Part 11: Amidst a Struggle or, Ah, Gonzales!
Chapter 10: Amidst a Struggle or, Ah, Gonzales!Welcome to a brand new level! I'm sure it will be lovely.
Roy and company move west along the coastline. Along the way, they come across a small village caught in conflict. The local lord oppresses the resistance and does anything he can to get rid of them...
That aside, this is not a fog of war map, so I'll bring the people I wanted to bring last time. There are archers here, but at least I can see them, so Shanna should be okay... I think.
Also, Roy has a new iron sword so he can one-round people.
Oh look, it's a promoted enemy on a gate, what a surprise.
We have a good lead, milord.Milady.
No, I'm not going to stop.
Out with it then. Where is he? He's apparently in hiding in the nearby village. Removing Elphin the Bard will sever the brain behind the resistance force. Find him. Burn the village to the ground if you have to!I wonder if he's a relative of Ogier the Merc-hog.
Yes, milord!
You seem to have... a full plate. Oh, worry not, our obligations to Bern take priority over all. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Then let's get to the matter we discussed earlier... Ah, the whereabouts of Princess Guinivere. Have you found anything, Lord Zinque? I regret to say that I have not. Have you been to Jutes? I have. Then I suggest you pay a visit to Father Orlo. He resides in the castle at Eburacum to the north. He knows the region better than any of us, so he may have some idea. However, if even he does not know where Princess Guinivere might be, then she is most likely not in the Isled. Thank you. I will speak with Father Orlo then. Farewell.
And in the opposite corner, because we have to start as far from the boss as possible...
Yes, that's what our sources say. But I also hear that Eturia's military is hunting down members of the resistance. Their numbers have apparently dwindled.
...Eturia does nothing about bandits but oppresses the resistance? Something is very wrong with this picture... Indeed it is. Can we do anything to help the resistance? Our hands are tied... To do so would directly oppose Eturia's nobility. We are here under Eturia's orders, remember. I'll send a letter to General Cecilia and see what she has to say. Let's not do anything too rash just yet.Countdown to us doing something rash: 3...
Eturian troops are attacking the village to find a member of the resistance force! They're under orders from Lord Zinque, the noble who controls this area.
2...
We haven't the time to await General Cecilia's reply... But I want to help the people.1...
...Even if it means opposing an Eturian noble. Lord Roy... We fight! Our purpose is just! Make Lycia proud!Asskicking time.
Here we have a map. It's reasonably big, with a lot of houses to visit and a lot of really annoying walls everywhere.
Also, see that fighter trying to hide under the map?
Fuck that fighter.
Strength!
On the enemy phase, Charth leaves Zinque's fort and heads out into the mountains.
Unfortunately, no. But a bishop named Orlo in charge of the mines in the north may know.This guy kinda caught me by surprise and I couldn't think of anything to replace his face with. Even looking back at it, the only thing I can think of is that dumbass from "Layzner" and I'm not sure that would be an improvement. Look at that hair. Look at it. It is magnificent.
Very well. Then we head north. Gale... I'm sorry. King Zephiel wanted to keep the matter of Princess Guinivere a secret, so only I was assigned to search for her. I'm sorry to get you mixed up in this... Don't worry yourself. But you work directly under General Murdock. Surely you have other duties. General Murdock agreed to allow me to assist you. He thinks it's vital we find the princess and the Fire Emblem. ...Do you think Princess Guinivere has the Fire Emblem? That's what His Majesty the king thinks. And I think he's correct, all things considered. ...... Come now, don't be like that. I'm sure Princess Guinivere went with good intentions. Let's hurry now. You're right... Exposition.
Wyvern butts.
These guys are butts, too. Both of them miss Shanna, though.
Next turn,
...more dialogue.
...What... happened...?
We found you lying at the entrance to the village, covered in wounds. We took you home and have been taking care of you. Thank you... But you are...? My name is Mary. I live in this village. ...You live here... Oh no! My very presence endangers this village...
