"Kingdom's" would mean that there's only one unified kingdom, rather than the coalition that I understand the Southern and Northern Kingdoms to be. I recommend pluralizing it.
There should be a comma after "army".
Fire Emblem: Last of the Manakete
- Thread starter SoaringHawk218
- Start date
- Fantasy
- Location
- The City of Tears, Hallownest
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Angela! Nooooo. Curse you fire emblem permadeath!
Angela's the one who went with you, she's still alive. This Whitewing was just saying "we already had three people wandering off, six more are either dead or wounded, we're not in great shape."
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- Pronouns
- He
Oh I was confused lol.
I was like, 'Angela died offscreen? Damn.'
TaliesinSkye
Occasional Editor
- Location
- Northeast Ohio, United States
Whoops, brainless. Yes.
No worries, I'd rather see new work as a reader, too. Just figured I'd mention in case it's ever a helpful idea.A good idea, yeah, but that would mean I'd have to go back and fix all the previous side stories I've done in first person, and I'm feeling kind of lazy at the moment
- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Ugh. Changing tense is such a pain...A good idea, yeah, but that would mean I'd have to go back and fix all the previous side stories I've done in first person, and I'm feeling kind of lazy at the moment
- Location
- scrabbling
Key part of FE: the juxtaposition of good people on both sides manipulated by one hidden and actually evil side
Whitewing raiding party, I imagine, rather than Whitening
Leaving the Nest
[X] You decide Melissa does make some good points. With the Empire seemingly trying to take everyone over, any division among the people who are inclined to oppose that (who seem to overlap remarkably well with the group who tend to like you and your manaketeness) would be bad. You'll have centuries to figure out how to best share the oneness of Sol Invictus and the Mother, no need to rush it.
"A mother is always a mother. She never stops worrying about her children, even when they're growing up."
-Sky-Marshall Desina
You've eaten in a lot of places over your life.
True, most of those places were in your home, usually either the little room just off the kitchen area made for your family, though on occasion Mother had insisted on using the big, formal dining hall "to justify keeping it around rather than turning it into another rune lab."
Since you'd woken up, however, you'd eaten in a lot more varied environments, from mountain caves to roadside camps to collapsed towers to castle great halls. Each of them had their own quirks and setup, their own subtle power dynamics with unspoken in and out groups.
The dinner at the Solar Knight fort was different once again.
The room itself was of similar size and stature to the great hall at Castle Agrithe, though it was a square rather than a rectangle and the high ceiling was set with many glass windows that negated the need for any torches or lanterns to eat by. The big difference, however, was how the tables were laid out. At Agrithe, there was a long "head table" on a raised platform at the opposite end of the hall from the main door, perpendicular to the central corridor between the smaller tables where most of the people ate.
The Solar Knights had a raised platform as well, but it was a circular one in the center of the room. In the center of that platform was a circular table where the Solar Knights themselves and their favored guests ate, which at the moment meant you and Artemis. Radiating out from that center table were longer, thinner ones that held everyone else, both the soldiers living here and the Agrithian riders. The fancy gold-colored tablecloths that the Divine Realmers used surely provided the illusion of a sunburst to the private tables on balconies above the hall, though you'd resisted the urge to fly up and check.
"It's one of our jobs to make a good impression to visitors," Melissa had said cheerfully when you mentioned how impressive it all looked. "If we have the resources to both see to our needs as well as make things look nice, why wouldn't we make things look nice?"
You suppose you can't argue with that; there had certainly been enough tapestries hung around your family's living spaces, though Mother had always said that weaving those was "therapeutic." You'd never gotten into it yourself, preferring to watch Father work, but they'd certainly been nice to look at.
Most of your new friend's attention, however, had been on regaling her mother and anyone else who'd listen with all the things you'd told her about the Union. She does keep back your theories about the Mother and Sol Invictus; the pair of you having decided that there was enough conflict in the world already without risking causing any more. A part of you feels disappointed, but you remind yourself that you have plenty of time to figure that out, once you've made the Empire settle down from attacking everyone, convinced everyone that manakete aren't princess-eating monsters, figured out a better way for humans to use magic, made sure Artemis got to live a long, happy life with someone she cares for (a very essential task, Dragon-you thinks), fixed up Kepesk-Okar and made it habitable, cleared out all the monsters, found out what had given you the heebie-jeebies from the lowest levels…
… Okay, maybe you have a lot to do, but you also have a lot of time in your life to do it.
Shaking your head, you refocus on the here and now as Mother Marina looks your way. "Your people certainly sound fascinating, Mistress Levinheart," she says politely.
