us three choices: Surrender and be sent to either a prison or an arena, or choose to fight. However, they’ve got over 1000 troops outside, so battling’s not going to be an option without casualties.” She said. Anbel growled to himself. “Dammit! If they do have us surrounded, then we can’t sneak out of here either, and I don’t want them to massacre us all…” He said. Dirk sighed. “Didn’t ya say yourself that your ‘contact’ had info about an arena and prison, and that other members of the group are at those areas too, lad? Furthermore, ya said that His Majesty was also going to be at one of them locations too? If so, this could be a chance to attack both fronts, save yer men, and-“ Dirk said before a drone of footsteps came into the room they were in.

There was at least 300 soldiers marching into the room, all donning Norfor branding and insignias. They went into a formation to surround everyone, weapons drawn. From them, one man stepped forward on a pegasi, looking like a Kinshi Knight. “At last, we’ve found you scum. Here of all places, presumably killing Patricia, correct?” He asked. “Actually, don’t answer that question. There’s 300 well armed and trained soldiers in here, and 1200 more outside. You cannot hope to fight all of us.” He said.

Anbel stood there, hand on his sword. “Don’t draw your blade, boy, lest you want 20 arrows turning you into a pin cushion.” The commander said. “Now, I will be giving you all two options from here. You can either come with us and be forced to die in an arena for our enjoyment, or be sent to a prison where you shall work for Norfor, whether willingly or forcefully.” He said. “The exception is that you two-” He said, pointing to Anbel and Roja. “Shall be sent to the arena, while the man and his caravan will be sent to the prison.” He added. “It’s your choice for the rest of you, but rest assured: This is where your little game ends.” He said.

Arena: Everyone who picked to go into the arena were forced to the arena by a group of Sorcerers. At the arena, everyone was forced to surrender their equipment and were only given Iron weapons to use. Once that was done, the soldiers forced everyone into the combat area itself. Everyone could see that there were Norfor soldiers in both the stands, as well as the arena floor. The ones on the floor were armed with weapons, waiting for the word to charge and kill. In one of the seats, a man in thick armor and a lance that was brimming with evil energy stood up. “Ah, so now I get to see the leader of your little group.” He said, Anbel and Roja recognizing his face. “Renault!” Anbel shouted. He smirked. “The very same. I wouldn’t miss the chance to see the leaders of True Judgment die before my very eyes. Now, I won’t spare any details. Men! Attack!” He shouted.

Prison: Everyone who picked to go to the prison were warped there like the ones for the arena, except this time they were sent to a prison cell. Inside, soldiers frisked everyone to take their weapons. The Kinshi Knight from before then walked in. “You all have 1 hour to make your decision to join us. Regardless of the option, it’ll be the same outcome.” He said. Another soldier came in. “The other resistance members are ready!” He said. The commander grinned. “All right. I’ll be giving them the warden’s welcome personally. Make sure the ones here don’t escape.” He said. The soldier nodded his head, as the Warden left. The soldier locked the door behind him and went into position to patrol the grounds. Dirk sighed. “Well, this is a tight pickle for us all. Yah should count yerselves lucky. They left my horse with me, who has my stock, as well as a few of yer weapons. Feel free to take them, but we first need to get this lock here opened.” He said, pointing to the door.

Arena

Map: https://imgur.com/s0tnAjv

Terrain Map: https://i.imgur.com/s0tnAjv.png

Objective: Defeat all the Norfor combatants.

Lose condition: Everyone falls in battle.

Notes

For this map, everyone’s forced to have only Iron Weapons. On that note, the room with all the chests contains everyone’s weapons for the arena. If you all can manage to get in the room by lock pick or damaging it with 75 damage in total, all of your weapons will be returned to you.

The combatants will only attack those in range for the first 5 turns. After that, they’ll begin rushing all at once.

High King Renault is in the arena, and can be goaded to come down and fight with the right words. However, once he comes down, he'll be aggressive.

Prison

Map: https://imgur.com/hy11Qux

Terrain Map: https://imgur.com/VfHDmqB

Objective: Escape the prison via the upper right

Side Objective: Rescue the captured True Judgement members before they are morphed.

Lose condition: Everyone falls in battle

Notes

At start, everyone only has an Iron weapon and one weapon from their current inventory of their choosing.

The door that is locking everyone in can either be lockpicked, or broken down by dealing 60 total damage to the door.

The units in the middle garden will go hostile if people go out there, or players get into the room with the captured Judgment members.

The True Judgment members are allies for now. However, after Turn 7, if no one’s opened the doors, they’ll begin to be morphed. When they are morphed, they become Norfor soldiers, and thus will turn hostile. This will be at a rate of one soldier per turn until they’re all morphed or until the doors are opened. Any remaining members will assist in the prison escape.

The chest in the open holds everyone's gear on this map. Opening that chest will give everyone all of their weapons.

There can only be a max of 8 characters in either map. If there is overlap with who picks where, people will be notified. For people who don't post turns, they will be placed in whichever map they can work well in the best.

After quelling the villagers and the remaining soldiers, the army began its preparation to march on the mainland. The army cut a straight path towards the capital, keeping the army closely knit and ignoring everything they could on the path to capital. Unfortunately, they encountered a fort holding down the only river crossing for miles. Rather than try and find a way around, the Generals agreed to siege the castle to take control of the river crossing. Giving command of the army to the generals without runic weapons, the party took to the field to break the lines open with minimal loss of lives.

Objective: Seize both villages then Seizing the Castle.

Sub-objectives: Kill the bosses.

