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>>5333731
>Year 1181: The Defense of Charon

You had accepted a proposition offered to you by the ruler of the Charon territory of Faerghus, Margrave Richard Charon. After you had successfully escorted Dimitri Blaiddyd, who was Prince at the time, safely out of the hands of the Imperial Army and back into Faerghus territory, both men became impressed with your character and reliability. With the war against the Empire looming, and Charon situated right at the border between Faerghus and the Imperials, the Margrave wished to utilize your skills to aid in his territory’s defense. The proposed offer stated you would have Faerghus’ full backing and support to create a mercenary company that would stand against the Empire in the event of an invasion. With a plethora of sellswords making their way to Charon to offer their services to the highest bidder, you were given an infusion of 30,000 gold to mobilize them into a coherent fighting force that would be of value to the Kingdom’s Army.

Recruiting mercenaries to your side was a task simpler than you’d have thought. While many were apprehensive about having a young girl as their commander, thanks to the support you received from the Kingdom, there was no shortage of suitable talent lining up to join your forces and receive a decent payment. Additionally, once word got out that you had been enrolled at the Officer’s Academy, other mercenaries followed suit. Most graduates of Garreg Mach often went back home to either serve in their noble houses or as a part of their nation’s army. Officer’s Academy students turning mercenary commanders was an exceedingly rare occurrence, but one that promised at least a degree of competency in a field that was prone to brash and greedy commanders. In addition to the various mercenaries fighting under your banner, there were even some fellow students that had managed to flee the Imperial Army’s siege and had nowhere else to turn. In time, you had a well-rounded and promising company at your disposal.

As the year progressed, tensions between the three nations grew hotter. Dimitri had taken the throne of Faerghus and pledged to strike back at the Adrestian Empire as retaliation for their unprovoked aggression against the Central Church of Seiros. The Imperial Army followed suit, and just as the Margrave had predicted, Charon soon became the staging ground for one of the first major battles between the Adrestian Empire and the Kingdom of Faerghus.

The Imperial Army had decided to use Garreg Mach as a staging ground for their invasion into Faerghus territory. Planning for a multi-pronged invasion of the Kingdom, Charon became the target of an Imperial force, which you would later find out was being led by one of your former classmates, Ferdinand von Aegir.

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>>5333734
Working alongside the Margrave and his loyal knight, Sir Bertram, you helped contribute to the defense of Charon’s capital city. Having intimate knowledge of the Imperial Army, as well as their reliance on waves of mass infantry, magic casters, and Demonic Beasts, you helped fortify the city and ready the populace for a prolonged siege.

By now, you had managed to amass close to 150 experienced mercenaries and fighters within your company. Corrine, your best friend and Lieutenant, proposed to you that your company should have a martial specialty. Doing so would help give your soldiers something to focus on and allow them a sharper edge in the battles to come. Additionally, she brought up the fact that your new company would require a name.

>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
>B): Fodlan Harpies
>C): Blair’s Mercenaries
>D): Write-in

>A): Infantry Specialization (Company will have more Warriors/Swordmasters/Snipers)
>B): Magic Specialization (Company will have more Sages/Bishops/Druids)
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)
>D): Calvary Specialization (Company will have more Cavaliers/Paladins/Great Knights)

>>5333737
>B): Fodlan Harpies

>C): Flying Specialization (Company will
have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

>>5333737
>D): Write-in
Blair's Band

>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)
We're so back folks

>>5333737
>D): Frigid Hawks
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)
Heya THQM! I can see there's already been a bit of a shift in the timeline, looking forward to see how things develop now that we're in uncharted grounds.

ayy let's do this

>>5333737
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
When Hubert first suggested this I was like nah, but it's grown on me.

>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)
Gotta beat our dear brother at this own game.

Also fills a niche because outside of Almyra I don't think there are very many flying specialists.

>King Dimitri
Wow Cornelia's slacking over there

Actually wait, isn't the kingdom fairly known for already employing a fairly sizable flying unit? Though it feels like the best thing to go into to counter the Empire's doctrine, with the only real other option being maybe Magic.

Oh yeah, and thread theme I suppose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSuMgId9204

>>5333737
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

Fuck yeah, I love how Blair's reputation has grown, Witch is a great nickname for her, simple but effective.
Also I like you took my suggestion as a vote option, very cool.

>>5333737
>D) Frosted Shrikes
bird theme names might be cool for a former adrestrian mercenary band

>B): Magic Specialization (Company will have more Sages/Bishops/Druids)

>>5333794
only Galatea is known for flight, the rest of the Kingdom remains focused on horse cavalry.
>>5333737
>D): Frigid Hawks
>D): Frigid Shrikes
This would be good. Frigid has a better flow to it than Frosted though, the vowel in frosted is too long. I wouldn't mind Blackwings but I like how evocative the icebird names are.
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

Oh hey, I finally caught one of these live and at the start.

>>5333737

>D): Silver Wings

Might as well double down on the Silver Snow thing, even if this is essentially a whole different route, all things considered.

>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

Also >Blair is known as a "Witch"

I push for her moniker to be "Night Witch". Obligatory...

Beneath the starlight of the heavens
Unlikely heroes in the skies (witches to attack, witches coming back)
As they appear on the horizon
The wind will whisper when the night witches come

>>5333737
>D): Silver Wings

>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

I almost decided to vote Infantry specialization because Rex rides a massive Wyvern and I assume the Hellwing company is a unit specced hard into flying units and snipers would be good against them presumably, but when I went back to look I couldn't find anything actually confirming that the unit is primarily a flying company except references to Rex riding a Wyvern twice as large as a normal one.

Anyways, mobility is key and this way most of the unit can ride alongside us so we have the mass to strike hard wherever we go, or in a pinch we can load up those in our company who don't fly and beat a hasty retreat if needs be.

>>5333737
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

>>5333737
>D): Frigid Hawks
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

>>5333864
Changing my vote towards:
>D): Frost Hawks
>D): Frost Shrikes

>B): Magic Specialization (Company will have more Sages/Bishops/Druids)

>>5334019
Frosted or Frost may not sound/ flow as well as Frigid but I prefer it because its has a stronger elemental meaning and opposition to Flame/ fire, which can call back to the Flame Emperor. I also think Frost has better colour connotations towards white, silver and blue which is also nice.

Frigid can also have an emotional meaning which I feel doesn't work well with a mercenary band. But all the icebird names have a nice ring to them at least

>>5333737
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

>>5334110
He has enough flying units that the Hellwings had complete aerial dominance during the siege.

But I like being known for our flying units because it can lead to some shenanigans later down the line. Like faking people out to think that they're going to skirmish with the band (maybe have them catch sights of Blair?) so they load up on archers and then surprising them with anti-archer units.

>>5333737
>D): Frost Hawks
>B): Magic Specialization (Company will have more Sages/Bishops/Druids)

>>5333737
>D): Write-in
Band of the Ravens

>A): Infantry Specialization (Company will have more Warriors/Swordmasters/Snipers)

>>5333737
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

>>5333737
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders
Happy to see you're back, QM! I've been looking forward to this

>>5334213
Ah, guessed I missed that when I went back to look. Well, anyways, having a company that flies just fits well with us. Given that the Hellwings apparently have 2000 members instead of 200, even dominating the monastery with aerial units doesn't tell us that much about the composition of the unit, since it wouldn't take that many flying units to outnumber the presumably small numbers of holy knights and students with pegasi or wyverns. If there were really thousands of flyers I doubt we'd have been able to get away at all.

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Blackwing Mercenaries seems to be tied with Frigid/Frosted Shrikes/Hawks at 5 so let's cut it down to these two.

If you're voting for some variation of frozen bird, make sure to emphasize which one you prefer. I'll leave this vote up a bit longer since it is pretty important. You'll be seeing the name pop up throughout the rest of the quest.

For the coldbird bros, how about Wintry or Polar? Frigid does have the unnecessary emotional connotation, while frosted reminds me personally a bit much of food stuffs.
I think Polar Hawks sounds pretty cool

>>5334630
I like cold birds. I prefer
>Frosted Shrikes

>>5333737
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)
Being flying buddies with Ingrid when

>>5334630
>>5334642

If I had to pick between the two... I *do* like Blackwing Mercenaries, though in hindsight, I will admit I'm a little worried people might think it too similar to the Hellwings. I like the cold birds as well, but between the wide array of potential birds and adjectives, it's hard to decide.

>Wintry Shrikes

Not exactly an eagle, but shrikes are cool. Songbirds, but also butchers. Harmless-looking, but fierce as any other-- just like Blair, and her up-and-coming mercenary band.

As for Wintry... well, Silver Snow again.

You know i know realize BlackWing could symbolise BlackEagles, i just did it due to us riding a black pegasus

>>5333737
A): Blackwing Mercenaries

>>5334642
what about mistral (bird). mistral is a cold wind that blows through france. is a word the depends on real world geography too 4th wall breaking?

>>5334907
>is a word the depends on real world geography too 4th wall breaking?
Hardly. El is named Hresvelg for goodness sake
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hr%C3%A6svelgr

>>5334630
>Cold bird
I prefer the proposed adjectives in this order
>>Wintry/Frigid>Mistral>Frosted>Polar
And I prefer
>>Shrikes>Hawks
Shrikes are just cool. Their impalement habits have some resonance with Pegasus Knights' lances

>>5334630
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
Band of the Blackwing if we could. Sounds better than a generic Blackwing Mercenaries

>>5333737
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
>C): Flying Specialization (Company will have more Pegasus Knights/Wyvern Riders)

>>5334630
>Frosted Shrikes
I'll throw my hat in.

