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>>6175744
“Concentrate. Feel the scorching heat and do not shy away, but grasp it.” Alvin calls out to you from afar. “These are not the paltry flames you’ve summoned before. This is magic befitting of an adept sorcerer.”

You outstretched your hands, calling upon the latent magical energies stored within you. It was true that you’d fallen behind in your studies of the arcane arts. You’d grown too comfortable with only swinging that large axe of yours, falling back onto the power of your Crests if need be. But you had a gift for magic, inherited from your mother, who by all accounts was a peerless sorceress in her time. Learning a paltry spell like this was well within your grasp. Coiling your fingers, you clasp your outstretched hands together and summon a torrent of flame that ignites the sand before you. The tower radiates tremendous heat, shooting several feet into the air, but you do not back down. You do not fear the deadly inferno, for it answers to your call alone.

>New Spell Learned: Elfire (+7 DMG, 3 Uses)

“Woohoo!” You hear May exclaim excitedly. She watches your performance along with several of your companions several feet away, on a hill overlooking your training area. “You picked that up in no time! You’re the best, boss!”

It had been a week since the battle in Ithaca. Following the defeat of the Riahi, your party had taken several days to rest and recuperate their strength. Being made of sterner stuff, you were fine. But you couldn’t say the same for the others. Alvin had undergone strenuous torture under the talons of that female assassin, and some of your other companions had taken serious wounds. WIth most of the party out of commission, there was nothing to do but sit around and wait. It was a tedium that irritated you endlessly. But now that you were back on the road and training your magic, your mood was starting to improve.

“Well done, Tristain.” Alvin says, joining you at your side. The Adjunct’s wounds had healed, and though he bore a few new scars, he seemed to be back to his old sort of jovial self. “I daresay we’ll make a sorcerer out of you yet. We’ll pick a new spell to focus our attention on. By the time we make it to Morfis, you should hopefully have expanded your arsenal quite a bit.”

>“Good, that’s what I like to hear.” Alvin’s tutorship was already paying off. You had no doubt you’d face contenders with greater firepower during Yulia’s competition. You’d need every trick you could get your hands on to even the odds. “When do you expect we’ll arrive at this ‘Hima’ place?”

“A few more days at this pace.” Alvin says. “We’ll be heading into the mountains, where Hima is nestled. They call the town the ‘Peak of Wyverns.’ Have you ever seen a wyvern before?”

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>>6175746
You’d not just seen a wyvern before, but you’d actually ridden one. Wyverns were flying lizard-like creatures, often populous in the more mountainous regions of Fodlan. Rusalka actually had quite a few wyvern nests nestled within its borders. Wyvern riders were soldiers who went into battle atop such creatures, and were considered some of the deadliest warriors around. Your father had been one of the most famous wyvern riders of his era, and for a time, you thought you’d follow in his footsteps atop such a beast. The only problem was that the creatures seemed to have an innate disliking of you.

It wasn’t actually your fault. For whatever reason, wyverns and magic mixed about as well as oil and water. If a wyvern sensed a whiff of magic from its rider, it would buck and thrash and try to send the poor sap crashing down to the ground. This was a fact you’d learned during your first joyride attempt, when you’d stolen a wyvern from Castle Rusalka’s grounds. You’d been lucky to land in a pile of hay when the beast had thrown you off. You’d never forget the look of horror on Bronte’s face, nor the scolding you’d received from your mother and aunt.

You’d heard that there did exist certain types of wyverns that were more magically acclimated. These wyverns did not share the same prejudice that the rest of their kin did, and could be ridden by someone like you just fine. However, they were exceedingly rare, and would cost a fortune that you could hardly justify. Morfis was a land of magical means though, and contained many peculiar oddities that were alien to Fodlan. Perhaps you could find such a suitable beast in Hima?

>“So, what’s the deal with this place anyway?”

“It’s the next step in our route to Morfis.” Alvin says. “Hima is a town nestled in the mountains, overseen by a clan of wyvern riders known as the Scorchers. They’re something between a militia force and a carrier service. Because wyvern riders are capable of flying over the desert, they are immune to many of its perils, and can serve as excellent messengers or travel guides. The Scorchers take it a step further by also patrolling the desert. They rescue those lost in the wastes, as well as do battle with all manner of enemies, ranging from cultists to bandits and even sometimes Terrors.”

>“They sound like real upstanding citizens. Is there any chance they have wyverns that a magic user like myself could ride?”

“Even if they did, I wouldn’t expect them to part with one.” Alvin grimaces, catching onto your point. “Beasts like that are exceptionally rare. Besides, the Scorchers are extremely territorial with their wyverns. They don’t view them as mere steeds to be ridden, but as extensions of themselves. If a Scorcher had to choose between himself and his wyvern, you could bet the wyvern would win nine times out of ten.”

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>>6175747
Gross. You’d heard pegasus knights had a similar bond with their steeds, but that was different. Pegasus knights were women, and usually cute ones at that. It was only natural for them to feel overprotective of their cherished, dainty little winged horse. Wyverns were nasty, ugly beasts. They drooled too much, and had a habit of making a mess of their prey, tearing into it with their jaws and talons. What kind of freak would see that as an extension of themselves? You dreaded visiting Hima already.

“Don’t tell me you were thinking of booking a flight at Hima straight to Morfis.” Alvin glowers at you. “I thought we were having fun on our road trip?”

>“I was just thinking of acquiring a new steed. But perhaps a wyvern isn’t in the cards. Oh well. I prefer horses anyway. Much cleaner.”

“Might I suggest a camel?” Alvin inquires. “I think they’re just as good personally.”

Ignoring the Adjunct, you head back to camp, where the rest of your companions have settled in for the day. Tomorrow, you will continue your journey to Hima. After having cleaned up a bit, you find one of your party members, striking up a conversation with them.

>A): May
>B): Cassius
>C): Adeline
>D): Cuthbert
>E): Elric
>F): Nadia

>>6175748
>>F): Nadia
Ok NOW can we talk to her?
New year, new thread. Glad we are back.

>>6175748
>>E): Elric
Hello Elric, how is the totally-not-cursed sword treating you?

Tempted quite mightily for Adeline. Defense support for both of them would be tremendous.

>>6175748
>>F): Nadia
Nice to see this return.

>>6175748
>>F): Nadia

>>6175748
>F): Nadia

>>6175748
>>C): Adeline
Solemn tank woman, my beloved

>>6175748
>C):Adeline
Gotta convince her to stick with the team

>>6175934
I think she will regardless, until the tournament proper that is

>>6175748
>C): Adeline
Poor girl needs some resistance....

>>6175748
>C): Adeline

>>6175748
>B): Cassius
Poor guy got swept up in quite the trip, and he doesn't even have a C-support...

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>>6175747
good thing Tris isn't that much of a mount guy else he really wouldn't beat the Radahn allegations

also have a cleaned up H!Blair

>>6175748
>F): Nadia

>>6176057
Nice and hot drawanon!

>>6176057
Beautiful. Did you end up doing other seasonal Blairs too anon?

>>6176057
DAMN. I daresay Blair has never looked better. I'm really happy to see you came back to this piece. Thanks for the great art as always.

Looks like Nadia wins by one vote. Writing.

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>>6175748
Speaking of faithful steeds, you find Nadia tending to her own horse at the edge of camp. The researcher from Ithaca had only recently joined your group, and she had brought with her a rather impressive looking stallion that seemed to have no problems with traversing the harsh desert terrain. You approach Nadia just as she is finishing offering her animal companion its feed bag. Even when performing a task as mundane as horse care, the sorceress manages to find a way to look as seductive as ever.

“Lord Tristain.” Nadia smiles warmly at you, showcasing a set of pearly white teeth. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

>“Just checking in. Was it really alright for you to leave Ithaca and come along with us? The place seemed to be ready to fall apart.”

“I’m sure they’ll be just fine.” Nadia says with a shrug of her shoulders. “Morfis will soon hear of what fate has befallen their precious camp, and they’ll send mages to re-secure it. Besides, with that cur Andreas having stolen my research, there is no purpose in me remaining. Better for me to come along with you instead. Staying by your side is a…prospect that I greatly look forward to.”

>“You’re pretty direct aren’t you?” You were no fool when it came to women. You’d had plenty of female attention in the past. Where lesser men would melt at the advances of a seductress like Nadia, you had enough control of your baser urges to remain level. And it was clear to you that things were moving almost too fast between the two of you.

“I hope I am not off-putting to you, Lord Tristain.” Nadia says with a giggle. “But I truly am enamored with you in a way I’d not thought possible. Surely you cannot fault a woman for falling for the man that saved her when she was backed into a corner by assassins?”

>“Did I do that? I seem to recall that it was your construct that saved you. The same construct you put together with my blood that you stole.”

“Correct.” Nadia nods, unphased. “And that construct was a near-exact replica of you. Sure it was missing a bit of skin and hair, not to mention that nice jaw of yours. And yes, it did not exactly possess what you or I would call ‘greater thought’...but it was you nonetheless. Even when I’d lost control over it, it chose to slaughter the Riahi rather than turn its blade on me. After much consideration, I believe it only did so because it inherited your traits.”

>“Seems like a bit of a stretch if you ask me.”

“Is it? You knew what I had done, and yet you did not strike me down. In fact, you offered me healing even when your supply was limited. The apple does not fall far from the tree, Lord Tristain. I know what I felt when I worked through your quintessence, and it was like nothing else I’d ever experienced. You are a noble man worth following.”

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>>6176230
>“Bah, I don’t need any magical jargon to tell me that. Were you really making creepy things like that your entire time in Ithaca?”

“I’d made several constructs in the past, though none were as vibrant as the one made from your quintessence.”

>“Hah, figures that the people of Morfis would lack the same sort of virile quin-whatever that I have. It’s just a shame that it was used to create that weird thing.”

“Come now, you didn’t hate it that much did you?” Nadia asks, pouting. She almost seems somewhat offended. “In the short time I’ve gotten to know you, I’d have thought you would enjoy the opportunity to fight yourself in equal combat. You may have experienced a unique opportunity that no one in the world ever has before. Did you truly learn nothing from it?”

>“Now that I think about it, the construct had attacked me with an ability I’d never used before. After seeing it, I was able to replicate the attack soon after. How is such a thing possible?”

“You were likely able to use that same ability the entire time.” Nadia says. “You just never thought to do so. The construct shared your abilities and traits, but may have chosen different ways to utilize them.”

The construct had used the Crest of Indech to turn its axe into a high-speed tomahawk that could return back to its hands. Such a thing seemed so impossible to you that you’d never thought to even try it. But sure enough, you were able to replicate this feat, adding a new technique to your repertoire. Were there perhaps other, similar techniques that you could unlock? As if sensing your question, Nadia smirks and draws closer.

“You know, Lord Tristain, you did promise to help me retrieve my research. Once it is back in my hands, I can perhaps create another construct of you. With a few extra touches, I may even be able to draw out some more of your latent abilities. Would you enjoy it if I did that?”

>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.
>B): Such a thing might be too risky. The world only has room for one Tristain d’Rusalka.
>C): Write-in

>>6176233
>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.

>>6176233
>>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.

>>6176233
>>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.
I'm my own worst enemy

>>6176233
>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.
We will regret this, but that is future Tristain's problem.

>>6176233
>>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.

>>6176233
>C): Write-in
If she can make a Tristain, could she make another Nadia for double the booty.

>>6176230
>Speaking of faithful steeds, you find Nadia
Insane opening line. Also, tristain actually has a concept of "moving too fast"? Color me surprised.
>>6176233
>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.
I wonder if the construct will inherit new spells we're learning. Spells aren't in the blood, are they? Does construct get bonuses from items Tristain bought in the past?
I'm just thinking of the ways we could outscale ourselves, to secure the win more safely. Sure, that's coward's thinking, but while tristain is happy to bet his life on a coin flip, I'm not quite happy to end this quest because Tristain wanted to spar with himself again.

>Speaking of faithful steeds, you find Nadia
kek

>>6176233
>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.

>>6176057
Neat. I'd roll for a big titty nopan Halloween Blair.

>>6176397
>Does construct get bonuses from items Tristain bought in the past?
Mr. Bones had the same RES as us at level 24 and we ended up buying a Talisman at our shopping trip in the first thread so any newer constructs probably would gain the stat boosts from items.
Theoretically if Nadia does create another construct, it shouldn't be a fight to the death and we probably would have a better axe than the construct.

>>6176233
>>B): Such a thing might be too risky. The world only has room for one Tristain d’Rusalka.

>>6176088
>>6176146
>>6176411
thanks friendos

>>6176101
no other seasonals yet, i'm thinking of doing one for our current quest now, any suggests?

>>6176470
Summer Tristain bludgeoning somebody with a surfboard? Skeleton costume Halloween Tristain? Any seasonal Cassius but he's actually wearing some other seasonal because he doesn't know how Fodlan folk celebrate?