You fiddle with the fork, trying to twist the strange "noodles" around it as elegantly as most of the others are managing (thankfully, you're not alone in having trouble; Kelton's given up and is cutting them up and using the fork as a spoon, despite several dry looks from the others at his table). "There were certainly some things that I didn't know about," you say. "I wonder if there are any other places where humans and manakete lived together?"
"Oh, that would be cool!" Melissa says animatedly. "We should try and figure that out. I remember hearing something about the Felicians liking dra- manakete, so maybe they know something. But honestly I'm just really excited to see what else I can learn about the local version."
Artemis smiles wryly. "While I'm sure Ryza would enjoy the chance to get to play teacher for a while longer," she says, earning a mock glare from you, "unfortunately, we can't stay forever."
The younger Realmer nods. "I know, I know," she says cheerfully. "Which is why I was thinking that I should go with you all, so-"
Mother Marina's head slowly turns from where she'd been looking at Artemis towards her daughter. "Melissa…" she says warningly.
Your new friend, either bravely or foolishly, continues. "After all, this could revolutionize the Divine Realm's understanding of why Sol Invictus chose us to be her people, since we'd already proven-"
"Melissa!" Mother Marina says more sharply, silencing her daughter. "Perhaps this is something best discussed in private?" Melissa starts to open her mouth again, but her mother simply narrows her eyes, forcing Melissa to look down and close her mouth.
A long few seconds of silence pass. Melissa glances at you out of the corner of her eye, but you can't do anything but shrug a little. If you'd tried that stunt on your own mother you'd have gotten the same response at best, and you're certain that if anyone other than Father had tried to get into the middle of it they would only have served to harden Mother's refusal. Melissa will have to sort this out on her own. You do hope she can; you'd liked talking to her, and having someone around you can bounce White magic ideas off of will probably be helpful, but trying to intervene will only make things worse.
Artemis seems to have the same idea as she quickly clears her throat. "So, Knight Corona," she says in her most diplomatic voice. "Have you made a decision on what will happen to the Imperial mage and the other prisoners?"
The Solar Knight, clearly glad for a change of subject, nods. "While they entered our lands without official permission," she says. "Their presence does present… shall we say a diplomatic incident waiting to happen. The official position of the Sun Father and the clergy remains neutrality, so if the Empire were to demand the return of their soldiers it is likely they would be given up." She glances at you. "Based on what I have heard of the methods you used to effect their capture, I do not believe that to be in the best interests of our cultural allies in the Northern Kingdoms, and as such I believe it would serve us all better if you removed them from the Divine Realm before the decision is taken from my hands."
'Surprise is indeed a useful tool,' your other self says, apparently in a sage mood from all the talk of history you'd been doing.
You nod in agreement with yourself. "Thank you, Mother Marina," you say. "I appreciate that. What about the priest?"
Mother Marina's face takes on a look that makes you shiver a bit. "Do not worry about him. The Faithful have little patience or forgiveness for one who goes behind the congregation's back and attempts to offer things that are not theirs to offer. You will not have to worry about him any more." You flinch slightly at the tone.
Artemis lightly nudges your ankle with hers under the table, giving you a comforting look. "Thank you, Mother Marina," she says. "Are there any other matters that need to be discussed between us? As satisfied as my men and I have been with your hospitality, we do have to return to the rest of the army. If only to say 'I told you so,' to all of those who said there would be no Imperial activity to find up here. I was hoping we could do so as soon as possible."
"No, I do not believe so," Mother Marina says. "It is too late for you to go anywhere tonight; I would not have guests of the Divine Realm stumbling around in the dark. Stay the evening, get some rest, and then you can begin your journey back to Starhelm tomorrow."
"Thank you, Mother," Artemis says.
The rest of the meal passes mostly calmly, with Melissa slowly coming back out of her Mother's-disapproval induced shell to share a few more interesting factoids about the Union. If she does so in a way that leaves plenty of room for things you haven't had a chance to talk to her about yet but would still be very interesting and/or important to learn… well, that could be taken in a great many ways, and her mother seems not to be interested in having the thorniest part of their discussion in the center of the dining hall. Finally, however, dinner is over and Mother Marina is leading you, Artemis, Phoebe and Belle to your rooms for the night, (apparently, the Realmers have some pretty strict rules against unmarried men and women sleeping near each other, so Kelton, Axton, Lancel and the rest of the yeomen had to go elsewhere).
