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Fire Emblem: Last of the Manakete
- Thread starter SoaringHawk218
- Start date
- Fantasy
TaliesinSkye
Occasional Editor
- Location
- Northeast Ohio, United States
The eye tends to skip over signatures.
Better to have it than not, but it's easy to miss.If any remain from the purge, they must be hiding very, very well for nobody to have seen one for so long. Or else also be asleep in stasis or something like that.
It's remotely possible, but the odds aren't great.
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- Location
- scrabbling
[X] Allow Phoebe to join the discussion, you like her.
[X] Ask for something
-[X] Ask for help in reclaiming your old home.
[X] "It's not over yet. Axton and Lancel and Kelton are still in trouble: I want to help them to."
Reclaiming the old home is a more natural extension of Ryza's current situation to me than moving shop forever immediately. It's only been a week. Ryza is still quite attached to that old life and 'moving on' by asking for a permanent home feels like more of a character development beat that's reached after reclaiming the old mountain and finding it to be as empty and desolate as it is.
Ryza also could use the study materials and extant examples of her father's work to learn from, but that's more secondary.
[X] Ask for something
-[X] Ask for help in reclaiming your old home.
[X] "It's not over yet. Axton and Lancel and Kelton are still in trouble: I want to help them to."
Reclaiming the old home is a more natural extension of Ryza's current situation to me than moving shop forever immediately. It's only been a week. Ryza is still quite attached to that old life and 'moving on' by asking for a permanent home feels like more of a character development beat that's reached after reclaiming the old mountain and finding it to be as empty and desolate as it is.
Ryza also could use the study materials and extant examples of her father's work to learn from, but that's more secondary.
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its always hard in these kind of quests to gauge how the character should react or act because since this quest started its been.... about seven months? eight months? It feels longer then what would be in character and I'd prefer not getting the title of nobility if only for It feels.... I don't know, the last of the write just doesn't click with me. not sure how to describe
- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Yeah, I don't think that argument would be very compelling on its own. Which is why I supported it with a variety of others.
I don't think any one of my arguments would be compelling in isolation. (Maybe the "what would this let Leto do that he couldn't otherwise?" one, but probably not.) But taken as a whole, each argument reducing the perceived risk a bit, it doesn't seem like a significant concern.
Taliesin's point aside...Ryza wants her parents back, but we don't have any leads on that either.
I'm more open to thinking that other manakete are alive (in particular, I wouldn't be surprised if Shyrlonay wound up as an antagonist somehow), but until we have some concrete reason to think that instead of just genre-based guesses, we can't exactly make decisions based around the assumption that manakete are alive somewhere.
...the plural of "manakete" is "manakete," right?
Some of the update opening flavor quotes led me to hypothesizing that Shyrlonay/some manakete may have formed the Empire under an assumed identity or were otherwise influencing it behind the scenes but it was mostly tinfoil hat + genre/Fire Emblem convention stuff.
Unless I actually verbalized that theory earlier in the thread somewhere when a few in particular made me think that. In which case sorry for rehashing it now lol.
Unless I actually verbalized that theory earlier in the thread somewhere when a few in particular made me think that. In which case sorry for rehashing it now lol.
Ryumancer
Dragons Are Romance
TaliesinSkye
Occasional Editor
- Location
- Northeast Ohio, United States
It's possible, although there would be challenges in being someone important without being detected. The lack of visible aging would be a big one after a while.
If the emperor has a reputation as a powerful mage and doesn't let people see him, that might be a clue.
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Assuming that he didn't occasionally stage his death and take his "heir's" face. Or rule from the shadows, letting human patsies act as the figurehead for his eternal reign. Or get coup'd and replaced by someone else with the blood of the dragonslayer, of course.
A thousand years is a long, long time for any dynasty to stand; there are, at most, six dynasties IRL that have lasted that long, most of which allegedly date well back the "history is half legend and half archaeology" period, and one of which is the Imperial House of Japan (which was basically a sacred figurehead for most of those two millennia and change). That might be true of some of the others, but I didn't research beyond googling a list of the longest-lasting dynasties in history.
Vote closed
Our winners are: Letting Phoebe in on the Secret of the Century, asking for a new home, and going right back into the place you just got out of
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TaliesinSkye
Occasional Editor
- Location
- Northeast Ohio, United States
A thought I had with respect to manakete hiding; black magic can do illusions and change people's perceptions, so it might be possible to use black magic to alter the appearance of a manakete to hide the lack of aging and take on different faces over time. I don't know what black magic's limits are, though.
- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
- He/Him
It would probably take an awful lot of magic to successfully pretend to be taller. And the long term might not matter much; I'd be somewhat surprised if the secret of Ryza being a manakete stayed secret long enough for a public lack of aging to matter.
I think that was more about the idea that Shyrlonay might be the Emperor.
- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
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...Alright, yeah, I see.
That's more plausible. Shyrlonay was probably experienced with magic before the first Emperor started killing dragons, and his Heart form would presumably be adult-sized.
War or Peace
AN: It lives!
"Let him who desires peace prepare for war."
-Emperor Flavius Wyrmblood III
You study Phoebe thoughtfully. You never met Selena, though for some reason you almost feel like you have. However, it's clear that Artemis loved her very much. Phoebe clearly loved her too, and Artemis trusted Phoebe enough to ask her to check on you when you were sleeping and vulnerable.
