File: Tristain d'Rusalka.png (7 MB)

7 MB PNG

>>6350752
“I’m sorry, I’m not quite sure I understand you.” Cyril finally says to you after some time. “And why did you include the part about you and the Dagdan sleeping in separate rooms?”

The Fodlan ambassador has a look of apprehension plastered upon his face, though whether it was because he did not believe your story, or rather because you had not bothered to wash the blood and gore off your person following the third round’s conclusion, was unknown. Of course, you valued good hygiene as much as the next noble. But you could hardly contain your excitement upon finally leaving the Tower of Illusion. You rushed right back to the Embassy, where you’d found the Almyran sitting at a makeshift archery range that had been set up in the building’s backyard. Several of his knights were training their shots upon the range’s targets, but you ignored them. You’d “completed” Cyril’s task, and that meant you were to expect quite the reward from him. Right now, you were as giddy as a child the night before Saint Seiros Day.

>“There’s really not much to talk about. Gyles tried cornering me with his foul magic, but he grossly underestimated me. That pathetic sorcerer was no match for my might. Unfortunately, I got carried away and wound up dicing him to pieces, hence I was unable to procure you his head. But fear not! I carry the Ichor Scroll, as well as Gyles’ own badge as proof of the dastard’s demise.”

You plop the objects onto the table Cyril was sitting at with a dull thud. Cyril stares at the objects, perhaps in stunned silence. The only sound you hear are the twangs of the knight's bows, their arrows connecting with distant scarecrows.

After some time, Cyril nods towards one of his adjutants, who runs back inside the building. The ambassador sighs as he turns up to regard you.

“You know, when I gave you that task, it’s not that I expected you to die. If I did, I’d have never told you about Gyles in the first place. Rather, I expected Arios to get to him first. But I suppose something like an assassination isn’t exactly his speciality.”

>“Well, you were right to trust me. He’d already escaped Arios’ clutches once. I’m sure he’d have done so again.” You chuckle, crossing your arms and nodding at your own barbed jab.

“Right…” Cyril mutters. “Well, head or not, at least I have more than just your word here. When Gyles stole the Ichor Scroll, I lost more than a few of my men. I’m just glad that someone was able to bring him to justice.”

>“May their souls rest in the embrace of the Goddess.”

Of course, you hadn’t actually killed Gyles. As far as you knew, the man was probably still inside the tower, tirelessly pouring over the old writings of the Sorcerer King. But what Cyril didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. As long as ‘Gyles’ stayed hidden or chose a new identity, everyone should be happy. And you now had an Agarthan ally. Lying sure was great.

File: Cyril.png (621.9 KB)

621.9 KB PNG

>>6350754
>“So then, my reward?”

Cyril lets loose the deepest sigh you’d seen yet. Any relief he’d felt as the retrieval of the Ichor Scroll was counterbalanced by the idea that he’d now have to part with his weapon. The Inexhaustible was not just the Sacred Weapon of Indech, it was also the man’s personal seal of authority from Archbishop Byleth herself. For the ambassador to part with such a thing could only be seen as an endorsement of the future reign of Tristain d’Rusalka. So much for the man’s impartiality. At the moment, the adjutant that he’d nodded at earlier returns to the backyard. In his hands was your prize. The Inexhaustible, in all its glory.

“A deal is a deal.” Cyril mutters. He turns towards his man, and gives him the go-ahead you’d been waiting for.

You recall your battle with Klement, which at this point, felt as though it were an eternity ago. The Bergliez Lord had mocked you for having never held your Crest’s weapon. He’d claimed it to be one of the greatest feelings in the world. At the time, you’d thought that to be somewhat of an exaggeration. Now though, holding The Inexhaustible in your hands, you see that his claim might not have been entirely far off. The fatigue in your body that you’d felt following the conclusion of the third round seemed to instantly vanish upon grabbing hold of the bow. A latent power you could have only ever dreamed of felt as though it were now surging inside you, making you seem almost weightless. The exhilaration you felt could almost be described as frightening. Wielding this weapon, it was as if there was no one in existence who could stop you. A dangerous notion.

>You Received: The Inexhaustible (Bow, Equipped) (+11 DMG, +20 SPD, +10 LCK. Restores 20% HP every turn if user has Crest of Indech. Deals two consecutive hits if unit initiates combat. Cannot counter in close-range combat.)

“Go ahead, take a shot.” Cyril says, gesturing towards the shooting dummies his knights were practicing on. His suggestion suddenly snaps you out of your power-induced stupor.

>“Let me go get an arrow and-”

“Don’t bother. You’ve got the Crest of Indech, do you not? You won’t need arrows. Just point at the target and draw the string back.”

Puzzled, but with no desire to argue, you do as Cyril says, lining up your shot. The motion seems silly without a knocked arrow, but you follow through, pulling the string back.

>“What is this?!” You exclaim in shock as an arrow of light is conjured upon the bow’s string. Gritting your teeth, you let the magically-conjured projectile fly at your target. Despite having only fired once, two arrows soar ahead. The training dummy is struck by both, exploding in a shower of straw and wood. The knights that had been at work cease their training at that moment, all to regard you in awe.

“So it actually does do that.” Cyril nods in approval. “Never seen it myself. I’ve always had to use regular arrows.”

File: The Inexhaustible.png (73 KB)

73 KB PNG

>>6350755
>“Hahahaha! This is amazing!” You cheer, pumping your fists into the air with almost childlike glee. “The Inexhaustible is incredible! With this sort of firepower, Princess Yulia’s hand will assuredly be mine!”

“It’s not yours. I’m only lending it to you. Remember?”

>“Huh?” You are suddenly and quite rudely brought back to reality. Here you were having one of the greatest moments of your life just for this negative man to ruin it. “Is that what we agreed upon?”

“Tristain.” Cyril says darkly. “I will lend you The Inexhaustible. I believe your service to the nation, as well as your status as a representative of Fodlan, earn you that much. As the only one of our contenders without a Heroes Relic or Sacred Weapon, I would prefer you wield it in order to maximize our chances of winning this tournament and establishing relations with Morfis. However, it is not mine to give. The only ones with that authority are Archbishop Byleth and her royal husband, Seteth. Upon the tournament’s conclusion, I expect you to return it, regardless of whether you win or not.”

>A): I will return The Inexhaustible after the competition’s conclusion.
>B): I will return The Inexhaustible after the competition’s conclusion. (cross your fingers).
>C): Sorry, but I think I’ll be keeping this.
>D): Write-in

>>6350757
>>B): I will return The Inexhaustible after the competition’s conclusion. (cross your fingers).
Tristain is back, Christmas is saved! Well, after the tournament there's gonna be a few more important fights for us... I'm sure Byleth would approve of using this bow to purge some Sages.

>>6350757
>D): Write-in
"Oh thats the issue? So just ask Archbishop Byleth if I can keep it."

By the time the response gets back Tristain will be King.

Cyril can't jump Tristain without interfering in the competition, which would be bad. If Tristain wins hes King and Cyril can't force it without starting a war. The way I see it hes kind of boned either way.

Though Cyril IS the Authority of Archbishop Byleth in this land. His decision is Byleth's decision? Though clearly he doesn't quite feel that covers this. So he should just ask her.

I guess my other idea would be that this land is clearly going to get into a civil war. He should be able to sense it having lived through the time before the Fodlan civil war. There are issues here that won't be resolved without one side killing the other, like Tartarus.

Just so you know, QM, I've been shilled your quest by a friend. Currently reading all of it (just reached thread 10 of OG) and thoroughly enjoying it.

I'm happy you're running so I can have kind words "in direct"

Aki, if you're reading this Your a faggot, but the good kind

>>6350980
Nice! Glad you're enjoying it. Perhaps you'll be able to catch up and play before SK is over

>>6350757
>B): I will return The Inexhaustible after the competition’s conclusion. (cross your fingers).

>>6351080
I'll try.

>>6350757
>C): Sorry, but I think I’ll be keeping this.

>>6350980
*you're
Funnily enough, this isn't the first time people have told me this... I'll take the compliment!
>>6350757
>B): I will return The Inexhaustible after the competition’s conclusion. (cross your fingers).
Lol. Lmao, even. He would dare wage war against the king of Morfis??

>>6350757
>A): I will return The Inexhaustible after the competition’s conclusion.
Hi Tree, merikuri.

File: Knights of Seiros.png (167.9 KB)

167.9 KB PNG

>>6350757
>“Of course, you have no need to fear. I will return The Inexhaustible after the competition’s conclusion.” You bow your head respectfully, even as you cross your fingers within the privacy of your pants pocket. There was no way in hell you were giving this thing back. Besides, once you win, it would be in Fodlan’s best interest to gift you the bow. A grand diplomatic gesture to fully cement the blossoming relationship between both nations. Yes, that sounded nice. You weren’t even king yet and you were already acclimating well to politics.

“Right. Good.” Cyril says, arms crossed. For a renowned archer, he lacked the perception to notice your gesture. “I hope you can appreciate the awkward position this puts me in.”

>“You said it yourself, you’re here to ensure a Fodlan-born competitor wins the competition. I am clearly the one most suited to the task. Just ignore the frustrated whining of those other losers.”

“If you’re speaking of the other contenders, I already ran this by Arios. He was actually thrilled to hear you’d have the bow.”

>“What? Really?” Since when did Arios hold any sort of positivity towards you at all?

Cyril shrugs. “Leonora will surely raise hell, particularly once we return to Fodlan, but that is to be expected. Her ambition is as ravenous as it is endless. Homer is a non-factor. And as for Butch, I know not the first thing about this mysterious brute who somehow wields a lost Hero Relic, but I’ve seen his kind enough to know that I cannot trust him to cooperate should he win. In any event, it was not them I was referring to, but rather, the Four Sages. I’ve been here long enough to discover the animosity they share for your cousin, and by extension, you. Giving you this weapon will surely lower their opinion of me.”

>“Pft. You should worry about them even less than Leonora. You’ll always have to deal with House Gloucester, but these Sages will be a thing of the past once I win.”

“I’m sure the sentiment is mutual.” Cyril says darkly. “I haven’t seen a powder keg this primed to explode since the Unification War. Right now, everyone seems to be pretending that both the College and the Palace jointly rule this country. However, it is clear to see that the College’s influence has greatly expanded in recent years. Should any of the seven other contenders win this mysterious princess’ hand in marriage, those Sages will do everything they can to win that person over. In fact, they’ve already begun planting those seeds. You’ve seen this yourself with these adjuncts that attach themselves to the hips of our greatest champions. They’ll diminish the authority of the Prime Minister and this faceless princess until they rule the nation fully.”

At that moment, you wondered how Alvin was doing. If one of the man’s jobs had been to win you over the College’s side, he’d surely failed. Hopefully he wasn’t in too much trouble with those four fools.

File: Tristain d'Rusalka (2).png (1.2 MB)

1.2 MB PNG

>>6351362
“But if you win.” Cyril continues. “The power of the princess and your cousin will be left unchecked. Should that happen…I expect the Sages will do everything they can to make your reign a very short footnote in their history. Even if it means removing you by force with a civil war. They probably wouldn’t need to look very far for justification either. I’ve seen enough war in my life to know it’s not something I’d ever want to deal with again.”

>“Sounds to me like you’re hoping that I don’t win.”

“Is it that obvious?” Cyril shrugs his shoulders. “My hope is that Arios wins. I’ve known him far longer than you. I know he is a righteous man, if not one who may sometimes be too harsh on himself. And I know that he would do his best to establish cordial relations with the Sages, rather than risk a bloody civil war. My goal here, given to me by the Archbishop, is to further establish the relation between our two nations so that Fodlan may prosper greatly from the magic and technologies that Morfis has to offer. The way I see it, that has a greater chance of happening with Arios at the helm of a unified nation, even if it means removing your cousin and this supposed princess from power.”

>“If you want a puppet ruler so badly, why even help me in the first place?”

“Hedging my bets.” Cyril growls. “I’ve learned quite a bit about you and your travels here since we last spoke. You’re a brash, violent man that can be quick to anger. But you’re also a man that gets things done. And you aren’t so headstrong as to deny your enemies mercy. Bow or not, it would be foolish of me to underestimate you. I may not prefer you, but if you win, I promise you’ll have the full support of me and the Knights of Seiros I command. Provided you remain level-headed, of course.”

>“I see. And what of Tartarus? Surely you’ve heard enough to form an opinion on this particularly divisive issue?”

Cyril snorts. “At best, an old wives tale. At worst, whatever was locked away was done so for good reason. That the supposed smartest mages around would slaughter each other just to crack that closet open baffles me. Better that it remain closed and forgotten.”

Clearly this man cared for little other than his duty. It was fortunate that he saw you as a means to fulfilling his goals, otherwise you might never have received your Sacred Weapon from him. However, from what it sounded like, he’d prefer you to do whatever was in Fodlan’s best interest, rather than your own or even that of Morfis’. In fact, as a Fodlander, he seemed to almost expect it.

>A): Rest assured, if you and your knights support me, I will ensure Fodlan gets everything they want.
>B): I didn’t go through all this to be someone’s puppet king. You should remember that.
>C): Any relationship between these two nations should be mutually beneficial.
>D): Write-in

File: GfhVcI2bEAAwpOe.jpg (299.4 KB)

299.4 KB JPG

Merry Christmas friends

>>6351363
>>C): Any relationship between these two nations should be mutually beneficial.

File: Blair and Best boy (real).jpg (347.4 KB)

347.4 KB JPG

>>6351363
>C): Any relationship between these two nations should be mutually beneficial.
Seems like sparing Klement has done just enough to mollify Cyril. Arios is very excited to be able to have the chance to beat Tristain into the dirt while our boy's at his full power.

Also art of Blair and the superior faerghus boy has come in. Granted this isn't really a canon scene from last quest but rather me still being miffed that we didn't get to see Sebastian solo the demonic beast after rallying him.

Speaking of Seb I was thinking recently of how Blair's other potential husbands would have treated Tristain. Tristain seems to have neutral to good feelings about Ashe but I have a feeling if Sebastian or Leopold won Tristain would be running to Morfis purely to escape their efforts to mold him into an upstanding member of society kek. Or maybe Sebastian would have mellowed out a bit after his stint with the Blackwings and that would have only applied to Leopold...

>>6351363
>>C): Any relationship between these two nations should be mutually beneficial.

>>6351370
What an amazing Christmas present! I love this. It totally is a canon scene by the way. Assuming those snowflakes are Blair casting a Fimbulvetr, this is from Thread 12, when the gang goes to the Agarthan villaige in Edmure Woods. They fight Ivan, an Orthodox Church Paladin sent by Odesse to purge the village. An injured Blair casts her spell while Sebastian steps in front of her to guard her from Ivan's blow. I wonder if you subconsciously knew that haha. Either way, thanks again. It's a wonderful piece.

As for your question, Tristain already respects Leopold as a great warrior. Had he known Sebastian, I'd imagine the same. He doesn't really view Ashe in the same light, but he does seem him as a good and honest man worthy of respect. It's why he has a hard time picturing him as the thief he was in his younger days. Ashe is also more accepting of letting Tristain be a bored NEET following his graduation, while I suspect the other two would have pushed harder for him to join the Knights of Seiros. Something he really wouldn't have an interest in. In that case, he definitely would be leaving home to get a lot more breathing room.

File: Homer and Issac.png (93.2 KB)

93.2 KB PNG

>>6351363
>“Any relationship between Fodlan and Morfis should be mutually beneficial. I don’t plan on forgetting the land of my birth once I am king, but I won’t just let you take advantage of my new home either. So long as you don’t plan on making me the Archbishop’s puppet, we should enjoy a lasting partnership.”

“I never imagined you’d be the sort to just do whatever the Archbishop asked you to in the first place.” Cyril says. “You will find that she is a fair and just woman. Her terms will undoubtedly be generous. But should you require more of Fodlan’s aid than you first realized, do not be surprised if the toll is run up. In any event, this conversation is rather premature. First you must actually win this tournament. A task easier said than done. I suggest you spend the time remaining to you until then wisely. Leonora Gloucester isn’t just a ruthless politician. She is among the strongest warriors Fodlan has to offer. I may prefer Arios over you, but for what it is worth, I hope you defeat her.”

>“Of that, you can be sure. Later.”

You strap The Inexhaustible to your back and then take your leave of Cyril. The effects of the bow appear to be unavailable to you unless it sits in your hands. The weightlessness and power that you’d felt mere moments ago have vanished, the sudden crash of energy suddenly putting you on the verge of a headache. You’d use your time wisely, but first, you wanted to catch up with your party. You were sure they’d be dying to hear news of your triumph. And then there was Elric. Having slain the evil spirit Mystletainn, Elric should have returned to normal. You’d have to check up on him as well.

Walking through the Fodlan Embassy, you come across a dispute occurring. Two men are arguing with each other, in plain sight of several onlookers. You recognize them immediately. Homer, your fellow finalist, as well as a red-haired man that you’d seen a few times around. Isaac was his name, you believe. These two had been part of a party that was working together, though it was only Homer that made it to the end.

“Traitorous wretch!” Issac yells. His blade was in his hand and pointed at Homer. Already the Knights of Seiros that were on guard were beginning to move in close. “Have you no honor? No sense of pride?!”

Homer raises his hands in shock. “I was just doing what I had to do! It’s imperative that I win this tournament. Morfis is full of demons in desperate need of purging. You’ve seen how my holy lance radiates in this land! Come man, this is for the greater good!”

What an odd show. You spot another familiar face in the crowd, watching the scene. It was that know-it-all, Thomas vi Muller. The man who’d given you that yogurt. Perhaps he could fill you in on what was going on. You walk over to the man. As soon as he notices you though, he shirks back, terror written plain across his face.

File: Thomas vi Muller.png (43.1 KB)

43.1 KB PNG

>>6351578
“H-hello, T-T-Tristain…” He stammers.

You squint your eyes. What was wrong with this guy? Why was he suddenly acting so distant? You recall how he’d been extremely friendly. A part of you suspected that the lassi he’d given you was poisoned, but you’d seen Butch drink it and he’d been just fine. In fact, it was that very drink that allowed you to cement a friendship with the brute that saw you through the early rounds. Thomas had definitely done right by you. Maybe he was just nervous? You had that effect on people, and that must only be doubled now that you were a finalist.

>You decide to put him at ease by giving him a friendly slap on the shoulder. “Hey man, thanks for that drink earlier. That was good stuff.”

“I-it was?” Thomas stares at you incredulously.

>“Yeah. Apparently. Got any more?”

“...Fresh out.”

>“Too bad. Hey, what’s going on with these guys? You were a part of their party too, no?”

Upon finding out that you didn’t intend to murder him, Thomas regains his usual composure. “Oh, right. I was, yeah. We all planned to make a final push for the top floor after we finished resting. The only problem was that Homer stole some of our badges while we slept and used them for his own climb. Now Issac has got some unfinished business with him.”

>“He stole your badges? What a rat! I’d expect better behavior from someone walking around with a Blessed Lance. Those are supposed to be sacred gifts given directly by the Church.”