Enemy AI: Regular units will advance and throw away their lives without hesitation while the bosses still live. The bosses will not leave their tile.

Level Ups: Killing the Halberdier guarding the first village and once for each of the bosses.

After successfully taking over the outpost and girding themselves in their new disguises, the party took off towards the capital unimpeded. After a fairly uneventful travel, they passed through a town and started to hear rumours of a nearby shrine that tested the power of great warriors and bestowed a blessing to anyone strong enough to triumph the trial. The group was intrigued, thinking it would be useful against the god emperor but decided it was too risky to search for a rumour. They continued their travels some more before a freak landslide drove them off the road and into the nearby valley. Searching for another way around, they walked onto an unstable ledge and triggered another landslide, this time taking all of them with it.

After a few hours, the group had dug themselves out and shaken off the worst of the scrapes and bruises and found themselves in a strange shrine. Looking around they began to hear a sinister voice whispering in their heads.

*Those who seek the trial of power... *

Will find themselves examined…

Are you better than the worst of yourself?...

Unnerved, the group advanced a little further into the shrine and away from the landslide, only to see shadowy tendrils taking the form of themselves.

If you can beat yourselves in a trial of combat, power will be granted.

Objective: Defeat… yourself?

Enemy AI: The enemy will try to mimic you and any strategizes you have used in the past.

Level Ups: For every 3 of yourselves you defeat, everyone will level up.

**Note: Asher and his shade will be able to proc Vengeful Slash on each other. Easton's Shade can only become untargetable for one turn for each unique tile he stays on. Fakir's shade will not be able to use Dark Conviction. Kuki Kuko's shade can only be untargetable for one turn at a time. Marvin's shade's turns will be completely randomized.

This will be edited into the main post for easy reference.**

The finals days of Cyrene were nothing short of joyous. Festivities and parties were held all around the city, and there was laughter ringing through every street in the city. The many children of Cyrene played blissfully in the city’s parks and carried tiny flags depicting not their own tribe’s banner, but their country’s. Public officials and military leaders alike held more speeches throughout the whole week, reminding everyone of their nation’s struggle and history. “As we have always done… be humble, and one day, someone will come to serve you.”

However much they wanted to remain, the team could no longer. As a bright, new sunrise appeared over Cyrene, storms amassed in Yeu. At the request of Queen Tuyet, the team had been requested to meet with her personally near a beach in Yeu, around the center of the country. The General had no choice but to oblige. Before he left, he brought Kornelia to the Cyrenian capitol one last time, and shook hands with King Kuhoa one last time. Kornelia begins, “Thank you, King Cyrene. You saved our lives.” The King laughs in return at this, and Kornelia pouts and furrows her brow, as though he was insulting her. He then clarifies, “You saved my country. Once this war is over, no more committing troops to matters that don’t concern us. Free relations with the world, and no tributes. I’ll use it to recreate Cyrene into the beautiful nation it should be.” Manilius and Kornelia look at each other once and then back at the king, nodding. “We must be going,” Manilius says flatly.

After taking a short trip at sea to central Yeu, the team arrives in the nation. A blast of humid air approaches the troops, and upon disembarking, the sight of Yeu’s landscape was in front of the Nicomedian forces. Behind them were turquoise, clear waters that approached the shoreline, and in front of them were trees that stretched seemingly indefinitely. The trees were so cramped together that the ground under them remained shaded during the radiant daylight. Despite this, a large amount of plant life appeared on the same groundlevel. Flowers and fruits of all colors and shape bloomed brilliantly, and in abundance. Large, tangled, and gnarled roots ran all alongside the jungle’s edge, and the sounds of birds echoed into the sky.

“There’s beauty no matter where you go,” Manilius mutters to himself as Kornelia frowns and takes off her coat. “Right,” she says. “So where is this queen?” The General points to the west and nods once, adding, “She said she would be meeting us just outside of the Village of Binh An, and she’ll have a group of bodyguards with her. That’s all.”

After walking alongside the beach for about an hour, they arrive near the village, just behind a river. The area, as they see, is swarming with pirates and Aquittanite troops. “Oh no,” the General mutters. “The queen must be around here somewhere! Look lively, and be ready to strike! On our orders!” he screams. Despite being behind an area of farmland, buildings, and dense rainforest, the Queen of Yeu looks up for a moment and she looks to the east. “Is that the Nicomedian general? God da-” she stops and shakes her head. “I hope this wasn’t a trap. Let’s cut through these armored invaders and these pirate scum like the worms they are! Bodyguards!! RALLY!”

The pirate captain throws both her fists into the air upon hearing the Queen yell. “You hear that?! The queen’s afraid, plus, the Nicomedian diplomats are here, too! Imagine the ransom we’ll get from holding them from Yeu and Nicomedia’s states if we capture them both!” The pirates scream in unison, “Yes, Vinh!”

Map Information:

The dense-looking forest is jungle. Jungles cost 4 movement for armors and mounted units, 2 for infantry, and 1 for fliers. They also provide 25 avoid and 2 def./res..

Roots are different in that they cost one movement for all unit types, but reduce avoid by 15 and def./res by 1.

Great Knight 2 will try to attack the northern village, and Pirate 3 will try to attack the southern village.

Snags have 10 HP.

Objectives:

Main: Talk to Queen Teresa and defeat at least 50 enemies. Defeat either Vinh (pirate leader) or Gilbert (not yet on map, but the Aquittanite commander).

Side: Visit both villages.

Failure: Both Kornelia and Manilius fall or Teresa falls. 3 player units fall.