>>5334630
Eh, I'll switch to...
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries

Not too big a fan of the clunky and kinda obvious or redundant "mercenaries" in the title, having band or company would feel more natural to me. Still, the reference to our beloved steed's colouration feels more natural to me than some reference to a frozen bird, I don't think we'd have any real reason in-character to name our mercenary group after a chilled birb.

I will say as the originator of Blackwing Mercenaries that I threw the last part in just because, but Band of the Blackwing does sound rad, or just The Blackwings, I think the mercenaries part can be interchangeable to be honest

>>5335237
Yeah, that'd be cool.

>>5334630
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries

>>5334630
>Frigid Shrikes

>>5333737
>A): Blackwing Mercenaries
>B): Magic Specialization (Company will have more Sages/Bishops/Druids)

Because Beathan is a good boy who deserves a mercenary company named after him. Also makes sense for Blair to get the (very near and cool) witch rep if it's named after our steed

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Looks like Blackwing had a bit of a surge so we'll go with that. I'll drop the "mercenaries" part of the name based on feedback, so it'll just be "Blackwings".

Will update later today.

>>5335508
Suggestion: How about "The Blackwing Band"?

>>5335514
That's way too long though, Blackwings rolls off the tongue better and is easier to say in the middle of battle

I mean it could be like our 'Official' name is The Blackwing band or Band of the Blackwing but everyone just calls us Blackwings.
...Now I want some chicken wings

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>>5333734
The Blackwings. You come up with the name one day when you’re taking care of Beathan. It rolls off the tongue, you think. A bold name for a bold group of mercenaries. Especially adequate, given that you plan to specialize the Blackwings in aerial combat, enlisting a larger number of Pegasus Knights and Wyvern Riders into your service. You’ve always taken to the skies to do battle, either alone or with only Kate for support. Having a contingent of other fliers that you can rely on will prove to be a great boon.

The day finally comes when Charon finds itself under attack from Imperial forces. The Empire’s army, though only a few thousand strong, still sufficiently outnumbers Charon’s defenders. Due in part to no small amount of internal bickering and logistical failures, the Kingdom has failed to mobilize its forces in time to meet Imperial aggression. As such, it falls upon the Margrave, as well as yourself, to defend the territory from the encroaching Imperial Army, which is led by none other than your former classmate, Ferdinand von Aegir.

Rather than meeting the numerically superior enemy out in the field, the Margrave commits to defending the capital city. He hopes to hold off Ferdinand’s forces long enough for King Dimitri and the other lords of the Kingdom to send the support needed to drive the enemy back. Ferdinand brings with him a diverse mix of infantry, calvary and even a healthy number of aerial-based units to the battle. Charon finds itself fortunate that the son of the Empire’s former Prime Minister does not have any Demonic Beasts within his ranks. Whether Ferdinand abhors the idea of using such tactics, or the Empire is hoping to conserve their number, you’ll never know.

The siege begins with Ferdinand focusing his army’s fire upon the walls and battlements of Charon’s capital city. The ballistas that you had suggested proved to be more than capable of returning fire at the Imperial Army, making it difficult for them approach the city with their siege towers. As night falls, Ferdinand orders an Imperial wing of Pegasus and Wyvern Knights to fly into the city from a noticeable weak point in its flank, hoping to create a foothold inside to cause turmoil. You predicted this maneuver, and the Blackwings were ready to meet them. The Imperial wings were cut down, with not a single enemy airborne unit making it back to their camp. The Blackwings had achieved their first minor victory.

The siege continued for some more weeks from there. Ferdinand did not attempt the same maneuver, but he did not need to. Eventually, his numerically superior forces would break through. With help from the Kingdom seemingly missing, all hope seemed lost.

You turned the tide of battle by:

>A): Leading a night raid on the enemy general
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons
>C): Luring the enemy into a trap and inflicting massive casualties

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

>>5335961
>C): Luring the enemy into a trap and inflicting massive casualties

No chance to even meet before battle?

>>5335961
>>C): Luring the enemy into a trap and inflicting massive casualties

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

>>5335961
>A): Leading a night raid on the enemy general

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

Logistics win wars-- with their supplies gone, Ferdinand will either have to attempt a risky assault on the city walls before his men starve, or march home.

It plays into the whole 'Witch' name, too. Imagine waking up and discovering that some aerial raiders had destroyed all your supplies.

>>5335961
Blair's tactics lend themselves to the sneaky and her morals to minimizing casualties
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

>>5335968
I think we are speeding through the 5 years we spent getting to the current time. Plus, if anyone would be coming out to talk to Ferdinand it would be the Margrave, not us. We also aren't close to Ferdinand.

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons
Gotta try to preserve our numbers and drive them off this way.

>>5335968
Blair is
>The enemy
>A turncoat
>Not one of his supports
What's the point of meeting him, he's not going to listen to anything she has to say.

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons
Poison their wells and burn their food, that's the ticket to victory

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

>>5335961
>>C): Luring the enemy into a trap and inflicting massive casualties

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons
Wonder if the snakes are messing around and delaying things in court/via politics to hobble the kingdom instead of just getting rid of Dimitri.
If we're taking fliers, can we bring some of the food at least back to the people of Charon? They're probably suffering under seige.

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

>>5335961
>>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons
With such high numbers destroying their supplies will mean they will weaken considerably withing a few days when they start going hungry.

>>5335961
>>C): Luring the enemy into a trap and inflicting massive casualties

>>5335961
>A): Leading a night raid on the enemy general
It's a long shot, but capturing an enemy general can grant splended military intelligence and potentially paralyze the army for a bit. It's also probably our only real chance of getting the man to sit down and talk, even if it has to be in a dungeon.

>>5335961
>B): Flying out of the city under nightfall and destroying the enemy’s supply wagons

>>5336528
I'm pretty sure this has all already happened and it's a retelling of what Blair did during the five years she was leader, leading to stat growths based on what she did and a starting point for the new arc, given this is all written in the past tense.

>>5336537
Yeah you're exactly right, this is Blair's 'what I did during the timeskip' presentation.

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>>5336537
Correct!

I got the idea from playing Tyranny.

Sorry if that wasn't clearer.

>>5336596
Oh I understood it

>>5336537
I know, but I fail to see how that changes things? Even if it were in the past, it'd still be a chance to interact in the case of a capture even if it'd technically be in the past.

I just want to see what Ferdinand would say regarding the use of demonic beasts.

>>5336596
A good inspiration, I say.

>>5336714
Read the room. They voted the way they did, despite knowing all of this.

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>>5335961
With help seemingly nowhere in sight and Charon’s defenders growing more desperate by the day, you came up with a gambit that may just turn circumstances around in your favor. You had your Blackwings create a distraction on the enemy’s flank, harrying them under the cover of nightfall. A distraction you aided by having some of the city’s mages assist you in channeling an exceedingly powerful and loud Bolting spell, launched in the opposite direction. The Imperial forces, caught between what they thought were two different enemies in the middle of the night, lost their composure and were scrambled as they attempted to gain an understanding of the situation.

Dressed in all black, and riding on high atop your ebony steed, you maneuvered through the confused and dazed Imperial frontlines. No enemy snipers spotted you, nor did any of the sentries that were posted. It was a smooth ride all the way to the Imperial backline. With nothing but Garreg Mach and Adrestian territory behind them, perhaps Ferdinand did not see much of a reason to guard his backline. Even with entire squadrons of Pegasus Knights, the Kingdom’s fliers would be cut down before they ever reached their goal. However, your distraction, coupled with Beathan’s natural camouflage, ensured your success.

You were alone, high above the enemy’s supply line. But that didn’t matter. You were more than adequate for the task ahead. Summoning all the magic at your disposal, you dropped fireball after fireball onto the Imperial wagons and tents down below. When you ran out of magic, you swapped to your Flame Lance. The very weapon Rex had given you as a reward for your conduct during the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. You extinguished the weapon completely, until there was naught below you but fire and ruin. You could hear the screams of terrified camp followers below you as they attempted to douse the magical flames to no avail. The Imperials managed to regain their composure and attempt to secure their backline, but it did not matter. From on high, none could reach you. The few Imperial fliers that weren’t killed in Ferdinand’s initial gambit failed to find you. Only when your Flame Lance was extinguished and the smoke below you rose on high enough to reach you were you satisfied. You rode back to Charon, avoiding the enemy on the way back, and being greeted by the cheering Blackwings. You still remember the Margrave slapping you hard on the back and letting out a righteous scream. It was the first time you’d seen the man smile since arriving.

Ferdinand’s supply line was completely crushed, and it would be a while before he could expect a restock. After another day of failing to breach the walls, he begrudgingly had his forces retreat towards Garreg Mach. Imperial survivors of the battle would tell others of what transpired. How a vengeful Witch, under the cover of night, destroyed their supplies with a rain of hellfire.

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>>5337179
>Year 1182: Collapse of the Kingdom

Eventually, you would discover the real reason why Charon was not spared any aid from the Kingdom’s Army. Ferdinand’s attack on Charon and the eastern front of the Kingdom proved to be merely a distraction. After Dimitri returned to Fhirdiad to claim the throne, his reign proved to be short-lived. Cornelia, a powerful mage in service to House Blaiddyd, had accused the newly crowned King of murdering the previous regent, his uncle, Rufus. Staging a coup d'état with the aid of an Imperial Army lead by Hubert von Vestra, Cornelia seized control overnight of the Kingdom’s western territories, declaring loyalty to the Adrestian Empire and establishing the Faerghus Dukedom. Only the eastern lords of Gautier, Fraldarius, Galatea and Charon resisted the scheme, fracturing the Kingdom into two factions.