...It may even be too late... I'm sorry? I am Elphin... One of the resistance force.He does look a little elfish. Must be the hair.
The lord here is sure to send troops in to capture me. The resistance force... Lady Mary, you should leave here. The village is in danger. ...No, I will stay. ...Why? I have a younger brother, but he left with his friend next door to find work. I'm taking care of his friend's sister. I can't abandon her. I understand... The most I can do to protect this village is leave. I thank you again for tending to my wounds. Please take care. Yes, you too.So around this point I got all excited thinking I'd be able to pick up a new party member if I went and visited that house.
Imagine my disappointment when it turns out he already left, the fucker.
For an archer with default growths, Dorothy is doing pretty well!
Now she's doing even weller.
Shut up, it is so a word.
A hundred hit points?! Fuck that.
Fir and Lilina worked together to take out the other axe dude.
And on the next turn, Noah baits the sword dude and Lilina gets the killing blow.
It's more than one stat!
I can weaken the archer with Noah, but it's no use trying to kill him with Shanna unless she can get a javelin toss in, and she can't actually kill him with one.
But if Lance misses once...
There we go!
Some of the enemies are aggressive, some not.
What the Flux, man.
With the assorted nuisances dealt with, the house is open.
We all searched in the mountains and found her. She was with a hulking monster of a man, so we threw stones at him to drive him off... Afterwards my granddaughter told me that he was the one who led her to the village.
...If you ever find that man, would you give him this? It's a special axe that's effective against swords. And... tell him I'm sorry.Sorry, couldn't hear you over the sound of that loot. Shanna picks up a Swordreaver she very much cannot use, but perhaps we'll find someone who can
Why is it taking so long to find a single member of the resistance?!
Bossman isn't done yet. A few rounds later, he'll pipe up again.
It's the Lycian Army! They've joined the battle on behalf of the villagers... The Lycian Army? They would betray Eturia?! Also, milord, we have received a missive from Jutes. They Lycian Army is suspected of working with the bandits. The missive says to take them dead or alive. Oh, really? They have ties with bandits? The irony! Those fools only want to save face... Excuse me, milord? This is not the mainland. The Isles are ruled by might. I'm not quite sure I understand... Pay it no mind. Was that all the message from Jutes said? There's more. Lord Arcardo has provided us with reinforcements. What?! They should arrive soon. Confound it! We won't get credit for defeating Lycia if we're aided by reinforcements! We must wrap this up before they can join the fight... Ah, I've an idea! Get me Scollan! Yes, milord.
Burn down the village. Kill any who resist.
...Can we take the loot? Do as you wish. Just do it quickly. You can count on us, Lord Zinque. Heh heh heh...I somehow doubt that.
Roy is doing well!
And Shanna, too.
She can't kill the merc, but she may be able to next round. Keep this up and you'll guarantee yourself an endgame spot!
I'm still heading up here with most of my forces when these assholes spawn in.
Recommended listening for the rest of this conversation.
There's a village to the south. With me so far?
With you so far. Good. It might be a base for the resistance. Zinque says to burn it to the ground, village and all."Burn the village, village and all."
Village and all... Good, you understand. Now get goin'! Don't screw this one up, you dimwit. I... I... You got a problem? Does your head hurt from thinking too much? N-no...
There's nothing wrong with tearin' down a few houses.
Are we clear, wretches? No questions?
Sonnuvabitch.
Good thing I've got people on the way... But let's take a look at the newcomers before we kill them all.
A brigand from the Western Isles. Uneducated but compassionate.
Oh boy. I know this guy. And I know I need Lilina to recruit him, even though his brain power seems to make him the perfect match for Fir. He also comes with a Devil Axe, with which he currently has a 26% chance to cave in his own thick skull when he attacks something.
We should probably try to ensure he doesn't do that much. Although he probably has to hit people first, and his accuracy is a measly 67%, so maybe it's not that bad. Maybe.
