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>>5828344
As you peered down below into the village of Ostia, you could see that the situation was growing tenser. Soldiers from the local imperial garrison were drawing closer to the group that they had surrounded. Occasionally, a soldier or two would jab out with their spear, as if daring their cornered foe to make a move. You had no idea who their enemy was, but something about the situation made it so that you couldn’t just fly off and carry out your mission. You were technically within Rusalka territory, your home, and one day you intended to come back here and potentially right wrongs. Rusalka was no stranger to civil disputes, having had one that you’d helped squash several years back, and you were curious if you were seeing something akin to that below. As you continue to observe the situation, you watch as a man looks up to the sky.

The villagers of Ostia, along with the imperial soldiers, had all been so distracted by the impending fight, that they’d seemingly failed to notice an entire squadron of Pegasus Knights hovering over their heads menacingly. The man you see below is the first to notice you, and while you couldn’t make out his features from this high up, you had an idea of what the several thoughts running through his head probably looked like. He’d be rationalizing to himself that the garrison didn’t have so many Pegasus Knights, and how peculiar it was that they weren’t flying the red and black colors of the Empire. There was no way that these could belong to Adrestia…and if that were the case…

You can hear his terrified screaming even from your altitude. He points a trembling finger up towards the Blackwings, and all at once, every head in Ostia turns to face you and your company. The villagers had been on a sharp edge as they awaited the fight between the local soldiers and the mysterious band. With your arrival though, they’ve been sent teetering off the cliff, and have descended into a full-blown panic. The citizenry breaks out into an unruly mess as each of them flee the scene, seeking shelter in their homes and trying to put as much distance between themselves and the Blackwings as possible. They aren’t the only ones either. The local garrison in Ostia is a peacekeeping force at best, used to dealing with unruly drunkards and the occasional thief. Fighting an enemy pegasus company is far out of their depth, and they too let panic grip them. Though they take up formation, you can see that their legs are rattling.

“I guess they spotted us…” Diana says.

>“Let’s go down there. That group they had surrounded don’t look like thieves. They could be allies. Either way, I want to find out for myself.”

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>>5828345
As the Blackwings swoop down, the trembling militia immediately breaks formation and scatters off across every corner of the village. One archer remains, nocking a trembling arrow to bow string. However, he never gets to let the missile fly as Ava lands her mount directly atop the hapless soldier, crushing him underneath grotesquely. The Blackwings fan out, and now the mysterious group finds themselves surrounded once more, this time by a far stronger and deadlier band.

>“Who are you people? Which one of you is the leader here?” You ask the scattered group before you. Now that you’re up close, you can make them out a bit clearer. There’s at least a dozen of them before you, youths of both genders, each wearing mismatched armor. While the armor is ill-fitting in some instances, you can tell that it’s finely made, and in decent condition too. It was most certainly produced by Rusalkan forges and was local. The members of the group all look at each other, unsure, until finally, someone steps forward. He hardly looks to be any older than 18, and despite the brave face he’s putting on in front of his allies, he’s clearly nervous.

“I-I am!” He stumbles over his words, before catching himself. “I’m Captain Eustass…” He bellows, before remembering to utter the next part out loud. “O-of the Rusalkan Resistance!”

>“Huh?” Rusalkan Resistance? The name was almost like a slap in the face. Was there really another rebellion happening over in Rusalka? You’d scarcely heard word of anything having to do with the Count or Rusalkan politics over the last few years. Your mind wanders back to Douglas’ rebellion five years ago. The man had led a miner’s revolt against the Count, in protest of the working conditions they’d been under. At the time, you really believed it had been the Count gearing up for the impending war, but you now knew better. The Agarthium harvested from those mines was likely the same that was used to fashion the Javelins of Light that destroyed Mercius.

“Ahh…I know you!” One of the female rebels exclaims. For a second, you believed she was referring to yourself. Given that you were the adopted daughter of the Count, as well as the one who had brought Douglas in for his execution, you steel yourself for a fight. However, you find that it wasn’t you that she was looking at, but Anemone. Or rather… “Miss Alena! Is that really you? What are you doing here?”

Ahh, that’s right. You met Anemone here too. Though at the time, she’d been masquerading as Alena. She’d been acting as a medicine woman, working with the rebels and imploring Douglas to destroy the mines. When he hadn’t listened, she’d let loose Demonic Beasts inside to try and convince him. In the end though, the mine remained open, Douglas was executed, and the workers were sent back inside to ensure the Agarthium flowed.

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>>5828345
“Alena?” Eustass exclaims with confusion. “I’ve heard that name before…you were a trusted aide to Douglas, were you not? Why are you with this group? You don’t look like you’re with the Knights of Seiros. Who are you and what are you doing here?”

“You’re not in any position to be asking questions here, boy.” Alena says sharply. If she was as surprised as you were by the sudden revelation of the group, she sure didn’t show it. “What’s this I hear about another rebellion? After Douglas and his men backed down, I’d assumed you’d all put aside any notions of opposing the Count.”

“Things were supposed to get better, that’s what the old man from the castle had promised!” Eustass exclaims. “But they never did. More and more we were forced to work in that mine. And when people eventually started getting sick or injured, the soldiers came and dragged more of us in there. That Count’s a dirty damn liar, and this time we’re gonna finish him for good!”

“Is that so? You’re quite a bit away from the castle. What are you doing all the way out here?” Alena asks. It seemed she was comfortable in taking over the discussion.

“We were recruiting.” Eustass says. “Trying to draw up more support to march on the castle. We thought we might find some sympathetic people here…but Ostia is too far removed from the mines of Rusalka. These people have had it easy. They never had to watch their loved ones dragged off in chains to work in the dark.” Eustass spits. “So, they called the garrison on us. We were finished for sure if you hadn’t shown up. Miss Alena, are you going to help us fight against the Count? Is that why you’re back with all these soldiers?” Eustass turns towards you. “Is this your lieutenant?”

Alena looks at you, expectedly. You could reveal your identity to Eustass and the rebels here. You’d had a cordial relationship with Douglas and had even gotten him to back down from taking his rebellion any further. The rebels back then knew you as the one that destroyed the Demonic Beast that had been plaguing their mine. Still, it wouldn’t surprise you if there was an element of the rebels who blamed you for Douglas’ execution.

>A): Reveal your identity to the rebels.
>B): Do not reveal your identity to the rebels.

>>5828349
>>B): Do not reveal your identity to the rebels.

>A): Reveal your identity to the rebels.

>>5828349
>>A): Reveal your identity to the rebels.

>>5828349
>>A): Reveal your identity to the rebels.
We're back baby

>Ava lands her mount directly atop the hapless soldier, crushing him underneath grotesquely
kek pretty sure this isn't even the first time she's done this.

>>5828349
>A): Reveal your identity to the rebels.

>>5828349
>B): Do not reveal your identity to the rebels.
Welcome

>>5828349
>>A): Reveal your identity to the rebels.

>>5828349
>>A): Reveal your identity to the rebels.

>>5828349
>A): Reveal your identity to the rebels.
I always dreamt of going back home as a hostage!

>>5828349
>A): Reveal your identity to the rebels.

>>5828349
>B): Do not reveal your identity to the rebels.

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>>5828349
>“Lieutenant?” You scoff with amusement. Anemone merely shrugs her shoulders, allowing you to take the floor. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken. My name is Blair Weaver. Five years ago, I came home to Rusalka, where I slew the demon that had plagued the Akzeriuth Mines, and negotiated with the rebel leader, Douglas. I had thought that things would have returned to normal after Douglas and his men had put down their weapons…but I’m alarmed to hear that things have only grown worse.”

The young captain’s face undergoes several changes all at once. From listening pensively as you explained who you were, to coming to a sudden realization, and finally settling on a look of abject horror. “Wait…you’re THAT Blair? N-no way…”

The rebels grow alarmed upon learning just who you are, and a few appear to be stuck between following their fight of flight instincts.

“Y-you’re the damn Count’s daughter! It’s your fault Douglas is dead! You betrayed him and brought him to his damn grave!” One rebel yells.

“Careful.” A female cautions. “I hear she’s a witch. Say something she doesn’t like, and she’ll place a hex on you!”

“I remember her.” A third rebel says. “She killed the Demon of Akzeriuth. And her blood’s as common as the rest of ours too. She ain’t no damn enemy.”

Eustass appears to be stuck stupid, unsure of how to proceed from here. It seems that his rebel group is unable to come to a consensus on what to do with the news. Finally, one grabs him by the shoulder and cautions him. “Captain, we can’t linger here. Those soldiers won’t stay gone for long. We’ve gotta hightail it out before they come back and put us to the sword.”

“They aren’t the only ones.” Ingrid mutters beside you. “We have a job to do, Blair. We can’t afford to waste any more time.”

“Where are you going?” Eustass asks you suddenly. “You should come with us! You came to help, right? That’s why you’re here, right?” He asks hopefully. You can sense the nervous edge in his voice. In his mind, you’re either here to help or slaughter them. “You have to meet our leader. Commander Gerald will know what to do!”

>“Gerald is your leader?” You recall the name vaguely. He was the Rusalkan Captain that had escorted you on your last trip here. You’d also figured him to be a staunchly loyal sort. For him to turn traitor was indicative of how serious the problem at hand was. “Listen here, Eustass. I intend to set things right in Rusalka. But for now, there’s something else I must do first. When I return, I’ll see an end to the madness plaguing our people myself. That I promise. But for now, do your best to survive.”

Eustass looks crestfallen but offers no argument. “May the Goddess be with you, Blair. I’ll tell Gerald about our meeting. I hope you return to us safely.”

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>>5829541
The rebels flee Ostia, and you and your company depart before any of the Adrestian soldiers return to the scene. By now, they’d likely scattered off back to the garrison, and were likely holed up there waiting for reinforcements. By the time they muster the courage to leave those walls, you should already be on your way to Enbarr, your mission a success. You and the rest of the Blackwings fly through the woods surrounding the Morgaine Ravine, on your way to destroy the first target. From the sky, the bridge looks much like you remember it looking all those years back. You have no idea when the thing was constructed, but it still looked sturdy. Made of stone, the bridge was one of two that connected the southeastern part of the Empire to Hresvelg and Derdriu. And though it looked sturdy, it was not built to withstand a magical assault. As expected, there was a small troop of Imperial soldiers on guard, lazily watching a large queue of several trade caravans passing by. Given their relaxed nature, you didn’t think it was likely that anyone from Ostia had stopped by here yet. But you knew that could change at any moment.

“I could probably take that thing out with a single Eclipse.” Anemone says, referring to her own brand of siege magic. “Or you could. Either way, it’ll crumble fast.”

“Ahh, there’s still wagons travelling across it.” Diana observes.

“Not our problem.” Ava says.

“But they’ll get caught up in the bridge’s collapse.” Diana counters. “Can’t we just wait for them to pass by?”

“The longer we wait, the more we risk news of our presence spreading.” Eleanor says. “We’ve been lucky so far, but we would be fools to expect to remain undetected for much longer. We should destroy this bridge and move on to the next one before they can retaliate. I suspect any reinforcements we face wouldn’t be as timid as the men we fought at Ostia.”

“Though it’s a bit distasteful, Eleanor is right.” Ingrid says. “The Empire had no qualms about doing this type of thing back in Faerghus. We’re on a strict schedule, Blair.”

>A): Order Anemone to blow the bridge up.
>B): Do it yourself.
>C): Wait several hours for the bridge’s traffic to dry up.
>D): Write-in

>>5829542
>B): Do it yourself.
What will our company think, if we try to pretend that passing off our atrocities to Anemone makes us innocent? What will the Knights of Seiros think, if we let a soft heart cost them the entire war? We don't get to walk away with clean hands here. It has to be us.

>B): Do it yourself

>>5829542
>B): Do it yourself.
But before we Bolt the bridge back to mere stone can we scare the civilians away? Maybe cast a fireball first to set fire to a wagon so they'll scatter. At least then they're only losing their goods and not their lives.

>>5829542
Oh man, time for warcrimes, I would have liked to wait and not harm the traders... But waiting HOURS is not gonna go well, the least we can do is do it ourselves and fully take the blame later on.
>B): Do it yourself.

>>5829542
>C): Wait several hours for the bridge’s traffic to dry up.

I don't see news spreading faster than a pegasus knight.

>>5829542
>B): Do it yourself.
Ingrid's words are actually a good reason to not just collapse the bridge with civilians on it beyond the obvious fact that we'd be killing innocents. We'd be stooping down to the Empire's level if we do this. But this is war, and we can't fret over every casualty. We knew what we were getting into by accepting this job.
If we really wanted to minimalize casualties, either launching a surprise attack and killing the guards or dropping in and threatening people with our magic to force them to drop everything to flee would be better ideas.

>>5829542
>D): Launch a surprise attack on the bridge and kill guards, then threaten the people on the bridge to drop everything and flee in order to minimize casualties.

>>5829748
Actually that's not a bad idea.

>>5829542
>D): Launch a surprise attack on the bridge and kill guards, then threaten the people on the bridge to drop everything and flee in order to minimize casualties.

Sounds great.

>>5829542
>>5829589
You know what, switching to +1 >>5829790 . It's a long shot, but if it works we minimize the warcrimes. If it fails, though, we've screwed up the mission, but what's a war without a little risk?

>>5829542
>>A): Order Anemone to blow the bridge up.
I waited 8 hours to make this vote

>>5829542
>>D): Launch a surprise attack on the bridge and kill guards, then threaten the people on the bridge to drop everything and flee in order to minimize casualties.

>>5829542
>B): Do it yourself.

>>5829542
>B): Do it yourself.

>>5829542
>>D): Launch a surprise attack on the bridge and kill guards, then threaten the people on the bridge to drop everything and flee in order to minimize casualties.

B wins. Writing.

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>>5829542
You’d come to the tail end of your journey. Now was not the time to shirk your duty. Though it was not a task you relished completing, you knew that Eleanor was right. If you waited for the convoy to pass, you’d be waiting for several hours, allowing the Imperials to respond to your presence. You were needed at full strength elsewhere. You wouldn’t place the responsibility on Anemone though. You would see this grim work done by your own hand. Offering Diana an apologetic look, you begin chanting the incantation for your Bolting spell. The people down below look up as the sky suddenly darkens and clouds form from seemingly nowhere. A single bolt of lightning plummets down from the heavens and strikes the bridge in its center. An explosion of debris follows as the stone shatters under the weight of your magic. Large pieces of the bridge plummet into the waters below, along with screaming beasts of burden attached to their carriages, and unfortunately, several travelling merchants.

A large gap has now replaced the middle portion of the bridge where your spell had struck. A gap that grows only wider as the bridge’s structural integrity begins to fall apart. More wagons and people fall through the crack, unable to maneuver away in time. By the time the bridge has finished crumbling apart, you count that at least eight wagons have fallen into the torrent below. Wagons that were full of not just goods that were heading to and from Enbarr, but people as well. Rusalkan people. You can see no sign of life below in the waters.

“Well, they’ll have definitely heard that over by the Sutri Bridge.” Ava says. “Good work, Blair. Let’s move on to the next and finish this.”

The Blackwings leave as quickly as they appeared, leaving the ruined Ostia Bridge behind them. You’re able to hear the panicked shouts of several Imperial soldiers behind you in the distance.

