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Hope will never die : a Fire Emblem Awakening quest

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Note : thinking about it, just leaving a write-in option isn't such a good idea, especially since scene description isn't my forte. A few options are now suggested in the vote section.
 
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Chapter 1-12: On razor's edge
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    • [x] Tell Gaius to intervene on the old man's behalf
    You exchange a look with your unofficial bodyguard. While you can understand his reluctance to leave you alone, you could never forgive yourself if keeping you safe meant someone else got injured. In light of that, it isn't a difficult decision, as far as you're concerned ; as you mouth off to him "go help him", you can see Gaius scowl. Still, he complies, drawing his blade in complete silence, before jumping through the broken window. You can't help but be impressed by the fact that he somehow managed to land without making a sound, the bandit entirely unaware of his presence. Only a few more steps, and he would...

    "Oooh! Are you a brave hero here to rescue an old man from molestation?"

    ... have his presence revealed by the would-be victim. Gaius only has time to let out a swear before dodging a sword swing from the now very aware bandit. The two men ends up staring at each other, naked blades at the ready, and you can't help but feel a knot in the pit of your stomach. This is the first time you are watching a real fight, and sir Gaius' opponent is considerably larger, more muscular and with a longer reach... The old man's cheerings are not reassuring you one bit either.

    "Yes! Teach that insolent rapscallion a lesson he'll remember!"

    If you haven't talked before, it would already be over! you want to scream. Given Gaius frown, you think he must have something similar in mind. The other man, however, seems mostly angry at the interruption.

    "Huh? What are you doing here? Get lost!"

    His injunction is carried with another sword swing, and just like that, the battle begins in earnest.

    Very quickly, you feel your worries diminishing. The thuggish swordsman is indeed quite strong, but nothing quite like your father or lady Say'ri. And on his end, sir Gaius is fast. You don't recognize his sword style, but his blade is almost a blur, constantly keeping his opponent off-balance, taking advantage of his wild swings to exploit openings in his guard. After a few passes, the bandit sports two slash wounds, one across his torso and the other on his right arm, forcing him to rely more on his wrong hand. Gaius, on the other hand, remains untouched, allowing himself to take a brief pause in his duel.

    "I must say, I did a lot of things I'm not proud of in my life, but robbing an old man blind? That's messed up. Why don't you drop that sword and leave before I'm forced to hurt you more?"

    The suggestion only manage to make the other man angry.

    "Shut your trap! Why are you even here, anyway?"

    The shepherd only offers a shrug.

    "Not entirely sure, to tell the truth. Oh well, doesn't matter. Hmmm... Wait. Don't I know you? I think I can recognize your face..."

    The man seems to ready a response, before stopping. He is now starring past Gaius... at you? No, that's not it... behind you! You don't have time to react until a strong hand grabs your shoulders, while another produces a sharp knife.

    "Well, Victor, I told you it was a good idea to keep watch. This mean man is giving you trouble, darling?"

    You freeze. Stupid, stupid, stupid! You were so fixated on what was going inside the house you didn't take the time to watch for a possible accomplice outside! Actually, now that you look at the man taking you hostage, not just an accomplice, if his strong resemblance with the man inside is anything to go buy. Same muscular build, same tanned skin, same shaved head with only a few patches of hair remaining... Siblings? The dagger near your stomach reminds you that this may not be the best time to think about that. On his hand, saying Gaius is not happy with that new development is an understatement : the man is livid.

    "Oy, mister! If you don't leave my baby brother alone, I'm going to stab girly here. You wouldn't want that, do you?"

    This is bad. You do your best to push back that pang of terror you feel rising inside you. For all your training, this is the first time you're actually threatened,and you don't know how to react. There must be something you can do, surely?


    [] Reach for your dagger : your kidnapper is almost entirely focused on Gaius, and not watching your hands very closely. It is quite possible you'd manage to reach the dagger Gaius gave you and free yourself.
    [] Talk this out : physical confrontation is too big a risk right now, but surely those men can listen to reason? Or, if not, maybe you could trick them?
    - [] What would you say?
    [] Let Gaius handle this : he's the adult, he must know what to do in those situations! ... right?
    [] Write-in...
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Reach for your dagger

    Even the prince of Bern back in FE blazing sword could tank a hit or two as a kid.
    Lets get some EXP. Maybe of Gaius doesn't destroy them, we can get the kill EXP!