Gonzales' growths are HP 90, Str 60, Skl 15, Spd 50, Lck 35, Def 25, Res 5. He's certainly uh specialised. If he somehow manages to hit something, it's going to hurt. But it's a big if. A Fire Emblem if, if you will.
...goddammit I'm like three days late to make that joke, fuck everything.
The leader of a group of brigands on the Western Isles.
His boss, meanwhile, is entirely generic; it's, what, the third time this portrait appears? I don't think anyone will be very surprised when I don't post his growths, thereby revealing that we'll be killing him for exp.
Noah, Ogier, and Lilina are heading up around the right side of the map.
It is profitable for some of them.
Dorothy is stuck in the middle
Speed and strength! Strength and speed.
This is all going quite we
I know. But Lord Arcardo says they're allied with the bandits now. Why they're doing exactly the opposite of their assignment is beyond me...
...... Tate, take your soldiers and attack from the north. I'll commence the attack from here. Yes, sir.
I hear that you have siblings. Yes, sir, I have two sisters. One older, one younger. Are they pegasus knights like you? They are, actually. Why do you ask?"Because otherwise the player won't know to recruit you with Shanna."
I have a younger sister myself..."Or me with Clarine."
Any sister of yours must be enchanting.That's... one way to put it.
Yes, she is a sight.I'm choosing to believe he knows exactly what I mean.
I heard, however, she got tangled up in some mess and now she's missing. What? Oh my... I have some people looking into it, but they've yet to find anything. If I didn't have this mission, I would search for her myself. ...... Tate, be careful out there. For your family's sake. Yes, sir. Thank you.Tate leaves to the south. I thought you were going to attack from the north?
...
Well, I suppose if she continues going south long enough...
Sir, are you sure? Of what? Lord Arcardo said Ilia's pegasus knights are expendable. They should be fighting on the front line, not us. Surely the lives of us Eturian soldiers are more valuable. Don't be ridiculous. They are reliable companions. We will attack at the same time... or before them, if need be. Understood? Yes, sir.
The army from Lycia only arrived very recently. How could they create ties with the bandits so quickly...?
Klain seems to be a decent guy. I imagine he'll go far in life, if you define "far" as "benched on charges of being a disgusting pre-promote with lame hair".
An Eturian commander and noble. Clarine's older brother.
He comes with a silver bow and a white gem and his growths are HP 60, Str 35, Skl 40, Spd 45, Lck 50, Def 15, Res 25.
Compared to Dorothy, he has 25% less HP, 15% less strength, 5% less skill, but 15% more luck and 10% more resistance. She is going to overtake him in everything that matters before she promotes.
This could be problematic. I'm going to have to initiate Operation: Look, A Nice Squishy Archer and hope they prefer beating on Wolt to burning down houses.
Well, the ones still left standing when Wolt's done. Hector would be proud.
Lilina was on the other side with Noah and Ogier, but I do have a flier! She'll be in range to talk to Gonzales next turn... if he sticks around as I hope he will.
Meanwhile, Clarine was all the way up with Roy and company. Nothing has been right so far. Allen and Lance will try to get her over to Klain, but this could be troublesome because he has like eight billion dudes with him and Clarine can't take a hit.
Better clean up on this end before they get here.
Having maxed speed, Ogier gets started on strength again.
More brigands spawn next turn...
And speaking of messy.
Blast! We have enough problems as it is...
Gonzales goes for Fir, who has a ~25%ish chance to die. But she doesn't, and she can't kill Gonzales. This might work!
This guy misses, too. She'd have survived that, at least.
The two on the bottom head left to meet AlLance. I'm not looking forward to this.
Phew!
W-what you doing?! I am enemy!