Thomas snorts. “I’ll tell you about Homer. And you can consider this information on the house. That guy is nothing more than a con-artist. His Blessed Lance is real enough. A weapon he inherited from an old relative, I believe. But he had some mage do something to it. It’s now able to light up whenever he commands. To the untrained eye, it gives the impression that the spear is reacting negatively to his opponent. He’s amassed quite the following back home putting on this show. Can’t believe he still does it here though.”

>“What? No shit?” You recall the spear radiating when he pointed it at you before, but you had no idea what to make of it. As far as you knew, that weapon was only effective against Demonic Beasts. And you definitely weren’t one of those. “Why doesn’t anyone call him out on it?”

“Phony or not, he’s still tough.” Thomas shrugs. He points towards the two men. “Look, I think they’re about to go at each other right now. Seems like the Knights are a little too skittish to get in the middle.”

Indeed, Homer now had his spear out, which sure enough, was glowing. The two men were squaring off. Last time, Cyril had been around to stop this, but evidently the ambassador had no idea what was happening, and none of his knights seemed to be eager to get in the way of two powerful contenders.

>A): Break the fight up yourself.
>B): Watch the fight unfold.
>C): Write-in

>>6351579
Kinda wanna throw a rock at Homer

>>6351579
>>6351585
kek support. Lob a rock at Homer and tell both of them to get their stupid hair out of here.

I don't really want to get close to Homer's spear on the off chance that old man wisdom doesn't negate damage or something.

>>6351388
Honestly that scene was supposed to be an AU of the caravan raid because the only thing I remember of dragon elf village was Sebastian NO DAMAGING two goes of flame spear like the icon it is kek. Let's just pretend I meant that all along!

>>6351579
>>B): Watch the fight unfold.

>>6351579
>B): Watch the fight unfold.

>>6351605
>crest of indech powered rock
>breaks homer's jaw
Would be funny.

>>6351579
>A): Break the fight up yourself.
I don't know how the tournament is going to go, but I assume it would be better for him to wear down Butch for us than for him to get arrested / thrown out of the tournament for merking some guy in the embassy

We'll say breaking it up with a rock wins. Writing.

File: Blessed Lance.png (97.7 KB)

97.7 KB PNG

>>6351579
Homer was not just a pain in the ass runt. He was now also a rival. And that meant you were justified, perhaps even obligated, to mess with him as much as possible ahead of any potential bout. Your first thought is lob a rock at the man, but given the absence of such an item inside the confines of the pristine embassy, you instead opt for a nearby empty cup. You toss the item across the room, and watch as it sails its way into Homer’s head with a satisfying bonk.

“The hell?” The spearman mutters. The room takes their eyes off the two feuding men to regard you with a measure of shock.

>“Are you starting trouble in the embassy again? Didn’t Cyril warn you about this last time?” You chide him.

“Tch. What’s this about?” Homer scoffs. “You redheads stick together or something?”

“I’ve never met this man in my life, but I’ve heard plenty about you. Why’s that spear of yours glowing? There’s not a single Demonic Beast in sight! You aren’t faking it, are you?”

“You insult my honor, fiend. My spear is divinely blessed by the Goddess herself. It was bestowed to my grandfather by the former Archbishop Rhea. The reason it glows so radiantly is because it has sensed your foul presence and yearns to strike you down!”

A couple of the onlookers begin murmuring amongst themselves, and you’re surprised to hear that some of them seem to be buying this ridiculous story of his. No wonder he put up with this charade. Evidently it worked, even here. What was the point of this? Thomas called the man a con-artist. Was that really the case? Was he just pretending to be divinely blessed for fame and fortune? If so, you found it to be a gross misuse of your faith. The urge to discipline this man was rising.

>“Is that so? Well then, why not try striking me down now? If that glow is legitimate, I shouldn’t stand a chance against its point.”

“No need to waste my time. You’re Leonora’s prey. She is a righteous woman, and I wouldn’t dare deny her the right to obliterate you.”

>“Hah! That woman? Righteous? Now I’ve heard it all. Well, if you won’t come to me, then-”

“Enough.”

Arios Charon arrives on the scene, flanked by a woman in fine flowing robes that you’d seen once before, back inside Shangri-La. She was an Adjunct, sent to guide Arios and offer her aid. She wasn’t too bad on the eyes, either. If only you’d been able to swap Alvin for her.

“Lord Arios, good thing you’re here.” Homer says. “This brute was seeking to attack me before the next round. Such dishonor cannot go unpunished. Let us throw him out of here together.”

“Homer.” Arios says. “Words cannot adequately express how surprised I am that you have become a finalist. My advice would be to drop out now, before that monster Butch lays his hands on you. As it stands, you have no chance of defeating him.”

File: Arios Charon and Adjunct Marigold.png (83.6 KB)

83.6 KB PNG

>>6352010
Homer opens his mouth, clearly in shock at how he was being addressed. Before he can respond though, Arios cuts into him again.

“However, I know your pride and ambition for fame will not allow that, so I offer you this piece of advice instead. Cease this foolishness, and save your energy for your next bout. You will need every ounce of it.”

Just like that, the energy of the room has been completely sucked out. Arios is a man held in high esteem by both the Knights of Seiros and his fellow contenders. They know better than to antagonize the situation, and many begin simply wandering off, not wanting to be seen as a part of the whole thing. Isaac, who’d been one of the prime instigators of the conflict, sheathes his sword without protest. Sparing one last sneer towards Homer he walks off, but not before giving you a nod of approval.

“Tch, you’re no fun.” Homer scoffs. “Keep your ‘advice’ to yourself. I’d never lose to a common thug like Butch. Worry about the Dagdan. After you’re done with him, you’ll have me to contend with.” He smirks and turns to you. “I’d have loved to have met you in the grand finals, but after Leonora is done with you, you’ll be nothing more than a stain on the floor. Later losers.”

With that, the purple knight takes his leave of the embassy.

>“Geeze, not a lot of self-preservation on that guy. Does he seriously think he has a chance of winning?”

“By now, you’ve seen no shortage of his kind.” Arios says. “A known name in the region of Fodlan he hails from. A man who has devoted himself to combat in a time where warriors are no longer needed. Where Crests have gone mostly extinct. A big fish in a small pond. It is easy to consider yourself the strongest when you’ve never met anyone to the contrary. Many of his kind came to Morfis believing their own stories. And many of them are now dead. I suspect he will soon join their ranks. The only silver lining is that if they were not here, they’d likely be causing trouble back home.”

>“And what about you? Do you believe your own hype?”

“My confidence in my strength is far from misplaced. I wager you feel the same about your own abilities.”

Since when was this guy big on conversation with you? In any event, you had better things to do. You move to take your leave of the embassy, only for Arios to put a hand out, stopping you in your tracks.

>“What’s this?”

“A moment of your time. If you’d indulge me?”

This was certainly weird. This guy has been chomping at the bit to kill you even before you came to Morfis. In fact, it was only yesterday that he and Leonora had come very close to doing so. Now he wants to sit down and have tea?

>A): Brush Arios off.
>B): Speak with the man
>C): Write-in

>>6352011
>>B): Speak with the man
this is new. so, mind if we kill Gloucester?

>>6352011
>B): Speak with the man
Oh, so his sage masters have told him to try and undermine us, is that right?

>>6352011
>C): Write-in
>Put your arm around his shoulders
>apply the biggest shit-eating grin possible
>"Sure thing! I can always make time for my bestest academy buddy in the whole world."
You've done it now, Arios. You will be subjected to friendship with Tristain, even if it's an irony filled type of friendship. Do not struggle against what is inevitable, it will only make the pain worse.

>>6352020
he wasn't even in the academy with us

>>6352021
Wasn't his whole deal with us that he tried to constantly duel us for honor in the academy though?

>>6352022
no, he only tried that once and Leopold gave him a tongue lashing. he's from a whole other generation

>>6352020
>>6352023
Fine I'll change it.
>"Sure thing! I can always make time for favourite Paladin of the Knights of Seiros."

>>6352011
>B): Speak with the man

>>6352011
Ack that stick up his ass Arios has mistaken my desire to throw a rock-like object at Homer as wanting to stop the bloodshed.

Tfw no rock, I'm sure we can find a lucky rock and we can keep in our pocket for next time. Maybe even a relic rock. I wonder how that fight would have gone.

>B): Speak with the man
I think he and Leonara had a slight falling out last thread. What with the whole heal circle cheating because Leonara probably signed the contract for the Sage support line.

Anywho I imagine Leonara might have shared some schemes for the future with Arios. Plots to take Tristain out before the actual duel, since she also probably knew the last part would be this tournament. A whole week(?) for Leonara and the Sages to try and kill Tristain.

>C): Write-in
Ask if he can refrain from killing Crowley in their duel. Hes a little weirdo who knows more than he says but hes not a bad guy. I think.

>>6352011
>B): Speak with the man
We shouldn't really...

File: Tower of Illusions.jpg (65.7 KB)

65.7 KB JPG

>>6352011
You felt uneasy at Arios’ sudden courteousness when it came to dealing with you, but your curiosity outweighed all. What was the harm in hearing him out? It’s not as if he would attack you here. He was far too much the chivalrous sort for that.

>“Sure. What’s on your mind?”

“Marigold.” Arios addresses his Adjunct. “Would you give Tristain and I a moment in private?”

The Adjunct looks clearly annoyed at being told to take a hike. She spares you a scathing look that could bore a hole into someone far less confident than yourself.

“You’d better not try anything funny, you big red brute.” Marigold warns you. “Not that it would matter even if you did. Lord Arios is a hero amongst heroes. He’d cut you into ribbons if you even so much as tried-”

“Marigold, please…”

“S-sorry.”

>“She’s not bad on the eyes.” You comment as you watch Marigold saunter off. “But I’m beginning to think that I hit the jackpot with my own Adjunct. Between her and Targa, Alvin’s normalcy seems to be a rare trait amongst their kind.”

“She means well.” Arios says. “In the short time I’ve known her, she has become a close confidant, guiding me through many of the peculiarities of this country. Though I suspect her eagerness to defend me must in some part be due to the high praise and promotion she would receive from her superiors should I win the competition.”

>“Sucks for her you won’t though, huh?”

An awkward silence follows.

“I’ll cut to the chase then.” Arios says. The paladin’s jaw clenches as he regards you. Whatever was on the man’s mind was clearly weighing heavily on him, the effort palpable on his face. “I wanted to apologize. Both for my conduct towards you, as well as the circumstances surrounding the previous stage.”

>“What’s this about?”

“It’s come to my attention that the healing panels had been reserved for myself and Leonora alone. As a result, we were granted an unfair boon that you and the others were not. Had I been aware of such trickery, I’d have never partnered myself to her. I’ve never made it a secret my intention to defeat you. But I’ve also only ever wanted to do it honorably, in fair one-on-one combat. That we came to blows yesterday, myself and Leonora at peak health, while you and your friend were caught at a disadvantage, troubles me greatly. Seeing you defeated in such a manner would have brought me no joy. In truth, knowing what I know now, I am glad you escaped her clutches.”

So, the rigged healing panels were Leonora’s doing? That was not entirely news to you. Gyles had revealed the existence of cheating once you’d reached the secret room. If you’d partnered up with her, you’d have probably been in Arios’ shoes instead. Though whether you’d have the same regret he was showing might be a different matter.

>“It’s fine. All’s well that ends well. But do you know how she accomplished such a feat?”

File: Arios the Thunderstrike.png (46.8 KB)

46.8 KB PNG

>>6352306
“I believe it was the work of her own Adjunct, Filomena.” Arios says. “At least that is what Marigold tells me. She was the one who informed me of the deceit. It is no secret by now that the Sages each have their favorites they wish to win. Leonora is one of them. I am another. The Sage Dexithea had offered me her aid previously, however I turned her down. As for Leonora, her benefactor is Sage Lycus, who is close to Adjunct Filomena.”

>“Rat bastards one and all.”

“I have reported the matter to Kosmas and the Riahi. I would not expect anything to come of it though. An investigation would be required. And your battle with Leonora is fast approaching.”

>“Good. It’s not like I want her getting disqualified. That would be getting off too easy. I’m eager to pay her back for yesterday. The Inexhaustible is mine, and I expect a battle between the two of us to go a lot differently.”

“Do not underestimate her. As powerful as she seemed, I can assure you she was holding a measure of her strength back in fear I would see it as her competition.”

>“Alright, this is becoming a bit too unusual. Am I still stuck inside the tower and this is another illusion? Since when are you the type to give me advice?”

“Perhaps I judged you too harshly.” Arios says. “My reasons for hoping for your victory are, of course, purely selfish. Do not misunderstand, I still desire to defeat you in honorable combat. But, perhaps to my chagrin, I realize you are not the monster I painted you to be in my head. I suspected as much when I saw you in Shangri-La, when you did not rise to Klement’s provocations and even freed the women he’d been holding captive. Again in your desire to warn others of the spirit possessing young Elric von Boramus, who I hear is now recovering in the care of Morfisian healers. And in saving that Dagdan, your competition, before I could deliver the final blow. You are not the villain I assumed you to be. I now know that had General Leopold not stayed my hand all those years ago, I may have made a grave mistake, in more ways than one.”

>“How do you mean?”

“You are not your father.” Arios states plainly. “At least your character isn’t. But your strength is unmistakably his. I’ve now seen it for myself. It is that strength that I wish to overcome. Had I struck you down all those years ago, not only would I have killed an innocent man, but I would have denied myself the battle that was taken from me by your aunt. The one I’ve dreamt about for 25 years. And I would have done it purely out of the fear I held for Rex d’Rusalka. I’d have plucked you before you had a chance to ripen. But now, you’re ready. And with your readiness, my destiny awaits.”

>A): Agree to meet Arios in the grand finals
>B): Rebuke Arios
>C): Write-in

>>6352307
>>B): Rebuke Arios
>"His strength? Ha!" The Future King of Morfis doesn't need to heed such comparisons. "It took two bonafide heroes to take down the old man. If you think I'm losing to anything less than three... You got another realization coming."

>>6352307
If he somehow loses it would be really funny

>>6352307
>A): Agree to meet Arios in the grand finals
And now he's finally seeing Tristain and not Son of Rex

>>6352307
>A): Agree to meet Arios in the grand finals
Good End :tm:

>>6352307
>A): Agree to meet Arios in the grand finals
>Write in: But ask him to do his very best to spare Clay after their fight.

Sure Clay's a shifty idiot but he did right by both Tristain and Elric in that tower. I can see Tristain doing this.

>>6352307
>A): Agree to meet Arios in the grand finals
Ah well, alls well that ends well. I don't think it's worth asking him to spare Clay, if Clay dips out / surrenders I don't see why Arios would just execute him.

>>6352499
Arios would have absolutely killed Clay without provocation back in the tower is Tristain hadn't done anything. (bird was already down and Leonora attacked the group first).

Even with Clay's relic this guy is being built up as the tournament final boss so I don't think Clay's winning this thing. Don't want Mr Church of Serios killing the guy to claim back the relic.

>>6352307
>>6352434
Support because Clay, Crowley, whoever is too pretty to die honestly.

But it would be the funniest thing if after all this he actually manages to beat Arios. Forever doomed to be doubted by the MCs

>>6352307
>>A): Agree to meet Arios in the grand finals
It would be really funny if we could burn Fortuna's Favour and have Arios lose in the first round due to a fluke or technicality of the rules after making this proclamation.

>>6352307
>>6352434
Supporting.
Clay won't job this time unless he's still hiding his Heroes Relic, but I'm pretty sure Tristain doesn't even know about it.
It'd definitely be funny if this buildup was for nothing and Arios loses to either Clay or Butch anyways.

>>6352593
If Arios doesn't make the finals I definitely see one of the sages mind controlling him to use as a last ditch weapon against Tristain, since he's packing a close range heroes relic Vs Tristain's bow.

File: Adeline and May.png (91.6 KB)

91.6 KB PNG

>>6352307
>“Maybe you should take your own advice. You speak as if you’re guaranteed to make it to the grand finals. I suspect neither the Dagdan nor Butch will make it easy for you. But if you manage to defeat them, then I’ll be glad to let you try and take out your longstanding frustrations on me. You’ve certainly waited patiently for your shot, and Goddess knows I wouldn’t mind finally coming to blows with the so-called Thunderstrike.”

Arios nods. “Let us see then. Tell me one last thing. Do you intend to kill your opponents in this tournament?”

>“The thought has crossed my mind regarding one particular person. What about you?”

“I won’t kill anyone that doesn’t force me to.” Arios says. “So long as my opponents surrender, they have nothing to fear. Against you though, I plan on holding nothing back. Surrender may be your only option to escape with your life. Remember that, when the time comes.”

Arios brushes past you. Strange guy. Was this what passed for making progress with him? In any case, you wouldn’t let this serve as a distraction. You had your work cut out for you before you could have your go at the man. Above all, you’d come to Morfis to fight powerful warriors, and Arios stood at the peak of them all. He could have whatever justification he wished. All you wanted was to face the so-called strongest man in all Fodlan.

You leave the embassy through the front door, seeking to make contact with your friends. As you do though, something collides with you faster than you can react. The projectile is a blur, but it hardly carries any weight behind it, and you find that you barely take a step back despite the fact that it has crashed heavily against your chest.

“BOSS!” May cries, clinging onto your armor and looking up towards you with teary eyes. “You’re back! I missed you!” She dangles there for a few moments, before sliding off slowly onto the ground. She regards her hands with a scrunched up, disgusted face. Evidence of your adventures through the competition stained her tunic.

“Tristain! Welcome back!” Cassius calls out. Him and Adeline were a step right behind May. Just like the thief, the two of them seemed excited to see your safe return. “Congratulations! Word is already beginning to spread throughout the city that the top eight has been decided. You’re quickly becoming the talk of the town. Of course, that’s no surprise here.”

“Congratulations.” Adeline says with a smile and a bow of her head. “A few of us watched your progress in the orb. Was the rest of the competition as fearsome as the first round?”

>“You watched my progress in the what?” You ask, puzzled.

“Nevermind that!” May exclaims. “Elric is back too! He’s resting in one of the wings back at the palace. Cuthbert and Nadia have been watching over him. He’s a little worn out, but it looks like he’s back to being the lovable mascot of our group.”

File: Cassius.png (47.5 KB)

47.5 KB PNG

>>6352662
>“He’s conscious? No more ominous blabbering or other suspicious behavior? You’re sure?”

“Nope! He’s as meek and submissive as ever. Maybe even more if you could believe that…”

“That bow on your back…it bears such a familiar appearance.” Adeline says. “Is that truly The Inexhaustible?”

>“You bet it is.” A wave of excitement rushes over you. “ Hah! I made it to the finals, saved Elric, AND obtained my Sacred Weapon. A trifecta of excellence if I’ve ever seen one! Has Bronte prepared a feast for me back at the castle? All these victories of mine deserve a grand celebration!”