The Sutri Bridge is not a far distance from the Ostian Bridge. Arriving on the scene, you find that the soldiers here do in fact seem to be of a more prepared sort than the others. Down below, you can make out several archers in position. They appear to be waiting for your group to descend within range of their arrows. Perhaps these soldiers had already heard word of your appearance in Ostia or were just hastily responding to the destruction of their sister bridge. Either way, they would be a pain to deal with as you would need to draw within firing distance to use your Bolting effectively. Fortunately, for what it was worth, there appeared to be far less traffic on the Sutri Bridge, and you could only see a few caravans on the end of each side. It looked as though they were spurred to move along quicker after witnessing the first bridge’s collapse.

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>>5830666
“That looks like a warm welcome.” Anemone says dryly.

>“I can use my Bolting one more time. Which is fortunate, as I have this.” You gesture to the Delphi Shield on your back. Allowing you a magical immunity to the effectiveness of arrows, you and Beathan should be able to get close without immediately being shot down.

“That may be so, but the last I checked; arrows still hurt.” Anemone says. “And there are at least two dozen archers down there. Even if you aren’t sent hurtling to the water, you can still get hurt.”

“Let me do this one, Blair.” Ingrid suggests. “I may not be able to use magic, but I do have this.” She gestures towards the Hero’s Relic, Luin. “I can cut through that stone as if it were mere paper. With my own Delphi Shield and speed, I’m confident that they won’t even come close to scratching me.”

You’d destroyed the last bridge yourself instead of Anemone, partly because you wanted to be the one to shoulder the burden of destroying Rusalkan lives and infrastructure. But you were forced to admit, Ingrid was a lot faster than you. If she was confident that she could do the deed, then you were sure she’d succeed.

>A): Destroy the bridge yourself. (SPD+LCK Roll: 1-74 to succeed. Level up on success.)
>B): Have Ingrid destroy the bridge herself.

>>5830668
>B): Have Ingrid destroy the bridge herself.

>>5830668
>A): Destroy the bridge yourself. (SPD+LCK Roll: 1-74 to succeed. Level up on success.)
We're already putting this burden on our own back. Don't try to take this from us, Ingrid. We are going to Hell when this is all said and done, but you don't have to go with us.

>>5830668
>>A): Destroy the bridge yourself. (SPD+LCK Roll: 1-74 to succeed. Level up on success.)
We started this crime of war, and we'll finish it as well.

>>5830668
>>A): Destroy the bridge yourself. (SPD+LCK Roll: 1-74 to succeed. Level up on success.)

Let's end this

>>5830668
>B): Have Ingrid destroy the bridge herself.

>>5830668
>A): Destroy the bridge yourself. (SPD+LCK Roll: 1-74 to succeed. Level up on success.)

Time for punished Blair.
I'm already a witch

>>5830668
>>B): Have Ingrid destroy the bridge herself.

>>5830668
>B): Have Ingrid destroy the bridge herself.

>>5830668
>B): Have Ingrid destroy the bridge herself.

>>5830668
>B): Have Ingrid destroy the bridge herself.
Well she volunteered

>>5830668
>>A): Destroy the bridge yourself. (SPD+LCK Roll: 1-74 to succeed. Level up on success.)

B wins, writing.

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>>5830668
Since you can remember, you’ve always been trying to shoulder everything on your own. While this is no different, you recognize that Ingrid is far more suited to the task than you are. You haven’t come this far and endured everything you had to die in this in this remote corner of the Empire, purely out of stubbornness. You nod towards Ingrid, giving her the go ahead to attack the bridge on her own. As soon as she receives your signal, she races off faster than you can blink towards the enemy.

Despite all the years you’d spent fighting in the war, there’d only been a select few times you’d see a Crest Bearer with a Hero’s Relic in action. Most of the time that had been the Professor, back during your missions at the monastery. Even at Gronder, you’d been too far busy with your own troubles to witness the full potential of a Hero’s Relic in action. Watching Ingrid go to work though, you count yourself lucky that you never made an enemy of her kind. Ingrid was already a speedy fighter, but her agility was enhanced even further by Luin, to the point that she’d crossed the gap to the Sutri Bridge in mere seconds. The archers, stunned by the foe they were facing, could hardly keep up, though you figured it didn’t really matter. Even if they’d been paying attention, there was no way they’d have ever struck Ingrid.

A flash of blue light illuminates the sky as Ingrid activates her Crest, and swings Luin in a downward strike. Though you weren’t sure how, the very bridge itself seemed to shake as Ingrid’s spear collided with its center. The ground trembled fiercely, and many of the Imperial soldiers that had been standing on guard were knocked to the ground. An explosion had followed, and a hole even larger than the one you created with your Bolting spell had now appeared in the middle of the bridge. In an instant, the entire bridge itself had been destroyed, split into two pieces and sent tumbling down into the water below.

“Wow…she did an even better job than you did.” Anemone remarked.

>“…It’s not a competition.”

“To think Little Ingrid was capable of such devastation…” Eleanor says, astonished. “Where’s that wide-eyed girl I once knew gone?”

Ingrid returns as quickly as she left. No arrows follow her. It appears the Imperial soldiers have given up and are now resorting to damage control. “How’d I do?” She asks you.

>“That will suffice. With both bridges destroyed, our job here is complete. Now, all that’s left is to rendezvous with Seteth and the others. They should all be well on their way to Enbarr by now. Hopefully they haven’t run into any delays. Let’s get out of here.”

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>>5831768
The Blackwings leave the scene, heading west towards the Imperial Capital of Enbarr. A part of you fears you may have wyverns on your tail, but you quickly push those thoughts away. Even if the garrisons were able to assemble a force of enemy fliers to follow you, they’d never catch up in time. With that in mind, you’re able to make the trip with a clearer mind, and with less of an urgent rush. Up in the sky, you rein your mount closer to Anemone’s, wishing to speak with her regarding what you’d encountered back at the village.

>“Did you recognize those rebels back there? I had no idea you were so popular.”

Anemone shakes her head. “I did not, but it’s no surprise. I was often seen at Douglas’ side, providing counsel. The real Alena had been a local fixture in Rusalka for some time. She was known as a wise woman, providing healing services to those in need who could not afford them. When I’d approached Douglas in her guise, he was all too happy to have me.”

>“The real Alena, huh?” You were all too familiar with how Agarthans assumed their forms. “Did you kill her?”

“I did not.” Anemone says suddenly. “Her and I knew each other many years ago. She was a worldly woman. Though she called Rusalka her home, she’d travelled all over Fodlan. Hearing a story about a medicinal herb found only in Edmund, she entered the woods, only to be assailed by Demonic Beasts. I came to her aid, though she was grievously wounded. Against my own judgment, I brought her back to Arcadia so that she could recover.”

>“You brought a human to Arcadia? That seems unlike you.”

“I really don’t know what came over me.” She says honestly. “It was an incredibly risky thing to do. But it just seemed like the right idea at the time. She stayed in Arcadia for several months after that and was a refreshing source of knowledge of the outside world. Particularly when it came to medicine. Most surprising of all though was her lack of judgment. Though we never discussed it, I understand that she knew myself and the people of Arcadia were not human. But it never bothered her, and she treated everyone she came across with grace and respect. Eventually, we parted ways, and she returned to Rusalka.”

>“What happened to her?”

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>>5831772
“Though I hadn’t known it at the time, she was gravely ill. The medicinal herb she’d been looking for was for her own sickness. Unfortunately, it proved to be nothing more than a rumor. When I came to Rusalka to conduct my investigation on the Agarthium, I stopped by her home in the mountains. She was already on her death bed by that point. I stayed with her until the end. Before burying her myself, I used my magic to take on her form. It was…convenient at the time. If I was going to find myself walking amongst the humans, travelling through their cities, and interacting with them, then I needed to disguise myself. But for what it was worth, at least I could take on the appearance of someone whom I admired.”

>“She sounds wonderful. I wished I’d had the chance to meet her when I was growing up in Rusalka.” You sigh. “When this is all over, do you really intend to just go back and hide in Arcadia?”

“Why shouldn’t I?” She asks you. “Do you think just because one human didn’t run screaming for the hills when she encountered me means that the rest of your kind would act accordingly? If our true origins were ever uncovered, people would grow to fear us. The Knights of Seiros would likely hunt us down. I can’t risk that.”

>“One human? I seem to recall those in my company getting along with the villagers of Arcadia just fine. Not to mention Elias was willing to die for you people. And what about Eulalia? You can’t deny that she did what she did partly out of a desire to see the outside world. Surely there are others like her in Arcadia.”

“Not everyone is as open-minded as you I’m afraid.” Anemone sighs. “Look at how much the people of Fodlan feared the Sreng. Imagine what they’d think of my own kind? Where would we even go?”

>A): You can’t hide away in the woods forever. Sooner or later, you’ll have to integrate with the rest of Fodlan.
>B): Perhaps you’re right. It may be for your own good.
>C): If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I’d ensure you had a home there.
>D): Write-in

>>5831773
>>C): If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I’d ensure you had a home there.
Countess Blair sounds nice

>>5831773
>C): If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I'd ensure you had a home there.
I answer this way because I feel like we owe her.

Almost missed this. Welcome back, Tree!

>>5831773
>A): You can’t hide away in the woods forever. Sooner or later, you’ll have to integrate with the rest of Fodlan.
>C): If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I’d ensure you had a home there.

To be honest, I figured becoming Countess was out of the cards for Blair, all things considered. She's still a traitor to the Adrestian Empire, and I don't know if she can rightfully inherit the place as Charles' Ward, even if Rex is dead...

I suppose that if Edelgard is dead, and if Byleth were to act in her capacity as Archbishop (or some other Adrestian puppet successor) and chose to pardon Blair for her crimes, she could legally govern over Rusalka. Though I'm certain her reputation as a mercenary, deserter, and traitor would never truly go away. Might work to her advantage in some situations, might hurt others.

Of course, the people of Rusalka could also choose to install her as her leader, especially if she helps them overthrow Charles. She wouldn't be able to stay long unless she had some legitimacy granted to her by some higher power, though.

With all that said? I do still think Blair would put the offer out there. It's a long-shot, but she's stayed with the Arcadians for a time-- they're basically human as she is. Plus, Arcadia isolating itself from the rest of humanity keeps them safe in the short-term, but may end up dooming them in the long-term. When disaster eventually strikes them, they may go extinct, and all that. It's more dangerous to public, for sure, but it may be worth it for long-term survival.

>>5831773
>>C): If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I’d ensure you had a home there.
>D): People feared the Sreng for their raider behavior, your people have done nothing wrong even if your ancestors had, if you just hide away in the forest that just causes people to be suspicious of you, I know that not everyone will be open and accepting but if you won't be then humans won't either.

>>5831773
>B): Perhaps you’re right. It may be for your own good.

>>5831773
>>A): You can’t hide away in the woods forever. Sooner or later, you’ll have to integrate with the rest of Fodlan

>>5831773
>C): If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I’d ensure you had a home there.

>>5831773
>>A): You can’t hide away in the woods forever. Sooner or later, you’ll have to integrate with the rest of Fodlan.
>>C): If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I’d ensure you had a home there.

>>5831773
>C): If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I’d ensure you had a home there.

>>5831773
>>5832083
I'll change my vote to
>A): You can’t hide away in the woods forever. Sooner or later, you’ll have to integrate with the rest of Fodlan

>>5831773
>>C): If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I’d ensure you had a home there.
I answer this way because I want Blair to end up Countess, though...it's a little odd to say or decide here.
>D) Better you integrate now, with we who know you, than to be discovered years later and be confused for a remnant of Shambhala.

Looks like C wins. Writing!

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>>5831773
>“If I became the Countess of Rusalka, I’d ensure you and the rest of the Arcadians had a home there.”

“Hmm, what’s this?” Anemone asks, eyebrow raised. “Am I detecting a hint of greater ambition? That’s rather unlike you, Blair. What’s this Countess business all about?”

>“Truthfully, I’ve begun thinking about me and Ashe’s retirement plans after everything is over. Damian once asked me if I’d ever consider taking the Rusalkan throne. At the time, it sounded like an unlikely possibility. Rex was alive and thriving after all, and it was always his seat to claim. But now, Rex is gone. And another rebellion has sparked in Rusalka. Whether I choose to depose my adoptive father or not, it seems as though he’s lost the confidence of the people. It’s hard to say what the world will look like after the war is over, but if the Empire loses, I suspect the entire structure of its nobility will change overnight. While I may be adopted, my last name was still d’Rusalka for quite some time. I’d have a stronger claim to the throne than anyone the rebels might seek to install.”

“What makes you think you’d be a good Countess?” Anemone asks, stifling a chuckle. “Do you even know the first thing about politics?”

>“It can’t be any more difficult than running a mercenary company.” You shrug. “Besides, you heard those rebels. The Rusalkan people have been suffering for years now because of those mines. If I could do anything to help alleviate that, then I feel as though I’m dutybound to do so. Even if they were to call me a traitor or a kinslayer, they’re still my own people.”

“I see.” Anemone says. She remains quiet for several moments as the two of you fly side-by-side. Finally, she speaks up. “I suppose if it were you, I might be open to the possibility.

The trip to Enbarr is an uneventful one. The Blackwings stop only a handful of times, resting for several hours each, before taking flight once more. The entire time, you look up towards the sky, expecting reinforcements to be hot on your tail. Fortunately, none ever materialize. It’s almost shocking to you that you’ve been able to operate in the heart of Adrestian territory for this long. It was a testament to how worn and spread out their forces must have been. You continue heading west, until eventually, you spot smoke in the distance. The Imperial City of Enbarr stands strong, and outside it’s walls, are the camped forces of the Knights of Seiros.

You shoot off a signal so that those down below can recognize you as an ally. As you land, you are greeted by Church soldiers, eagerly taking the reins of your steeds and shepherding you along into the inner camp.

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>>5832893
“Commander Blair Weaver, I presume?” A serious-looking sentry from the Church addresses you. “Seneschal Seteth said we should be expecting you. We’ve just arrived yesterday. The Seneschal and the Sword of Seiros will wish to see you in the command tent. Please, follow me.”

Leaving Ava in charge while you are gone, you follow the sentry through the camp. You can sense the excitement all around you as soldiers run around, preparing for the battle ahead. It’s nothing like what you encountered back in Dimitri’s camp. The chatter in the air seems to suggest that everyone’s confidence level is high. Hardly any of them expected to even make the march south after the events of Mercius. But now that they stood outside the gates of Enbarr, they could finally see that the end of the war was within reach. The sentry leads you to a large tent in the middle of the camp and opens the flap for you. There, you find both Seteth, Ferdinand, and Professor Byleth pouring over a detailed map of the city. In addition, there’s another familiar face you hadn’t seen in quite some time.

“By the Goddess, don’t tell me that’s really you, Blair!” A tall and intimidating swordswoman exclaims upon seeing you. Thunderbrand Cassandra, otherwise known as Catherine. The legendary knight herself leaps over the table to tussle your hair. “Where’ve you been hiding all this time, girl?! Did you get taller?!”

>“Ahh, Lady Catherine!” You wince, massaging your bruised head. Clearly, she didn’t know her own strength. “It’s good to see you as well.”

“Don’t play so coy with me, girl.” Catherine laughs, patting you on your back. “I hear you’ve gotten quite strong! Think you can take me on?”

“Catherine, control yourself.” Seteth says, sighing. “Welcome back, Blair. Were you able to take care of what we asked?”

>You nod. “Both the Ostia and Sutri Bridge have been destroyed, sir. Reinforcements from Rusalka and Boramus have been cut off.”

“And your losses?” Seteth asks, wincing.

>“Zero.”