>>6176233
>C):"I'm more interested in learning which of my latent abilities would be carried on through to the next generation, especially when combined with the strain of another potent spellcaster. Do you think that's research you'd be interested in assisting with?"

>>6176470
Blair with baby Tristain and Bronte

>>6176233
>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge

>>6176358
Amendment, what if she could make Three Nadia's. Will Tristain ever learn the secret of blue water?

Damn, the one day I don't check /qst/ for the next thread, and a new one pops up. Granted, it's been two, but hey, I'm just glad it's back.

>>6176057
She's got huuuuuge... tracts of land. Glad you came back to touch up on the piece, drawanon! You do some damn fine work as always.

>>6176470
Springtime or Valentine Tristain might be pretty funny.

>>6176233
>A): Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.
Rashness is Tristain's middle name. Just be strong enough to solve whatever problems you unintentionally cause, ez.

>>6176470
I'd be happy with anything you drew, though I'd be interested in seeing your take on Tristain.

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>>6176233
You’d already beaten yourself once. How hard could it be to do it again? Even if the construct were to get stronger, that would only mean that you’d also grown more powerful as well. Besides, it would be nice to have a sparring partner. It’s not as if you could rely on others for that sort of thing. At least with yourself, you knew you’d be getting a good fight.

>“Another opportunity to test my might against myself? I welcome the challenge.”

Nadia’s eyes flash, the same way a child’s might upon receiving a gift from their parents. “I’m delighted to hear you say so, Lord Tristain. Then it’s settled. As soon as humanly possible, I will grant you such an opportunity once more.”

>“Heh, you know you’re a pretty interesting woman, Nadia. You’re not at all like what I’d pictured a mad sorcerer to be. I’d imagine someone with your interests to be an old coot, practicing dark magic and living inside a cave. But I have to say, you’re just about the opposite in every way.”

“Restorative Magic is all about manipulating the flesh to receive a desired outcome. Casting Mend on a wound is vastly more complicated than it seems, and requires an intricate knowledge of both the human body and soul. It’s only natural that my interests in quintessence and human creation would lead me down the path of healing.” Nadia says with a sweet smile. If she was offended at your prior remark, she does not show it. “But I appreciate you saying so, Lord Tristain. I hope I continue to be useful to you. And in return, I hope you will help me retrieve my research, and allow me to stay by your side.”

>You receive a B-Support w/ Nadia! (+2 RES when 3 squares next to each other.)

The next day, you, your party, and the rest of Alvin’s men continue the trip to Hima. Traversing the scorching hot desert had previously been an agonizing pain. But ever since meeting Nadia, who’d taught you a cantrip to keep the heat at bay, it felt no different than walking around your backyard. You’d even been able to keep your armor on, something that granted you far more comfort than traversing about without it. Still, Nadia’s cantrip only worked on you and any others in your party that were able to use magic. Those without magical talent were still forced to put up with the desert sun’s unbearable oppression. Your eyes fall upon Adeline, who was one such person that was presently struggling.

You felt a bit bad for the woman. Having grown up in the northern Faerghus region, which was known for its cold climate, the Morfisian desert must have felt completely alien to her. She’d stopped wearing her armor during these trips, having been unable to put up with the heat. For a woman with as much pride in the defenses she put up, you imagine it must have bothered her greatly to be seen in this vulnerable state.

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>>6176714
After several hours of traversing the desert sands, the group’s pace was beginning to slow, and it was likely that another break would soon be called. As you examined the scenery before you, something popped into view from the corner of your eye. Tiny little green trees in the distance stood out amidst the dunes. It was another oasis, inviting you to enjoy a reprieve from the harshness of the sun. The last time you’d seen something like this, you had assumed you’d gone mad with desert fever. But you had your wits about you, and you knew what you were looking at was no mirage.

This time, you were not the only person who noticed the oasis. Adeline was looking past you, eyes locked on the possible sanctuary before her. Her cheeks were flush red, and the look in her eyes was one of longing. It didn’t take a perceptive individual to deduce that Adeline wished to visit the oasis. Still, the woman held onto her maddening pride. She would never admit that she wished to take a rest, for doing so would show weakness.

>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.
>B): You found the idea of a sudden Oasis in the desert to be far too convenient. This was likely the work of an enemy mage. Continue your travels.

>>6176716
>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.
"Beach" episode!

>>6176716
>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.
We saw an oasis last time and we skipped it. This time, we've got another person who noticed it too-- that either means it's an actual oasis, or it's still a trap, but at least this time, we've got backup. Why not?

>>6176716
>>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.
By now, you should've somehow realised what you gotta do

>>6176716
>B): You found the idea of a sudden Oasis in the desert to be far too convenient. This was likely the work of an enemy mage. Continue your travels.

>>6176716
>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.
Fine. Have a dip, as a treat.

>>6176548
I'm sure Nadia would be more than happy to volunteer herself for such an experiment. For science, of course.

>>6176716
>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.

Finally some Adeline time

>>6176716
>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.
If we don't do this, she's going to boil like a lobster.

>>6176716
>>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.

>>6176716
>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.

>>6176716
>C): You found the idea of a sudden Oasis in the desert to be far too convenient. This was likely the work of an enemy mage. Let's go beat the shit out of him.
"If you're walking into a trap, but you know it's trap, then it's not a trap, it's a standoff"

Also, the sweaty warrior woman must be preserved untill our climactic fight at the tournamnet proper, don't let her cook yet. Tristain will cook her himself with his magic and her 0 RES

>>6176716
>A): Offer to go to the Oasis, bringing Adeline along. It would be nice to take a quick break amidst the shade.

Got to go for this. If it's a trap, that just makes it a bonus mission.

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>>6176716
>“Adeline. I want to visit that oasis over there in the distance. Would you mind coming along? In the event that there’s trouble, I’d like to rely on you as my usual human shield.” You knew enough about Adeline to play her properly. If you’d asked her if she simply wished to rest beneath the shade, she’d have flat out denied you. But in making it seem as though you required her aid, there would be no way she could refuse.

Brushing beads of sweat off her brow, Adeline vigorously nods. “Of course, Lord Tristain. Allow me to grab my spear and shield and we can-”

>“That won’t be necessary. Just come along.” You say, turning your back towards Adeline and making way for the oasis. Even in the unlikely event that you did encounter trouble, you had your axe, armor, and a helping of magic that you were eager to cast. You would be able to handle yourself just fine.

“You’re going to that oasis?” Elric calls out from behind. “C-can I come too?”

>“No!” You yell, not even bothering to turn around. “Stay there and keep practicing with your sword!”

Adeline clumsily tries to catch up with you. Being an armor knight in the desert certainly had its disadvantages. Still, when you saw the woman without her armor like this, you couldn’t believe she’d willingly choose to cover herself up. There was no denying that she was an attractive woman. Even with the disgrace of House Rowe, she was still of noble birth. Surely there’d be some lordling willing to marry her and scoop her away from her troubled life. That seemed a much better alternative than what she was choosing to do now anyway.

>“You should take it easier.” You suggest to Adeline now that you were out of earshot of the others. “You’re obviously in extreme discomfort. There’s nothing wrong with taking a rest every now and again.”

“I-I’m fine…honest.” Adeline says breathlessly. “These are merely trials put before me by the Goddess. How can I expect to win the competition if I’m undone by a little bit of sun?”

>“You shouldn’t expect to win the competition because I’m in it. Or has the sun scorched that out of your memory?”

“I just need to grow stronger than you.” Adeline says. “That’s all.”

>You laugh uproariously. “You say that like it’s such an easy thing!”

Adeline shrugs. “I don’t have much of a choice. If I wish to restore honor to my family name, I’ll have to grow stronger. Even if it means defeating you, Lord Tristain.”

>“The heat really is getting to your brain. Did you forget I can cast magic?” You ask her, tapping your head. “One spell and I’d have you roasted in that armor of yours.”

Adeline smiles. A rare gesture from her that you’ve barely seen on this journey. “I do not believe you would resort to using magic.”

>“Oh? And why not?”

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>>6177177
“The Tristain d’Rusalka that I know would find it much more enjoyable to prove that he could shatter my defenses with his strength alone.”

You smirk. Maybe she had a point. Or maybe not, and this was her way of trying to convince you of the idea. Still, you could appreciate her forwardness in how she spoke to you. Very few would have the gall to make the claim she just had. She was certainly deserving of some encouragement, even just for being one of your trusted party members.

>“Very well. I look forward to seeing you grow stronger, Adeline.”

“Lord Tristain.” Adeline says, seriousness suddenly present in her voice. “There’s someone up ahead.”

As you enter the lush patch of green, drawing closer to a refreshing body of water, you find that there is in fact someone sitting there. You must have initially mistaken them for a giant rock or boulder of sorts, because as you draw closer, you can now make out a massive figure peering into the water. It was a woman, at least over six feet in height. Even squatting down, she cut an impressive shape. She did not turn around to acknowledge you or Adeline’s presence. Instead, she continued to squat there and stare down into the blue water, even as the two of you drew up next to her.

>“Uhh…hi.” You offer.

“Hello.” The woman says, never looking up.

>“What are you doing?”

“I threw my axe in there.” She says, pointing into the water.

>“What?” You squint your eyes. “Why?”

“Lady of the Oasis lives there.” She says. “Legend says if you offer the oasis an axe, she’ll appear and offer you an even better one. So I’m waiting. Been a while though…”

You peer down into the water, but are unable to see anything. There was no axe, and there was certainly no woman down there either. The stranger finally deigns to look up at you and Adeline. As she does, her eyes widen in something resembling recognition.

“Hey…” She starts slowly, pointing a finger at you. “You’ve got an axe too. Maybe you should try it?”

You grimace. Was everyone in this desert insane? Your axe was quality, Castle Rusalka forged steel. None of the weapons you’d seen so far here in Morfis could even compete. You’d had it for quite some time, and knew it like the back of your hand. The smoothness of the handle, the sharpness of the heel, and the tiny little “E” engraved into the head, signifying the initial of the castle’s blacksmith. What sort of madman would you be to toss such a masterwork into the water?

Then again, when in Morfis…

>A): Toss the axe into the oasis. If nothing happens you can always make Adeline retrieve it.
>B): This is madness…

>>6177179
>>A): Toss the axe into the oasis. If nothing happens you can always make Adeline retrieve it.
funny

Adeline a cute.

>>6177179
>A): Toss the axe into the oasis. If nothing happens you can always make Adeline retrieve it.
But is it a Silver Axe, or a Gold Axe? Nah, it's a Steel Axe, surely.

>>6177179
>>A): Toss the axe into the oasis. If nothing happens you can always make Adeline retrieve it.

>>6177179
>A): Toss the axe into the oasis. If nothing happens you can always make Adeline retrieve it.
I doubt that we'll get a free Brave Axe that easily, but might as well humor the huge brown musclegirl.
We do still have the Hammer, so we wouldn't be completely screwed if the axe is somehow completely unrecoverable. Maybe if Eulalia made us a Killer Axe or better it would have been a bigger dilemma.

>>6177179
>B): This is madness...
We're not giving up a weapon we've had for years on the ramblings of someone we just met, are we? Are we?

>>6177179
>>B): This is madness…
>giant woman
>kind of stupid
if she wasn't local, I'd think we ran into Scratch's kid

>>6177179
>B): This is madness…

>>6177179
>>A): Toss the axe into the oasis. If nothing happens you can always make Adeline retrieve it.

>>6177179
>A): Toss the axe into the oasis. If nothing happens you can always make Adeline retrieve it.

If nothing happens, we can go ask this Strange Woman to go get the Axes back for us. I've heard that strange Women lying in ponds distributing weaponry is the perfect basis for a system of government...

>>6177179
>A): Toss the axe into the oasis. If nothing happens you can always make Adeline retrieve it.
Whatever you say large brown woman

>>6177179
>>A): Toss the axe into the oasis. If nothing happens you can always make Adeline retrieve it.
Do the funny

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>>6177179
So far, you’d encountered a skeletal replica of yourself, a massive gargoyle that could lift you in its talons, and an ancient desert spirit that wished to be worshipped as a god. All this in a country that was supposedly founded by a wizard who rode atop a giant flying ship. To say this land was strange would be an understatement. Rather than fight it, perhaps you should merely embrace the madness. Maybe if you went along with the peculiar flow, you might find yourself happier for it. It’s with this thought in mind that you unstrap your Steel Axe from your back.

“You cannot be seri-”

You give Adeline no time to finish her sentence as you toss the weapon into the oasis with a nice plunk, watching as your precious Steel Axe sinks to the bottom of the water, out of view. The three of you then wait there in silence for several minutes, staring deep into the pond. There is no sound save for the desert wind blowing through the lush green trees that are presently providing you with a reprieve from the sun. It would ordinarily be a relaxing moment, were it not for what just transpired.

>“No, I should have known that would happen. What the hell was I thinking?” You mutter to yourself in disbelief.

“Maybe she’s asleep…” The stranger offers helpfully.