You're of two minds. On the one hand, you're still worried that, as more people find out about your not being human, they might not like you. However… you don't really want to live the rest of your life in fear. You need to trust some people, and Dione had been nice enough when she learned what you were. Even Archduke Letoro had been more surprised than anything else.
Maybe… maybe Phoebe would be okay.
"Okay," you say. "So how much do you know already?"
Phoebe smiles hopefully. "Just that you saved Lady Artemis," she says. "I'm guessing it has something to do with the magic you were starting to use when you woke up, though…"
You nod. A good start. "Well, I can do magic because I'm a manakete," you say. Glancing over at Artemis's parents, you notice that they're listening intently as well. This is an opportunity for you to give your own description of yourself rather than just relying on Artemis to do it. "We're people who are a melding of heart and dragon. We lived a long time ago. My father put me to sleep after our home was invaded by people who wanted to hurt us, and so I was able to survive. Father also put a spell on the shrine that would allow me to attract someone I could trust to let me out; and that's how Artemis found me."
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Archduke Letoro frowning thoughtfully, but most of your attention is taking up by the way Phoebe is gaping at you, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. "Dragon…"
"Manakete," you say firmly. "My dragon is only a part of me. She does not define me any more than my heart does. I was able to help Artemis most of the way without calling on her. It was only when I needed to carry her the rest of the way that I took that step." And when you'd panicked in Castle Legerius, but you didn't want to mention that just yet.
"But… but the stories…" Phoebe says.
"I know the ones you're thinking of, Phoebe," Artemis cuts in gently. "And I thought of them too, but it's clear that many important things have been lost over the millennium. Ryza does not normally fit the descriptions of draconic wrath, and when she does it is only with the best of intentions and the most desperate of circumstances. She has my trust, and my gratitude."
The squire nods, taking a few breaths. "Okay…" she says. "Okay, I guess… I guess you did save Lady Artemis, so you're good. Sorry, just… surprised…"
You smile. "It's okay, you took it much better than Artemis did," you say.
Your friend grimaces. "Forgive me for not being prepared to have that dropped on my head," she says. "I was still under the impression that you were a successful artificial mage."
At some point, you were going to have to figure out what she meant by that, but you didn't want to waste Archduke Letoro and Dione's time. "Well, that's the basic story," you say. "There's some more details, but I think Artemis's parents want to talk to me. You can stay if you want."
Phoebe glances over, and Archduke Letoro nods after a moment. "Thank you, my lady," she says, bowing slightly to you.
"Just Ryza, please," you say. "I'm not a noble or anything, I'm just Ryza."
You find yourself remembering those words a minute later as Archduke Letoro mentions the debt that he and Agrithe apparently owe you. A part of you considers asking for that to change, since it seems wherever you go people think you shouldn't be friends with Artemis because you weren't noble.
However, as you think about it, you remember what Axton said. Nobles had jobs that they needed to do to earn their position, you knew that, but he'd never fully explained what they were. While you were confident you could learn to do them, that would take time, and until then what would you do? Also, people still seemed to be confused and nervous about you being a manakete. Would the Archduke making you noble cause trouble because of those old stories? You didn't want to cause him any trouble.
Besides… in the end, you don't really want to be noble. You just want someone to care about you, and you already have that.
"Can I stay?" you ask. "I know I have a home back in the mountains, but it's all fallen down and… I don't know what I'll do with all the memories of Father and Mother that are still there." You look hopefully at him. "I'll go back someday, I know that, but until then, can I have a home here?"
Archduke Letoro studies you for a long moment before nodding. "I am tempted to insist that you choose something more substantial, as I had planned to grant you sanctuary for as long as you wished regardless," he says. "However, I suppose that is the most pressing concern you have, and there is a difference between someone who is simply allowed to stay and someone who has a true home." He nods again. "Very well. As long as you wish it, you will have a home in Agrithe."
You smile. "Thank you," you say.
"Of course, dear," Dione says, reaching out and putting a hand on yours. "You brought Artemis home to us: you are a friend of this family. There is no reason you wouldn't be allowed to stay."
"Even my being a manakete?" you ask.
"Not even that. In Agrithe, we judge people by their own actions, not the actions of their ancestors. Whatever happened back then, you have shown yourself to be a sweet child." She gestures to Artemis. "Besides, you are Artemis's friend, and I trust my daughter's judgment. If she wants you to be allowed to stay, I see no reason not to grant that."
The five of you sit in silence for a few minutes before Archduke Letoro speaks again. "Do you have any plans, Ryza?" he asks bluntly. Both his wife and daughter glance at him, but he keeps his focus on you. "After all, you have succeeded in your self-appointed mission of seeing Artemis home, and you now have a home to call your own. What do you think to do now?"
You frown. "But it's not over yet," you say. "Axton and Lancel and Kelton are still in trouble, I want to help them too!"
For some reason, both Artemis and Dione give Archduke Letoro strange, knowing smiles. He glances at both of them before giving a wry sigh. "True," he says. "I am pleased that you had not forgotten them, but I wished to give you the chance to stand aside if you wished. Artemis has told us enough about you to know that you do not like fighting. However, I suppose some bonds transcend such considerations."
"… I just don't want to leave them behind," you say.
"I understand," Archduke Letoro says. "However, before we discuss how I intend to bring them home, I must ask what you as a manakete are capable of. There are many stories of the power of dragons, however it is clear that those stories cannot be fully trusted. What can you do?"
"Father-" Artemis begins, but the Archduke raises a hand.
"I know that she is powerful, but if I am to allow a child to be a part of this, then I must know what it is that she can do."