As the group walks, Artemis glances around before speaking quietly. "I know that the Sun Father is hoping to avoid a conflict with the Empire," she says. "But… I'm sorry to say I don't know how possible that will be. The Regent is clearly determined to reverse the slow decline of the Empire's relevance, and seems to have decided that the only way to do that is to destroy all those who have resisted in the past. Other than the Whitewings, the Divine Realm is the single greatest act of defiance against the Empire. They will come for you eventually."
Mother Marina gives your friend a dry look. "From the fight that you all in the Kingdoms are putting up, that does not seem to be a guarantee, does it?" she says.
"We are doing all we can, of course," Artemis says. "But… well, I wasn't involved in all of the planning meetings Father had, having to spend some time helping Ryza out, but I was there for enough to know that the numbers are not in our favor. Even all the Kingdoms united, which we are not due to some losses and defections in the North due to the Regent's scheme to abduct children to force compliance, we do not have the numbers to fight the entire Empire alone, not forever. We will need support if we are to make them understand that their acts of conquest will not restore that which they lost. At the moment the Whitewings seem to have their own problems, and a human trying to approach the Felicians is usually a fool's errand. That leaves the Divine Realm."
The two women stare at each other for a few seconds before Mother Marina sighs. "I know," she says. "I know, but it has been so long since the Divine Realm has engaged in anything even resembling a full-scale war. We're not like the Whitewings, who seem to enjoy fighting with anyone and everyone, nor the Kingdoms or Republics or Felicians who all have their own rivals to keep them sharp. We are a unified nation, a peaceful one, and the teachings of Sol Invictus are that conflict should be avoided whenever possible. It will take… time, to convince people that Her will for this world is best served by us defending it by force of arms and magic." She takes another breath before giving you both a firm look. "However… rest assured that there are those who are trying to make that case, and the fact that the Empire has violated our holy land, that will carry weight. I cannot promise an army to relieve you yet, but please tell our friends and fellow Solites that they have not been forgotten."
Artemis lets out a slow breath. "While I won't pretend I don't want that army," she says. "I understand that these things take time. After all, Agrithe probably wouldn't have gotten involved as soon as we did had the Empire not tried to abduct me. We have a good defensive line at Starhelm, and now that the Empire's backstab has been thwarted we should be able to hold out for a while."
"I am glad to hear that," Mother Marina says, stopping in the center of a circular room with several doors branching off. "Well, here you are. It has been some time since we needed as many of our guest areas as we do tonight."
"Thank you," you say, curtsying slightly. You're pretty sure you've mastered the art by now.
She gives you a smile. "You're welcome, Mistress Levinheart," she says before sighing. "Unless there is something else you need, I must go and have a little chat with my daughter about appropriate timing."
You hesitate as your other self nudges you to defend your friend somehow. After a second, you carefully speak up. "It's natural to be curious about new things," you say. "When I first met Artemis, after I got… other things out of my system, I was very interested in learning about the world off of my mountain."
The Solar Knight raises an eyebrow delicately, but nods. "I suppose that is true," she says. "Still, there is a time and a place for all things, and dinner with foreign guests is neither the time nor the place to be dropping surprises on your mother." You have to nod back; that is absolutely true. "But you must all be tired from your efforts today; sleep well. I will see you all off in the morning." With that, she turned on her heel and marched off.
The four of you look around at each other before Belle gives an exaggerated yawn. "Well, we should probably do as the big lady says," she chirps. "Unless we want to set up some sort of a watch to make sure that Lady Artemis doesn't get betrayed and abducted again."
Artemis looks at Belle dryly. "I don't think that'll be necessary," she says.
"Probably not, but since the last time that happened I ended up with a bag over my head being handed off to a bunch of bloodthirsty mercenaries in your place, I thought I'd mention the possibility."
You poke Belle's side. "Be nice, Belle," you say. "There's been no signs of trouble, and we're all tired. We should just get some rest."
'Besides,' your dragon-self says. 'Even if that did happen, we'd just save Artemis and everyone again.'
Thankfully, there are no problems during the night, though Belle's comment had made you paranoid enough to move a small table in front of the door so it'd get knocked over if someone tried to come in. However, as the Mother's Light rises in the sky, you leave your long, thin guest room (you wonder where the near obsession with the Sun had come from; while manakete certainly liked it it was just one of the things the Mother had given your people) and reconvene with the others. Then, under the guidance of another of the Solar Knights, you are led back to the dining hall. There aren't as many people around; just Mother Marina, Melissa, and a few servers.
"Most of my people are engaged in their morning prayers," Mother Marina says as she notices you looking around, her tone calm but slightly cooler than yesterday. "However, we have some things we must discuss before breakfast, after which I believe you will be setting off."