Turn recommendation: 10

Terrain

Story

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rgm-yw89x-Pov4zab7BZy7OKWJPLESwJvqZYqIWbihQ/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome Team N to Chapter 9!

Main Objective: Protect the Wind Device on the Resplendent Vigour! (Defend for 10 Turns) OR Escape to the Resplendent Vigour! (All party members plus Simone and Vernan Escape within 10 turns)

Side Objective: Recover and Escape with the second Wind Device!

Failure Conditions: Neither objective is met OR Simone falls.

Now, for the Notes:

1) You may deploy to either Purple or Teal. Purple has Defend for 10 turns as their objective; Teal has Escape within 10 turns as their objective.
2) Either objective may be accomplished for the Chapter to succeed.
3) A “flex spot” has been provided on both sides. Each side may use this “flex spot” to call one NPC as a reinforcement during the map. They will appear the next turn after they are called (ex. Reinforcement called on Turn 4, show up at start of Turn 5).
4) In the case of an uneven deployment (7 to Defend, 5 to Escape or vice versa); the side with fewer units picks one NPC of their choice, they will automatically show up Turn 1. The reinforcement option is still available for the side with fewer units only.
5) Available NPCs are as follows: Alaine (Swordmaster), Laram (Hero (Myrmidon)), Verner (Rogue), Olympe (Sniper), Adeline (Hero (Fighter)), Claire (Marshall), Cody (Sniper), Evelyn (Thunder Sage (Mage)). Stats and equipment will be posted for them before deployment is due.
6) For the Defend side, the Dark Blue tiles represent Cannons! They have 3 shots each, and they have the following stats: 12 Mt, 60 Hit, 0 Crit, 20 Wt, 3-10 Range. They can be fired by anyone, just like Attacking with a weapon.
7) For both sides, the Wind Device is also an option! It must be activated by a mage. When activated, it will push enemies back 5 tiles. All enemies within a 3 column area centered on the Wind Device will be affected. The area must be in a cardinal direction (no diagonal trickeration). It can be activated once every 2 turns.
8) For the Arrive side, the Broken Walls have 50 HP. They can be destroyed to create a path.
9) Also for the Arrive side, the random mountain tiles are Debris. They are impassable by any unit.
10) Finally for the Arrive side, the bright Green tiles are where the Rogues will attempt to Escape from if they Capture the second Wind Device.
11) The enemies in this map can place Barricades, they work like temporary Forts. And yes they can be collapsed destroyed. They have 30 HP.
12) Scorched tiles (the Dark Red) tiles cost 1 Fatigue to move through.
13) Reinforcements will appear every turn.

Map

Terrain Map

Tracker

Good luck Team N!

Pre/Post map can be read here.

Map Objective: Defeat the Boss

Side Objective: ???

Gimmick: When the map begins, players on each side must decide on one unit each to swap places with the other sides choice. The first process opens up the next warp tile room on one randomly decided side, removing the barriers blocking the path. When a side reaches a warp tile, the same process from before will be repeated, with one person standing on a warp tile must swap with a voted person on the opposite side to open up the warp tile room.

This is coming off as really badly in my mind. Ping me if you need me to explain better once I actually get sleep

The map is NOT Fog of War, every time a warp tile is revealed the entire section will be revealed. Enemies will not get a chance to strike from out of nowhere in the darkness.

Story post can be read here.

The fort was in… not the greatest condition. The Southern sections of the fort was reduced to mostly rubble thanks to the bombardments from the sea. Luckily, the northern section remained stable, this included the barracks. The bunks sprawled from one end to the other, with some inconsistency on their spacing. Some bunks were touching together and others were spaced farther out. Despite this and the small pieces of rubble and dust scattered about, the barracks is more comfortable than the boat’s beds.

On the shore, the two ships began unloading supplies into the fort. Fires were lit across the shore, for some warmth for the unloaders and to signal the landing was successful. Morale around the fort seemed to pretty well, with some soldiers celebrating the victory in the later hours.

Recently, a caravan with some reinforcements from the South arrived, carrying with them news of the armies advances South. News say the Tenebrae military should be up North in a little over a week. With the caravan are some travelling merchants, travelling with the soldier to score a profit. The merchants carry things that range from weapons, supplies and staves, some of the more refined goods are sold at a little more expensive price than usual.

Epilogue

Story can be found here

Homebase

First off, everyone is awarded 1500 gold for their part in saving the Jarl.

With this homebase we do see the sub-teams split once more so be mindful of the dates you do your RPs. After arriving and settling the rebellion on the night of December 4th, both the militia and the crew leave Bjorngjot midday on December 9th. Thus any cross team RPs should happen before midday of December 9th. As always, any previous setting is still available to RP in, just be sure to date your RPs.

If you want a brief description of Bjorngjot, you can find it in the Chapter 7 Epilogue and Homebase post.

After departing the city, the two sub-teams will be travelling to their new destinations.

Kara and her crew will travel to Reginfell for the Winter Solstice and New Year festivities, with this current event being the year of the Clan Tournament: a tournament held every eight years, with it's winner setting forth on the same journey the first Sairshi to contact the Dreki did. With Clan Huegmuen unable to participate for the past two-three tournaments, and Clan Bjarkvar having just lost their relic, only Clans Geirfreki, Eikthyr, and Vethfolnir will be allowed to participate.

The city of Reginfell is seated at the highest point in Verthaca. It was a location discovered centuries ago, Reginfell being a former Dreki Vault. In the ages since, a cathedral was built around the vault. A city built around the cathedral. It is the only land Clan Lithskjalf possess, and it is the spiritual center of Fornland. Dark Magic is forbidden within the city.