You pause to consider, but in the end what else can you do but answer as honestly as you can? You want to help the others, but you understand that Archduke Letoro doesn't want to send you into more danger than you can handle. "Well, in my heart-form, I can do magic," you say, lighting a small ball of thunder in your palm. "I have a tablet that can enhance it like your tomes, but even without that I can hurt people."
Nearby, Phoebe tenses up. Artemis, spotting this, puts a hand on your wrist. "Ryza, a word of advice," she says gently yet urgently. "When in public, it's considered very bad form to do anything that could be considered aggressive, especially around a higher noble," she says. "We all know you don't mean anything by it, but others might not, and might feel the need to act without hesitation."
"Oh, okay," you say, stopping your channeling and causing the lighting to flicker out. "Sorry." Not that such a little bit of magic would have been a threat to any manakete, but you suppose even if humans have somehow figured out how to do magic, they're probably not as good at it. If only because they don't have the decades and centuries to learn to do it properly.
"It's alright," Artemis says. "Just something to keep in mind."
Nodding, you continue. "Well, that's my magic. I can fly in heart-form, which is not something most manakete could do, but I'm not as fast as in dragon-form, and I can't carry anyone." You take a breath. "In dragon form… well, in dragon form I am faster, stronger, and have strong scales that can block pretty much anything I've seen humans using except maybe those big axes. I can fly really fast, carry someone else if needed, and quickly breathe lightning." Artemis flinches slightly, and you throw her an apologetic look. "However, my dragon self is… emotional. That is to say, she is powered by emotions, and completely driven by them. And unfortunately, I'm not yet well trained enough to fully pick what emotion she transforms in. I can kind of push some away if needed, but ultimately she'll go with whatever emotion I'm feeling most strongly, even if that isn't necessarily the smartest choice."
"You speak of yourself and your dragon as if they are different people," Dione asks curiously. "Artemis had indicated you were one and the same."
You munch on one of the flat, sweet pieces of bread for a moment as you think. "...Kind of?" you say after a moment. "We are the same person, she and I, but we're also distinct. It's… difficult to explain." If for no other reason that you never thought you'd have to: any other manakete would instinctively understand what you were saying. "I guess the best way of thinking about it is that my heart is my right hand, my dragon my left. They're both part of me, but they're not all of me."
Dione doesn't look like she fully understands, and she glances at Artemis, who shrugs. "I suppose that makes some sense," she says.
Archduke Letoro frowns. "Your dragon, would she accept orders if the rest of you asked her to?" he asks.
"Maybe? It would depend on the situation. And the emotion. And who was giving the order." You could pretty easily construct a situation in your mind where a driven, determined dragon-you would feel bound to accept orders from Artemis, if she gave them respectfully and seemed to know what she was doing. "But… until I've gone further along the Path, I wouldn't really count on it." Your eyes widen as his frown deepens. "But I can still help! I still want to help! I can't just-"
"Peace, girl, there is no need to panic," Archduke Letoro says. "I simply need to understand your nature so I can determine how best to fit you into my existing plan."
Artemis cocks her head. "There's a plan?" she says.
"Of course," Archduke Letoro says coolly. "I began building it the moment you told me of what Mantrae had done." He looks around. "It is an indisputable fact that Countess Mantrae, by attempting to unlawfully imprison you, committed an act of war. I would be well within my right, as Archduke of Agrithe, to launch a full-scale invasion for her actions. Some would even say I am duty-bound to do so."
You glance nervously at Artemis, who's chewing her lip. War… you'd heard that word before. Mother and Father had occasionally whispered it, when they thought you weren't around. Fighting on a massive scale, so many people hurt or worse… war had cleared your home of everyone but you and your parents. Mother, war had probably been the reason those other manakete had come and forced Father to put you to sleep!
You start to open your mouth, but Archduke Letoro raises a hand, and you instinctively quiet yourself. "However, it has long been the policy of the House of Cartese to prevent war between the Southern Kingdoms," he says. "My father and my father's father dedicated their lives to keeping the peace, so that we as a collective are too strong for the Empire to reasonably threaten. I do not wish to overturn their work while other options exist." He gives you a grim smile. "Thankfully, you, Ryza, gave me that chance."
You cock your head. "What did I do?" you ask.
"If Artemis had been taken, then I truly would have no choice," Archduke Letoro says. "I would be forced to declare war had my heir been killed or sold off. If I did not I would lose all respect among the Kingdoms. Since you were able to rescue her, I have options more subtle than the crushing maul. If you are willing, you will be of great help in not only ensuring that this never happens again, but that the loyal men who were willing to give everything are not left in darkness." He holds out a hand. "Scion of legend, will you stand with Agrithe in this task?"
You think you see Dione rolling her eyes and Artemis pinching the bridge of her nose with a weary sigh, but you're overwhelmed by the force of Archduke Letoro's conviction. "Yes," you say in a small voice. "Yes, I'll help."
He nods. "Excellent," he says.
"Father, please," Artemis says wearily. "Ryza is not one of your knights, you don't need to give her a rousing speech." She looks at you. "Ryza, thanks for being willing to help the others."
"You're welcome," you say quickly, glad that things aren't as heavy anymore.
Archduke Letoro pauses for a long moment before shaking his head. "Yes, yes I suppose," he says. "However, you should know what you are offering to be involved in."
