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/tg/ - Traditional Games


File: ITCONTINUES.jpg (236 KB, 1135x704)
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>You are a villager girl named Ellen from a small village in the nation of Neir, on the continent of Teege. As a member of the local militia/guard, you were trained in swordplay. Your fighting style is best compared to the hero class, though you're officially considered a knight of Neir. Occasionally, you will shift to another character's POV for a thread or part of a thread if the events they witness are important to know/influence. This will be revealed in the thread's first update if it's the case.

>Your particular goal in a given thread changes often, but at the moment the overarching plot involves the impending war with Dain, as it and its allies start to take action.

>The questmasters are Octoling (myself), and Grandflaw. There's no particular rhyme or reason to who posts when, and sometimes one of us might not appear all.

>Character Death is always a possibility (this is Fire Emblem after all), but your actions can very easily influence who lives and who dies.

>Voting periods will last an average of ten to fifteen minutes, but this may be increased, decreased, or generally changed at any given moment based on voter turnout.

>The previous threads are archived on suptg. A link to the most recent (coupled with summary and a list of characters) is pasted http://pastebin.com/2GBHi7qc

>Our update twitter is https://twitter.com/qmgrandflocto and you can shoot us questions at http://ask.fm/qmgrandflocto

>An up-to-date link to all threads currently archived: http://pastebin.com/Q77ts75m
>>
In the aftermath of Lars' disappearance, the staff of Rakche's castle were... Slightly freaked out.

You suggested pretty much immediately that Esmer was involved in this, being one of the few people to actually know about her Witch's Pendant, not having thought much of it until now.

Lara and Nadiel, the Swordsmith-Enchanter couple, were also grilled for whatever they may know about the person who captured (nothing you didn't already know, though. She's with the Wulf Company mercenaries, former clients of theirs, and she has extremely powerful dark magic... and a fondness for parlor tricks).

Reese is angrying about in response to what's happened, currently shouting in the courtyard you happened to be thinking in.

"Hrrg... How couldn't I have prevented this from happening? How didn't we find out about this sooner? If... If I'd have kept pursuing Anna, Esmer might never have gotten back her pendant!"

>A. There's nothing you could've done
>B. Yeah maybe
>C. No sense worrying about it now
>D. lmao git gud
>E. Write-in
>F. You're sitting this rant out
>>
>>42964963
>C. No sense worrying about it now
>>
>>42964963
>C. No sense worrying about it now
What's done is done. We will just stop it from happening again
>>
>>42964983
>>42965036
"No sense worrying about it now, Reese. I doubt much could've been done to prevent it anyway. We have to just stop it from happening again."

"Happening agai-Ellen, Lars is gone. There IS no 'again' to prevent!"

You lift up your finger to retort, but can't think of much to say.

"Now, don't you have anything better to do?"

>A. Not really
>B. Go deal with someone else (specify)
>C. Write-in action/dialogue
>>
>>42965146
>A. Not really
>Sounds like your trying to get rid of me Reese, Oh how hurt i am!(Jokingly)
>>
>>42965213
"Not really... Wait, are YOU trying to get rid of ME?" You sound mock-incredulous as you continue, "oh, how you've GROWN, Reese."

"Heh." Reese chuckles and shakes his head. "It was a genuine question, though. You have a lot more people who like to spend time with you, and I was planning on working myself into a fit not accomplishing anything." Reese groans. "You have things to actually accomplish, though, probably."

>A. Yeah, probably
>B. Waste your time being anxious? Sounds like a great time.
>C. Go find someone else (specify)
>D. Write-in?
>>
>>42965344
>A. Yeah, probably
>B. Waste your time being anxious? Sounds like a great time.
>Just go do what i do when I don't know what to do Reese, Train.
>>
>>42965387
"Yeah, probably, but I love to waste my time being anxious. When I get bored with that, though, I usually like to train."

Reese rubs his chin, "training, huh... Yeah, I enjoy doing that. Is that an invitation?"

"Sure, whatever."

You find some field to train in.

"So this... Azure blade of yours-"

"Azure Dragon Blade."

"I've heard a lot of people talking about it. Bet I could still take a hit from it no big deal."

