Part 10: The Misty Isles or, Great Scott!

Chapter 9: The Misty Isles or, Great Scott!




However, Bern's belligerent movements toward Lycia come to an abrupt halt, as if to mock Roy and his caution. Bern also maintains a neutral position on an offer of a treaty from Eturia.
Bern's sudden silence and lack of activity can only be described as eerie.


Eliwood summons the council of marquesses to Pherae to discuss future actions. It is decided that Eliwood is to lead the council of the Lycian League. A new Lycian Army is also to be established. This new army's purpose is not to take the offensive against Bern, but rather take a defensive stance for Lycia.


Gradually, the attitude and morale in Lycia begins to improve. People once again conduct business without fear, and they embrace a new optimism.

Well if the apocalypse wasn't going to happen before, we've pretty much guaranteed it now.




Many outlaws make their bases there, and anarchy is said to rule. Many in Lycia are uneager to send their troops to the Isles to deal with bandits, but having received Eturia's aid in Ostia, they have no choice but to oblige. Thus, Roy and the Lycian Army pass through Eturia toward the Isles.


Presently, they are colonies of Eturia. The Western Isles are rich in resources, so mining is a major industry here. However, these resources are worth a fortune.


As such, the people of the Western Isles live in constant fear of bandit attacks. Roy is sent to vanquish these bandits...

And with him...



...he has this little beauty, because 20 uses for Ye Olde Legendary Sworde is just dumb. Did you know that the original Roland, while dying, attempts to destroy his Durandal so it won't fall into unworthy hands?


But the sword just goes like, fuck that noise.


If it wasn't obvious enough, what I'm getting at is that if Roland killed approximately half the population of Spain and went apeshit on a big rock with this thing and it still didn't break, Roy stabbing 20 dudes only to have it disintegrate in his hands is Dumb and I do not like when things are Dumb.

(Also that you should read the Song of Roland, it's pretty cool.)



So. Yay. Fog of war map.

DID U KNOE

...that you can cheat by moving a thief around on the pre-deployment screen and use the Thief-o-Vision to scout out the map?

Because you totally can.



Suckers.



So after doing that (and resetting once because reasons) this is the party I ended up with. I'd have liked to bring Shanna and Lilina because they still need more exp, but well, being made of wet tissue paper on a FoW map with archers lurking doesn't seem like a good way to live a long and healthy life so fuck that noise.



Then, more cutscene.

You sure?

Oh yeah. We just saw 'em dock at that little island in the east.

Good. They're probably floundering about in this thick fog. Sneak up from where they can't see and finish 'em.

Sure thing, Boss.

You're going to regret that plan.

Eventually.



Nah, it's cool, I like killing bandits.

It isn't your responsibility, General Cecilia. Don't concern yourself.

By the way, I still like Roy, Roy is rad.

Even in Eturia people dislike how the high chancellor treats the Lycians as pawns.

Did you say chancellor...? My antagonist sense is tingling.

High chancellor? I thought the king made the decision to send us here.

Actually, he didn't. High Chancellor Roartz works closely with Lord Arcardo, the noble who heads the mining operations here in the Western Isles. They made the decision without consulting the king.

I hear this guy was originally called Alucard. Normally I'd say they made a good decision changing it, but that also means I can't be extremely lazy with his portrait. Woe.

They have that power? How?

...Did you hear of the tragedy that occurred in Eturia last year?

Of course. Prince Myrddin, next in line to be king, abruptly passed away last year.

"Apparently they found a note next to the body saying 'Definitely Not The Work Of Roartz'. It was very strange."

Yes, that's it.

I never had the honor to make his acquaintance. I understand that he was a very bright individual.

Yes... Were the prince alive, Eturia would surely not be in this sad shape.
King Mordred was overcome with sorrow when his son departed. The shock was so great that he has yet to recover. Of late, it seems he's always detached from reality. He pays no mind to anything happening around him or in the kingdom. Roartz is exploiting the king's condition for his own benefit. Now, he's essentially in charge of the goings-on in the palace. He keeps the three Eturian Generals, Perceval, Douglas, and myself, away from the king except in times of great urgency.

But what about when you came to our aid in Ostia?

That was an exception because I had Perceval behind me. But I'm sorry, I didn't have the clout to prevent this...

I don't blame you. We will return to Lycia as soon as we complete our mission here. But please, I only ask that you take care of Lycia in our absence.

You needn't ask. The Lycian League is in safe hands, as is Princess Guinivere.



The battles on these islands are likely to be ugly. I can't predict what might happen. You should stay in hiding in Eturia with General Cecilia's protection.


I know you want a truce to end this war. I will defend you no matter the cost.