“Lord Tristain…” Adeline starts. Was she feeling pity for you?

>“Can you swim?” You ask her.

Adeline turns pale, before shaking her head.

Great. Maybe this was a job for May. You did not look forward to having to explain-

At that moment, a geyser erupts from the water several feet into the air. You sense a powerful magical presence, and are grimly reminded of the Djinn. Instinctively, you reach behind you to grab your axe, only to remember that it was no longer there. Shit! This was bad! A shape moves through the geyser before emerging through its very tip. You see the head first, revealing the figure to be a woman. She continues her ascent until she is standing atop the geyser of water as though it were solid ground. In her hands are two axes. She looks down upon you and your trio with something resembling scorn.

“Yo. Are you the one that keeps throwing these down here?” Her brow is furrowed in great annoyance.

“It was him!” The strange woman shouts before you can say anything. She points an accusatory finger at you.

>“Me?!” You recoil in shock. “What are you talking about? You’re the one who told me to do it!”

“What’s your problem, man?” The ‘spirit’ asks you. She was definitely pissed, there was no question about it. “How would you feel if I came to your home and threw stuff in there? Would you like that? Huh?”

“L-Lord Tristain…this is bad.” Adeline whispers uselessly behind you. “I sense hostile intent from her.”

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>>6177868
“You ‘people’ never change.” The spirit says with disgust. “You hear some story about an axe-spewing lake and you all think to come rushing over here. I’m sick of it! Take your damn trash back! Which one of these is it?”

You get a good look at the axes the woman is holding for the first time, only to find that neither of them are in fact yours. The axe the woman holds in her right hand is something you’re able to appraise right away. It was a Silver Axe. A weapon that was a good notch in quality above yours. That was surprising, as you didn’t think these Morfisians had the means to produce such a thing. Back in Fodlan, it would be worth several times its weight in gold. The weapon in the woman’s left hand is…

What the hell? You blink as if to make sure what you were seeing was real. The axe that was in the lady’s left hand was the most bizarre thing you’d ever seen. It looked to be made of the bones of some mythical creature, and the head was in the shape of a human skull? How was such a thing even possible to make?! Looking at the axe gave you the feeling that it was designed solely for the purpose of evil. A weapon spawned from the very pits of hell itself. Whoever threw that thing in the oasis likely wanted to get as far away from it as possible!

>A): Claim the Silver Axe
>B): Claim the Strange Axe
>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.

>>6177870
>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.
The Silver Axe is tempting, but we know how this goes.

>>6177870
>>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.
NO! We are not taking that fucking axe, I don't wish that on Tristain...

Ah, glad to see this back, hope you had a nice new years TH
Also
>B): Claim the Strange Axe
Gimme the fucking Devil Axe!

>>6177870
>A): Claim the Silver Axe
In for a penny, in for a pound.

>>6177870
>>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.
"How many axes do you have in there, woman!? If you want people to stop throwing axes in there, put up a sign!"

Called it. Adeline not knowing how to swim is a surprise though, but I guess Armor Knights just don't like swimming for obvious reasons. Wonder if that'll be plot relevant later.

>>6177870
>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.
But honestly speaking, her being legitimately angry about it is certainly a subversion on the story. C might result in us getting both, or nothing, or it might just give us back our Steel Axe, kek. Still, I'm willing to try it.

>>6177870
>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.

>>6177870
"Both of those are mine"

>Devil Axe
I might be tempted if it wasn't for our propensity for putting ourselves at single digit HP in every combat we've been in. We might just kill ourselves with it accidentally if we're unlucky.

>>6177870
>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.
>But
>A): Claim the Silver Axe

>>6177870
>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.

>>6177870
>>B): Claim the Strange Axe

>>6177870
>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.

>>6177870
>C): Inform the woman that neither of these axes were yours.

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>>6177870
The surly woman was awaiting your answer. While you wanted nothing to do with that strange-looking weapon, the Silver Axe was at least tempting. WIth the way things looked, it was unlikely you’d be able to secure an upgrade until at least reaching Morfis. Still, you didn’t exactly trust this “spirit”. You couldn’t help but feel that there was more to this decision than met the eye. She had to have known that neither of these axes were really yours, as the Steel Axe had only dropped into her pond a mere few moments ago. Perhaps she was testing you to see if you’d remain honest? Well, you wouldn’t fall for her trick.

>“Actually, neither of those axes were the ones I dropped.” You say smugly.

The woman stares down at you, her mouth curled in distaste. Shit, did you say the wrong thing? Just as you begin to think so, she finally speaks.

“So what? Am I supposed to go back down there and look for your axe? Is that what you want me to do? No, don’t answer that question. Just take these damn things with you!”

With a thud, the lady of the oasis tosses both the SIlver Axe and the Evil-Looking Axe at your feet.

>Obtained Silver Axe! (+16 Attack)
>Obtained ??? Axe! (+21 Attack, -20 HP when Used)

“Now piss off!” She shrieks. “And tell all your friends to stay the hell away!”

The geyser shrinks in size, taking its rider with it. In a few short moments, the woman disappears back into the oasis. Peering down inside, you’re unable to find any trace of her. Was that really a desert spirit? You weren’t quite sure. She seemed rather human to you. Besides, who would worship a surly goddess like that? You thanked your lucky stars that your own Goddess was a benevolent and merciful lady. You made a mental note that, once you conquered Morfis, you’d build a temple to her right over this damn oasis. But for now, you happily collect your prizes.

“Can I have that back?” The strange woman asks. For a second, you believe she is pointing at the Silver Axe that you now held. Surprisingly though, it’s the evil-looking axe that she was referring to.

>“This thing is yours?” You ask incredulously.

The woman nods. “I was hoping to get something less scary-looking. But any axe is better than no axe.”

That was certainly a sentiment you saw no fault with.

>“What the hell is this thing? Why does it look like that?”

“It’s cursed.” She says.

>“Cursed? Then why do you want it back?”

“Gotta swing something.” She shrugs.

Another flawless argument…

>A): Return the Cursed Axe to the Strange Woman.
>B): Finders Keepers.

>>6178267
>>A): Return the Cursed Axe to the Strange Woman.
well, there goes our trusty old axe. I don't want to be on the other side of that cúig triail circus show from last quest so take your axe

Looks like it's not a Devil Axe, but something else entirely. It might be the FEH version of the Devil Axe though, which deals out-of-combat damage after combat instead of the usual Backfire effect.

Tree, does the Strange Axe reduce HP after combat, and if so, can it reduce your HP past 1?

>>6178267
>A): Return the Cursed Axe to the Strange Woman.
This axe is pretty good for dropping Tristain into Resolve range, but not much else. Good for swatting flies, but actively detrimental against an opponent that survives more than one round of combat. It's only 5 Mt stronger than the Silver Axe, and, if we initiate on an enemy using it, if they survive and attack us in turn, we'd have lost 40 HP from the feedback alone-- to say nothing of groups of mooks dogpiling us and reducing our HP to 1 after several rounds of combat.

It might be useful in duels or boss fights where we can allow the enemy to initiate on us while wielding the axe, before swapping to a regular weapon for the Resolve boost, though. Or if you just want slightly higher damage numbers.

Overall, I'll happily trade that for a potential recruitment opportunity for the airheaded axe lady.

>>6178284
>Tree, does the Strange Axe reduce HP after combat, and if so, can it reduce your HP past 1?
Yes to both. You can suicide on it.

>>6178296
Damn, gotcha, good to know! It's worse than I thought. Get this thing away from us.

>>6178267
>A): Return the Cursed Axe to the Strange Woman
We're not just going to leave her unarmed, are we?

>>6178275
>well, there goes our trusty old axe
We could always dive in for it later, hypothetically, but I'm not sure our boy is one for stealth missions.

>>6178267
>A): Return the Cursed Axe to the Strange Woman.

See, if Strange Woman join us, we get Woman AND Axe!

>>6178267
>>B): Finders Keepers

>>6178267
>A): Return the Cursed Axe to the Strange Woman.
If Tristain keeps tanking things with his face he won't have any trouble getting into resolve range.

>>6178267
>B): Finders Keepers.

>>6178267
>>A): Return the Cursed Axe to the Strange Woman.

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>>6178267
If she wanted this thing so badly she could have it. You didn’t exactly appreciate the look the skull-shaped blade was giving you anyway. You hand the evil-looking axe over to the giant woman, who accepts it with a mix of gratitude and resignation. In her massive hands, the weapon looked almost like a toy.

“Thank you.” The woman says with a bow of her head. “Travelling the desert without any means of defense is dangerous. Even for me.”

>“Where did you get a thing like that anyway?” You ask.

“My master gave it to me.” She says with a sigh. “Though I wish he’d have given me something nicer, like the axe you have. This one is too scary. I thought if I gave it to the Lady, she might give me one that was more normal. But she seemed really mad. Thank you for talking to her and giving me my axe back though. My name is Penelope. If our paths ever cross again, I promise to make this up to you.”

>“Sure, whatever. Travel safely now.” You weren’t sure what sort of master would give an axe like that as a gift, but he must have been a real freak. In any case, you bid farewell to the giant, who walks away into the desert alone. This might have been the strangest encounter you’d had in Morfis yet, but it was not without its faults. You at least had a brand new weapon to show for your troubles.

You and Adeline spend a few more minutes together at the oasis. The woman seems timid around the water, likely nervous about provoking the wrath of its dweller. Fortunately, she does not make another appearance, and the armor knight is able to fend off the impending threat of heat stroke. After she has finished cooling off, you and her regroup with the others, who have questions about where you’d acquired that new axe of yours.

“The Lady of the Oasis?” Alvin raises his eyebrow in confusion. “The hell are you talking about?”

>“I assumed she was one of your people’s goddesses or something?”

“Maybe once upon a time.” Cassius says. “There are still those outside of Morfis who secretly worship the ancient spirits of the desert. But almost all of those old deities have vanished, vanquished by the Sorcerer King. Their names and purposes ending up forgotten to history. Well, at least that’s what I thought anyway. If the Djinn was anything to go by, it seems that maybe a few escaped that fate.”

“It sounds like you may have encountered something else entirely.” Alvin says. “Perhaps a rogue mage that is in hiding.”

>“A rogue mage?”

“It is a rather open-ended term for any mage that the Royal College does not approve of.” Cassius informs you. “These rogues can range from members of the Cult of the Serpent with magical talent, to simple deserters of Morfis.”

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>>6178949
“In many cases, they are fugitives, often dabbling in forbidden magic or research.” Alvin continues. “In others, they are mages who have rejected the idea of residing in the City of Illusions, and seek out the desert to live as hermits. The College takes a negative stance on them either way. There even exists a special order of warriors tasked with hunting down these rogue mages. They are known as the Yasha.”

>“So that wasn’t actually a spirit then? I should have known. Is there a reward for capturing these rogue mages?”

“Better to not even bother.” Alvin waves his hand. “From what you described, if she was talented enough to make a hidden habitat out of that oasis, she’s probably strong. Besides, I doubt she’s even there anymore. If she’s smart, she’ll have moved locations. The last thing she’d want is the Yasha finding out about her. They are warriors specifically bred for the purpose of capturing sorcerers, and are the bane of any mage in a fight.”

You put the matter aside. The party rests for the night, before moving out again first thing in the morning. Alvin says that the group is making an excellent pace, and that you should arrive at Hima by tomorrow. Adeline seems to be in much better spirits since having taken her to the oasis, and no longer appears to be lagging behind.

>You receive a B-Support w/ Adeline! (+2 DEF when 3 squares next to each other.)

You continue training magic with Alvin, who this time teaches you the “Wind” spell. The sorcery by itself is not very powerful, but where it truly shines is in its effectiveness against aerial foes. The timing could not be better you think. The Scorchers in Hima are known as wyvern riders, and if any trouble were to break out with them, you’d be able to knock them flat on their asses. A good thing that you were such a quick learner.

>You learned Wind! (+3 ATK, 5 Uses, x3 DMG against flying foes.)

After training is complete, you find a few of your companions milling about. You endeavor to speak with one of them before arriving at Hima tomorrow.

>A): Cassius
>B): Elric
>C): Cuthbert

>>6178951
>>B): Elric
how's that sword treating you

>>6178951
>C): Cuthbert
Really curious if he's actually noticed a change in Elric or not

>>6178951
>B): Elric
We must check on the boy. If he starts talking about Mystletainn being hungry or "a new order that will shake the foundations of the world" or anything, we might need to intervene.

>>6178951
>B): Elric
The power of friendship will surely save him from Mystletainn controlling him.
Cassius really has been ignored so far kek, being the only person who doesn't even have a support rank with us.

>>6178951
>C): Cuthbert

>>6178951
>>C): Cuthbert
I'd say we let the sword cook for just a little more.

>>6178951
>C): Cuthbert
We'll check on Elric in a bit. See what Cuthbert thinks about this whole thing. He knows him better than anyone, after all.

>>6175748
Did OP make these?