[] "While it is still possible to prevent a full-scale war, it is important to impress upon Mantrae exactly how displeased Agrithe is. I will be sending a delegation to meet with her and submit a series of demands to avoid conflict, one of which will of course be the immediate release of the yeomen she's taken. This does cede initiative, and it is possible she will refuse and I will be forced to carry out my ultimatum, but I am honor-bound to give her a chance to avoid war. Having a dragon flying above my delegation will make it far more likely she will accept my terms."
-[] Agree to the plan. After all, you might as well get some use out of everyone being scared of your dragon-self. If a bit of fear can prevent a war, you'll gladly accept.
-[] You argue him down to using you as an emergency backup should the bandits return or something else go wrong. If it comes to a fight, you'll help, but you won't start this conflict.
[] "While I have no desire to engage in full-scale war, her attack upon Agrithe cannot be ignored. A swift sortie into Legerius will serve to remind her of the disparity in power. This will not be a full engagement, but a series of raids that will force Mantrae to the negotiating table as soon as possible, where Agrithe will have a position of strength. Artemis does not want me to ask this of you, but as Archduke I must: will you agree to be the tip of the spear? The dragon that brings this conflict to a swift conclusion?"
-[] With a heavy heart, you agree to take the lead: you don't want to hurt anyone, but the sooner this fight ends, the better.
-[] You will not. You're willing to help, and if his men really get into trouble you'll step in, but you will not act out the role of the rampaging monster human stories describe.
[] "Ultimately, as angry as I am with Mantrae's actions, I cannot help but understand them. More importantly, solidarity among the Kingdoms is not to be ceded lightly. It is possible that, with a quick-moving force, young Sypha could be recovered. This would be an exceptionally difficult task, and without you I do not think it would be possible, but you might be able to move fast enough to catch up with whoever took her. You would almost certainly have to foray into the Empire, as that is the only source of the bandits that I can envision, and they almost certainly will have retreated since you and Artemis fled."
-[] "Should you recover her, your goal will be to return her to Legerius as soon as possible. Mantrae's gratitude will ensure her loyalty for the foreseeable future."
-[] "Understandable as Mantre's actions were, there must still be some consequences for her betrayal. Bring Sypha to me: she will see her mother again, but only after some terms are agreed to between Mantrae and I."
EDIT: A quick note about the last option that might not have been clear: the Archduke is essentially asking you to do the same thing as you did with Artemis: half shifting and flying, since that's the only way you might be in time to affect the outcome. And you'll probably have to fight at the end of it.
[X] Allow Phoebe to join the discussion: you like her.
[X] Ask for something:
-[X] Ask for a permanent home in Agrithe.
[X] "It's not over yet. Axton and Lancel and Kelton are still in trouble: I want to help them too."
[X] Ask for something:
-[X] Ask for a permanent home in Agrithe.
[X] "It's not over yet. Axton and Lancel and Kelton are still in trouble: I want to help them too."
"Let him who desires peace prepare for war."
-Emperor Flavius Wyrmblood III
You study Phoebe thoughtfully. You never met Selena, though for some reason you almost feel like you have. However, it's clear that Artemis loved her very much. Phoebe clearly loved her too, and Artemis trusted Phoebe enough to ask her to check on you when you were sleeping and vulnerable.
You're of two minds. On the one hand, you're still worried that, as more people find out about your not being human, they might not like you. However… you don't really want to live the rest of your life in fear. You need to trust some people, and Dione had been nice enough when she learned what you were. Even Archduke Letoro had been more surprised than anything else.
Maybe… maybe Phoebe would be okay.
"Okay," you say. "So how much do you know already?"
Phoebe smiles hopefully. "Just that you saved Lady Artemis," she says. "I'm guessing it has something to do with the magic you were starting to use when you woke up, though…"
You nod. A good start. "Well, I can do magic because I'm a manakete," you say. Glancing over at Artemis's parents, you notice that they're listening intently as well. This is an opportunity for you to give your own description of yourself rather than just relying on Artemis to do it. "We're people who are a melding of heart and dragon. We lived a long time ago. My father put me to sleep after our home was invaded by people who wanted to hurt us, and so I was able to survive. Father also put a spell on the shrine that would allow me to attract someone I could trust to let me out; and that's how Artemis found me."
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Archduke Letoro frowning thoughtfully, but most of your attention is taking up by the way Phoebe is gaping at you, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. "Dragon…"
"Manakete," you say firmly. "My dragon is only a part of me. She does not define me any more than my heart does. I was able to help Artemis most of the way without calling on her. It was only when I needed to carry her the rest of the way that I took that step." And when you'd panicked in Castle Legerius, but you didn't want to mention that just yet.
"But… but the stories…" Phoebe says.
"I know the ones you're thinking of, Phoebe," Artemis cuts in gently. "And I thought of them too, but it's clear that many important things have been lost over the millennium. Ryza does not normally fit the descriptions of draconic wrath, and when she does it is only with the best of intentions and the most desperate of circumstances. She has my trust, and my gratitude."
The squire nods, taking a few breaths. "Okay…" she says. "Okay, I guess… I guess you did save Lady Artemis, so you're good. Sorry, just… surprised…"
You smile. "It's okay, you took it much better than Artemis did," you say.
Your friend grimaces. "Forgive me for not being prepared to have that dropped on my head," she says. "I was still under the impression that you were a successful artificial mage."
At some point, you were going to have to figure out what she meant by that, but you didn't want to waste Archduke Letoro and Dione's time. "Well, that's the basic story," you say. "There's some more details, but I think Artemis's parents want to talk to me. You can stay if you want."