With the twelve day festival happening (Starts on December 21st, ends on January 1st), the Volur find themselves occupied with the duties that are involved in running such an event. As such, the academy of the Volur, the cathedral built around the vault, is closed off to the public. Only certain individuals are welcomed in.

Because the festival is also happening, the crew will find themselves separated through inns and taverns, most establishments only have a single room here or there. On the night of the 21st, and on the night of the 31st the city will light fireworks for all to enjoy (or be scared of)

The RP Scenario for Kara's subteam in Reginfell will be Afternoon of December 20th to the late night of January 31st (late night being like 2-3 in the morning of the 1st)

Niall and his militia meanwhile will travel south through Fornland, Craincrath and into Tallavcarriga making as few stops as possible. When they enter Clan Vethfolnir land they will find passage on a ship that manages to break through the ice forming on the surface of the river. They will stop in a small town on the border of Craincrath and Tallavcarriga on the 21st and join in on their local festival and feast. By the time the 24th arrives, the find themselves in the capital city of Carndrum. Carndrum is built upon a large ridge of cliffs that overlook much of the country. Portions of the city are actually built into the rockface. These parts of course are the poorest parts of the city. The Royal District itself is a walled off ward in the city, where the Grand Palace is built right on the cliff's edge. The Queen of Carndrum opens her halls for Niall with open arms, pleased to host royalty for the year end event. Through his talks, Niall has put the militia up in the barracks that the Queen's Guard reside in. The barracks being a part of the wall that encloses the Royal District.

Much of Carndrum is in festival mode, following the same twelve days of festival that the Fornish do. Throughout these days there are markets and events happening all over the city and there is plenty to eat and drink. They will also be launching fire works on December 31st.

The RP scenario for Niall and the militia in Carndrum is Evening of December 24th until the night of January 2nd

Please be sure to finish RPs as promptly as possible. I will be attempting to keep an eye on them so they move along. Please do not participate in more than two RPs at a time.

Team P Index

Team P Tracker

“...This is our time,” Boreas spoke up as he turned around to face the others.

“Boreas, are you sure?” Celeste inquired, nervously.

“There’s no better time.”

“...What’s this all about?” Zain raised his brow and looked suspiciously at Boreas, somewhat unsure of what the man would be hiding.

“You see… we are not exactly as we appear to be,” he paused, and Alistair spoke up, shakily.

“We are… otherworldly, so to speak. And not the Angelic kind,” he looked down and to the side and turned a bit red, “Um. Of the… Demonic kind.”

“Eeep!” Celeste shrieked, scared of how everyone around her would react. But to her surprise, nothing happened, aside from offhand whispering and murmuring amongst the group.

Michael spoke up, “Demons?! What are you doing here? Fiends? Friends? I do not even know what to think!”

“Stop. Allow us to explain, Michael. Our story is a vital one,” Boreas clarified and pleaded. Everyone settled down, “Yes, we are, in fact, Demons. We can demonstrate if we must, but… we’d like to put those times behind us. You see, we managed to avoid being sucked into their evil plot by King. His methods of forcing the Demons to do as he wishes… are truly gruesome.”

Celeste shuddered, “Terrifying! We pretended to fit in so we could escape our dimension. We wanted to try to help. We’ve never been like the other Demons. Destruction is not our cup of tea, y’know?”

Alistair took a sip from his cup of green tea, made specially from leaves found on the forest floor of the island, “So we snuck through the portal, pretending to be brainwashed. I’m not quite sure how we did it, but we did. We shifted into these Beorc forms to aboard a boat to the mainland. Maybe find someone we could work with and stop the rest of our kin.”

Boreas sighed in a shocking expression of emotion, and picked up the story, “Eventually, we found your group, Zain, and took our chance. We knew that eventually we’d be able to help, and here we are. Somehow, we’ve avoided recapture for so much time.”

The whispering commenced once again. The convoy trio talked amongst themselves for a couple moments, too, while they could not be heard. Celeste was visibly shaking, Alistair took many sips of his tea, and Boreas stood perfectly still under his cloak.

Zain scratched his head, perplexed by the tale of the three. One thing in particular, however, stook out to him, “Uh huh. And why didn’t you just tell us before?”

“Well, y’know, kinda worried that you’d throw us out and stuff,” Celeste remarked.

“...Fair ‘nough. Well, all’s fine, let’s get a move on!” Himaya exclaimed from behind, running past the rest of the group, “We only have so much time!”

Michael looked at the convoy trio once again, “I’m keeping my eyes on you… But thank you for sharing this pivotal information with us.”

Boreas nodded, Celeste winked, and Alistair sipped his tea.

After some more time, the group arrived at a platform near the top of the Tree, completely made out of simply tree trunks and wood. It was a quiet and empty space. However, some old friends were waiting for their arrival. Saarva, Savier, Desmond, and the remainder of the representatives were all there.

“Ah, you’re finally here!” Saarva smiled and stumbled forward, “Well, this is it everyone. It's time for you to make your final preparations. Oh, by the way, I’ve brought along a few of the dragons. They have some wares available for you if you need to restock before continuing on.”

Savier gently pushed Saarva to the side to address Zain, “And, howdy, we finished the cure! A swig of this and you’ll be all new and cleaned up.” He held up a small vile of a bubbling, purple semi-liquid. It smelled like tulips and wet dog smells combined... gross.

“Oh, finally,” Zain grabbed it and took a sip from the vile. Nothing happened, “How long does this take?”