The official story was that Dimitri had been stripped of his rank, imprisoned, and sentenced to death for his supposed crimes. The reality was much more complex. Dimitri had managed to escape his confinement with the aid and sacrifice of his retainer, Dedue, and was currently hiding in Fraldarius territory, attempting to raise enough support and resources to fight back. This news was told to you by Margrave Charon, who had a new task for you. A sizeable army of Kingdom turncoats, lead by a lord who had pledged his loyalty to the Empire, had managed to track down where Dimitri had been hiding. Much of the Eastern Kingdom’s army was tied up in battle with the Western Lords and the Imperial Army, and they were desperate. Seeing as you had already aided Dimitri once, the Margrave saw you fit for the task a second time.

Accepting the job, you and the Blackwings took off towards Fraldarius. Dimitri had been hiding in a small port town called Bulgar, where he’d been attempting to contact the Knights of Seiros, who had been scattered after the capture of Archbishop Rhea. The town had come under attack by the forces of Viscount Kleiman, a former noble of the Kingdom who had joined forces with Cornelia. With House Fraldairus and Gautier’s armies tied up in battle with the main forces of the Dukedom, it had been a simple matter for the Viscount to sail over unmolested. He mercilessly pillaged through both territories, and attacked the smaller, poorly defended town. You arrive to Bulgar during the battle.

When you arrived, you:

>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat
>B): Seized the Viscount’s ships
>C): Lead a successful counterattack that turned the course of the battle

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat

>tfw Dedue is kill

Boar time.

>>5337203
>B): Seized the Viscount’s ships

>>5337203
>C): Lead a successful counterattack that turned the course of the battle

>>5337203
>C): Lead a successful counterattack that turned the course of the battle

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat

Do our job, there will be time for revenge later. Relieving a single small town isn't worth the lack of focus on our assigned objective.

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat

>>5337203
>>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat
To me my boar! Let us seize the day and burn the world! The Witch and the Boar shall relight the Kingdom with fires of hatred!

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat

>>5337203
>B): Seized the Viscount’s ships
A naval fleet is always an advantage

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat
Eyes on the prize, he must make it out safely. Also I like the idea of Blair rescuing the Boar a second time. Circus trio will have an story that tops the time they help rescue the crown prince

We'll be Dimitri's right hand woman at this rate lol

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat
If we link up with him here we might be able to stop him just murderhoboing across the country for 3 years and get the resistance organised early. Gotta preserve what little sanity he has left.
I'm sure Dedue is just hiding...right....?

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat
the BOOOOOOOOAAAAARRRRR is simply too important

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat
Get on the Pegasus, boar.

Enjoying this new trend of Blair heroically swooping in to save handsome princes/kings/boars

>>5337203
>Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat
>>5337469
>We'll be Dimitri's right hand woman at this rate lol
Having him BOARing the enemy armies, creating a distraction while Blair does SpecOps behind the enemy line seems like a good strategy.

>>5337469
>>5337700
He's the king of a fallen nation who hears the voices of the dead.
She's an imperial traitor who knows the world is being run by snake people.
Together, they vow to kill every last one of them.
Coming soon to a thread near you.

>>5337709
>yfw it's a propaganda video for Blair's MARESOC pegasus units.

So predictable.

>C
>No
>Heavy Armor

>>5337750
Kek if it doesn't have Blair and the Blackwings singlehandedly winning the war, beheading Thales, unifying the country and becoming it's queen and assimilating every single available bachelor's into her royal harem then I'm demanding my money back. Boar is just there for fanservice and headwife(male) privilages.

>>5337709
Relationship ended with nice boy
Schizophrenic Murderer is my new boyfriend

>B): Seized the Viscount’s ships
All this talk about the future when clearly-
"When history witnesses a great change, the Witch reveals herself... first, as a vile traitor. As a traitor, she uses her power to rain death upon the land, and then she dies. However, after a period of slumber, Blair returns, this time, as a great hero."

>>5337203
>>B): Seized the Viscount’s ships

>>5337769
>Blair and the Blackwings
okay now that sounds radical

>>5337203
>B): Seized the Viscount’s ships
Ships are useful

>>5337203
how did the viscount sail to fraldarius from the western kingdom...? there's no continguous water, almyra and sreng block it off

>>5337203
>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat
No boar left behind

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>>5337179
>/ourgirl/ now has the title of Witch

Hey I've seen this movie before

>>5337203
>>A): Extracted Dimitri and facilitated a successful retreat

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>>5337203
Viscount Kleiman was a famously ambitious man within the Kingdom. Once a minor lord with a tiny domain, he rose to prominence during the Kingdom’s subjugation of Duscur, following an incident that saw to the death of Dimitri’s father and Faerghus’ king. Rumors of the Viscount’s brutality towards the Duscur people made its way even to the farthest reaches of the Empire. While his actions were far from the knightly standard Faerghus had traditionally held itself to, the people of the Kingdom felt a strong hatred towards the Duscur population, who were blamed for the death of their king. The Viscount was granted control of the region as a reward for his service, and the man quickly became a powerful lord within the realm as he subjugated the population.

He saw the creation of the Faerghus Dukedom as an opportunity to achieve even greater heights. The Viscount raised a large army, composed of his own men, and supplemented by the Duscur populace, who were treated almost as slaves. He commissioned a minor fleet of ships to carry him across the ocean into Gautier territory, leaving only a skeleton crew behind to guard them while he rampaged through the Western Kingdom. Somehow, he’d learned of Dimitri’s location, and set his sights on Bulgar as his target.

As your army enters Bulgar, you find the town in total chaos. The Viscount’s army outnumbers Dimitri’s forces, but that is the only advantage they are afforded. Kleiman’s men are inexperienced, having been akin more to butchers than soldiers during their war with Duscur. Additionally, his contingent of Duscur soldiers are ill-equipped and suffer from extremely poor morale. Within the winding alleys of Bulgar, Kleiman’s men are unable to utilize their numerical advantage, and find themselves systematically cut down.

Caleb, who now serves as the Blackwing’s Chief Scout, quickly discovers where Dimitri and his men are. They’d been using local storage warehouses and homes near the town’s docks as staging grounds for ambushes on Kleiman’s men. The Blackwings manage to catch the Viscount’s army by surprise, outmaneuvering their forces and landing a wing of aerial fliers at Bulgar’s docks, where Dimitri was in the process of making a last stand. Upon landing, two things catch your attention. Firstly, rumors of Dedue’s demise were greatly exaggerated. The King’s right-hand man is alive and well, though looking a bit more haggard than usual, given the current circumstances. A living example of how unreliable hearsay during war time was.

The second thing you notice, is Dimitri himself. You’d only spent a brief amount of time with him before, and while it was undeniable that he’d had a dark side, he had still managed to remain a charming man. Standing in front of you right now, there was no trace of the prince you once knew.

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>>5338156
If Dedue looked haggard, Dimitri looked absolutely rundown. His hair was a matted mess, coated in dried blood. His armor was cracked and chipped in several places. His eye gave away the impression that he had not slept in weeks. “Eye” you note. At some point, the poor thing had somehow managed to lose one of his eyes. Perhaps the biggest change of all though, you note, is his personality. You weren’t sure what to expect when you saw Dimitri again. Perhaps he’d be grateful you were there to aid in his retreat. Or maybe he’d be relieved to see that you were still alive and doing well, with news of the success at Charon. It seems that was a bit presumptuous of you though. Dimitri hardly notices your presence, and scoffs at the idea that you were there to help aid in his retreat. Rather, he tells you that he refuses to leave until he has personally separated the Viscount’s head from his body. When Dedue begs his lord to reconsider, citing the loss of life his fellow Duscur people who were forced to fight for Kleiman will suffer, Dimitri brushes him off. “They’re nothing but traitors now. They will atone with their lives.”

Dimitri seems hellbent on staying behind, especially as word reaches him that Kleiman’s banner had been spotted at the frontline. Before Dimitri leaves to prepare for the battle, he informs you that the Blackwings must aid him. Dedue turns to you, informing you that His Highness “hadn’t been himself” lately. A record understatement if you’d ever seen one, but that doesn’t change the fact that you had a job to do. Dedue pleads with you to stick with the plan to retreat, and that he would be able to ensure you were able to extract Dimitri out of Bulgar. From the tone of his voice, you get the impression that he doesn’t plan on asking nicely. The hulking armored man in front of you seems intent on dragging his Lord onto one of your Wyverns and getting him out of there by force.

An idiotic and dangerous plan if you’d ever heard of one. Dedue was strong, but could he really restrain that beast, let alone get him on a wyvern without falling? Still, it was not as if the alternative was any less dangerous. Given Dimitri’s erratic change in behavior, you doubt any of the western lords would look on you too harshly if you “escorted” him out of the battlefield. Then again, he is still King. Even if it is in name only, and nothing else.

>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

>>5338157
...yikes, maybe telling him about the molepeople wasn't the best idea. It seems Dimitri has gone off the deep end much sooner than in canon, even without the 5 years in self-imposed exile living in isolation with nothing but the voices in his head and suicidal depression. Kinda surprised Dedue's argument of limiting the slaughter of Duscur folk not reaching Dimi, thought he still held guilt over the tragedy. If only Dedue's prologue was done and he had reputation to call on with his people, maybe there'd be an option C to rally them... Alas. Time to try and drill into the head of the king that he has a mission that we can't allow him to die before he accomplishes.
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

>>5338157
>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount

In-character I'd be worried about the erratic king falling off his mount after struggling a bit too much, but I kinda want to help him get his share of blood.

>>5338157
Eh, you know what? No, I changed my mind, we have an objective and we are sticking with it. We can kill the viscount any day of the week, but we've got a job to do.

Switching to...
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

>>5338157
Oof. And it's only been like... a year or so, in flashback time? Poor guy's got it rough-- at least Dedue made it, for the most part.