“Actually…she’s looking to speak with you as soon as possible.” Adeline mutters. “Sounds like something has happened. Chelsey is currently with her. She looked so stressed…”

>“Bronte or Chelsey? Actually, I suppose it doesn’t matter. Those two don’t have a calm bone between them.”

“They’re not the only ones looking for you.” Cassius remarks. “I touched base with Alvin a short while ago. He was hoping you’d spare some time to speak with him.”

“And you should really go see Elric as soon as possible!” May reminds you. “I think he could use a pep talk from you right about now.”

“Geeze…” You rub your chin. Perhaps it was a lingering effect of going through the Tower of Illusions’ many floors that had you feeling this way. What felt like an endless array of worlds filled with constant danger was, in reality, only three days. And in that time, the world kept moving, and your friends had somehow been relegated to serving as your various secretaries. You’d have to toss them into some danger soon. You didn’t want them getting rusty.

“If you don’t know what to do first, might I make a suggestion?” Cassius offers.

>“Sure.”

“You should really bathe and find a fresh change of clothes.” Cassius blanches. “I shudder to think of the horrors you must have faced in this contest.”

>A): Meet with Bronte and Chelsey
>B): Meet with Elric, Cuthbert, and Nadia
>C): Meet with Alvin

>>6352664
>>B): Meet with Elric, Cuthbert, and Nadia
I'm sure Bronte can wait. We gotta reconnect with lil' bro (and get his a-support). It hurts though, leaving Alvin for later.

>>6352664
>B): Meet with Elric, Cuthbert, and Nadia
Man we can't just abandon our little cousins BF after we beat the literal spirit out of him.

>>6352664
>C): Meet with Alvin
We need ice mirror for Leonora (and also I miss him, what do you mean by he's not easy on the eyes Tristain, think you need yours checked.)

>>6352664
>C): Meet with Alvin
Once we get ice mirror, we'll be unkillable! He could keep us abreast of any sage-related news, too.

>>6352664
>C): Meet with Alvin

>>6352664
>C): Meet with Alvin
He might have some info to share about the Sages / other contestants

>>6352664
>B): Meet with Elric, Cuthbert, and Nadia

The Bronte one sounds more urgent than Alvin asking for some spare time, but then again who really knows. I want to see our little buddy Elric and how hes come out. I was wondering if he kept any of those ancient polytheistic sword god powers. I wonder how 99 is doing.

>>6352664
>B): Meet with Elric, Cuthbert, and Nadia
I want to meet with the crew.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Tie between B and C. Rolling. 1 is B, 2 is C. (New IP. Back home from Christmas)

File: The Onyx Table.png (360 KB)

360 KB PNG

>>6352664
After freshening up back in the Embassy, you decide to meet with Alvin first. The Adjunct had formally left your party upon delivering you to Morfis. You didn’t take it personally. You knew it had mostly been under pressure by his superiors, the Royal Sages. His interests were closely aligned with their own. More than anything, he desired the opening of Tartarus. Something that you had yet to decide your own feelings on. But you were still on good terms with him. He provided you with incalculable aid during your trip here, and a meeting with him would be welcome. According to Cassius, he wished to dine with you at one of Morfis’ premiere culinary establishments.

Changing out of your battleworn armor into more formal wear, you head for “The Onyx Table.” From what Cassius had told you, this was one of the most exclusive restaurants in the country, catering specifically to Morfis’ high-status mages. Reservations were often made an entire year in advance. You find the place without too much trouble, your knowledge of the city’s streets gradually improving the more time you spend here. A snooty looking man stands outside the building, eyeing you sharply. He was definitely a mage, though he also must have passed for the restaurant’s security.

“Name?” He asks dryly.

>“Tristain d’Rusalka.”

Upon uttering your name, the man’s eyebrows threaten to shoot off his head. He quickly catches himself, returning to an air of professionalism.

“Welcome, Lord Tristain. We have been expecting you. Adjunct Alvin is already seated and waiting for your arrival. Please follow me. And might I just add, we here at the Onyx Table are all eagerly anticipating your performance in the coming tournament.” He wrings his hands, offering you a toothy grin and bowing his head. Cassius hadn’t been lying when he said word of the top eight was beginning to spread through the city. And with it, you were sure you’d have no shortage of people looking to suck up to the potential future king. Not that you minded that, of course.

You are led inside the restaurant, finding a vast hall filled with pristine marble. Your boots make a satisfying clacking sound against the white and black tiles as the mage leads you towards the back of the room, where Alvin awaits. The heads of several of the restaurant’s diners turn up from their plates to meet you. In each of their eyes, you find that same sense of wonderment that you’d seen from the mage outside. They immediately recognized your importance as one of the potential kingly candidates, and each of them was currently racking their brains figuring out the best way to grab your attention, perhaps that they could advance their own positions if they somehow managed to attach themselves to you.

“Here you are sir.” The mage announces. You’d arrived at the table, where your Adjunct was waiting.

File: Alvin.png (49.8 KB)

49.8 KB PNG

>>6353280
“Tristain!” Alvin exclaims in excitement. He gets up from the table and claps you on the shoulder. The man looked to be in good health. You were glad to know the Sages evidently weren’t planning on getting rid of him anytime soon. “Congratulations! I obviously knew you had it in you, but when I heard the news I nearly did a backflip. Sit down! I’ve just ordered drinks.”

>“Everyone here seems to be watching us pretty closely…” You observe as you take your seat.

“Of course. This restaurant is frequented by high society. They’re paying closer attention to the competition more than anyone. It wouldn’t surprise me if you find yourself approached by several of them in the next few days. You’ll likely have no shortage of sponsorship offers.”

>“Sponsorship? What do you mean?”

“It’s not just us Adjuncts that have been seeking out worthy champions. Many prominent Morfisian mages and organizations are doing just the same. I hear several contenders have already been approached with various sorts of offers. Weapons, armor, and magical items are just the surface of what’s being discussed. There have been even more extravagant offers being made, like performers and parades for a grand entrance at the tournament. The idea being that, once you’ve been crowned king, you’ll pay these favors back, of course.”

>“They’ll be looking to buy me out, eh? Heh, fat chance of that.”

“Don’t discount the idea. Strength is one thing, but do you have the coffers to compete with the likes of House Gloucester? House Charon? Not to mention the vast fortunes of that Almyran Warlord. Uriyan’s wealth was so extravagant that he came to his land with several ships in tow. You only get to make a first impression on your people once.”

>“Hey, are you calling me poor?”

“Why spend your own money, when you can spend someone else’s?” Alvin shrugs, sipping from an expensive bottle of wine brought to him by the waiter. “If you’d like, I can compile a list of organizations interested in sponsoring your victory.”

>“I thought you weren’t going to be allowed to help me out anymore.”

“I’d just be making a friendly referral or two.” Alvin shrugs. “The Sages won’t mind. Things are very busy at the College. And they’re all a bit preoccupied with their own individual picks to pay attention to what I’m doing.”

At that moment, the waiter returns. You’d hardly even glanced at the menu. Going through the list, you didn’t recognize a single name. These were apparently high-class, traditional Morfisian dishes that were rarely found outside the capital. Supposedly though, every bite was considered life-changing.

>A):Bacon Double Cheeseburger (+1 STR)
>B):Fish Filet Sandwich (+1 MAG)
>C):Chicken Xenophanes Salad (+1 SPD)
>D):Lasagna (+1 DEF)
>E):Caprese (+1 RES)
>F):Morfisian Pufferfish (+1 LCK)

>>6353281
>>C):Chicken Xenophanes Salad (+1 SPD)
make it a round 30, 50 with the bow. also, why do we have soulblade on our skills, and where's our fifth indech charge?

>>6353281
>D):Lasagna (+1 DEF)
I almost picked the burger but my favorite food is lasagna so i had to become garfield for this one vote... Also the pufferfish being the luck food is funny.

>>6352957
Hope you had a merry Christmas King
>>6353281
>F):Morfisian Pufferfish (+1 LCK)
That way we can also share the facts we're aware of about this particular dish

File: 1754945661337998.png (511.3 KB)

511.3 KB PNG

>>6353284
Oops, we did pick Warding Blow, you're right. And you do have an extra Indech Crest use. I'll clear that up once the first fight starts.
>Me in charge of not posting disinfo in the OP

>>6353281
>A):Bacon Double Cheeseburger (+1 STR)
i know in my heart Tristain would pick this. Second would be Caprese just because more RES before we fight whatshername.

>>6353281
>F):Morfisian Pufferfish (+1 LCK)
THIS FUCKING FISH REEEEEEE

>>6353303
>Jumpscared by my own meme
kek

File: Leonora Gloucester and Adjunct Filomena.png (79.4 KB)

79.4 KB PNG

>>6353281
Morfisian Pufferfish? Wasn’t that the dish in Stelios’ question the other day? The one you’d gotten wrong, and that caused no shortage of shit that you were forced to wade through? In one floor’s case, quite literally? Well, given that it was the only name that you recognized on the menu, you might as well give it a try and see what all the fuss was about. You relay your order to the waiter.

“Pufferfish?” Alvin exclaims with surprise.

>“Yeah. It’s quite the delicacy. It’s both incredibly savoury and refreshing. A lot of people fear its poison, which can lead to terrible side effects such as loss of vision or even death, but surely the finest dining establishment in Morfis would have an acute understanding of how to prepare it correctly.”

Alvin blinks, astonished. “Why…yes. You’re correct. Wow, I’m seriously impressed, Tristain! I had never pegged you as a gourmet. How did you come to learn about this?”

>“Just some light reading.” You lie. “A king should know as much about his people and their culture as possible. That includes cuisine, does it not?”

“Of course!” Alvin exclaims happily. He raises his glass towards you. “It gladdens me to see you taking an interest in such matters. I doubt many of your rivals in the tournament could say they were as knowledgeable as you. After all, you’ve seen quite the tour of the country by now.”

>“All thanks to you.” And the target that he’d had on his back, drawing you into a multitude of conflicts you never expected to fight. But you do not voice this observation. “So, any luck on that ‘key’ of yours?”

“Tristain, you know I can’t divulge that.” Alvin chuckles.

>“I’ll take that as a yes then. Any reason you haven’t opened the door yet?”

“Have you actually seen Tartarus, yet?” Alvin asks.

>“Now that you mention it, I haven’t quite had the time to play tourist. Isn’t it supposed to be on a hill that oversees all of Morfis? You’d think I’d have noticed that by now…”

“Maybe it would have overlooked the old Morfis, thousands of years ago. But the city was destroyed once, during the battle between the Sorcerer King and Leviathan’s forces. When Morfis was rebuilt, it was made stronger, more vast, and, well, taller. That includes the Royal Palace and its grounds, where your cousin and the Princess reside. The old palace was reconstructed around Tartarus. In its walls, the magical defenses that Xenophanes weaved still hold strong. And it is not just his magic either. For generations, each subsequent king and queen has added something to the layers of magic that surround the palace. If Tartarus is the most secure place in existence, the Royal Palace is surely the second.”

>“So, the Sages can’t get in there without a fight, eh?”

“Seeing as the Princess wishes to keep Tartarus closed, that would be the case.” Alvin says. “Unless a more sympathetic monarch entered the picture…”

File: Tristain eating Morfisian Pufferfish.gif (2.3 MB)

2.3 MB GIF

>>6353604
>“The palace’s defenses must be pretty crazy if the Sages won’t risk a fight, even with all their power.” You observe. “Or maybe they’re just cowards. They certainly seemed so when I saw them.”

“I don’t know.” Alvin mutters, observing the wine in his glass as he swells it around. “Trying to siege the palace would undoubtedly be difficult. Perhaps not impossible, but certainly difficult. Still, there was never a reason to go to such lengths. Even if they’d ousted the Princess, they would still find themselves locked out of Tartarus.”

>“But…now that they’ve got the key…”

“We’re just speaking hypothetically.” Alvin laughs. “I’m sure it won’t come to that. What good would it do to open Taratrus if the entire city was destroyed in the process? No, I’m sure things will end smoothly.”

At that moment, your waiter returns, carrying both of your dishes. The pufferfish is placed before you. It certainly looked like nothing you’d ever seen. It had been cut into several slices of thin, translucent pieces. At first glance, it certainly didn’t seem appetizing. There wasn’t even a lot of it to go around, the portion size signalling you’d probably be hungry again in a few short hours. Rather than a fork, the dish was served with what looked like a pair of sticks. You held the items a bit clumsily in your hands, which Alvin notes.

“The metal of the fork disrupts the taste of the fish.” He remarks over what apparently was called a ‘hamburger.’ Fuck, that looked better than what you got. Would he switch…?

>“Obviously.” You were regretting your order. Better to just get it over with. Getting the handle of the strange utensils, you scoop up all of the pieces of fish into your sticks, and finish the dish in one huge bite. All twenty pieces. As you chew through them, you note that it wasn’t really as ‘refreshing’ as you’d heard. Still, you hadn’t gone blind or keeled over just yet, and that had you feeling a bit luckier.

>+1 LCK Increase

Alvin’s face goes pale and slackjawed as he watches you chew, his own meal forgotten.

“Tristain…that dish cost 4,000 gold…”

“Excuse me, boys? Would you mind if my friend and I joined you for dinner?”

You turn your head at the sudden sultry and sweetly feminine voice to your right, swallowing the mouthful of fish before it could spill out. Leonora Gloucester was standing before you, clad in an elegant evening gown, a warm smile on her face. At her side was the Adjunct Filomena, regarding you coldly. The waiter looked incredibly insecure at the moment, unsure of what to do, but fully aware of the implications. In fact, the entire restaurant had ground to a silent halt as they observed the two contenders facing each other.

>A): Invite Leonora
>B): Decline

Happy New Year!

>>6353605
>B): Decline
Begone bitch, you burned your bridge back in the tower.

Also she's bound to the sages contract so god knows what the fuck she's been ordered to do.

>>6353605
>>A): Invite Leonora
i'm always up for more banter

>>6353605
Lets see. Is she here to try and poison us before the duel? Start some kind of incident? Or was a falling out with Arios enough that shes trying to find another 'ally', and every other option is worse lol, so shes here to make an offer.

I'd guess the Sages must have gotten the reports of the test with their agents. Could she have gotten orders from the Sage backing her?

Is she dirty enough to threaten the lives of our party members "drop out or else they will die"?

>>6353605
>B): Decline

We've heard from multiple sources that she'll willing to sell out her own grandmother if it means getting a bit further ahead, and she's aligned with the sages. Whatever she brings up here is going to be more poisonous than the pufferfish.

>>6353605
>A): Invite Leonora
I doubt that we'd actually benefit from this, but having the opportunity to shittalk her before the fight is too fun to pass up.

>>6353605
>B): Decline
Want to see her face when we give her a taste of her own medicine.

>>6353605
>>B): Decline
>B): Decline
Sorry toots but I'm hanging out with my bromeo

>>6353605
>B): Decline
Begon, thot. Ill news is an ill guest, and you are both.

>>6353605
>>A): Invite Leonora

>>6353605
>B): Decline
I kind of want to know what she has to say, or to stuff her with the bill, but I think this will be funnier.

File: Puffy.jpg (376.1 KB)

376.1 KB JPG

>>6353605
You weren’t sure what Leonora wanted with you, but you didn’t feel like playing along. Now that it was confirmed she was in the pocket of the Sages, you couldn’t discount the possibility that this was all part of some ploy to get you to lower your guard during the first round. And you definitely didn’t like the look of her Adjunct. It was difficult to tell whether her icy cold glare was meant for yourself, Alvin, or perhaps both of you.

>“Sorry, but we were just finishing up.”

Alvin shrugs. “Yes, a real shame. But I hope the two of you have a great meal.”

The waiter looks tepidly at Leonora. Perhaps he was scared that the Dark Knight might make a bigger deal of your rejection. The worst case scenario that seemed to be on everyone’s mind was that the two of you might get into a fight right here and now. But Leonora takes your rejection in stride.

“Oh well, that’s too bad.” She says, brushing aside a strand of hair. “I was hoping for some pleasant evening conversation to go with dinner, but alas, I see that someone is still feeling a bit emotional from yesterday’s little skirmish.”

“Waiter.” Filomena says, not a hint of emotion in her voice. “Please direct us to our table.”

“Y-yes Adjunct…”

Leonora starts off, but then turns abruptly at the last moment to face you.

“I hear you acquired a new toy from that upjumped Almyran dog.” She says playfully. “I hope for your sake it makes you more interesting. It’s important that I put on a good show for my subjects.”

“I really don’t like that one.” Alvin says once Leonora and Filomena have departed for their table. “Watch out. I know the calculating type when I see them. She’ll be up to something. Doubly so if that’s who Filomena has decided to throw her lot in with. Amongst us Adjuncts, she has quite the reputation for her brutal efficiency and scheming.”

>“And what are you known for?”

“Why I’m the most handsome of course.”

>“Now you’re a jokester? That sounds like something May would say. You’ve clearly been out of our party for too long.”

“If only someone had played nicer with the Sages, I might be able to hang out with you all more.” Alvin sighs. “But no use whining about it now. Send everyone my love. In the meantime, I’ll put together that list of potential sponsors and send them out to meet with you at the Royal Palace. Who knows, you may be able to get some gold or items out of it. Just choose carefully. Better to not be indebted to any organization you may find yourself at odds with.”

The two of you finish your dinner, departing without even sparing a glance in Leonora and her Adjunct’s direction. Having finished one of your three tasks given to you by your friends, you decide on the next one to tackle.

>A): Meet with Bronte and Chelsey
>B): Meet with Elric, Cuthbert, and Nadia

>>6353992
>If only someone had played nicer with the Sages
hey, i tried
>B): Meet with Elric, Cuthbert, and Nadia

>>6353992
>B): Meet with Elric, Cuthbert, and Nadia

>>6353992
Nooooo we got socially BTFO, she was totally unaffected.
>A): Meet with Bronte and Chelsey
I feel like Bronte will be really mad if she gets left until last.

>>6353992
>A): Meet with Bronte and Chelsey
Feel making Eric and Co last works, we do our business first and then rest up with our allies

>>6353992
>A): Meet with Bronte and Chelsey

>“Why I’m the most handsome of course.”
kek why yes you are

File: Chelsey.png (44.4 KB)

44.4 KB PNG

>>6353992
“And just where have you been?” Chelsey asks, arms crossed. The scowl on her face made it evident that you’d done something wrong, though you were having a hard time figuring out what exactly.

>“I was having dinner with Alvin.”

“The Adjunct? You know the people he’s working for want to kill you and your cousin, right? Has that not quite sunk in yet?”

>“I don’t refuse free meals.” You shrug. “Ever been to the Onyx Table? It’s a bit overrated, but maybe I just got the wrong dish. We should all go one day when there’s time.”

You swear that you see the vein on Chelsey’s forehead throb in reaction to your well-intended gesture. The dancer takes a moment to recompose herself, before wordlessly leading you into the Prime Minister’s office. The room looks somewhat different than when you’d first seen it. The normally neat and orderly desk your cousin sat behind had been overtaken by a stack of tomes, one of which she was pouring through. Her attention only snaps away when she notices you close the door behind you.