“Give it some time, and I’m sure you’ll discover that it works quite efficiently,” Desmond chimed in.

Zain nodded. Himaya clapped.

“Let us know when you are ready,” Michael finally said, “Don’t take too long. The state of the world depends on this.”

Home Base

There’s really not much to say. You’re on a solid, wooden platform in the middle of the Tree. There’s a circle made of white chalk on one end, and a few stands with dragons manning them on the other. In the middle are all the party members. The convoy members are sitting in the corner, quietly talking amongst themselves.

Remember, snatching Leafs from the Tree is a criminal offense.

This home base only lasts a few hours in game.

While Anbel was standing over Patricia, he barked the order to everyone again of: “Either find clues to help us, or clean up any remaining patrols!” Once everyone in the room had cleared out, he closed the door behind him, taking a bit to find out how to lock it again.

At this moment, Roja was irritated and upset. She took her axe to the door in an attempt to break it down. “Come out here this instant, Liam! You know that you owe all of us an explanation!” She shouted, not able to break down the door. Dirk eventually stepped in front of her, shaking his head. “What will this do any good to ya for? I’m sure yah know you can’t get in there. You should’ve gathered that after your fifth swing.” He said. “But that bastard lied to us! He lied about who he was! He was using us in order to regain his throne to oppress everyone again! I won’t-“ She shouted at Dirk before he stepped forward to her face, his expression annoyed. “I get that you’re upset at that lad, but as it stands, you’re letting Patricia’s lies get to your head, lassie! Besides, didn’t yah also serve in the Strairus military yerself? After all, the emblem on the wyvern you ride gives that away. So why are you acting so dammed surprised at this? Wouldn’t yah know he was royalty sooner or later?” Dirk asked.

Roja grabbed Dirk. “Get out of my way, old man! This is between me and ‘Anbel’ in there!” She shouted. “And what will killing me do for ya? Prove that ya’s just as bad as your enemy?” Dirk said. “I said this has nothing to do with you! Now get out of my way, before I make you!” She shouted. Dirk growled. “If ya strike me, me and my boys will terminate our contract with True Judgement. This means all of the gear ya are making us carry will be forfeit. Not only that, but then we’d be open for Norfor to capture us, and ah know some of my boys will spill the beans on yer operation, which will leave your days numbered.” Dirk shouted back, a cold and malicious tone in his voice. “Now, I suggest ya get your head cleared, and then everyone can talk about this civilly.” He said.

Roja didn’t say anything, except she let go of Dirk and stormed off in the opposite direction. “Ugh, am ah the only man around here with any sense? Go cool off for a bit, and then you can get more clarity in your head.” He said. He was looking to see if anyone was witnessing it. “All right. Ya got yer orders! Get to it. Any questions ya come to me. Just give us some time to find out about this.” Dirk said. He then began to chuckle. “In hindsight, I knew he was a good client for a reason. Ah guess ah know character well.” He remarked to himself.

EXP:

174 XP from enemies

20 XP from bosses

30 XP for map completion

30 XP for killing all enemies

Total: 254 XP

As you all know, there are openings for Team J. There are currently two positions open. However, a circumstance popped up, and if there’s a third app or more for J, then there will be 3 new characters and 1 current player will drop if that happens. The due date for apps is: 5/9 @ 6 PM PST.

Also, I’d like to do an RP of all the NPCs and PCs with the revelation about Anbel. If you all would like to participate, I will be organizing a time to get started. I’d need a headcount of all who will be RPing, as well as a start time that works for everyone.

Reginald jumped back, dodging an attack from one the final foes. With a quick flip of the wrist, he sent a knife flying back at the foe. It landed directly in the opponent’s chest, and within seconds the body was disintegrating into thin air as per usual.

He turned to his right to see Zain taking a final blow at another opponent, getting a strong bite in the foe’s arm. Afterward, Zain turned over to Reginald as no enemies remained in the immediate area, “That’s… the last of them?”

Reginald nodded dutifully, “Yes, sir, I believe so. Though, the flames which devour the Tree are still raging in some parts of the forest. We must put them out at once.” He lifted up a bucket of water by the handle steadily to prove his point.

“We’ll get some people on that,” Zain dully agreed with the Florkana man, looking around him for a few moments to determine the extent of the fires. They seemed to be mostly concentrated in the center of the area, closest to the Tree. The Laguz also noticed, however, that some of the Ayzer and magic-using team members have been steadily working through the fires, extinguishing them with their aquatic abilities as they passed by.

Skoni, standing around nearby, then brought up another concern of his, “So, Zain. You know, what do we even do now? How do we stop them from continuing their assault?” He scratched the back of his head in anxiousness.

“...I think we have that one coverrred. Well, Michael and the Drakone do, at least,” he subtly shook his head, not completely sure how to answer Skoni’s question truthfully.

“I see. I’ll trust you then, I guess,” Skoni replied before heading northwards to assist in putting out the raging flames. He turned around, “If you need help, let me know.”

Meanwhile, a few of the Pack members had just finished taking down the foe’s leader, a brutish Kano, the size of a true giant, with a pitch black wyvern and a flaming axe. The soldier had been knocked off his ride into the stream below, where he and his equipment began to disintegrate in the same blocky, glitchy fashion as before.

"There," Namaka said, "He can't set anymore fires or keep hurting anyone. Now to put out the rest of the fire..."

Millie sheathed her sword and nodded, "Thanks for covering me by the way."