Between Blair, the Blackwings, and Dimitri, they can definitely take out the Viscount, and while I'm tempted to indulge him to stay on his good side... we also have a job to do. We're not a noble with any fealty to him as king-- before all else, we follow our employer's requests, which happens to be the Duke of Charon. If there are conflicting orders, I'd say our boss' demands take precedence (even *if* Dimitri is technically our boss' boss).

Thus, my decision is...

>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

This is just the beginning-- there will be more battles to come, and Dimitri will be needed. For now, we need to regroup, link up with the other armies, and get him somewhere safe.

>>5338157
>>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount
>FUCKING KIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! BURN THEM TO ASH! SLAUGHTER THEM LIKE THE PIGS THEY ARE! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
But for real tho i think we can beat them up with little causalities and I will admit i do kinda want to enable him

>>5338157
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

>>5338157
>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount

Feels like the loss of this viscount could have bigger ripple effects for the war in Faergus. His death would require Adrestia/ Faergus Dukedom to sent other lords to re-secure the Duscur territory, if they could, and probably have the people of Duscur removed as soldiers from the war. Plus leaving a new burgeoning navy leaderless in the surrounding territories.

Dimitri's definitely frayed, but he is very hard to kill and this act could really help him rally up future supporters.

>>5338157
>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount

He needs a victory right now. If he can get a victory here, he can show he is NOT TO BE FUCKED WITH.

>>5338157
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

>>5338157
One one hand, if Mr. Dimitri I will unironically kill children if you ask and wouldn't think twice about it is saying he needs to calm down he probably needs to calm down
On the other hand, I do want to rip and tear and it would certainoy change the timeline
It's a hard choice
>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount

>>5338157
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri
Someone needs to put their foot down when it comes to this rampaging boar, and it's not going to be any one of the Lions because he's still their king. And getting in Dedue's good books is always a plus.

Also we can't let it slip that Boar is that battle hungry that he'll go charging in no matter what the odds, that's something the Empire will 100% exploit.

...But mainly I just want to see Dedue bundling an angry Dimitri onto the wyvern. Pity the poor sap who's wyvern is chosen.

>>5338157
Dedue! So you were just hiding, you sneaky sneak.
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

When Dedue 'I would die for my king' Molinaro is saying fuck get him out of here you know things are bad. Killing the Viscount will just cause evil tiddies to replace him with one of her snakes, we can't waste time and men on the tail of the hydra when the heads remains intact.

>>5338157
>>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount
Boar can't have all the fun

>>5338157
>You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri
Dedue is a bro.

>>5338157
>>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

>>5338157
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri
Power vacuums for snakes to exploit are bad.

Actually, now that I think about it, isn't it risky to let a man who is aware of Dimitri being alive live? If he swallows his ambitions after this lets the news spread, it could escalate the imperial war efforts if the public knows that they aren't just fighting a handful of stubborn northern lords.

>>5338666
>Satan trips
Nice try moleman, but he would gain nothing from speaking of his attack or why he launched it. It would just bring attention to how he would withhold information from his fellow lords and the empire as a whole and put him at risk of being tried for insubordination

>>5338157
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri
Rally spectrum lets go. Dedue is going to need all the help he can get.

Need to get Dimitri out of here and into the arms of his support system. See if they can go the Three Hopes route of being able to bring some of him back. Or failing that get him to safety so he can be used as a political puppet. It worked for the Empire.

Interested to see where this choice leads down the line. All the other options now and in the last update looked like they were just going to contribute to the Boar routing Kleinman.

>>5338666
Pretty sure Cornelia knows as well so it's not like he'll be taking the secret to the grave.

>>5338691
Wow, Rally Spectrum would finally actually be of use, which is funny because it's not a bad skill we are just pretty attack attack focused to stop and support other people, maybe if we are in a pinch and can't do much damage ourselves but have bunch of buddies near us.

>>5338157
>>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount

>>5338157
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

>>5338157
just finished up reading through the archives!
wasn't sure how a 3H quest would go at first, but I'm glad I checked it out, this is great
>B): You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri

>>5338369
Changing to
>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount

>>5338157
>A): You aided Dimitri in killing the Viscount

>>5338157
>B) You aided Dedue in extracting Dimitri
Let's not get Dedue killed pulling us out of the ambush we'd be chasing Kleiman into. I mean, is anyone expecting there to not be an ambush?

you think Ashe can unhook our bra with just a touch?

>>5339648
of course he can

>>5339648
What sort of question is this? Of course he can!

>>5339648
he won't get to, he was gone so long we've replaced him with someone else

>>5339648
This is why Sylvain is the superior option, if it was him wouldn't even need to be asking this question.

Boar would just rip the whole thing off

>>5339648
Bra? You mean breastplate?

>>5339679
I will wait till the end of time and still vote for Ashe

>>5339648
A better question would be, which male character would not be able to?

>>5340036
Felix.

...Maybe not Dimitri, how good can his hand-to-eye coordination really be?

All the guys we've never really befriended, we'd never let them get close.

>>5340020
Yandere Blair arc?

>>5340046
I feel like Dimitri's gorilla strength will pose more problems than his hand eye coordination. Boy's taking bodice ripper quite literally.
You're right about Felix though.

Shit posting aside, I hope we do get a chance to support with the lions in the war phase if we stick with them. I want to see that Blair-Ingrid support chain.

>>5339679
lies!

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>>5338157
Dimitri had nothing but bloodshed on his mind, and there was no convincing him otherwise. While you don’t doubt that together you’d make short work of Kleiman’s men, it would not be without incurring severe losses of your own. You decide to follow your original orders and place your faith in Dedue. Dimitri’s strength is terrifying to behold. It takes several men working together, including Theo and Dedue, to restrain the King before he can go on his rampage. He throws a punch that nearly knocks Theo unconscious, but others take his place, and eventually Dimitri is dragged back. Dedue brings the restrained King towards your mount, but as he approaches, Beathan uncharacteristically bristles and begins panicking, and it takes all your effort to get your steed under control. Instead, Dedue settles on borrowing a Wyvern from one of your men and taking Dimitri himself.

With the King restrained, still yelling obscenities towards his own men as well as the approaching Kleiman army, you take your leave. Your destination is further south into Fraldarius territory, where you will be able to meet with part of the Duke’s army. Kleiman’s forces seize control of the town of Bulgar but fail in their objective of capturing Dimitri. With little to show for his efforts, the Viscount attempts to make his way back to his ships, only to be cut off by a Fraldarius army that had returned from the front lines. The Viscount is personally slain by none other than Felix, and his army completely routed. The loss is not only an embarrassment for the Dukedom, but the last chance they would have to locate Dimitri for several years.

You hand over Dimitri to the Duke of Fraldarius and Felix’s father, Rodrigue. The man seems to be no stranger to Dimitri’s new “personality” and offers you his thanks for your continued service to Faerghus. It is unknown how the Viscount learned of Dimitri’s whereabouts, but for safety purposes, the western lords plan to keep Dimitri hidden away in Fraldarius territory, until the time comes that they can successfully reclaim the capital. Before Dimitri is escorted away, you get a moment alone to chat with him. You ask if he had thought about what you’d spoken on previously, regarding the shapeshifters. He seems to hardly care about this. His time in the capital was brief before “that vile snake woman” Cornelia enacted her plan. The Royal Academy of Sorcery in Fhirdiad was one of the first institutions that she had taken over. He brushes you off, stating that there are more important things to deal with than chasing shadows, and that he has no delusions on who his true enemies are. That was the last you’d seen of him.

You later find out that this Cornelia was a woman who had saved Faerghus from a great plague that had been ravaging the land. She was far and wide considered a holy woman, rising to the rank of Court Mage for her deeds. Why the sudden shift in personality? You have your ideas.

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>>5340268
>Year 1183: Battle Against the Orthodox Church

Empress Edelgard had declared her war against the Central Church, but from the start had been clear that she had no intentions of replacing the religion of Fodlan. As belief in the Goddess was prevalent across all corners of Fodlan, attacking the religion itself would not win the people to her side. Rather, she framed her actions as a way to dismantle the tyrannical leadership that Archbishop Rhea had enjoyed for so many years. Still, the people of Fodlan would require a new figurehead to look towards for matters of faith.

The Western Church, which up to that point had been the second largest institution of faith within Fodlan, had suffered badly during their war with the Central Church. While traditionally ruled by a council of clergymen as opposed to an Archbishop, all but one of its leaders had been killed following their war with the Knights of Seiros. After Edelgard declared her war against the Archbishop and framed her as a power-hungry megalomaniac, the Western Church experienced a surge in popularity. They were seen as martyrs, who had been unjustly persecuted by Rhea for their refusal to accept her as the one true voice of the Goddess.

The Western Church came under the leadership of Bishop Bennett Clement, the only member of the previous ruling council to have survived the war. He was also the cousin of your mentor, Leopold von Deltz. Bennett had always been outspoken against the Archbishop and had managed to avoid the fighting that claimed the lives of his colleagues. Rather, he stayed within his territory in the Adrestian Empire, continuing to preach against the injustices that Rhea allowed. A skilled orator who was passionate about his faith, he achieved wide-spread popularity among those who were looking for an alternative to the Central Church. Receiving support from the Empire’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, Bennett was not only able to rebuild his church, but greatly expand it as well, absorbing the previously defunct Southern Church and the Imperial-friendly portions of the Eastern Church. This led to the creation of Fodlan’s First Orthodox Church, which Bennett lead not as Archbishop, but as Patriarch.

