Part 11: Foreseer - Battle

Chapter 6 Battle



The final selections are in. Donny's in because the thread keeps voting for him, so might as well make you guys think about the others. Then again, that resulted in Virion being here.



Maribelle will carry the Rescue Staff to help with our wall strategy, and Lissa will use the Physic staff since she has the rank required. Miriel's equipped with Wind and Fire, and the rest have their usual gear.



This is our starting location. The real problem is the right side since it can't be blocked off with just one unit and a lot of tough enemies reside there.



This is who we have to protect. That is one terrible pre-promote.



Marth won't move and engage any enemies to help us, but at least her defeat here won't change anything.



This is the chapter boss, Validar who looks pretty familiar. He has really good stats and the first boss to really challenge the Shepherds. Elfire is a 5 Mt, D rank Tome. His ability is Anathema, which reduces Avoid and Crit Dodge by 10 in a 3-tile radius. Very dangerous.



This Thief looks interesting.

Let's start the battle.



Let nothing distract you from either purpose.

As you will it. *leaves*



I'm just here for the plunder. You know, line my pockets with some royal goods.

The exalt's such a sweet lady...Sure, I'll rob her blind, but I'd never harm her!

*cut to Emmeryn*



Chrom! Take Lissa and flee while you still have time!

No! We're not leaving you! Just stay where it's safe!



*cut to Validar*



...Wait. Some of these actors do not belong on this stage.



Tonight, fate truly piles the gifts at my feet!

*cut to Marth*





What's wrong?

It's not your concern.

Seems like nothing ever is with you.

My apologies.

Just stay by Emmeryn's door. We'll handle the killers.



You each have but one life, and I do not wish it weighed against mine!

Yeah, don't worry. I'm pretty sure Chrom is going to murder half of these troops like he usually does.



First order of business is having Lissa support Robin so she can one-round that middle Fighter.



Step one of barricading the middle entrance complete.



We'll mark Gaius's range so we don't accidentally counterattack him on the enemy turn.



Step two of my plan: Rescue Marth so she's blocking the middle way.



Best plans are usually the simplest. Marth's beefy stats will hold the entrance long enough while we work on the left and right side.



Chrom will stand outside of Gaius's range, while Sully gallops to the right side and help out the barricade there.



Kellam moves forward to take the brunt of the wave, while the others surround him to give some support bonuses.



Interesting. Most people don't live to tell the tale of Chrom the Butcher. Chrom leveled to B rank Swords for that bout.



Kellam's massive defense makes dangerous enemies like Thieves into fodder for lesser units to gain EXP from.



Even Fighters with the strongest weapon types and triangle advantage can barely dent Kellam.



Marth doing an okay job at holding down the fort so far.



At least she has the stats to live through all this. Sully probably couldn't unless she had Kellam with her, and he's needed for the right side.



All the enemy units except Validar moves toward us.



Marth gets some revenge as she deals great damage at the Thief.

*A new unit arrives in the back*



Look how these man-spawn claw at each other like savages! I will replay my warren's debt and then wash my hands of their race.



Hold! Panne is not your enemy.

You know her?

I know...of her. And I knew she would come here tonight.

Quite the prophet, aren't you?

As you say. And I swear to you, Panne is an ally.

...Good enough for me. All right, Shepherds! For now, we leave this Panne character be.

Is that wise, milord?

Marth has earned our trust. She enjoys her secrets, I know. ...Like her gender, for one. But she's also saved our lives. Twice. And that's enough for me.

She also tried to kill you, but who keeps count?

Chrom...Thank you.

Now, to the matter at hand: driving these scoundrels from our castle!



We'll get to Panne in a bit. Right now, Miriel's got some enemies to blow away (to death).



The Archest of Archers gets the table scraps and kills the Thief.



Kellam will heal the damage off with a Vulnerary. Vaike will close off the right entrance, then Donny will sandwich between them to give the +10 hit bonus whenever they battle.



Sully will ride to Vaike's aid and give him some extra defense. Maribelle heals Marth to keep the enemy in check.



Robin snipes the middle Thief and gains a massive EXP boost from killing a Thief combined with Veteran.



Excellent level! And...somehow she rolled the 30% for Def again.



You look recruitable.

Drop your weapon, or die where you stand!

Easy there, blue blood. I'm no there to hurt anyone.

...Yet you run with a band of assassins?

Believe it or not, just trying to make a living. I'm a thief, see? Bust open doors, crack into chests...that kind of thing. This lot said they wanted to break into some type of vault.

Nobody said anything about murder. I'd just soon as sit this one out.

Hmm...then perhaps you'd be willing to prove your good intentions?

Beg pardon?

We need all the help we can get to save the exalt's life. You appear capable, and we could use any information you have about our foes.

Oh, right-those good intentions. Fine the, I'll prove my sincerity...if you sweeten the deal.

You want gold? ...Fine, you scoundrel. Let me just-oops. *drops bag*

Looks like you dropped something. What's in the satchel, mmm?

Nothing-candies from my little sister. I'm sure you-

"Candies"? As in, sugar candies?

