Fire Emblem: Last of the Manakete

[x0Nothing0x]

In other news, the new combat dice system will (hopefully) be finalized soon. I won't have any fights until it is, so with any luck there won't be any unexpected issues.

Click to shrink...

if you're still worried about the new system you could always just run some mock battles using it and see if it works to your liking before using it in quest.

 

[3-13 Sniper]

Even better: make them in-universe training exercises.

 

[SoaringHawk218]

if you're still worried about the new system you could always just run some mock battles using it and see if it works to your liking before using it in quest.

Click to shrink...

@VagueZ and @Barondoctor have been helping me do that, and we think we're getting close. (EDIT: Or at least I do.)

 

[SoaringHawk218]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] "There has… has to be someone…"

"I Speak for he who guards us from the shadows. If you will not hear me, then you are not worthy to hear Him."
-Bellus Darkeye, just before being burned at the stake


You don't know how long you spiral between grief, rage and pain. You know your wings are flaring behind you, but you just don't care. What you do care about is that Artemis's arms are the only thing keeping your emotions and your dragon in check. Your dragon, that seems to have somehow gotten all your people killed even though I'm a part of you and Mother always said was good and they'd all been killed murdered by some bloody human MONSTERS but they're not all bad Artemis is good she's here she's the one who caused this pain it's not her fault she just-

'Breath, love, breath.'

Father and Mother's words echo in your mind, seemingly from yesterday but in fact from Mother only knows how long ago. You cling to Artemis, desperately trying to time your breaths to her heartbeats, just like they would have wanted. Father and Mother had held you just like this whenever you were in pain, whenever something had made it all hurt so much, but none of those petty issues were anything compared to this, to knowing that you were alive and not only were your parents-

Wait…

You are alive.

You're just one manakete, but if you're alive…

"There has…" you start, biting back a sob, "has to be someone… They can't all be gone, it's just not logical."

"Ryza…" Artemis says gently.

"No, no you're not listening!" you say. "I'm here. I'm alive, so that means that others could have survived too! We're manakete. We're the scions of the First Mother, surely we've faced adversity before and overcome it! We're smart, we're creative, surely there were others like Father, who had a plan for if things went wrong, to keep themselves or their children safe."

You couldn't see Artemis, but you felt her tense against you. "Ryza, I know you want-"

"This isn't just a want!" you say, forcing your wings back by sheer will and furious logic. "This isn't some desperate hope. This is reasoning. We know so much magic, it's in our blood and our souls. The stasis spell Father used, the Long Sleep… it's a way manakete can survive for thousands of years without being detected! A hidden room, just like the shrine you found me in… others could have used it to sleep the ages away. Or they could have found other ways to protect themselves, ways I can't even imagine!"

You didn't have to be alone. This thought, more than anything, helps bring you back under control.

"Ryza, the Emperor was very thorough…"

"And he missed me. Whoever he was, he wasn't some infallible god, he made at least one mistake, and if he made one, he probably made more! There were thousands of us all over the continent, he couldn't possibly have found every tribe-hold, every shrine, every home. There have to be some who he missed, especially since he apparently didn't know we could look just like you!"

Artemis was silent, and when you were able to pry your wet face from her to look up, she was looking thoughtful rather than pitying. "I suppose it is possible…" she says. "After all, if you had been trying to hide your nature from me, I think you'd have been able to…" She frowns. "So, if there are other dragons out there, what will you do?"

"Manakete," you say automatically. "And if they are out there, I need to find them."

"Why?"

Is it just you, or does Artemis sound disappointed as she asks that? "Because… they're my people. Because I need to know what happened back then, and while I trust you, Father always said that you must hear all sides of a story before you can judge the truth."

Artemis sighed. "I guess that makes sense, though good luck getting all sides of that mess: it was a thousand years ago and every nation has their own legends of what exactly transpired. And even some regions within those nations have their own ideas of what went on." She pauses for a moment before continuing in an oddly casual voice. "So, are you going to be leaving soon?"

You cock your head. "No. Why?"

"Well," Artemis says, frowning. "You just seemed so insistent that you had to find your people, and I thought you might be happier with them rather than a human. Thank you for all your help-"

"No, no, I'm not going right away!" you say quickly. "I'll need to think and to make a plan, and you know a lot more about the outside world than I do so I thought-" You stop. "Unless… unless you don't want me around anymore…"

There is a brief moment of hesitation before Artemis shakes her head. "No, I'm not telling you to leave, Ryza," she says. "I made you a promise, that you'd have a place in Agrithe if you wanted it, and I will honor that oath. I just thought that you might not want to be around humans right now."