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>>5340271
One of Bennett’s first decrees was the creation of a military order, to safeguard the Orthodox Church and her followers, fulfilling the same role that the Knights of Seiros had. This army became known as the “Crusaders”. While in theory, they were to be only a defensive army, safeguarding the Church’s territory and teachings, they were used more frequently to target and harass pockets of resistance that still held faith in the Central Church. This gave the Empire plausible deniability when it came to accusations that they were attempting to install a new religion. The Orthodox Church and their Crusaders would work slowly to convert the entirety of Fodlan away from the Central Church.

The Crusaders first started targeting villages and areas where members of the Knights of Seiros had been seen taking refuge. Once found, they would judge the entire village as having been complicit in the crimes of aiding the Apostate Rhea and her order of killers. Their actions lead to many a village being put to the torch, as well as many public conversions and denouncements of the Archbishop.

You would find yourself in battle with the Orthodox Crusaders when accepting a mission from Duke Fraldarius, who you had recently become acquainted with. By now, you and the Blackwings had proven yourselves to be a reliable sort, and your success rate had begun to speak for itself. The western lords saw the Knights of Seiros as a valuable ally to help fight back against the Empire. Many of the Knights had scattered across Fodlan, seeking to find Rhea, who had gone missing following the battle of Garreg Mach. Others had chosen to band together and fight back against the Crusaders, who by now had developed a reputation as a merciless sort. One band of Knights had been defeated by the Crusaders, and was being dragged to Rome, the capital of the Orthodox Church. There, they were to be publicly executed as a show of force. Your mission was to stop the Crusaders before they reached Rome and free the captured Knights of Seiros.

You tracked the Crusaders down easily enough, thanks in part to their large baggage of prisoners. Said prisoners consisted not just of captured Knights, but even clergymen of the Central Church, as well as peasants who refused to denounce Rhea. The Crusaders sought to make their way to Rome through Magdred Way. You were intimately familiar with this territory, having come through here before during your fight with Lonato, many years ago. You knew that the area was covered in a dense mist that heavily impacted visibility. It would be a hindrance to you as well as the Crusaders, but you still found a way to use it to your advantage.

>A): Under the cover of fog, you facilitated a prisoner escape
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

>>5340274
>>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders


Save the prisoners, the crusaders will slaughter more villagers, take more prisoners, commit more horrors.
Slaughter them, and they will not.

>>5340268
Go Felix!

>>5340274
>A): Under the cover of fog, you facilitated a prisoner escape

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

>>5340274
>Your mission was to stop the Crusaders before they reached Rome
>Rome

Man, I knew Fire Emblem took inspiration from real-world places, but that one just threw me off for a second, lmao.

>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

Our mission is to stop the Crusaders and free the captured Knights of Seiros. Killing the Crusaders should mean we can free the prisoners as well, hopefully. We would've needed to wipe them out anyway, and I'm sure their merciless nature will do them no favors. Plus...

>The Witch and her servants systematically destroying a holy army of crusaders from the fog

Time to build that reputation even further.

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

>>5340274
>>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders
If we don't stop them here, we'll never free the prisoners in time. On a more meta note, they should know better than to call themselves 'crusaders' in a world where the cross isn't a religious symbol that you'd march under the banner of.

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

>>5340338
Hey they got away with it in Jugdral

>>5340274
>>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders
Let's make their final moments a horror movie of a mysterious foe bolting magic killing them one by one.

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders
Civilians too? Yeah it's time to kill every last one of those zealots.

Dimitri in the hands of Rodrigue (and Felix) is far better for the continued survival of the Kingdom than Dimitri that's allowed to go on a rampage straight into canon SS Gronder. And Dedue makes it out too! Sad the boar is too feral to pay attention to the slithers but looks like that's a job for when Byleth returns.

First sighting of Felix and it's one sentence in a flashback, how on brand.

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

We can all travel in close aerial formation for coordination and strike with speed with the mist shielding our approach.

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders
Both Blair and Beathan noped out of that one kek. Does Blair even know that Beathan doesn't like men?

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders
Like the others mentioned, we ought to cure the disease rather than treat the symptom.
>>5340549
I mean, that's a trait that all pegasi share.

>>5340274
>>A): Under the cover of fog, you facilitated a prisoner escape

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

Surely this will have 0 consequences

Only 2 more years and we are gonna see adult Blair, can't wait for the full finished art, the sketch from before made her seem mature n shit

>>5340274
>A): Under the cover of fog, you facilitated a prisoner escape
We're not barbarians. We don't need to massacre people who got roped in the wrong faith. It's much better to build a reputation as a saviour, merciful even to the enemy, than as some kind of butcher.
And even if we wanted to come across as that, why didn't we kill the Dukedom's men before?

>>5340274
>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

>>5340633
Did you miss the part where the Crusaders are razing entire villages and are planning to publicly execute the entire prisoner convoy solely because they're of the wrong faith? They've overstepped, if anyone is the barbarians it's them. Blair is willing to turn her back from the Empire for being complicit in killing two of her school buddies, it would be weird for her not to take a stand on this. Letting them live means more villages will be burned, more innocents will be killed, and less people will be around to join the resistance.

For the Dukedom, Blair is pragmatic more than anything else. Driving away the army without getting into a battle with them preserves the lives of her men. It was the cleanest way.

>>5340568
Dedue might not know and it makes sense he'd want to put Dimitri on the mount of someone proven to be loyal but I'm surprised Blair didn't say something to stop him trying. Wouldn't she know?

>>5340274
>>A): Under the cover of fog, you facilitated a prisoner escape
We wouldn't be doing things too differently had things turned out the other way.

>>5340633
Normally, I would agree, but I feel like the circumstances have changed. Against Ferdinand, our objective was to hold against the attacking army and eventually, break the Siege of Charon. We accomplished that by burning away their supplies because it was the safest way to accomplish our goal without causing widespread casualties on both sides.

Against Viscount Kleiman, we could have very easily eliminated the enemy forces, but our goal first and foremost was to extract King Dimitri safely. If the Duke of Charon said our goal was to stop the invading army at Bulgar, I think we would've gone with Dimitri's plan to wipe out the enemy instead.

Now our goal is to stop the Crusaders and rescue the prisoners. We *could* spend our time here to free the prisoners, but even if that goes smoothly, it would just mean that later, we'd need to fight the Crusaders without the advantage of fog and favorable terrain on our side. Plus, if we let them go here, they're just going to continue their inquisition until someone else stops 'em.

It's a shame it has to be so bloody, sure, but Blair's not an honorable knight like Ingrid-- in the first thread, instead of sparing the female bandit's life, Blair finished them off quickly. If she was so squeamish that battles like this made her hesitate, she's chosen a poor profession as a mercenary in wartime. This course of action minimizes the bloodshed on her own troops, puts a stop to the Crusaders' rampage, and accomplishes the objective given to her by the Duke of Fraldarius. Even if her reputation takes a hit because of this, it's the most pragmatic choice, I think.

>>5340274
>>B): Under the cover of fog, you ambushed and massacred the Crusaders

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>>5340274
The Crusaders were meant to emulate the Knights of Seiros, but truthfully, they weren’t even in the same league. Perhaps they were feeling overconfident now that they were back in Dukedom territory and an attack was unlikely. Or they could have just been riding on the high they had from the latest victory they’d achieved. Either way, their movements were amateurish at best, indicative of a poor commander. The Knights of Seiros had honed their war doctrines for generations. They fought with a fervent devotion to the Goddess. Each Knight who earned the rank underwent serious physical and mental training, owing to them being one of Fodlan’s most formidable fighting forces. These Crusaders had nothing in common. Barring those leftover soldiers from the Western Church, much of these Crusaders seemed to be poorly trained enlistees who saw the opportunity and prestige to be had from joining the newfound military order. They lacked the borderline fanatical devotion the Knights had towards the Goddess.

Much of the Dukedom’s armies were tied up in northern Faerghus. Owing to your company’s smaller size, it was simple enough to outmaneuver any other enemy forces and sneak into their territory. You quickly caught up with the slower moving Crusaders just as they were entering Magdred Way. That day, luck would have it that the fog Magdred was famous for would be even thicker than usual.

Milly, who’d become your company’s “Chief Stabber” as she put it, lead a small group of sharp-eyed rogues and daggers. Together, they systematically and silently eliminated each of the Crusaders in the backline who had been escorting the prisoners. Once they had been dealt with, you flew on ahead alone. Flying in heavy fog was a notably dangerous maneuver. You could see nothing below you, but you had a good grasp of where the enemy was. That was good enough. Just as you did back at Charon when you attacked the supply line, you rained magical devastation on the area below you. Only instead of wagons and supply carriages, you were churning through people. Your first Fimbulvetr spell caught the enemy so quickly and suddenly that they had no time to scream as the ground erupted around them.

The fog had served its purpose, and it was time to dispense with it. You lit the area below you aflame, and the enemy was suddenly in the midst of hell. The attack caught them completely off guard, while also giving away their position to the rest of your soldiers, cutting through the fog. The battle was nothing short of a massacre. Men shouted in agony as your soldiers did their butchering. Some ran around, engulfed in flames. Others dropped their weapons, begging the Goddess for mercy. They found none.

After the killing had subsided, you saw to the prisoners that the Crusaders had taken. Many of them were in a bad state, suffering from injuries that had barely been treated. Amongst the prisoners, you encountered a familiar face.

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>>5341293
Elizabeth. The Cleric you’d saved back at Tauros Village, from what felt like a lifetime ago. Upon spotting you, she burst into tears, falling into your arms. The woman looked as though she’d suffered unimaginably at the hands of her captors, but she’d kept her faith that the Goddess would save her.