“Have you gone mad?” She asks, slamming the tome in front of her shut.

>“...I don’t think so?”

“What were you thinking by fighting Sid?!” She chastises you, one finger pointed in an accusatory manner.

>“That muscle mage? I don’t know. I guess I wasn’t thinking much about it at all. And I haven’t really thought about it since. Wait, you watched that?”

“That was entirely reckless! You could have been killed!”

>“I could have been killed a dozen different ways this week alone. You know how I operate by now, Bronte. If you want my help, I’m gonna have some fun along the way.”

“That was fun to you?” Chelsey mutters. “Couldn’t you have some more normal hobbies? Birdwatching? Or perhaps woodworking?”

Your face lights up at the mention of your secret passion.

>“Actually-”

“Don’t get him started.” Bronte interrupts with a raised hand. “I’m sorry, Tristain. I was just worried is all. You know how I get. I’m relieved to see you back. And even gladder that you managed to advance to the final round. How was the rest of the competition?”

>“Well I fought a giant tiger and bird-”

“Nevermind!” Bronte interjects again, her face pale. “Perhaps I’d rather not know. Regardless of what you say, I don’t think dragging you into this mess will ever sit right with me.”

>“Well what’s eating you? Cassius told me you were freaking out about something.”

“Right. I have a question. Those cultists that you said you’d assumed leadership of. Do you know where they are?”

>“Oh, Eman and Penelope and the gang! Nope, no idea.”

“Are you aware of some method of contacting them?” Bronte asks.

>“Hmm…I’m not.”

Silence follows.

“I thought you said you could lead them now…” Bronte trails off.

File: Bronte Weaver.png (51.2 KB)

51.2 KB PNG

>>6354575
>“Oh yeah, those guys love me.”

“So…how do you get them to do anything…?”

You shrug. “I sorta figured they’d just show up when I needed them again.”

“That’s not helpful!” Chelsey shrieks over Bronte, who has dug her face into her hands in exasperation.

>“Why the sudden interest in those guys? I’d think the last thing you’d want is cultists hanging around Morfis.”

“That’s exactly the problem.” Bronte starts. “Ordinarily, there’s a tight lid kept on who enters and leaves the city. Only, with the finals of the competition to soon be underway, the Sages have temporarily waived that security measure aside. People from all over the country are making the trip here to watch you and the rest of the finalists battle. A gesture done under the guise that all citizens should be able to witness the coronation of their future king if they’re willing to make the trip. But, we have it on good authority that several of those that have entered are members of the Cult of the Serpent.”

>“Really, how can you be so sure?”

“The recent string of murders for one.” Chelsey says. “We’re keeping it under tight wraps right now to not alarm the populace. Morfis is ordinarily an extremely safe and secure city. However, several bodies have been turning up, and each of them bear evidence of some of the cult’s favorite activities. Strangulation, poison…these killings have their name all over them.”

>“You think the Sages willingly let the cult in?”

“It’s possible.” Bronte says. “They aren’t taking our theory very seriously, which is already quite suspicious. They won’t even send the Riahi to investigate the matter. The local Morfisian security forces are a bit in over their head when it comes to identifying members of the cult, who ordinarily are masters of blending in with the local population. I was hoping you might be able to lend us some of your new ‘friends’ to help find them. But apparently they didn’t leave you a mailing address…”

>“A what?”

“Nothing.” Bronte sighs. “Me and my men will just have to try and rout them out ourselves. The Sages may be our priority, but we very well can’t have bloodthirsty cultists running around and murdering civilians.”

You’ve seen this once before. How the cultists had infiltrated Hima, blending in with the local population so that they could poison their wyverns and steal Fionn. You at the very least had an idea about how they operated. It was possible you could lend a hand. Although it sounded like a huge pain in the ass, and could very well be time better spent training for the tournament.

>A): Offer to help find the cultists.
>B): Leave it to Bronte and her resources.

>>6354577
>>A): Offer to help find the cultists.
if these cultists aren't the ones on our side then i have an idea on who could lead us to them...

>>6354577
Tristain should return the bow to that cute brown chick that said she'll never forget him. Shes probably waiting around somewhere.

>A): Offer to help find the cultists.
Fuck yeah. Inspector Tristain is on the case!

Cue the montage of Tristain beating people up interrogation style while May takes their wallets or breaks into their fancy apartments for 'clues'. I'm gonna guess that one of the Sages IS involved with the Cult, and is using this as an opportunity to kill some other suspected agents who work for the other sages, or several people who will be invited or involved in some kind of event where they can take their place. Maybe the end of the tournament celebration with tons of food and entertainment. Is the Cult's priority the Key, killing the Princess, or just terror?

I can't imagine Adeline would be very good at sneaking around. Shes about as subtle as a gong....Bbut then so is Tristain? I wonder if Bronte has thought this out or if shes just stressed out of her mind.

Maybe we should go pick up Elric, Cuthbert, and Nadia. Tho Nadia might want to continue her research. Elric is a smart little cookie I bet he'd be handy for an investigation.

>>6354577
>A): Offer to help find the cultists.
Might as well start acting Kingly.

>>6354577
>A): Offer to help find the cultists.

>>6354577
>A): Offer to help find the cultists.

>Getting mad at Tristain for aiming for the boss exp
kek
I think Sid didn't even touch Tristain since we kept attacking at range.
Better hope she never finds out about us throwing away our results in the second stage with that bonus question. It was worth it anyways since it allowed us to hang out with Butch.

>They won’t even send the Riahi to investigate the matter
I'm assuming this is a typo and it's referring to the Yasha. Arios also mentioned the Riahi as well earlier when we talked to him.
Surely not even the Sages could sweep what happened at that Camp under the rug if the Riahi were actually under their payroll.

>>6354577
>A): Offer to help find the cultists.

>>6354577
>A): Offer to help find the cultists.
let's just flash our crest until we find our people :^)
>>6354811
inb4 Bronte is actually the Riahi boss

>>6354811
Ack, you're right. I meant Yasha instead of Riahi. I'm confusing my obscure desert cults.

A wins, writing.

File: Cuthbert and Nadia.png (96.8 KB)

96.8 KB PNG

>>6354577
>“I could help find them. I’ve seen this sort of thing before, back at Hima, and I’m familiar with their methods. If the cult is truly here in Morfis, I might have the best chance at finding where it is they’re hiding.”

“You want to help?” Bronte asks, a hint of doubt in her voice. “Won’t that get in the way of your preparation for the tournament?”

>“If I have to kill some uppity cultists along the way? Not at all. If anything, it’ll be a good warm-up.”

“Very well then.” Bronte sighs. “Chelsey, can I trust you to assist Tristain with this matter?”

“I’ll come find you tomorrow night.” Chelsey says. “We’ll likely want at least a few of our friends along for this. Not all of them. We’ll want to keep things small so as to not attract attention. But some support backing us up will definitely be welcome.”

You part ways with Chelsey and your cousin, your plans for the next night now set in stone, and you head back to the embassy. When you awake the next morning, your first course of action is to visit Elric. He’d been allocated a room in the Royal Palace, where he’d been kept under the watchful eyes of Cuthbert, Nadia, and a slew of healers. There had been no sign of the possession he’d suffered under Mystletainn, and by all accounts, he’d returned to normal. Still, it would be best that you see for yourself. You enter his quarters, where you find several of your friends already inside.

“Tristain!” Nadia exclaims, getting up from her seat at Elric’s bedside. “You’re back! It’s so good to see you. Progress on the const-”

>“Eh! Keep that to yourself for now!” You say, cutting her off abruptly.

“Tristain.” Cuthbert acknowledges you with a curt nod. “Welcome back. Congratulations on your victory. And…thank you.”

You nod, even as you watch Elric squirm under the covers of the bed he was currently residing in. The boy had quickly hid himself under them the second he saw you enter the room, and was now seemingly pretending to be dozing off. With an annoyed click of your tongue, you wrench the covers off Elric. The boy crawls towards the headrest of the bed, as if trying to escape your piercing gaze.

“A-ah! L-lord Tristain! S-so good to see you again!” Elric cries out, his face as pale as if he’d seen a ghost. He was clearly scared to be in your presence, and was several degrees more awkward than usual.

>“How are you feeling?” You ask.

“G-good! How are you?” Elric replies.

>“Good. But considering I wasn’t possessed by a 1000-year old vengeful Morfisian spirit, that’s to be expected. Tell me, has Mystletainn truly left your body?”

“I-I think so.” Elric stammers out. “Maybe? Though…maybe not exactly…?”

You wince. This unconfident, mild-mannered lad was definitely the Elric you knew and tolerated. But something about him was still definitely off.

File: 1762242921951424.jpg (430.8 KB)

430.8 KB JPG

>>6354966
“He speaks the truth.” Nadia confirms. “I can sense no trace of the spirit that possessed him. Only…I do not believe he has gotten rid of it entirely.”

>“What does that mean?”

“Mystletainn has been driven out of Elric’s mind.” Nadia continues. “But…the physical toll that he’d taken on his body is another matter. Even though the spirit no longer resides within him, its memories have been burned into Elric.”

>“Again, what does that mean?”

“Try hitting him.” Cuthbert says suddenly.

Not needing any further invitation, you throw a punch towards Elric’s head. The boy suddenly leaps up from his hospital bed, grabbing your fist and diverting it away from his skull.

“Please don’t hit me!” Elric shrieks.

Shit! Well that was interesting. Elric may no longer be possessed, but it was as if Mystletainn’s skill and swordplay had been engraved into his mind and muscles. A punch like the one you’d just thrown would have connected easily just a few months ago. But the way he’d maneuvered out of your way was eerily similar to how Mystletainn had fought you in the Tower of Illusions.

“I-I’m sorry, Tristain!” Elric cries. “I-I didn’t mean to be such a burden! But the sword, it called out to me. It seemed friendly at first. It was…sad. It’d been trapped inside that blade for so long. It just wanted someone to talk to. At least…that was what I thought. It told me I could get stronger if I just kept swinging it. It told me I could be like you! But before I knew it, I was beginning to kill people without a care. It tried reassuring me. It told me they were bad people. Before I knew it, it became harder and harder to stop listening to it. And then, it told me I could be a hero! That I could even win the hand of the princess! All I had to do was run away and get away from all of you. I-I thought I was just a burden, so maybe running away wouldn’t be all that bad. But then…I killed that man. Oswald…he was just trying to help everyone…”

Elric looks up at you, tears welling in his eyes.

>“Am I a murderer, Tristain?”

Cuthbert and Nadia look away. You were sure this was a conversation they’d both had extensively with the boy. But you were the one who ultimately defeated Mystletainn, driving him away for good. For better or worse, Elric looked up to you as a role model. And your words now would ultimately affect him for the rest of his life.

>A): Blame the boy.
>B): Tell him it’s not his fault.

>>6354967
>>B): Tell him it’s not his fault.
we kinda got him in that mess. also god damn, he gets to keep all the exp? lucky little shit

>>6354967
Whatever we do, make sure to tell him that he's not the first person to fall victim to it.

>>6354967
>B): Tell him it’s not his fault.

>>6354967
>A): Blame the boy.
No this was 100% his fault for listening to the whispers of a daemon who promised him he could achieve his dreams of being a cool hero if he only let it drink the blood of anyone who happens to pass by. Make sure you don't do it again Elric, you idiot.

>>6354967
>B): Tell him it’s not his fault
It's out fault he touched the damn sword in the first place honestly. We could have at least vetted the thing first.

>>6354967
>B): Tell him it’s not his fault.
I can hardly blame him for an ancient evil spirit manipulating him, I mean not even Tristain shrugged it off with ease... Honestly he was taken advantage of so yeah no wonder he's kind of a mess right now.

>>6354967
>B): Tell him it’s not his fault.
Once hes old enough Cuthbert can help him take up drinking.

Who is truly to blame? Mysty for being some kind of sword demon god. The Sorcerer King for putting an angry god into a sword just to see if he could and then never really disposing of it properly. The Sages and their agents for bringing it into eventual contact with people who are curious, power hungry, and treacherous. Tristain for not getting his A rank with Elric sooner. Or my sweet innocent boy Elric. Take your pick.

File: Mystletainn - True Form.jpg (885 KB)

885 KB JPG

>>6354967
You couldn’t really find it within you to blame Elric. Sure, the boy hadn’t helped the situation. He’d let himself be taken in by promises of easy glory and the chance to be a hero. But the spirit that had manipulated him had been thousands of years older. Stronger men than him had fallen victim to its ploys. There were plenty others you could find fault with. Mystletainn, for starters. Then there was the Sorcerer King and his penchant for sticking spirits in objects they did not belong in. Or even the Sages, for being aware of the blade’s existence and not disposing of it sooner. But you wouldn’t take it out on Elric. He was still just a kid, and one who’d been taken advantage of at that.

>“You’re fine, Elric.” You tell him. “It obviously wasn’t your fault. The blame lies with Mystletainn. I also saw a vision when I held the blade. It had been lost to me for some time, though I only remembered upon slaying the spirit. Its evil was unlike anything I’d ever felt. And you aren’t the first person it’s done this to. For ages, it had been passing itself on from one soul to another. It had plenty of experience in manipulating others. At the very least, take pride that it made a fatal mistake in choosing you. You managed to hold it within yourself until such time as I could drive it away for good. That’s worth something, at least.”

“Tristain…” Elric mutters, tears beginning to well up in his eyes. You grimace. You hated this level of sentimentality.

>“Knock it off.” You grumble. “You’rve been through more than most men do in a lifetime. I think that’s enough to qualify you as one. That means no more crying, got it?”

“Are we sure he’s really okay now?” Cuthbert asks, eyeing Elric closely. “You saw how he just moved. That wasn’t the skill level of the Elric that I knew. I thought he’d be back to normal.”

“Were I to make a hypothesis…” Nadia says. “Mystletainn may be gone, but I believe its muscle memory remains within Elric. It had been fighting within his body for a while, pushing him to his absolute limits time and time again. That muscle memory may just be the source of this strength we see now.”

>“He does look a little more toned…” You observe, noticing that the boy had grown quite a bit of muscle since when you’d first seen him back in Solis. “Man though, you get a free huge powerup and all you had to do was be possessed for a couple months? Lucky you, huh?”

“I think Nadia is right.” Elric says. “I can still remember it all. Most of Mystletainn’s memories draw a blank for me…but the way he swung his sword. The angles he struck from, the weak points he exploited, how he guarded and maneuvered around foes. These things come clearly to me as if they were my own memories.”

Elric jumps out of the bed, wiping away any traces of tears. Getting on one knee, he bows before you.

File: Elric and Mystletainn.jpg (858.3 KB)

858.3 KB JPG

>>6355271
“Tristain, thank you for saving me. Please…allow me to renew the vow I made to you back in Solis! I promise to do everything I can to make you king! I won’t hold you or the others back anymore! I can fight alongside you! There’s nothing I can do to repay you for what you’ve done for me, but at least allow me to try!”

>“Ugh, fine. Just get up off the floor.”

>Elric learned Resolve!

>Elric
>Level 34 Lord
HP: 40/40
STR: 30
SPD: 25
DEF: 25
RES: 30
Skill: Vantage (If HP at 35% or below, always attack first.) Resolve (If HP at 35% or below, STR, SPD and DEF +7)

>You gained an A-Support with Elric! (LCK+ 3)

“That was beautiful.” Nadia sniffs, wiping away her own tears. “Oh Elric, how you’ve grown so much! You must be quite proud of the boy, Cuthbert!”

>“You alright with this, old man?”

Cuthbert sighs, rubbing his head in annoyance and grimacing. “Frankly, I don’t think I have it within me to stop him. Maybe I never did. But I doubly sure don’t now. Just don’t get cocky, kid. You may be stronger, but you’ve still got a lot to learn. And get your ass back in bed. Doctor’s orders.”

>“Cuthbert’s right.” You pick Elric up by the scruff of his neck, dropping him one-handedly onto the bed. “They’ll be time for you later. As for the two of you.” You turn towards Cuthbert and Nadia. “We’ve got a job we need to do. The kind that probably means kicking someone’s ass. Can both of you meet me tonight?”

“Sorry, but for now, I’d rather not leave the boy out of my sight.” Cuthbert declines.

“I am not in the habit of refusing you, Lord Tristain.” Nadia says, placing a hand on your shoulder. “But the ‘project’ that you left me in charge of requires my full attention. It is not near completion yet, but I am certainly making great strides!”

>“Shit…you guys are going to make me go on a stealth mission with Adeline? There’s no way she can be sneaky…”

Well, perhaps May could carry her weight. Chelsey was supposed to contact you tonight in regards to searching for the cultists. But now that you thought about it, you might actually already have a lead. Perhaps Butch might be able to shed some light as to the recent cultist activity. Supposedly he was Marek’s champion. But would it really be alright to just straight up ask him…?

>A): Ask Butch for clues.
>B): You could find the cultists on your own.
>C): Write-in

>>6355273
>>A): Ask Butch for clues.
you've read my mind

>>6355273
>>A): Ask Butch for clues.
Good ol Butch

>>6355273
>A): Ask Butch for clues
What could go wrong

>Banned from using Cuthbert and Nadia
Kek QM really said you will use your whole party.

Who will be the better bait, Adeline in a dress or May?

>>6355441
Elric in a dress.

>>6355273
>A): Ask Butch for clues.
Tristain, Butch and May is going to be a funny combo

>>6355273
>A): Ask Butch for clues.
>>6355441
Adeline would probably look like an easier target in a dress because I figure she'd be all demure about it

File: Butch.png (56.1 KB)

56.1 KB PNG

>>6355273
“I’ve compiled a list of locations of where the recent string of murders have occured.” Chelsey says upon finding you in the embassy later that night. In her hands was a roll of parchment, containing a slew of names belonging to various establishments within Morfis. “We don’t know exactly where the cult is hiding, but it might be worth checking each of these off one by one until we’re able to come up with-”

>“Oh, no need for that. I know someone we can just ask.”

“...You what?”

Together, the two of you go and find Butch. You don’t need to look too hard for the man. He was situated in the dining hall of the embassy, enjoying the free food offered to him. The man’s appetite was still as ravenous as you remember. Butch was sitting by himself, with every other occupant of the hall trying to put as much space between them and him. At first, he gives you a curt nod upon seeing you walk up to his table. But when he sees Chelsey with you, he reappraises his glance.

“Hey…you got yourself a girl too, eh?” He grins wolfishly as Chelsey instinctively takes a step back.

>“This is my friend, Chelsey.”

“Friend, eh? Whatever you say.” Butch muses, scratching his beard with one greasy hand. “That’s a fine lady. But I gotta say, I prefer mine. She’s a bit more on the wild side, that one.”

>“Who do you mean exactly?”

“Oh, I didn’t tell you? Marek gave me a woman. Every good hero needs one.” He laughs. “Her name’s Persefoni. She’s a real feisty one! I’ll be marrying the Princess, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have more than one woman, right? Yulia is likely to be the high-class prissy type. Probably won’t put out very often. That just won’t do it for me, so I’ll need to have a bit of variety if you know what I mean?”