The Seneschal breathes a sigh of relief. A sentiment that is echoed by the Professor. “That’s excellent news, Blair. With Enbarr cut off from potential reinforcements, the Empire has lost a crucial advantage. Tomorrow will now come down to a straight fight between our forces and their own.”

>“Tomorrow?!” You exclaim. “We’ll be attacking so soon?”

“We have to press our advantage.” The Professor says, never looking up from her map. “Now that you’re here, we can go over the part we wish you to play.”

“Indeed.” Seteth says. “As you’re no doubt already aware, Enbarr has a considerable air force waiting for us. Chief amongst them are the division known as the Hellwings…I understand you had a chance to get to know each other back at Gronder Field.”

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>>5832894
>You nod. “They took us by surprise back then, that much is true. But Rex d’Rusalka has been defeated. If we could take my brother out, I’m confident that the rest of them will follow.”

Seteth nods. “Be that as it may, do not underestimate them. They are still a dangerous foe with a plethora of experience to call upon. I’d like for you to work together with the Knights of Seiros’ Pegasus Division, under the command of Captain Mary Genoa. I understand the two of you have met before. I don’t expect you to follow her command, but rather to work alongside each other in taking out the Empire’s winged divisions. With the Blackwings and our own aerial division combined, we should have roughly 100 Pegasus Knights. You’ll still likely be outnumbered, but it will have to do.”

>“I’ve done more with less. Count on us, sir. We’ll keep the Hellwings off your tail while you press the assault on the castle.”

Seteth smiles reassuringly. “I know you will. Now, as for your ground-based troops, I’d like to call upon their assistance as well. I understand you have some talented fighters in your employ.”

>“Of course. What would you need?”

“We need someone to defend our backline in the event of saboteurs and assassins.” Professor Byleth calls out, pouring over some documents. It should be someone who can take a punch. We’re also short on talented mages. Spellcasters are the Empire’s strong point, and we need some of our own to counter them. Lastly, I have a job in mind for someone who’s capable of sneaking into a certain heavily guarded building here in Adrestia. Do you have anyone that may come to mind?”

>Choose a Captain to remain on the defensive. (Or don’t.)
>Choose a Captain to lead a squad of mages. (Or don’t.)
>Choose a Captain to sneak into an Imperial stronghold. (Or don’t.)

>>5832895
>Choose a Captain to remain on the defensive.
Sebastian has the highest DEF, and despite thinking of Rocks due to his having almost twice the RES and his Counter skill, he's more of a battering ram than an iron wall. Sebastian it is, I say.

>Choose a Captain to lead a squad of mages.
Damian feels like the best choice for a wizard duel. His Rally Magic is perfect for supporting his squad, and it's been a while since he's gotten to do anything in-story. Sure, Yara or Kayla could work well, but I say it's Damian's time to shine.

>Choose a Captain to sneak into an Imperial stronghold.
I think Milly is genuinely the only sneaky Captain we have, so let's send her. Just, my next best guess is Mina.

>>5832895
>>5832917
Supporting
Anemone could be another option for the last one, but Milly can probably handle it since she is an Assassin.

>>5832895
>Choose a Captain to remain on the defensive. >Sebastian

He's slow, armored, and basically a wall. He'll fend off the enemy advance easy.

>Choose a Captain to lead a squad of mages.
>Damian

He's the strongest mage we've got, and Rally Magic+ is a big boon. Yara might work too, but I don't know if she can lead as well.

>Choose a Captain to sneak into an Imperial stronghold.
>Anemone
>If she can't or otherwise doesn't want to participate, don't send anyone.

Normally, I would send Milly in, but... we didn't level her up during the training sequence, so she's a bit underleveled. As an assassin, I'm sure she'll do fine, but I'm also quite iffy on her chances of making it out uninjured or even alive. Anemone, on the other hand, might not be an assassin, but she does have the Hide skill, and she's already experienced in espionage.

I do believe that she said she'd only join in on fights that involve Agarthans (though I 100% expect Agarthan influence here, and I'm sure she will too), so if she refuses to participate... I'd say we sit this one out, honestly.

>>5833099
>>5833064
You have a point about Anemone's Hide skill, but I figured what with her being a Dark Flier she'd be up in the air with us, possibly dealing with any Winged Demonic Beasts that show up supporting the Hellwings.

>>5832895
>Choose a Captain to remain on the defensive. (Or don’t.)
Sebastian
>Choose a Captain to lead a squad of mages. (Or don’t.)
Damian
>Choose a Captain to sneak into an Imperial stronghold. (Or don’t.)
Don't

>>5833131
That's true. Still, she can always dismount and keep Stormy waiting nearby in case she needs a quick getaway, and while she'll likely be a big boon for the air forces... I feel like I'd rather have her on the ground to guarantee the infiltration success.

All that said, whether we decide to send Milly, Anemone, or nobody at all... I hope it works out regardless.

>>5832895
>Choose a Captain to remain on the defensive.
>Sebastian
A solid wall.

>Choose a Captain to lead a squad of mages.
>Damian
Rally Magic makes him best at leading Mages.


>Choose a Captain to sneak into an Imperial stronghold.
>Ask for volunteers from Milly and Anemone

>>5832895
>>5832917
Supporting this.

>>5833099
+1

>>5832917
Support

Defense: Sebastian
Magic: Damian
Sneak: Milly
Writing!

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>>5832895
When it came to choosing a bulwark, it was obvious enough that Sebastian was well-suited to the job. The sturdy but slow armored knight would have no trouble safeguarding those in the backline who needed protection. As for someone to lead the Church’s Mages, you could think of no better captain than Damian. The man was originally Adrestian nobility, and he would have a good idea of the tactics that the enemy spellcasters would seek to employ. And for this stealth mission the Professor has in mind, it admittedly didn’t fill you with much confidence. Your first thought is that Anemone might excel at that sort of work, but you’ll need her in the sky with you battling the Hellwings. That leaves Milly. Despite her charming nature and newfound profession as an entertainer, she was still an Assassin in a prior life. She should do just fine.

“Very good.” Professor Byleth nods, meeting your eyes and smiling. “Thank you, Blair. For everything. This is it. One last battle, and the war will finally be over. We’ll give it our all tomorrow. For everyone that we’ve lost, and for everything that’s still left to be done. Victory WILL be ours.”

Seteth dismisses you, and you exit the tent, seeking to rendezvous with the Blackwings. After taking only a few steps, Catherine calls out to you from behind. She’s exited the tent with you and stands tall facing your direction. The Hero’s Relic, Thunderbrand, sits at her side.

“Blair, wait up.” Catherine says. “I wanted to ask you something. Is it true what I heard? That you slew your brother Rex d’Rusalka during the battle at Gronder?”

>You nod. “I did, though admittedly it was with help from Ingrid. She’d softened him up considerably before I achieved the final blow. I don’t believe I’d have stood a chance against him otherwise.”

“I see.” Catherine nods, seemingly deep in thought. “That’s too bad. I understand that you knew my father?”

You recall Richard, the Margrave of Charon. You and Corrine had met him after you’d fled Garreg Mach. Despite being nobles from the Empire, he’d treated you with great hospitality. He’d even given you the funding needed to form the Blackwings. A decision that proved to pay off when you defended Charon from Ferdinand’s attack. He was Catherine’s father, though you found that he only very rarely spoke of her.

“Did you know Rex killed him?” Catherine asks. “Him and the Hellwings attacked Charon. They slaughtered its defenders to a man. And then rather than take my father hostage, they killed him in cold blood. Though knowing that stubborn goat, I doubt he’d have let himself be taken hostage to begin with.”

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>>5833970
>“Catherine…I had no idea. I’m so sorry. The Margrave was a good man. It’s likely I wouldn’t even be here today were it not for his generosity.”

“The old man and I didn’t always see eye to eye.” Catherine says, staring off into the distance. “There’s no shortage of bad history there…but he was still my father. I swore to kill that bastard Rex when I’d heard the news. But it seems you beat me to it.” She smiles sadly. “Oh well…maybe it’s for the best. There’s still so much work to be done. And the Goddess knows I have plenty of revenge on my plate as is.” Catherine approaches you and offers you what looks like a small locket. On it, an image of the Crest of Charon is inscribed.

>“What’s this?”

“Nothing special.” Catherine replies. “A trinket really. From back home. After the war is over, I intend to return there and set things right. I feel as though I at least owe my old man that much. But I wanted you to have this.” She places the trinket in your palm and closes it. “I understand you have some father issues of your own that you’ll probably need to work through. Just know that Charon will always consider you a friend. Survive this battle, and come back and see us someday, alright?”

>You accept Catherine’s gift. “Of course. Thank you, Catherine.”

“Don’t mention it.” Catherine smiles, patting you on the shoulder. “And don’t get cocky. Rex may be gone, but don’t forget that the rest of his band of killers are as nasty as he is. When the fight is over, I expect you to tell me all about it. It’ll be one hell of a story.”

>Talisman obtained! (+2 RES Perm)

You make your way towards where the Blackwings are camped out. Tomorrow will be the final battle of the war. Despite all your plans and hopes for the future, there’s a very probable chance you may not come out of Enbarr alive. How you choose to spend your final night is up to you.

>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.
>B): Spend the night with Ashe.
>C): Spend the night alone, praying.
>D): Write-in

F for Charon. You know, when I read that the Margrave had kicked it, I had almost assumed that Blair would've assumed control of the region, assuming we won at Gronder and got a title there.

Of course, Gronder ended up being a meatgrinder, and now Rusalka is apparently within our reach... Plus more importantly, Catherine actually intends on going back and governing the place, which is quite surprising.

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.

I'd normally pick to spend time with Ashe, but this is the first time in a while that the company has been at full strength. I wanna see how the newcomers are getting along, and to celebrate our memories before we start losing members of the cast again.

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking

We can spent time as much as we want with Ashe after war

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.

>>5833972
>>B): Spend the night with Ashe.

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.
This will definitely be the last time we can hang out with some of our friends and buddies before some of them die.

>>5833972
>B): Spend the night with Ashe.
Sorry anons but Blair's heart has just one home

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.

>"Brothers and sisters. My Blackwings. Here we are, after five long years of war. Some of you were there with me at Garreg Mach, the day this war began. Others have only just joined us. Still others came to us in our darkest hour, just after Gronder Field. Whoever you are, and however long you've been with us, know that I am proud to be your captain. Know that I am proud to be your friend."

>"This may be the last night we see each other alive. Goddess knows not every Blackwing has kept flying with us to the end. So, tonight, let's make a promise to the fallen of our company. To Nero, to Boleslav, to Roxanne, Shelley. Let us promise that they did not die in vain. If some of us should fall tomorrow, let them bring tidings of our victory to the Goddess Herself."

>"If you will indulge me a bit of nostalgia, there are others I assume will be watching us as well. I had many classmates and some friends among them, in my days at the Officer's Academy. Many have not made it to see this day. Some fell at Gronder Field, most of them from the Blue Lions. Others, from the Golden Deer, stood at my side during our time fighting for the Leicester Alliance. Some, including my classmates in the Black Eagles, were even among the enemy. This next round is for them. To the Blue Lions - Dimitri, Felix, Sylvain, Annette, Mercedes - I pray you are at peace. To the Golden Deer - Lysithea, Raphael, Ignatz, and whichever others have fallen - know that a new dawn will rise over Fodlan tomorrow. Know that you did not die in vain. To my fellow Black Eagles - Caspar, Linhardt, and any who fell by my hand - may you find it in your hearts to forgive me, and yourselves. Go to your rest now."

>"As for the living, let us make a promise to each other to hold nothing back, to fight with everything we have, and to leave no one behind."

Just some speech bits I came up with off-the-cuff, I dunno if any of them are fit to print If Tree wants to use any of that, then cool.

>>5833972
>>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.

>>5833972
>B): Spend the night with Ashe.

>>5833972
>A): Spend the night in the company of the Blackwings, toasting and drinking.

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>>5833972
You decide that you wish to spend the night surrounded by the comrades-in-arms that you’ve been fighting with all this time. It’s isn’t hard to find the Blackwings nestled in their own section of the camp. By now, mostly all of them are milling about, either resting after the march down south or putting the finishing touches to their equipment. Several of your companions sit near a fire, chatting amongst themselves. The plans for tomorrow have already been distributed throughout the company, and those who are to play a key part are aware of what they must do. You take a seat by the fire next to Kayla. watching as a spirited argument between Theo and Scratch unfolds.

“Listen here you overgrown hussy.” Theo slurs. Judging by the various bottles lying around the campfire, it’s safe to say that some of the Blackwings have taken to drink for the night. Perhaps not the brightest move before a major battle, but it wasn’t uncommon. Besides, you were a commander of mercenaries, not church soldiers. You certainly couldn’t expect the same level of discipline. “You may have some fancy Crest or whatever, but ain’t no way you’re stronger than me!”

“Oh yeah?” Scratch laughs, slurring her words back at him. A bottle of wine is firmly clenched in her left hand. “I don’t recall the Commander picking you to fight the Sreng? Where was you when I was wailing on that fatass with the funny glasses?”

“Shaw.” Kayla corrects the former bandit. “And the emotional damage you inflicted on him was much worse than the physical. Maybe.”

Theo makes some sort of spitting noise with his mouth. “Don’t tell me you’re bragging about that crap? Beating up a guy with glasses…that’s low even for me! Come back to me when you’ve slain Demonic Beasts like I have!” He gets up in Scratch’s face, attempting to intimidate her.

“If you ask me, I think you’re both idiots.” Damian scoffs. Though perhaps a bit uncharacteristic of him, you notice that he’s also been drinking. “Both of you should feel free to stand in front of me tomorrow and absorb as many arrows and spears as you can.”

“Watch it, pretty boy.” Scratch growls, ignoring Theo. “Ain’t this your home, anyway? You better not go turning tail on us once the heat gets cranked up.”

“Woah! You’re from Enbarr?!” Mina squeals, getting closer to Damian. “That’s really cool. Think you can show me around the city after the battle is done?” She cozies up to the mage, who moves away from her.

“Fat chance there will be anything worth seeing by the time we’re done.” Damian sighs. “Ugh…by the Goddess I hope I catch that snide bastard tomorrow. I’d love to stomp Hubert’s face in. Wouldn’t that be great, Commander?” He looks up towards you, before jumping back in shock and hiding the bottle behind his back. “W-what?! When did you get here?”

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>>5836587
>“Don’t worry about it.” You reassure your old classmate, relieving him of his bottle and taking a sip for yourself. “There’s no harm in unwinding a bit before tomorrow. And frankly, I feel the same. There might not be much of him left for you to tear into if I find him first.”

“I really like this side of you, Damian.” A voice calls out. You turn to find Caleb and Ashe joining the circle. The two of them had been putting the final finishing touches on the ballista for tomorrow’s battle. “Tell me.” Caleb says. “I once heard from Corrine that you were quite the pain in the ass for Blair back at your school. Is that true?”

Damian’s face turns red, and not just from the alcohol. “I…have no idea what you’re talking about! Blair and I were fast friends from day one. With her brawn and my intellect, we were able to win a pivotal mock battle at Garreg Mach. Our cohesion is second-to-none!”

“Really?” Ashe asks, earnestly confused. “That’s not how I remember it…”

“Bah, typical revisionist ‘Blue Lion’ history.” Damian spits. “The fact of the matter is Blair and I won and that’s all there is to it.”

>“Caleb. I take it the ballista is all set for tomorrow?”

“Bullseye, Blair.” He gives you a thumbs up. “I’m going to be shooting down so many damn wyverns out of the sky that we’ll be eating good for months. Shame Boleslav ain’t around to cook ‘em up for us anymore though. By the Goddess that man knew his way around a kitchen.”