You and Corrine saw personally to Elizabeth’s care. Once she was brought back to health, she informed you of what she had been up to after the Battle of Garreg Mach. She’d managed to escape the monastery and began working closely with the remnants of the Knights of Seiros. Elizabeth had always had some talent with healing magic, but over the last few years her abilities had greatly improved as she offered her aid to the many wounded the ongoing war would produce. While talking, she reveals that your mentor, Leopold Von Deltz, had survived the battle and was now working closely with Seteth to find the Archbishop and stage a counterattack. The news is of great relief to you, as you had seen the man marching towards the frontlines of the battle and were sure he had perished.

After freeing the prisoners and making your way out of Magdred, many of them departed back to the Kingdom, towards friendly territory. A small handful of Knights, meanwhile, choose to join the Blackwings, claiming that they owed you a debt they must repay. Elizabeth also chose to join your company, saying that it was the Goddess’ will that you reunite. You worry deeply about the anguish that she underwent in her captivity but find yourself relieved to be travelling with another familiar face.

You estimated that roughly 200 Crusaders had been killed that day, the large majority of which fell to your magic. One or two had managed to escape into the fog and would carry news of what had happened. The massacre would quickly be tied to you and your company, and word spread of what had transpired. This would be when the rumors that surrounded you began to greatly intensify. The Orthodox Church denounced you as a “Witch”. They’d say that you conjured the mist yourself to blind their soldiers, so that you and your apostates could butcher them. You knew first-hand that such a thing was possible, but it wasn’t as if you had any idea how to do it. In truth, you’d just gotten lucky. Still, you suspected it was easier for the Orthodox Church to paint you as some sort of all-knowing demon than to admit that their soldiers were ill-equipped and poorly trained. In territories where the Orthodox Church was present, the Blackwings became a reviled name, often uttered with contempt. The Patriarch himself declared that it was the duty of any righteous follower of the Goddess to slay you on sight. Leopold had always been vocal about how much he’d disliked his cousin. You wonder what he’d think when he heard the news. You hoped he’d be proud.

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>>5341300
>Year 1184: Battle of Fodlan’s Locket

The war had been rampaging for years now, and it became clear to see that the Kingdom was on its last legs. The western lords were becoming increasingly desperate. Publicly, Dimitri was nowhere in sight, and many doubted he even lived. While some were hopeful for his return, your last interaction with him didn’t exactly get your hopes up. With the Blackwings no longer tied to the Kingdom, and the threat of sudden death at the hands of an assassin from the Orthodox Church uncomfortably close, you began seeking arrangements for future employment.

The Leicester Alliance was in a position not all too dissimilar from the Kingdom’s. They’d fractured into two separate factions. The Anti-Imperial Faction was led by the former head of the Golden Deer, Claude von Riegan, whom you had never met. The Pro-Imperial Faction was being led by Count Erwin Gloucester, who was the father of yet another Golden Deer student you had never met. Unlike the Kingdom, which was in a state of full-scale conflict, the Alliance was in a cold war, with neither side openly coming to arms nor cooperating with each other.

This came to head in Year 1184, when the Almyran Army launched a full-scale invasion of the Alliance at Fodlan’s Locket. The Alliance had always had a fractured relationship with the neighboring nation of Almyra, who would often launch raids against the nearby city-states. Ordinarily, the lords of the Alliance would put aside their petty squabbling to contend with the threat. However, the Pro-Imperial faction refused to assist with the invasion efforts, as it would be the Anti-Imperial faction that would suffer the most damage. This meant that Claude and his men were dangerously outnumbered and would be forced to heavily rely on mercenary support to supplement their forces.

You had occupied the Tower of Black Winds as a “home” for your company. The tower had remained abandoned after the battle with Miklan but remained a suitable fortification. One day, you receive a visitor from the Leicester Alliance. It was Ignatz, a boy with whom you had worked with before. Ignatz had been remained loyal to Claude and came carrying a message that the Alliance Leader had heard of your efforts and wished to hire your services for the coming battle with Almyra at Fodlan’s Locket. You accepted the job, and the next thing you knew, you were facing down the largest Almyran horde in history.

During the battle, you distinguished yourself by:

>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat
>B): Converting a wing of Almyran wyverns to join your side
>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

>>5341304
>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

In OOC terms, if anyone outside the Empire is going to pick up that we know about the slitherers, or at least might know things useful to that pursuit, it'd be Claude.

In IC terms, both of the other options would be great for our reputation but increase the size of our footprint. The third option gives no immediate benefits but lets us get a glimpse at what the house we didn't interact with is up to.

>>5341293
Oh hey, a sketch specifically for 1184 Blair? Pretty cool-- I can see how that stacks up with the current one.Thanks, Drawfriend!

>>5341300
Nice to see Elizabeth's still alive-- having a powerful healer in our party is always a boon. Also

>Leopold is alive and still fighting

I hope he doesn't think too poorly of us abandoning the fight at Garreg Mach-- the fact that we're a thorn in his cousin's side should help alleviate that fact, though.

>>5341304

iirc, Almyra is known for their expert archers and bow-fliers, so Option B is tempting just for that... Option A might also improve Blair's skill and reputation as a fighter, if she's able to defeat an enemy warlord by herself, too.

That being said...

>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

We haven't seen much about Claude, but this opens us up to future employment with him, and improves our reputation as a mercenary company. I'm interested in seeing how our skills as a tactician stack up against him, too.

Plus, getting in good with the Golden Deer not just as a mercenary, but also as a lynchpin for their plans would mean that we'd be establishing some good connections with them-- which might help with our campaign against the slitherers later on. Being friend to both Blue Lion and Golden Deer sounds pretty good to me.

>>5341304
>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

Kinda feeling sorry we didn't go the Elizabeth route out of the monastery now, but then again she was in the cursed timeline where we had to leave Beathan behind.

Kingdom please keep it together just a little more, Byleth's almost up to rally the church. Still maintain that letting the Boar rampage unchecked would wind up leading everyone to their early deaths since he sucks at tactics and is 100% feral but damn seeing them so pathetic hurts.

Also Claudepoints >>> everything else, especially since the situation with Boar is so shaky. Those wyverns look damn tempting though

>>5341325
It wasn't specifically for 1184, but Drawfren drew up that sketch for me a while ago and I wanted to post it finally since I really like it. Blair is holding the Blessed Lance, as well as Kronya's Dagger, Athame here.

>>5341362
Aha, gotcha. Still pretty cool! I like the juxtaposition between holy lance and cursed (not really, but you get the idea) dagger. You get to see Blair hardening in the process of the timeskip, too, which is always sick.

>>5341304
>Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes
Getting on his good side is paramount, but really everything depends on how psychomode clause is right now. Because if he's three hopes claude our entire band couod end up getting sacrificed in a gambit and he wouldn't even blink

>>5341385
He's had the full year in the academy being exposed to the power of friendship so hopefully he's not as bad.

But realistically he can't go throwing away the one mercenary band who has absolutely no chance siding with the empire. All other mercs will probably fall in line if they're offered enough coin.

>>5341304
>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat

Going through serious Ashe withdrawal

>>5341304
>>B): Converting a wing of Almyran wyverns to join your side

>>5341456
Our day will come anons

>>5341304
>>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

Let's flex our girl's maxed out tactical ability

>>5341304
>>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat

Just like that story he gave us.

>>5341304
>>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat

>>5341304
>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

>>5341304
>B): Converting a wing of Almyran wyverns to join your side
Let's show off our charming side as well, we aren't just a Witch who can burn shit, we are also a good leader who can hire people in the midst of combat.

>>5341304
>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

All three choices are tempting.

>>5341304
>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat

>>5341304
Oh wow.
Would you look at that?
The first C choice given and everyone jumps on it.
Who could have predicted this?

>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

>>5341304
>B): Converting a wing of Almyran wyverns to join your side

>>5341304
>A) Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat
We're going to outdo our brother if it kills us.

>>5341994

No idea what you're talking about, anon. We had three or more options in these posts...

>>5335961
>>5337203

...and we chose options that weren't C. There's technically the post about choosing a name as well, but that one was going to be a write-in anyway.

>>5341304
>A) Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat

>>5341304
>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat

>>5341304
>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

>Blackwings in the Black Winds
Kek

>Leopold alive
Damn can't wait for this reunion.

>>5341304
>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat
It's a good parallel to Rex and highlights how Blair has become someone who can match her brother. She's already shown her tactical and strategic abilities in the timeskip with several of her other choices and activities.

>>5341304
>C): Playing an instrumental part in one of Claude’s schemes

>>5341304
>>B): Converting a wing of Almyran wyverns to join your side

Who doesn't want a unit of wyverns on their side?

>>5341304
>>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat

>>5341304
I'd like to change my vote >>5341514
to
>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat
sorry, I know it makes counting votes harder

>>5342852
Looks like we're tied between A and C. Let's give this until 23:00.

>>5341304
>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat

>>5343151
A's have it. Writing

>>5343147

>>5341348

Going to switch my vote, to keep things moving.

>A): Slaying an Almyran Warlord in single combat

Becoming a parallel to both Rex and the Knight Alma (who had defeated an Almyran Warlord as well!) Plus, we might get our own Gae Bolg equivalent out of it.

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>>5341304
The enemy army was being led by someone known as Shahid, a prince of Almyra. Shahid was hoping to use a successful invasion of Leicester as a means of gaining prestige in order to take the throne of his country. While attacks from Almyra were always commonplace, this army that Shahid had raised was the largest on record. The battle would take place at Fodlan’s Locket, a massive fortress built over 80 years ago for just this purpose. If Claude’s forces failed to win the battle, the Almyran’s would rampage through the Riegan and Goneril territories, and the Pro-Imperial faction would seize control of the Alliance.