Phoebe glances over, and Archduke Letoro nods after a moment. "Thank you, my lady," she says, bowing slightly to you.
"Just Ryza, please," you say. "I'm not a noble or anything, I'm just Ryza."
You find yourself remembering those words a minute later as Archduke Letoro mentions the debt that he and Agrithe apparently owe you. A part of you considers asking for that to change, since it seems wherever you go people think you shouldn't be friends with Artemis because you weren't noble.
However, as you think about it, you remember what Axton said. Nobles had jobs that they needed to do to earn their position, you knew that, but he'd never fully explained what they were. While you were confident you could learn to do them, that would take time, and until then what would you do? Also, people still seemed to be confused and nervous about you being a manakete. Would the Archduke making you noble cause trouble because of those old stories? You didn't want to cause him any trouble.
Besides… in the end, you don't really want to be noble. You just want someone to care about you, and you already have that.
"Can I stay?" you ask. "I know I have a home back in the mountains, but it's all fallen down and… I don't know what I'll do with all the memories of Father and Mother that are still there." You look hopefully at him. "I'll go back someday, I know that, but until then, can I have a home here?"
Archduke Letoro studies you for a long moment before nodding. "I am tempted to insist that you choose something more substantial, as I had planned to grant you sanctuary for as long as you wished regardless," he says. "However, I suppose that is the most pressing concern you have, and there is a difference between someone who is simply allowed to stay and someone who has a true home." He nods again. "Very well. As long as you wish it, you will have a home in Agrithe."
You smile. "Thank you," you say.
"Of course, dear," Dione says, reaching out and putting a hand on yours. "You brought Artemis home to us: you are a friend of this family. There is no reason you wouldn't be allowed to stay."
"Even my being a manakete?" you ask.
"Not even that. In Agrithe, we judge people by their own actions, not the actions of their ancestors. Whatever happened back then, you have shown yourself to be a sweet child." She gestures to Artemis. "Besides, you are Artemis's friend, and I trust my daughter's judgment. If she wants you to be allowed to stay, I see no reason not to grant that."
The five of you sit in silence for a few minutes before Archduke Letoro speaks again. "Do you have any plans, Ryza?" he asks bluntly. Both his wife and daughter glance at him, but he keeps his focus on you. "After all, you have succeeded in your self-appointed mission of seeing Artemis home, and you now have a home to call your own. What do you think to do now?"
You frown. "But it's not over yet," you say. "Axton and Lancel and Kelton are still in trouble, I want to help them too!"
For some reason, both Artemis and Dione give Archduke Letoro strange, knowing smiles. He glances at both of them before giving a wry sigh. "True," he says. "I am pleased that you had not forgotten them, but I wished to give you the chance to stand aside if you wished. Artemis has told us enough about you to know that you do not like fighting. However, I suppose some bonds transcend such considerations."
"… I just don't want to leave them behind," you say.
"I understand," Archduke Letoro says. "However, before we discuss how I intend to bring them home, I must ask what you as a manakete are capable of. There are many stories of the power of dragons, however it is clear that those stories cannot be fully trusted. What can you do?"
"Father-" Artemis begins, but the Archduke raises a hand.
"I know that she is powerful, but if I am to allow a child to be a part of this, then I must know what it is that she can do."
You pause to consider, but in the end what else can you do but answer as honestly as you can? You want to help the others, but you understand that Archduke Letoro doesn't want to send you into more danger than you can handle. "Well, in my heart-form, I can do magic," you say, lighting a small ball of thunder in your palm. "I have a tablet that can enhance it like your tomes, but even without that I can hurt people."
Nearby, Phoebe tenses up. Artemis, spotting this, puts a hand on your wrist. "Ryza, a word of advice," she says gently yet urgently. "When in public, it's considered very bad form to do anything that could be considered aggressive, especially around a higher noble," she says. "We all know you don't mean anything by it, but others might not, and might feel the need to act without hesitation."
"Oh, okay," you say, stopping your channeling and causing the lighting to flicker out. "Sorry." Not that such a little bit of magic would have been a threat to any manakete, but you suppose even if humans have somehow figured out how to do magic, they're probably not as good at it. If only because they don't have the decades and centuries to learn to do it properly.
"It's alright," Artemis says. "Just something to keep in mind."
Nodding, you continue. "Well, that's my magic. I can fly in heart-form, which is not something most manakete could do, but I'm not as fast as in dragon-form, and I can't carry anyone." You take a breath. "In dragon form… well, in dragon form I am faster, stronger, and have strong scales that can block pretty much anything I've seen humans using except maybe those big axes. I can fly really fast, carry someone else if needed, and quickly breathe lightning." Artemis flinches slightly, and you throw her an apologetic look. "However, my dragon self is… emotional. That is to say, she is powered by emotions, and completely driven by them. And unfortunately, I'm not yet well trained enough to fully pick what emotion she transforms in. I can kind of push some away if needed, but ultimately she'll go with whatever emotion I'm feeling most strongly, even if that isn't necessarily the smartest choice."
"You speak of yourself and your dragon as if they are different people," Dione asks curiously. "Artemis had indicated you were one and the same."
You munch on one of the flat, sweet pieces of bread for a moment as you think. "...Kind of?" you say after a moment. "We are the same person, she and I, but we're also distinct. It's… difficult to explain." If for no other reason that you never thought you'd have to: any other manakete would instinctively understand what you were saying. "I guess the best way of thinking about it is that my heart is my right hand, my dragon my left. They're both part of me, but they're not all of me."