>“Him and everyone else.” You say, pouring some of the wine into the crackling fire. “Let’s do them all proud tomorrow. Boleslav, Nero, Roxanne, Shelley. Everyone else that’s fallen in battle. None of them died in vain.” Your gesture is followed by the others present, who follow suit and pour out some of their drink for the fallen. “I want to get drunk and party with all of you in earnest one day. So don’t go throwing your lives away stupidly tomorrow. Come back and we’ll have ourselves a real celebration, and a real memorial to the fallen.”

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>>5836588
“Damn right.” Theo nods. “If you’re paying for the booze, that’s all the more reason I gotta return alive.”

“Tomorrow, I will restore my family’s honor and reclaim my birthright.” Damian says proudly. “We’ll throw that party in my villa. Just try not to embarrass me too much in front of the servants.”

“I’ll shake my butt off for you guys tomorrow. That’s a promise!” Mina declares.

“It’s my job to keep everyone alive.” Kayla says. “I’d never be able to go back to Prince Leif if I failed my duty. He’d probably yell at me in front of everyone. And maybe even spank me and hang me up with rope in the audience hall. By the Goddess…that would be so embarrassing.” Her face reddens even as a warm smile slowly angles up.

“I owe you for getting me out of that dungeon, Blair.” Scratch nods. “Point me at whoever needs punching and I’ll knock their damn block off.”

“If only I’d become a Blackwing sooner.” Ashe says. “I’m glad I found you, Blair. And I’m glad I got to meet everyone. Let’s give them everything we’ve got.”

>A): Raise party HP by 5 for tomorrow.
>B): Raise party’s attack stat by 2 for tomorrow.

>>5836592
>B): Raise party's attack stat by 2 for tomorrow.
The best defense is to kill the enemy before they can hit you!

Wholesome. Glad we got more Blackwings scenes.

>>5836592
>A): Raise party HP by 5 for tomorrow.

On one hand, it *is* more efficient to kill enemies quick to prevent damage, but on the other... I don't know if +2 Attack is significant enough to warrant taking it. Granted, +5 HP might not be much better, but the only point of HP that matters is the last one, right?

>>5836592
>A): Raise party HP by 5 for tomorrow.

>>5836592
>A): Raise party HP by 5 for tomorrow.
Not everyones a physical attacker so HP seems the safer bet... And now this guarantees we'll try to kill a boss with our lance that leaves them at 1HP then they crit one of our member's killing them.

No wait it says Attack stat not Strength, guess I got Pokemon on the mind so seeing Attack made me thing it's physical.

>>5836592
>A): Raise party HP by 5 for tomorrow.

>>5836592
>>A): Raise party HP by 5 for tomorrow.

>>5836592
>>B): Raise party’s attack stat by 2 for tomorrow.

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>>5836592
>A): Raise party HP by 5 for tomorrow.
Going to vote this because I think we've possibly sent Milly to her death at the hands of Petra when we volunteered her for the infiltration mission, and the copium in my mind is that maybe an extra five HP might be enough to help her survive against Petra.

>>5836592
>>A): Raise party HP by 5 for tomorrow.

>>5836592
>A): Raise party HP by 5 for tomorrow.

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>>5836592
The day has finally arrived. You wake up early, checking your gear and belongings one last time. After finding everything is in order, you say one final prayer to the Goddess above. You pray that her and your father see you safely through the day, and that you and your friends all return in one piece. Exiting your tent, you find that the comrades that will ride alongside you in the sky are already there waiting for you. Diana, Ava, Anemone, Eleanor and Ingrid stand ready, each straddled atop their own pegasi.

“Are you ready for this, Blair?” Diana asks you, concern in her voice. “There’s no going back now.”

>“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“I’ve been longing for this chance ever since Gronder.” Ava says. “I’ll kill every last Hellwing that crosses my path. They’ll learn full-well that the skies belong to the Blackwings.”

“You don’t have to worry about me up there.” Anemone says. “Focus on nothing but the battle, and I’ll watch your back. Remember, we still have work to do after this.”

“I’ll show you what the Frosted Shrikes are made of.” Eleanor beams with pride. “You won’t regret having chosen us.”

“You saw what we’re capable of when we fight together, Blair.” Ingrid places a hand on your shoulder. “Together we’ll be unstoppable.”

>“Thank you, everyone. Let’s do this.”

The Blackwings that have been given special missions by Professor Byleth leave first. They take only a few men with them to the frontlines, where they are to be briefed on what is expected of them. Theo and Corrine meanwhile takes command of the company’s infantry, while Uriel and Rocks are prepared to lead a brutal cavalry charge. Meanwhile, the company’s pegasus knights fall in line under you. As you head out to meet Mary, you’re stopped by Kayla and Elizabeth, who flag you down.

“You’ll be happy to know I’ve been showing your friend here a thing or two during the last few days.” Kayla gestures towards Elizabeth, who vigorously nods. “As long as you don’t get too far out of our eyesight, we’ll be able to keep you and some of the girls alive with our Physic spell.”

“Kayla taught me how to use that magic.” Elizabeth says, praising the instruction of her Sreng tutor. “We’ll protect you as best as we can, Blair. Just please don’t get reckless.”

“She’s right.” Kayla says. “If things get too serious up there, we may not be able to keep up. Not to mention that casting a spell from that distance will take a bit of time. Try to avoid any unnecessary damage.”

>“That sounds almost funny coming from you.”

“Exactly. Leave that type of stuff to me.” Kayla warns.

>“Thank you, both of you. I know I’m in good hands.”

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>>5837833
You find Mary and her pegasus knights near the front, going over their own final preparations. The Knights of Seiros commander is busy relaying orders to her troops when she spots you. Excusing herself from the group, she waves you down. As Mary approaches, you notice that she carries herself with far more confidence than the last time you saw her. From how she was speaking to the others, she appears to now be fully comfortable with the mantle of leadership that was placed on her after the deaths of her predecessors.

“Blair, Diana.” Mary greets the two of you warmly. “I’m so glad that you’re here. I was hoping to be able to thank you in person for all the instruction you provided the last time you were at the monastery. But to think we’d be fighting together. I feel much more at ease knowing you’ll be there to help.”

“Of course!” Diana exclaims. “Those chumps in the Hellwings will have to face off against three students of Lady Serena. They don’t stand a chance!”

>“It’s good to see you as well, Mary. How are your troops faring?”

“We saw some rough fighting at Myrddin, as well as Merceus.” Mary says honestly. “But we’re still standing strong. There are 50 pegasus knights under my command, and each of them are trained combat veterans. We don’t look nearly as green as when you last saw us. I’m confident they’ll be able to complement the Blackwings well. Doubly so now that I’ve heard the news. I can’t believe you killed Rex d’Rusalka!” Mary looks almost starstruck. “You’ll have to tell me about that once this is all over. Oh…where’s Shelley? I don’t see her with you.”

>“…Unfortunately, she didn’t make it after Gronder. A testament that the enemy we’re facing is still a strong one, Rex or not.”

“Ahh…I’m so sorry.” Mary bows her head. “She was a fine woman. In just the short time I was with her, I learned much.” She makes eye contact with you. “Make no mistake, I’m aware that the Hellwings are still a dangerous foe. I feared the day would come when I’d find myself fighting against them. Though it took much effort, and it wasn’t cheap, I did everything I could to seek out information on the Hellwings and their tactics. I understand that you and your company fought them at Gronder, but if there’s any questions you have about the way they fight, please, do not hesitate to ask me. It’s imperative we use every advantage we have in order to come out alive.”

>Choose two to ask:
>A): What do you know about the enemy’s numbers?
>B): Tell me about their Aces.
>C): What do you know about their tactician, Winona?
>D): What is their typical approach to fighting?

>>5837835
>C): What do you know about their tactician, Winona?
>D): What is their typical approach to fighting?

Winona's the wildcard, and we don't want to be caught with our pants down. We've the met Aces before, and unless they've picked up a new one, there should only be three in the sky now. I'm sure we'll see Daryun in this battle, too.

>>5837835
>C): What do you know about their tactician, Winona?
>D): What is their typical approach to fighting?
These two seem like the most important questions to ask to get an idea of what to watch out for.
If their strategy is to overwhelm their enemies with numbers, that should get mentioned with the last question, and we already have met the Aces. They might have gotten replacements considering Runesword dude is dead and Axe dude is presumably taking Rex's place, but Winona is probably the biggest threat.

>>5837835
>C): What do you know about their tactician, Winona?
>D): What is their typical approach to fighting?
Tthe Aces have fought us before. They might have switched up their tactics since Gronder, especially now that Rex is dead. If their new MO includes human wave tactics, we might get an idea of their numbers anyway, and that's not to mention getting a heads-up on any Winged Demonic Beasts.

Also, Damian wanting to wizard-duel Hubert is cool, but by the Goddess, if this really is Chapter 18, one of our ground Captains might have to fight the Death Knight. I'm scared.

>>5837835
>>B): Tell me about their Aces.
>>C): What do you know about their tactician, Winona?

>>5837835
>A): What do you know about the enemy’s numbers?
>C): What do you know about their tactician, Winona?

>>5837835
>B): Tell me about their Aces.
>C): What do you know about their tactician, Winona?

>>5837835
>>C): What do you know about their tactician, Winona?
>>D): What is their typical approach to fighting?

That Res up was probably because Blair might eat another Winona bolting

>>5837835
>>C): What do you know about their tactician, Winona?
>>D): What is their typical approach to fighting?

C and D win, writing. (New IP for the Holidays)

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>>5837835
>“Tell me, what do you know about the tactician of the Hellwings, Winona?” You’d met the woman only once long ago, during the Battle of the Eagle and the Lion. Rex had been no stranger to keeping the company of women, but something about Winona seemed different. He treated her with far more respect than you’d ever recalled him showing anyone before. She’d seemed a friendly sort herself, having shared with you some spirit dust that improved your magical capabilities. Back at Gronder, the Bolting that you were struck with could have only come from her.

“The mastermind behind the Hellwings.” Mary says. “She may prove to be a more dangerous foe than even the Aces. She served as Rex’s second-in-command, and more if you believe the rumors. What isn’t up for debate though, is that she knows what she’s doing. She guided the Hellwings not just through the Dagda-Brigid War, but through their trek in Almyra as well. In addition to being an accomplished strategist, she’s an adept mage. According to my intel, she often stays out of the thick of battle, raining Boltings down upon her foes. Unlike most mages capable of siege magic, she somehow seems to have no difficulty at all calling upon magic of that tier continuously.”

>“If we took her out, would the Hellwings surrender?”

Mary shakes her head. “I doubt it. There’s no running away from this battle. Still, taking her out early should make our lives much easier. And longer too.”

>Winona was likely the only person that had a grasp on Rex and his motives. If they really were something more, she might even be able to shed additional light on the Count and Rex’s foray into Crest implantation. “If possible…I’d like to take her in alive. There’s much I’d like to ask her if given the opportunity.”

“Fine by me.” Mary shrugs. “Of course, it’ll be easier said than done.”

>“What can you tell me about the way the Hellwings fight?”

“Well, despite the fact that they’re all Wyvern Riders, they have no shortage of variety that they’re able to employ.” Mary says. “They have an even mix of swords, lances, and spears. In some cases, they’re even adept with all three. As for magic, while lacking somewhat in that area, it’s important to remember their Ace, Aubert. They call him the Wind of Adrestia. He’s a rare class of rider, known as a Malignant Knight. Think of it similar to an Ebon Flier. He can employ devastating Wind magic that will cut us to shreds if we’re not careful.”

“Right. I’ve met him.” Diana says from beside you. You can sense her seething deeply.

>“What do you suggest?” You ask Mary.

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>>5838898
“The Hellwings will likely attack us in waves, each lead by a squadron commander. Though it seems obvious, we need to take out more of them than they do us. We’ll be outnumbered, but I believe that the individual skill of some your captains should be what pushes us over the edge.” She nods towards Ingrid.

Indeed, having a Hero’s Relic on your side was certainly a boon. “As for the Aces, I don’t think they’ll jump in until they see an opportunity they can seize.” Mary continues. “We’ll need to survive those waves of Wyverns, while being careful not to overexert ourselves before dealing with the Aces.”

“Don’t throw out all your magic at once, Blair.” Ingrid warns. “We’ll likely have need of some of your more powerful spells before the day is done.”

Before you can ask Mary any further questions, you hear a horn blaring loudly up ahead. You already know what that means. Professor Byleth and the Knights of Seiros are moving forward into Enbarr. There was no more time to sit around discussing strategy. You had to tale the skies now.

“Goddess be with us all, Blair.” Mary prays.

Both the Blackwings and the Knights of Seiros take to the skies. You can see the battle beginning below, as Byleth and her men pour through the gates of Enbarr. The Imperials have set up fortifications within the city. Arrows and spells fire from within houses and buildings onto the invading troops. Though they connect with the Knights, they are unable to slow down the tide of men. You watch as what looks like a tavern of sorts is blown to pieces by an onslaught of magic from a Church Mage. The imperial soldiers that had been hiding inside the dwelling are all but vaporized.

“Does the Empress plan to hide behind her own people for this battle?” Ava asks disgusted. “What a wretched woman.”

>“Up ahead! Look!”

A swarm of Wyverns have ascended into the sky. The sheer number of them engulfs the other side of the city, and you estimate that there are at least 150 Hellwings facing off against you. The unit’s insignia flies proudly in the sky, held by a ginormous wyvern clad in red armor. Even from this distance, you recognize who that man is. Bradley, an Ace.

“Men and women of the Adrestian Hellwings Special Unit!” Bradley roars, his voice magically amplified to reach your ears. “The traitor, Blair d’Rusalka and her band of cutthroats lie directly in front of us. They supplement their forces with weaklings from the Knights of Seiros, eager to make up the losses we inflicted upon them back at Gronder!” He pauses as every wyvern alongside him cheers, jostling their weapons and pointing them to the sky. “Through trickery and deceit, they slew our Commander. Today, we shall make him proud! First unit, charge! Whoever brings me the head of that traitor shall be made our next Ace!”

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>>5838899
The battle begins in earnest. Quicker than you can fathom, 15 wyvern riders, each wielding a variety of weapons, are racing towards you. A man in armor more ornate than the rest, wielding a regal looking sword, leads the pack. By his trajectory, he seems to be aiming directly for you.

>Wyvern Riders x15

>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>B): Choose a captain to fight the squad leader while you deal with the regular wyvern knights.
>C): Hang in the back and maintain your strength for now. The others should be able to handle these foes.


>Hellwing Squad Leader
HP: 58
STR: 35
DEX: 36
SPD: 38
LCK: 25
DEF: 33
RES: 18
Weapon: Silver Sword+ (+15 DMG)

>>5838900
>>A): Fight the squad leader on your own
Attack with Gungnir and transmute.
We deal 31+5 (extra 5 from Lancefaire), ×2 due to our superior speed makes that 72 damage, -18 from his RES puts him on 54 damage taken before we account for weapon stats, but I'm pretty sure Gungnir deals more than 4 damage. An easy kill, and a good morale booster for our troops to see us swat the first captain with zero issue.

Can we have the weapon stats for Gungnir please? I can't find it in the thread or the stat sheet.

>Unlike most mages capable of siege magic, she somehow seems to have no difficulty at all calling upon magic of that tier continuously
This is going to be fun.