You consider this for a moment. It was true you'd been really angry earlier, and there was still a part of you that was saying that you should leave, that you couldn't really trust Artemis anymore, after what her people had done to yours… but you rejected that part of you. Artemis may be a human, but she'd been nothing but kind to you, nothing but helpful. Besides, you hadn't been lying earlier; you did need to make a plan, and going back, alone, to your old home with all its ghosts and bandits didn't appeal to you.

"I trust you, Artemis," you say softly. "Whatever happened a thousand years ago, I know you're different. I trust you."

For some reason, Artemis swallows as she nods. "Thank you, Ryza," she says. "That… that means a lot to me."

The two of you sit in silence for a minute before Artemis gently shifts you out of her lap. "You should get your scroll; while it's not as valuable as your… your jewel, there are still a lot of people who would want it." Her eyes flick behind you as she speaks, and as you look back you see Kelton, Ardan, Rebecca and the mayor had joined Lancel and Axton in standing awkwardly a dozen meters away, trying to pretend they weren't staring at you.

"Right, right," you say, uncurling yourself and carefully rolling up the scroll. "Thank you, Artemis."

"You're welcome, Ryza," Artemis says.

As you move, you notice Kelton taking a half steps towards you, only to stop when Axton clears his throat. None of the others move, though you notice their eyes watching your every motion warily. Artemis sighs, but waves everyone over. "My apologies," she says once they are gathered around. "Ryza and I just needed to have a private talk."

"I get it," Kelton says, crouching down to be eye level with you. "You're gonna be okay, Ryza."

You blink. "I am?"

"Sure," he says, reaching out and ruffling your hair. "You're a tough kid, and you've got some good friends to keep you level. Whatever's going on, you're going to be okay. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but one day."

You can't help but smile: Kelton, for all his lack of planning skills, does have a big heart. He also gives good head pats: not as good as Father or Mother, but good all the same. "Thank you," you say.

"No problem. Thanks for helping me get my sister back." The woman herself nods with a smile that is only somewhat forced.

Mayor Preston clears his throat. "My lady," he says. "I would like to convey the gratitude of the people of Miau for your assistance. While I still have concerns-" at this he shot a glare at Kelton, who simply smiled, "-about the planning that went into the excursion, it cannot be denied that you were successful."

Artemis's eyes narrow slightly. "It was as much by Kelton and Ryza's efforts as mine that Ardan was returned safely," she says. "Likely more."

"Of course," Mayor Preston says as Kelton's smirk widens. "However, we should look to the future. I have put out requests that any villager who has supplies to spare be willing to give them, and many have answered. However, with the… events, of earlier, it is unlikely we will be able to gather everything before darkness falls. It might be best if you stayed in Miau for tonight."

Artemis blinks. "I do not want to bring trouble to your door," she says.

"Please, my lady," Kelton says. "It would be best if we all took a rest, and then we can get going bright and early tomorrow."

"Wait, we?" you say. "Are you coming too?"

"Yep," Kelton says. "That's the plan."

"A plan I am just now hearing about?" Artemis says. "I appreciate the generous offer, Kelton, but the road will be dangerous-"

"Which is why it's good if I come along," Kelton interrupts over the scandalized hisses of Mayor Preston and Rebecca and the sigh of Ardan. "I'm the Miau militia champion: I can handle myself in a fight. With only four of you you'll need all the help you can get, especially if the guys after you were tough enough to scare the local goons." His voice turned serious. "Besides, you saved Ardan's life. No matter what she said, those guys were not going to be gentle with her. I owe you for that; this is the least I can do to repay you."

"There is no need for repayment," Artemis tries again.

Kelton shrugs. "There is for me," he says. "Nobles aren't the only ones who think about honor." He smirks. "Besides," he says in a conspiratorial whisper that is noticeably still loud enough for the mayor to hear. "With the local bandits suppressed for the moment, I think Mayor Preston'll be happy to be rid of me for a bit."

As Mayor Preston splutters, you tug Artemis's hand. "I think he should come," you whisper.

She looks down at you. "Why?"

You want to say: "Because he's always been nice to me and hasn't treated me like I'm about to start eating people," but instead you simply gesture around. "He makes a good point; with only four of us, it is a bit dangerous. He's really strong: he fought off that big one with the shiny axe. If he wants to come, I say we should let him."