>>6179345
If you're talking about the portraits, most of these are taken from Fire Emblem Universe's Free2Use Portrait Repository. The one exception being Tristain's, who I spliced together myself.

>>6178951
>A): Cassius
The Summoner needs more love

>>6178951
>C): Cuthbert
Talk to us old man

>>6178951
>B): Elric

Honestly fine with talking to any of them. Kind of funny to look at the current situation of Elric and Cuthbert. Elric has this magic sword that makes him confident and aggressive enough to try and spar with Tristain after having it for what, a day or a handful of hours? But it hasn't actually made him any stronger? Dangerous combo.

Then we have Cuthbert whose job it is to protect Elric and surely has noticed the difference, but hasn't done anything about it or confronted Elric? Has he just resolved himself and accepted it? Even if he doesn't think its a magic sword then its more like Elric has taken the killing of his first enemy and lost his sense of self that wanted to avoid violence.

>>6179350
Neat

Cuthbert it is. Writing!

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>>6178951
At first, you think about spending a moment speaking with Alvin. However, you find that the boy is in his own world, swinging that strange sword of his. What was with Morfis and its abundance of peculiar weapons? You ultimately decide not to interrupt his practice. It was nice to see him taking an interest in something positive for once, rather than all the reading and studying that the boy usually did. Instead, you choose to sit down across the fire from his bodyguard, Cuthbert. You find the man by himself as usual, alone in his own little world.

>“How are you faring, old timer?” You ask, taking a seat opposite from the veteran soldier.

“Is that supposed to be a joke?” Cuthbert snorts. “Nothing wrong with being old. With the sort of life I’ve led, it just goes to show how fortunate I’ve been.”

>“You held things together pretty well during the battle in Ithaca.” You say. Cuthbert had risen to do battle with the assassins before you had even left your tent. He’d also not hesitated for even a single moment to jump into battle with the twin axemen, nor the Djinn. Part of the reason you’d let Elric tag along in the first place was to have this man’s assistance. In these strange lands, a veteran Fodlan knight you could rely on such as Cuthbert was worth his weight in gold.

“Wasn’t the first time I’d been ambushed. Probably won’t be the last either if I’m going to be travelling with you.” Cuthbert sighs, poking at the fire with a stick. “Still, I will admit that was a grislier scene than I’d been expecting. Those Riahi were merciless.”

>“Only because they were picking on mages that couldn’t even access their magic. But when faced with real warriors, they folded easy enough.”

“Real warriors, eh?” Cuthbert chuckles, amused by your comment. “Be that as it may, don’t underestimate them. It’s true, the people in this land fight differently than you or I. They prefer swift strikes and light armor. They duck and weave and feint, whereas we prefer to crush with overwhelming strength. But if you ask me, warriors like that are the most dangerous. They cannot afford to make a misstep, and so they are better than anyone at finding the gaps in one’s armor and exploiting them. They’ll wear you down with little cuts here and there, until you’re left helpless. Ripe for the killing blow. These Morfisians remind me much of the warriors of Brigid, who fought alongside the Empire all those years ago. I can vouch firsthand for their lethality.”

>“Spoken like a true veteran. You still haven’t told me what you did during the war.”

“I fought. Fought right alongside the old Empress even, if you could believe it. Almost made it to the end of the war, too. But took a nasty wound during the Battle of Gronder Field. By the time I woke up, the war was over. No more Empress, no more Empire.”

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>>6179723
Now that was of particular interest to you. The Battle of Gronder FIeld was considered the bloodiest battle fought during the Fodlan Unification War. It was a three way slugfest between the major powers of the time. It was also where your father, Rex d’Rusalka, had met his end at the hands of your aunt. Your family never spoke much of the battle, so you were forced to rely on dubious historical accounts to get a picture for what actually transpired. Suffice to say, one thing they all agreed on was that Gronder had been a charnel house.

>“You fought at Gronder? What was that like?”

Cuthbert stares into the flames before him, lost in thought reminiscing a battle that occurred over 20 years ago.

“Maybe some other time.” He responds.

>“Fine. Then another topic. What’s gotten into Elric? Wasn’t he supposed to be a pacifist? Every time I get a look at him he’s swinging that stupid sword around.”

“You’ve noticed too, have you? Frankly, I’m not so sure myself. When I asked him about it, he simply replied that he needed to get stronger. The boy killed someone for the first time only a few days ago. That’s something like that should have absolutely rocked him to his core. But he’s brushed it off the way you would having to take a piss. Something’s changed within him, that’s for sure.”

>“Do you think it’s the sword? Is it perhaps cursed?”

The look Cuthbert gives you is one of pure confusion.

“Cursed? The hell are you talking about? Has this place gotten to your head? No, I don’t think the sword is ‘cursed.’ More likely, I think you’re exerting your influence on the boy. A bad influence, if I’m being honest.”

>“You’re blaming me?!”

“Elric doesn’t exactly have a lot of positive role models to look up to. And I think a part of him has always resented his helplessness. I think being around you is causing him to want to emulate you and grow stronger.”

>“And how is that a bad thing?”

“Well he never had to train to kill people two weeks ago.”

Perhaps a fair point.

“Look, do me a favor.” Cuthbert sighs. “I don’t know how many battles like that last one I have left in me. If something happens to me, please don’t leave Elric at the nearest whorehouse. Take care of him, and make sure he remains safe.”

>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.
>B): That’s a big ask. I can’t promise anything.
>C): Write-in

>>6179726
>>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.
Come on, we are not heartless! Pinky promise :)

>>6179726
>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.
We accepted him to join us so the least we can do is protect him, what kind of King would we be if we couldn't protect one boy afterall?

>>6179726
>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.
>C): Write-in
Adopt him. He needs a real father.

Cuthbert is cool. Makes me wonder if he got KO'd by a named character and lived. Maybe even one of the Blackwings, heh.

>>6179726
>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.
Bronte would be mad if we didn't. Also I'm a sucker for the 'asshole with a heart of gold' trope.

>>6179726
>A): I'll look after Elric should something happen to you.
If this is our fault anyway, we might as well clean up after ourselves.

>>6179726
>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.
>C): Write-in
"Hey, it's worth asking. We found that sword in the Seal's room, so there's probably SOMETHING up with it. Keep an eye out for if he's talking to it, or something weird. I just ran into a lady with an axe that was incredibly cursed a few days ago, at the oasis."

>>6179726
>>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.

>>6179726
>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.
If we don't his little cousin will probably cry and that's one headache I can see Tristain wanting to avoid kek

Also don't go dying anytime soon you geezer, we need that rally strength

>grinder field survivor, from the losing side too
We've got a legendary veteran pull

>>6179726
Supporting >>6179781 for the write-in.
Morfisian mages have already been proven to have *very little* moral fiber when it comes to magic, there's simply no telling what manner of bullshit we might come across.

>>6179754
>Makes me wonder if he got KO'd by a named character and lived. Maybe even one of the Blackwings, heh.
Eh, doubt it. Cuthbert claims to have fought side by side with Edelgard and far as I remember the Blackwings never got that close to Edel.
My bet is that Cuthbert got caught in Dimitri's rampage. If someone's going to traumatize a man it's gonna be the Boar!

>>6179726
>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.

>>6179997
iirc, Sebastian was one of the few survivors of the frontline battle against Edelgard and her division. He had to be dragged back by Theo, Scratch, and Clay to survive, but he was so injured that he couldn't even participate in the Cúig Triail afterwards. Maybe the Blackwings / Kingdom Infantry line crashed against Edelgard and her forces.

Of course, Cuthbert fighting at Edel's side and surviving Grinder Field is pretty impressive all alone. Imagine if he was able to survive an Atrocity...

>>6179726
>C): "I'll ensure he remains safe. Can't promise I'll do the job myself, but I'll ensure he gets looked after."

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>>6179726
>“Don’t worry about it, I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you. Just don’t take that as permission to go dying off anytime soon and leaving me stuck with him. Asking me a request as serious as that makes it sound like you’re ready to keel over.”

Cuthbert snorts, a slight grin creeping up at the corner of his mouth. “I didn’t make it this far to die in these scorching deserts, you can count on that. Just thought it would be best to bring it up is all. I’ll keep a bit more of a watchful eye on the kid. Should I notice him acting any stranger than he is now, I’ll let you know.”

>You receive a B-Support w/ Cuthbert! (+2 STR when 3 squares next to each other)

The next day, you and your party continue your journey to Hima. You’re able to see it from a distance hours before you even arrive at the gates.The settlement truly is baked into the very mountains itself. This is no small hamlet or village. Hima is a sprawling, populous town. As you leave the sands behind for the mountain trails, you begin your ascent. The higher you go, the cooler the air becomes, and soon the heat of the desert all but vanishes. Still, the climb is long and strenuous.

“People really live all the way up here?” May asks, huffing heavily.

“For some, it beats living in the desert.” Cassius says. “The chilly mountain air provides them with a reprieve from the heat. And with Hima’s remote location and heavy security, they don’t have to worry about any issues such as terrors or bandits. There’s also a trail just like this on the opposite end of the city, that leads to Shangri-La and eventually Morfis itself.”

“Our mages are capable of conjuring their own food.” Nadia reminds May. “With such a boon, there are all sorts of places here where civilization may flourish, that you might consider inhospitable back home.”

>“If you call that crap food.” You remark darkly, remembering your encounter with the local conjured cuisine back at Ithaca. “Is that shit even nutritious? The mage back at Ithaca said the Ice Cream I ate was mostly made from bugs or something.”

“It lacks the full-value of real food, sure.” Cassius starts. “But you have to admit that-”

>“Gross. They better have something real to eat here.”

After what feels like an eternity of climbing, the group finally makes it before the entrance of Hima. True to Cassius’ word, the place is heavily secured. A massive gate and walls stand as a barrier for all who would enter. Two watchtowers are built along the walls, each sporting a pair of archers who look down upon your group. Most intimidating of all though are the Wyvern Riders, perched atop their lizards. At least four of them sit atop the walls, peering down with a healthy amount of suspicion. For a remote location, you thought this might be a bit much. One of the Wyvern Riders descends down from the walls to land before you.

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>>6180364
As he scans everyone in your party, it’s clear that the guard doesn’t seem happy to see you.

“Hmph, more foreigners.” The guard says haughtily atop his mount. “And you seem a great deal more suspicious than the last batch. State your identity and business here in Hima!” The man’s wyvern eyes you hungrily, its serpent tongue darting out of its mouth. A truly nasty creature, this thing. So, these were the so-called Scorchers?

“Easy friend.” Alvin says. “We’re not all foreigners. I am Adjunct Alvin, of the Royal College. I seek lodging for my party. We’re looking to rest for a few days before leaving for Shangri-La, on our journey to Morfis. Will you allow us entry?”

The soldier is hardly impressed upon hearing Alvin’s title. “An Adjunct, eh? And you’re travelling with a group of foreigners? That’s a bit odd, no?”

“Is there a reason for all the suspicion?” Alvin asks.

“If you have any questions, I suggest you bring them up with Governor Tobias.” The Scorcher says. The man was clearly enjoying throwing his weight about. “I’ll allow you entrance into Hima, but I’ll need to confiscate your weapons first.”

“What is the meaning of this?” Alvin says, growing increasingly annoyed with the guard.

“Governor’s orders.” The Scorcher replies. “All visitors are to have their weapons confiscated upon entry. You’ll have them returned to you when you leave. Do you have a problem with that? If so, feel free to head back down.” The man’s wyvern, perhaps sensing its rider's emotions, opens its mouth to let out a hiss of sorts.

>A): Leave your weapons with the guard.
>B): “We mean no harm, and are tired after days of travelling. Do you really need to do this?” (LCKx3: 42% to succeed.)
>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)
>D): Write-in

>>6180366
>>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)
make my day

>>6180366
>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)

>>6180366
>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)

>>6180366
>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)

>>6180366
>C): "You're welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself." (STR+LCKx2L 84% to succeed.)
This isn't the smart option. This is specifically the directly antagonistic option. But of course this is the one that's most in-character. Tristain is not an idiot, but he is a generally straightforward man.

>>6180366
>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)
If this guy wants to throw his weight around, we just got to show him that we're the bigger fish here. And if it gets us into a fight, then hey, we'd win, easy. Long-term? Never heard of it.

>>6180366
>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)

>>6180366
>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)

>>6180366
>>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)
Call the bluff. This dickhead won't do shit if we give him some pushback.

>>6180366
>C): “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapons yourself.” (STR+LCKx2: 84% to succeed.)

Rolled 96 (1d100)

Rolling. 1-84 means success.

>>6180863
The things we do for the bit.

>>6180863

>>6180865
Yeah, you know what? Not what I meant to say, but correct nonetheless.

>>6180863
Man, that's a classic. Remember when Blair missed a 95%? Glad to see it runs in the f
4amily-- even adoptive ones.

Oh well, if he wants to brawl, we can brawl.

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>>6180863
How does this keep happening?