Blair deals 33 STR + 20 (Gungnir) +5 (LF) - 33 = 25 DMG per hit, failing to one-round this guy.
Though he's obviously dead if we use Transmute or Aircalibur instead.

On that note, if we were to use Thunder:
31 MAG + 5 (Thunder) + 5 (BT) + 5 (Magic Staff) - 18 RES = 28*2 = 56 DMG
Maybe we should have taken the gamble for the level up.

And if we take a look at how sending someone else would go, Anemone effortlessly kills him. Her 41 MAG is actually equal to Blair's when we take our skills/items into account, but Flux adds on +7 damage which is stronger than Thunder and allows her to one-round him.

Eleanor deals 32 STR + 8 (Ice Blade) - 18 RES = 22*2 = 44 DMG, so she needs to land one Glacies in there to one-round him.

Assuming I'm doing the calculations for effective damage right, Ava can't one-round him.
30 STR + 12(Silver Bow) - 33 DEF = 9 * 3(Effectiveness) = 27 * 2 = 54 DMG

Ingrid also needs to proc skills to one-round him. With just normal Luin hits, she's actually slightly weaker than us.
34 STR + 17 (Luin) + 5 (LF) - 33 DEF = 23 * 2 = 46 DMG

And might as well include Diana:
With Spear: 35 STR + 12 (Spear) - 33 DEF = 14 * 2 = 28 DMG
With Killing Lance: 35 STR + 11(KL) - 33 DEF = 13 * 2 = 26 DMG
She'll need to crit both hits with KL in order to one-round him.

We don't know Mary's stats to calculate how sending her would go.

>>5838900
>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>Use Thunder
I'd rather kill him for the XP instead of sending Anemone to do it.
There's an argument to be made about just using Aircalibur to one-shot him, but it might be better to save it for the later waves. Once we deal with these guys, there'd be 135 Hellwings left, so we'll be at this for awhile.
Transmute should be saved for the Aces considering Rex and Rene were both packing Delphi Shields and the other Aces probably have one too.

>>5838951
Gungnir was +20 DMG, 10% Crit, +2 to STR, SPD and DEF

>>5838900
>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>Gungnir+transmute.
Absolutely no using aircalibur on fodder. We also have swordfaire so if we do get hit it'll just get burning blood up.

>>5838900
Supporting >>5838993 and their proficiency with Reason magic.

>>5838993
+1

>>5838900
>>5838993

Backing this. I'd rather spend charges of Thunder than charges of Transmute, honestly. And if we're operating on Sreng Five Trial rules, we initiate first because we've got a higher speed, double the guy, he doesn't get a retaliation because we're attacking at range..

He survives, unless we crit him, which is a 16% chance, twice. He then initiates, deals 20 damage, and then gets killed on retaliation-- a fireball or a lance attack will do.

On the assumption we get hit, Kayla and Elizabeth can keep us healed, so it's not too bad. We should hold onto Transmute stacks when facing off against the Aces, but use Aircalibur against their stronger (non-Ace) captains-- each of the Aces probably have Delphi Shields, so it's not worth holding onto it for them.

>>5838900
Supporting >>5838993

>>5838993
+1

>>5838900
>>C): Hang in the back and maintain your strength for now. The others should be able to handle these foes.
Getting committed early is a good way to get Bolt-singed

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>>5838900
The first detachment of Hellwings crosses the city and heads your way. Once they make it to the halfway point, three of them suddenly drop out of the sky. You look down below and quickly find the culprit. Caleb and his ballista have set up just within the city gates. The man’s aim is impeccable, and the first unit of wyverns has been severely weakened before even making contact with the Blackwings. That ballista was certainly worth the gold, even if it would be some time before it was ready to fire again. You move forward to engage the Hellwings squad leader on your own, leaving the others to your companions.

>Blair: 31 MAG + 5 (Thunder) + 5 (BT) + 5 (Magic Staff) - 18 RES = 28*2 = 56 DMG
>Crit: 30, 12, (Miss, Hit)
>Thunder 3/5 Uses Left

You launch a bolt of lightning directly at the squad leader from a distance. The man is lit alight as you increase the energy behind your blast. Both man and beast fall to the city below, caught ablaze by your attack.

>50xp gained! (80/100)

Your comrades each fare successfully in combatting the wave of Hellwings. Ingrid alone takes out three of the wyvern riders. She wipes out the first two knights with a single swing of her spear. The third fares only a little better, landing a glancing blow on her steed. His victory is only short-lived though as Luin pierces through his chest and sends him hurtling into the city.

Ava, meanwhile, has picked off two wyverns with her bow before they could finish crossing the distance. Two knights attempt to flank her, only to be frozen in solid ice by Eleanor’s attack. Diana juggles four wyvern knights on her own, but none of them come close to landing a scratch on her. Your Right Wing’s Killing Lance darts out accurately, scratching and wounding each of the wyverns. While the four of them are preoccupied with trying to hit Diana, they are picked out of the sky one-by-one by Anemone’s dark magic. Before you realize it, the first squad of Hellwings has been completely routed, and with the Blackwings having incurred zero losses.

“Hold the line!” Mary shouts. She extracts her sword from the neck of a wyvern, its rider screaming as they plummet. “More are on the way!”

Just as she said, a second squad of 15 wyvern knights is making their way toward you. This time, the squad leader wields a weighty looking Tomahawk. Things were going well so far, but you had a feeling this was just the calm before the storm.

>Hellwing Squad Leader
HP: 62
STR: 39
DEX: 33
SPD: 34
LCK: 30
DEF: 37
RES: 18
Weapon: Tomahawk (+14 DMG, Ranged)

>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>B): Choose a captain to fight the squad leader while you deal with the regular wyvern knights.
>C): Hang in the back and maintain your strength for now. The others should be able to handle these foes.

Oh do not like this guy. Since he packs a punch and is ranged at that (so can potentially target those other than Blair, especially since know they've seen what our commanders are capable of) I'm torn between aircalibur or Fimbulvetr. Both spells can one round him if I'm doing my maths right.

Tree, what's the AOE range of Fimbulvetr here? If Blair uses it can it splash back on a couple of units behind tomahawk? If that is the case then I'd say Fimbulvetr over aircalibur since it thins out the mooks.

For the other girls, Anemone can't one round him with Flux, but can with Luna. She is tanky enough to eat one hit from him (39+14-20=33) to leave her with a decent 44 HP. I'd rather save the Luna charges for the aces though since the stat sheet doesn't say how many she has at her disposal.

Eleanor also can't one round unless her skill procs, and if he connects he'll wipe out half her health.

Ava can't one round and is even more fragile than Eleanor, and I don't want to field Ingrid now since we'll need her for the aces.

Gonna wait until math anon can also weigh in before I cast my vote.

Tomahawk is ranged, so we'd get hit by a counterattack if we fail to Stun/one-shot the guy.
Blair takes 39 STR + 14 (Tomahawk) - 30 DEF = 23 DMG, leaving her with 49 HP.
Based on her Bolting at Gronder, Winona deals 40 MAG + 12 (Bolting) - 25 RES = 27 DMG. Even if she's gotten stronger, we're still safe unless she's been snorting Spirit Dusts all day since then to increase her MAG to 62.

Tomahawk Man's RES is the same as the previous dude's. He has some more magical bulk with his +4 HP, but it doesn't change much for us.
Aircalibur one-shots him:
31 MAG + 3 (Aircalibur) + 5 (BT) + 5 (Magic Staff) - 18 RES = 26 * 3 (Effectiveness) = 78 DMG
And for Transmuted Gungnir:
33 STR + 20 (Gungnir) + 5 (LF) - 18 RES = 40 DMG per hit, so we'd need to hit him twice and tank a hit for a kill ignoring Stun/crits. Doubling with Transmute seems to only use it up once based on the Rene fight from Gronder.

If they're going to keep coming in waves of 15 fliers, we're on Wave 2 out of 10. Assuming the Aces are leading three of these waves, after this guy we could theoretically spam Aircalibur against everyone else if it one-shots them. Main problem is that they're getting stronger each wave, and doubling with magic does mean we used it up twice.
We have Fimbulvetr that kills Tomahawk Man on the double, but we'd only have 1 use of it left which won't be enough to kill any leaders they throw at us.
If we 1v1 the Aces, Bradley probably needs 2 Transmutes to go down. No way is he getting 2-shotted at least. Kate and the magic dude might have more RES than DEF, so regular Gungnir pokes would work best against them if we're forced to fight against Kate.

>>5839701
>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>Use Transmuted Gungnir
We'll presumably have 8 Hellwing leaders to deal with after this and Winona is also somewhere out there. We have 5 Aircaliburs, which can be used on at least 3 guys, 4 more Transmutes if we used up one now, and 3 Fimbulvetrs which should take out at least one dude. And then there's Forseti. Barring surprise reinforcements, we have enough spells to take our every wave leader if we have Blair solo them.
Getting hit by Tomahawk Man and Bolting might potentially draw in an Ace into the battle for us to kill based on what Mary said. It's better to do it now and activate Fiery Blood when the enemies aren't too strong.

>>5839701
>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>Use Transmuted Gungnir
sounds convincing to me!

Hey Tree, didn't we learn in the fight with Odesse (and Kronyas) that magic use is expended on a 'per round' basis, rather than a 'per hit' one? Does it change for this one, or?

For that matter does Transmute also operate on a 'per hit' basis, or a 'per round' one? I think it was a 'per hit' basis before, but I was wondering as to which method we're using for both.

>>5839701
>>5839963
I was going to go for Aircalibur instead and chip in my thoughts, but it seems you've beaten me to the punch, anon!

Supporting.

>>5840094
>Hey Tree, didn't we learn in the fight with Odesse (and Kronyas) that magic use is expended on a 'per round' basis, rather than a 'per hit' one? Does it change for this one, or?
Only in the event of you doubling and having one usage left.

For example, using Fimbulvetr and doubling will take your usages down to 1/3.

But if you use it again, you'll still double regardless of having only one usage left.

Transmute would also be on a per hit basis, and have the same rule apply to it as well.

>>5839894
I'd roll for AoE in this instance. Somewhere between 1-5 Wyverns.

Incidentally, Forseti would also be AoE and clear out a larger number.

>>5839701
>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>Aircalibur

Now that Tree has confirmed that spells and transmute are used up per hit, we might as well use Aircailbur on the non-ace captains and save the heavy hitter spells and transmute for the Aces, since they are all probably gonna be packing delphi shield which negates wind magic effectiveness.

Aircalibur will let us OHKO which means we can drop potentially 5 commanders with it.

>>5839701
>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>Aircalibur

>>5839963
Since Transmute is used up per hit, that would mean we'd only have 3 left if we used it now. At 48 SPD thanks to Diana or 54 with Darting Blow, we'll likely be doubling the wyvern Aces, so that's either 4 Transmuted Gungnirs on 1 Ace or 2 Transmuted Gungnirs on 2 Aces. The big question is whether or not they have more RES than DEF. Kate likely does due to being a pegasus flier and Aubert potentially does as well.

I'll stand by my vote as I think we can work with 3 Transmutes after this. Taking a hit from Tomahawk Man right now effectively gives us +12 damage next wave for Aircalibur thanks to Fiery Blood.

>>5839701
>>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>>Aircalibur

>>5839701
Alright, gonna support >>5840191 after reading over the arguments. However, I feel like this is the only Aircalibur we should spend just yet, on account of Winged Demonic Beasts being a thing that exists.

Rolled 6 (1d7)

Writing!

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>>5839701
With the second squad of Hellwings beginning their assault, you once again choose to focus on the squad leader. The man leading the pack wields a dangerous looking tomahawk. Even if one of your allies is able to take him out, it stands to reason they won’t be able to do so unscathed. While you wanted to conserve your magic for the battles ahead, you knew you couldn’t be too picky. The squad leader pitches his arm back, ready to send his axe flying through the sky, when you make your move and attack him first.

>Blair: 31 MAG + 3 (Aircalibur) + 5 (BT) + 5 (Magic Staff) - 18 RES = 26 * 3 (Effectiveness) = 78 DMG
>50xp gained! (30/100) Level up!

>Blair Weaver
>Level 45 Seraph Knight (30/100)
HP: 67 (100%) + 1 = 68
STR: 31 (50%) +2 + 1 = 32
MAG: 31 (60%)
DEX: 28 (55%)
SPD: 43 (75%) +2 + 1 = 44
LCK: 31 (40%)
DEF: 28 (60%) +2 + 1 = 29
RES: 23 (50%) + 1 = 24
CHARM: 33 (55%) + 1 = 34

An arc of wind is launched from the tip of your staff, slicing the right wing of the squad leader’s wyvern clean off. The man’s balance is suddenly thrown awry, and he is sent hurtling down into the city below. If his men are shocked by the sudden disappearance of their captain, they don’t have much time to show it as the combined forces of the Blackwings and Knights of Seiros go on the attack.

You watch once more as your sisters make quick work of the Hellwings. It wasn’t that the enemy wyverns were weak. Far from it, in fact. But as Mary said, the individual skill of your captains was on another level and would ultimately be what would tip the scales in your favor. Ingrid wipes out another three wyvern knights all on her own, while Diana cuts the head off two more wyverns that were approaching her. Your captains soften up the attacking wyvern knights enough that they are only able to pose a minimal threat to the regular pegasus knights under your command. Before you know it, the second squad of Hellwings has been defeated, and this time, you’ve only suffered two casualties on your side.

“We’re doing it!” Mary exclaims. “Keep it up! Knights of Seiros, hold formation and begin slowly mov-“

A crack of thunder almost jolts you off of Beathan as a blue bolt suddenly appears in the sky, racing towards where the rest of your company is advancing. You barely dodge the force of nature, but unfortunately, several of your comrades, including Mary, are not so lucky. Women and pegasi scream in horror as the enemy’s Bolting spell serves to fry them to a crisp. White mounts charred black begin dropping from the sky one by one, and you estimate that 10 of your allies were felled by that attack. Mary, to her credit, is still alive, but looking worse for wear.

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>>5840794
“That Bolting.” Anemone growls. “It was just like the one at Gronder. What’s the deal there? It’s way too strong to be coming from someone normal.”

>“Winona.” You knew that she would attack you in this exact way, but there was nothing you could do about it. At least not until she finally saw fit to make her presence known. The air was thick with leftover traces of her magic. Such a thing was only natural for a mage as adept as she was, using an attack that powerful. But that same strength could also serve to be her downfall. With a bit of concentration and luck, you could trace that leftover magic right back to where she was hiding, and maybe even respond with a Bolting of your own.

Such a feat was easier said than done, however. In the heat of battle, with spells being flung left and right on both sides, it wasn’t even a guarantee that you’d be able to succeed. You’d have to temporarily sit out the next round of battle to even attempt it. And at the moment, you did not have the luxury of time or space to work with.

A third wing of Wyvern Knights was advancing forward. 15 additional tough looking foes were flying towards you, their leader balancing a throwing spear in his right hand.

>Hellwing Squad Leader
>Level 43
HP: 62
STR: 39
DEX: 35
SPD: 40
LCK: 30
DEF: 34
RES: 20
Weapon: Spear (+12 DMG, Ranged)

>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>B): Choose a captain to fight the squad leader while you deal with the regular wyvern knights.
>C): Hang in the back and maintain your strength for now, leaving the foes to your allies.
>D): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll: 62% Success)
>E): Delegate Anemone to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll: 46% Success)

Note:
Caleb will fire his Ballista every other turn
Winona will fire off Boltings after every 2 turns, (for now.)
Mary and Elizabeth will fire off Physics at the end of every 3rd turn.