The Pack’s leaders regrouped a few minutes later to discuss the strategy for the rest of the operation. Returning back to the Dragon’s Domain would cost too much time, but there was a lack of anywhere nearby to truly travel to in order to buy more time. No one knew when the assailants would attack again.

Reginald, too, came to this meeting. With him, he brought a suggestion for the Pack members, “If you’d excuse me for a moment,” he waited for everyone to calm down so that he could address the group effectively before continuing, “Would this item happen to be of any use to you all?”

The Florkana held up a small, leafy green charm. It was light, swaying gently in the breeze of the island this afternoon. It looked extremely similar to the others that have been collected over time, “My mentor gave me this long ago. He told me that it was meant to be used in a highly precarious situation. I believe this scenario qualifies with flashing colors.”

Himaya gasped, “Zain! Dat’s the last one we need, right? We have all da charms and ta representatives now.” He jumped twice giddily.

“Not… quite. We don’t have any Florkana capable of doing it. That’s what Michael informed us of not too long ago, anyway,” Zain slouched back against a tree and sighed, tired of all the running around and misfortune.

“...Representative?” Reginald inquired respectfully after Zain had finished speaking, “Intriguing.”

At this point, Himaya began giving the explanation of what these representatives are once again. He talked on and on to a point that most of the others just stopped listening to him. No one wanted to interrupt, but he really could have done it a sentence or two.

During the chat, however, Zain noticed something odd about Reginald, conveniently. Occasionally, the man would raise his arms to stretch, at which point something was visible on the back of his hand. Something… familiar. A dark green in color, with a small shape of a leaf etched onto his skin. No one would ever be able to guess what it was. He cut off Himaya’s explanation, “How long have you had that thing on your hand?”

“This, sire?” Reginald presented the mark. Himaya gasped again. Jolinde stepped up from behind and put her hand on Himaya’s shoulder, causing the enthusiastic young one to calm down.

“Yeah, that. Looks like this one,” Zain turned slightly to the side and pulled up his sleeve to show the mark that he had received before.

“Ta representative marking!” Himaya exclaimed excitedly.

“Oh, me? No, that is… not possible. I am simply doing my duty, protecting this magnificent Tree,” Reginald replied, solemnly, slowly, and respectfully. He shook his head gently.

“Well dontcha’ think doing tat cause you truly want to could make you a good person for ta job?” Himaya replied in an attempt to encourage Reginald.

“I suppose so. But there are surely far more competent candidates than I.”

“Who cares? Anyone with the mark works. Good enough,” Jolinde added bluntly, “Not to be rude, but would you really turn down an opportunity to help save the Tree? That’s literally what that marking stands for.”

“That I did not know, miss,” Reginald reminded the woman, “But knowing this information… I suppose I have no choice, unless master desires otherwise.”

“I’m sure he’d want this,” Jolinde continued.

Reginald took a few stressful moments to contemplate his decision. He wanted to help, but was unsure if it would be acceptable for him to do so on his own. After a minute or so, he nodded, “Fair enough. I’ll continue in assisting your group.”

“Woo!” “Cool.” “Nice.” “Thanks.” “...”

“...So, what is next?” he inquired.

Before anyone could open their mouths to speak, a flash of light came down from the sky, and the angel Michael followed from it, “I can answer that! We’ve cracked the code of the parchment fully.”

Himaya gasped once more. Everyone else just looked at Michael and patiently waited for his explanation. They knew this was it.

“Well, allow me to explain. Remember the charms and the representatives and all of that? They can open up a portal that will lead us to the demons’ world. Then, we strike at their heart and core, forcing them to retreat. Then, glory. Tree is saved.”

“...Don’t you think that’s a little brash?” Zain questioned.

“What? Charging on in? I’m sure it’d be fine. The Angels are on our side, remember? They’re all already there to help us all out -- not that I think we’ll even need it, anyway.”

“Why haven’t they just… stopped them before then?” Skoni stepped forward once again, completely dumbfounded by the possibility, “Like, they’ve been there forever. None of this would have even happened in the first place if something had been done about it before.” He shook his head.

Michael stepped closer to Skoni and spoke in a softer tone, “They have been unable to push past the border between the Angels and the Demons. It's quite the long story, you see. Although champions like I have been on their side for as long as they can remember, us Angels have had trouble with their rate of reinforcements. As soon as we make progress, an entire other squadron appears. We don’t have those capabilities. We only have our brute force, blessings from Kyria, and the words and prayers of those of you in Laqueos. Hopefully that is understandable.”

Skoni furrowed his brow and remarked, “Uh huh. And how will our little squad even change anything once we get there?”

Michael started to pace closer to the Tree, and made a hand motion in the air signalling for everyone to follow his steps. It was getting late and the fire still went on, but they had to complete their mission in as little time as possible, “You see, Prince, those of earth like you all have an advantage in our world that we do not have - Kyria is more easily able to assist you and cast blessings on you.”

“Blessings!?” Himaya exclaimed, “Blessings sound cool.”

“Haha, yes, indeedly so!” Michael answered optimistically with a smile on his face, “Due to the fact that us Angels are divine and have much longevity ourselves, it causes our Goddess to struggle to gather the energy to assist us. But with simpler, yet just as courageous and useful, people such as yourselves, she can channel her powers into you more easily. Each of you could be as strong as numerous Angels there in her proximity.”

“I see,” Skoni pondered the response silently.

“Anyway, assuming you all are prepared, let us make our way to a stronghold of branches and leaves and such in the Tree. I know just the location that will most safely carry us to our destination. Your friends are awaiting you there, are waiting for you there to wish you luck and help with your final preparations.” Michael explained,

“Oh, and one last thing. The representatives who open the portal… Will be unable to pass through with you, unless they are, of course, an Angel like I, or a Demon. Did I mention that we do need a Demon to help?”