>A. no you fucking couldn't
>B. Wanna test it?
>C. You're leaving now
>D. Write-in dialogue
>>
>>42965612
>A. no you fucking couldn't
>No I'm not reckless or stupid enough to test it on a friend either Reese
>>
>>42965658
Second
We can try splitting open some thick empty armor though.
But he's paying for it
>>
>>42965658
>>42965740
"Are you trying to challenge me or something, because... No. I'm not taking you up on it. Even if you could, I'm not taking you up on it, but... No, you couldn't."

Reese looks annoyed for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, you're probably right... Ordinary old training it is, then."

"If you're willing to pay for letting me ruin your armor, I can try it on that, but-"

"That's not nearly as impressive."

"So it's all about looking cool or glorious?"

"Your point?"

>A. None. More power to you
>B. Why so obsessed with that?
>C. Let's just get on with training
>D. Write-in response/action
>>
>>42965780
>That's the path to an early grave Reese, Be careful
>C. Let's just get on with training
>>
>>42965780
>A. None. More power to you
>Wanna spar?
With an iron sword
>>
>>42965816
>>42965810
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>42965915
Shit, that didn't dice for some reason.
>>
>>42965944
"None, just... clarifying. Don't let it kill you, and more power to you otherwise."

Reese nods. "Of course!" He grumbles, "wasn't expecting you to take me up on it anyway."

"Uh huh. Let's get to training."

Reese nods. "Now, they say one's defense is all in your armor, but there are some tricks you can use to put your whole body into your armor."

"Besides getting stabbed in the gut?"

"Yes, besides that! Your defense can be trained like your strength, or anything else of the sort!"

"Well, books can be forged, so I guess that... Doesn't make LESS sense than that? Show me what you mean."

You train with Reese awhile, somehow becoming more physically defensive.

"Keep this up, and they say you'll be able to shrug off an axe gunning straight for your head from someone weak enough."

>A. okay cool thanks
>B. Talk about other things (write-in)
>C. Go find someone else (specify)
>D. That's dumb
>>
>>42966110
>A. okay cool thanks
>I really question how this world works sometimes...
>>
>>42966214
"Alright, cool... Some things just don't make much sense when you actually think about it."

Reese nods. "At least everyone plays by these weird, arbitrary rules of the world..."

You both nod, training halfheartedly awhile longer.

"To think that Prince Garrus is the king... Things have happened so fast, couldn't have been three months ago that everything was slow and normal, and..." He sighs, "and I was just some asshole farmhand."

>A. haha yeah
>B. You don't like to reflect
>C. Write-in dialogue
>D. Be silent
>E. Skip to a plot development
>>
>>42966510
>we've all come a long way, you, me, and nat.
>>
>>42966550
Second
>>
>>42966550
>>42966576
"We've all come a long way. You, me, Nat..." You deliberately neglect to mention Jay or Robert.

Reese, however, shows less tact, "Robert, captain Koblenz, and Lambert were all still around, too. Wonder what they'd think about all that's happened."

You frown.

Before you can say anything more, Reese continues, "shit, sorry... Just shoved my whole foot in my mouth there, didn't I? I mean... Shit, yeah, it's only been a couple months since... Shutting up now, yeah."

>A. That's probably a good idea
>B. Leave the scene
>C. It's cool
>D. Write-in dialogue
>>
>>42966666
>C. It's cool
>I think they would be proud of us, probably you particularly.
>>
>>42966700
Second, But add a shit eating grin.
>>
>>42966666
I just noticed that post number.

Guess we're Generically-titled Satan Quest now, guys. Sorry for the inconvenience.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>42966758
Alright cool
>go raping and pillaging
>>
>>42966782
Ellen disapproves apparently anon.
>>
>>42966700
>>42966729
"It's fine. I'm... Well, not over it, of course, but I haven't been hung up on any of that in a very long time."

"That's... I admire that about you, always have. You don't get hung up on things, you just... You're unstoppable, when you want to be."

"A lot of people are unnerved by my determination."

"Screw them. Keep fighting for what you're fighting for. It inspires people. Me, Zoe, King Garrus... Probably more than that, but that's just what I know about offhand."

"Yeah, I didn't plan on just letting myself go. I think they'd be proud of how far you've come too, though. The... People of Orsin, I mean."

"Wow, really? I mean, I still see that old farmer from time to time, but he's always been fond of me."

>A. How is he
>B. So yeah, they would be proud
>C. Say something else (specify)
>D. Write-in
>>
>>42966933
>A. How is he
>B. So yeah, they would be proud
>what are your plans afternoon this war?
>>
>>42966972
Second but i think you mean after instead of afternoon.
>>
>>42966987
Yeah.
I blame autocorrect
>>
>>42966972
>>42966987
"Yeah, so if that's any indication, they would be glad to see! And Robert got to be along for the biggest changes."