    (Completely forgets that this is a 7 year old...)
     
    [X] Bluff like mad
    - [X] "Oh sir! What a wonderful voice you have! Have you sung in the palace courts before?" Very diatracting.
    - [X] Make sure you arm is in the way of the motion his arm has to make to cut you.
    - [X] Twirl out if his grip, try to get behind while he's distracted-!
    - [X] Push stabbing arms away.
    - [X] Reach for your dagger.
    - [X] Drop down. Don't be a derp, do it like a burpie, landing on feet and arms.
    - [X] Slash achilles tendons. The one easisest for m you, dear Naga don't try both.
    - [X] Push the ground with your arms to shoot upright. Land on feet
    - [X] Run away. Maybe a couple tens of meters, just to make distance. If your attacker gives chase, run some more.
    - [X] If the opportunity presents itself, bury your dagger between his ribcage before you leave.



    Repeatedly. Till he dies.

    There is a better bluff, but I think it would give me a infraction.
     
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    Chapter 1-13: First blood
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Reach for your dagger
    My, we are feeling bold today...

    Note : while it isn't the winning vote, Space-Multiply write-in is close enough for me to include part of it in the coming scene. Obviously, I'll only do that if the result is a net positive for the players.

    You take a deep breath to calm yourself. Fear cuts deeper than swords, your father once told you. The man holding you hostage is still fixated on Gaius, confident in the fact you will be a docile prisoner. And you still have the weapon the thief gave you under your cloak. You can do this. All your muscles tense in anticipation, while you're trying to wait for the most opportune moment. No, wait, this won't do. Even without paying attention, his grip on you is too strong. Simply waiting for a chance might not be enough... what you need to do is create an opportunity.

    "Hum... mister bandit, sir?"
    "I'm busy, brat."
    "Sorry, sir, it's just... I couldn't help but notice, you have... a wonderful... voice?"
    "Huh?"

    Charisma D (base D+, no bluff skill) vs Intelligence E+. Cuteness is the deadliest weapon.

    If you could have, you would have slapped yourself. Of all the things to say... Yet no choice but to soldier on now.

    "Yes! I mean, I'm sure you could charm even nobility with such a singing tone! Not that I know anything about nobility's taste, of course."

    What are you saying?! Stop it, stop it! At this rate, this is going to... work? You can feel the grip slacken a bit, as the man direct a beaming smile to his accomplice.

    "Hear that, Victor? Always told you that..."

    Now.

    Dexterity C vs Dexterity D (base C, surprised). A flawless escape!

    Your whole body twist, taking him by surprise. His weakened grab is no longer enough to hold you, and in an instant, you are free. Almost instinctively, his armed hand swing towards you, with the intent of sticking his dagger between your ribs, but you're ready for that. Putting your two arms in direct opposition to his own, you do your best to counter his hastily given blow.

    Strength D+ vs Strength C- (base B-, surprised). A close call.

    Despite your advantageous position, the strength of the blow sends you tumbling on the ground. Still, you avoided the blade, which was your main objective all along. Before the bandit can press the attack, your hand flies toward the dagger at your belt, drawing it before he has time to reacts. From your position, you can only aim at his feet. It'll do. Almost blindly, you take a swing toward his left tendon. If you can injure him here, then escaping should be...

    Swords E+ (base D+, unfamiliar weapon) vs Unarmed Combat C-. This isn't good...

    It is, by all account, a rather weak attempt ; you are unfamiliar with this type of weapon, you strike at an awkward angle, and your strength is too low to inflict a deep wound. The blade only slashes across his ankle, causing him a painful but superficial wound, not nearly enough to really handicap him. He roars in anger, before lashing out with his good leg, hitting you directly in the gut. The impact sends you rolling on the floor, gasping for air. You barely have time to get back to a crouching position, doing your best to ignore the pain in your ribs when your opponent comes right back at you, weapon raised.