Persefoni. You remember that name. That was the dancer that had infiltrated Hima. She was Penelope’s sister, not to mention the betrothed to Ahmose, the cult’s resident champion whom you had slain. In a few short days you’d taken her sister and her lover. She would surely not have a very high opinion of you.

>“I’m just glad you found someone you like. Where does she hang out?”

“Wanna meet her, eh?” Butch grins. “She and a bunch of her friends hang out at the whorehouse in the western part of the city.”

“The House of Silk…” Chelsey mutters.

“Pft, yeah the whorehouse.” Butch scoffs. “That’s what I said. Anyway, I’m going after I finish eating. Unlike there, the food here is free. I’ll introduce you, but hands off. I already called dibs on her, and I don’t share with other men.” He punctuates this with a hint of disgust.

>“Wouldn’t dream of it, bud. Enjoy your meal, and then afterwards we’ll tag along with you.”

Butch snorts affirmatively. You and Chelsey give the man some space, discussing your next course of action.

File: Ahmose.png (47.4 KB)

47.4 KB PNG

>>6355570
“You just…asked him. And he just told you. It was that easy.” Chelsey says sadly, looking down at the list she compiled with no shortage of anguish.

>“So, do you know this House of Silk place?”

“I’m very familiar with it.” The dancer answers, crumpling up her list into a ball. Frustration was evident on her face. “It’s a degenerate hellhole that makes Shangri-La look like a nunnery in comparison. The women there are treated like property, and are subjected to whatever whims its clientele desires. The only reason it hasn’t been shut down is because it's frequented by some of the most influential mages in the city, who offer it both funding and support. I shouldn’t be surprised the Cult of the Serpent would choose to shack up in a place like that.”

>“There’s another problem. This Persefoni that Butch was talking about. I’ve sort of crossed paths with her before. There’s a good chance she’ll recognize me. And I doubt she’ll be very happy about it.”

“...Perhaps you should stay behind then.” Chelsey says. “If they see you, they may try to escape. Or, worse, they may seek to target and harm you before the contest.”

>“What if I went in disguised? Maybe I put on a wig or something…?”

“Something tells me that man out there lacks the subtlety required to go along with such a ploy.”

You both look out at Butch, who was busy sucking down an entire roasted chicken.

>“Probably…”

“We also have to consider that starting a fight there may upset some of the city’s higher-ranking mages.” Chelsey says. “They’re scum one and all, but having them on your side as king may prove to be beneficial.”

You consider your options. There was always a chance, no matter how low, that you could bluff your way out of violence with Persefoni and her group. But these were murderous cultists you were talking about. They couldn’t just be left unchecked. As for these supposed high-ranking mages, you were beginning to get the impression that it would soon be important to soak up all the support you could muster for your future conflict with the Sages. That being said, if they were complicit in these crimes, surely they should be brought to justice? Then there was Butch to consider. Would he fight you in order to defend Persefoni?

>A): Head to the House of Silk with the intention of talking things through. You already convinced one group of cultists to follow you. Maybe you could do so with another?
>B): Head to the House of Silk with the intention of killing the cultists, and anyone else that stands in your way.
>C): Leave the matter to Bronte and Chelsey
>D): Write-in

>>6355571
>B): Head to the House of Silk with the intention of killing the cultists, and anyone else that stands in your way.
Think the ship has sailed with talking them over now that Malek knows we aren't opening THE DOOR and we killed Persefoni's fiance.

Bronte and Chelsey are going for a rout anyway. And if Tristain was willing to turn down the merchant consortium's help on the basis of morals then he can certainly do so here with these scum. Plus we bow to their whims as king and who knows what liberties they'll take?

If an important sage is killed and people start whining, afterwards we can just say said sages were helping the murderous cultists - after all, they did nothing when the Cult of Serpent set up base in their playpen...

Really looks like the civil war might end up being the non-mages + Tristain vs Sages and the mages which will be interesting in such an entrenched magocracy.

>>6355571
>>A): Head to the House of Silk with the intention of talking things through. You already convinced one group of cultists to follow you. Maybe you could do so with another?
killing Penelope's sis doesn't sit right with me, and i'd rather not burn bridges with Butch. if diplomacy fails then all bets are off

>D): Write-in
>A): Head to the House of Silk with the intention of talking things through. You already convinced one group of cultists to follow you. Maybe you could do so with another?


Well heres my thinking. If Butch breaks up with Persefoni she'd have failed in her mission. Does Marek forgive failure? He really didn't seem bothered about Ahmose's death. Hopefully a Penelope angle would have some pull. Also she probably actually hates Butch lol, so if we can get her to just shit talk him while hes listening maybe he would break up with her? Maybe he would pair better with Penelope unironically.

>D): Write-in
May needs to dress up, again, and infiltrate to steal some papers. Bring out May's dancer outfit.

Heres my thinking. Marek almost certainly doesn't intend to share power with Butch. This whole place is supposed to get blown up seven ways to sunday anyways. Hes just a useful idiot to get close to the Princess. Persefoni probably has orders in her room somewhere that basically outline how they will frame him for killing the Princess or some such. We show it to Butch, he breaks up with her, shes failed her mission, and then we can maybe flip her. For Penelope's sake.

>>6355571
>A): Head to the House of Silk with the intention of talking things through. You already convinced one group of cultists to follow you. Maybe you could do so with another?
Choosing violence immediately would definitely piss off Butch. I'd rather keep being bros with him even if I don't have much faith in the diplomatic approach.
We do have the Inexhaustible now, so that could probably be used to help sway some cultists.

>>6355571
>A): Head to the House of Silk with the intention of talking things through. You already convinced one group of cultists to follow you. Maybe you could do so with another?
Choosing violence immediately would definitely piss off
But yeah they don't buy it and we start blasting

>>6355571
>>A): Head to the House of Silk with the intention of talking things through. You already convinced one group of cultists to follow you. Maybe you could do so with another?

>>6355571
>A): Head to the House of Silk with the intention of talking things through. You already convinced one group of cultists to follow you. Maybe you could do so with another?
I do want to do this without violence even if the chances are low... But if we fail we can just start punching people, we'll just lose the initiative.

>>6355571
>“You just…asked him. And he just told you. It was that easy.” Chelsey says sadly, looking down at the list she compiled with no shortage of anguish.
Hahaha
>C): Leave the matter to Bronte and Chelsey

File: Persefoni.png (46.3 KB)

46.3 KB PNG

>>6355571
“Perhaps it would be better if I waited outside.” Adeline says, placing a hand on your shoulder. “The foe we seek is a slippery sort. They are renowned for their ability to sneak through undetected. It’s very likely they may try to escape upon being forced into a confrontation with you. At the very least, if I stand outside, I’ll be able to barricade them from-”

>“If you want to leave just do it already!” You snap, losing your patience with the green knight.

Though she was speaking to you, her eyes were fixated on the topless woman currently performing some sort of crude dance atop the lap of a mage. The mage was hooting and hollering, showering the woman in gold, all while she continued to perform one lewd act after another. The horror on Adeline’s face was plain to see. You had no doubt she’d sooner face Leviathan himself in combat than be subjected to such torture.

“I-I shall guard the exterior…” She mumbles, stumbling off towards the exit of the House of Silk.

“This place is great isn’t it?!” Butch shouts over the loud music. You could hardly hear yourself think with all this racket. Most curious of all was that you could see no actual band playing. It was as if the harsh melodies that you heard were being conjured forth by some magical spell. The ‘music’ playing now sounded like someone beating a breastplate apart with hammers until the metal became all wobbly. Was this what the people in this country liked?

>“Yeah. Real treasure trove they’ve got here.” An attractive woman offers you a drink. When you refuse, she then points to her ample breasts. You politely decline once again.

“Maybe I should go wait outside with Adeline…” May mutters.

>“YOU aren’t going anywhere!”

“Come now, May. It’s not that bad!” Cassius says. The summoner was shuffling around in what must have passed for him as dancing. Did everyone forget you were here to do a job?!

“Do you see her?” Chelsey asksi.

>“No. It’s so damn crowded here, and the smoke is thick too. I doubt all these people are cultists though.” If they were, that would be a problem. Despite your best efforts, you were forced to check your weapons in with the bouncer outside. You made sure to tell the man that if he lost your bow, you’d hunt him and his family down. Perhaps it was a good thing after all that Adeline would be out there to keep him honest. For what it was worth, Butch was also forced to check in Blutgang. At least if he turned against you, you’d both be on equal footing.

>“Where’s your girl, Butch?!”

“She’s probably in the back where she always is!” Butch laughs. He had both his arms around a pair of sultry ladies. The pair were feeling up his muscles, all while he leered at them salaciously. At least you knew he had no interest in remaining solely to Persefoni. “Let’s go see her. Did I mention she’s a dancer? You’re gonna go crazy when you see how she moves!”

File: Grigori.png (38.9 KB)

38.9 KB PNG

>>6356032
Butch leads you, Chelsey, May and Cassius towards a hallway in the back of the establishment, where you are forced to maneuver through several more perverts. One such man gives May a rather dirty look that you don’t appreciate. Just as he extends a hand out to grope the girl, you catch him. It takes a fraction of effort to break his index and middle finger. He lets out an agonized shriek, though few notice over the roaring sound of the party and its music. May herself is none the wiser. Butch exchanges a few words with a bouncer guarding the hallway, and the man lets him and your group through.

The hallway proves longer than you expected. Along the way, you pass several doors, hearing no shortage of couples “enjoying” themselves. You were certainly no prude, but even you felt filthy being in here. The sooner this was done the better. Butch stops at the very last door and opens it. He enters with all the grandeur of a conquering hero returning home.

“I’m back!” He grins, holding his hands out. “Where’s my girl?!”

The room you find yourself in is surprisingly larger than you’d expected. At one point, it must have served primarily as this establishment’s storeroom. But it has since been converted into makeshift living quarters. A little over a dozen or so men and women reside here, the air thick with herbs that you’ve seen commonly smoked in this country. Everyone’s eyes immediately turn to regard Butch upon his arrival. Though only on their faces briefly, you can see traces of tired resignation. The sort one might have when forced to politely entertain a fool. Those glances change abruptly though to ones of suspicion when they meet you and the others.

“Welcome, my love.” A woman greets Butch. Her hips sway in every direction as she steps forward to meet her ‘champion.’ There was no mistaking it. That was Persefoni. At first glance, she appeared a polite, if not incredibly seductive woman. That impression quickly changes though as her gaze meets your own. Her soft, flirtatious features morph into something terrifying.

“You…” She hisses. Her eyes threaten to bulge out of her head.

>“Hello.”

“What is the meaning of this?!” A red-haired man with a bandana asks. He regarded you with as much hate as she did. You recognize this man as…was his name Gregory? He’d been part of Eman’s group, though unlike the others, he never defected. You knew for a fact he along with Persefoni held the Crest of Ernest. In an instant, everyone is up on their feet. And unlike you and your friends, they haven’t been disarmed.

>A): Intimidate the cultists into standing down. (STR+LCK: 76% Success)
>B): Try and make peace with Persefoni. (LCK: 34% Success)
>C): Attack the cultists with a Macuil-empowered spell (Combat initiative gained)
>D): Write-in

>>6356033
>>A): Intimidate the cultists into standing down. (STR+LCK: 76% Success)

>>6356033
>B): Try and make peace with Persefoni. (LCK: 34% Success)

>>6356033
>B): Try and make peace with Persefoni. (LCK: 34% Success
Mmm gambling. Either we win and secure more of the Cult to our side with what must be some really nice info of their plans. Or we win when they start the fight and we get that sweet sweet exp. Probably even the best use we'd get out of the May gained ability to steal stuff in combat.

Though maybe now is the time to use the Fortuna blessing?

>>6356033
>A): Intimidate the cultists into standing down. (STR+LCK: 76% Success)
Fortuna's blessing is for the civil war.

>>6356033
>A): Intimidate the cultists into standing down. (STR+LCK: 76% Success)
Trying luck here would be funny but I'd like to start things safe.

>>6356033
>>B): Try and make peace with Persefoni. (LCK: 34% Success)

>>6356033
>A): Intimidate the cultists into standing down. (STR+LCK: 76% Success)
Ain't no peace possible, so much for that Morfisian Pufferfish luck bonus...
Fortuna's Blessing will be used when we go back in time to save Blair and her dad's relationship.

>>6356033
>A): Intimidate the cultists into standing down. (STR+LCK: 76% Success)

>>6356033
>A): Intimidate the cultists into standing down. (STR+LCK: 76% Success)

Rolled 59 (1d100)

A wins. Rolling. 1-76 means success

>>6356304
seems we made the right call. still...

File: Persefoni - Dance.gif (3.2 MB)

3.2 MB GIF

>>6356033
>“I just came here to have a friendly chat.” You say innocently, putting your hands up. “I’m more than happy to talk things out. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I don’t need any weapons to put a couple of snakes down.”

Your thinly-veiled threats do nothing to persuade Persefoni and Grigori, who continue to stare at you with loathing. It does however, work on some of the rank and file. Of the 15 cultists present in the room, 5 quickly drop their weapons. All of them, including a magic caster, then back themselves up against a wall, watching the scene unfurl. It seemed they needed no introduction, for they knew exactly who you were.

“My love!” Persefoni cries, grasping onto Butch’s arm. The man had wandered off to the nearest table, helping himself to a tankard of ale from a nearby keg that had been sitting there. He looks down from his drink to regard the woman curiously. “This man seeks to kill me! You hear how he speaks to me, no? Please, I beg of you, save me from this brute! Do not allow him to harm me!”

“Butch, I can get you your sword right now.” Grigori starts. “With it, you can cut this-”

Butch laughs, shaking Persefoni off his arm. The dancer lands on the ground with a hard thud.

“W-what is the meaning of this, my love?”

“What, you think I can’t tell when a woman’s just using ol’ Butch?” The bandit chuckles, taking a sip from his drink. “I plan on becoming the king of this entire country! You think I’d risk disqualification just to settle your stupid quarrel? If you want me to beat him, wait a few days like the rest of Morfis. Otherwise, shut up and get me some more ale. This has gone flat.”

Persefoni’s jaw drops. That cold, hateful glance now centers directly on Butch as she finds out that she did not have as much control over the man as she first thought. Pulling herself up from the floor, she lashes out at the man.

“You…disgusting awful BRUTE. If you don’t plan on helping, then get your own damn ale! The rest of you, ready your blades! This man may have slain Lord Ahmose, but he is still unarmed and outnumbered! I will have his head if it’s the last thing I do!”

“Persefoni…” Grigori starts. His sword was out and pointed towards you, but it was clear he was not any eager to get to using it. “Perhaps we should reconsider. He can also use magic. If we get into a fight with him now-”

“SHUT UP!” The woman shrieks. She begins to dance rhythmically, as if to music only she could hear. Her arms swerve around her body as her hips sway left and right in a fashion that even you are forced to admit is enchanting.

“Pffttthahaha!” Butch laughs, banging the table he now sat at. “You plan on making him too hard to fight? You’d better think of something else, lass!”

But Persefoni’s dance wasn’t just for show. As if all at once, Grigori and the ten cultists who hadn’t been intimidated into backing down suddenly find their confidence.

File: House of Silk.png (55.1 KB)

55.1 KB PNG

>>6356376
“Ahh, what’s happening?!” May shrieks. “They all look so mad!”

“She’s a Maya!” Chelsey hisses. “Like me, she is a woman able to support her allies through the magic of her dance. She helped those warriors find their lost courage. What’s more, she’s enhanced their abilities as well. They’re ready to fight us to the death!”

>“Can you do anything like that?” You ask, cracking your knuckles.

“Like that? No.” Chelsey begins hopping on the balls of her feet rhythmically. “But I can-”

Two cultists rush forward, more eager than their companions. You dodge the sword thrust of one, allowing him to move right past you. Gripping the man’s head with both hands, you then twist, snapping his neck. The second is behind you, ready to run you through. You ready yourself to take the blow, only to find yourself renewed with a newfound strength. As if moving on its own, your fist smashes into the man’s face. A resounding crack signifies another broken neck.

You’d yet to see the effect of Chelsey’s dance before, but this must have been it. Her magic infused you with the ability to act at double the speed.

“KILL HIM!” Persefoni commands, and the rest of her allies charge in.

>“Of all the times for Adeline to…” You scoff. “Stand next to me. I’ll safeguard you from their blows.”

“Don’t worry about us, Tristain!” May flashes a rather ornate dagger. Did she sneak that in? You hadn’t seen it before, but it looked terribly sharp. “Focus on their leader!”

May was right. The rest of these small fry were hardly worth your time. But Grigori might prove somewhat of a challenge. At least he would without your weapons.

>Grigori
>Level 37 Rogue
HP: 55/55
STR: 32 + 3
SPD: 39 + 3
DEF: 25 + 3
RES: 12 + 3
Weapon: Magebane Blade (+12 DMG, 3x DMG against foes able to cast magic.)
Skills: Duelist’s Blow (20% to avoid damage from counterattacks)
Crest: Crest of Ernest (Negates Damage: x3 uses)

>Persefoni
>Level 40 Dancer
HP: 40/40
STR: 0
SPD: 30
DEF: 10
RES: 20
Skills:Fanaticism (Allies will jump in the way of attacks directly targeting this unit.)
Crest: Crest of Ernest (Negates Damage: x4 uses)

>Cultist x8
>Level 25 Rogue
HP: 38/38
STR: 18 + 3
SPD: 16 + 3
DEF: 16 + 3
RES: 5 + 3
Weapon: Poison Sword (+8 DMG, inflicts Poison)
Skill: Poison (-1 HP per turn. Stacks)

>Phantom
HP: 10/10
Strength: 17
Speed: 10
Defense: 20
Resistance: 0
Weapon: Killing Axe (+12 Attack, 30% chance to crit)

>Combat Order (Please note that “Tristain’s Party” in the OP has been updated)
Grigori (41 SPD)
May (35 SPD)
Tristain (33 SPD)
Persefoni (30 SPD)
Cassius (24 SPD)
Phantom
Chelsey (Can move anywhere in the combat order to give a unit another action)

>Attack (Who and How?)

>>6356377
I would also dive in front of a weapon for Persefoni.

>>6356377
alright, can we use earthsplitter with our fists? how many cultists can we hit with it? and can we do two in a row with a refresh?

>>6356377
Right most important thing is to burn down Grigori's Ernest charges.

...and may has a dagger which auto crits.

Party: do not move, let cultists come to them.

>Tristain:Crest of maculi elfire on Grigori (+guard on his party if Grigori targets anyone but him)
>May: Attack Persefoni at range
>Cassius: Attack Grigori with ruin at range
>Chelsey: dance for Cassius
>Cassius: Attack Grigori with ruin at range again
>Phantom: Intercept any other cultists getting close to party.

In the formation they are in Tristain can intercept most hits for the gang so let them hold position so he can do that. Also means Grigori will have to charge down us.