Reese nods.

"How is that old farmer anyway?"

"Alright, I guess. Got a big family that just wants to take care of him, but he's still got that 'all-providing farmer' mindset of his here in the big city," he exaggerates your shared Tarvosian dialect for those last few words, "Had to miss his nephew's wedding while we were in Cord, but that sort of thing happens."

"People can have trouble adjusting, I guess. What've you got in mind after all this war business is over?"

"Well... I rather like what being a knight has done for me. I know it's not for everyone, but... I dunno, I feel like it's my place."

"Yeah, I feel what you mean. Not sure I've ever been able to do anything besides make a living protecting, but... I also don't really mind."

"Yeah, it... Really nets you respect being some drunk farmhand doesn't."

"And there you are with the whole glory thing again, Reese."

Reese sounds a bit offended. "What's that supposed to mean?"

>A. Just prodding. You said it doesn't affect you
>B. You think he's got some wrong priorities
>C. Alright, enough of this discussion
>D. Write-in dialogue/action
>>
>>42967255
>A. Just prodding. You said it doesn't affect you
>Am i not allowed to joke anymore? Actually i think I've started joking and well living more since this all started.
>>
>>42967255
>B. You think he's got some wrong priorities
>But it's still good you have motivation to drive you forward regardless
>>
>>42967360
Switching to back >>42967318
>>
>>42967318
>>42967385
"Just prodding... I'm allowed to make jokes, aren't I?"

"Jokes... Something else you rarely made back in the gap."

"Yeah, now that you mention it... Man, I was so shy back then."

"Most of the time you were just... Satelliting around Lambert. Sometimes he talked over you or whatever, too."

"Only when time was of the essence and poor communication could literally kill. When it came to... Whatever ordinary social things I did, he was a lot of help."

"I guess. Still, though... Is it bad that I've felt more alive in the past more months than most of how things used to be in Orsin?"

Reese shakes his head. "The circumstances are awful, but... You've really started living since."

You and Reese reflect a little more before bidding each other farewell.

At some point in the next few days, Lyra returned with some redhead named Marble she claimed was a "friend of the friend she went to see." She also vaguely said that said friend is "dead now," and she "doesn't feel like talking about it."

Few days later, you returned from some business in town to see Katina looking very excited about something.

>A. Ask her what's up
>B. Don't care, don't ask
>>
>>42967576
>A. Ask her what's up
>>
>>42967576
>A. Ask her what's up
>>
>>42967576
>A. Ask her what's up
>>
>>42967593
>>42967607
>>42967649
"What's up, Katina?"

"Mom's gonna be back from Ulir soon! It's... I've been worried about her!"

"Oh, right... That." You smile. You probably learned information like this a little while ago, but you didn't really associate it with your cousin being her daughter in your head for some reason.

You also presumably learned what a terrible failure the Ulir campaign was for your allies, and about the Great Miles' capture (though also that they were probably perfectly fine), so... You didn't really think of it as a happy thing anyway, accidentally letting slip that your allies lost there.

"I know, but... At least mom's alright. I gotta go find Bolse now, tell him she'll be in Rakche soon."

>A. Go with her
>B. Don't you have a king to be guarding
>C. Skip to whenever she shows up
>>
>>42967788
>C. Skip to whenever she shows up
Be quick about it.
>>
>>42967788
>B. Don't you have a king to be guarding
>>
>>42967788
>B. Don't you have a king to be guarding
Eh we can talk to her later.
>>
>>42967829
>>42967830
"Alright, you go ahead. I'm supposed to be at King Garrus' side in the next few minutes. Part of the 'personal guard' job description's being a bodyguard in certain shifts, believe it or not!"

You and Cheryl go and meet him and Eva in a courtyard, relieving Biff and Byron of their duties.

"Can you believe it?" Eva asks, "Yvette's actually letting herself take breaks now."

>A. She's needed it
>B. Is she alright
>C. Doesn't matter much to you
>D. Write-in
>E. Be silent
>>
>>42968004
>A. She's needed it
>B. Is she alright
>>
>>42968004
>B. Is she alright?
>A. She's needed it
>>
>>42968004
>A. She's needed it
>B. Is she alright
>>
>>42968030
>>42968042
>>42968078
"She alright?"