You briefly met with Claude before the battle began, who greeted you warmly. You’d never interacted with the man back at Garreg Mach, but he struck you as exceedingly friendly. You’d always been on the tip of your toes when speaking with high royalty, particularly Edelgard. Claude, meanwhile, seemed as approachable as any common-born folk you’d dealt with. If it wasn’t for his uniform and dress, you’d hardly know he was the leader of one of Fodlan’s three nations.

He praised your accomplishments back in Faerghus, something you were surprised he’d even heard of. As he was talking, you got the impression that Claude was a skilled orator who was used to getting his way through a healthy combination of charisma and persuasion. The Alliance Leader informed you that you’d be taking the left-most flank, covering Alliance forces from Almyran Wyverns that may seek to outmaneuver them and attack their rear.

Soon after, the battle began in earnest. From on high, you could see the massive wave of Almyran soldiers ahead, roaring and cheering. You’d heard stories about the Almyrans. Many in Fodlan considered them to be bloodthirsty savages, who valued combat above all else. Admittedly, you didn’t see much to disprove that viewpoint. The Almyran forces clashed with the Riegan/Goneril soldiers head-on. Claude’s forces were outnumbered heavily, and you worried how he might plan to turn the tide of battle. You’d heard Claude was a skilled tactician in his own right, so all you could do was fulfill the job that he had given you.

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>>5343378
Sure enough, a unit of Almyran Wyverns flew in the direction of the Blackwings, seeking to attack the Leicester backline. Your Blackwings beat them back easily enough and repeated the process for a second and third time. Eventually, more and more of the wyvern riders made their way towards you, and it became clear that you were greatly outnumbered by the enemy. As you tried to quickly formulate a plan to get out of this situation, the wyverns ceased their charge. Instead, they hovered within the air, roaring and shouting insults at you and your men. This went on for some time, until one of the Wyverns began slowly making their way towards you. He rode a large, black wyvern, and in his hand was a large, ornate spear the likes of which you’d never seen before. The man loudly bellowed in your direction.

“Fodlan cowards! You face Jaswant! One of the Four Warlords of Almyra!” His men let out a loud cheer. “You’ve done well to withstand my forces, but that ends here! I seek honorable combat with your champion! Appease me with battle, and we shall settle this conflict here! Nothing but the strength of our will shall decide this fight!”

You could hardly believe your ears. This Jaswant had you on the ropes, and yet he was willing to throw that away in favor of a one-on-one duel. Despite the protests of your men, you agree to the duel, seeing no other way to hold off the Almyran Horde. You’ve heard of these “Four Warlords” before. Your brother had slain one several years ago, claiming one of their legendary spears for himself. You’d never been one for bravado in battle, but the urge to surpass the same feat Rex accomplished served as another incentive to push you forward. Still, even at a glance, you could tell the man in front of you was at a high tier of skill.

You came up with a game plan to carry you to victory.

>A): You found a weak spot in the Warlord’s flight, defeating him at great personal cost.
>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.
>C): Milly had given you a poison to coat your weapon in. It helped you win the battle easily enough, though it was greatly looked down upon by some.

>>5343382
>A): You found a weak spot in the Warlord’s flight, defeating him at great personal cost.

Imagine the realisation that we’ve unconsciously followed the path of that dame from the story we read, all those years ago.

(Wonder we lose… a hand, and now forever carry a shield or banner in its place?
Part of face, irreparably scarred?
Our voice, cut by an almost-killing people?
One of our senses, from a head injury?
Beathan?)

>>5343382

Ooh, interesting. It's either A or B for me, but...

>A): You found a weak spot in the Warlord’s flight, defeating him at great personal cost.

Loss of something builds character, I'd say. And being able to go toe-to-toe with one of the strongest opponents will be an important skill later on. Personally, I'm hoping for a permanent injury, like an eye or arm, because battle damage is cool, and can show how far you've come after years of warfare. A part of me *is* worried we'd lose Beathan or something-- though it's my hope that the Almyrans won't intentionally kill her mount instead, out of honor.

>>5343382
>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.

>>5343382
>A): You found a weak spot in the Warlord’s flight, defeating him at great personal cost.
Fuck it, let's beat him fair and square while losing something.... God I hope it's not Beathan because that's the only thing I don't want to lose, an arm, a leg, an eye, even our voice I am ready to lose, but not him, never him.

>>5343382
>A): You found a weak spot in the Warlord’s flight, defeating him at great personal cost.

Welp, looks like we're gonna have to adjust Blair's timeskip portrait

>>5343382
>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.
Y'all psyched me out with your takk of losing Beathan

>>5343382
>A): You found a weak spot in the Warlord’s flight, defeating him at great personal cost.

>>5343382
>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.
It would be really strange to prioritize honor now of all times, seeing as this is a life or death situation, compared to the academy where Blair usually took the more effective option.

>>5343382
>>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.

>>5343382
>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable

>>5343382
>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.

It's like the fight with Felix all over again. Not sure why we wouldn't use all of our capabilities. There's the risk of the Almyrans continuing the conflict due to believing it to be dishonorable, but sticking to Blair's character is important.

>>5343382
>>5343412
Double fuck it, this is war and I'm not potentially losing my boy, fuck the Almyrans opinion they started this war not us.
>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.
Switching to this

>>5343382
>>5343391

...alright, I'm convinced. Switching my vote as well. I would've liked to see Blair come out with some scars, but in hindsight, it would be OOC of her to not use all the tools she has on the table. Plus, I will admit that the risk of losing Beathan is weighing on me a bit. Our reputation is already pretty dark, and this is just another stepping stone.

My only worry is that the resulting Almyran Horde will now attack the Blackwings instead of retreating as they promised due to our dishonor... but we can probably deal with that as it comes. Maybe Claude will bail us out if worst comes to worst.

>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.

Switching to this.

>>5343382
>>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.
It's only dishonorable if you lose

>>5343382
>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.

I don't want to lose Beathan, though I guess it'd make sense for our eventual class switch. Plus, it'd be entirely normal for us to use magic to secure a victory, it is kinda what we do. Though there is the worry that they'd continue attacking us afterwards, thereby decimating the Blackwings, or they could prevent us from taking his legendary spear.

Watch DM laugh at our caution only intending to lose like an eye at most

>>5343666
Nah, the more I think about it, the more I'm sure it is Beathan that we'd lose.

Losing an eye in real life is debilitating to some degree, but in fiction it's like not losing anything half the time. Losing our close companion and mount and having to be foot-bound for a while would be a more significant loss. I think the trade off is that if they find us dishonourable they either attack us and damage our merc company or prevent us from claiming the legendary spear as loot, denying us a potent upgrade. Whereas using poison sort of denies us the experience of having legitimately fought a worthy opponent even if it is a less visible form of being dishonourable.

>>5343673
Yeah, I don't know what the lifespan of a pegasus is, but losing what is essentially your closest companion sounds like a big personal cost to me.

Plus, pegasi are a rarity in their own right, so we'd have to find one of appropriate age, bond to it after months of spending time with it, and then apply the (supposedly rare) Ebon Wing to it so that we can use our magic from horseback. Even if that's done in the last year of the timeskip, I can see that affecting Blair, big time. A psychological scar instead of a physical one, I'm sure.

That being said, if Option A ends up winning, I'd love to be wrong. Whatever the case will be, I hope we'll find out at the end of the thread.

>>5343382
>A): You found a weak spot in the Warlord’s flight, defeating him at great personal cost.

Let's see just what this "cost" is.

I, as the first vote, mostly just want to pick the votes that would make Ashe absolutely swoon and faint.
This is as so to maximise the pain when we have to kill each other.

>>5343382
>>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable

>>5343382
>>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable.
Dunno if Blair would hold back in this situation.

>>5343737
I'm >>5342852 btw, just posting from a different location

>>5343717
Anon.... you monster, why would you want Blair to suffer so much?

BEHOLD OUR DARK JUSTICE

>>5343717
Your a monster anon, but I can at least sort of respect being a suffering enjoyer.

>>5343382
>>B): You utilized magic in your duel with the Warlord to steal a close victory. The Almyrans found it dishonorable

>>5343717
Finally another anon of culture

>>5343382
>C): Milly had given you a poison to coat your weapon in. It helped you win the battle easily enough, though it was greatly looked down upon by some.

>>5343717
Based.

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>>5343862
Changing to
>A): You found a weak spot in the Warlord’s flight, defeating him at great personal cost.
>>5343382

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Looks like the B's have it. Sorry suffering anons.

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>>5343382
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDNCs7tH8U4&ab_channel=HQOSTs

In many ways, Jaswant reminded you of Rex. He fancied himself a warrior more than a soldier, willing to throw away a sure victory to satiate his own ego and lust for battle. Over the past few years, you had hoped to never come face-to-face with Rex, as you were sure fighting him would spell your doom. The Almyran Warlord would prove to be the next closest thing to that. Jaswant had earned his title and was by far the strongest enemy you had ever faced.

You moved forward towards the Warlord, your Blackwings cheering you on behind you, doing their best to out-scream the enemy. You sought to end the battle quickly and would rely on your magic to do so. While the Almyrans typically looked down upon magic, you believed it was necessary to secure a victory. Let them think whatever they wished; you wouldn’t give in to their bravado. You opened with an Aircalibur attack, believing that the spell’s anti-aerial properties would quickly defeat Jaswant. To your surprise, Jaswant had been concealing an ornate, blue shield. Right before the spell made contact, he deflected it, barely slowing down.

A Delphi Shield! A relic of incredible rarity, it was used by fliers to negate their weakness to wind magic and arrows. Jaswant was clearly well equipped. You launched a fireball that made direct contact as he approached. His wyvern screeched in pain, but the man kept coming. He stabbed at you with his spear, ripping through your dominant arm. The weapon pierced through your armor and severed the bone, snapping it in two. You could no longer hear the screams of both crowds over your own, and it was all you can do to pull up and away before Jaswant could finish you off.