Well...yes, I assume they'd be sweet? But-

IT'S A DEAL!

...You'll risk your life for us if I give you...a bag of candy?

I said "sweeten the deal," didn't I? Don't get me wrong, I'll take the gold, too. Later.

Unless you've got more of these. ...Have you got more of these?!

Um...I'll ask Lissa.



So. We got Gaius, our first Thief. His class is more along the lines of utility, though he can still give a good fight when forced to. Thieves are very useful for missions that have chests and multiple doors, plus they give movement bonus when paired as the support character.



Chrom takes the lead and attacks the biggest threat on the left side, a Flux Dark Mage.



Panne is a Taguel, a class that can only attack when they have a Beaststone equipped. Her base stats are decent, but being a transforming character means her stone's bonuses apply. Her total stats are a lot higher than most of our characters. Her ability is Even Rhythm, which increases Hit and Avoid by 10 on even-numbered turns.

Panne moves to the bottom and ends the turn.



Chrom counter-kills the Fighter and gains a...sorta useful level.



Chrom gets a Support Defend to negate a Wind Tome attack, followed by a Thief that gets killed by Gaius's Dual Attack. What a nice fellow.

Chrom's Spd along with Gaius's bonus is enough to double Thieves now. That's pretty damn fast.



Vaike's holding his part of the bargain.



Hope will never die!



Marth's doing her job well.



Welp, spoke too soon.

Marth, no! Stand down! You'll die if you don't! We'll keep Emmeryn safe, I swear!

All right...nngh...A-as you wish...

Like I mentioned before, you don't lose anything if Marth bites the dust here.



The last active Dark Mage moves up and strikes at Panne.



Chrom starts taking on some Cavs that are coming from the bottom.



Kellam weakens another Cav, then our turn starts again.



Robin takes out the Dark Mage in front, then Miriel weakens the Fighter below.





Panne transforms and takes out the Fighter without much trouble.



Taguels are creepy as well. And yes, that is a giant rabbit. Or bunny. Or demon.



Archest of Archers chipping for EXP.



Maribelle heals Vaike for a good level. She's turning out very well.



Kellam kills the bottom Cavalier, gaining his Iron Lance in the process.



Too late there, Vaike.



Chrom the Butcher kills the last mortal that can harm him. Also got a free Wind Tome, yay.



The Taguel do not play!



Miriel gets attacked by the Dark Mage. Miriel retaliates with Panne producing a critical from the support.



Well, I guess one Tome user had to bite the no-Mag bullet. At least she got D rank tomes as a consolation.



Chrom gets saved again by Gaius against a Flux.



Vaike gets up and personal with a Dark Mage of his own that wandered in too close.



Chrom kills the rest of the incoming Cavs on the enemy phase. Kellam weakens the last Cav on the right.



So long, chump!

Our first move this turn is having Sully kill off the Dark Mage with a crit.



Kellams kills off the Cav and gains a great level, gaining every stat except Spd, Mag, and Res. He also learns Indoor Fighter, which increases Hit and Avoid by 10 when in an indoor area (So right now).



Well, at least you're better than Vaike.



Donny will close up the gap on the right side. Maribelle gallops over to the middle and heals Miriel.





Chrom finishes off the last Dark Mage and still refuses to gain some power. Fast as hell, though (19 Spd already). Beefy defense, too at 15. Weird Chrom for this LP.



The rest of the team fans out to the bottom middle while Chrom counter-kills the Fighter.



Donny barely survives his role as a wall.



Virion chips out the Fighter, Maribelle heals Donny to full, then Donny himself finishes off the enemy.



Hmm...Guess he needs more defense. The low Skill is starting to hurt him, though.



Chrom moves back towards the chest. Robin separates from Lissa and steps on an Event Tile to gain a new Tome.

Celica's Gale is our first Brave-type weapon, which doubles the available attacks. So if Robin can attack twice on an enemy, she can now strike 4 times. The Tome itself is 4 Mt and C rank required. Only 20 uses, though.



The next few turns involve moving the team back to where Emmeryn is and healing along the way.



Whatever Lissa is trying to be, it is not a healer.

Healtouch adds 5 more restored HP to any heal staff. Helps people like Lissa who refuses to gain Mag (1 Mag in 9 levels! Just 1!)



See! That's a healer's level! (Also, what the hell? Str?)



Junk, since we're not grinding in this LP.



Gaius opens up the lone chest in the map for a Secret Book. This item permanently boosts Skill by 2, so it could go to Donny. Maybe.



Robin starts the assault.





Robin didn't do much damage thanks to Validar's high Res. Miriel saved some damage, which actually stole free EXP for my healers....



Why not, Chrom's killed everyone else.







How could...you have known the plan...



Got a free Heal staff, too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8z94e1oeGk

*after the battle*



It is you I have to thank, Chrom.

I beg your forgiveness, milord! I failed in my duty-they should have never made it into the castle in the first place.

Peace, Phila. You couldn't have known what was coming. Only Marth could...

...Marth?

Yes, I would speak more with...Um...Robin, where's Marth?

Hmm...An excellent question. She was here a moment ago.