I know... But there's such a look of sorrow in your eyes. ...There is village near mountain. You know? Yes, I know it. Tell people escape. I have order. Destroy village. I... What? Don't! The villages are innocent... No. It order. I must. It sounds to me like you should leave the person who gave you that order. Leave? Yes! You can fight with us. We're protecting the villagers. ...No... I monster... People mean to me... People throw stones... People say, "Go away!"... "You a monster!"... Not human... That's horrible! Of course you're human! You're a very kind-hearted man. I can tell. Please, come with us. Don't be afraid. Me afraid? I never afraid! Everyone afraid of ME! I not afraid! No. You ARE afraid. You're afraid that people will throw stones and call you a monster. ...... But you don't have to be afraid of us. Everyone in our army is nice. They won't do that to you. Be brave... Take that first step, and you'll never have to be afraid again. ......
...Well, it'll be
if we actually survive this and I'm afraid I can't make any guarantees holy shit all those archers.
He can't one-round the bandit there (who didn't destroy the house because he was too busy throwing hand axes at Fir) and he still only has the devil axe anyway, so he'll go visit this village. Surely nothing can go wrong!
...Oh. I'm sorry... Take this.
Gonzales gets an elixir for his troubles.
I'm not even going to consider replacing some people with Wade and Lot just to get unique dialogue from these villages. Maybe if there were, you know, actually any lance users at all among the enemy I'd consider it.
Roy can one-round this guy, though he does need the killing edge to do it. And then Fir can go visit the house. That'll be one thing off my mind, at least.
His name is Wade, and he's a mercenary... Have you at least heard of him? Well, take this for your trouble.
It's a door key.
...
Should have let them torch the place.
But the brigands are still coming, so I'm going to have Wolt deal with them.
Meanwhile, Allen
and Lance run into the archers on the lower right. Those stats are weird. Why are your stats so weird, AlLance.
Oh shit oh shit oh shit I forgot all about you assholes
Captain... Are you sure we'll be all right?Spoiler: no they fucking won't.
Is something wrong? The Eturian army may consider us disposable and send us to the front... Where did you hear that? One of the other riders heard a rumor from the Eturian army. Pay no mind to mere rumors. But... I'm certain Commander Klain would never approve of that. Do you really think so? Commander Klain's not like that. I trust him with my life. ...Very well. Then we'll trust him as well, for we trust you, Captain. Good. Let's go!
Shitfuck.
All of the pegs except one head for EliWolt.
The archer does not fare well against Noah.
The leader of a pegasus knight unit from Ilia.
Son of a fuck, this will be messy.
At least Wolt isn't in any danger.
Meanwhile...
What is it, Dorothy? Can't I have a single moment of peace and quiet?
Oh no, you're not brushing me away this time. I heard what you've been up to. You've been flirting with every girl in this army. There is a misunderstanding. I was just trying to spread the love of the gods... No, I'm not accepting that again! What do you mean? I've heard that excuse before. Think of something better! Hm... Very well. Wait a moment while I think of a new one. What's the point of that?! ...Dorothy, why are you so upset? This is nothing new. That's exactly the problem! People will misjudge the church if they see you. I am insulted! I do my job properly, Dorothy. Or haven't you noticed the sharp increase in our female followers? Don't you understand? If you're just flirting with everyone... Understand what? Enough of this! I'll chew you out tonight when we go back to the chapel.
Sounds kinky.
AlLance continue to work on the archers.
Ogier isn't having the same kind of luck, son of a fuck that hurt!
Fortunately, Tate has her sister's noodly arms and isn't nearly as big a threat.
The one that headed to the right runs into Noah. It ends poorly for her.
At least I can do away with the one remaining generic...
Clarine deposited near Klain, Allen and Lance find time for a chat.
Neither good not bad, Allen.
...Cool and calm as always, I see. I may have lagged behind you the other day, but not in this battle!He's the one lagging behind you, Allen
Watch and learn from my skill, Lance! Of course I'll watch. We can all learn from one another. Don't expect me to lower myself to your level, though. Well, look at you! I look forward to sparring when the battle's done. I'll be off then. You'd better hurry along too.I'm not sure it'll help, but it's the best I can do.
All the squishies run the fuck away. Except Shanna, because I need her to recruit her sister
Shanna...?