Your right arm dangled, torn, limp and useless at your side. Jaswant followed up, ready to cut you in two, but what you lacked in strength, you had made up for in speed. Beathan was able to dance out of the way of, allowing you to launch another barrage of spells at the Warlord. Fire, Thunder, Fimbulvetr. You body was working at its utmost limits trying to kill him before he killed you. His Delphi Shield may have negated your Aircalibur, but the rest of your spells would still be able to damage him. Still, despite being slower and larger, Jaswant was dexterous. He knew when to glide at just the right moment, ensuring that he only received glancing damage from your spells rather than the full brunt of your attack. You thought that if you could at least keep out of the Warlord’s spear, you could eventually whittle him down. That ended as Jaswant suddenly switched from his spear to a Tomahawk. Launching the weapon spinning through the air, the axe collided with Beathan’s side, brutally injuring your steed.

Beathan was badly hurt, and as a result, his speed had drastically slowed down. The pegasus was wavering so vigorously that you had a hard time keeping your balance on him, particularly with only one working arm.

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>>5344360
Rather than throwing another Tomahawk, Jaswant began closing the distance, switching back to his spear and racing up the sky to meet you. As you were bleeding out, barely able to sit atop your companion, something snapped. You lost control of your temper for the first time in years. This Almyran piece of shit was toying with you! He could have killed you at any time but chose to make sport of it for his men. And after you were splattered on the ground, he’d likely kill your Blackwings! How dare he! Who the hell did he think he was?!

As Jaswant continued flying upwards, he outstretched his lance forward, ready to split you in half. With one last ditch effort, you raised your exhausted left arm up towards the sky, using your last remaining energy to summon forth the largest Bolting spell you ever had, just as Jaswant was right within minimum range. The bolt of thunder shot out, but instead of hitting him, it made direct contact with that ornate lance of his. The bolt travelled down the spear shaft, electrocuting Jaswant and paralyzing him mid-flight. Rider and steed roared in agonizing pain, as Jaswant was unable to let go of his weapon. You did not let up the spell, putting more and more power into it, until finally, the exquisite spear heated up, and exploded into dozens of pieces. Jaswant and his Wyvern burst into flames, hovering in mid-air for a few seconds, until they both fell far down to the earth below.

None that were present could believe what they had seen. A dull silence followed, before the Blackwings erupted into overwhelming cheering. Your mercenaries flew forward, surrounding your position and securing you and Beathan before you could follow the Warlord to the ground below. The Almyrans were in an uproar. They were booing and denouncing you and your men. They called you a coward. A whore. A witch. Your last thought was how rude they were, before passing out in Corrine’s arms, who had commandeered her own wyvern.

When you awoke, the battle was over. Claude had somehow managed to pull a stratagem out of his hair that ended Shahid’s life and sent the Almyran’s packing back over the mountain pass. Your arm had been tended to by Elizabeth and was on the mend, and you were resting within a castle in Goneril territory. Claude himself ensured that you were to be taken care of and nursed back to full health. When you were good enough to stand and wander the grounds, you were met with raucous cheers from not just the Blackwings, but from the Leicester soldiers. In recognition of your accomplishments, Claude had awarded you with an Elysian Whip. An esteemed honor, the Elysian Whip signified that you had achieved the highest rank a Pegasus Knight could reach. You were now considered a Seraph Knight, much like Serena had been before you.

You asked Corrine if the Blackwings had been able to secure Jaswant’s Delphi Shield. Unfortunately, along with his spear, you had fried the shield to the point of uselessness. Oh well.

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>>5344364
>Year 1185: Present Day

The year is now 1185. The Empire continues to wage its war of unification, ever closely approaching victory. The Kingdom is on its last legs. The western lords do all that they can to hold back the Dukedom and Empire forces, but it seems they may fall any day now. The cold war the Alliance finds itself in threatens to heat up, with rumors abound that the Pro-Imperial faction may be getting ready to launch an attack. And the Knights of Seiros remain scattered, with Archbishop Rhea still believed to be missing or dead.

You had spent the remainder of the last year within Riegan territory, serving as Claude’s mercenary company of choice. You acted in matters where Claude could not publicly intervene, leading attacks and raids with the purpose of weakening the Anti-Imperial faction. Fodlan had become home to more mercenary companies than one could keep track of, but none had become as infamous and renowned as the Blackwings. Now 250 sellswords strong, your group had seemingly filled the void left behind by the Jeralt Mercenaries after the death of their captain, becoming the premier mercenary company on the continent. Your reputation had grown to the point that even your denouncement by the Orthodox Church did not deter away new, bold recruits who were eager to join your group. You had also managed to amass sizeable wealth. While you were no pampered noble, the payment and loot you’d collected over the last five years were enough that you could retire and live comfortably for at least two lifetimes.

But you had no intention of doing so. Not while “they” were still out there.

Claude, to his credit, does not think you crazy when you confide in him what you know about the shapeshifters. He had always found the circumstances surrounding Tomas and Monica to be suspicious and had even began looking into possible origins independently. While he was short on info, he agreed with you that if such a group of monsters did in fact exist, it was imperative that you both see to their demise. Claude informed you of a person of interest he wanted you to “investigate”. Besides being a threat to the Alliance itself, there was a strong chance he may be someone you’d want to question. You then found yourself on your next job, in the Siward territory of Leicester.

You’re sitting in the inn of a quaint, unremarkable town, during the first week of the new year. A flagon of ale is in front of you, along with an ornate, dainty pipe, stuffed with some sort of leaf. Three women are with you, each of them in the midst of a heated conversation. You aren’t paying them much attention. Your mind is preoccupied on other matters.

>A): Dark deeds and dark thoughts
>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know
>C): Your family back home

>>5344365
>>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know
Blair has become a fine fucking woman, the leading mercenary in fodland, the highest rank of pegasus knight and the Witch to end all Witches... But our thoughts dwell on the past, and a certain love we once had we had not seen in five years.

>>5344365
>>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know

>tfw we fried the Delphi Shield and the Legendary Spear with our magic
>tfw we almost lost an arm *and* Beathan

A shame about the lost loot, but at least our boy is still alive and kicking.

>>5344365
>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know

As if there was any other option.

>>5344364
Ah, just as I thought. A small price to pay for Beathan's life though. This little sideshow aside, we probably aren't gonna be solving our problems or any encounters with crest-bearers by engaging in glorious melee combat given how outmatched we would be, even if we had some legendary super-spear and a magic deflecting shield. We'll overcome our problems through superior tactics and being a versatile threat.

Still, I weep for the loot.

>>5344365
Weakening the pro-imperial faction you mean, right?

Hmm, as much as I miss the love of our life, if we were just thinking about the sneks then I think we may be having a resurgence of the anger we felt after the death of our friends or being wondering about our adoptive father. I can't remember if we ever really spent any time dwelling on him and Rex and our betrayal of them, or if our paranoia ever led us to suspect them "on-screen".

>C): Your family back home

File: Bernadetta.png (912 KB, 923x1305)

912 KB PNG

>>5344387
Yeah shit, you're right. That should read "Weakening the pro-imperial faction". That particular distinction finally tripped me up. Thank you for noticing.

>>5344365
>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know

>>5344387
>Still, I weep for the loot.
same... I'm just going to tell myself that it was some other super spear and that we didn't just miss out on the pure kino of the gungnir and gae bolg being destined for yet another showdown in a new time and place, even when the wielders don't know the history of the spears...

>>5344365
>>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know

>>5344365
>>A): Dark deeds and dark thoughts
Sounds like the slitherers option or it could relate to what else Blair has been doing over the years. It could even possibly relate to the empire and how they have been conducting the war.

Glad to see Blair and Beathan aren't maimed at least. We'll have plenty of further fights to collect cool gear. Going of the fight posted, option A sounds like it would have cost us an arm and possibly a matching wing/leg for Beathan.

I just feel impelled to say, my shameless suffering campaign aside, that I really, really like the writing here.
Somehow, despite being technically detached in a kind of overhead view, it feels like we know Blair and how she became the regal knight-commander she is now in an intimate fashion.
Much better than Tyranny, and that’s high praise.

>>5343743
It’s an acquired taste.

(I want our eventual reunion and comfortable semi-retirement to be all the sweeter.)

>>5344408
Matching wounds with Beathan would have been rad desu

>>5344414
We can fight with one arm- a lance and shield. Beathan can’t fly with one wing…

>>5344409
The writing of this quest is *really* good. I was only able to join a couple threads ago, but this quest really got me back into /qst/.

>>5344414
Agreed. It's nice to wonder what could've been, though the potential of losing Beathan made me hesitate, heh.

>>5344416
According to the Pegasus page on the Fire Emblem Wiki... Pegasi supposedly fly by kicking the air? Though they do use their wings to fly. I don't know how much of that is canon in 3H Universe, but it wouldn't surprise me, considering they're basically magical creatures. Would be kinda weird if it didn't cripple him (and Blair), though.

https://fireemblem.fandom.com/wiki/Pegasus

>>5344365
>C): Your family back home

>>5344365
>C): Your family back home

>>5344365
>C): Your family back home

>>5344365
>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know

ASHE AAAAAAAAAAAAA

>>5344365
>C): Your family back home
Ashebros you've gotta move on

>>5344365
>C): Your family back home

>>5344365
>>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know

>>5344365
>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know
Ashe bros we cannot give it up

>>5344365
>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know

>>5344365
>>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know

>>5344365
>A): Dark deeds and dark thoughts