Grigori will to burn all his charges this turn or he'll eat ruins and a boosted elfire. Boosted elfire is to encourage him to activate it. Even if he lets a ruin through we can bank on the 50% crit chance

We can keep the cultists off us by attack P at range desu, they'll rush back to protect her instead of targeting us. May autokills them anyway with her dagger so might as well do that.

>>6356435
I wonder if exploding a keg would make a floor hazard, or get scalding hot with a fire spell

>>6356377
>>6356435
Quickly jumping in to tweak my plan very slightly because forgot about caltrops

>May: Use caltrops on central passage.
This means cultists will have to come around the sides to attack

>>6356443
Ye I was going to mention caltrops lol

I'm curious how much damage she can do with that fancy crit dagger. 19+9 vs 16+3 DEF = 9, but Crits I presume triples the damage to 27. Putting any rogue down to 11/38. May is also fast enough that she would double attack every Rogue with her 31 SPD against their 16+3 SPD. So really shes killing a Rogue every turn. Maybe May is the one Chelsey should dance for?

Cassius 29+4 Ruin vs Rogue 5+3 RES = 25, and with 50% chance to crit and just murder them. Otherwise 13/38.

Oh Cassius is 24 SPD against their 19 SPD so hes also double attacking Rogues isn't he. Meanwhile Grigori will be double attacking everyone onces hes in range unless Cassius uses a Mire for -4 SPD or we use a Light Rune.

I didn't comment on the last update, but I found it hilarious how Tristain was forced to be the straight man of the group.
Butch is surprisingly more perceptive than I thought if he knew that he was being used by Persefoni.
Now that I am looking at Tristain's stats, the success rates from the last update seems to be using a +5 LCK boost from the Pufferfish instead of +1 LCK.

If we stick with our fists, Tristain deals 42 STR - 28 DEF = 14 damage, 28 damage total if we use Indech
Magic fares way better. Tristain can outright one-shot Grigori and deal 32 MAG + 12 (Sacred Fire) - 15 RES = 29 * 2 (Macuil) = 58 damage
If we use Elfire instead, Tristain deals 32 MAG + 7 (Elfire) - 15 RES = 24 * 2 (Macuil) = 48 damage

As for our party against Grigori:
May deals 19 STR + 9 (Peshkatz) - 28 DEF = 0 damage
Cassius deals:
29 MAG + 7 (Flux) - 15 RES = 21 damage
29 MAG + 4 (Swarm/Mire/non-crit Ruin) - 15 RES = 18 damage, 54 for Ruin crits
Phantom deals 17 STR + 12 (Killer Axe) - 28 DEF = 1 damage, 3 if crit

May is better off targeting the Cultists or throwing Caltrops.
The Phantom would genuinely be better off just standing in someone's way or leading them on a goose chase since its low SPD means it'll be doubled and one-rounded by everyone. Even with a crit, it won't one-shot the Cultists, so there's no benefit to it ever initiating.

Best approach with Grigori seems to be having Tristain spam Macuil spells or gambling with Ruin crits. I'll have to go through the scenarios at a later time though, but at a glance, Tristain should be able to force Grigori to burn through his Crest at the cost of using up all our Macuil charges, and then an Elfire plus 2 Ruins from Cassius is enough to kill him.

>>6356447
mb its Swarm that does the -4 SPD debuff

Tristain DEF 33 vs Grigori 32+3+12 = 47
14x3 magebane damage = 42 damage lol. More than half T's health of 78. 36/78. So letting him get a double attack on Tristain without Resolve on is death. But Resolve only activates at 27 hp I believe.

Hit and Run only dodges the next harmful attack, so I think if Grigori has the speed to double attack the second hit will still get in?

If Cassius waits to next turn to use Swarm, Grigori gets a turn of full speed with a double attack since he goes first. So I think Cassius should use a second turn from Refresh to blast Grigori with Swarm so hes slowed and I presume the debuff will stick.

Or Tristain should use Hit and Run with his magic attack so that he can dodge one of two Grigori hits, which he might want to do anyways because Grigori will charge and get an attack in

>>6356377

Now that I think of it was there a weird relation to attacks and defenses on the abilities that have another character block for someone? Like if May does her dagger throw attack on Persefoni did it end up using Persefoni's DEF stat rather than the Rogue's. Which would be 18 damage but then the Crit applies and it becomes 54 damage killing a rogue instantly, but then double attack because Mays SPD is 35 and Persefoni's is 30 so she throws another dagger which kills a SECOND Rogue.

Then if Chelsey Refreshes May, she could kill FOUR ROGUES in a single turn, or half the enemy rogues in play. As well drop her caltrops.

>>6356453
Tristain has Protection of the Old Man(EX) so Grigori won't be doing effective damage on him. (Like how owl claws didn't do anything). Grigori is only doing 14 damage, real issue is if he goes for Chelsey or Cassius.

>>6356462
Assuming that it'll be like Tristain's guard stance in which May's dagger will be hitting the rogue, so rogues stats are going to be used?

May can kill a rogue in one turn with her new dagger. Agree that she's better off using caltrops and then having Chelsey dance for her to pick off the rogues coming at us from the sides.

My question is will the speed drain from Flux apply if Grigori negates damage?

>>6356468
Lol old man EX protection thats true. Well thats a relief.

Well Grigori's Crest does negate damage but that doesn't necessarily mean it negates Debuffs. It doesn't negate the Attack itself, merely the damage. So I figure the debuff will go through.

>>6356377

Putting forward a slightly altered plan of the previous plan anon

>Tristain:Crest of maculi elfire on Grigori (+guard on his party if Grigori targets anyone but him)
>May: Use caltrops on central passage
>Cassius: Attack Grigori with FLUX at range
>Chelsey: dance for Cassius
>Cassius: Attack Grigori with FLUX at range again
>Phantom: Intercept any other cultists getting close to party.

Mainly just replacing Ruin with Flux for the speed drop.

If flux does hit the speed drop will stop him doubling everyone. If flux doesn't hit the we would have burned off Crest charges anyway so win win

>>6356377

Yeah switching my plan >>6356435 to this one >>6356511 because I....also forgot about flux kek. I'm not expecting any of these spells to actually connect this is just to get him to burn out his crest charges.

>>6356562
>Flux
Wait, hold on, isn't the -SPD spell swarm?

....Eh whatever, just put me down for whichever spell gets us us -4 speed treeboss.

Using either Macuil or Indech works, but overall it looks like Indech is better since using Macuil first could result in us needing to use Indech on turn 2 depending on how it plays out. I'm assuming on turn 1, he'll aim for Tristain. The post is already long enough and something can derail the fight on the 2nd turn anyways, so I won't post everything.

With Macuil:
If Greg targets Tristain, who successfully punches him in retaliation, he'll end the round with 41 HP.
He's then forced to use Ernest to survive the Elfire when Tristain initiates.
Then he could tank two Swarms, but he'd be left at 5 HP.
On turn 2, he needs to use his Crest, target May or the Phantom, rely on luck to dodge, or just back away entirely.
Tristain can use Fire, possibly with Indech if he still has 2 Ernest charges left, to have him use up his remaining Ernest charges, and then Chelsey dances Tristain for us to secure the kill.

If DB activates, Macuil + Elfire knocks him down to 7 HP. He's then forced to spend 2 Crest charges on the Swarms.
On turn 2, he either avoids using his Crest somehow or does waste his last Crest charge.
Either way, Tristain can twice with Chelsey dancing him.

If DB activates and he chooses to block Macuil + Elfire, that's 2 Charges left.
He can tank 2 Swarms, bringing him down to 19 HP.
For turn 2, assuming Greg somehow avoids using his Crest when he attacks, Tristain then attacks twice with Indech and then Chelsey dances him. A single Fire does 20 damage.

With Indech:
If Greg targets Tristain, who successfully punches him in retaliation, he'll end the round with 41 HP.
Tristain attacks Greg twice with Elfire, and he's then forced to use Ernest to survive the second Elfire. First Elfire leaves him at 17 HP.
Then he would need to burn through his remaning two Crest charges to survive Cassius.
On turn 2, whatever he does doesn't matter at this point. Tristain kills him with a single Fire.

Even if DB activates on turn 1, Tristain would just hit him twice with Elfire, leaving him at 7 HP, so it'd be even worse for him. Cassius still forces him to use his Crest twice.
If Greg refrains from using his final Crest charge when he gets to act on turn 2, then Tristain would need to attack twice with either Chelsey dancing him or with Indech to get the kill.

If Greg procs DB and then spams Ernest against both Elfires. He can then waste the third one on Cassius, or he tanks two Swarms and has 19 HP with one Ernest charge remaining, or 37 HP with 0 Ernest charges left if he only blocks 1 Swarm. Tristain would then kill him with 2 Fires either way.

If he procs DB and only defends against one Elfire, he's left at 31 HP. He needs to use Ernest to survive against Cassius, so he'll either end turn 1 with 31 HP and 0 Ernest charges left or 13 HP with 1 Ernest charge, allowing Tristain to kill him with 2 Fires again.

>>6356377
>Tristain:Crest of Indech elfire on Grigori (+guard on his party if Grigori targets anyone but him)
>May: Use caltrops on central passage
>Cassius: Attack Grigori with Swarm at range
>Chelsey: dance for Cassius
>Cassius: Attack Grigori with Swarm at range again
>Phantom: Intercept any other cultists getting close to party.

It probably doesn't matter too much what Crest we use in the end since even if we're forced to use Indech on turn 2, we'd still have 4 Indech charges along with 2 Macuil, but I'd rather just use Indech at the start and kill Grigori with a basic Fire spell. We can consistently kill him in two turns either way.

Killing him on the very first turn is possible but Cassius would have to land the kill.
For a one-turn kill, we could just spam Indech with Elfire twice to burn through Greg's Ernest charges. Assuming Duelist's Blow doesn't activate, that guarantees the kill. Otherwise, we'd need to spam Sacred Fire and pray for a Ruin crit.

>>6356511
>Tfw cannot read a spreadsheet

Yeah meant swarm too instead of flux.

Still going with Macuil for the crest because feel that we'll need indech and earth splitter for crowd control later in the fight. Once we take Greg down the others are still in the game and honestly who knows what else Persefoni has up her sleeve.

>>6356511
Writing!

File: Crest of Ernest.jpg (48.2 KB)

48.2 KB JPG

>>6356377
>“You should have defected with the rest of your kin!” You taunt Grigori as he rushes ahead of his allies. In his hands was a strange-looking curved sword, not too dissimilar from the ones you’d seen the Yasha using, though somewhat more primitive looking. He attacks you with an overhand swing. Without a weapon, all you can do to mitigate the blow is catch it with your armored gauntlet.

>Grigori: 35 + 12 = 47 - 33 DEF = 14 DMG
>Tristain: 64/78 HP

“What!” Grigori exclaims. “I KNOW you use magic! Why does the-”

So it was some sort of magebane weapon? Cheap trips like that won’t work on you! With your free hand, you launch a right hook straight at Grigori’s head. You already knew how his Crest worked, so it’s not like you expected to do any damage. Rather, you were just trying to burn through his charges. However…

Grigori: Duelist Blow (14)

Grigori instead sidesteps at the last moment, completely avoiding your fist and saving one of his Crest charges. Fuck! He was quick. And his speed was only enhanced further by Persefoni’s dancing. As long as you couldn’t get near her, these cultists would continue to fight with great fervor and frenzy. Grigori slashes out with his blade once more, catching you across the cheek.

>Grigori: 35 + 12 = 47 - 33 DEF = 14 DMG
>Tristain: 50/78 HP

“Don’t worry boss! I’m on it!” May exclaims. She reaches into her cloak, throwing a scattering of caltrops onto the ground behind Grigori. Her efforts prove to partially block the central passage of the room. Causing some of the cultists to stop dead in their tracks.

You summon a ball of great flame in your hand, empowering it even further with the Crest of Macuil, and shoot forth a breath of fire so strong it resembles dragon’s breath. You’d make sure he used his Crest this time, and sure enough, he does.

>Tristain: Crest of Macuil (2 / 3), Elfire (2 / 3)
>Grigori: Crest of Ernest (2 / 3)

The flames simply divert away from Grigori, as if there was an invisible wall standing in their path. Such a pain in the ass nuisance this Crest was! Something interesting happens though. Diverted away from Grigori, the flames bounced off the walls and floor of the room. Together with May’s caltrops, you’ve created an effective blockade that manages to cut Grigori off from his allies. Despite the battle fervor they’re feeling from Persefoni’s dancing, they have no desire to charge through the mess you’ve created, and instead opt to try and go around instead.

Cassius mutters a dark incantation under his breath, even as his summoned phantom heads off to the north of the room to block off the scrambling cultists. He’d also caught wind of Grigori’s isolation, and he intended to jump the man while your party had the advantage. A swarm of terrible flies appear around the rogue. They hungrily try to get a taste of his blood, but another Crest activation swats them away.

>Grigori: Crest of Ernest (1 / 3)

File: House of Silk (2).png (56.2 KB)

56.2 KB PNG

>>6356819
Chelsey is dancing feverishly. Sweat pours down her face, not just from the exhaustion of battle, but from the heat of your flames, which are now beginning to spread slowly throughout the room. The target of her dance is not you though, but Cassius. As she continues her deft pirouette, Cassius begins chanting faster and faster. Another swarm of flies appears around Grigori. The man lets out a frustrated curse. He was not expecting to have to burn through his final Crest charge so quickly, but his fear of Cassius’ magic causes him to expend his final use.

>Grigori: Crest of Ernest (0/3)

A cry from your side tells you that Cassius’ phantom has engaged four cultists. You know the conjured spirit is not very durable, and the rest of the cultists will soon be flanking you from behind.

“Such a lame fucking Crest.” Butch comments, making a thumbs down gesture. The man was still sitting where you’d last seen him, drink in hand as if he were watching a show. He yells over the fighting. “No wonder you guys need me! You’re all too scared to get hurt. Crests should be destructive! Everything they touch should explode in their wake! But this one seems like it’s for a bunch of pussies!” He laughs uproariously at his own crude joke. “Hey, Persefoni! You sure you want to keep at this?”

“Silence, foul BEAST.” Persefoni says through gritted teeth.

Her dance begins to take on a different, almost crazed form, as she stomps her feet on the ground and windmills her arms around. You sense the magic that radiates off her changing. One by one, the cultists seem to be losing their battle fervor. All except for Grigori that is. He regains a newfound sense of confidence, as brings his blade up close to his face, seeking a weak point in your guard.

>Grigori has lost his stat buffs, but now gained a 25% chance to critically strike you.

>Grigori
>Level 37 Rogue
HP: 55/55
STR: 32
SPD: 39
DEF: 25
RES: 12
Weapon: Magebane Blade (+12 DMG, 3x DMG against foes able to cast magic.)
Skills: Duelist’s Blow (20% to avoid damage from counterattacks)
Crest: Crest of Ernest (Negates Damage: 0 uses)

>Attack (Who and How?)

>>6356820
Grigori seems like he could be reasoned with, and Persefoni is all alone. A prime target for our little May and Cassius, no? With Chelsea's dance, we might be able to bumrush her and show "mercy" for the other cultists. Dunno how doable that is though...

>>6356824
Alternatively, maybe blowing up the keg next to all the cultists with a fire spell would fuck them up proper?

Hm, the Magebane didn't work, wonder why

>>6356824
Could certainly knock him out instead of killing him, and then maybe take his fancy mage killing weapon. I figure once hes not under Persefoni's magic he'd be less inclined to die tragically. Once Persefoni is the last one standing will she give up or die? Or will Tristain not give her one more chance for Penelope's sake.

Also I guess this place might burn down after all unless those kegs are filled with water lol. Would wind magic blow the flames out or fan them.

>>6356820
Should probably kill some of these rogues, they have poison which is unpleasant.

We take the Grigori hit.
May double attack kills 9.
Tristain Indech double Elfires Grigori for 27+27 = 54 damage putting Grigori down to 1/55.
Chelsey refreshes Tristain so he can knock him out with a punch and recruit him after this. Or at least hes alive for information.
Cassius double attacks Ruin kills 8
Phantom doesn't attack but takes both hits from 3 and 7, dying heroically to keep them at bay

>>6356820

Right Greg hits 33 on his crit and 11 normally. Tristain dies if he takes two Crits...but Greg will OHKO Cassius and Chelsey so Tristain will have to hope fortuna is with him on this one.

>Tristain: Sacred fire + Maculi on greg (+attempt to do so on the counter too. If he can't and is stuck on elfire then don't pop the crest on the counter because boosted elfire won't kill)
>May: Attack thug 9 at range.
>Chelsey: Dance for May
>May: Attack thug 8 at range
>Cassius: Ruin thug 4
>Phantom: Attack.thug 3

Fully willing to waste a maculi charge betting duelist blow doesn't pop if Tristain can attack with Sacred fire. Allies keep thugs busy.

>>6356838
We're a Lord that uses magic and not a 'real' magician? Maybe because we get magic from Macuil instead of normal magical talent?

>>6356838
>>6356971
>Anons forgetting Cuthbert
Come on guys, I know he's not a cute girl but he doesn't deserve this after giving us the best support this in this quest.

>>6356844
Guy's hated our guts since forever. If he was loyal he would have sided with us when we wowed the rest of the cult, he's too far gone to spare.

>>6356846
Tree quick question, can Tristain counter with hit and run during Greg's turn?

File: Cuthbert_20260111024640.png (7.9 MB)

7.9 MB PNG

>>6357014
>Old man comm finally comms in
The timing...is fortuna in the room with us...Tree this is totally not a bribe I swear

Anyway thanks for the most broken A support skill in the game dude, maybe one day I'll get off my ass and actually give you an outfit which isn't the generic tellius lancer fit (and also colours)

>>6356844
Sounds good to me, I don't think we're going to change him mind about Tristain but we are supposed to be investigating the cult so I guess having someone to question after to find more cells (or whatever) is probably necessary for us to just not go "well, we killed all these guys. Now what?". I expect the rank and file probably only know as much as they need to.
>>6357145
Sick as fuck.

>>6357014
Well if he doesnt change his mind I'll understand, but it would also be nice to have an officer alive for our investigation into cult activities rather than just goons. Plus anything in this place is probably going to burn up lol.

>>6357145
My God hes beautiful

>>6357014
Okay I had totally forgotten that A-supporting Cuthbert gave us a skill that ignores effective damage, but in my defense that isn't written down in anywhere, not the party sheet, not the combat rules, not even in Tristains stats at the beginning of this thread.

>>6356820
>>6356844
Supporting.
Unless Persefoni wants to fight us to the death somehow, we probably don't need Greg alive, but I suppose there's no real harm to try to keep him alive. We'd use up all of our Elfire uses, but we still have the stronger Sacred Fire which apparently has 5 uses.
If Persefoni does keep going, I could see her doing something like trying to use the Berserk dance on Butch.
Also the implication that Greg would have wasted his Ernest charge against Tristain's counterattack if we weren't cucked by Duelist's Blow was funny since it means Butch was right.