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>>6180366
>You really didn’t appreciate the way this bastard was barking orders at you. Baring your teeth, you take a step in front of Alvin and address the Scorcher, who sits atop his wyvern staring at you smugly. “You’re welcome to come down from that ugly lizard and take my weapon yourself. If you think you have it in you, that is.”

The threat of violence is plain as day in your voice. You watch as the grin of self-satisfaction that was plastered on the Scorcher’s face slowly melts away. It morphs into anger, followed by self-doubt, and then finally, fear. He opens his mouth to say something, but only wheezing air comes out. He pulls sharply on the reins of his wyvern, taking to the air and shouting out for his comrades to come join him.

“H-help! Help! They’re going to attack!” The Scorcher cries. In an instant, he is joined by the other wyverns riders that had been perched on the walls, each of them circling over you. The archers that you’d seen in the watchtowers also train their bows on you. Perhaps you may have taken things a step too far, because in an instant, Hima’s garrison appears ready for an all out war.

“W-wait! Wait damn you!” Alvin cries, jumping ahead and waving his arms left and right. “No one’s fighting anyone! We’ll hand over our weapons, but I demand to see Governor Tobias immediately!”

>“You can’t be serious.” You say to the Adjunct. “Why should I need to comply with these assholes?”

“Because if you don’t, we’ll have an extra week of walking through the damn desert.” Alvin seethes. “Keep your lid on, and don’t make an unnecessary enemy out of these guys. Like it or not, we have need of them right now. ”

More wyverns join the fray, having been alerted to the commotion outside the gates. They circle above you in deliberation with each other. Or perhaps they were waiting for you to make the first move. After a few moments of tension, one of the wyverns leaves the circle, heading back towards the city. The rider that you and Alvin had previously been speaking with lands on the ground, this time with two armed guards flanking him.

“I’ll allow you in the city, Adjunct.” The guard seethes. “But I’m confiscating those weapons. I’ve just sent word to the Governor…as well as the rest of the Scorchers inside the city. They’ll all be keeping an extremely close eye on you, so don’t even think about letting your foreign dog over here off his leash.” He glances at you before spitting off the side of his mount. “You damn Fodlanders are an uncivilized bunch, aren’t you? Nothing like the Almyrans we’ve been hosting.”

>A): Comply
>B): Leave Hima
>C): Write-in

>>6180882
Wouldn't be Fire Emblem without a healthy dose of RNG fuckery!

>>6180885
>C): Write-in
>"You're shaking us down for our weapons like a bunch of damn bandits and you call US uncivilized? We'll hand them over, but I won't be surprised if you slit our throats while we sleep."
This may, however, be me projecting.

>>6180885
>>A): Comply
ah, who cares. Good excuse to test our new magic

Almyrans, eh? I wonder if Claude or his kid is around. That, or maybe Daryun had a kid or bastard alive at the time of his death to participate? It might even be Jaswant's offspring? Remember that guy? I bet they're all sore about the loss of the Gae Bolg and Gungnir.

>>6180885
>A): Comply
Fine, we'll play nice. I'll take some satisfaction that this guy got so scared he had to call for a red alert, though. Besides, Tristain's got enough STR to beat someone to death with his fists, and enough MAG to knock down anyone flat on their ass.

>>6180885
>A): Comply
THAT'S GOING IN THE BOOK! Pride is outweighed by practicality but it is not forgotten, Tristain will pay this back sooner or later.

>>6180885
>A): Comply
Hope Elric won't react badly to his cursed sword being taken away. Tristain himself should be fine since we still have our magic and the fight with Nestor showed how DEFlets would still lose to an unarmed Tristain.
If it's Claude or his kid here we definitely need to continue the family tradition of beating up Almyrans and taking their weapons.

>>6180885
>>A): Comply

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>>6180885
>“Fine, take the damn thing.”

You relent, holding out your newly acquired Silver Axe for the Scorcher to take. The man accepts the axe from you while his comrades move to disarm the rest of your party. Cuthbert hands over his weapons without any problems, whereas it takes May several moments to part with every single knife that she had hidden on her person. By the time she is done removing the final dagger from the inside of her boot, it is Adeline’s turn. The Scorchers seem to have a bit of difficulty carrying her tower shield. A testament to the woman’s strength in being able to haul her gear. Finally, there is Elric.

“Hand over the sword, kid.” A Scorcher says, holding his arms out.

Elric looks reluctant to part with his blade. The boy seems to be seriously considering whether to hand it over or not. Before you can chastise him, he hands the sword over with no argument, though he looks more uncomfortable than you’d ever seen him before.

“Woah, this looks like a nice sword…” The Scorcher says in genuine astonishment as he studies the hilt of Elric’s blade.

“Don’t you dare unsheathe it!” Elric hisses, scorn evident in his voice. “Scum like you is unworthy to polish the blade of Mystletain.”

>“Woah! Easy kid.” You intervene, pushing Elric along towards the gates. If you weren't able to start any hell with these guards, then you damn sure weren’t going to let this kid do it. And since when did that sword have a name?

With the matter of your weapons settled, the gates to Hima finally open for you. You and the others walk inside the city to find a sprawling mass of buildings, each of which have been carved into the very mountain itself. The streets are narrow and crowded, and many of the buildings are built atop each other, with staircases and bridges linking them. As a warrior, your thoughts naturally turned to how defensible this place was. If someone wished to invade, they’d have a hard time getting through the gate, just to be stuck within the narrow corridors of the town, with archers plinking from above.

“Everyone’s staring at us…” Nadia whispers. She was right. It seemed as though everyone in the town was looking right at you, from the people observing on the upper tiers, to the folks that were in your way in the crowded streets, who were now nervously pushing themselves to the side to allow you passage.

“The same thing happened in Solis.” Cassius remarks. “I guess these folks are just as unused to foreigners as they were. Or perhaps word has already spread of our little scene outside.”

>“Just once I’d like to go somewhere where people weren’t looking at me like I was some kind of freak.”

“Might I suggest going back to Fodlan?” Cuthbert adds.

“This may be something else entirely.” Alvin remarks. “They seem far too nervous for just you. Besides, that Scorcher said we weren’t the only foreigners.”

>>6181534
That’s right. The Scorcher had mentioned that there were Almyrans visiting. It sounded like other contenders had come to Hima. You recall Cassius mentioning something back in Solis about having seen an Almyran Warlord, accompanied by a giant wyvern and a massive trove of treasure he likely hoped to court Princess Yulia with. Could that man be here now? You hadn’t seen a contender since Solis, but that had been an encounter that ended in some great deal of violence.

“I’d like to go visit the governor.” Alvin says. “He’s the leader of both this town, as well as the military commander of the Scorchers. I want to get an idea of anything strange going on.”

>“Those guards didn’t seem too impressed by your title.”

“The Scorchers don’t care much for the Royal College.” Alvin shrugs. “They’re a self-contained lot, able to handle much of their issues alone. Suffice to say, they don’t look too kindly on interventions from unknown mages that are leagues away. But I’m hopeful that their commander will be a bit more level-headed than those punks were.” He offers a friendly wave towards a Scorcher archer that is watching your group, but is only met with a disapproving frown. “You’re welcome to join me if you’d like, Tristain. It’s well within your right as my travel companion and leader of this party. But if you’d rather not, feel free to explore Hima. Just…please don’t get into trouble. I don’t believe these Scorchers have much leniency left in them.”

>A): Accompany Alvin and meet with the leader of Hima and the Scorchers
>B): You want to see this Almyran Warlord for yourself first. Head over to the nearest tavern and inquire within.
>C): You had a bit of spending money, as well as the Green Gem you received from 99. Maybe a shopping trip was in order?

>>6181537
>>B): You want to see this Almyran Warlord for yourself first. Head over to the nearest tavern and inquire within.
i'm curious

>>6181537
In May's opinion which place is the best to steal from

>>6181537
>A): Accompany Alvin and meet with the leader of Hima and the Scorchers
Sure, why not.

>>6181537
>A): Accompany Alvin and meet with the leader of Hima and the Scorchers
As awful as our first impression with them was, it is best that we get to know our new subjects. We'll run into that Almyran Warlord soon enough, anyway.

>>6181537
>>A): Accompany Alvin and meet with the leader of Hima and the Scorchers

>>6181537
>B): You want to see this Almyran Warlord for yourself first. Head over to the nearest tavern and inquire within.

A wins, writing!

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>>6181537
You decide to accompany Alvin in meeting with the leader of Hima. You were in no rush to see this Almyran Warlord. After all, the end result would be the same. He’d eventually bow his head towards you in utter defeat and humiliation. For now, it was better to meet with one of your potential subjects and get an understanding of what sort of weirdness might be plaguing this town. Leaving the others to deal with accommodations for your stay, you and Alvin head for Hima’s central keep. The guards watch you closely along the way, but offer you no further issue. Eventually, they lead you through the large fortification, all the way to the office of Governor Tobias himself.

The governor’s office is bare and drab. Save for a wooden table with a stack of papers and a map atop of it, along with a few uncomfortable looking chairs, it was hardly what one would call nice. Sitting behind the table was a large man. He was an older, weathered sort, with streaks of grey in his hair. But you were able to tell instinctively that this one was a warrior. A scar ran down one glassy eye, denoting the man as half blind. Upon you and Alvin entering his office, he rises from his seat.

“Adjunct.” The man says, giving Alvin a polite nod. “Welcome to Hima. I am Tobias Drakos, Governor of this Town and Commander of the Scorchers. Pleased to meet you.”

“Governor.” Alvin returns the gesture. “I am Adjunct Alvin of the Royal College. Accompanying me is Tristain d’Rusalka, a contender in the competition for Princess Yulia’s hand in marriage. It is our honor to meet your acquaintance.”


“A foreigner, eh?” Tobias says, studying you closely with his one eye and rubbing his chin in thought. “I see. You certainly look strong enough, my friend. I daresay you’ve had no shortage of experience on the battlefield. Make sure you stay away from Uriyan though. While I have no doubt you’d give him quite the fight, the last thing I need is two powerful foreigners exchanging blows in the middle of my town.”

>“Uriyan?” You ask. “Who is that?”

“Ahh, you haven’t met the Almyrans.” Tobias says. “He’s a Warlord, here to compete in the Princess’s competition. He came here with a horde of his finest warriors, each carrying a chest of treasure. He’s become quite popular in town. The man’s practically captured the hearts of some of the folks here.”

>“Forgive me for saying if the people of Hima have bad taste then.” You grimace. “Everywhere I’ve gone so far I’ve seen a pretty healthy distrust of foreigners. What’s this man done to earn your people’s affection so quickly?”

“He’s pretty liberal with his gold for one.” Tobias laughs. “He’s damn near bought everyone in town drinks for the entire week he’s been here. But it’s not just bribery. Uriyan and his men are all wyvern riders. Just like us. Suppose there’s a bit of kinship there.”

>>6182233
These damn wyvern riders. You’d think they shagged those lizards with the way they talked about them.

“Governor.” Alvin interrupts. You get the feeling he’s trying to stop you from learning more about this Uriyan fellow, feeling you might be tempted to go find him and knock his head off. “I have to say I was a bit surprised at the reception my men and I received. It’s rather unusual to request that we hand over our weapons upon entry into your town.”

“These are unusual times, Adjunct.” Tobias says grimly. “If you’re coming from Solis, it’s possible the news may have failed to reach you. But to make you aware, several villages in the vicinity have been wiped out.” He gestures towards the map on his table, on which you spot several red ‘X’s.

>“Wiped out? Wiped out by what?”

“No one knows.” Tobias says. “And there isn’t anyone around to ask, either. All the inhabitants of said village are simply gone without a trace. There aren’t even any corpses, nor any signs of a fight or struggle. It's as if they simply vanished into thin air. It sounds difficult to believe, but we’ve found five villages nearby in a similar state.”

“That’s…troubling.” Alvin remarks, concern evident in his voice. “Have you requested aid from Morfis?”

“The Royal College said they’ll send someone… eventually.” Tobias says. “I was hoping that might be you. As for the Palace, they’ve been of no help. I hear the new VIzier has her hands full securing her position. Surely Hima is of no consequence to her right now.”

“New Vizier?” Alvin asks, puzzled. “What happened to the old one?”

“Ahh, you really are out of the loop.” Tobias says. “The old man died rather suddenly and quite unexpectedly. Princess Yulia has appointed that foreign woman to fill his role. Bronte Weaver now heads the office. A foreigner now holds one of the most powerful positions in our country. As I said, these are unusual times, Adjunct.”

>“Bronte is the what?!” What the hell was going on? You knew Bronte had managed to gain the favor of Princess Yulia, but if what this man was saying was true, had she really become this country’s equivalent of their Prime Minister? That was incredible! While you were out here galavanting in the desert and getting sidetracked by all manner of things, Bronte had managed to secure for herself a real seat of power. You needed to find her and gain her aid more than ever.