    "Why, you little..."

    He doesn't have any time to say more before Gaius rams into him, sending both of them to the ground. The two of them briefly struggle before your kidnapper goes limp. The reason quickly becomes apparent when you see Gaius sword sticking through his neck. The sight of the blood pouring through the wound is nearly enough to make you lose your dinner.

    "No, Vincent! You bastard, you'll pay for that!"

    Despite his fighting words, Victor decides the time is right for an hasty retreat, running through the door before your guardian can get back on his feet. Gaius hesitates a bit, considering giving pursuit, before thinking better of it. His gaze fall on you, and you can tell he is not happy.

    "Little Blue, what the hell?! What in Naga's name possessed you to do something so... so...!"
    "I couldn't do nothing!" you instantly retort. "If I hadn't freed myself, we might have all been killed!"

    Your heated response is almost instinctual. In a way, the anger - directed at whom, you're not sure - is a better feeling than the fear you know isn't far from your heart. You almost got killed. You almost got Gaius killed. If you think about it too long, you'll...

    "I would have thought of something! Don't just... you're a kid! You shouldn't..."

    The words have trouble coming out. The thief certainly seems angry, but his eyes... It is at that moment that you realize he is probably feeling as afraid as you are. That revelation is enough for the dam to break.

    "I... I am sorry, uncle Gaius. I..."

    This time, the tears start to come, as your whole body begins to shake. The events of this evening... this is too much. As you sniffle, you can feel two arms embracing you, as the thief kneels next to you.

    "Hey, it's okay, Little Blue. Just... don't scare me like that, okay?"

    You can only nod, not trusting your voice to provide an intelligible response. For a moment, you stay there, letting your adoptive "uncle" - your father insistence that every Shepherd is family really means you have a lot of those, doesn't it? - calm you down. That moment of tranquillity is eventually broken by a heavy cough. Oh yes, you almost forgot the one you were so intent on rescuing...

    "Ahem. Splendid, splendid, brave heroes! Clearly those ruffians were no match for your might and..."

    Standing back up, Gaius send a glare toward the old man.

    " And it would have been a lot easier if you didn't warn him! Who even does that?"
    "Ah. Erm. Yes, I suppose I got... carried away?" At least, he's sounding properly contrite now... though not for long. "Anyway! Let me thank you for your timely rescue! Who knows what cruel fate would have befallen me if not for your fortuitous intervention?"
    "If you want to thank someone, thank the girl" he answers, pointing at you. "Don't know how she did it, but she led me straight to this place."
    "Ohoh, indeed?"

    Suddenly finding yourself at the center of the attention, under a surprisingly focused gaze, you shift uncomfortably.

    (you may choose several options)
    [] Tell him about the feeling you got
    [] Claim it was a coincidence
    [] Ask him more questions
    -[] About?
    [] Ask if he needs help
    [] Leave
    [] Write-in.
     
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    • ...

    :D

    Thanks Macros!

    [X] Ask him more questions
    -[X] Can you fill us in on what happened before we got here?
     
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    [X] Ask him more questions
    -[X] Can you fill us in on what happened before we got here?
    -[X] What were they trying to steal?
     
    Chapter 1-14: Echoes of a legend (spring 2620)
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Ask him more questions
    -[X] Can you fill us in on what happened before we got here?
    Squirming a bit under the sudden unwanted attention, you do your best to redirect the conversation.

    "Erm. I wanted to ask... what happened here? Why where those men..." you do your best to not look at the corpse nearby. Even thinking about it makes you sick. "... after you?"
    "Those... those ruffians were after my precious collection! Stole most of it, even! And when I decided to leave for Ylisstol, start over, all that, they followed me! Just for the last remaining piece! Shameful, shameful I tell you!"

    Somehow, you have trouble imagining this old man having something not only worth stealing, but also worth following around. And he seemed quite prone to exaggeration, surely this was another display? Yet, you think, he was attacked by bandits. And there's still the matter of what drew you there in the first place... Beside you, Gaius doesn't seem to share your uncertainty, looking at him with open scepticism.