>>6356846
>Tristain dies if he takes two Crits
Thanks to Resolve, Tristain won't ever need to tank two crits in a round. The crit would knock us down from 50 HP to 22 HP, which is in Resolve range.
Worse case scenario is if he lands a normal hit first and then a crit on the second hit, leaving us at 6 HP.

>>6357145
Neat.

After checking the last thread since I did vaguely recall there's an actual in-universe explanation for Tristain being immune to effective damage, it's genuinely because he just is. Or his training and experience made him immune to it.
Tristain would be such a BS opponent to fight if we went in blind.

>>6357145
>>6357014
Seriously I don't know what his A support does, the party doc doesn't list his A-support because QM forgot to do that part and I don't want to search for it through the past few threads.

>>6357145
Damnnn Cuthbert looks sick as hell here. It's funny people keep calling him an old man when he's actually only around his 40s lol. This is an awesome piece. The OC for this quest just continues to amaze and inspire me.

>>6357264
>>6357212
>>6357266
Yep, I realized that all of the support skills haven't been in the OP. One day I'll get my shit together. At least while we have a thread or two left lol. Here's a list of what is missing.

>New Skill! Mug: (Tristain can steal non-equipped items from enemies slower than him.) (May)
>New Skill: Guard (Direct one harmful attack meant for an ally to yourself.) (Adeline)
>New Skill: Veteran - Effective damage taken is nullified (Cuthbert)

And then for stat-ups that you've earned from A-Supports
>Nadia: Mag +3
>Cassius: Res +3
>Elric: Lck +3

A supports that are still missing are Alvin and Chelsey.

>>6356844
Only thing about this is Tristain can't Indech magic. It's physical attacks only.>>6357014

>Tree quick question, can Tristain counter with hit and run during Greg's turn?
He can

>>6357343
hmmm, forgot to ask if hit and run gets negated by duelist blow do we still get the damage null + speed boost next round?

>>6357343
Ah. Well then I'd replace it with Indech punch which should do 17+17 for 34 damage. Then the Chelsey Refresh, and he goes it again for another 34 damage. MUDA MUDA MUDA!

>>6357343
Oh wait he can just Maculi it and that would double it anyways. Then Refresh and punch. I'm silly.

>>6357343
Nay. Gotta hit before you can run.

>>6357361
We'll go with that then. Update to come later today.

File: Crest of Macuil.jpg (22.4 KB)

22.4 KB JPG

>>6356820
Grigori moves in close, eyes scanning left and right as he looks for a weak spot in your guard. Persefoni’s dance appears to increase his awareness, and he thrusts forward with his sword. The man aims for your heart. The attack connects, but lacks the penetrating power to do more than frustrate you (Crit Fail). You take the pain in stride, readying your counterattack before Grigori can muster his follow-up swing.

>Grigori: 32 + 12 = 44 - 33 DEF = 11 DMG
>Tristain: 39/78 HP

You didn’t expect Grigori to have any further charges of his Crest, which meant that this next attack should not be deflected. Grigori gets shifty on his feet once again to try and dodge, but he no longer enjoys the boost in speed from Persefoni’s previous dance. You conjure the same great flames that you did for your previous attack, and once again empower them through the Crest of Macuil. At point blank range, you incinerate Grigori. The cultist bellows out an agonizing shriek as he is roasted alive by the power of your flames, which are fed in the already growing inferno currently spreading throughout the room. The rogue thrashes about and throws his arms around wildly. Suddenly though, the keg nearest him is caught alight, and a bright explosion soon follows. The rogue is thrown back by its force to lie on the ground, unmoving. A one-shot kill aided by the extremely flammable ‘booze’ that keg must have been filled with.

>Crest of Macuil: 1 / 3

>100xp gained! Level Up!

>Tristain d’Rusalka
>Level 43 Wyvern Lord (EXP: 20/100)
HP: 78/78 (130%) + 1 = 79
Strength: 42 (75%) + 1 = 43
Magic: 32 (50%)
Speed: 29 (40%) +1 = 30
Defense: 33 (70%)
Resistance: 28 (50%)
Luck: 33 (65%) + 1 = 34

You groan as you watch the fire spreading. A part of you was actually hoping to arrest Grigori. As a high-ranking cultist, he might have been able to provide you with some detailed information on just what Marek was planning. Maybe continuing to fan the flames in this room was the wrong move. Or perhaps it was just ill-luck…

>Fortuna steals your LCK gain, reducing it to 33.

“Uhhh…that’s spreading really fast, huh!?” May cries out, terror palpable in her voice. “We should probably run!”

“This entire building will soon burn down if those flames are not extinguished!” Cassius exclaims.

“Welp, probably a good time for me to get out of here.” Butch says, finally getting off his seat. “Good luck, Tristain. See you in a few days.”

The bandit rushes over towards the room’s only exit as several kegs go off in a series of chain explosions, further spreading the fire. The remaining cultists choose to follow his example, dropping their weapons and running for the door in single-minded terror. Smoke is beginning to build up rapidly, and you find that you have lost sight of Persefoni, as well as the other cultists that had surrendered earlier.

File: House of Silk (3).png (55.7 KB)

55.7 KB PNG

>>6357476
“Tristain, you know wind magic, do you not!?” Cassius calls out.”You may be able to extinguish these flames!”

You only knew the most basic wind spell. Empowered by Macuil, it might slow the flames down enough to help evacuate the building. But the way this fire was spreading, it seemed almost an inevitability that this building would come crashing down unless help arrived soon. Furthermore, there was still the matter of Persefoni to deal with. While you were dealing with the fire, she might use the opportunity to escape out of your grasp. You had to make a decision fast. The flames were only growing stronger.

>A): Try holding back the flames with your magic while your allies spread word to evacuate.
>B): Focus your efforts on finding Persefoni and capturing her. (LCK: 33% Success)

>>6357477
>>A): Try holding back the flames with your magic while your allies spread word to evacuate.

>>6357477
>A): Try holding back the flames with your magic while your allies spread word to evacuate.

>>6357477
>A): Try holding back the flames with your magic while your allies spread word to evacuate.

>>6357477
>>A): Try holding back the flames with your magic while your allies spread word to evacuate.
The patrons upstairs can fuck themselves but we need to get the girls out too.

>>6357332
Yeah but Protection of the Middle Aged Man (EX) doesn't sound that cool

>>6357477
>A): Try holding back the flames with your magic while your allies spread word to evacuate.
Unless we like crit this place will burn down to the ground anyways.

>>6357477
>>B): Focus your efforts on finding Persefoni and capturing her. (LCK: 33% Success)
We ball.

>>6357619
no dude, Adeline is in the entrance ready to catch all the cultists, trust

>>6357649
While I have faith in Adeline, I assume the cult will have their own secret entrance.

Rolled 2 (1d100)

STR+SPD Roll. 1-73 means success.

>>6357841
And what a success!

File: House of Silk on Fire.png (1.8 MB)

1.8 MB PNG

>>6357477
Damn it. Would it have KILLED you to learn something other than fire spells? You ponder the thought as you use your final charge of the Crest of Macuil, calling forth a major gust of Wind to blow through the room. The inferno stifles for a few gutwrenching moments, but it isn’t long before it begins spreading once more. Your friends had already escaped, and they were now ringing the alarm to evacuate the building’s inhabitants. The cultists were gone too. Of them, you saw no sight or sign of Persefoni. Had she burned up in this place? Or did she somehow manage to escape while you were distracted? You could only hope Adeline had caught her outside.

Piece by piece, the roof begins to fall apart. You’d managed to slow down the fire for a precious few minutes, but you were at the limit of what you could do. If only Garreg Mach had taught you how to summon a downpour. Or Bronte. Hell, even Alvin and his Fimbulvetr would have been useful here. Alas, no one had deigned to teach you how to cast such a spell, and thus, you could safely conclude that none of this was your fault. Satisfied, you begin making your exit.

You pass by the same rooms you’d seen on your way here, now devoid of their myriad of lovers. The evacuation seems to have worked. You just hope none of your allies were forced to see anything too uncouth. As you make your way towards the main room you’d first entered, you find several unconscious forms lying on the ground. The fire and smoke had spread even here, and evidently these were the poor souls who’d been left behind. Without aid, they would surely perish.

>STR+SPD Roll: Success

One by one, you grab body after body, holding two to three of them at a time in each hand. These Morfisians were scrawny. A few were the scantily clad dancers you’d seen earlier, while others were bookish mages who’d probably never used their muscles a day in their life. They make for easy carrying as you toss them outside the front door into a heap. You hear screaming outside as you continue launching body after body that you come across. Fortunately, your strength and speed do not fail you, and you manage to save the lives of those that you find in the hall.

After you toss the last woman outside, the roof chooses that moment to collapse once more, blocking your escape. With great frustration, you activate the Crest of Indech, kicking a hole straight through the debris that stood in your path. You then are able to finally put the burning wreckage of the House of Silk behind you as you step outside, taking a much needed fresh breath of air.

“Tristain! Thank the Goddess you’re back!” Adeline exclaims. One of the unconscious women was in her arms. The knight had been catching the people you’d been haphazardly tossing outside.

>“Did you find Persefoni?!”

“Uhh…no.” Adeline says.

File: 1760892251677865.png (3.1 MB)

3.1 MB PNG

>>6357860
Fuck! All that for nothing! Well, at least you obliterated Gregory. And with one blow, too. You were absolutely ready for the tournament.

A large crowd of people were gathered outside the House of Silk. Many of them were the brothel’s clientele and employees, who’d run screaming for their lives. Several were naked, forced to cover their nude forms with nearby barrels and scraps of paper. Others outside though included mages, who were doing their best effort to ensure that the fire could be contained before it spread and did further damage to the city. Curious onlookers had also come to survey the scene, and among them were several guardsmen, who were looking directly at you. In front of them was an obese man, dressed in fine red silks and golden jewelry. Sweat was dripping down his face, which was twisted in a sneer as he pointed a shaky, fat finger at you.

“Guards! That’s the man who set fire to my business! Arrest him! Kill him!!” He shrieks in a high-pitched, nasally tone.

The guardsmen give each other a tortured look. They knew the man barking orders at them was an incredibly affluent mage. They also knew you were a tournament finalist who could kill them with a single finger if they tried to, unsuccessfully, do their job. A loud crashing sound behind you signified that the House of Silk was on its final legs, yet the crowd of onlookers were hardly watching the brothel’s death throes. Their eyes were fixated on you, the brothel owner, and the guardsmen, who’d wished they’d not reported into work tonight.

>A): Accuse the brothel owner of harboring members of the Cult of the Serpent (LCK: 33%)
>B): Intimidate the brothel owner and the guardsmen. (STR+LCK: 76%)
>C): Accuse the brothel owner of lying. How could you have burned the place down when you saved all those people just now?
>D): Admit to burning down the brothel. This place was a den of filth and vice, and such places will not be tolerated under your soon to be reign.
>E): Write-in

>>6357861
>E): Write-in
May pulls out a Serpent weapon from the brothel owner's ""pocket"", he was a member of the Serpent Cult all along! Quick thinking May. By The Goddess he even has their money in his pocket!

>>6357861
>>A): Accuse the brothel owner of harboring members of the Cult of the Serpent (LCK: 33%)

>>6357861
>B): Intimidate the brothel owner and the guardsmen. (STR+LCK: 76%)
Your tinderbox of a whorehouse nearly burned down around Tristain's head while he slaved to resuce the people you and your shitty safety policies abandoned, and you dare to accuse him? Maybe Tristain should throw him back in there to cool off.

>>6357861
>B): Intimidate the brothel owner and the guardsmen. (STR+LCK: 76%)

>>6357861
>B): Intimidate the brothel owner and the guardsmen. (STR+LCK: 76%)
>>6357866
I like the cut of your jib

>>6357866
Support! If only because I want to see what'll happen.

>>6358023
>>6358088
Many thanks friends. One more layer would be Chelsey invoking Prime Minister Bronte as her dancer or some such...Plus shes got all those investigation materials on her linking this place to a bunch of murders. Or that this was all a plot to get close to the Princess. May is my favorite tho so I figure if she can get some of the glory that would be nice, and it has a certain scooby doo energy.

Rolled 52 (1d100)

B wins, rolling. 1-76 means success.

File: Chelsey.png (44.4 KB)

44.4 KB PNG

>>6357861
>“Who are you pointing that finger at, you obese toad?!” You respond to the brothel owner’s accusation with a pointed digit of your own. “Get out of my face with these unfounded accusations or I’ll turn this burning wreckage into your funeral pyre!”

The brothel owner’s mouth opens agape, his finger dropping to his side. He dabs the sweat off his face with the back of his hand before running off into the night with a terrified shriek. The guardsmen are no more eager to harass you than he was, and instead try to bring some control to the scene, ushering people away from the soon to collapse House of Silk. A man before you, likely a mage, makes a strange warding gesture with his hand. He conjures a flash of bright light that nearly blinds you. Before you can accost him though, he runs off into the night, leaving you perplexed. Chelsey approaches you before you can give chase.

“I suspect that was not the best way to handle that.” She mutters. She was covered in soot and sweat, her hair a tangled mess, and she looked pale as she watched the fire before her behind dull eyes. “But perhaps this wasn’t either.”

>“Persefoni likely got away, but we took out a high-ranking cultist. And they know that we’re onto them. This should at least slow down or stop their activities in Morfis, right?”

“Perhaps.” She muses. “Not all of the cultists got away. Adeline didn’t find Persefoni, but she did manage to stop a handful of suspicious figures. They’re the ones who dropped their weapons when you threatened them earlier. Her and the others are escorting them back to the palace now. Maybe there’s at least something we can learn from all…this.”

>“You alright? You don’t look so hot.”

“I’m not as used to this as you all are.” She scoffs, turning her face away. “Incinerating a man alive. Hearing him scream as he is burned to death. The horrid smell of his flesh melting away…” She quiets down, and for a second you suspect her to lose her dinner right there as she grows further pale. But the dancer musters her strength and manages to save face.

>“Right. Now that I think about it, this is your first battle with us. If it makes you feel any better, you get used to it.”

“It does not. I’d rather never grow used to this if I can help it. But I suspect with the way things are, that won’t be the case.”

>“Aren’t those magic dances of yours meant for combat though?”

“That doesn’t mean I like them.” Chelsey says, tearing her eyes away from the wreck. “Don’t get me wrong, I love dancing. It’s my life’s passion. I’ve done it since I was a child, when my parents sold me off to be a Maya. But, as a Maya, there are only two types of people that value my abilities. Those that wish me to help them kill more effectively…and the types of people you saw in that awful place.”

File: DancerTCG.png (308.5 KB)

308.5 KB PNG

>>6358214
At that moment, the House of Silk finally collapses in on itself. The crowd gasps in horror as an infamous staple of Morfisian nightlife is destroyed, along with whatever evidence of cultist activity might have been inside.

>“How did you come to work for my cousin anyway?”

“I was forced into the employ of a man not too unlike the toad you just scared off.” She snorts. “An affluent mage of ill-repute. One more aligned with the College than the Palace. He’d purchased me hoping to increase his own image. He was a regular in the Palace’s petition hall, constantly undermining your cousin and her authority. Until one day, he stepped too far, insinuating that Bronte descended from a witch. Not letting the insult go, she challenged him to a duel.”

>“Bronte did that?! That seems unlike her.”

“Her impulsivity can be her worst trait. Something you both share. In any case, her magic proved several notches greater than his. She defeated him, and then proceeded to beat him to within an inch of death with her staff.”

>“...Now that really doesn’t sound like her.”

“The man begged for his life, and offered her anything she wanted to get her to stop. She chose me. When I asked her why she did that, she just said that she didn’t like how sad I looked at his side. And I’ve now chosen to serve her ever since.”

>“Smooth.”

“Maybe.” Chelsey smiles. “But she helped me. And now I’ll help her. Even if it means I have to toughen up a bit. And then maybe one day, when this is all over, I’ll be able to dance with a clear heart. For people I love, and without anyone having to get hurt.”

She turns on you with a flourish, a scowl on her face.

“That means I’m relying on you! Hurry up and win this damn tournament and become king so you can set this place right!”

>You gain a B-Support w/ Chelsey

>A): Of course, I’ll make sure your dream comes true. (Chelsey’s dances will increase all stats by +2 for 1 turn.)
>B): If this all gets too hard for you, don’t hesitate to say something. (Chelsey’s dances will grant you a 35% chance to avoid harmful attacks for 1 turn.)
>C): I suspect there will be a lot more bodies before this is over. Best to harden yourself. (Chelsey’s dances will grant you a 25% chance to critically hit an opponent for 1 turn.)

>>6358216
>>A): Of course, I’ll make sure your dream comes true. (Chelsey’s dances will increase all stats by +2 for 1 turn.)
ok guys, we had enough gambling

>>6358224
Never!
>>6358216
>B): If this all gets too hard for you, don’t hesitate to say something. (Chelsey’s dances will grant you a 35% chance to avoid harmful attacks for 1 turn.)

>>6358216
>A): Of course, I’ll make sure your dream comes true. (Chelsey’s dances will increase all stats by +2 for 1 turn.)

All stats on just Tristain, or everyone? Well even if it's just Tristain that 2+ speed could mean the difference between being doubled or doubling and with hit and run Tristain has a more effective way of damage mitigation.

>Bronte inheriting Blair's fiery blood (literally)
KEK

>>6358216
>A): Of course, I’ll make sure your dream comes true. (Chelsey’s dances will increase all stats by +2 for 1 turn.)
Either Bronte is a shining beacon of justice and goodness or she may have some sapphic tendencies idk you make the call.

>>6358216
>Write in
I think once we bend the College to our will Tristain should make Chelsey the Dance Sage. A fifth Sage department filled with magic dancers all loyal to the King that freed them.

>>6358354
All stats on whoever she dances for. Also I should have put this in the last update (QM in charge of remembering) but Chelsey's support bonus is +2 SPD when in proximity to Tristain.

>>6358216
>A): Of course, I’ll make sure your dream comes true. (Chelsey’s dances will increase all stats by +2 for 1 turn.)

Guaranteed trumps chance based, this essentially gives us a free rally spectrum with her dance.

Bronte very much takes after her mother in both looks and personality. Interesting when Tristain isn't really like Rex at all.

>>6358216
>B): If this all gets too hard for you, don’t hesitate to say something. (Chelsey’s dances will grant you a 35% chance to avoid harmful attacks for 1 turn.)
We roll.

A wins, writing.

File: 1751965470975549.png (46.8 KB)

46.8 KB PNG

>>6358216
The next morning, you sit across from Bronte in her office, breaking your fast with a delicious sandwich that had been prepared for you by the palace’s chefs. You were starving after last night’s affair, and were quite enjoying your meal. Bronte was behind her desk, her face obscured by oversized sheets of paper. Strangely enough, on the back cover of said paper, was a picture of you as clear as day. You were captured in the pose you’d struck when you threatened the brothel owner. Whoever drew this had amazing talent! It was as if it was a moment stripped straight from time itself. There was some text above that read “The Morfis Missive,” and at the bottom of your picture was further text, this one reading “Fodlan Finalist Suspected in Arson of Beloved Morfisian Institution, Threatens Local Business Owner and Police.” Surely they couldn’t be serious?