Dione doesn't look like she fully understands, and she glances at Artemis, who shrugs. "I suppose that makes some sense," she says.
Archduke Letoro frowns. "Your dragon, would she accept orders if the rest of you asked her to?" he asks.
"Maybe? It would depend on the situation. And the emotion. And who was giving the order." You could pretty easily construct a situation in your mind where a driven, determined dragon-you would feel bound to accept orders from Artemis, if she gave them respectfully and seemed to know what she was doing. "But… until I've gone further along the Path, I wouldn't really count on it." Your eyes widen as his frown deepens. "But I can still help! I still want to help! I can't just-"
"Peace, girl, there is no need to panic," Archduke Letoro says. "I simply need to understand your nature so I can determine how best to fit you into my existing plan."
Artemis cocks her head. "There's a plan?" she says.
"Of course," Archduke Letoro says coolly. "I began building it the moment you told me of what Mantrae had done." He looks around. "It is an indisputable fact that Countess Mantrae, by attempting to unlawfully imprison you, committed an act of war. I would be well within my right, as Archduke of Agrithe, to launch a full-scale invasion for her actions. Some would even say I am duty-bound to do so."
You glance nervously at Artemis, who's chewing her lip. War… you'd heard that word before. Mother and Father had occasionally whispered it, when they thought you weren't around. Fighting on a massive scale, so many people hurt or worse… war had cleared your home of everyone but you and your parents. Mother, war had probably been the reason those other manakete had come and forced Father to put you to sleep!
You start to open your mouth, but Archduke Letoro raises a hand, and you instinctively quiet yourself. "However, it has long been the policy of the House of Cartese to prevent war between the Southern Kingdoms," he says. "My father and my father's father dedicated their lives to keeping the peace, so that we as a collective are too strong for the Empire to reasonably threaten. I do not wish to overturn their work while other options exist." He gives you a grim smile. "Thankfully, you, Ryza, gave me that chance."
You cock your head. "What did I do?" you ask.
"If Artemis had been taken, then I truly would have no choice," Archduke Letoro says. "I would be forced to declare war had my heir been killed or sold off. If I did not I would lose all respect among the Kingdoms. Since you were able to rescue her, I have options more subtle than the crushing maul. If you are willing, you will be of great help in not only ensuring that this never happens again, but that the loyal men who were willing to give everything are not left in darkness." He holds out a hand. "Scion of legend, will you stand with Agrithe in this task?"
You think you see Dione rolling her eyes and Artemis pinching the bridge of her nose with a weary sigh, but you're overwhelmed by the force of Archduke Letoro's conviction. "Yes," you say in a small voice. "Yes, I'll help."
He nods. "Excellent," he says.
"Father, please," Artemis says wearily. "Ryza is not one of your knights, you don't need to give her a rousing speech." She looks at you. "Ryza, thanks for being willing to help the others."
"You're welcome," you say quickly, glad that things aren't as heavy anymore.
Archduke Letoro pauses for a long moment before shaking his head. "Yes, yes I suppose," he says. "However, you should know what you are offering to be involved in."
[] "While it is still possible to prevent a full-scale war, it is important to impress upon Mantrae exactly how displeased Agrithe is. I will be sending a delegation to meet with her and submit a series of demands to avoid conflict, one of which will of course be the immediate release of the yeomen she's taken. This does cede initiative, and it is possible she will refuse and I will be forced to carry out my ultimatum, but I am honor-bound to give her a chance to avoid war. Having a dragon flying above my delegation will make it far more likely she will accept my terms."
-[] Agree to the plan. After all, you might as well get some use out of everyone being scared of your dragon-self. If a bit of fear can prevent a war, you'll gladly accept.
-[] You argue him down to using you as an emergency backup should the bandits return or something else go wrong. If it comes to a fight, you'll help, but you won't start this conflict.
[] "While I have no desire to engage in full-scale war, her attack upon Agrithe cannot be ignored. A swift sortie into Legerius will serve to remind her of the disparity in power. This will not be a full engagement, but a series of raids that will force Mantrae to the negotiating table as soon as possible, where Agrithe will have a position of strength. Artemis does not want me to ask this of you, but as Archduke I must: will you agree to be the tip of the spear? The dragon that brings this conflict to a swift conclusion?"
-[] With a heavy heart, you agree to take the lead: you don't want to hurt anyone, but the sooner this fight ends, the better.
-[] You will not. You're willing to help, and if his men really get into trouble you'll step in, but you will not act out the role of the rampaging monster human stories describe.
[] "Ultimately, as angry as I am with Mantrae's actions, I cannot help but understand them. More importantly, solidarity among the Kingdoms is not to be ceded lightly. It is possible that, with a quick-moving force, young Sypha could be recovered. This would be an exceptionally difficult task, and without you I do not think it would be possible, but you might be able to move fast enough to catch up with whoever took her. You would almost certainly have to foray into the Empire, as that is the only source of the bandits that I can envision, and they almost certainly will have retreated since you and Artemis fled."
-[] "Should you recover her, your goal will be to return her to Legerius as soon as possible. Mantrae's gratitude will ensure her loyalty for the foreseeable future."
-[] "Understandable as Mantre's actions were, there must still be some consequences for her betrayal. Bring Sypha to me: she will see her mother again, but only after some terms are agreed to between Mantrae and I."
EDIT: A quick note about the last option that might not have been clear: the Archduke is essentially asking you to do the same thing as you did with Artemis: half shifting and flying, since that's the only way you might be in time to affect the outcome. And you'll probably have to fight at the end of it.