>>5840795
>D): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll: 62% Success)

>>5840795
>D): Attempt to uncover Winona's hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll: 62% Success)
We need to shut her down ASAP. Mary is under half her HP from ONE of those Boltings, and Eleanor and Ingrid are hurt.

>Mary
>Level 40 Falcon Knight
HP: 52
STR: 37
DEX: 40
SPD: 41
LCK: 35
DEF: 25
RES: 30
Weapon: Silver Sword+ (+15 DMG)
Skill: Adept (SPD % chance to attack again)

>>5840795
>D): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll: 62% Success)
I assume we can't use Yara's Premonition here because she's not technically deployed with us? Otherwise this is probably the time to use it. The faster we kill Winona the better.
Would we have a higher chance or automatic success if both us and Anemone were looking for her hiding spot? Though I would rather have Anemone face the captain here, using Luna to annihilate him immediately. I also see Anemone have her own Siege Magic, would she also be able to return fire on Winona if we find her, or is there some mechanical difference between Eclipse and Bolting?

>>5840832
Right, no Premonition. No higher rate of success having both look for her either. Mechanically, there’s no difference between Bolting or Eclipse here, but worth nothing that attacking with those spells would use up a separate turn from searching.

>>5840795
>D): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll: 62% Success)
Looks like Winona's MAG is still 40. Mary was at 45 HP before the Bolting, and she's now at 23 HP so the Bolting did 22 damage.
Our captains can all tank at least 2 Bolting hits. Ava would be left at 1 HP after the second Bolting though since her HP is low.
Main problem with the Boltings that prevents us from just tanking it is that the AOE is killing off our generics. We can't ignore it because of that unless we're willing to let a majority of our fliers die. She'd kill off at least 50 Blackwings if we don't stop her. Realistically it'd be more since we aren't going to kill the Aces in 1 turn.

>>5840795
>D): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll: 62% Success)

>>5840184
Aha, gotcha! Thanks for the clarification.

>>5840795
>D): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll: 62% Success)

I'm a little worried that leaving the others to fight this while Mary's still recovering from Bolting might be put her in danger (with an Ace possibly swooping in to try and eliminate after), but we've got Caleb's ballista loaded, and Elizabeth and Kayla's Physics ready to go this turn, so it's probably better to try and suss things out early as we can manage. If Winona starts ramping up the power or frequency of her Boltings, things are going to get rough.

>>5840795
>>C): Hang in the back and maintain your strength for now, leaving the foes to your allies.

Rolled 71 (1d100)

Rollan. 1-62 to succeed

Fuck

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>>5841593
Sasuga, Blair...

Rolled 37 (1d100)

Every single time when we need it, Blair. Just roll like me.

Darn

Should've voted for C

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>>5840795
“Mary, pull hack for now! I’m going to try and find out where that Bolting came from!” You relay to the others. “Cover me while I do so.”

Anemone nods, opting to take on the Hellwing captain. Her mount, Stormy, is as fast as they come, and she closes the gap between her and her foe quickly. A spark of dark lightning shoots up her arm, before being fired off in a wave at her the spear-wielding wyvern knight. Both man and beast are caught in the attack that you recognize as Luna. Though the enemy captain is fast, you know well that there is no defense against dark magic of that caliber. He launches his spear forward, catching Stormy on his underside. The pegasus screeches in pain, but it’ll take more than that to knock him out of the sky. Anemone follows up with another blast of dark magic, and the captain and his wyvern explode into red chunks.

Though you sit the fight out, Caleb’s ballista fortunately pulls some of your weight for you, knocking another three wyverns out of the sky. The others engage in battle with the third detachment, though noticeably, they don’t go down as quickly as the last few. It seemed that the enemy was in fact getting stronger with each passing wave. Though you are not currently engaging them, these thoughts and more serve to distract you from your intended goal. Following the traces of Winona’s magic back to her would be tough even in an empty field. But doing so in the middle of a city under siege was the utmost challenge.

“It won’t work, Blair. You’re outmatched. Throw down your arms and escape with your life. I won’t be bested in matters of war.”

>A woman’s voice. Were you hearing things now? No, you’d heard Winona speak to you back at Gronder as well. Was she messing with you somehow? “Damnit…it’s no good.” It felt as though you could sense everyone else but her. It wasn’t that the mage was hiding her tracks, but that there was just too much going on. You needed to concentrate further if you wanted to stand any chance of finding her. Your efforts end in failure, but you feel as though you’ve gotten a good idea of just which of these buildings Winona was observing the battle from.

“Enemy wings going down!” Ava reports, shooting down a wyvern knight that was inches away from running her through. Your companions were able to clean up without you it seems, with your side suffering minimal casualties. Even better though, Elizabeth and Kayla have seemingly gotten into position and begun firing off their Physics. You watch as the wounds that Mary, Eleanor and Ingrid had sustained fully heal.

>“Great job! Keep knocking them do-”

“Wyverns spotted coming from the east!” A pegasus scout yells. “I-is it the enemy?”

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>>5841975
The east? Imperial reinforcements? Where could they have come from? You turn to where the scout was pointing and, sure enough, several wyvern knights are making their way towards you. You’re able to make out the flag they carry as they get closer. A black vulture in front of a red sun. Dread runs through you as you recognize the symbol.

“I’m coming for my spear, Blair!” Daryun the Red shouts loud enough so that you can hear. His men roar triumphantly behind him, rattling their spears and singing their leader’s praises in the Almyran tongue. “Gungnir will be mine!”

“The Desert Vultures!” Eleanor spits venomously. All signs of her usual stoic and graceful composure had dropped as she gazed at the rival mercenary company. “Did they sign on with the Empire after failing to secure a contract with the Knights of Seiros?”

“A-Almyrans?!” Mary exclaims with horror. “What are they doing here?”

>“Does it matter? If they stand in our way, we’ll knock them down alongside the Hellwings.”

“Enemy ahead!” Another pegasus scout shouts. A fourth detachment of Hellwings has separated from the main host and is now moving your way. Their leader this time looks different than the rest, and you swear you’ve even seen him somewhere before. An ornate, red spear pulses brightly in his hands. A Flame Lance. The same sort you were gifted by Rex long ago. Both the Hellwings and the Desert Vultures begin moving in on your position. Before you even realized it, you were now fighting a battle on two fronts.

>Daryun
>Level 40 Wyvern Lord
HP: 61
STR: 37
DEX: 30
SPD: 38
LUK: 28
DEF: 35
RES: 18
Weapon: Lance of Zoltan (+15 DMG, 15% Crit), Delphi Shield
Skill: Pierce (DEX Based Chance to ignore enemy DEF)

>McCarthy
>Level 44 Wyvern Knight
HP: 70
STR: 36
MAG: 32
DEX: 35
SPD: 40
LUK: 25
DEF: 33
RES: 26
Weapon: Flame Lance (+10 DMG, Magic, Ranged) Silver Lance (13 DMG)

>A): Fight Daryun and the Desert Vultures. (How?)
>B): Fight McCarthy and the Hellwings. (How?)

>Choose a captain to engage the other group.

>>5841981
>A): Fight Daryun and the Desert Vultures. (How?)
> Use transmuted Gungnir

>Choose a captain to engage the other group.
>Eleanor

>>5841981 >>5841993

sorry I meant for Blair to fight the hellwing squadron

>B): Fight McCarthy and the Hellwings. (How?)
> Use transmuted Gungnir

>Choose a captain to engage the other group.
>Eleanor

>>5841981
>B): Fight McCarthy and the Hellwings. (How?)
>Gungnir+Transmute
We need to focus on the enemy we were hired to fight. Complete our existing objective. If Daryun wants to come at us for a personal goal instead of achieving the mission he was probably hired for, that's his mistake to make. He'd honestly be doing more for his employers by going after our ground troops while we're fighting the Hellwings.

>Choose a captain to engage the other group.
>Anemone
I'm recommending her rather than Eleanor (for whom it seems to be more personal) on the basis of thinking she has the best chance to survive fighting Daryun, but I am not the mathanon and my understanding of the numbers may be off.

For McCarthy:
31 MAG + 3 (Aircalibur) + 5 (BT) + 5 (Magic Staff) - 26 RES = 18 * 3 (Effectiveness) = 54 DMG per hit.
31 MAG + 12 (Fimbulvetr) + 5 (BT) + 5 (Magic Staff) - 26 RES = 27 * 2 = 54 DMG
34 STR + 20 (Gungnir) + 5 (LF) - 26 RES = 33 * 2 = 66 DMG
Non-Transmuted Gungnir:
34 STR + 20 (Gungnir) + 5 (LF) - 33 DEF = 26 * 2 = 52 DMG
So we fail to one-round him with anything aside from Aircalibur which requires 2 hits for the kill. But using Fimbulvetr or Gungnir still leaves him low on health that we can easily kill him afterwards by poking him with Gungnir or even with Fire. Unless someone softens him up first or we let someone else finish him, Transmute would be a waste here.
His 40 SPD prevents doubles from both Ava and Eleanor.
Ingrid does: 34 STR + 17 (Luin) + 5 (LF) - 33 DEF = 23 * 2 = 46 DMG
Her Crest should add 16 DMG per hit so she needs to use it on both hits to one-round him.
Ingrid has high RES and HP so she'd do fine, but I think we should just have Anemone kill him or handle him ourselves for the XP. Diana takes too long to kill him unless she gets crits.

For Daryun:
Fimbulvetr would kill him in one-round on the second hit.
31 MAG + 12 (Fimbulvetr) + 5 (BT) + 5 (Magic Staff) - 18 RES = 35 * 2 = 70 DMG
Transmuted Gungnir also two-shots him, but we'd get hit by his counterattack if we ignore any rolls. If he does proc Pierce, we'd be left at 73 HP - 37 STR - 15 (Zoltan) = 21 HP
We should actually be at 26 RES thanks to the Talisman from Catherine, so a Bolting to us would be:
40 MAG + 12 (Bolting) - 26 RES = 26 DMG.
If we do take the risk with transmuted Gungnir, we might be able to grab his Delphi Shield to give to a captain. We will be fighting an Ace with flier effectiveness.

For how Daryun vs Eleanor would go:
I'm assuming Ice Blade is ranged. If not, then she can survive two hits from him, but she'd be dead if anything else attacks her.
32 STR + 8 (IB) - 18 RES = 22 * 2 = 44 DMG
She needs Glacies procs on both hits to immediately one-round him. She can survive a Pierce from him thanks to the +5 HP boost, but she's left with 4 HP and also has the same risk of dying to Bolting just like us. She's fine if she takes a regular hit once and a Bolting.

Anemone also needs Luna to kill him as he survives with 1 HP remaining if she uses Flux:
41 MAG + 7 (Flux) - 18 RES = 30 * 2 = 60 DMG.

>>5841981
>A): Fight Daryun and the Desert Vultures. (How?)
>Use Transmuted Gungnir

>Choose a captain to engage the other group.
>Anemone
Daryun's men are a big problem. We have two waves worth of enemy reinforcements approaching us plus the normal Hellwing wave right in front of us. Fimbulvetr is safer, but I want to take the risks to snatch his Delphi Shield and killing him in 1v1 melee duel might also force his men to flee. Pierce + Bolting would kill us, but our luck can't be that awful.

>>5841981
>A): Fight Daryun and the Desert Vultures. (How?)
>Use Transmuted Gungnir

>Choose a captain to engage the other group.
>Anemone

I at last catch up after several threads.
To swift-winged victory!

>>5842370
Support

>>5842370

+1

>>5842370
This

>>5841981
Wait are these the fucking guys from like during the timeskip when Blair fought the Almyrans? Wow didn't expect those guys to come back.

>>5843394
They're the dudes we could have hired either last thread or the one before, but we chose Eleanor and the Frozen Shrikes instead.

>>5843412
Oh so we made the right choice not to hire the guy because he seems to have only been after our Spear, prolly would have backstabbed us during this fight.

>>5843444
alternatively eleanor might have been a wrong choice because she would have just stayed out of it or fought for the knights separately if unhired. hard to know

>>5843444
Mercenary gonna mercenary

>>5843673
Sorry for the delay, had a bit of a cold. Writing!

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>>5841981
Meanwhile…

The assassin hardly had a chance to scream as Sebastian crushed the man in between the wall of a nearby building and his towering great shield. He took a step back, letting the dagger-wielding assailant crumple to the ground, and swung his sword behind him with an overhanded chop. The overpoweringly huge Silver Blade easily cleaved through another assassin that had been hoping to sneak up on him.

“It’s no good.” Sebastian thought, watching dispassionately as both halves of the man fell to the ground, where already at least a dozen others of his kind were lying. There was no chance he’d be caught off guard. This was what he’d been practicing his whole life for. The thick of battle was where he belonged. And now that his long-awaited opportunity to avenge the Kingdom of Faerghus was in sight, he would not falter now. Especially not when the mission given to him was so important. He looked down at his charge. The assassins had not come for him, but for the young girl, Flayn. She was the sister of Seneschal Seteth. She looked to be a girl no older than 17, and yet a bountiful supply of kindness radiated from her. Sebastian wasn’t sure why the Empress would waste no small number of rogues in trying to harm this young girl, but it did not matter. They would not succeed while he stood.

“Ahh…thank you, Sir Sebastian!” Flayn bowed her head, showing respect to the much taller and larger Kingdom knight. “Blair keeps really good company!”

“Think nothing of it, my lady. I vow that no harm shall come to you while I am by your side.”

Just then, Sebastian heard a scream from up above, where Blair and the others were fighting. Another wyvern was dropping from the sky. They’d been falling all day, and the sight heartened Sebastian. He only wished he could be up there as well, fighting alongside his commander. But his place was down here, and that would have to do. One of the wyverns collides brutally with the side of a nearby building, smashing its roof and showering debris down below. Sebastian quickly covers the smaller Flayn with his shield, the hail of stone becoming a minor nuisance.

“You are a true knight, Sir Sebastian.” Flayn beams. She produces a strange looking staff the likes of which the knight had never seen before. “Come, this should be close enough to the frontlines. I’ll do what I came here to do.”

>Sebastian’s Mission: Success
>Flayn Uses Fortify, reducing troop loss this turn by half and restoring all unit HP.

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>>5844313
“Blair!” Daryun wastes no time in engaging you. He wields a powerful looking spear, while also having somewhere along the way acquired a rare Delphi Shield. The Almyran had no intention of making this easy on you. “Your death will mark the first great notch in my legacy! Come, let us do glorious battle!”

The battle, which up till this point had been going in favor of the Blackwings, had quickly taken a turn for the worse with the addition of the Desert Vultures. Up until now, you and your captains have been able to greatly reverse the balance of power. But there were too many foes for you all to possibly contend with, and the fighting had now broken out into two fronts. More and more of your soldiers were being pulled into the battle. You leave Anemone to deal with the advancing Hellwing detachment, while you and some of your pegasus knights engage the Desert Vultures.

>“Fool! Would you really throw away your life for this thing?” Beathan spins out of the way, dodging an aerial divebomb from Daryun. Both your spears clash. You avoid a decapitating swing, whereas Daryun pulls his spear back in time to block one of your thrusts.

“That ‘thing’ is my ticket to greatness! And if the Empire is willing to pay me for your head, then all the better! Regret your choices later, Blair, it’s time for my ascension!”