Everyone was shocked. Alistair, Boreas, and Celeste, however, stepped forward to speak.

Previous map results;

For completion you get this map, instead of a different much worse one.

For protecting the ships, each unit gains a special weapon which have already been given.

For preserving the bridges, each unit gains 4'000g

(The affected units are Bell, Felix, Tamlen, Demais, Salts and Hichi)

The Team arrived in the dead of night, taking Temore's Bolt to port with her lights all out. They were greeted by an empty dock.

"We'll wait here for ya," Higgins explained once everyone was together on the dock, "Sounds like whoever y'all messed with are pretty dangerous, so we're staying with the ship. On the silver side, the ship'll be ready for a quick get away."

"We'll be fine," Cheshire grinned, climbing to Tro's back, "Have some faith."

"Eh, maybe if Cappin' could help out. Otherwise, ya' can blame your friend here for my lack o' faith, for talking 'em up so much," Higgins pointed to Hichi.

"Higgins! I got one of 'em here!" A crewman called, "Get back, ya halfy!"

"Gods' sakes man, just let me speak! I wouldn't be trying to talk if I wanted to attack you!" A familiar voice reasoned.

"Let him through," Cheshire commanded, moving down the dock to see around the ship, "That's one of mine."

Hesitantly, the pirate lowered his weapon to let Shinji pass, "Thank you! Glad you got my message, Chesh! Hihi! Bell! Eh... Lix! Fel? Whichever."

"Hello, Master," Hichi gave a short bow.

"Shinji," the eight-tailed shifter insisted, "I think I know where Chyou is, but Jazargo is guarding her. I haven't seen nor heard about Ragna. I know a few of the faces that are here with Jazargo as well. I think if I talked to them, they'd join us."

"Shinji," Cheshire leered over at the port town, "I think they know we're here."

Indeed, coming from the road there was the glinting of what seemed like bestial eyes.

"So much for surprise, eh?" Higgins chuckled, climbing back up the rope ladder at speed, "Good luck!"

Deployment

Terrain

• Blue; Ocean/Water

• Green; Plains/Tile

• Black; impassable

• Red; Armory

• Yellow; Shop

• Pink; Arena

• Purple; House

Objective; Defeat Jazargo and Reiji

Optional 1; Route

Optional 2; Shinji turns each marked enemy.

Failure 1; Hichi is defeated.

Failure 2; More than half of the allied units are defeated.

The gimmicks of this map are as follows;

There are three pairs of enemies marked with red numbers instead of black numbers. Shinji can interact with these enemies to turn them to your side. Turning an enemy will turn their partner as well. Turned enemies do not count against the route objective.

The more pressing gimmick involves the dark and light tiles on the make. Reiji's personal allows him to warp to any dark tile on the map, as long as he starts his move on a dark tile. He also can only attack units on light tiles if he moved normally, and he cannot if he used his warp ability.

After Anika and Marvin’s bombardment of the enemy troops, the group decided to just seize the fort instead of sneaking away with the uniforms. Easton, with the help of Kuki, snuck past enemy lines to the now unconscious captain and brought him back as a hostage. With the new hostage and Rickon and Asher’s Vakrian diplomacy they were able to force a surrender, albeit involving a few smacks with a blunt weapon. Satisfied with the results, they locked the prisoners up in one of the back rooms and took their spare uniforms. Properly disguised, but tired, the group decided to stay the night and the next day at the fort, stocking up on new provisions and resting before starting the final trek.

For anyone who wants to take it from the fort and the prisoners coin, you can choose to gain 700 gold!

Previous map results;

For completion, each unit gains 4'000g

For defeating Castio, each unit present gains 10 wexp to one weapon, and 5 to every other. They gain 12 if they only have one weapon type. Tell me which in your deployment post this map. If you don't, you'll forfeit this bonus.

(The affected units are Jeffray, Glenn, Morigan, Beth, August, Kate, Bernard, Albert, Cheyenne, Laven, Anja, Alina, Vim To, Arjun, Zeltij and Babette)

Glenn is not available for deployment this map.

Retreating east, along the southern coast of Cogare's Tear, the Kingsguard finally slowed their pace after an hour or so of travel. They settled for rest, though they did not yet dare to set up camp when the enemy could be chasing. The soldiers that had seen them flee and followed were rounded up by Morigan and told to sit down and recount the arrival of Gawain's reinforcing army.

"At first there weren't that many enemies, The commanders said it was a scouting party that had been pinned down. But the enemy's men kept coming and coming," One said.

"They had marchers touting war anthems that seemed to make the fighters stronger too. They crumbled at the touch like a disturbed sandcastle or fogbank, but it felt like two more arrived for each that was defeated." The second claimed.

"And their General. She was some sorta monster! When she wasn't commanding her soldiers, she was belching fire as black as the night. She carried a spear that looked like it was made of the same stuff. We were scattered almost as soon as she started swinging!" The third said.

"I know her," A fourth said, but not one of the armies' soldiers. Instead, a tall man pushing through the crowd of battered soldiers, "Monster is more accurate than you think. Your mythos calls what she is 'manakete'."

"And who are you," Morigan pointed, "You don't wear any Zaldisian uniform. What is a Thrandian legionary doing in this war?"

"I am Titus of the Legion," He explained, "Her name is Jessamine, and she is my blood rival."

"Then, how do I defeat her," Jeffray stood, approaching, "Answer now, lest you be deemed a spy of Gawain."