“Pretty soon it’ll all be foreigners, won’t it?” Tobias says, looking you over. “My personal feelings aside, I have bigger problems to deal with. Namely, I believe Hima will soon come under attack. Perhaps by the same force behind the disappearance of those villages.”

“Who do you suppose is behind this?” Alvin asks.

“Do I even need to say it? The Cult of the Serpent.” The governor shakes his head grimly. “This has their work written all over it.”

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>>6182236
>“Ahh yes, that Cult I’ve heard so much about. What makes you so sure they’ll come for you? I haven’t been here for very long, but this place seems rather defensible. If an enemy army were to attack you, they’d suffer horrific casualties.”

“Because they’re already here.” Tobias says. “We’ve suffered a grave issue recently. Several of our wyverns were stricken ill. The men that were meant to guard them were found asleep at their post. I know those men well, and they were not simply shirking their duty. Someone used magic to put them to sleep. A quarter of our wyverns are sick, and another quarter have outright died, as if poisoned by something. In a single night, our fighting strength has been drastically reduced.”

“Half of your wyverns are gone?!” Alvin exclaims, taken aback by the news.

“Yes.” Tobias says. “While we still have around 40 wyverns fit for fighting, one of our beasts has gone missing. ” Tobias says. “A white wyvern worth several times its weight in gold, capable of being ridden by a mage. Whoever poisoned our flock likely absconded atop the creature.”

A white wyvern? It sounded like you would be capable of riding such a creature. It’s a shame you weren’t able to abscond with it first, you think to yourself.”

“Adjunct.” Tobias says, stone faced and serious. “I’ve instructed my men to return you and your party’s weapons to you. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you might have faced on behalf of our paranoia. However, I must request that you lend us your aid. If there is anything you can do at all to help us safeguard Hima and uncover the culprit of this attack, we would be forever in your debt.”

Alvin looks towards you. He may hold the highest title here, but he still knew who his leader was.

>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.
>B): You didn’t have time for this. You had to get to Morfis as soon as possible.
>C): Alvin could lend these people his aid for a few days, but you’d have nothing to do with it.
>D): Write-in

>>6182238
>>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.
XP for days! Bronte's moving up in the world, we need to show up with more feats.

>“A white wyvern worth several times its weight in gold, capable of being ridden by a mage. Whoever poisoned our flock likely absconded atop the creature.”
Okay this is ours when we find it, claimed in part as payment for helping you and part as recompense for your gate guards insolence. Thanks old man, very cool.

>>6182238
>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.

>>6182238
>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.

Hmmm Necromancers? Or can I start pointing the finger at the Almyrans. They've been out raiding for anything of value before they got here, feeding entire villages to their wyverns. Now they've put their eye on Hima. What if those chests are actually full of bodies for their foul necromancy.

At least May will be happy to know about those chests.

>>6182238
Goddamn Bronte, what the fuck are you doing being the Vizier? Are you the villain and this is all your machinations or are you doing your best to handle an attack from another party?
>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.
We will be stealing that Wyvern, as a reward of course.

>>6182238
>>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.

>>6182238
>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.

>>6182238
>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.

Damn, Tobias looks cool. And Uriyan, huh? I wonder...

>>6182238
>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.
Let's go win the hearts and minds of the people, kick the Cult of the Serpent around, and get some Gold and EXP all while we're at it.

>>6182238
>A): Agree to aid Hima in whatever way you can.

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>>6182238
A chance to claim ownership of the white wyvern AND look like a hero while doing so? And all you’d have to do was slay a few cultists who seemed entirely deserving of it? What was there not to like? Morfis and your cousin could wait a little while longer. There was still work to be done. You nod approvingly towards Alvin, who breathes a sigh of relief.

>“We’d be happy to lend you our aid, Governor. Please let us know what you’d require.”

Tobias blinks, somewhat taken aback. “Well, thank you, Lord Tristain. In truth, I was asking for the Adjunct’s aid, but having a warrior of your stature around will surely be a great boon.” He clears his throat awkwardly. If he wonders why an adjunct of the Royal College now answers to you, he has the good grace to not vocalize it. “Adjunct, Hima lacks any mages of sufficient talent or prowess to understand the sort of magic that was used to neutralize our guards. Perhaps you may start there? If you could speak to the men and acquire an understanding of just how they were put to sleep, it may aid our endeavors.”

Alvin nods. “Very well, I will speak with them as soon as possible.”

>“Where do these cultists reside, anyway?” You ask. “Why don’t we just go down there and bust some heads?”

“Finding them is no small feat.” Tobias says. “They know the desert better than anyone and are constantly on the move. Keep in mind, it is not just the surface where they reside. In the past, entire vast settlements have been found hidden inside complex networks of tunnels and caves, away from the sun’s watchful gaze. In this, they’ve managed to avoid extermination for the hundreds of years that have followed the passing of the Sorcerer King.”

>“They live underground?” You grimace in disgust. “What strange people. So, can we do nothing but wait for them to make the first move?”

“Unless the Adjunct uncovers something, I fear that may be the case. However, I do believe it possible that a cultist spy is currently embedded in Hima. I ask that you remain vigilant. If you see anything strange, alert the Scorchers immediately.”

This whole damn place was strange, but you got the idea.

“You may pick up your weapons from the guards here.” Tobias says. “Best of luck to you, gentlemen. May the Sorcerer King lend us all his wisdom in the coming days ahead.”

“Tristain, I’ll go speak with the Scorchers that were guarding the wyverns.” Alvin says once the two of you exit the governor’s office. “Why don’t you return to the others and let them know what’s going on. I’ll catch up with you once I’m done. And please! For the love of your Goddess, don’t start any trouble!”

>“You worry too much. Relax, man! Everything will be fine.” You say, twirling your newly acquired Silver Axe in hand. It felt good in your grasp.

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>>6182669
You locate Hima’s biggest inn, The Sleeping Dragon, easily enough. As you open the door, you find the inside is densely packed with a throng of people, and you hear the sweet-sounding melody of music. The crowd before you seems to have gathered for a show. In the middle of the inn is a band of performers. Five of the performers play strange instruments that you’ve never seen before, while a scantily-clad woman dances before them. Lustful thoughts aside, you were at least civil enough to appreciate good art when you saw it. And you had to admit, these Morfisians were good. The woman dances passionately to the band’s ever climbing tempo. Her lithe, graceful limbs extend out invitingly, captivating the attention of every single patron in the tavern, men and women alike. When the performance ends, thunderous applause erupts.

“I wish Hima was this great every day!” You hear a drunk patron declare. He swings his beer high, nearly bumping into you. “Lady Persefoni is a goddess worthy of worship!”

“Don’t forget Lord Uriyan!” Another patron shouts. “I haven’t been this drunk in ages!”

“Lord Uriyan should be king! If he were, we could get drunk like this all the time!”

“Long live Lord Uriyan!”

What sloppy, drunken fools. You push past the cheering crowd as you look for the rest of the members of your party. Standing a foot taller than most of them, you have no trouble making your way until one inebriated man bumps into you. His drink goes clattering to the floor, shattering the glass and grabbing the attention of those nearby.

“H-hey…watch where you’re going you bast-” The man is ready for a drunken berating until he gets a closer look at you. What he finds is a giant foreigner staring down at him with a massive scowl on his face and a wet chestplate. Whatever insult the lush was about to throw your way is lost as he nearly chokes on his tongue.

“B-b-begging your pardon sir…”

In an instant, the entire tavern has turned their attention towards you. This includes the drunken revellers, Persefoni and her performers, as well as your companions, who have tucked themselves into a table at the corner of the room and now watch you expectantly, perhaps bracing for the worst. Your frown deepens a bit. Did everyone just assume you were a mindless beast who would fly off the handle at the slightest provocation?

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>>6182670
The door to the tavern opens again, and all heads turn as an armed group of men enter. By their gear, you could tell these were not Scorchers. No, they were Almyrans. And there was only one person the man leading them could be.

“Hello!” Uriyan grins, his eyes locked in on you. “What do we have here?”

>A): Ignore Uriyan and head over to your friends.
>B): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to be polite.
>C): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to provoke the man.
>D): Write-in

>>6182671
>B): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to be polite.
No reason to antagonize the man. We don't start trouble, only end it.

>>6182671
>B): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to be polite.
We can be nice, unless the guys an asshole then we start a tavern brawl.

>>6182671
>>C): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to provoke the man.
Fight me bitch

Kind of funny how the worshippers of what's probably a Nabatean are the ones stuck underground while an Agarthan is revered.

>>6182671
>B): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to be polite.
We need to ask him what his tax policy is.

>>6182671
>>D): Write-in
Throw the drunk at Uriyan and start a brawl

>>6182671
>B): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to be polite.
If he starts shit, we dunk him. Until then, we can be polite-- looks better for us if it's justified, after all.

>>6182671
D) Wink to Persefoni, then Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to be polite.

>>6182671
>>C): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to provoke the man.

>>6182671
>B): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to be polite.

>>6181534
>“Don’t you dare unsheathe it!” Elric hisses, scorn evident in his voice. “Scum like you is unworthy to polish the blade of Mystletain.”
Great, kid has gone full Golum.
>>6182236
>Bronte Weaver
Wait, was she always Weaver? She's Blair and Ashe's child, right? Tristain's not-blood-related cousin? Why isn't she d’Rusalka?

>These damn wyvern riders. You’d think they shagged those lizards with the way they talked about them.
Can't wait for "dad and the dog" moment when Tristain gets attached to his own white wyvern.
>>6182671
>>B): Stay and speak with Uriyan, making all efforts to be polite.
This guy will be a great fight in tournamnet proper
Is he the spy though? Or maybe it's the dancer. Never trust a beautiful woman.

>>6183572
If I remember right Blair changed her name back to Weaver after she turned traitor to the Empire so she'd attract less attention then using her adoptive name of D'rusalka, she kept her original name of Weaver even when she became the countess of D'rusalka

>>6183577
Ah, okay, I just didn't remember her not taling the name back.
Actually, that's funny. Legality-wise Tristain is the true heir to Rusalka county, not any of Blair's children, so Bronte fucked off across the world to go take over the magic kingdom, and now Tristain is coming over to yoink that too.

>>6183572
If she's Ashe's child, shouldn't she technically be an Ubert rather then Weaver OR d’Rusalka?

>>6183572
>Is he the spy though?
Why else would he spend his money to get the defenders drunk?

>>6183590
Well Blair is a countess so that counts as more then Ashe being... Nothing, huh, did Ashe ever have any titles before marrying Blair? Because he wasn't a Knight from what I remember.

>>6183590
>>6183605
It was a Matrilineal marriage where Blair kept her last name and passed it on. Ashe was briefly a knight under Count Rowe, but lost the title and also never took possession of Gaspard. So essentially he's a commoner married to nobility.

B wins, writing!

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>>6182671
The Almyran that stands at the door is as tall as you are. He is clad in expensive looking armor, and strapped to his back is a great axe of the highest quality. Flanked by several other swarthy Almyrans, he appears to be studying you closely, a wide grin plastered on his face. The patrons in the tavern watch him with bated breath, and you find that the atmosphere has grown tense. They expect a fight to break out any second, and as Uriyan begins walking towards you, several of them clear out of his way.

“Hmm.” Uriyan muses, rubbing his chin in thought as he stands mere inches away from you. “Yes…now this is what I’m talking about. You aren’t like all those other fools that travelled across the sea to be here, are you? The ones that were helplessly stuck in Solis. You’re strong.” A grin breaks out across the man’s face. “That is good! It would do me no honor to defeat weak foes. If the bards are to sing my praises, then the opponents I vanquish in this tournament must be of sufficient stature.”

>“I couldn’t agree more.” You cross your arms, squaring up with the man. “You’re speaking my language, Almyran. Though I can’t say I agree with you completely. I’m the one who will be winning the competition, after all.”

“Hah!” He barks out a laugh. “I am Uriyan, one of Almyra’s Four Warlords and wielder of Helswath! My enemies fear me as the Black Falcon. Tell me your name, warrior.”

>“Tristain d’Rusalka.” You say simply. “I’m afraid there are no other titles to add at the moment.”

“D’Rusalka?” Uriyan says in partial recognition. His eyes squint as if trying to recollect where he might have heard the name before. After struggling for a few moments to recall, he gives up.

“E-excuse me, Lord Uriyan” An older, portly Morfisian inserts himself into your conversation. He appears to be the tavern’s keeper. “I appreciate all the business you’ve done for us this week, I truly do. But if you could please avoid…any trouble…”

“Trouble?” Uriyan asks with confusion. The Almyran takes that moment to look around the tavern, only now noticing all the attention that was on the two of you. “Oh, I see. You’re worried that we’ll start a brawl, aren’t you?” With a hearty laugh, he pats the tavern keeper on the back, nearly knocking him over. “Fear not friends!” He addresses the room. “There will be no fighting here! As much as I’ve grown to enjoy your company, it would be a crime to deprive Princess Yulia the pleasure of watching such a grand bout!”

