Part 56: The Palace of Evil - Part 2
Last time, we finally got ourselves to Manster.
Sety is currently leading a rebellion within the city, and has entrusted a bunch of children to the care of Bishop Cyas, as well as the Blade of Blagi, which is apparently necessary to defeat Reidric. Although Sety can easily solo the map, there's a lot of exp in here for us, so we're doing it the hard way.
(Player Phase)
(Enemy Phase)001.png)
Both of these Dark Mages next to the boss have Sleep staves, but unlike most status effect enemies they don't retreat the map if you silence them, so we get started on that. Cyas starts with a Silence staff even, so between him and Sara we can take them out first turn.
006.png)
With that done, there's nothing to do but press onwards. As you may have noticed, the enemies start in what is pretty much the furthest point on the map from us. Thracia 776 is normally pretty good about map design, which makes this brilliant design stand out.
008.png)
They're coming
009.png)
With 11 move, Karin can now completely obliterate any ballista clusters. Sara sleeps Penta-axe general,
013.png)
The boss has a Silence staff, so Tina's been curing Nanna every time she gets silenced. I forgot to turn battle animations back on (at first) from grinding Dashin up, so have a modern styled level screen.
---
014.png)
317.png)
However, if our predictions are correct, there should be a big movement some time soon. Then we can charge in...
But we would be killing many civilians in the process... Even if we can only free Manster from the Empire, it would still greatly benefit us. Isn't that enough? Well... This is an order from the king himself. ...I will try to persuade my father. Lady Altenna is too soft... This is the perfect chance to claim Manster. The king has a soft spot for Lady Altenna, but even he won't listen to her for this incident. I should follow the king's orders here...---
With that, a group of Dragon Knights spawn in the mountains to the SE. They'll just hang out there safely for the time being though.
015.png)
016.png)
017.png)
Moral of today's story? Don't fuck with Karin.
019.png)
These villages are designed to fuck you over, because on the enemy phase, a thief will spawn right next to them. Unless you hustle over there immediately (and why would you, they're not in any danger), they'll be destroyed. The thief shows up so earlier that unless you send two units over, you won't save them all. That said, only one village has a good reward (fortify), so the rest can burn for all we care. Sara protects the one village which was smart enough to fish up something good.
020.png)
021.png)
Karin deftly kills a ballista and moves out of the range of any enemies.
026.png)
Elsewhere, we keep pressing onwards. Not pictured is the rest of our units pressing onwards, albeit slightly behind.
027.png)
Oh hey, asshole thief. He'll destroy the nearby village, and then Sara will destroy him.
028.png)
And a Duke Knight. If Karin weren't on the fort, he'd be accompanied by a Great Knight.
029.png)
And a Dark Mage. This map has the brilliant gimmick that Dark Mage reinforcements spawn semi-randomly. They can only spawn on certain predetermined spots, but which exactly spawn Mages is random. These spaces don't follow logic that closely, and so they can spawn right next to your forces if they want.
030.png)
031.png)
Aww shit guys, pack it in, these two guys have totally screwed up over.
Random placement doesn't always benefit the enemy.
---
Did you need something, Bishop Alfan?032.png)
Hm? Did you say something? No... Which spell book are you looking for this time? The Poison spell. I can't attack distant enemies without it. Understood, sir. ...I hope it'll be easier to find than the last time...The idea that the evil Dark Mage boss has issues with forgetting where he put his EVIL tomes makes me laugh
---
034.png)
Oh god Dark Magic is horrifying. Xavier seems to agree, as he dodges both of his attacks.
036.png)
Sara settles for a much simpler solution. Murder.
038.png)
Some enemies splinter off to attack Karin, the rest capture some children. The enemies on the map prioritize capturing children over all else, which is highly exploitable. Yes, we will end up using children as human shields. Yes, we are the good guys, why do you ask?
042.png)
043.png)
Karin takes down a ballista, and uses her magic flying powers to evade all nearby enemies. She's close enough to the boss that Sety will show up and assassinate him when we end our turn, meaning we've taken care of Poison and the ballistas at the same time.