“Tristain.” Bronte says from behind the paper. Her voice was tight, as if holding back barely concealed rage.

>“Yeah?” You say, swallowing a bite of bread.

“...Nothing.” She relents, dropping the newspaper to the desk and massaging her temples. “I’m sure this will be fine. Surely…”

>“What is that anyway?”

“A newspaper. Created by something called the metal block printing press. They’re made daily. As the names implies, they contain news of recent local ongoings in Morfis. The speed at which they crank out both these and tomes is amazing. I suppose that’s to be expected of a country full of sorcerers.”

>“How come we don’t have anything like that back in Fodlan?”

“Don’t know.” Bronte mutters, stealing the orange you had planned to eat, and peeling it with her pointed nails. “No one ever got around to it, I guess.”

At that moment, the door swings open, and Chelsey pops her head in.

“Excuse me, but there are some notable individuals waiting in the audience hall.”

“I don’t have any appointments today.” Bronte says, shoving an orange slice into her mouth.

“They say they’re here to see Tristain.”

>“Oh, these must be those sponsors Alvin had told me about.” You say, getting off your seat. Bronte and Chelsey shoot you a confused look, following you into the audience chamber.

Sure enough, three people were standing right there in the midst of the great hall. Despite being alone in here, the three of them were putting a wide distance between each other, and would hardly even look in one another’s direction. From their body language, it was plain to see that there was some sort of animosity between them. Upon noticing you, they make an about face, and take a knee.

“Lord Tristain!” A cowled man with an interesting-looking shoulder pad claps his hands and looks up towards you. “Thank you for taking the time to see us. Adjunct Alvin has told us much about you!”

File: Tarek - Sami - Montblanc.png (134.1 KB)

134.1 KB PNG

>>6358633
Chelsey clears her throat. “Tristain, may I present to you Master Tarek, of the Morfisian Warrior’s guild.” The dancer gestures to the man and woman beside him. “I would also like to present Magus Montblanc, as well as Lady Sami.”

“Tch, why’s he get to go first?” You hear Montblanc mutter.

>“Pleasure to meet you all! So then, may I ask why you’ve come to see me today?”

“Lord Tristain.” The woman, Sami, starts. “Adjunct Alvin has informed us you are a man who likes to get the point, so I shall do just that. The tournament will soon be underway, and a new king will be crowned. We seek to get into that king’s good graces early. As such, we come to you today to settle a concern between the three of us. That of course, being Shangri-La.”

>“Oh, that place. What about it?”

“The Merchant’s Consortium has fallen.” Montblanc says. “The Sage’s investigation into them has uncovered numerous crimes against the state, and their assets have been seized. As Shangri-La was their chief holding, the ‘Palace of Debauchery’ has fallen into a state of disrepair. No one is presently running the show.”

“The games have all dried up.” Tarek grins. “Especially now that the Wheel has been destroyed. I hear that was your doing, Champion!”

“We come here today because all three of us suspect you will be the tournament’s winner.” Sami says. “We would like to support you…but the matter of Shangri-La’s future must be decided first. The three of us simply…cannot come to an agreement.”

Bronte leans into your ear, whispering harshly. “This might be your first test as king. Choose wisely! I know these three well, and they hate each other fiercely. You may win the support of one of them, but the other two will surely shirk you.”

“I would prefer not to bore Lord Tristain with the details of what each of us wish for Shangri-La.” Montblanc says. “He is a direct man, and must prepare accordingly for his bouts. As such, I would like to skip straight to the bribery phase of this negotiation process.”

Montblanc makes a warding gesture, and a chest appears from thin air, landing between the two of you. Opening it reveals that it is filled to the brim with gold. Sami, not looking to be outdone, does the same, producing another gold-filled chest. As for Tarek, the man was clearly not a mage. Cursing, he runs outside the room. He takes a few moments, but eventually returns, heaving another chest behind him with labored breath.

>A): Hear what each of them plans to offer you.
>B): Maybe you should hear what they had planned first…

>>6358634
>>B): Maybe you should hear what they had planned first…
I trust Tarek SLIGHTLY more because he didn't come prepared with a chest.

>>6358636
He did, he just couldn't magically conjure it like the others lol.

>>6358639
... LESS prepared with a chest. My logic was that if he was prepared to give it to us immediately he would've had a guy standing outside the door with it and walk in on cue instead of having to run in and out. If word of QM is that he just didn't prepare a dramatic entrance for the chest I'll take it though.

>>6358634
>>B): Maybe you should hear what they had planned first…

>>6358634
>B): Maybe you should hear what they had planned first…
That's...a bit more important than gold...

>Tristain was papped
Thought that might be it. At least they got us after a successful check rather than a failure.

>>6358634
>B): Maybe you should hear what they had planned first…
I appreciate how forward they are but lets wait a year before we start becoming corrupt in our way of ruling

>>6358634
>B): Maybe you should hear what they had planned first…
It may be the "they will all hate us" option but eh, we're a man of principles

File: Tarek.png (40.8 KB)

40.8 KB PNG

>>6358634
>“Woah, woah, woah!” You stop the three in their tracks. You appreciated their enthusiasm for bribery, you really did! But this decision seemed an important one. You couldn’t shirk your responsibilities. Especially not in front of Bronte, who would undoubtedly give you a stern tongue lashing if you did. “You have me wrong. Please, I would like to hear what plans each of you have for Shangri-La. I promise to listen thoroughly, and make my decision based on the merits of your argument.”

You cross your fingers behind your back, just in case. The three petitioners give each other confused looks, evidently not expecting things to get to this point. But you hear no complaints from them.

>“Lord Tarek.” Bronte says. “Why don’t you go first?”

“Certainly, Prime Minister.” The sole non-mage steps forward, a smug look on his face as he examines his rivals.

“Tarek is the leader of the Warrior’s Guild.” Chelsey whispers into your ear. “They lack the typical prestige usually reserved for mages, but they are self-made men one and all. They’ve made a fortune guarding caravans and providing security, as well as training those who lack magical ability. They may lack affluence and magic, but they’ve got the brawn and gold to back themselves up.”

“Lord Tristain!” Tarek starts. “You and I are men that have much in common. We are both warriors, always looking for the next challenge. For too long, Morfis has turned their nose up to those lacking sorcery. This is a soft, bookish country that lacks a proper respect and appreciation for the blade. But now we are entering the world stage, and soon magic alone will not be enough to defend ourselves. That is why I wish to propose converting Shangri-La into a military fortress, under the charge of the Warrior’s Guild.”

“Barbarian.” Montblanc coughs violently. Tarek ignores him, continuing his speech.

“I wish to raise the next generation of this country’s warriors. Warriors who are loyal to the homeland, and to you! Shangri-La has been wasted on those degenerate merchants for too long. With the right amount of work, we can turn it into a grand military fortress and training ground! If you feel the same way, the Warrior’s Guild is prepared to offer you a sum of 30,000 gold pieces, and these!”

>North Star Knuckles (+5 DMG, Always attacks twice, +30% Crit)

“Thank you, Lord Tarek.” Bronte says, as you examine the rather nice looking gauntlets Tarek had brought with him. “Lady Sami, you may state your case.”

“Sami holds considerable sway here in Morfis.” Chelsey whispers in your ear once more, filling you in on the details of this petitioner. “A mage, but a businesswoman first and foremost. She owns several major storefronts within the capital, and is among the richest Morfisians in the country.”

Sami brushes past Tarek, barely looking in the man’s direction as she pleads her case.

File: Sami.png (44.3 KB)

44.3 KB PNG

>>6358949
“Lord Tristain.” Sami flutters her eyes towards you. “Shangri-La was originally meant to be a grand trading post. A place where goods and valuables could freely travel through on their way to Morfis. Over time, that purpose was lost to the consortium of merchants that operated it. They gave in to their baser instincts and indulgences, and it became the den of vices you so swiftly purged. I propose we restore Shangri-La to its former glory. Under your leadership, I suspect Morfis will greatly increase its trade with other nations. Let us thus turn Shangri-La into the jewel of the desert it was meant to be. Under my leadership, I can assure you that gold would flow through those halls, and straight into the coffers of our country.”

“And your pocket, no doubt.” Tarek mutters.

“Naturally!” Sami exclaims. “But that is to be expected, for everything I touch turns to gold. And I would be delighted to share that gift with our future king.” She opens her chest. “50,000 gold pieces if you pledge to grant me Shangri-La. And this Seraph’s Robe. A cloak fit for a king, if I do say so myself.”

>Seraph Robe: +7 Max HP

“She’s wrong.” Montblanc stands up, regarding Sami with disdain.

“Wrong about what exactly, young Montblanc?” Sami says with barely concealed annoyance.

“That’s Montblanc.” Chelsey says. “I…don’t know much about him. His parents were staunch supporters of the old king. But they perished a few years back, leaving him in charge of their considerable fortune.”

“Shangri-La was never meant to be a paltry trading post.” Montblanc says with disgust. “The Sorcerer King would never think so low. He already provided Morfis with an abundance of food, water, and safety. What use would he have for meager gold coins or prideful fighters? Like everything else, he intended for Shangri-La to make the lives of his subjects easier, more meaningful, and above all, enjoyable.”

Montblanc looks up at you. “I wish to turn Shangri-La into an amusement park.”

>You draw a blank. “I’m…not familiar with the term.”

“It is as the name implies, my lord. A place for the common citizens of Morfis to enjoy themselves, regardless of status. There would be food, attractions, and wonders to set your heart ablaze with passion. Let us show to the world that our superiority lies not just in our magic, but in our culture as well.”

“Stupid kid…” Tarek mutters.

“Adorable.” Sami snickers.

Seething, Montblanc kicks open his chest. “40,000 gold coins. Less than Sami’s offer, but I shall throw in this as well.” Montblanc produces a shield from his chest. The image of a red dragon is emblazoned upon its surface. “You’ll find this useful in the next few days, I’m sure.”

>Dracoshield+ (+3 DEF/RES Permanently.)

File: Montblanc.png (44.8 KB)

44.8 KB PNG

>>6358952
You rub your chin as you consider their offers. As Bronte said, you could only choose one. Which meant only one coffer, and one gift.

>A): Tarek (30,000 Gold + NS. Knuckles + Warrior’s Guild)
>B): Sami (50,000 Gold + Seraph Robe + Trading Post)
>C): Tarek (40,000 Gold + Dracoshield+ + Amusement Park)
>D): On second thought, you didn’t need a sponsor after all.

>>6358953
>>A): Tarek (30,000 Gold + NS. Knuckles + Warrior’s Guild)
hell yeah, military power

>>6358953
Kinda tempted on Montblanc. Sorcerer King loyalists pick. Get the support of the people. Maybe it even does pay off with foreign support when the civil war arc hits lol.

Tarek definitely second choice. A kickass fortress sounds pretty sweet, and the mages in charge basically hate them so I think they're loyalty is pretty solid...Although anyone that has managed to do well guarding caravans seems like they must have encountered the Serpent Cult.

>>6358953
>A): Tarek (30,000 Gold + NS. Knuckles + Warrior’s Guild)
>C): Tarek (40,000 Gold + Dracoshield+ + Amusement Park)
I knew I was right to trust him! Such a swell guy, offering TWO options for us!

File: 1594279444252.png (10.3 KB)

10.3 KB PNG

>>6358988
>QM in charge of not making mistakes

>>6358953
>C): Montblanc (40,000 Gold + Dracoshield+ + Amusement Park

We've already seen that Shangri-La can quickly become A Problem if it gets too much influence and power. That army can easily be loyal to Tarek rather than the king and might easily pose a problem to the royal army in the future if the relationship sours. Plus a fort makes sacking the place if Tarek doesn't turn out to be loyal difficult.

Meanwhile the trading pose is good in theory, but again it will be oh so easy for Sami to ceed from the crown and set up her own operation if it gets too prosperous. And Sothis knows who she'll be funding with her gains - mages who are against Tristain's rule since she's in with them now and Tristain is out to make big changes. Better to make Morfis a trade hub and keep the gold with the crown.

Meanwhile an amusement park was pretty much what Shangri-La was if we take away the whoring and the debauchery, and people liked it well enough. Plus it can actually as a tourist destination to open travel between other countries and shit.

Also Monty has the best gift we need that Res going up against Leonora.

>>6359116
Oh yeah forgot to mention that Monty's parents where loyal to the last king, which makes him the least likely to be in bed with the sages / sage adjacent people.

With Tarek, he's also probably like fuck the sages, but we will have to bend over backwards to keep him sweet in the future or he'll fuck off and take his fort and army with him.

>>6358953
>>C): Montblanc(40,000 Gold + Dracoshield+ + Amusement Park)
On top of what I said before, Montblanc is also the prettiest.

>>6358953
Hmm, all three have their points, personally I like Tarek the best, making non-magic users more prevailent is a good thing but turning an oasis like Shangri-la into a military outpost? That won't dwell right with the people there, other then that I'd have picked him immediately, maybe we can make another deal with him in the future, but for now I'll instead pick-
...Eh fuck it let's go Montblanc
>C): Tarek (40,000 Gold + Dracoshield+ + Amusement Park)
I don't trust Sami and I feel Montblanc would be the easiest of the three to manipulate/mansplain/manspread into fully being on our side.

>>6358953
>B): Sami (50,000 Gold + Seraph Robe + Trading Post)
Sami gives us a bunch of money and a bunch of sway somewhere where we have a LOT of enemies, IE the capital. We've destroyed a bunch of shit and I worry the sages might incite a civil war if we win, if she's on our side that's one less enemy. The trading post would also be good for our friends who have been living in the desert, and it'll bring a LOT of cash!

>>6358953
>A): Tarek (30,000 Gold + NS. Knuckles + Warrior’s Guild)

>>6358354 am this anon hopping on mobile to vote for

>>6358953
>C): Montblanc (40,000 Gold + Dracoshield+ + Amusement Park
Go, dessert man, and build us Rusalkaland

>>6358953
>C): Montblanc (40,000 Gold + Dracoshield+ + Amusement Park)
I don't remember if I voted or not. I don't think I did. I don't think it's a good idea to let some guy have a castle and private army. The merchants will benefit in a big way from the country opening up anyway. This is more strategically important.

Montblanc wins, writing.

File: Shangri-La.jpg (145.1 KB)

145.1 KB JPG

>>6358953
You had to admit, the idea of this “amusement park” didn’t sound too bad. It could be a way to really impress other nations by showcasing a unique experience that only Morfis offered. Goddess knows your first impression of this country wasn’t exactly a positive one. Maybe what Morfis needed was something like what this kid was describing. You had a natural distrust of merchants, and couldn’t be sure that Sami wouldn’t be keeping much of the gold Shangri-La earned for herself. There would be plenty of opportunities for trade later. As for Tarek, it didn’t seem like a great idea to have a host of warriors camped outside the capital, where you couldn’t see them and where they were being led by someone who was currently trying to buy your loyalty.

>“I have heard all your cases, and have come to my conclusion.” You say dramatically. Was this how being a king worked? People just come and offer you gold and you figure out whose chest you want? You could get used to this. “Rise, young Montblanc. I wish to learn more of your ideas for Shangri-La. Should I win, I would be interested in seeing how it changes under your leadership.”

“Woohoo!” Montblanc jumps up and down like a kid. He kicks the chest over to you excitedly. “Thank you, Lord Tristain! You have my utmost gratitude!”

>40,000 gold obtained!
>Dracoshield+ (+3 DEF/RES Permanently)

“Really.” Sami clicks her tongue. A look of disbelief was etched on her face. “Well, that’s too bad. I guess I’ll just have to find someone else to give 50,000 gold pieces to. I’m sure I won’t have to look too hard. Best of luck, Lord Tristain. Or not.”

She takes her chest and leaves.

“Lord Tristain…” Tarek shudders. “I thought you and I were of the same kind. Warriors enamored with the thrill of battle. But I must have had the wrong impression, for it appears you care more about creating the world’s largest ice cream parlor. The Warrior’s Guild will find another.”

Tarek drags his chest noisily out of the room.

“This is going to be so much fun.” Montblanc mutters to himself. “We’ll keep the arena cage, but we’ll use magic to make it spin and twirl. You could charge 50 gold a person for a ride like that. All those scantily clad women are gonna have to go though. It’s gonna be a family establishment after all. Maybe they can work the food stalls? Oh, what type of food should we have? I’d love to have some offerings from Sreng and Almyra or maybe…”

>“Yeah, that’s great, kid. You go have fun now.” You say, heaving the chest over your shoulder and claiming your prize.

“Ahh! Of course, Lord Tristain! This will require much planning on my end, so I shall take my leave. Of course, none of this will matter unless you win the tournament. I wish you the best of luck, and look forward to our continued partnership!”

“Well, it’s not who I’d have picked.” Bronte says. “But it does sound like a fun idea...”

File: Tristain d' Rusalka - Wyvern Lord.png (923.3 KB)

923.3 KB PNG

>>6359624
The rest of the week passed by with no incident. Having trained your body and mentally prepared yourself as best you can, you are ready for the tournament to begin tomorrow. Unlike before, where you and your companions had thrown a party right before the competition’s first round, you do no such thing this time. This was to be the greatest challenge of your life. Perhaps what it had all been leading up to. There was no time for distractions or frivolity. Your first opponent was Leonora Gloucester. She’d gotten the better of you last time, and you knew she’d been holding back. Even with The Inexhaustible in your hands, it was sure to be a tough fight.

That night, you were in your room in the Fodlan Embassy, alone. Your gear was checked and ready, and all preparations for tomorrow had been met. You’d rode Fionn earlier. The rules stated you were allowed to use your wyvern companion, and you intended to. You sat at a desk that had been provided to you, facing an open window that peered into the inner heart of Morfis, the cool night air offering a pleasing breeze. You were thinking about everything you’d been through to get to this point. A pirate attack, assassins, cranky desert spirits, cultists…the list went on. Was this the sort of adventure your parents had when they were younger? The one you always dreamed of? There was no chance. Somehow, you doubt anyone had been through half as much shit as you’d been through in the last few months.

You pick up a block of wood that had been sitting on your desk, a gift from May, and begin carving into it with your pocket knife. You weren’t sure what you’d make out of it, but you found it helped you relax before a big day. Three more battles. That was it. Three more fights, and if you won, you were king. It all seemed so simple, and yet somehow you doubted it would be so. The thought of Princess Yulia seemed so far away, despite the fact that you were closer than ever to winning her hand. You still knew practically nothing of the woman, and Bronte was as tight-lipped about her as ever. It felt a bit strange, marrying someone who you knew nothing about, let alone what they even looked like. But that sort of thing was still common amongst nobility.

A knock on your door jolts you out of your thoughts. A late night visitor. You call out for the person to enter, not even turning yourself to face the door.

>Choose one:

>A): May
>B): Cassius
>C): Adeline
>D): Cuthbert
>E): Elric
>F): Nadia
>G): Chelsey
>H): Bronte

>>6359626
>>A): May
MAY!