What are you doing here? ...I have a contract with Commander Klain of Eturia. Shanna... Are you with the Lycian Army? Yes. I see... Then this was inevitable. Draw your lance!
...Shanna, you know the code of the Ilian mercenaries. ...Never betray your employer... Precisely. And we must follow that code, even if it means we must fight our own kin.
Failing to do so would damage the reputation of the Ilian mercenaries. Our nation can't afford to lose its mercenary contracts!
Tate... Now, draw your lance, Shanna!
Why does it have to be like this...?
...
Mother of fuck.
Meanwhile: Clarine, meet your brother and his colossal fucking aura of instant death how the fuck even am I supposed to get them to talk to each other when his attack range is longer than her move range and he will fucking one-shot her argh
The solution I end up with looks like this. Clarine is in range of the shaman on the inside, but she does actually have a Res score, so she'll be able to take it. Meanwhile, I'm hoping like hell that one support C rank is going to keep Allen and Lance alive through like 70 cavaliers and a sniper with a fucking silver bow.
Noah moves down a little, which will force Klain down at least one step, which will in turn let Clarine talk to him next turn... provided we don't fucking get killed before then.
There are two priests with Physic staves near the boss.
One now.
Shanna runs the fuck away.
Wolt and Roy try their best to deal with the horde of pegs and brigands. Because those are still spawning, like the assholes they are.
Good news, everyone survived the round! And while Klain will take some minor burns, Noah can't double or crit him with his fire tome.
He comes out a changed man.
Clarine dodges that shaman.
And on my next turn, fucking finally turns off the silver bow death cannon.
Clarine? You are safe!"I'd have put an arrow through your face if you came another step closer, but eh."
I'm sorry I left like I did. But I wanted so badly to see you! Oh, the trouble you get into... Well, you're safe, and that's what matters. ...What brings you out here? Did you find a trustworthy mercenary for hire? No, I joined the Lycian Army. The Lycian Army?! Yes! My healing staves have been most useful! ...I see. I thought your eyes looked... sharper.
...Let me ask you this. What kind of individual is General Roy? Hmm... He's a tad rough around the edges for a noble... His hair especially is an absolute mess... ...Let me rephrase that. Is General Roy working with the bandits? No, of course not! We've been sent here to vanquish the bandits! So I heard... The Eturians here are malicious people... It is so embarrassing. Klain... Are you working for them? No. Not anymore. What? I was sent here to protect the villages. I hereby join the Lycian Army to fulfill my mission. Thank you, Klain! Shall we, then? Will you introduce me to General Roy?
So let's make use of him right away.
Hell of a lot more pleasant to have him pointed in the other direction... even if he only gets 7 exp from this.
Now zero enemy healers.
So Shanna is going to have to try again, but she's one step out of reach so she's going to visit this house instead. With luck, Tate will try to javelin her again.
I thank you on behalf of the village. This is made from the scale of a dragon. It's said it will protect the one who uses it fro harm. Please, take it.
It's a
I think I may throw this on Roy.
Speaking of...
Dorothy has nothing better to do.
Good idiot.
So on the next turn.
Shanna... Are you prepared to fight? No! We don't have to fight! Of course we do. Must I repeat myself- Commander Klain said he would join us! We don't have to fight! What? Really...? You're... telling the truth? Yes! To fight me would be breaking the code! ...... ...Tate? ...I'm so relieved... Tate... Thank goodness... I was so scared... We'll always be together, Sister...And fucking finally Tate turns blue. Her growths, for what it's worth, are HP 60, Str 40, Skl 45, Spd 55, Lck 40, Def 15, Res 20. She is probably better than Shanna solely for the fact that she has a whole 10% extra strength growth.
Her one remaining minion, meanwhile, turns green.
It'd almost be heartbreaking, if I, you know, gave a fuck.
Lance and
Allen finish up the last of the cavaliers with a little help from Noah and Klain.
They live to serve me. Their wails are meaningless.
And Ogier puts on his armourslayer and parks himself in front of this lovely human being.