046.png)
048.png)
Remember that the numbers shown are pre-level up, not post-level up. Either way though, that's a damn fine level.
I also realize animations were turned off here, and turn them back on.
049.png)
See? Isn't that better?
054.png)
Still not there yet. Fun.
---
057.png)
We have taken control of Manster, leaving only a small section of the castle. Now, if you would surrender peacefully, I can guarantee your life... Silence! You can't fool me with such nonsense!
---
061.png)
Wait! If we attack Manster now, we would be killing innocent civilians. I'll try to persuade them to surrender... This is an order from the king himself! It is not in your place to object, Lady Altenna! I am your commander! But this is my squad! And the king said to attack and capture Manster, no matter what your orders are! What... ...If you don't like it, you can stay here and watch. All troops, follow me! Charge! Colhuta! Wait, Colhuta! I have to talk to my father...!Altenna flies off.
---
063.png)
Oh god damn it. Random Dark Mage reinforcement captured Tina.
064.png)
065.png)
That doesn't look good for us. If you kill Alfan with Sety before they show up the first time, they'll never show up, It's a fairly easy way to reduce the challenge of the map. I like exp though, so we're fighting them.
024.png)
It won't be easy though. Appropriately enough for the last map with Horses, each one is equipped with a Horseslayer. And a Silver Lance. They're also all fairly solid stat wise.
313.png)
314.png)
Coluta is more of the same, albeit stronger.
315.png)
316.png)
I got some screens of Altenna before she left. She kinda sucks. She's also given plot immunity, and can't be killed or cast upon (so you can't steal her Dragon Lance).
067.png)
I was hoping for a movement star, but it'll still be nice to have her over here.
068.png)
He's not in any danger, so Cyas renews our human shield.
070.png)
The boss meets the Brave Bow.
Hahaha... Die!073.png)
They don't get along.
[Ronan: Lv. 4, Hp: 35, Str: 17, Mgc: 13, Skl: 17, Spd: 20, Luk: 11, Def: 9, Bld: 10]
Apparently, neither do Ronan and good levels.078.png)
I hate Dragon Knights. They're just so damn beefy.
081.png)
Not beefy enough though.
084.png)
[Dean: Lv. 7, Hp: 40, Str: 16, Mgc: 2, Skl: 16, Spd: 13, Luk: 8, Def: 14, Bld: 14] Dean gets a fantastic level from cleaning up Karin's scraps. It's a shame that this is the last map in which Dean is useful.
086.png)
A movement star lets him continue his reign of terror.
091.png)
Tune in next time for the thrilling conclusion!
102.png)
Shocking. You may have noticed my units are dismounted, I had the foresight to get them off their horses before the Dragon Knights started attacking.
103.png)
Shiva effortlessly takes down the last of the Dragon Knights we manage to kill.
105.png)
We also free Tina. Enemies loot your inventory when they capture you (which is total bullshit, because you can't capture and loot on the same turn), so if you want your stuff back you need to capture them. It's capturing inception here. Fortunately, they can't loot unique items (like Tina's thief staff), so it'll never be a catastrophe if you can't get your stuff back.
Tina repays Fin for her new found freedom with a heal.
[Tina: Lv. 9, Hp: 20, Str: 1, Mgc: 8, Skl: 7, Spd: 12, Luk: 20, Def: 0, Bld: 3]
109.png)
While Havan stays behind to swap and drop Fin's prisoner, Othin heads off the other Dark Mages.
[Othin: Lv. 3, Hp: 46, Str: 15, Mgc: 3, Skl: 14, Spd: 18, Luk: 15, Def: 14, Bld: 19]
On the enemy phase, he kills the other, but not without taking some heavy damage. After that, it's time for the Dragon Knights' assault.
Acrobatics in combat are fun and practical
116.png)
Almost dying is neither fun or practical
117.png)
I guess Delmud would have survived this guy, because he goes after Dean instead.
Alright, we survived. Let's retaliate
119.png)
124.png)
[Shiva: Lv. 2, Hp: 39, Str: 18, Mgc: 5, Skl: 20, Spd: 20, Luk: 15, Def: 13, Bld: 8]
127.png)
128.png)
[Ronan: Lv. 5, Hp: 36, Str: 17, Mgc: 13, Skl: 18, Spd: 20, Luk: 11, Def: 9, Bld: 10, Mov: 9]
Ronan now has the highest move out of all of our infantry, and the highest move indoors.