I have a feeling we're setting Cecilia up for a Hector here.

...I understand. I'm truly sorry to trouble you.
Roy, I pray for your safety.

Thank you, Your Highness. I will pray for yours as well.

"Oh great spirit of Hector, please smite Guinivere's enemies, amen."



Anyway.

We have a bunch of EXP to collect, so let's get to it.



Also a sneakily hidden house right where we started.


You can't see him through all this fog, but he also has a girl with him...

This was about the time I went "oh shit I'm going to have to bring Sue aren't I".



As expected, the foul pirates break themselves against our invulnerable defences.

Well okay fine they do like 1 damage to our nearly invulnerable defences but that just doesn't have the same ring to it so shut up.



Roy can one-round pirates with his iron sword. Who's useless now, motherfucker?



And Dorothy gets to pick off the one who attacked Barth. I'm pretty glad I decided to stick with her!



Here's another house.


In the north and in the west, they're always engaged in battle. Which way will you go?

The way the plot takes me?

???

What?



First, we gotta deal with these asshats, though.



And if you still don't get the joke, ask your local comic book nerd to sperg out at you about the X-Men for like 20 minutes.

Actually on second thought I can't do that to you, please disregard previous advice.

Oh, Fir. Sorry to call you in.

What's going on out there?

The island is under attack by pirates. They've come to kill the people living here.



God damn it Fir you are the derpiest myrmidon.

I sent some guys over to try and stop them, but the pirates are very skilled. The outlook isn't good.

I can't believe it...

I'd like to fight them myself, but I can't leave this castle. Fir, I'm sorry, but can you go in my place?

Yes. I will go and purge the people of these pirates.

Yeah, thanks.

Leave them to my blade! Anyone who attacks innocent villagers will get no mercy from me!

I have someone you can work with too.

You do?

Yeah, He's a nomad named Shin. He's a little skinny, but he's a decent shot with his bow.



So Fir heads out, ready to dispense burning justice.



It was either that or rename him "Tibia", be grateful.

Yes. I heard everything from Scott. Let's go.

......

......

So, uh...

What?

Uh, are you here to protect the villagers like me?

No... I have no interest in such things.

Then why are you here?

I'm paid to fight. That's all.

......

......

This is awkward.





Right.

What brings you all the way out here?

Nothing special. You look like you're from Sacae yourself.

As for me, I'm traveling around Elibe to train myself, and... Oh, you didn't ask about me, did you...?

......

...Sigh.

...I'm looking for someone.

Who?

...My clan was crushed by Bern when they invaded Sacae.

......

Our chieftain had me escape and told me to find and protect his granddaughter. I'm still in search of her.

I see... Well, I hope you find her.

...Me too.

So that was a "yeah, definitely going to need Sue" kind of moment.



Meanwhile, back at the school for gifted youngsters...

I know what I'm doing. Once she's killed, we can take that sword she's carrying.

The sword? That weird one she has?

It's not just any weird sword. It's a Wo Dao, a famous blade from the east. It's worth a fortune. Heh heh...

Ohhh, I get it now. That's why you were so hospitable to her.

I couldn't do anything before, but now's our chance. I want you to follow her. Once she's finished, take the sword from her lifeless hands!

Sure thing, Boss!

Jesus fuck how dumb can you get, you are a berserker and she is a level one myrmidon. You do not need to concoct an elaborate scheme to kill her, just hit her.



Anyway.



I may have made Noah slightly too OP.



Also this idiot tries picking a fight with Dorothy. It ends poorly for him.



Fast forward a couple of turns, nothing interesting happened. I'm pretty sure Chad can survive this.



Fir outta fucking nowhere! Also this is why I did not bring Shanna.




I was right.



And Roy can't talk to Fir, so I'm glad I brought Noah.

Sir Noah?! What are you doing here?!

I joined this army back in Ostia... Whoa! What are you doing?! Sheathe your sword!

Sir Noah! You aren't the noble man I thought you were!

What?

I know you're a mercenary... But lending your services to pirates?! You should be ashamed!

...What?

Don't act like you don't know! You're working with pirates to attack the people living here! And you call yourself a knight?!

Hold on, I think there's been some kind of misunderstanding...

Misunderstanding?! You still have the nerve-

We're trying to help the villagers. Our goal is to defeat the head of the pirate group here. His name is Scott, I think.

What? Scott is the head of the pirates?

Sure is. If you don't believe me why don't you ask the pirate over there? The one behind you, hiding in the bushes.

Pirate? What pirate-?







No! Scott was very kind to me...

Really? The rumors say that he's a brute of a man...



Well, certainly, but...

...I was fighting for pirates this whole time... What should I do now?