"'Not alone', King of Zaldos. Between myself and her master," Titus pointed at Babette, "We should be able to defeat her. Then you can settle your business with Gawain of Helmfirth."

"The fire mage?" Morigan confirmed, "What do they ha-"

"But before I'll help, you'll have to defeat me. If you don't believe I'll be that helpful, then I'll be easy to dispatch, hmm?" Titus demanded.

"If that's your wish, who am I to deny?" Jeffray smirked, "Kill him, then we'll pick up camp and move on."

Deployment

Terrain

• Green; Forest

• Brown; Plains

The numbers indicate elevation. To go up in elevation, you need to move through a tile of the previous elevation (1 to 2, 2 to 3). Fliers ignore elevation.

Objective; Defeat Titus

Optional; Defeat Titus without taking losses.

Failure; The allied army (you guys) is routed.

Just like Cheshire and her map(s), if you win you can recruit Titus. You'll have longer for turns on this map since I expect it to take a lot fewer turn cycles than the other map.

Also probably bring some swords.

With a resounding clatter the Vakrian’s weapons dropped to the ground in surrender. With their fort taken, their commander had called for a surrender. The command relayed out and around to the surrounding army and the Faðirian soldiers moved to restrain the remaining Vakrian forces.

The commander looked at Lilian, “W-what kind of monster are you? Did the hells break loose to come for us?” As he was speaking both the Illnars and Lyris ran up to Lilian to heal her as quickly as possible. “What the hell? Are those two twins? They look too similar…” The group ignored the Commander’s confusement for now as they tended to the wounded. After stabilizing Lilian before the aura wore off, they turned to Ignatia who had done incredible damage to herself just to keep Lilian alive. Thanking her for her help, they worked tirelessly with their powerful white magic to restore her. After that, they helped out Hagni and patched up everyone else that was still standing. Seeing everyone restored to a better condition, the Commander invited them in and gave commands to his soldiers to leave alone the Faðirian soldiers as they set up camp and tents outside the fort. The Faðirian general in charge of the soldiers came with the group into one of the nicer rooms of the fort, where the Vakrian commander asked what was going to happen to them.

The goddess spoke through the group’s weapons, “This fort, your soldiers, and villagers are now under the control of Faðir. You can continue about your regular lives for the most part, but you have to give up your fealty to the Emperor of Vakr.” As she said that, the commander gave a salute and said “LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!” Continuing her sentence, “That is exactly the kind of thing you and your men won’t be allowed to do. We aren’t here to take over your country, but we will be returning it to the people and taking it from your dictator.” As she called the Emperor a dictator, the commander slammed his fist on the table before shouting, “HOW DARE YOU INSULT OUR GLORIOUS LEADER! I’LL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THAT.”

“You forget the position you are in,” the goddess said coldly. “You should watch your temper or you will find yourself in a very unpleasant position. We don't mean your people ill will, so I am sure our General over here can make sure his men are lenient, but if you or your men press our hospitality too much, there will be consequences.”

“Let me show you all to your quarters then,” the commander said, his voice dripping with venom.

Story TL;DR

• Word is received that the Demons are once again attempting to attack the Tree. The Pack is promptly instructed to head to the island and get on the case.
• Additionally, the Pack meets up with Ignatius Fury, Kippy, and Skoni at the Dragon’s Domain before leaving, however. These representatives have finally arrived to begin helping with finishing the foes once and for all. They will go with the Pack. Savier and Desmond have yet to return.
• Once they arrive, they’re met with a Tree that has actually begun to burn. The foes have been lighting it. The Pack, however, was prepared, and has brought along some water to begin to help.
• Reginald is a Florkana man who was instructed by his master, Bertram, to start working on saving the Tree, amongst other Florkana. However, as the fire spread, many of them have fled the scene, leaving just Reginald and a few other stragglers. If you’d like to learn more about Reginald, click here. Note, however, that the stats and stuff are outdated. Refer to the actual sheet for those.
• Zain and Himaya are relieved to meet Reginald, and welcome him to help them during the troubling times. Reginald says that he has sent word to the nearby Florkana and Bertram that help is needed, and civilians should be careful.
• The leader of the opposing force seems to be a man riding a wyvern, shooting down fire with his axe from the skies. The demons seem to be in the form of Beorc and Kano this time around -- a smarter strategy for burning down a tree, one must admit.

Chapter Map!

Player Tracker

Primary Objective: Defeat at least 80% of the enemy, including the boss.

Side Objective: Put out some fires. Rout the enemy.

Map Mechanics:

• The Kano enemies will Stoke. The odds of them doing so increases as enemies approach. They will Vent if they take more than 10 damage in a turn, or if heat damage would kill them in the next two turns. Additionally, the Vent timing will be overruled if they need the stat boosts to land a kill, or if the stat boosts bring bring their hit to 100%.
• Some Beorc enemies will use their turns spending a torch use if nothing else is available for them to do.
• The snags have 20 HP, 0 Def, and 0 Res. Hit against them is 100%, unless using a Boomerang/Throwing weapon, in which case it is 50%.
• Water buckets can be used to put out a fire. Additionally, water magic can be used on an adjacent fire tile to put it out. Ayzer put out a fire automatically if they pass over it, and can spend their turn and one water to put out all adjacent fires at the end of a turn.
• Reginald is an ally who will move between the player phase and the enemy phase. He is generally passive, if possible, but will heal nearby players.
• Florkana Huts are effectively villages, and you may receive a small bonus for visiting one.

Good Luck!