"Smart kid," Kelton says. "So, my lady, what do you say?"

Artemis sighs, but you can see her forcing back a smile. "I will consider it tonight," she says. "But whatever I decide, I do truly appreciate the offer."

Kelton looks disappointed, but gives a nod (though that might have been because of Ardan kicking him in the shin when he doesn't do so immediately). Mayor Preston quickly takes over the conversation. "After all that has happened, my lady, I'm sure you and your companions are tired. We will leave you to rest: Rebecca has offered to vacate her home for you to use."

Artemis starts to open her mouth to argue, but the old woman raises a hand. "My lady, please. My sister's boy has offered to but Bill and I up for the night, and after all you've done for Miau, it's the least we can do: large amounts of firewood being somewhat unhelpful for those traveling light."

"…Very well," Artemis says, clearly not happy but also not wanting to keep arguing. "You have my gratitude."

"We'll send you something to eat as soon as we can, my lady," Mayor Preston says as he gestures the others to follow him.

As you all watch them making their way into the village, Artemis sighs. "Such is the way of things," she mutters, almost to herself. "Come on, let's step inside: they'll just get offended if we don't take them up on their offer. Besides, it's starting to get cold."

"I think I'm going to stay outside for a bit," you say. "I… I need to think."

Artemis gives you a sympathetic smile. "Of course, Ryza," she says, gesturing for Lancel and Axton to follow her inside. Lancel followes immediately, but Axton pauses for a moment before joining them.

Finally, once you are alone, you slump back against the wall and let out a long, rattling sigh. The ups and downs were getting to you: from crushing despair to happiness that you were still wanted to interest at having a new potential friend to the clear frustration hanging in the air to the confusion of why humans behaved the way they did around each other, you were glad to just have a moment to yourself. Hugging your scroll to yourself, you find yourself wondering whether the next surprise was going to be a good one or a bad one. Either way, you just hoped it would wait until-

"Ryza."

You yelp and jump as a soft voice comes from beside you. Turning, you see the old, robed man from before standing within feet of you. How had you missed him, your hearing was better than that! "Yes?" you squeak. "Can I help you?"

The man simply smiles gently. "What help you can give today, Ryza, you have already given freely," he says. "I am Trinicus Dreamseer, the shaman of this village, and I wished to thank you personally for your efforts in rescuing Ardan. Her mother and I were old friends, and I have done my best to care for them since their parents' joined the Sentinel. Sadly, I'm too old to be out and about much these days, though had Kelton thought to ask, I would have made an exception."

As he speaks, you look him over carefully. There's… something about him. A strange scent of darkness, not necessarily malevolent but clearly not natural, seems to hang about him like a second cloak. Could this be one of the human mages Artemis had told you about?

He nods. "Indeed, Ryza. As shaman, I have some skill at elder magicks."

You blink. "Can you… read my mind?" you ask warily.

"No, my dear, no. But I have been around for some time. I've seen your reaction before; someone who is for the first time meeting another with the Gift. I can see that the spirits of lightning cling tightly to you, consider you friend and mistress. A feat to be proud of."

"Thank you," you say.

There is a long moment of silence before Trinicus speaks again. "You need not fear, Ryza: I am but an old man here to pass on a message." He takes a breath, and for a moment the shadows around him seem to deepen, and as he speaks his voice, though still warm and friendly, hold a weight that make you shiver.

"The path is dark, Ryza, but your every step brightens it. Take care, for light is all the more visible at night."

With that, he bows and starts to leave.

"Wait!" you say, clambering to your feet. "What… what does that mean?!"

He half turns, still smiling. "The Sentinel's gifts often do not make sense at first, but you will understand when the time is right." He starts to leave again, only to pause. "Ah, I almost forgot the other reason I was here," he says, holding out a small package. "What little I can offer to Lady Artemis, not only in the name of hospitality, but for rescuing the daughter of a friend."

With that, he shuffles away.

You stare after him until he's fully out of sight before hurrying inside: suddenly you don't want to be outside alone anymore.

[] Tell Artemis everything right away: maybe she'll be able to make sense of it.

[] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.

You also have to plan what you'll do until tomorrow.

[] While your last conversation with Artemis ended somewhat well, you should make sure everything's still okay between you.

[] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

[] Lancel is sitting quietly by the small window, keeping watch. You never got a chance to thank him for his support, you should do that.