121.png)
Meanwhile, Othin kills an enemy with a fantastic throw, because that's up a cliff. He doesn't even hurt the child it's captured.
[Othin: Lv. 4, Hp: 46, Str: 15, Mgc: 3, Skl: 15, Spd: 19, Luk: 16, Def: 14, Bld: 19]
131.png)
Fucking reinforcements.
132.png)
136.png)
143.png)
145.png)
Some enemies made their way to Sety. Not exactly a good idea.
133.png)
Othin would have died from poison damage if this had hit. I really hate that Yotsmungand poisons. I really do.
140.png)
Cyas managed to kill someone which is surprising. He doesn't exactly take after pops.
146.png)
Alright Marty, free Tina.
That'll do.
189.png)
191.png)
192.png)
And her last level is empty. Whatever, she's done better than you can really hope for.
193.png)
[Shiva: Lv. 3, Hp: 40, Str: 18, Mgc: 5, Skl: 20, Spd: 20, Luk: 16, Def: 13, Bld: 8]
195.png)
And finally things are how they're supposed to be. We're being protected from danger by children, and we're backed up by Charisma and terrain. Only one charisma for now, but it'll soon be three.
201.png)
Of course all the Great Knights have hammers. Did you really expect otherwise?
[Fergus: Lv. 12, Hp: 44, Str: 20, Mgc: 4, Skl: 20, Spd: 20, Luk: 17, Def: 15, Bld: 13]
204.png)
[Fergus: Lv. 13, Hp: 45, Str: 20, Mgc: 4, Skl: 20, Spd: 20, Luk: 18, Def: 16, Bld: 13]
215.png)
Two charismas now.
[Delmud: Lv. 5, Hp: 38, Str: 12, Mgc: 5, Skl: 14, Spd: 12, Luk: 9, Def: 10, Bld: 11]
220.png)
[Shiva: Lv. 4, Hp: 41, Str: 18, Mgc: 5, SKl: 20, Spd: 20, Luk: 16, Def: 13, Bld: 8]
224.png)
...And three Charismas. Try touching us now
225.png)
[Delmud: Lv. 6, Hp: 39, Str: 12, Mgc: 5, Skl: 15, Spd: 13, Luk: 10, Def: 11, Bld: 12]
229.png)
[Delmud: Lv. 7, Hp: 39, Str: 12, Mgc: 5, Skl: 15, Spd: 14, Luk: 11, Def: 11, Bld: 12]
232.png)
[Fin: Lv. 2, Hp: 37, Str: 15, Mgc: 5, Skl: 12, Spd: 18, Luk: 12, Def: 14, Bld: 10]
235.png)
[Othin: Lv. 5, Hp: 47, Str: 15, Mgc: 3, Skl: 16, Spd: 19, Luk: 16, Def: 15, Bld: 20]
237.png)
[Fin: Lv. 3, Hp: 38, Str: 16, Mgc: 5, Skl: 13, Spd: 18, Luk: 12, Def: 14, Bld: 11]
238.png)
The reinforcements have finally dried up, so there's nothing left to do but to deal with stragglers.
[Fin: Lv. 4, Hp: 39, Str: 17, Mgc: 5, Skl: 14, Spd: 19, Luk: 13, Def: 14, Bld: 11]
242.png)
All five of his axes become ours.
243.png)
244.png)
As well as two sleep staves.
247.png)
There are also two Dark Mages left wandering about. We let Othin kill both, but some unfortunate positioning means Tina gets attacked as well.
[Tina: Lv. 10, Hp: 21, Str: 1, Mgc: 9, Skl: 8, Spd: 13, Luk: 20, Def: 0, Bld: 3]
[Othin: Lv. 6, Hp: 49 (+2), Str: 15, Mgc: 3, Skl: 17, Spd: 19, Luk: 17, Def: 15, Bld: 20]
251.png)
Yes we've finally done it. Game over Thracia 776, we've got Sety.