DC 13: 2,16,18, Partial Success
You glance up at Artemis, who seems confused as well. "Mother Marina?" your friend asks.
The Solar Knight takes a slow breath before gently pulling Melissa forward. "My daughter and I had a… conversation, last night." she says. "And as loath as I am to admit it, she made some good points as to why it would be beneficial, both for the Kingdoms and the Divine Realm, for her to travel with you." Melissa manages not to look too pleased with herself at those words, and after a momentary pause Mother Marina continues. "Of course, there are some conditions if you wish for her to accompany you."
Melissa gives her mother a startled look, starting to open her mouth, but you quickly silence her with a glance; it is her mother's right to set preconditions for something like this. "Of course," you say.
"First, remember that the Divine Realm is not involved in your war," Mother Marina says. "Therefore, while her healing abilities would be very useful, you must swear that you will keep her out of battle. I say this not just as a mother who wishes to protect her daughter, but as her superior as a Solar Knight. Her role will be to learn and observe, not aid you in your fights." You start to open your mouth, but Mother Marina presses on firmly. "Second, at no point can Melissa be unescorted by a trusted individual, even in castles or settlements."
The girl frowns, folding her arms. "Mom, I can take care of myself!" she says.
Mother Marina raises an eyebrow. "It is one thing to take care of oneself in a safe school environment surrounded by trusted members of the clergy. It is very different doing so in a foreign land in wartime," she says firmly. "It is not that I do not trust you, Melissa, just that I must ensure your safety if you're going to be going on this… study trip." She looks back to you and Artemis. "Third, while I know that you will eventually return to Agrithe, and it is possible events will take you elsewhere, Melissa must not leave the Northern Kingdoms unless she is returning here." Her eyes bore into you. "If you agree to these terms, then I will allow Melissa to go with you and continue to learn about this Union, as well as any other events that have or are occurring."
You glance at Artemis, who shrugs. "It's clear that you're the one Melissa wants to come along for," she says. "Which means that she'll be your responsibility, so you're the one who's going to have to promise to obey the conditions."
You look between the three women, your thoughts racing as you consider. On the one hand, having a new friend around would be nice, but on the other, this is a bit responsibility…
[] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[] Refuse; you don't think you can fully guarantee keeping her safe with the Empire on the march.
A few days later, you find yourself back in the kingdom of Starhelm. Thankfully, there hadn't been any more trouble in the Divine Realm, though when you'd stopped by Father Simon's shrine to give him his map back and thank him for his blessing in letting you enter the Divine Realm you'd found the shrine locked, with a sign on the door saying that a temporary caretaker would be arriving "soon." Thankfully, one of the upper windows had been unlocked, so you'd put the map in that room and left a note for Father Simon or his replacement about where it was.
A part of you had been a bit worried about what you'd find when you got back. After all, while the Imperials had been planning some sort of sneaky go-around attack, that had been before Artemis and her people had arrived. You'd also heard many times that the Empire had a lot more people than the Kingdoms, and you'd even seen some of their armies marching around. However, as you pass by Castle Starhelm, you don't see any signs of trouble. The village has been repopulated and repair efforts are underway, and the few soldiers you see around seem to be the group from Starhelm that remained loyal to the cause of the Northern Kingdoms. "Looks like things are going relatively well here," Artemis murmurs as she turns the force west, towards the main border between the Empire and Starhelm. "But we still need to check in; the plan was that our riders were going to be working to disrupt the Empire's supply lines, hopefully that's slowed them down."
You hope so too.
It takes the better part of the day to get to the border, with every step making you more nervous of what you'd see over the next rise. Finally, however, you reach the border and let out a breath of relief when you see familiar-looking flags flying over an honestly impressive looking wooden fort sitting on top of a hill. "Where'd they get all the wood from?!" you ask as Artemis leads the way towards the fort. "The nearest forest must be miles away!"
"True," Artemis says. "Which means they must have been doing a good job of keeping the Empire at bay to be able to spare the troops and horses to move everything." She studies the construction through her spyglass, frowning. "Though parts of it look like they've been built from cannibalized carts. I wonder if the woodworkers are having trouble keeping everything repaired, or if there was a moment of desperation and Alina or Count Sobieski never took the time to standardize everything."
Before you can answer, a pegasus lands near you. "Lady Cartese," Angela says, giving a slight grin. "Good to see you again, I was starting to get worried you'd gotten lost without our guidance."