    "Huh huh. Let me guess, they stole your common sense."
    "How dare you!" the other man shrieks. "Ah, I see! You want to steal my treasure, like the others! This is a ploy to lower my guard, isn't it?"
    "Unless it is edible, I have no interest in whatever junk you own, trust me."
    "Well you should! My artefacts hold a magic like the world has never seen! But I suppose those wonders means nothing for one such as you."

    He... has trouble making up his own mind, doesn't he? The thought barely has time to register that the man whirls toward you, almost coming face to face with you. On the side, you can see Gaius tensing at the sudden move, a hand on the handle of his weapon, but the other man seems entirely oblivious to the threat.

    "Unlike this girl, I think. I can see it now! You have... the Gift!"

    You only manage to let out a nervous "Huh?", utterly uncomfortable with the sudden invasion of your personal space.

    "Well, I mean, the Inner Eye! Or was it just Fate? I don't know, doesn't matter. You know?"

    In fact, you don't, staring at him with a confused expression mimicked by Gaius. He is the first t gather his bearings, clearly fed up with the whole thing.

    "Okaaaaay. Well, it was great fun, and all, but we really need to get going, so..."
    "Wait wait wait! This meeting was Destiny! Fate! This is why I can't let you leave without this!"

    His hand briefly disappears in his robes, only to come back holding a...

    "A card?"
    "Ah, but not just any card! It is an invaluable artefact, holding a magic lost to the world! earning to use it shall be challenging, but I am certain you might unlock the secrets of the Einherjar, in time!"

    He holds the item to you, and you grab it almost instinctively, still utterly confused by his speech. Gaius, for his part, sounds pretty sceptical.

    "Riiight. And you're handing it to a random kid because...?"
    "Look, I almost got killed just because I had it. And I might be old, but I still intend to live a long, long time still, so really, this is of no value to me! Now, if it was a female one, that would have been different, of course. But anyway! You girl! This is what you felt, isn't it?"

    Blinking, you give another look to the card, and realize he is right. There is a strange power coming through this simple item, you can feel it. Examining it, you see a picture representing a warrior clad in blue, wielding... wait, is that Falchion? The crossguard is all wrong, but the blade... You've seen it enough to recognize your father's sword. At the bottom of the picture, you find a legend : Marth the Hero King. So this is what the legendary hero looked like? You look up to ask some questions... only to find the man gone. Gaius is utterly confused.

    "How did he... he was just there!"

    The next ten minutes are spent looking for your vanishing host, without success. Finally giving up, Gaius decides that is enough emotions for one evening, and escorts you back to the palace.

    "So, the way I see it, there's no need to tell your dad that you got a dagger pointed at your belly, right, Little Blue?"

    You nod. Something tells you that you'd find your freedom of movement quite restricted if your parents were made aware of everything that happened tonight. You weren't really hurt anyway - that's the moment your bruised ribs chose to remind you of their presence - so it should be all good, right?

    "Strange fellow, though. Completely crazy, of course. Well, at least you'll have a souvenir, right?"

    Right. You examine the card one more time. Somehow, you're almost sure he had been right saying this wasn't just a piece of paper...

    Skill : unarmed combat learned
    Skill : bluff learned (low personal compatibility, slow growth)
    Skill : stealth learned
    Item : card representing Marth the Hero King acquired
    Option unlocked : study the mysterious card

    Your actions to help across Ylisstol and have a better understanding of your people were noticed. New trait acquired!

    Princess of the people : the exalted line's reputation has recovered from the ill-will directed at your grandfather, but now, the people of Ylisse know of you, not simply of your lineage. Social and Leadership skills linked to charisma gain one full rank when interacting with Ylissean citizens.

    ***

    Last year had been... busy, to say the least. And you have no reason to expect this one not to be either. And between your sword lessons, your new wyverns and the various personal projects you undertook, you feel like there's barely enough hours in the day to do everything you'd like. Your constant running from one place to another leaves people impressed with your energy, if slightly worried you might be overdoing it.