The drunken crowd collectively breathes a sigh of relief, before erupting into cheers for the man who has been buying them drinks for the last few days.

“You’d kick his ass anyway, Lord Uriyan!” One man shouts.

“Yeah! He don’t look so tough!” Another exclaims.

>>6183766
>You do your best to ignore the drunken jabs. “You’re right, there is no sense in doing battle here on this tiny stage. We’ll save it for Morfis. I’ll see you there.”

But as your turn to walk away, the warlord suddenly grasps you by the shoulder.

“Wait one moment, friend.” Uriyan says. “While a full-fledged fight might be too much for right now, I still propose we put on a good show for these people. And I must admit, I’ve grown a bit bored on this journey. What say you to a friendly competition between the two of us?”

>“A competition? Of what sort?”

“Arm wrestling.” Uriyan says, flexing his right bicep. “It is rare that I find someone the same size as me. Come, it won’t take long at all. And the people here will surely love it. To make things interesting, we can even wager some money. How about…500 gold pieces to the winner?”

500 gold pieces just to arm wrestle? How rich was this man? Taking a second to look at him again, it was clear to you that Uriyan’s boasts were not empty. He was certainly strong, that much was true. Arm wrestling was much different than a fight. There was no strategy or wit involved. It was just a matter of brute strength. And while you’d always been confident in that, Uriyan had no shortage of it either. A contest between the two of you might go either way.

Still, it would be nice to shut these drunken fools up. And 500 gold could go a long way…

>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)
>B): Agree to arm wrestle, but use the Crest of Indech. (100% Success)
>C): Decline the man’s offer.

>>6183767
>>B): Agree to arm wrestle, but use the Crest of Indech. (100% Success)
free money!

>>6183767
>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)
While technically not against the rules, using the crest is against their spirit. Unsportsman. And when has Tristain ever backed down from a challenge?

>>6183767
>>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)
>D) Increase the bet to 1000 gold
LET'S GO GAMBLING!

>>6183767
>>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)

honestly this is mainly me wanting to see Tristain undergo a character arc after failing two strenght checks in a row, but also using the crest implies that Tristain doubts the ability of his guns to win this fair and square which is obvious heresy.

>>6183767
>>B): Agree to arm wrestle, but use the Crest of Indech. (100% Success)

>>6183767
>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)

>>6183767
>B): Agree to arm wrestle, but use the Crest of Indech. (100% Success)

>>6183767
>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)
I don't trust 100% odds. There will be consequences, and we don't want to reveal our trump card just yet.

>>6183767
>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)
Wasn't Helswrath also that Hellwing Ace's weapon? Rex must have been busy in Almyra if he was taking a bunch of their weapons.
If the Almyrans do stick around for the inevitable attack from the snake cultists, Uriyan will probably see our Crest anyways, but I'd still rather not flaunt it.

>>6183767
>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)
Let's not cheat.

>>6183919
>Wasn't Helswrath also that Hellwing Ace's weapon?
Yes, it was Bradley's weapon. For some background lore, Bradley acquired the weapon during Rex's tour de fun in Almyra. He dropped the weapoon after you beat him in the Battle of Enbarr, and one of Daryun's wyvern riders reclaimed the weapon. Uriyan acquired it soon after.

>>6183767
>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)

I'd rather make a Bro and still more likely win.

If we lose we should definitely demand multiple rematches. If we win we should also demand multiple rematches, but with drinks.

>>6184121
Now, now, let's be good sports.

Huh, surprisingly chill.

>>6183767
>A): Agree to arm wrestle. (STRx2: 56% success)
It conceals our Crest and gives us an advantage over him in the next time we fight. Plus, win or lose, we get a new hot-blooded rival. Besides, Tristain's the kind of person not to rely on their Crest as a crutch anyway.

Can't wait for rng to fuck us again

Rolled 71 (1d100)

Rollan. 1-56 to succeed.

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>>6184440

>>6184440
Should've cheated

>>6184440
Let the pain of this defeat motivate Tristain.

>>6184440
A shame. I imagine Tristain isn't a sore loser by any margin, and can lose gracefully, but... Let's see if Uriyan rubs it in.

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>>6183767
You were Tristain d’Rusalka. You did not back down from any challenge! Especially one where strength was a matter of concern. You and Uriyan grab a table, pushing the glasses that were atop it aside to give yourself some room. Sitting across from each other, the two of you clasp your right hands together, and the entire tavern gathers around you to watch the spectacle unfold. Uriyan’s grip is firm, and you can quickly tell you’re in for a fight. The tavern keeper from before appears, now serving as the competition’s impromptu judge.

“On my command, you may begin.” He says, looking sweatier and more nervous than either you or Uriyan. “Begin!”

In an instant, you and Uriyan apply extreme pressure, each of you trying to force the other’s arm to the table. Try as you might, you are unable to budge the warlord’s arm an inch, nor is he able to do the same to you. You watch as the Almyran’s face grows bright red, the veins in his forehead bulging out exponentially. You imagined you looked the same way. If you activated your Crest, you could win this trial in an instant. But you would not resort to such trickery. Doing so would prove nothing after all. The gold may have been nice, but you still had your pride.

The crowd’s cheers grow louder and louder as you and Uriyan’s arms remain locked now for three minutes and counting. If these men thought you’d go down easily, you’d shown them otherwise. You hear a creaking sound, and suddenly the table that your elbows had been resting on gives way, breaking in half with a shower of splinters and an agonized cry from the tavern keeper. That does not stop you and Uriyan though. You both get up from your seats, arms remaining locked in perpetual struggle.

“Take him down, Lord Uriyan!’ An observer cheers.

“Kick his ass, boss!” May cries out. From the corner of her eye, you can see her standing on Adeline’s shoulders to get a good view.

For a second, it looks as though you may hold the advantage, even without the table. You begin to push Uriyan’s arm to the side inch by inch. You grin wide, ever assured of your victory. However, to your growing horror, you are unable to seal the deal. Not only does Uriyan not relent, but he begins to gain on you. Suddenly, you are the one whose arm is now closest to the ground. And try as you might, you’re unable to turn things around. Damnit. It would have been much easier if you’d just been allowed to kill each other with your axes.

Uriyan slams your arm to the ground, and you topple with it to the floor. One of your worst fears has come true. You’ve lost a contest of strength. And there was even a crowd around to witness it!

>-500 gold (500g remaining)

“I AM THE STRONGEST!” Uriyan declares with a roar, and the crowd follows suit.

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>>6184833
>The following day:

“Why are we here again?” May complains. You and your group were standing in the middle of a small abandoned village an hour away from Hima. After speaking with the guards, Alvin had wanted to continue his investigation by seeking out one of the sites where Tobias had mentioned people vanished. You ignored your subordinate’s question as you watched a tumbleweed roll by.

Your eyebrows were furrowed in annoyance. You were pissed, there was no question about it. It wasn’t the loss to Uriyan that was bothering you though. After all, arm wrestling was a farce for children. It was that while you came to Morfis to fight powerful opponents, you’d have to wait several weeks before you could challenge that man properly. So, rather than sitting around in Hima, you decided to accompany Alvin in his investigation. There were two benefits to this. The first was that fighting these cultists might prove to be good combat experience. The second was that you’d be able to take out some of your anger on them. And you needed a stress reliever.

“Just keep an eye out for anything strange.” Alvin says, peering deep inside a well. “Those guards were definitely put to sleep by magical means. Such methods do exist, however this is something entirely different. An entire village’s population disappearing with barely a sign of struggle speaks to me of very potent and unique magic the likes of which may be unknown to me.”

“The lack of a struggle seems to suggest that these people might have left willingly.” Nadia says. “Magic that can compel the actions of others does exist, however, only to a certain degree. For example, you may turn someone into a frothing lunatic with the usage of the ‘Berserk’ spell, but you would be hard pressed to find magic that would force one to follow your exact commands.”

“Perhaps they were coerced or threatened to leave by a powerful force?” Cassius suggests. “The same force that was smart enough to cover their tracks.”

>“Less yapping, more searching.” You command, rubbing your temples in frustration. You decide it would be best to heed your own advice, lest your bad mood continue to fester.

>A): Explore the center of the village.
>B): Explore the inside of the villager’s homes.
>C): Explore the outskirts of the village for any clues to their whereabouts.

>>6184837
>A): Explore the center of the village.
Inward-out, I suppose. We can have people like May sweep the perimeter.

>>6184837
>>A): Explore the center of the village.
I find it funny how the moment Tristain loses it timeskips to the next day with him still being miffed

>>6184837
>>A): Explore the center of the village.

>>6184837
>>A): Explore the center of the village.

>>6184837
>C): Explore the outskirts of the village for any clues as to their whereabouts.
If there's no signs of a struggle, we should look for tracks.

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>>6184837
While May, Cassius and Adeline explore the outskirts of the village, Alvin and the rest of your party split up to visit the houses that have been left abandoned. That leaves you to fester in your bad mood within the center of the village. You try your best to look for anything strange in the area. There are a few peculiarities that you notice. It wasn’t just the villagers that were missing, but the animals as well. You find what must have passed for a barn here to be completely devoid of life, the only proof of prior occupants being some leftover feed and droppings.

The second strange thing you find is the village’s blacksmith. Ducking inside, you find it to be completely stripped bare. There were no weapons inside, nor any metal from which to work with. The place had been completely cleaned out. So not just the people were missing, but weapons and livestock as well? Maybe the cult really was gearing up for a fight, and this was their way of gathering supplies?

As you make it back to the center of the village, something on the ground catches your eye. Covered up by some sand, a doll had been left discarded on the ground. It reminded you of some of the ones you’d seen back in 99’s room in Ithaca. You pick the doll up and examine it closely. It was of decent make, and looked well-worn, likely the prize possession of some child. If they weren’t already deceased, they were likely missing their friend greatly.

As you stand in the center of the village, you notice how eerily quiet things are, and you cannot shake the feeling that you are being watched. The people that were behind what happened here had come back. Or perhaps they had never left in the first place. Suddenly, you spy something flashing out of the corner of your eye. A missile is heading towards you at breakneck speed. You move your head at the last second, and the arrow goes sailing into the barn right behind you. Glancing up, you spot the culprit, standing atop what looked to be a farmhouse.

“Ahh, wouldn’t you know it, there really were foreigners out here!” The man exclaims cheerfully. He is a Morfisian, clad in dark leathers and with dark red hair. At first, he reminds you of the Riahi, the way he’d managed to sneak up on you without your notice. But both his manner of clothing as well as his demeanor are different.

“That was a lucky dodge.” The man says with a smirk, slinging his bow over his shoulder. “Looks like you foreigners aren’t completely helpless. I bet the Princess would just swoon over a hunk like you.”

>“Shooting an arrow at a man’s head when he isn’t looking. That’s some piss poor hospitality. What’s your problem?”

“Sorry.” The man says, feigning embarrassment. “I didn’t think you were paying attention. After all, you didn’t notice us trailing you.”

>>6185416
>“That must be because you were beneath my notice.” You spit. “I take it you’re one of these serpent cultists I’ve heard so much about. Tell me, are you the one behind all this?” You ask, gesturing towards the village.

“Careful, now.” The man warns you darkly. “Serpent, that’s a bad word. We don’t appreciate being called that. But I’ll let it slide, since you aren’t from around here. You’re right that I do belong to that certain group. And boy, do I have plans for you! I’ve heard all about you foreign lords trampling about the desert. I wonder how much your daddy back home would pay for your safe return. Why, I bet a strapping young lordling like yourself is just the apple of his eye!”

From behind the farm house, four rough men emerged. In their hands are blades, as well as nets and rope. It seems they were under the impression that they’d be kidnapping you and selling you for ransom. They don’t look like anything you can’t handle, but you’re left wondering how they managed to sneak up on you in the first place. And what was all that about you being trailed? Could there be more of these scoundrels lurking about. You’d have to deal with this quickly and make sure your companions were okay.

>“You’re mistaken on a few accounts I’m afraid. But that’s okay, I’m more than happy to show you the error of your ways.”

“Oh?” The group’s leader whistles. He still stands atop the farmhouse, watching as his companions inch closer. “If your father won’t pay up, we’ll just have to find another use for you. Don’t worry though, they’ll all be equally as fun. For me, at least.”

>Cultist x4
>Level 20 Sword Fighter
HP: 40/40
STR: 16
SPD: 18
DEF: 15
RES: 0
Weapons: Steel Sword (+10 ATK)

“Remember, don’t kill him.” The bowman reminds the four swordsmen as he sits down on the edge to watch the show. “Even if we can’t get a ransom, the druids back home will have a field day with him.”