Your friend rolls her eyes. "As useful as pegasus knight scouts are, we are capable of surviving without you," she says. "Especially when we have a flier of our own." She looks around. "Things seem to be going well here."
DC 9: 16, 16 20, Total Success
"They have," Angela says proudly. "Whatever the Imp's plans were, they didn't involve being repeatedly punched in the supply lines by a bunch of pegasus knights and horse archers. That Sobieski guy may wear the big armor, but he knows how to use light cavalry. Combined with the fact that the Northerners know the terrain well, we've had even the Imperial's wyverns flying in circles trying to stop us." She points to the camp. "We were even able to capture a convoy or two rather than just destroy them, and since we didn't need all the carts that saved us a lot of time on the fortified camp."
Oh, well that answered that question.
Artemis nods, grinning. "That's great to hear. I'll even put up with Count Sobieski surely going back to subtly insisting that he should be in charge of the expedition if these are the results when he does get a chance to show himself."
"Hey, Princess Hornglade helped too," Angela says. "And I'm sure you'll be back to moaning about him trying to take charge in private soon enough," Artemis rolls her eyes, but since you'd been there for some of those grumbling sessions you can't argue with Angela. "I know I've been every time he acted like he knew aerial reconnaissance and raiding strategies better than I did." The Whitewing shakes her head. "But how about you? I see you have some prisoners, so you found something, right?"
"That we did. The Empire was planning a diversionary backstab at Hornglade, but with a little help from the Solar Knights we were able to prevent it. We also made a good enough impression that I have hopes that the Divine Realm will get into the fight sooner rather than later."
"We can hope, we can hope." After a moment of silence, Angela looks your way. "How about you, kid? You have fun?"
You shrug. "I wouldn't call it fun," you say. "But I did do good work, and that's the most important thing."
'Well I had fun,' Dragon-you thinks.
Angela frowns slightly at your tone, but nods. "Well, I guess that's good enough," she says. "Either way, it's good to see you back. The wyverns have started flying in pairs to try and stop us, so having you and your lightning back will be a big help. I think the rest of the noble leaders of this expedition are gathered at the command tent trying to figure out what to do next. You should probably get over there; they'll want to know that there was a threat to the north, even if it's one that you've dealt with."
"An excellent idea," Artemis says.
It takes a while to work your way through the tightly packed camp, even taking into account that a fair bit of the army was actually camped outside the main walled area. Thankfully, people recognize Artemis and move out of her way, so you don't have to fly around to get anywhere, just follow close behind Artemis so that you don't get separated. Finally, you reach the big tent that gets put up whenever a lot of nobles need to have a meeting, and after being given a once-over by the guards outside Artemis leads you in.
"-not stupid!" Alejandro was saying as you and Artemis push through the various hangers-on. "They've already started getting ready to counter our supply raids, no reason we should just keep doing the same thing when they're clearly adapting to it!"
Count Sobieski snorts, his mustache bristling. "And charging the enemy army is a better idea?" he asks. "No, best to reinforce success. Our cavalry have been winning this war since the beginning, best to let them continue doing their work."
"The situation is changing," Sir Rimpler says. "Reports indicate that the main Meridiem host has arrived, and while they seem to be posturing towards the Divine Realm, they could easily turn towards us if the Northlands' army calls for help. Remember, our goal is to protect the freedom of the Kingdoms, not court open battle with the Empire. We should set up defenses-"
"That just leaves the initiative to the Imps!" Alejandro says. "With the Meridiem forces still tired and much of the Northlands mobile forces scattered trying to stop our raids, their main force is never going to be this weak again!"
As the three men continue arguing, an exhausted-looking Alina is the first to notice you and Artemis approaching. "Perhaps a new perspective, especially one that brings more information, will be productive," she says loudly, finally silencing the others as Artemis finally reaches the table. "Lady Cartese, Mistress Levinheart, it's good to see you well."
"To you all as well," Artemis says. "I hear that the Empire's been dealt several severe blows."
"That they have," Count Sobieski says. "And what of you, your ladyship? Was your traipse through the Divine Realm productive?"
Artemis raises any eyebrow, her smile taking on a predatory edge. "Well, seeing as we prevented an Imperial army from making a direct strike on Hornglade, as well as eliminating one of their likely limited supply of accredited mages, in addition to making positive contact with the nearest Solar Knight garrison, then yes I would say it was very productive, thank you ever so much for asking," she says in a sickly-sweet voice.
Alina's eyes widen. "I see…" she says. "You have my gratitude, Lady Cartese; with most of our army deployed to the frontline the heartland would have been vulnerable. What happened?"