Garrus nods. "Yeah, just... I guess she's finally taking my advice to chill out a bit to heart."

"That's good. If anyone's really needed it, it's her."

"Course, she... Spends most of what she insists is her 'free time' obsessing over Paula instead, but... I dunno, maybe she's making up for lost time. She's the only one of my siblings she never really got to know that well, and Paula really needs someone to spend time with now that Lars is gone again."

"What about Eva?" Cheryl suggests.

"Yeah, sure, I hang out with her from time to time, but I have army stuff to worry about, sometimes I go places kids won't really fit in, and sometimes I just need to spend my time on..." She holds Garrus' hand. "Other things."

Cheryl smiles at the gesture while the king reddens, "Eva, we're... Sort of in front of our friends..."

"Oh, no, they've never seen people holding hands before. How are we going to ever make up for this... This horrible damage to their virgin eyes?"

>A. Tell Eva to lay off
>B. Jokingly act like your eyes are burning
>C. Act generally unamused
>D. Act generally amused
>E. Be silent
>F. Write-in
>>
>>42968223
>Ee gads! I am sullied forever now! How dare you take my maiden eye's virginity with such vulgar acts!
Ham ot the max!
>>
>>42968223
>B. Jokingly act like your eyes are burning
>>
>>42968278
>>42968298
"Gods, my eyes, they are... They are forever sullied by your vulgarity! My eyes' maidenhood is trampled upon by these filthy acts! I was to wait for Zoe, and we would both look at each other hold hands with another friend of ours!"

Cheryl tilts her head. "Does this mean I'm a voyeur?"

After a moment of you three laughing, Garrus joins in uncertainly at first, then more certainly, but certainly not to the SHEER HEARTINESS of his late father's laugh.

"Yeah, though, you... Have a point." Garrus is still a bit flushed, though, squeezing Eva's hand.

Eva asks, "how's Victoria been lately, though? Haven't seen her around. That being said though, I'm really not so sure she would have much reason to see me around, considering the grounds of supposedly hating each other's guts. I mean I've been trying to take the whole 'new leaf' thing to heart with her lately-his majesty here asked real nice, and I just can't resist a request from someone so... Regal-but she's still hung up on the whole 'just stay out of each other's hair' thing... I mean, not that I blame her, I mean how would I even go about talking to her? Invite her to brunch? Into Garrus' quarters with us? I'm kinda really bad at mending bridges. I mean, honestly, part of me's just... Partly really worried about whenever this war leads to me seeing dad again, but hopefully it'll never come to that, I mean wars happen without all of its key figures crossing paths ever, right?"

Cheryl looks a bit thoughtful for a moment before nodding and smiling, shooting you a confused look immediately afterwards.

>A. She lost you
>B. Try to answer (write-in)
>>
>>42968503
>Er....Just act naturally? I mean i can try and be the mediator between you two if you want.
>>
>>42968503
>Sometimes there'll be people who you can't buddy up with. Mutual tolerance is all you can hope for and that's fine. As for your father... You might see him again, you might not. Worrying about it is natural, but don't worry about it TOO much, ok?
>>
>>42968535
>>42968580
"Uh... Act... Natural."

Eva blinks.

You continue, "I mean, er... I can't help with... Maybe I could probably help you and Victoria out if you REALLY wanted to try?"

"Really?"

"Yeah, but... Sometimes you just literally won't be able to get along with somebody, ever. If you can only tolerate each other, then it's fine to steer clear."

"She, uh... Has a point..." Garrus very helpfully interrupts with.

You continue, "and... With your dad, it's natural to be worried, and maybe you will or won't see each other sooner or later, but... Don't beat yourself up with anxiety, alright?"

"Didn't realize it was okay to be worried about your parents. You seemed awful pissed at Lars that one time."

"I'm sorry?" You say, slightly offended.

"Shit, sorry, that just... That just slipped out. Sorry, sorry..." Eva groans.

"Well, this seems like as good a place as any to change the subject!" Cheryl intervenes with. "Who feels like doing some gossiping on the job?"

>A. You do!
>B. You don't!
>C. [STALWART SILENCE OF NEUTRALITY ON THE TOPIC]
>>
>>42968682
>C. [STALWART SILENCE OF NEUTRALITY ON THE TOPIC]
>but don't let that keep them from enjoying themselves
>>
>>42968779
Second
>>
>>42968720
>>42968779
>>42968797
You shoot Cheryl a bit of a look, but mostly remain silent on the topic. Garrus shoots you a look as well, proving yourselves to be on rather similar ground for this particular topic, but you let the romantics have their fun.