---
252.png)
Yes, I'm sorry I was late. I still haven't thanked you for letting us escape from Manster... Don't worry about that... ...How did you know I was the prince? Oh, did Karin tell you? Yes. She told me that you stayed here to protect the people of Manster, when you actually have to return to your country as soon you can... It's all because I wasn't strong enough to liberate Manster. Forgive me, Lord Sety... No, don't worry about it. I was planning on getting this done more quickly... but even my Holsety didn't stand a chance against Redric's Blade of Lopto. We lost many lives as a result... My lack of strength is to blame. It isn't your fault. ...I am envious of you. Your heroic powers are exactly like that of the Holy Warrior Sety. But...I don't have such ability. I'm not like you or Lord Celice... I...am not a Holy Warrior...The Crusader who used Holsety, and that founded Silesia, was called Sety as well, so Leaf isn't comparing Sety to himself.
...What are you saying? What do you think a Holy Warrior is? Is it simply one who inherits a Holy Weapon? No, of course not! For hundreds of years, Jugdral was under the control of an evil Empire worshipping the dark god, Loptous. The Holy Warriors were the heroes who freed the people from the Empire's grasp. And you, Lord Leaf, have been fighting that same battle for over a year now. You have pushed through perilous battles to save your people from tyranny. I don't think Lord Celice or I am any nobler than you. Not only did you, the youngest among us, grow up in the most painful circumstances, but you've also been fighting the longest. If that isn't what you would call a Holy Warrior, then what is? Believe in yourself! You most certainly are a Holy Warrior of Noba! Lord Sety...thank you. I must have been overwhelmed after I saw how much you and Lord Celice have done. ...Perhaps I still am a child. Well then, that would mean I've been rescued by a child. Oh... That's not what I meant... Haha... Oh, this really isn't the time to be joking around... We managed to trap Redric in a corner of the castle, but he has set up strong defenses and has taken the remaining children as hostages. My troops from the Magi group are all busy securing the city sector, so we don't have enough manpower to fight Reidric. I trust you will aid us, Lord Leaf. Of course! Redric is a hated enemy to me as well. And if I could fight alongside you, it would be a dream come true. Good. That's how the prince of Lenster should be. I wish you luck, Lord Leaf!---
Before we finish the map, we should probably visit the remaining villages.
---
260.png)
261.png)
Wait a minute, that was the village I protected with Sara. I thought it had a fortify...
264.png)
265.png)
God damn it, I saved the wrong village. I'm not restarting for another fortify staff, so I'll just have to live with this permanent mark of my stupidity.
---
254.png)
I hear that Redric is protected by a blade cursed by Lopto. If that is true, we must think of a way to deal with it...256.png)
This is the Blade of Bragi. With this sword, you should be able to effectively fight against Redric. A holy sword of Blagi...it's beautiful. Thank you very much, Bishop Cyas. Thank Lord Sety, not me. I was simply asked to give it to you. Yes...What are you going to do now, Bishop Cyas? I no longer have a home to return to. However...I have one thing that I must do. I must go to the Tower of Blagi... ...You won't tell us what that task is? No... I cannot say anything. If you are not in a hurry...would you be kind enough to stay and help us a little longer? You would be a valuable asset... Forgive me, but I cannot. I will be praying for your victory from the Tower of Blagi. Farewell, Lord Leaf...Alternate dialogue time! First, if we didn't recruit Sety, Cyas will respond differently when Leaf asks him to stay:
To defeat Redric? ...Very well. If this is the will of God...then so be it. I will accompany you a while longer.Next, we get some dialogue if Alfan lives long enough for the soldier to find his magic:
We found your spell book, Bishop Alfan! Really? Good! Hahaha, I'll show the rebels now. Fear my magic! Why don't you learn to put your books away first...Next, if you talk to Cyas with Leaf while on the map, you get the Blade of Blagi earlier:
A bishop? You led the children to safety? Yes, I was asked by Lord Sety of the Magi group. Thank you for helping us... No, I am the one who must thank you for helping the children. Now, please leave the rest to us and hide somewhere safe... Yes... Hm...are you Prince Leaf? Yes, I am. How did you... Ah, I thought so. In that case, please take this sword. This is the Blade of Blagi, the only weapon that can defeat Redric. You're giving this to me...? Yes, Lord Sety asked me to give it to you. This is a holy sword only usable by those of the Holy Warriors' blood. But Lord Sety cannot use swords, so he must have decided to entrust it to you instead. The Blade of Blagi...a holy sword... A weapon to use against Redric is just what we need right now. Thank you very much. Yes, do not forget to bring it to your next battle. Farewell, Lord Leaf...Lastly, if you get the Blade of Blagi while on the map, the last conversation goes slightly differently.:
...