You and Artemis quickly work together to summarize your journey to the Divine Realm. You squirm a little when Artemis describes what your dragon's rampage looked like from the outside, especially as most of the other nobles give you looks; you don't feel entirely comfortable with just how calculating many of them seem.
Finally, however, Alina nods. "Well, it seems that Mistress Levinheart was right to insist that the lead be investigated," she says, giving you a respectful nod before looking back to Artemis. "However, with that threat neutralized, we do still need to decide what to do now. You've heard of the successes that we've had, what are your thoughts on our next steps, Lady Cartese?"
The meeting continues for many long, loud minutes later. However, in the end, a plan is hashed out. The council decides to-
[] -Continue the raiding of Imperial supply lines. Not only has this already been successful, but it serves your purpose: you don't need to destroy the Empire, just stop them from conquering the Northern Kingdoms until they're forced to sue for peace because everyone's fighting them. This is especially true now that you'll be able to help protect Angela from wyverns.
[] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
[] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
The people of the Imperial village of Lastcampe, in the shadow of the Fell Mountain, had gotten used to seeing wyverns flying overhead far more often than normal, and on the whole they were grateful for their presence. True, there had been some grumbling when the local shepherds and farmers had been compelled to give up some of their livestock to feed the patrolling wyrms, but as news had spread of rebel raids and incursions, everyone had decided that better a few cows and goats be devoured by hungry wyverns than the village be torched by the savages from the north and east if the patrols failed to catch them! This was especially true after one memorable day when some survivors of a supply caravan came crawling into town with tales of horror and woe of a group of pegasus knights swooping down on them from above!
Thus, as a bellowing shriek fills the air, the villagers only glance up out of instinct, rather than any true worry. However, as they notice the size of the wyvern descending towards the outskirts, they become more concerned. Even good Duke Wellingford's own wyvern is not so grand as the horned beast coming in for a landing! Subtly, children are hustled away and the mayor is called to meet the newcomer; while the people of the Empire trust wyverns, having them and their riders appearing unannounced generally means that things are going to become… complicated, for the common folk.
The mayor swallows as the massive wyrm landed on the main road. He's no expert on such things, of course, but he gets the feeling the creature looks very tired, dropping down onto its wings and staring with undisguised hunger at a few sheep grazing on a nearby hill.
"Easy, Ignition," the ornately-armored man atop the beast says as he slides from the back of his mount. The wyvern gives an almost piteous hiss as it looks at him, but the knight simply stares his mount down for an instant before it slumps onto its belly tiredly. "Do forgive my wyvern, good mayor," the knight says, removing his helmet to show the face of an older man with grey hair, a thin beard, and very tired eyes. "We have flown from Wyrmrise on an urgent mission for the Emperor, but even urgency cannot overcome the natural need for rest. I am sure that you and your people have been called upon to provide for the war effort already, but if any have spare livestock to feed Ignition, they will be paid generously."
"F-from Wyrmrise, my lord?" the mayor asks, his eyes drawn inexorably to the sword hanging from the Wyvern Lord's belt.
It is a big sword, with a noticeably longer and wider blade than typical. Despite this, it almost seems to hang weightlessly, due in large part to the runes that can be seen shining even through the ornate scabbard. However, what truly draws the mayor's attention are the two large, whole red dragonstones, each blazing with inner fire and containing power beyond mortal comprehension, mounted on the rain guard. It is a sword anyone with anything even resembling an education, as well as many who didn't even have that, would recognize instantly.
Recognize, and respect.
Gasping, the mayor falls to his knees. "M-m-my lord… my lord Blade…" he whispers, staring in awe up at the knight. "Y-yes… yes, anything for you! We'll find someone!"
As some of the mayor's lackeys scramble to find feed for his wyvern and the mayor continues stuttering out how honored he and his people are, Sir Salvador Wyrmsguard, Blade of the Emperor, forces himself not to sigh. While he understands and appreciates the effect that the Fell Slayer has on people, especially those who have only ever heard its legend, sometimes it does get a bit much. However, if it means that he'll be able to get going sooner, so that he can complete the mission Thomas had given him so he can return to his true duty of protecting and supporting the son of his late friend, then he'd endure the fawning and near-worshipful praise.
He would allow Ignition to rest here for a short time, then continue his journey to the Northern Kingdoms. There, he would find the subject of his mission. Once he had found this Ryza Levinheart, he would succeed in his task.
Even if that task is subtly different than the one that Regent Justinian thought he was on.