...Not again! *runs out*





Going somewhere? You have a bad habit of leaving without saying good-bye, you know.

Yes, I'm afraid I have a few bad habits.

Good ones as well-you saved my life, as well as both of my sisters.

Is there a way I can repay you? Some favor I can grant?

Hearing you offer is reward enough.

But there must be something...

I already have what I came for: history has been rewritten.

And what future averted?

After the exalt's untimely assassination, the Fire Emblem would be stolen. This, in turn, would lead to a great war, and soon to the end of mankind itself.

...But I'm sure that sounds like madness to you.

...Strangely, no. It doesn't.

Somehow I know I can trust you. And I hope someday to repay your favors.

Perhaps one day you shall. Until then...





*cut back to inside the castle*



So you know our true name?

Sorry, what's a taguel?

I am a taguel. The...The last taguel. We are shape-shifters. Most of your kind called us "beast" or "Coney" in the midst of their hunt. I only helped you because my warren owes Ylisse a debt. Do not think us friends, you and I!

I don't understand...

Yes, it's precious little your kind seem to understand.

It was man-spawn like you that invaded our warren and slaughtered my people.

What?! Is this true? Who would do such a thing?

Ha! Do not act so shocked. You are all the same.

Right down to your base desire to ruin and destroy all you touch-even each other.

...There is truth to your words, perhaps. I'm told that, in taguel society, everyone is treated as an equal. Mankind could have learned so much from your warren.

The words may come too late and mean too little, but I am deeply sorry.

We have stolen your friends and family and made the world a lesser place.



You claim to be blameless, and yet you would apologize? Pah! Your words are but wind.

I know...But they are all I have.


...You seem sincere, man-spawn. You feel my pain as your own. ...I've never felt that before. Look at me. ...See what I am. I will never trust mankind.

But you...Perhaps you truly are not like the others.

All I ask is a chance to earn your trust.

*cut to...somewhere*





My purpose is too significant...to be thwarted...here...Aaargh...

*a figure approaches*



What? Who are you...Where did you...come from?

I am the power that compels you. You will not perish here. It is not written. You must live on to author a destiny greater than you know.

I-impossible! It can't be you! It can't be...

I am the wings of despair. I am the breath of ruin. I am the Fell Dragon, Grima...

*back at the castle*



We have no leads at present.

It was Plegia! I'm sure of it. They'd do anything for the Emblem. Emm, you can't stay here. Come to Ferox where it's safe.

And leave the people undefended? War is at our borders, Chrom. Do you expect Ylisse to stand against Plegia without a leader? They must know their exalt stands with them.

But if something happens to you? What then?

Your Grace, perhaps you might relocate to the eastern palace for the time being? The other kingdoms know nothing of it. You would be safer.

Yes, please. At least that. I can't leave for Ferox with you right in harm's way.

...Hmm. Very well.

Thanks, Emm. I mean it. We'll escort you to the palace before we head north to the border.

Next time: Incursion

extras


Gaius
Starting Class: Thief
Weapon Ranks: Swords (D)
Abilities:
-Locktouch: Open doors and chests without the need of keys

Thief Support Bonus: +2 Skill/Spd, +1 Movement

Base Stats (Growth Rates)

HP-22 (85%) Spd-15 (70%)
Str-7 (60%) Lck-6 (35%)
Mag-0 (20%) Def-5 (30%)
Skill-13 (70%) Res-2 (20%)

Gaius, despite being in a lackluster class for combat, is pretty good at fighting. Good Str growth for a speedy character, but will probably fold like a chair if he's touched more than once. He doesn't have the combat abilities like Lon'qu to help out his fragility, but he'll last long enough to open those sweet chests and doors for free.

Official Bio: A cool and capable Ylissean thief who will take any job for the right price. He is absolutely obsessed with sweets, and hides 50 varieties of "emergency snacks" in his cloak. The most frequent nose-bleeder.


Panne
Starting Class: Taguel
Weapon Ranks: None
Abilities:
-Even Rhythm: Hit rate and Avoid +10 during even numbered Turns

Taguel Support Bonus: +3 Str/Spd, +2 Skill

Beaststone bonus: +3 Str/+5 Skill/+5 Spd/+4 Lck/+1 Def.

Base Stats (Growth Rates)

HP-28 (100%) Spd-10 (75%)
Str-8 (60%) Lck-8 (40%)
Mag-1 (15%) Def-7 (50%)
Skill-9 (70%) Res-3 (20%)

Panne puts the already speedy Lon'qu and Gaius to shame. Taguels use Beaststones attack, which increases her decent bases into one of the better Shepherd members. The downside to a Beaststone are not having any weapon bonuses, no way to improve the Str by forging, and are permanently stuck attacking from 1-range. That makes Taguels a good early-game class, but by the mid to late game they start to fall behind. Panne's growths are good enough to carry through that, though, and her excellent Support Bonuses don't hurt.

Official Bio: A nationless shape-shifter and the last of the Taguel. While cool and sensible by nature, she shows little interest in finding a partner and remedying the fate of her face. The fastest at wolfing down a meal.