Do you want to come with us?

Truly? Can I?

We're always looking for new recruits to bolster our strength. I'll talk to Roy for you.

Thank you!

...

......

.........

Holy shit Fir is the embodiment of .


A shrub traveling around Elibe to hone her sword skills.

She is also a level one myrmidon with growths of HP 75, Str 25, Skl 50, Spd 55, Lck 50, Def 15, Res 20.

Rutger has 5% more HP, Str, and Def, and 10% more Skl. Fir has 5% more Spd and 20% more Lck. Knocking 1/6 off an already shaky strength growth is... probably not going to do her any favours and he has more than enough speed already that he doesn't care about her advantage there. Plus, he starts better at... everything but luck. Wow.

We are so using Fir because benching her would be on the same level as kicking a retarded puppy.



So about that Wo Dao.



43% crit.



wait shin stop what the fuck are you doing



...

I've a good mind to turn you into experience points with all the rest of these assholes.



Fir can't even give him a piece of her mind, only a piece of her sword.



We'll have Sue recruit his dumb ass.

Shin... What are you doing here?

I was looking for you.

For me? Why?

The chieftain told me to.

...What happened to the clan after I left?

We were no equal for Bern...

...We lost.

......

What happened to my grandfather?

He still continues the resistance against Bern...

Is that so...



I was told by the chieftain to find and protect you.

Then you will fight alongside us?

With you?

This army is fighting against Bern, like my grandfather. They also saved my life.

Then of course. If that is what you desire, I am at your disposal.

Thank you.


A survivor of a Sacaen clan. Loyal to the Silver Wolf.

How many archers does this game think I need? Plus you use up way too much punctuation. I see a nice, cosy bench in your future, my boy.



Speaking of my boy, Roy crits this guy... on the second hit.



Okay, that's a fine way to make up for wasting a whole use of that killing edge.



Definitely maybe a little OP.



Barth is a little less OP. He'd be more scary if enemies tried to step on him, which is kind of funny if you're a certain kind of horrible nerd, not that I know anyone like that.



Barth javelin'd this guy so Ogier could take him out.



That's a merc-hog level all right.



And Lance takes out the merc next to Ogier and continues to get strength! Good man.



Now we're actually close enough to see this fucknugget, so let's check his


The leader of one of the brigand groups on the Western Isles.

...stats...



...



are you fucking kidding me

...

okay so

Berserkers have a natural 30% crit chance. Which is hilarious when it's your berserker, but on an enemy? Kinda not so much fun.

Now granted this number is only true for close range, and 12 strength and a hand axe isn't that dangerous - but when he still has a 20ish % chance to crit anyone he hits with it? This guy can still one-shot most of our army. And we'll probably need to attack him more than five times to actually deal enough damage to kill him, so he has a pretty good chance to do it at least once.

With 12 speed, he can also two-shot anyone durable enough to stand up to one crit.

...

I guess you could rescue-drop people every round so he doesn't switch to range and just whittle him down over 48 turns or something? But somehow that seems even more tedious than fucking Legance.

...

I think I'll probably just RNG abuse.



First though, there's a village down here and a couple of pathetic axe users who can't lay a finger or other body part on a cavalier with a sword.

That's Allen, in case you think all cavaliers look alike, you racist.



Meanwhile, Noah heads towards the buildings on the top right. Maybe kinda sorta OP.



Might as well let Shin in on the fun, too, since he's here. He comes with a short bow, which is... okay, I guess? 10% crit isn't really reliable enough to, uh, rely on, but it does deal damage.



Lance could deal with the pirates well enough, but taking out the mage cost him. Roy will go in and finish up for him. Because he can do that.

Roy is cool.



Those hit rates.



Ogier helps, too.



Chad takes a hit, but it's worth it.



I'll tell you what wasn't worth it, though.



Ogier could actually double the boss! ...for six damage a pop.



Noah might do a little more.

Yeah, definitely OP.



Fir wastes more Wo Dao uses.



Goddammit Fir.



Shin thinks he's being helpful, but really, it's just Noah soloing this entire island.



CRUNCH.

(Still worth it.)



Finally rid of the pirates, we can now visit the lower village!


They take everything from us. Resist, you say? It's of no use. They can do whatever they want because of their numbers. We can't fight against them like the resistance force.

Apparently the pirates haven't taken everything from them, because the guy gives Lance a silver sword he still can't use.



We're done with the enemies up here, too. Shopping spree!



More keys?



Chad finishes off the guy who clove his chest last turn. He's my only legit character who could double Scott. He gets a weapon rank, too, but don't get too excited, he's at D rank now.



Saul patches up the magic-inflicted injuries Allen took a few turns back.