AN: Finally managed to get this out. Don't know why it was giving me so much trouble, but somehow it was. Hope you all enjoy it anyways.
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That colon should be one of a semi-colon, a comma or a period. If it is a period, then that "there" should be "There".
"pass"?
I feel like there should be a comma after "say".
This sentence should end in a question mark.
Ryze: *coughs meaningfully*
The end quote is missing from this.
There should be a comma after the first "it".
This paragraph is in past-tense, despite the rest of the update being in present-tense.
There should be a comma after "Second".
These sentences feel mismatched. The first sentence feels like it should be "There is a difference between X and Y", but instead it just ends after "X", while the second sentence feels like a followup to "It is one thing to X".
"leaves"
I feel like there should be a comma after "frontline".
"descending"
Repeated word.
[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
HEALER!!! WE NEED A HEALER!!!
[X] -Continue the raiding of Imperial supply lines. Not only has this already been successful, but it serves your purpose: you don't need to destroy the Empire, just stop them from conquering the Northern Kingdoms until they're forced to sue for peace because everyone's fighting them. This is especially true now that you'll be able to help protect Angela from wyverns.
Ack... I can kind of see Alejandro's point about the enemy main force being weakened, but at the same time, the third option's point about attacking when their reinforcements are nearby and outnumber us being a bad idea rings very true to me. As such, it comes down to whether to continue the raids and keep the Imperials running around like headless chickens or set up defenses for them to bash their heads against. Voting for the former for now, but I can be convinced to switch to the latter.
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TaliesinSkye
Occasional Editor
- Location
- Northeast Ohio, United States
I enjoyed this update, thank you!
Looking forward to seeing what the Blade's real plan is.
My thoughts on the three options;
Continue raids - If successful, delays the enemy from developing an offense, but likely just delays. They have a second force waiting on a failed mission to open a way into the Divine Realm and Hornglade, but it's just a matter of time until they figure out that mission failed and merge with the main force. At that point an attack with combined numbers is probably inevitable. If the raids fail then the North likely loses its most mobile forces in an ambush, leaving it less able to resist an attack that will come sooner.
Attack - If successful, could rout the main Imperial force, leaving a potential battle with the second force. Likely at the cost of serious losses for the Northern forces. Somehow winning a second fight against the Imperial reinforcements, despite losses, would be a path to a total military victory, but very uncertain. If the attack fails, it will likely mean the end of the Northern forces as capable of standing up to the Empire at all. A gamble, then; reach for total military victory, court defeat.
Defend - Gives the Northern forces several rolls of the dice instead of just one. Useful, but when the Empire attacks, it will likely be with a combined force of both current forces that are presently divided, and it will be when they are properly organized. Can the Northern forces resist that, with several spins of the wheel? Uncertain.
I think I would support attack or defend. Raids will just delay the inevitable, unfortunately. I suspect a great general would gamble on their skill and the benefit of surprise and catching the enemy unprepared to reach for total victory and attack immediately. I suspect a more conservative general would try the defensive route and attempt to survive the onslaught and bleed the Empire until they give up. Both generals would hope that they didn't break their own armies in the effort.
Looking forward to seeing what the Blade's real plan is.
My thoughts on the three options;
Continue raids - If successful, delays the enemy from developing an offense, but likely just delays. They have a second force waiting on a failed mission to open a way into the Divine Realm and Hornglade, but it's just a matter of time until they figure out that mission failed and merge with the main force. At that point an attack with combined numbers is probably inevitable. If the raids fail then the North likely loses its most mobile forces in an ambush, leaving it less able to resist an attack that will come sooner.
Attack - If successful, could rout the main Imperial force, leaving a potential battle with the second force. Likely at the cost of serious losses for the Northern forces. Somehow winning a second fight against the Imperial reinforcements, despite losses, would be a path to a total military victory, but very uncertain. If the attack fails, it will likely mean the end of the Northern forces as capable of standing up to the Empire at all. A gamble, then; reach for total military victory, court defeat.
Defend - Gives the Northern forces several rolls of the dice instead of just one. Useful, but when the Empire attacks, it will likely be with a combined force of both current forces that are presently divided, and it will be when they are properly organized. Can the Northern forces resist that, with several spins of the wheel? Uncertain.
I think I would support attack or defend. Raids will just delay the inevitable, unfortunately. I suspect a great general would gamble on their skill and the benefit of surprise and catching the enemy unprepared to reach for total victory and attack immediately. I suspect a more conservative general would try the defensive route and attempt to survive the onslaught and bleed the Empire until they give up. Both generals would hope that they didn't break their own armies in the effort.