>Transmute!
>Blair: 32 STR + 20 (Gungnir) + 5 (LF) = 57 – 18 (Res) = 39 DMG
>Crit: (73, Miss)
>Stun: (6, Hit)
>Daryun: (22/61 HP)

Infusing Gungnir with magic, you position your back to the sun and swoop in against Daryun. You’re much faster than the bulkier wyvern, and if he’s able to see the blow coming, he’s unable to stop it. Gungnir nearly takes his arm off at the socket as the magic blade cleaves through his defenses effortlessly. Daryun grits his teeth. At this close distance, there’s no way that he can possibly miss skewering you. But to his chagrin, he finds himself unable to lift his arm. He looks down puzzled, believing that the wound he suffered shouldn’t be enough to paralyze him.

“What sorcery is this?! I can’t move my arm!”

With Daryun stunned, there’s nothing left to do but finish things. If he wanted Gungnir so badly, you’d be more than happy to give it to him. You sink the spear deep into the mercenary captain’s chest and twist.

>Transmute: 3/5
>Daryun: (0/61 HP)

“Gahhhhhh!” He screams hoarsely. “Not…a single hit…? How…!”

Before he can slide off his wyvern, you help yourself to the man’s Delphi Shield. You then turn back, not bothering to watch his descent.

>100xp gained! (30/100)
>Blair Weaver
>Level 46 Seraph Knight (30/100)
HP: 68 (100%) + 1 = 69
STR: 32 (50%) +2
MAG: 31 (60%) + 1 = 32
DEX: 28 (55%) + 1 = 29
SPD: 44 (75%) +2
LCK: 31 (40%) + 1 = 32
DEF: 29 (60%) +2 + 1 = 30
RES: 26 (50%) + 1 = 27
CHARM: 34 (55%)

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>>5844317
With Daryun dealt with, you turn your attention back to the greater battle. Anemone had taken out the Hellwings Squad Captain, and Ingrid was still a force to reckon with. Still, it was plain to see your side was being overrun. With your forces split into two, you were unable to fully rout the Desert Vultures, who seemed eager to continue fighting on despite the sudden loss of their leader. Your numbers were bleeding through, and you could see those in your company beginning to show signs of tiredness. To your dismay, a fifth deatchment of Hellwings were coming to the front, fresh and ready to do battle. Perhaps worst of all, you knew that another Bolting was coming your way.

The captain at the front of the Hellwings line has a greatbow slung across his shoulder as he surveys the battle in front of him. That wasn’t good, you thought grimly. Anyone who came into battle with him would risk being shot down. Fortunately, you now had a spare Delphi Shield courtesy of Daryun. You had to take control of the battlefield before things spiraled out of control any further.

>Hellwings Squad Captain
>Level 45 Bow Wyvern Knight
HP: 55
STR: 35
DEX: 42
SPD: 41
LUK: 19
DEF: 28
RES: 27
Weapon: Great Bow (+15 DMG.)

>A): Fight the squad leader on your own. (How?)
>B): Choose a captain to fight the squad leader while you clean up the Desert Vultures.
>C): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll+: 82% Success)
>D): Delegate Anemone to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll: 46% Success)

>Who do you give Daryun’s Delphi Shield to?

>>5844319
>C): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll+: 82% Success)
This is absolutely our top priority, we're fish in a barrel at the moment and if she takes enough of us out then there's nothing stopping the hellwings from just rushing us en mass for a rout.

>Who do you give Daryun’s Delphi Shield to?
>Anemone

I admit that I've forgotten what the criteria is for doubling, but if it's needing 4 more speed than the opponent then she, Diana and Ingrid are the only three fighters other than Blair who can double greatbow. Anemone can one round him with Luna, taking 30 damage in the process, which leaves her at a respectable 47 HP. Assuming Fortify is going to come in this turn she'll get topped up to full soon too.

She's also got the best Res out of everyone, so giving the shield to her makes her a good alternative to fight the magic ace (especially if he's packing Aircalibur too).

I'd say this is also a very good time for Ingrid to whip out burning quake.

>>5844462
Also double posting to say that I'm glad that Sebastian is once again proving himself to be best boy. He has himself a position as a church knight captain for sure once all this is over.

>>5844319
>C): Attempt to uncover Winona's hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll+: 82% Success)
We need to shut down those Boltings yesterday.

>Who do you give Daryun's Delphi Shield to?
>Diana
We may have lost our Left Wing, but she's still our Right. We owe her this much.

>>5844319
>C): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll+: 82% Success)

>Who do you give Daryun’s Delphi Shield to?
>Diana
Ingrid already has one, Anemone's hide skill means she's less likely to be a target for ranged enemies. Plus, if he monogrammed it with a 'D' somewhere on the shield, it'll still fit.

>>5844319
>C): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll+: 82% Success)

>Who do you give Daryun’s Delphi Shield to?
>Diana
Anemone is admittedly the better unit just because Luna is a broken spell, but Diana should have the chance to fight against Aubert to avenge Shelley.

>>5844319
>>C): Attempt to uncover Winona’s hiding spot. (MAG/LCK Roll+: 82% Success)
>>Who do you give Daryun’s Delphi Shield to?
>>Diana

blair's midbattle levelups have been fabulously good

Rolled 4 (1d100)

Rollan. 1-82 for success.

>>5845679
Finally

>>5845679
PRAISE SOTHIS

>>5845679
>GOTCHA BITCH

Rolled 5 (1d7)

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>>5844319
>“Diana! Take this!” You offer Daryun’s Delphi Shield to your Right Wing, who eagerly accepts it. “It’ll keep you safe from arrows and wind magic. Join the others!”

“Thanks, Blair!” She offers you a half-salute, before racing off to engage the newest wave of Hellwings. You were still overrun, and it didn’t help matters that you’d be spending the next few moments searching for Winona as opposed to fighting back the enemy. But if you let her fry your comrades any longer, the battle would soon be lost. You pull back from the fighting with the Desert Vultures to allow yourself room for concentration. Traces of Winona’s magic still hung heavy in the air, and you already had a good idea of where she was hiding. You’d focus on that area and uncover her this time for sure.

You closed your eyes, doing your best to track that first Bolting back to the source. You open your senses as best as you can, ignoring the magic being flung from both sides. Finally, you notice a familiar sensation coming from the eastern side of the city. A belltower stands tall and proud, unbothered by the fighting happening on all sides. Could that be where Winona was hiding?

As if to answer your query, you see a small twinkle coming from the top of the tower. It was only for a second, but you’re sure you saw it. You’ve found Winona, and almost as if in response, she fires off another skyshattering Bolting. Beathan barrel rolls away from the crack of blue thunder that emanates from the tower at the last second, but several of your allies, including Eleanor, are not so fortunate. The lightning cuts through a wing of pegasus knights easily, swatting them out of the sky with a smoldering crash. Nearly a dozen more of your subordinates are cut down, while Eleanor herself sustains moderate damage.

>“Found you!” You can now retaliate against the Hellwing’s Tactician, but you know that casting a Bolting won’t be instant. Quickly surveying the state of the battle, you note that Ava and Diana have led the charge in routing the remaining Desert Vultures. Any surviving Almyrans have now taken to fleeing the battle rather than joining their commander. Anemone, meanwhile, has eliminated another Hellwing Captain. She and Ingrid are swatting down wyverns as quickly as they come at them, but you note that she’s sustained damage, and sooner or later she’ll run out of charges of Luna.

The fifth detachment of Hellwings goes down. By now, you can tell that their numbers have been whittled down more than half. And while both sides have grown a lot more evenly matched, you yourself have still sustained no shortage of losses. You watch as you expect another wing of wyverns to replace the last, but instead, the Hellwings line opens up, and three Winged Demonic Beasts come forth instead.

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>>5846067
>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding.
>B:) Delay the attack on Winona to help push back the Demonic Beasts.

>Winged Demonic Beast x3
>Level 44
HP: 90
STR: 37 + 10
DEX: 32
SPD: 39
LUK: 19
DEF: 24
RES: 20
Skills: Darting Blow (+6 SPD when attacking), Renewal (25% HP restored each turn)

>>5846068
>B:) Delay the attack on Winona to help push back the Demonic Beasts.

Well, two more turns till she fires another bolting, right? I think that should give us enough time to help with the demonic beasts, then go smash her.

>>5846068
>B:) Delay the attack on Winona to help push back the Demonic Beasts.

>>5846068
>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding
Our captains can survive one turn. If we hold off, Winona will move and we'll have to do this nonsense all over again.

>>5846068
>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding
Begone bitch.

>>5846068
>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding.

Zap before she can relocate.

>>5846068
>>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding
If Blair attacks too we can take them all out - but Tree has also implied that Winona can pull out a bolting quicker than every two turns and if we take out three demonic beasts and I don't want to see that happen.

If my calculations are right we get a ballista blast this turn. I also think we may get the physics in this turn too so I'd rather try to nip the boltings in the bud. If Blair can't get Winona this turn then we can let anemone use eclipse the next one.

How others fair against the beasts:

I think Ava might also be able to solo one: 30 STR + 12 (bow) - 24 def = 18 * 3 (effective) = 54 damage per hit and she doubles it if she initates. She can also trigger her skill to negate its retaliation.

Ingrid with Luin can also soften one up considerably: (34 + 17 + 5) - 24 = 32 * 2 = 64 HP.
If she procs her crest she'll be able to one round, and if she doesn't then Anemone can take him out with flux in one hit.
Ingrid will take 18 damage if hit (47 - 29) leaving her at 38 HP but she should be able to stay alive until the physics hit.

That leaves 2 dealt with pretty easily without Blair. Diana can maybe occupy the third with her dodging skill. She's not going to kill it but she can potentially soften it up for Ava next turn.

>>5846068
>>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding

I’ve been convinced.

Mary’s an experienced tactician too. Three daemonic beasts should be well within their capabilities.

>>5846068
>>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding.

>>5846068
>>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding.
We should get Anemone to follow up with her own Siege Magic to ensure we utterly annihilate Winona. It's not certain our own Bolting will be enough to take her out, and in siutations like that we need to unleash superior firepower to make sure the job gets done.

>>5846068
>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding.

>>5846068
>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding.

>>5846068
>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding
Drop the nuke

>>5846068
>A): Cast Bolting on the Belltower where Winona is hiding.

>>5846212
Also, I pre-emptively assume full responsibility if one of our Blackwings gets critted and dies here.

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>>5846068
>Meanwhile…

As Damian ran through the streets of Enbarr, he thought to himself how the city hadn’t changed much since the last time he was here. Granted, much of it was now on fire and there were a lot more corpses than he’d remembered. But for the most part, he still knew his way around Enbarr’s winding pathways. Alongside him were several mages from the Knights of Seiros, each one assigned to him by Professor Byleth. Damian hadn’t expected the Professor to remember him. After all, he’d hardly been friendly with anyone at Garreg Mach following the embarrassment he’d suffered during the first mock battle. But not only did she remember him, she’d welcomed him with open arms. Say what you will about the Professor, she had an annoying ability to inspire.

“Up here.” Damian relayed to the others with him. The mage thanked his luck that the ladder was still where he’d remembered it being. In just a few steps, he and his party would be atop the walls of Enbarr, where they’d have a bird’s eye view of the entire battlefield. Climbing to the top, Damian was surprised to find that this section of the walls was completely deserted. Every man, woman and child that could hold a pointed stick in their hands was likely down in the city, trying to hold off the Knights of Seiros.

“Will this spot suffice, captain?” A bookish-looking young mage asks Damian.

Damian ignored the girl as he stared up at the sky. Blair and the others were still doing battle with the Hellwings, and the fighting was growing fiercer by the second. Even now, he could hardly believe he was fighting alongside the same girl who embarrassed him at Garreg Mach. The same girl who’d witnessed him acting like a petulant, stubborn noble, and who managed to shut him up. Damian turned his eyes away from the battle above to stare at the city. Enbarr was burning, and it would never be the same. For generations, his family had helped build this city. And now he was here as an invader. The thought would probably have his entire family turning in the grave. That is if most of them hadn’t been executed by Hubert. Perhaps that balanced things out in their eyes?

“This will do. Siege Mages, form up.” Damian commanded.

Seven mages gathered in a circle around him, summoning magic of the strongest caliber deep from within themselves. Their goal was to create an opening within Enbarr’s castle for the Knights to exploit. Every mage here was capable of using siege magic, and together they’d stomp a hole in the empire’s defense. But seeing as there was no one on these walls to stop them, Damian felt as though he could afford to lend his friends a hand.

“Before we get to the castle, I have another target in mind. Focus your Meteors above. Shower those wyverns in a sea of flame!”

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>>5847538
Blair watched as her Bolting trailed across the sky in a straight line. It traced the same route as Winona’s own spell, until it collided head-on with the belltower. The explosion rocked the city as the tower’s bell loudly exploded. The building’s top had been knocked off completely, showering debris and stone on those below. You couldn’t be sure if Winona had been killed in that attack, but at the very least you’d retaliated against her, and hopefully that would be enough to keep the dangerous mage out of your hair for good.

Turning back towards the battle, you could see that the others had engaged the Demonic Beasts. Ingrid led the charge, engaging the first beast on her own. Activating her Crest, she slashed at the first winged abomination with Luin, cutting a large chink of it’s wing off in the process. As the creature shrieked and retaliated against her, Ingrid tanked the blow, activating her Crest once more and splitting the creature in two.

Ava, always accurate even under the worst conditions, lets loose an arrow that lodges itself into the left eye of one of the Demonic Beasts. The monster thrashes in pain, rushing forward to try and claw her out of the sky. She’s far too quick though and dodges out of the way before the beast can get too close (Sky High). She knocks another arrow to her string, and fires, this time catching the creature in its right eye. The beast lets out one last pitiful roar, before falling onto a building down below, leveling it in the process.

The final Demonic Beast is hacked to pieces, even as it struggles to swat down Diana. The Demonic Beast seems to focus entirely on trying to attack your Right Wing, even as Anemone pelts it with her Dark Magic. Finally, the creature sustains enough damage from their joint attack, and falls to the city to join its brethren.

Another detachment looks ready to venture forward when the sky suddenly darkens. For a second, your heart skips a beat when you believe you may have miscalculated Winona’s hiding spot. But the Bolting never comes. To your disbelief, the sky opens up, and meteors begin to pelt the Hellwings where they fly. You watch in amazement as the massive molten rocks create havoc within the lines of the Hellwings, breaking up their formation and sending man and beast rocketing to the ground below. Though you have no idea where the bout of siege magic came from, it has undoubtedly turned the battle in your favor. The Hellwings suffer massive losses, have had their formation scattered, and are seemingly in a panic.

“Blair! They’re routing!” Mary exclaims. “Now’s our chance to go on the attack and end things before they regroup!”

>A): Attack the Hellwings
>B): Standby and see how things play out.

>>5847540
>>A): Attack the Hellwings

>>5847540
>B): Standby and see how things play out.

All three aces seemingly absent and Winona's fate being ambiguous? Call me paranoid, but I'm suspecting a trap.

Right now, our balance of power is relatively equal, if we charge in, we could finish them off now, but at the same time, if they spring their trap, we have basically have no room for mistakes at the time.

It's possible that by doing this, the Hellwings regroup and force the Blackwings into a slugfest, but I'm pretty sure that we hold the advantage in that situation. If they instead choose to do a full retreat, they get away, but the battle is won for us.

All that said, this could just be the words of a paranoid man, so if y'all would prefer to go for the kill, then I think we might survive a trap.

>>5847540
Winona might be alive but I doubt even the Hellwings suspected the surprise meteor shower, let's clip these bastards.
>A): Attack the Hellwings

>>5847540
>B): Standby and see how things play out.