>Order of Combat:
Cultists x4
Tristain

>A): Let the cultists come to you, picking them off one by one.
>B): Let the cultists come to you, wiping them out with Earthsplitter (1 Crest of Indech Use)
>C): Try to pull and regroup with your companions.
>D): Write-in

>>6185419
>>B): Let the cultists come to you, wiping them out with Earthsplitter (1 Crest of Indech Use)

>>6185418
>B): Let the cultists come to you, wiping them out with Earthsplitter (1 Crest of Indech Use)
Jokes on him our dad's dead

Tristain deals 28 STR + 16 (Silver Axe) - 15 DEF = 29 damage
He takes STR 16 + 10 (Steel Sword) - 20 DEF = 6 damage
So, we'll need two hits on each cultist for the kill. Since they'll attack before us, we'll get one hit on each of them from the counterattack.
Tristain would be left at 30 HP on the first turn after tanking all four cultists.
If we choose to attack normally instead of killing them all with Earthsplitter and the three remaining cultists rush to their deaths on the next turn, Tristain should be left at 18 HP at the end thanks to Resolve. Resolve would activate once the second hit leaves him at 18 HP, so he'd kill the third guy before he can even act.

My first thought was that it'd be funnier to ignore these guys and just use Throw on the archer, but fooling around would mean risking the party's safety since they're also probably fighting.

>>6185419
>B): Let the cultists come to you, wiping them out with Earthsplitter (1 Crest of Indech Use)

>>6185419
>>B): Let the cultists come to you, wiping them out with Earthsplitter (1 Crest of Indech Use)

>>6185419
>B): Let the cultists come to you, wiping them out with Earthsplitter (1 Crest of Indech Use)

>>6185419
>>B): Let the cultists come to you, wiping them out with Earthsplitter (1 Crest of Indech Use)

>>6185419
>B): Let the cultists come to you, wiping them out with Earthsplitter (1 Crest of Indech Use)
We can capture one for interrogation later, there's bound to be enough. For now, let's not get captured ourselves.

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I am feeling a bit under the weather today with what's probably the flu. Should hopefully resume updates tomorrow.

>>6185874
get well Tree

>>6185874
Here's hoping you pull through, Tree. Not just for the quest, either. There's got to be other stuff you want to get back to.

>>6185874
Get well soon, Tree! Take all the time you need to rest.

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>>6185419
The Goddess was answering your prayers and giving you that stress reliever you’d been craving. This was an opportune time to test that fancy new Silver Axe of yours. Removing the weapon from your back, you stand ready to take on the four cultists who are approaching you with their swords drawn. They seem taken aback at first, likely having expected you to go without a fight. However, once they succeed in surrounding you from all four sides, they quickly regain their composure and come charging in.

>Cultist: 16 STR + 10 (SS) = 26 - 20 DEF = 6x4 = 24 DMG
>Tristain: 30/54 HP

Individually, their blows are nothing more than mosquito bites. But as a group, they stand to pose a problem. Taking the strikes in stride, you bat away at them with your axe one by one. You then grip your weapon tightly, and it begins to glow a dark blue as it becomes empowered by the Crest of Indech. The cultists stare in awe at the raw aura your axe exudes. At least two of them begin to backpedal, wary of what is about to come. However, retreat is no longer an option. You swing your axe out, producing the symbol of Indech, and in an instant, the four men are split into pieces by your combat art.

>40xp gained! Level Up!
>Tristain d’Rusalka
>Level 27/50 Lord (EXP: 0/100)
HP: 30/54 (120%) +1 = 55
Strength: 28 (65%) + 1 = 29
Magic: 18 (40%) + 1 = 19
Speed: 17 (30%)
Defense: 20 (60%)
Resistance: 15 (40%)
Luck: 14 (55%)

Feeling satisfied with yourself, you look up to stare at the horrified face of the sniper. The smug look that he’d been sporting had been wiped out completely upon witnessing the death of his comrades. You thought that he’d perhaps been in awe of your power. But there was something else there that you were seeing. Something like…recognition?

“Y-you.” The man stammers, holding an accusatory finger out. “Was that the Blessing of the Dragon? How is that possible?!”

Blessing of the what? Did he mean your Crest?

>“What are you blathering about?”

“Levithan’s Blessing!” He shouts from the rooftop. “You possess the gift that Great Leviathan passed to his most faithful! Only yours is…different somehow…”

The man holds his hand out, and does something that you yourself have done before. He produces the symbol of a Crest within his palm. Only this is a Crest you’re unaware of. Though it appears startlingly similar to others that you’ve seen, your own included, you are unable to place its origin. This was incredibly strange indeed. You’d never heard of Crests existing in Morfis. They were rare talents bestowed upon the people of Fodlan by the Progenitor Goddess. Why would one such gift exist out here, so far from her grace? It seems that this man was as equally perplexed by your possession of a Crest.

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>>6186507
“Shit…” The man says, rubbing his head in confusion. “I don’t know what to make of this…but the druids might. My name is Grigori. I am a Dragon Disciple of Leviathan’s Cult. My friend, forgive me for this attack. If you possess the Blessing of the Dragon, then surely you are no enemy to us. Come back with me to our home. There are others like us there. And there are wisemen who may be able to give you a greater understanding of the meaning of your gift.”

A greater understanding? You were confused, that much was true. Why was there a Morfisian Crest bearer here? And did he say there were others like him? There were more people that bore this mysterious Crest, or “blessing” as he called it? You didn’t know whether to tag along with this guy to sate your curiosity or to knock him on his ass and beat the information on this weird cult out of him. That, as well as information on what happened to the villagers here.

>A): Agree to visit Grigori’s home, provided that your friends remain safe.
>B): Decline Grigori’s offer.
>C): Attack Grigori (How?)
>D): Write-in

>>6186509
>>A): Agree to visit Grigori’s home, provided that your friends remain safe.
oooooooooooh

Hmm, that's the Crest of Ernest, I think. Only Anna had that Crest-- it stops opponents from counterattacking. Makes me wonder if we'll be seeing more obscure Crests or even full-on unique crests seen only in this quest.

>>6186509
>D): Agree to visit Grigori's home, but leave a subtly leave a trail for your friends to follow.

I was wondering if Tristain's curiosity was enough to make him go 'fuck it, we ball', but I don't think he's dumb-- this trail is insurance.This might be a stretch, but if this guy is willing to lead us all the way back to his base, then it saves us some time and gives us some exposition to boot.

Alternatively, we could just decline or attack him, but I'll admit that I'm curious on where this goes.

>>6186509
>>6186668
Supporting.
There's the obvious risks of going into the enemy's home, but Tristain does have two Crests, so he can probably use that to throw his weight around. If not, then our friends can bail us out.

>>6186509
The plot thickens
>>6186668
I'll support this option, I'm sure May and the others could track us down either way, but us deliberately making slight marks on our way would guarantee it.
Also I checked and that is the Crest of Ernest that Anna had... and man, the wiki page for it is extremely bare bones, it only says it's name, that Anna had it and it's effect, there is no mention of who the hell Ernest is, it's a total mystery, bet that's why TH used it here... Or it's not Ernest and he just used the pic because why not.

>>6186509
>A): Agree to visit Grigori’s home, provided that your friends remain safe.
Right so snake cult = followers descendants of dragons who got their ass kicked by slithered sorcerer king 100% confirmed them. Wonder if we might actually get to meet a dragon.

Also technically then Tristain should be on the cultist's side since he's a devout (but then again knowing Tristain I wouldn't put it past him to become a follower of the goddess because of Serios' hips which don't lie kek)

>>6186509
>A): Agree to visit Grigori’s home, provided that your friends remain safe.

Well, now we gotta find out what's happening here.

>>6186509
>>B): Decline Grigori’s offer.

>>6186509
Supporting >>6186668 , if nothing else we get intel about the Cult's purpose and doings. If the guy's willing to talk, we get Hima and the Scorchers a lot of the info they need.

>>6186668
+1

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>>6186509
This man was willing to lead you to the Cult you had been searching for. An opportunity to gain more information about this mysterious Crest, as well as to figure out just what it was these people had planned was too good to pass up.

>“Very well. I’ll go with you. But I want no harm to come to my companions. If you have other men in this village waiting in hiding for them, call them off.”

“Those are your companions?” Grigori asks, puzzled. “As bearer of the Dragon’s Blessing, those people should be little more than slaves to you. But…if you insist. You have my word that no harm will come to them.” Grigori cups his mouth, and produces a strange whistling sound that echoes throughout the ghost village. “There, that was the signal to fall back. Now, come with me. Whether or not those are your slaves or your friends, I cannot allow them access into our home.”

>“Fine, whatever you say.” You nonchalantly place your hands behind your head, crossing your fingers. You were bleeding from where those cultists had attacked you, which suited your needs perfectly. You could use your blood to leave a trail behind. May would have no issue sniffing out such an obvious clue and would lead the others right to you. In the event these cultists tried anything funny, you could at least count on your party finding your location.

Grigori jumps off the side of the house, and takes off in a sprint. You follow the man closely behind, making sure to leave a trail of blood in your wake. Hopefully this wouldn’t be too far of a trip. Grigori leads you out of the village and down a nearby rocky path. As you travel together, he does not strike up further conversation. He appears to have had his worldview genuinely shaken by his encounter with you. He is likely hoping these druids can make sense of your existence for him. Grigori’s path takes you both to the top of a medium-sized gorge. The man suddenly jumps off the side, and when you peer over the edge, you find that he is climbing down. Groaning, you make to join him, descending noticeably slower than he does.

When you finally reach the bottom, you find Grigori already waiting for you.

“Not bad for your first time.” Grigori compliments you. “Though you may be a Fodlander, it is clear the blood of the Dragon runs in your veins.”

>“I thought killing your companions back there would have told you that much.”

If Grigori is offended, he does not show it. “They fell in battle to reveal one with the Dragon’s Blessing. It was an honorable death for them.”

You wonder if they saw it that way. This man had been content to stand atop the roof and watch the fight unfurl without lending aid. If he had joined them, he’d likely be rotting in the sand as well. Grigori continues leading the way through the narrow pass you now found yourself in, until you both stand before a large cave opening etched into the cliff wall.

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>>6187206
Several figures begin to emerge from within. They are all Morfisians, though they look far more weathered than the rest of their kind that you’ve seen. It was clear that these men lived in the heart of the desert their entire lives, and were unused to the comforts of civilized life. You find that each of them is armed with a variety of weaponry. In the midst of their group is an elderly man, clad in ornate robes. By the distance the others give him, he appears to be their leader.

“Grigori.” The robed man says. “You bring an outsider with you. What is the meaning of this?”

“Elder Eman.” Grigori says, bowing his head. “I bring with me a foreigner who shares the Blessing of the Dragon.”

In an instant, the quiet gorge is filled with the angry rebukes and chatter of the armed men. The elder stares at you expectantly, but does not make any sudden moves. Rather than wait for these men to butcher you, you deem it best to just show them what the deal is. Just as Grigori presented you his Crest, you show the assembled mass of Cultists the Crest of Indech, producing the symbol within the palm of your hand. In an instant, the clamor has died down. The cultists stare at your Crest in total awe and shock until finally, much to your surprise…

Each of them bow their heads to the ground in your presence. In the olden days of Fodlan, Crest bearers held much political power and influence. Entire lineages could be shifted depending on if one was born with a Crest or not. But to receive this level of reverence just for having a Crest was completely unheard of. Perhaps you could get used to this…

“Great Leviathan, you have blessed us with another who shares your fearsome blood!” The robed man, Eman, joyously throws his hands out to the sky. “The destruction of the Evil City of Illusions truly does lie at hand! My lord, please grant us your name? Has great Leviathan truly sent you to help us destroy Morfis and pave the way for the Goddess?”

Woah. This man was suddenly making a lot of assumptions about you and your being here. And what was that about the Goddess? You had to play this very carefully. These cultists were practically dancing in the palm of your hand here. You had some measure of control, but the wrong move or word said could potentially spell disaster.

>A): That is right! Leviathan has sent me to aid you in your quest! (Bluff)
>B): I possess the “Dragon’s Blessing”, but I am here of my own accord.
>C): I have no idea what any of you are talking about.
>D): Write-in

>>6187207
>>A): That is right! Leviathan has sent me to aid you in your quest! (Bluff)
Well, they are half-right!

>>6187207
>D): Write-in
I came here in search of a wife

Very true, now hand over a hot brown crest wife

>>6187207
>D): I am Lord Tristain and I am here for an even better cause then just plain destruction, I am here to take over this kingdom of sand and magic and rule it as the rightful king!

Maybe we can have the cultists switch their plans of destructions to a plan of ruleship instead?

>“Fine, whatever you say.” You nonchalantly place your hands behind your head, crossing your fingers.
Also I love this little quirk of Tristain

>>6187207
>D): Write-in
>You stand before Tristain d'Rusalka, soon to be King of this land and all those within. I mean to thwart every challenger and pretender who stands against me, and conquer in my own name and that of the Goddess. I would hear of the long war you have fought, and the truth of your 'Leviathan.'"

This probably sounds too serious for him, but it's my best swing at "exposition pls." The more we know, the better.

>>6187207
>>A): That is right! Leviathan has sent me to aid you in your quest! (Bluff)