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[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
We need to harden the lines before their reinforcements arrive and I'd prefer not to be fighting their dragonslayer while on raid with light support
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
We need to harden the lines before their reinforcements arrive and I'd prefer not to be fighting their dragonslayer while on raid with light support
[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[X] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
All three military options have issues. We can't raid forever, the tactic is hardly a surprise any more and there are ways to counter it. The attack is a definite risk of having the second army maneuver around and catch us in a pincer, and the defensive option yields all momentum and allows our enemies to recover from the damage we did. When in doubt, I'll take the offense.
[X] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
All three military options have issues. We can't raid forever, the tactic is hardly a surprise any more and there are ways to counter it. The attack is a definite risk of having the second army maneuver around and catch us in a pincer, and the defensive option yields all momentum and allows our enemies to recover from the damage we did. When in doubt, I'll take the offense.
ImperatorV
The Laughing One
- Location
- The Voyaging Realm
[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
When in doubt, dig in. The decisive battle play is tempting, but it creates a situation where we really need to win a single engagement, or the Northern front is screwed. That's a tough call on a good day, and the day we are dealing with has suddenly elite Wyvern Lord on the weather forecast.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
When in doubt, dig in. The decisive battle play is tempting, but it creates a situation where we really need to win a single engagement, or the Northern front is screwed. That's a tough call on a good day, and the day we are dealing with has suddenly elite Wyvern Lord on the weather forecast.
Hestia&theCourt
Turns out we're plural too.
- Location
- In transition
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
- Location
- Florida
[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
I say defense. We got a lot out of raiding and now I want to consolidate and await the counter response that's obviously coming.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
I say defense. We got a lot out of raiding and now I want to consolidate and await the counter response that's obviously coming.
Ferb_Ancos
The one under the table
- Pronouns
- He
[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[x] Refuse; you don't think you can fully guarantee keeping her safe with the Empire on the march.
[X] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
Always be Grant, never be McClellan
[X] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
Always be Grant, never be McClellan
ImperatorV
The Laughing One
- Location
- The Voyaging Realm
There's some rather marked differences between our situation here and the Civil War. In the latter, it was necessary to destroy the confederacy, meaning aggressive actions was required. In our campaign here, we don't actually need to end the empire, just make them suffer enough that the Regent can't reasonably push further. When he tries to unreasonably push further, he'll end up fighting internal factions as well, especially if our unknown contact can get the full dirt on the Emperor's assassination.
With that said, going aggressive here absolutely does have the highest payoff of the available options if it works. The question is can we make it work.
[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
[X] -Build and maintain a defensive line. The Empire will probably be prepared for further raiding, and attacking a similar-sized force seems like a bad idea when they have a much larger reinforcement group not that far away. Besides, you don't actually want anything on their side of the border, you just want to keep them out. This will allow the allies to build up a few fallback defenses so that one back engagement doesn't ruin everything.
[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[X] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
[X] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
[X] Agree to the terms so that Melissa might join you. You both have so many questions, and you've kept others safe.
[X] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
I guess I just feel like risk taking today? Artemis's assessment makes it sound like we ultimately can't win a defensive war against the Empire unless we get assistance from either the Divine Realm or maybe the Felicians. But if we can score a surprise win like this maybe it hastens things on the Divine Realm side of things? And if we lose... maybe we can finally go visit the mysterious nation of cat laguz out of dire necessity?
[X] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
I guess I just feel like risk taking today? Artemis's assessment makes it sound like we ultimately can't win a defensive war against the Empire unless we get assistance from either the Divine Realm or maybe the Felicians. But if we can score a surprise win like this maybe it hastens things on the Divine Realm side of things? And if we lose... maybe we can finally go visit the mysterious nation of cat laguz out of dire necessity?
TaliesinSkye
Occasional Editor
- Location
- Northeast Ohio, United States
I wonder if maybe the Regent doesn't really answer to anybody. He was willing to assassinate the Emperor, after all. He seems unlikely to bow to political pressure rather than going full tyrant.
[X] -Gather the Northern Kingdom forces for a strike on the Imperial Army. Because of the disruption of their supply lines, the Empire is currently on the back foot, especially since a fair bit of their cavalry and wyverns are spread out trying to prevent raids. While there are reports that Meridiem forces have arrived, the nearer army is roughly equivalent in size to your current forces, and as such are vulnerable to being either defeated or at least driven back in disarray.
- Location
- Somewhere between here and there
I have this mental image of Dragon!Ryza folding her forelegs and doing the "sagenod" emote.