[] You want to read your scrolls: you've been putting that off, and suddenly you think the information might be more vital than ever.
-[] Choose a scroll to read.

AN: Sorry this took so long.

 

[Herofox]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.

We have dropped enough bombs on Artemis for today methinks.

I say we vote to talk to one of the guys. If we are going the disclosure route, we should make sure our allies aren't going to stab us in the back.

 

[Parabola]

[X] Tell Artemis everything right away: maybe she'll be able to make sense of it.
He'll probably be gone, and probably be well-meaning, but there is such a thing as caution and checking that the package he gave us is safe.

[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.
Clearing the air sounds good.

 

[Herofox]

I just don't want to tell Artemis everything right away cause having time to process the current information feels like a better idea to me.

 

[Solarstream]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[X] You want to read your scrolls: you've been putting that off, and suddenly you think the information might be more vital than ever.
-[X] The Dragon Within: How to get along with yours

 

[SleepMode]

[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.
Clearing the air sounds good.

 

[veekie]

[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.

 

[EternalObserver]

[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.

 

[x0Nothing0x]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.

[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

Axton seems the most distrustful of us and it is already causing some unneeded tensions in the group, best try to ease the air between us so it doesn't become a problem later.

 

[EternalObserver]

Lancel seems the most distrustful of us and it is already causing some unneeded tensions in the group, best try to ease the air between us so it doesn't become a problem later.

Click to shrink...

You sure that's not Axton you're thinking about. We talked to Lancel not long before that bandit battle.

 

[x0Nothing0x]

You sure that's not Axton you're thinking about. We talked to Lancel not long before that bandit battle.

Click to shrink...

maybe? I suck with names and get people confused all the time. If Axton is the guy who genuinely mistrust us let me know and I'll change my vote to him but I could have sworn Lancel was the guy we haven't talked to yet.

 

[Alcor]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

Everyone's reasoning about these sounds good to me.

 

[Bladesguy]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[X] Lancel is sitting quietly by the small window, keeping watch. You never got a chance to thank him for his support, you should do that.

 

[Cute Princess]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

 

[Eternal_0bserver]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

 

[Ando Owen]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

I really would like to start reading some of our texts, but last thing we need is some distrustful guard in our retinue who will spill some beans on the first occasion when we reach Artemis's home.

 

[Stasis]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

 

[Brutehunter2541]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.

[X] Axton keeps glancing in your direction, though he doesn't approach. He doesn't seem as hostile as before, but you should still try to clear the air.

 

[Fish & Chips]

I too think Artemis needs some time to process things, and we should try to figure this one out on our own. Although all this talk of light and shadow is making me nervous. Regarding the other vote I'm super torn. I'd like to talk more with Artemis, but we should probably talk to Axton at some point since him glaring at us the entire time is unsustainable and he could use a bone. Poor guy has to put up with almost dying and then some strange child with wings showing up, frying some bandits alive, and cozying up to what might as well be the princess of his country.

But I also want to read. And this could be important. Better to know more about our dragon than less, because the moment we need to use our dragon we might not have much else in the way of options. I also think it is something that Ryza might be interested in right now since she just had the manakete bomb dropped on her.

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.

[X] You want to read your scrolls: you've been putting that off, and suddenly you think the information might be more vital than ever.
-[X] The Dragon Within: How to get along with yours

 

[VagueZ]

[x] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[x] Lancel is sitting quietly by the small window, keeping watch. You never got a chance to thank him for his support, you should do that.

 

[Brainbow]

A thought occurs, Reading about our inner Dragon might help us in the future, but with Trinicus, I've a mind to wonder if there's something in the other magic book that could explain the talks about 'spirits'. I'm still gonna vouch for Dragon Within, but perhaps the other book could have us trace where large amounts of 'spirits' may be. It could be much like Lightning spirits gravitate around us, other spirits may do the same for other manaketes.

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[X] You want to read your scrolls: you've been putting that off, and suddenly you think the information might be more vital than ever.
-[X] The Dragon Within: How to get along with yours

EDIT: It just occurred to me, if we didn't let the secret out, would Artemis have considered us some Fell project by the 'Great Sage?'

 

[Weaving_Dreamer]

[X] Simply give her the package: you'll puzzle Trinicus's words out yourself.
[X] You want to read your scrolls: you've been putting that off, and suddenly you think the information might be more vital than ever.
-[X] The Dragon Within: How to get along with yours