He also lands both of his own hits.
Mr. Metal Joints goes and visits the last house on this side of the map.
Her brother and his friend are both traveling, trying to make money. It's too dangerous to go outside now... Can you go check on her? Here, I'll give you this for your trouble...
Maybe I was supposed to come here first... Anyway, Gonzales gets a Barrier staff. Could be handy. For someone else.
I could have Ogier back down and drink two vulneraries before doing this... or I could savestate.
None... shall...
Turns out it wasn't necessary, though.
...
Maybe I should have reloaded anyway...
Should definitely have reloaded.
This guy hasn't budged. He has a killer axe. We will not be doing this and risking doing all that bullshit all over again.
Let's just take it slow and easy and heal everyone who got injured...
...and deal with this the Wolt Way.
Wolt is a sexy beast.
That's all. Just two houses left, and then we can seize.
We civilians have to deal with the consequences of their actions. You know we stand no chance if we try to stand up to our lord. We just want to lead a normal life. Oh... I'm sorry. I'm just frustrated. I have no useful skills so I can't help you... but take this...
Shanna gets an Orion's bolt. Strangely enough, it seems to have a tag attached to it saying "property of Wolt".
Here, take this. I'm going to look for other survivors. There is still hope if we can find our leader.
And a Sleep staff from the last house.
Fucking finally!
I'll see him. Let him pass.
I am a member of the resistance force.
I am Roy of the Lycian Army. You have my thanks for saving the village here. We simply did what we believe is right. But now you stand against Eturia. Even so, I have no regrets. We may have opposed Eturia's immediate interests, but once the truth about the Isles is out, I'm certain they will understand. I sent a letter to a trustworthy Eturian noble. If she takes appropriate measures, they will send us aid. I would not be so sure... Why is that? Don't you find it unusual that Eturia sent you here in the first place? Actually... yes, I do. This is merely conjecture... But was it High Chancellor Roartz and Lord Arcardo who requested your help? ...It was. Why were they so eager to get your army off the mainland, I wonder? Perhaps your presence in Lycia was undesirable to them. I never even considered that... There are rumors... that Roartz and Arcardo are working with Bern.
Your country may be in peril. Are you free to waste your time on the Isles as you are? He's right! Bern wanted us out of Lycia so they could launch an invasion! We must head back at once! ...We stay here. What?! Why?! ...... It's difficult to judge what may be hearsay and what may be truth. We can't simply jump on this information and run back to Lycia. I am certainly concerned, but my father and General Cecilia are there. The people on the Isles have only us to rely on. That may be, but... If we leave without finishing our mission, then all we've done here was for naught. ...Your army is blessed with a wise leader. What? Lord Roy, I am sorry for testing you so. Testing us? So that was a lie?! It was the truth. However, I presented the rumor in a way that you might take rash action. Your leader is an admirable individual. I would join you if you will allow it. ...I don't like that you tested us. But if you can help, I welcome you. Now then, back to the topic at hand. What can we do to help the people of the Isles? You should head south... towards Caldonia. Why? Castle Edina is located there. It is where workers are kept before they are sent to Eburacum. Then we must save the people there! Lord Roy, please take this sword. What is this? It is called a wyrmslayer. It was created during the Scouring to use against dragons. It is effective against wyverns as well. Wyrmslayer? Is this a legendary weapon? No. Legendary weapons can only be used by those whose skill rivals the Eight Legends. This weapon, however, can be wielded by anyone with experience in swordplay.And Roy gets a wyrmslayer, which does pretty much exactly what you'd expect.
Yes, I am. I wish to thank you for protecting our village. There is no thanks necessary... We did what we believe is right. Regardless, I want you to have this as a token of our gratitude.And then a Hero crest, and we're getting closer to the point where we'd actually want to use one of those.
Now normally this is where I would remind you that Roy is cool, but you'll have to excuse me because I have this urgent desire to bash my head against the closest wall. See you next time! I'm sure Roy will do something cool.