I hear that Redric is protected by a blade cursed by Lopto. If that is true, we must think of a way to deal with it... I have that taken care of. A bishop who fled from the castle gave me a sword called the Blade of Blagi. He said that with it, we can fight effectively against the Blade of Lopto. Ah, I see. Then you must not forget to equip the Blade of Blagi in our next battle, Lord Leaf! What are you going to do now, Bishop Cyas?...
---
New Recruits:
Sety:
Level. 14
Hp: 32 (75%) Spd: 16 (+20) (80%)
Str: 3 (10%) Lck: 10 (65%)
Mag: 17 (75%) Def: 9 (20%)
Skl: 16 (+20) (75%) Bld: 8 (15%)
Mov: 8 (1%)
Class: Sage Weapon Ranks: A (Wind), A (Fire), A (Light), B (Thunder), A (Staves) Movement stars: 2 Skills: Continue PCC: 3
Sety is, in a word, absolutely ridiculous. To simplfy the oncoming barrage of numbers, I'm going to assume he's maxed Magic, Skill and Spd, which he'll do very quickly with his growths. First off, Sety has incredible defenses. He has an attack speed of 34, which means he can double anything and gets an extra 28 avoid from AS then a character with maxed speed. Considering his luck is quite respectable as well, he'll have around 20 more avoid then a character with maxed stats. Keep in mind that a character with max stats only has 60 natural avoid, so 20 is a substantial boost.
Sety also has the best offense in the game. To put it simply, Sety can't not kill someone. Holsety has 30 crit, and he gets 40 crit from Skill. Factoring in his PCC of 3, and assuming the enemy has max crit evade (10), he has a crit chance of (70-10)*3 on his pursuit attack. So 180%. Now, he has 40 mt with Holsety, and he can double any enemy, so he does (40-20)+(40*2-20) damage against an enemy with max magic. That works out to 80 damage. The Hp cap.
That said, Sety is limited by the fact that Holsety only has 50 uses. We have three repair uses left though, so we'll keep Holsety working as long as possible. Even without Holsety though, Sety is still really useful. He has good stats, an A in Staves, Fire and Wind (letting him rewarp and use two different types of siege tomes that nobody else can), a decent PCC and movement stars. He's not very durable without Holsety though, so look out for that. You can give him Resire to make up for that though, as he has an A in Light magic.
He also has a Leadership star. Because he's awesome.
Cyas:
Level. 12
Hp: 23 (50%) Spd: 12 (40%)
Str: 0 (0%) Lck: 5 (55%)
Mag: 18 (35%) Def: 4 (15%)
Skl: 16 (40%) Bld: 5 (15%)
Mov: 7 (1%)
Class: High Priest Weapon Ranks: A (Light), A (Staves) Movement stars: 3 Skills: Awareness PCC: 0
Cyas falls incredibly short of Sety. He's absolutely abysmal stat wise next to Sety (and not so good in a vacuum either), and even some of his potential strong points (A in Light, A in Staves) are matched by Sety. He only has two things Sety doesn't, 2 additional leadership stars (after Chp. 23, Cyas is reduced to 3 leadership stars) and Awareness. That said, neither of these things match up to what Sety has to offer, and since you can only take one that's all that matters. Even without Holsety, Sety is still a better unit then Cyas.
---
Since we can only take one of Cyas and Sety so vote on who...ahaha who am I kidding, we're using Sety.
---
Current Resets: 46
Next Time on Thracia 776: Tying up loose ends.