Then suddenly pirates! ...to no one's great surprise, why else would there be completely inaccessible forts in the middle of the drink?

This one attacks Allen. Allen will fight like a dozen of these guys and not take a single hit.



We can't reach any pirates from here, so we'll just have Roy visit this hut.


In these conditions, you can never know if someone's waiting to pounce! Torches can be very useful, even if you have an eagle-eyed thief with you.

Thanks, but I think we're more or less done with the fog bit.



Dorothy will be soloing the pirates from the lower fort here. Even the ones that spawn with hand axes are having a really hard time hitting her.



...not this one, though, but she takes revenge.



The pirate has the last laugh.

It's okay, you did well last time, just don't make a habit of this.



More houses?


They're all deserting the Isles for the mainland. It's very sad, really. If you want to visit, you'd best do it quickly. You won't have time to go to both, so you'll have to decide.

What? Bullshit, I have like three people here, we can totally handle two villages in one turn!



While I ponder, though, let's risk Bors' life unnecessarily.



More pirates!



They were bad pirates.


But you must be in rough shape at least! I'll finish you off!

He will finish Bors if he hits twice and crits once, but Bors has a pretty good chance to live.

And if he doesn't, I'll reload my savestate.

Bite me.



I'm also going to savestate here and see which one of these gives me the nicest thing. And you know, that bow is nice, but we already have one that's still in good shape... and I've heard things about status staves.


Are you with the resistance? No? Then you just did it out of the goodness of your heart?
As I'm sure you've seen, these islands are swarming with pirates and bandits! There's nothing we can do out here, but word is the resistance is waging battle in the western part of the Isles. Tell them we'll all move to the mainland. They don't have to worry about us...

So I'll take the Restore staff.



Imagine this happening like 23 times. Now I don't have to post variations of this pic like 22 more times.



Risking Bors' life is... somewhat profitable. I guess.



How many pirates could you possibly need?



But they're good for EXP, and it turns out Dorothy didn't make a habit of her last level.



Ogier, meanwhile, kinda did.



Roy can one-round this guy with his iron sword.



(No, I'm not going to stop pointing that out.)



Chad has like a 4% chance to die, and Scott would heal most of the damage even if Chad survives to double. We will not do this.



Still more?



Yadda yadda pirates yadda EXP.



Roy can one-round this guy with his iron sword.



More?!



Roy can one-round this guy with his iron sword.



Roy-tastic. (This is actually another guy Roy one-rounded with his iron sword.)



Does it never end?!



EXP.



Roy can't one-round this guy with his iron sword, because it only has one use left. Sad.



This is getting repetitive.



Look, something new!



Of course. Do you expect me to lose to weaklings like these?

Scott could one-round you if he crits twice, just so you know.

No, never.

Then I won't ask you how you're doing. We knights of Ostia are always at our peak.

Yes, sir.

I appreciate your concern for me, but worry about yourself before you worry about others.

Yes, sir.



Those could be your last words, Barth. Are you okay with that?



Roy is out of iron sword, but he's closer to bigger and better things. That's a B rank.



These forts spawn so many fucking pirates holy shit.



Unless you want to join Shin on the bench, get some fucking strength.



Merc-hog, go!







That's about a one in ten chance to lose Noah, or to reload my savestate.



Are you still not done?



And of course Scott heals because he's an asshole.



Allen finally fails to dodge something because he's out of sword and stuck with weapon triangle disadvantage now.



He still profits.



Noah continues to technically but not really risk his life against Scott.



But it's Roy who gets to finish the job.

Who in Elibe... are you? You're no ordinary army...

Nope.



We're Roy's Boys.

And girls.

Mostly boys though.



I think the pirates stopped spawning now, not sure if it's because they finally ran out or because they're afraid to come out now that we've killed their boss. Sue gets an actually good level dealing with the second to last, and Ogier kills the last one but that wasn't very interesting so you don't get a picture.



And then we seize.

They must have known we were coming.

I think there's more to this than we realize...

You're right. Clearing out the bandits may be more difficult than expected. Ever since Bern's aggressive behavior started, Elibe has changed.

I don't even know what to expect... Dragons appearing, Bern's sudden invasion, the collapse of the Lycian League... Everything happened so suddenly. In the end I suppose all we can do is take it one problem at a time.

Now... Where do we go from here?

Let's head west.

West?

West!

I hear there's a resistance group based there. They're fighting the bandits to protect the villagers.

They may have information on what's going on in the Isles.

Indeed. We need a lead.

It seems like a sound idea, Lord Roy.

Then let's not waste time. Let's move west.



Roy is cool. Tune in next time for more Roy being cool. I guaran-fucking-tee it.