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TaliesinSkye
Occasional Editor
- Location
- Northeast Ohio, United States
Leaning towards the last option.
The ones that immediately blow Ryza's secret and use her as a weapon are right out.
The ones that immediately blow Ryza's secret and use her as a weapon are right out.
Hestia&theCourt
Turns out we're plural too.
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As long as Mantrae's daughter is held hostage, she cannot help but be our enemy. Attempting to intimidate her or force her hand by forcing her to choose between her daughter and her duty to her people seems likely to force her to do something truly desperate and unexpected. Therefore, it not only seems morally sound to rescue Sypha, but also strategically so.
The main thing I'm unsure about is whether it makes more sense to try and minimize the amount of time for something to go wrong by delivering Sypha to Mantrae directly, or to minimize the chances of them managing to recapture Sypha after we've delivered her by making sure Sypha's kept safe at the place the enemy is least likely to be able to infiltrate. Any thoughts?
The main thing I'm unsure about is whether it makes more sense to try and minimize the amount of time for something to go wrong by delivering Sypha to Mantrae directly, or to minimize the chances of them managing to recapture Sypha after we've delivered her by making sure Sypha's kept safe at the place the enemy is least likely to be able to infiltrate. Any thoughts?
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- Location
- USA
I'm leaning towards the option that doesn't leave Lady Sypha in the clutches of bandits or the Empire.
Of the sub-options, I'm leaning towards the riskier option of returning her to Legerius. It's true that bringing Sypha to Archduke Letoro gives us more foolproof security than delivering her to Mantrae. Returning her to Legerius is less of a guarantee that Lady Mantrae wouldn't turn against us, but in the long run I think it does more for unity and ensuring Mantrae's heartfelt cooperation. If we go the hostage/blackmail route, there's no way to know that doing so wouldn't drive Mantrae further into the arms of the Empire or whoever the bandits are working for, even if Mantrae is forced to cooperate with whatever terms Letoro comes up with at first. A fully cooperative Mantrae is better than a reluctantly to-the-letter, possibly-going-to-stab-us-in-the-back-again cooperative Mantrae.
On the other hand, I do think there should be consequences for the betrayal... I don't know exactly what the other kingdoms would be told about this, but it would make Letoro look somewhat weak if there weren't consequences, and for the sake of the nation, letting another nation off after an attempted kidnapping of the first nation's heir without securing some terms would be questionable.
Editing vote in:
[X] "Ultimately, as angry as I am with Mantrae's actions, I cannot help but understand them. More importantly, solidarity among the Kingdoms is not to be ceded lightly. It is possible that, with a quick-moving force, young Sypha could be recovered. This would be an exceptionally difficult task, and without you I do not think it would be possible, but you might be able to move fast enough to catch up with whoever took her. You would almost certainly have to foray into the Empire, as that is the only source of the bandits that I can envision, and they almost certainly will have retreated since you and Artemis fled."
-[X] "Should you recover her, your goal will be to return her to Legerius as soon as possible. Mantrae's gratitude will ensure her loyalty for the foreseeable future."
Of the sub-options, I'm leaning towards the riskier option of returning her to Legerius. It's true that bringing Sypha to Archduke Letoro gives us more foolproof security than delivering her to Mantrae. Returning her to Legerius is less of a guarantee that Lady Mantrae wouldn't turn against us, but in the long run I think it does more for unity and ensuring Mantrae's heartfelt cooperation. If we go the hostage/blackmail route, there's no way to know that doing so wouldn't drive Mantrae further into the arms of the Empire or whoever the bandits are working for, even if Mantrae is forced to cooperate with whatever terms Letoro comes up with at first. A fully cooperative Mantrae is better than a reluctantly to-the-letter, possibly-going-to-stab-us-in-the-back-again cooperative Mantrae.
On the other hand, I do think there should be consequences for the betrayal... I don't know exactly what the other kingdoms would be told about this, but it would make Letoro look somewhat weak if there weren't consequences, and for the sake of the nation, letting another nation off after an attempted kidnapping of the first nation's heir without securing some terms would be questionable.
Editing vote in:
[X] "Ultimately, as angry as I am with Mantrae's actions, I cannot help but understand them. More importantly, solidarity among the Kingdoms is not to be ceded lightly. It is possible that, with a quick-moving force, young Sypha could be recovered. This would be an exceptionally difficult task, and without you I do not think it would be possible, but you might be able to move fast enough to catch up with whoever took her. You would almost certainly have to foray into the Empire, as that is the only source of the bandits that I can envision, and they almost certainly will have retreated since you and Artemis fled."
-[X] "Should you recover her, your goal will be to return her to Legerius as soon as possible. Mantrae's gratitude will ensure her loyalty for the foreseeable future."
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- Location
- U S of A
I'm very much inclined towards the last option here but only if we hold Lady Sypha until terms are reached. Mantrae has to know that we didn't have to rescue her daughter, we could have just marched on her castle instead, and she'll have to be satisfied with that. Relying on the goodwill of someone who has already betrayed us just seems like foolishness to me. To the extent she deserves a second chance we're already giving it to her by not just attacking as I mentioned above.
Hestia&theCourt
Turns out we're plural too.