I don't like it - three of our captains are at half health or less, three aces are still MIA and though Mary is calling for a rout our forces are still pretty much equal in number so if they do have something up their sleeve it could be devastating. Also knowing Winona she might have a contingency plan as to what happens if she's taken out - we don't know what siege magic the magic guy is packing.

I'd rather wait for the physics to hit and top us up before we do anything rash. Plus grouped like that the ballista can do them serious damage.

>>5847540
>A): Attack the Hellwings

What kind of ‘trap’ would wipe out so many of their own?

>>5846332
(Previous post)

>>5847540
>>B): Standby and see how things play out.

>>5847789
It's more that we don't know what else the hellwings had in store for us (the demonic beasts showed they prepped more than just men, what AOE magic skills is their magic ace packing) and 3 of our heavy hitters are at half health or less.

We charged in now and then get caught in some hellwing attack once the rest of the aces rally the troops and Ingrid/Eleanor/Anemone are potentially on the chopping block.

The majority of our losses have come from Winona's boltings. I think we can handle the waves if they regroup, and Blair still has 4 charges of aircalibur and all her AOE spells at her disposal.

>>5847696 I'm this person for reference

>>5847540
>>B): Standby and see how things play out.

>>5847540
>B): Standby and see how things play out.
This definitely narratively feels like the place where Blair, the experienced leader, pulls back an eager Mary from falling into a trap of Winona's

>>5847863
in fact, if we guesstimate the Demonic beast wave as being about equal to the Hellwing waves before them (15 'strength') then the meteors really only did 5 'damage' to the hellwings and their main value was giving us a turn to deal with the beasts without immediate reinforcements

>>5847540
>B): Standby and see how things play out.
Rushing in the moment the Imperial lines looked weak is how Dimitri died. Let's not go join him just yet.

>>5847540
>B): Standby and see how things play out.

>>5847540
>B): Standby and see how things play out.
I'm picking this, but it's possible we're playing it too safe here. At this point, Winona is out of commission and we're on equal numbers with them. They probably aren't going to slowly send their men out in waves to die anymore. But we should be able to win if they launch a final attack with every Hellwing available since we have our captains, the ballista, and our healers.

>>5847540
>A): Attack the Hellwings

B wins, writing!

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>>5847540
>“No! Stand back!” You order the others. It was true that the Hellwings were in bad shape, with those meteors threatening to rout them out of the sky. But you felt that attacking now could be a grave mistake, particularly when the other Aces had yet to make their presence known. So far, you’ve only seen evidence of Bradley, with no signs of either Aubert or Kate. If you moved too hastily and attacked now, you risked being caught off-guard by either one or all three of them. “Hold the line for now! We’ve been steadily breaking them so far; we can’t deviate from the plan!”

“But-!” Mary protests but holds her tongue and defers to your authority in this matter. Together, you and the others watch as the meteors gradually stop dropping. You estimate that at least 20 of their number had fallen to the ground as a result of the attack. The survivors were forming up once more and looking far more shaken for it. As you watch the show, you feel your group being restored back to health by Mary and Elizabeth.

Eventually, 15 more Wyvern Riders took point at the front of the pack. Their leader this time looked different than the others. He was clad in red, and his Wyvern was more serpent-like in appearance. He points directly at you, before heading your way with a burst of speed. So fast is the enemy captain, that his allies are left trailing behind him.

“Is he mad?” Ingrid remarks, astonished. “Does he mean to engage us on his own?”

“I recognize that man!” Diana exclaims angrily, her face contorted with rage. “That’s the one that killed Shelley! That’s-!”

You could sense something horrifyingly familiar pulsating within Aubert. It was wizardry of the highest realm, eclipsing even that of siege magic. A million thoughts race through your head, but Aubert intends to give you no chance to sit and sort through them. Instead, you scream out a warning to your comrades to split up and scatter before it is too late. Sensing the urgency within your voice, the others put as much distance between themselves and the Ace as possible. In this case, it means separating themselves from you, his intended target. Miraculously, Beathan pivots out of the way just in time to avoid impending doom.

Forseti wreaks havoc amongst your allied forces. You’d used the spell plenty of times before, but being on the other end of it was a horrifying prospect. The roaring winds of the S-Tier magic drown out all screams, dragging those caught in its gales into its vortex before ripping them to pieces. So thick is the storm that you’re unable to even see passed the other side of the spell. Eventually, the magic dissipates in time for you to witness broken chunks of pegasi and women falling to the ground.

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>>5848669
“What’s with that stupid look on your face?” Aubert asks, turning his nose up towards you. Magical energy radiates off the confident-looking man, who smirks smugly as he examines his grim handiwork. “You should have let me hit you with that spell. It would have put a quick end to all your worries.”

>“Aubert, is it?” You spit. “Fortunately for you I was too preoccupied at Gronder to pay you much attention. But I’m here now, and your luck’s run out.”

Aubert laughs haughtily. “You eliminate some riffraff, and you believe that now puts you on my level?”

>“Riffraff? That’s a funny way to describe Rex d’Rusalka.”

“You think yourself clever, bitch?” Aubert’s laughter ceases, his face twisting into a look of utter contempt. “You attacked my lord in a most cowardly manner, and I’m here to right wrongs. You face the Wind of Adrestia! These skies are mine, and they have no room for a band of lowly sellswords! With my magic I shall consign the Blackwings to oblivion!

>Aubert
>Level 45 Malignant Knight
HP: 80
MAG: 35
DEX: 37
SPD: 50
LUK: 20
DEF: 30
RES: 42
>Magic: Forseti (1/2): +20 DMG, 30% CRIT, Enemy attacks will miss you during your turn. Eff. Flying)
>Tornado (+10 DMG, AoE, Eff. Flying)
>Arcwind (+8 DMG, Eff. Flying)
Equipment: Delphi Shield (Negates Flier Weakness)
Skills: Wind Boost (Boost Speed by +5 when HP is higher than foe.)

>Fight Aubert (How? You may control all your allies for this battle.)

It's difficult to go back and forth in the thread doing math and comparing stats on a phone, but we actually don't get doubled if we attack him after his health has been reduced due to Darting Blow (+5SPD), Diana giving us +3 Speed and the mid battle level up.

We most likely have to open with Forseti to not die, and hope he either gets stunned or uses his last charge of Forseti in return and blast him dead next turn. Ingrid is the only one that can match his speed, and only her and Anemone could reasonably tank any damage from him this turn and be in fighting shape the next. Eleanor is useless due to her weapon targeting RES only and Ava is to squishy to live through anything he can use.

Attack pattern should probably be:
Blair (Forseti) > Ingrid > Anemone (Luna if she has charges left, otherwise attack with Scythe). This kills if all attacks hit with minimum risk to Eleanor, Ava and Diana. Unless he counts as being protected by the Forseti he cast already, in which case we most likely lose a companion if we don't stun him.

>>5848722
Correction, this attack patern only kills if Anemone casts Luna. Otherwise he lives unless he gets hit with a crit.

Funny to see skills like Wind Boost be useful here compared to FEH where everyone gets free +4 on all stats and wall of text skills nowadays.

If Blair goes first, we basically have two options:
34 STR + 20 (Gungnir) + 5 (LF) - 30 DEF = 29 DMG
32 MAG + 20 (Forseti) + 5 (BT) + 5 (Magic Staff) - 42 RES = 20 DMG

If we go with Forseti, he'll be left with 60 HP allowing Ingrid to double. A Forseti crit leaves him with 20 HP left.
Or we could go with Gungnir, leaving him with 51 HP left assuming no crits. A Gungnir crit would amusingly outright one-shot him.

Ingrid:
34 STR + 17 (Luin) + 5 (LF) - 30 DEF = 26 * 2 = 52 DMG

So if we land a Forseti crit, he's dead after Ingrid stabs him once. If Blair doesn't crit, then Ingrid needs to use her Crest and hit twice to kill him. If we get no Forseti crit and Ingrid's Crest never procs, then he'd be left at 8 HP where everyone except Eleanor can safely kill him.
If we instead chose to stab him with Gungnir, then Ingrid kills him without her Crest but she still needs to double him for the kill.

Diana:
35 STR + 11 (KL) - 30 DEF = 16 DMG
If Diana crits, she does 48 DMG.
Not much of an opportunity for her to get the kill unfortunately. We'd either be fishing for crits on both Forseti and her Killing Lance or letting her deal the finishing blow if Ingrid couldn't kill him.

We could have Ingrid attack first if we want Blair to kill him. That leaves him with 54 HP assuming she doesn't use her Crest. Wind Boost is no longer active against Blair, and if we initiate, we end up with 55 SPD total from our 44 SPD + 2 (Gungnir) + 3 (Diana) + 6 (DB) = 55 which lets us double him.
The Gungnir double kills him. Forseti either kills him with a crit, or leaves him at 14 HP.

There's also Rally Spectrum. Using it on Ingrid allows her to double even if he has Wind Boost, and she ends up doing 31*2 = 62 DMG which leaves him at 18 HP. If her Crest activates, she kills him. If we want to gamble for the crit, Diana could kill him or we could even send Mary to kill him since she does 22 DMG against him.

>>5848695
>Fight Aubert (How? You may control all your allies for this battle.)
>Use Rally Spectrum on Ingrid and send her to attack first.
>Have Diana attack next with Killing Lance.
>Let Ava deal the finishing blow if Diana doesn't get the kill.
Ingrid with the Rally buffs potentially one-rounds him and she only takes 15 DMG from Forseti if he uses it. Diana either gets the crit, or leaves him with 2 HP. Ava deals 12 DMG and kills him if both Diana and Ingrid failed to kill him.
If we wanted the most safest option, sending Mary to go for the kill instead of Diana would be better, but it'll probably be fine.

>>5848978
Have a feeling he might actually use forseti on a rallied Ingrid - which is good, because even if forseti crits on her she'll be able to survive (55 - 40 = 15 * 3 = 45 damage done).

So if he negates Ingrid, Diana is the next best one to go against him. He'll double her but she's got the best chance of dodging it. Forseti will hit Diana for 23 (but will kill her if she crits), a double with tornado will hit for 26.

So assuming Diana doesn't crit and knocks him for 16 damage down to 64, the next best might be Anemone with Luna? She doesn't have the Delphi shield but with her Res she can eat a tornado (45 - 39 = 6 * 3 = 18 damage to her.). Luna will knock him down to 23 HP.

Then Ava comes in dealing 36 damage on her first shot, which takes him out.

So think the order should be
>Rallied Ingrid
>Diana
>Anemone with Luna
>Ava

That way he's out even if he uses Forseti to tank Ingrid.

Of course with Tornado being AOE it may not be foolproof but it's the best shot we have. Gonna put my vote in when I'm back on my usual ID.

>>5849020
Of course this plan is all dependent on Forseti only negating damage for just Ingrid's attack phrase, which I think it does? Tree pls confirm.

>>5849025
Confirmed, although I should mention that Ava wouldn't do 36 damage, as Aubert has a Delphi Shield.

>>5849177
Man they're handing out those shields like candy these days.

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>>5849188
>He didn't get a Delphi Shield from Annazon for Black Friday

>>5849177
Oof then the safest way will be
>Rallied Ingrid
>Diana
>Anemone

Because anyone else going up against him is gonna be doubled and killed. Gotta pray that Diana gets lucky with a crit or Caleb comes in clutch with the ballista.

>>5849190
Ah, another thing I meant to ask was - he can't double with Forseti, right?

>>5848695
>Fight Aubert
>Blair (Gungir)
>Ingrid
>Diana
>Anemone (Luna)

Right, he'll either have to burn forseti to negate us or to tank Ingrid. Blair going first is also fishing for a stun.

If Blair hit, she'll take him down to 51 HP, Ingrid is negated because otherwise she kills him, Diana hits him for 16 taking him down to 35 and Anemone finishes him with Luna.

If he uses his forseti on Blair, Ingrid hits for 26 taking him down to 54. She'll be doubled I think (assuming her speed is 51 with darting blow) but she'll survive his other spells.

Diana hits him for 16 (assuming no crits), so he's down to 38. Again with Forseti burned she'll survive.

Then anemone swoops in with Luna for the kill.

I'm >>5849020 back on my usual ID

>>5848695
Gonna +1 >>5849506 here. I'm trusting the numbers.

>>5849405
He sure can!

In terms of turn order, even though he has higher speed, you can consider that his turn just ended, and now you and your allies will move first.

Just realized that Ingrid has Darting Blow. That actually gives her 62 SPD even without the Rally so she already doubles him even with his skill active.

>>5849600
Tree, how does Forseti's dodge work? If Ingrid attacks first, would she still connect with the first hit and then miss the next attack? And it only causes Ingrid's attack to miss and not everyone else's if we dogpile on him, right?

>>5849600
Bruh why the hell didn't we take this guy out at Gronder again??

Posting Blair's new stats here because I'm sick of scrolling for them.
HP: 68 (100%) + 1 = 69
STR: 32 (50%) +2
MAG: 31 (60%) + 1 = 32
DEX: 28 (55%) + 1 = 29
SPD: 44 (75%) +2
LCK: 31 (40%) + 1 = 32
DEF: 29 (60%) +2 + 1 = 30
RES: 26 (50%) + 1 = 27
CHARM: 34 (55%)

So if my math is right he can't double Blair even with wind boost if she's initiating: 44 +6 (darting blow) +2(spear) +3(Diana - since we're fighting together) = 55 exactly.

Ingrid is also safe as she has 56 speed before darting blow.

If he doesn't burn forseti on one of them he's dead so Diana and Anemone are in the clear?

Without the Rally, Ingrid will do 26 damage per hit assuming no Crest, leaving him with 80 - 52 = 28 HP remaining if she hits him twice. This does allow Blair to immediately kill him with Gungnir.
If he does use Forseti on Ingrid, he'd presumably have 80 - 26 = 54 HP left if Ingrid is able to get one hit in. Getting hit by Ingrid allows Blair to double with Gungnir thanks to Darting Blow. We'd do 29 * 2 = 58 DMG to him, and Blair can facetank his weaker spells.
Ingrid without Rally does survive a Forseti crit. Worst it'll do is 60 damage, so she'll have 6 HP left. She'll definitely need to stay out of the way until our healers come in.

If we Rally, a Rallied Ingrid leaves him with 80 - 31 = 49 HP if he protects himself with Forseti. And the Rally means that she only takes 45 DMG at worst. She'll be low on health still, but it's definitely better than being left at 6 HP.
Diana softens him up and any way she attacks him will leave him at lower than 41 HP for Anemone to finish him off with Luna. We would need Luna to kill him if he uses Forseti against Ingrid.
Though if we get lucky from Ingrid using her Crest and Diana crits, this guy's dead without us needing Luna.

Arguably, the most safest choice would be to have Ingrid attack and then Blair swoops in for the kill after she does all the work. He needs to use Forseti on her to not immediately get skewered by Blair afterwards.
If we go with Rally, the Rally does lower the damage Ingrid takes and makes her more likely to avoid the Forseti crit. The only danger with the Rally option is that he can kill Diana if he saves the Forseti and crits her while she misses her crit.
Attacking with Blair first would work if we crit/Stun him or just avoid a Forseti crit. Blair can tank anything except a Forseti crit.

>>5848695
Going to switch from >>5848978 to:
>Have Ingrid attack first
>Finish Aubert off with Gungnir
Worst case scenario is that Ingrid survives with 6 HP. If she avoids the crit, she has 46 HP remaining which is great. Blair either immediately kills him, or she doubles him while tanking a hit.