    [X] Sword training (Ylissean royal style) (LOCKED)
    [X] History and customs of Ylisse (LOCKED)
    [X] Etiquette lessons (LOCKED)

    Pick seven actions :

    [] Ask for new teachers     : you don't have anything against lady Armelle and sir Ogham, really, you don't. But those tutors, appointed in your parents absence, have trouble keeping your attention. Maybe you could ask if someone else would be available to teach you?

    [] The Way of the Sword : with Lon'qu finally used to your presence, you feel like you might begin to make real progress in your training with him. The only difficulty, at this point, would be to find enough time for it.

    [] To the limits : so far, your training with Frederick has paid off. You can feel yourself growing stronger, bit by bit. At this point, that feeling of progression is enough to keep you going, despite the fatigue. Lisa warned you not to overdo it, though.

    [] Strategy 101 : lessons with Uncle Robin has been an eye-opener. Your father might be one of the best swordsman in the world, but that would not have been enough to win wars if it was all. Learning about the art of warfare definitely sounds like a worthwhile endeavour...

    [] Tomes of magic : magic certainly seems to play a larger role in your life as of late. You already know a bit about healing, but what about the other forms? Maybe you should look into it.

    [] Meditate on the presence at the shrine : you might have imagined it. But you're almost certain there was... something, at the shrine. Spending more time here might help find the truth on this matter... And assisting Libra is always a pleasure anyway.

    [] Spend time in the library : your first foray in Ylisstol's library had been a fascinating experience, and you suspect there is still a lot more you can learn from its tomes. Who knows how much knowledge you can still dig up from it?
    • [] Any specific topic in mind? (no extra action)
    [] Spend time in the stables : between your mother and Cherche's lessons, you have become more eager to learn about the best ways to care about animals these last weeks. And what better way to learn than to spend time with them? Well, it would be pretty strenuous, probably.

    [] Train with the pegasus knights novices : the pegasus knights are without a doubt the finest flying unit in the world. And you finally reached a level where both your mother and Cordelia think you might hang out sometimes with their greenest recruits. You'd still be at least four years younger than any trainee, but it might be a precious experience.

    [] Spear lessons with Cordelia : your flying lessons went pretty well, but you admit, you'd be interested to learn more about the martial aspect of aerial combat, something Cynthia showed little taste for until now. But you get the feeling aunt Cordelia would be more than happy to help in this matter.

    [] Let Cu get used to your presence : your new wyvern barely knows you at this point. If you are to create a bond with her similar to the one existing between Cherche and Minerva, a lot of time will be needed to be around her. Perhaps you should ask for fireproof clothes...

    [] Study the mysterious card : this clearly isn't an ordinary item, you're sure of it. Still, you have no idea what it might actually do... More research might be needed in this case.

    [] Investigate Noire's condition : that's twice now that you found your friend coming back to the shrine in a frightening state. And Libra claimed black magic was the cause. You need to get to the bottom of this, somehow.

    [] Double down on your lessons : studying is one thing, but things worth doing are worth doing well.
    • [] Sword training (Ylissean royal style)
    • [] History and customs of Ylisse
    • [] Etiquette lessons
    [] Spend time with the other children : you try to keep in touch with everyone still in Ylisstol, but your busy schedule often leaves you with less time than you'd like. Still, your friends are worth the effort, you think.
    • [] Owain
    • [] Severa
    • [] Kjelle
    • [] Brady
    • [] Yarne
    • [] Noire
    • [] Laurent
    • [] Cynthia

    [] Write-in : thinking hard about it, maybe there's something else you could do?

    [] Special - slack off : some of these lessons are... hard to bear. Surely no-one would mind if you were to take it easy on some of them? Or even miss them? (doesn't take a choice, but instead gives one extra choice or each lesson you pick with this option.)
    • [] Check on Severa's progress : you're pretty curious to know how Severa is doing with Gregor. Unfortunately, her lessons are scheduled at the same time of some of your own studies, meaning that to satiate your curiosity, you'd have to miss a class...
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • Why not ask to have a sparring match with Severa with your teacher and Gregor watching to give their observations? @_@
     
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