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I'm of the opinion that talking about whether Mantrae does or doesn't deserve a second chance somewhat misses the point. Laying aside the fact that most people would do equally terrible things with a loved one on the line, I quite firmly believe that our priority is less about establishing a position of strength and judgment for its own sake and more about working out how to solve this problem with the fewest dead civilians. If a position of strength aids in that, then so be it, but to be frank, I believe we'll be negotiating from strength regardless. After all, successfully thwarting and being able to hold off the people who Mantrae couldn't stop from taking her daughter in the first place sends a powerful message all its own.
In short, Mantrae is desperate, not stupid: she has to know that if we can rescue Sypha, we can also keep her apart from Mantrae about as easily. I'm of the opinion that as long as there is a carrot to be offered and as long as we've demonstrated that nobody goes anywhere with Sypha without our leave, she'll be more likely to cooperate than not, regardless of where, specifically, we're keeping Sypha.
I've my doubts that she'll even get a second chance anyway: odds are good that she comes out of this stripped of her title regardless. It's understandable that she betrayed us under the circumstances, but she did still betray us, and I strongly doubt any lord would want a subordinate with a weak point that's already been exploited effectively and that can easily be exploited again. The question hinges, I think, more on whether we can successfully hold off against any attempts to recapture Sypha in this more exposed location.
Miho Chan
One with too many ideas
- Location
- Hummelstown
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Very much agreed here. Additionally, if I may; we need to look at this from a Medieval Fantasy PoV, not a modern one. Ever one of these options is actually fairly reasonable in Medieval times. Hell, flimsier excuses have been used to declare wars of conquest. I would say the latter option is by far the best in the long term. It has multiple benefits. It paints the Archduke as a fair, reasonable, and kindhearted leader, but one that has a stick to enforce his wrath when he's angered. It appears that the Empire is quite a large threat; so he gets respect for poking them with a stick and wagging a finger in their face. "Don't be naughty" he says, carrying a big stick (Dragon). Additionally, it likely has a *benefit* of letting any surviving Manaketes know of a safe haven.
And yeah, the hostage plan is honestly the safest. Betrayal isn't something to take lightly, even if it's somewhat understandable.
- Location
- U S of A
If we're talking about things from a practical perspective and not a moral or ethical one then simply giving Lady Sypha back makes even less sense. You just don't give unreserved trust to people who have betrayed you, and doing so potentially validates the actions of the betrayer. If Mantrae can get away with kidnapping the Dukes heir without consequences (and indeed arguably being rewarded for doing so!) how many others will feel like trying their luck? It seems far more likely to provoke future conflict than avoid it to me.
Anyway the voting banner says the vote's open so I may as well get things started.
[X] "Ultimately, as angry as I am with Mantrae's actions, I cannot help but understand them. More importantly, solidarity among the Kingdoms is not to be ceded lightly. It is possible that, with a quick-moving force, young Sypha could be recovered. This would be an exceptionally difficult task, and without you I do not think it would be possible, but you might be able to move fast enough to catch up with whoever took her. You would almost certainly have to foray into the Empire, as that is the only source of the bandits that I can envision, and they almost certainly will have retreated since you and Artemis fled."
-[X] "Understandable as Mantre's actions were, there must still be some consequences for her betrayal. Bring Sypha to me: she will see her mother again, but only after some terms are agreed to between Mantrae and I."
Miho Chan
One with too many ideas
- Location
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I concur. I'll be sticking with this vote as well. Additionally, god I wish I had found this quest easier. Manaketes are my favorite FE species (followed very closely by Nabateans) and it's *wonderful* to see their lore respected and expanded upon. I love how the disconnect between humans and manaketes exists. It's *wonderful*
[X] "Ultimately, as angry as I am with Mantrae's actions, I cannot help but understand them. More importantly, solidarity among the Kingdoms is not to be ceded lightly. It is possible that, with a quick-moving force, young Sypha could be recovered. This would be an exceptionally difficult task, and without you I do not think it would be possible, but you might be able to move fast enough to catch up with whoever took her. You would almost certainly have to foray into the Empire, as that is the only source of the bandits that I can envision, and they almost certainly will have retreated since you and Artemis fled."
-[X] "Understandable as Mantre's actions were, there must still be some consequences for her betrayal. Bring Sypha to me: she will see her mother again, but only after some terms are agreed to between Mantrae and I."
[X] "Ultimately, as angry as I am with Mantrae's actions, I cannot help but understand them. More importantly, solidarity among the Kingdoms is not to be ceded lightly. It is possible that, with a quick-moving force, young Sypha could be recovered. This would be an exceptionally difficult task, and without you I do not think it would be possible, but you might be able to move fast enough to catch up with whoever took her. You would almost certainly have to foray into the Empire, as that is the only source of the bandits that I can envision, and they almost certainly will have retreated since you and Artemis fled."
-[X] "Understandable as Mantre's actions were, there must still be some consequences for her betrayal. Bring Sypha to me: she will see her mother again, but only after some terms are agreed to between Mantrae and I."
Hestia&theCourt
Turns out we're plural too.
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Who said anything about no consequences? There will be consequences regardless; as you noted, there's no way in hell the Duke can afford to not punish her somehow. I feel like reuniting her with her daughter is less about rewarding her and more about making sure she knows our intent isn't to keep them apart indefinitely. If she thinks we intend to separate the two permanently, she might do something even more rash than she already has.
Also, I don't feel great about the idea of rescuing Sypha from being kidnapped only to proceed to basically kidnap her ourselves.
- Location
- U S of A
The text of the option seems pretty clear to me - 'Mantrae's gratitude will ensure her loyalty for the foreseeable future.'. We're relying on her gratitude to keep her loyal. That just doesn't seem viable to me.