"-honestly, the fact that it seems to be working is more surprising."

"Yeah, though, but the tragedy of it all... I mean, Misheil's still got a few thousand years in her at least, and we're all human! She's lived Reese's lifetime dozens of times over!"

"Yeah, but it ain't right to bring it up to either of 'em."

"Oh, of course. I'm nosy, not insensitive!"

Garrus sits somewhere nearby with you. "They can just go on and on..."

>A. Yep
>B. It's pretty endearing
>C. You find it sort of bothersome
>D. Be silent
>E. Write-in
>>
>>42968916
>A. Yep
>>
>>42968916
>A. Yep
>>
>>42968937
>>42968964
"Yeah," you say neutrally.

"It's... Pretty sweet, though. It's always nice to see people so excited, especially when they're close to you."

"Are you and Cheryl close at all?"

"Well, I mean... Sort of maybe, I guess? I mean we were the same age when Monica got in on the family business, and I didn't really have kingly duties, so we hung around a lot back then, but..."

"But..?"

"I dunno. Things got... Weird, after..." You figure that Garrus means Zoe/Cheryl/Monica's parents dying, and simply nod, indicating he go on. "She had to spend a lot more time at home watching Zoe when Monica got so much harder-working, and everyone sort of... Got used to that, and next time I saw her she'd become a knight and like seven years had passed. She never changed much, but things just... Weren't the same? Like, she had this... Distance about her, even though she was as cheery as she ever was."

"I get that. Why've I never heard about this, though?"

"Well, it... Only just came up now, and I don't usually dwell on it."

>A. Sorry for bringing it up
>B. Not sorry for bringing it up
>C. Just watch them talk some more
>D. Write-in action/dialogue
>>
>>42969084
>A. Sorry for bringing it up
>>
>>42969084
>A. Sorry for bringing it up
>I'd have liked to see her like that, it's hard to imagine
I wonder what Zoe was like before she became a rider
>>
>>42969106
"I see... Sorry for bringing it up, then."

"No, no, it's fine. It's fine, really. Just... It's never pleasant when you know you're not as close to an old friend. Not anyone's fault or anything, no big dividing incident or fight, just... You're not as close as you used to be."

You nod. You are filled with a strong desire to spend time with Biff, Byron, and Natalie next time all of you are free, on a TOTALLY unrelated note.

"What? I can't admit he's attractive if I don't feel romantic?"

"No, no, ogle your spider-summoning pals all you want, Cheryl. I know the deal. It's the muscles, right?"

Another day or so passes before Corneria returns, coincidentally catching you, Logan, and Yvette watching Bolse show Katina and Paula (trying with mild success to imitate him) some visual tricks with Dark Magic in front of Rakche's castle.

"I don't get it," Paula's saying, "why don't you just throw it in their eyes? Pretty much all the darkness they can see with... A lot less effort."

Katina translates to a somewhat-unnerved Bolse before both look over and see their mother.

"Good to see you two... I take it you've been good..? Bolse is shaking his head. Katina, did something-"

"Uh, let's... Let's leave that for later, shall we? Have you met Paula?"

Yvette looks over to you and whispers, "has nobody mentioned to her how her daughter tried to defect?"

>A. You think people are over it
>B. That is sort of a big deal
>C. We should probably mention it
>D. Now's not the best time to tell her
>E. Be silent
>F. Write-in?
>>
>>42969386
>A. You think people are over it
>D. Now's not the best time to tell her, later in private.
>>
>>42969386
>D. Now's not the best time to tell her
>>
>>42969386
>D. Now's not the best time to tell her
>>
>>42969238
Cheryl wasn't all that different, aside from a bit more willing to actually get to know someone, whereas now she's friendly and accommodating, but isn't especially CLOSE with anyone besides her sisters.

Depends on when you refer to with Zoe. She was her earlygame sad and resigned self shortly before joining up, too, and just sort of gradually built up to that over the time between her parents' fate and Cheryl coming into the family tradition.
>>
>>42969425
>>42969436
>>42969447
"I think everyone who was there stopped caring... Not commenting on if that's right or wrong, though!"

Yvette nods. "You... Have a point, sadly, but it's still something that needs to be considered."

"Yeah, but... Now's probably not the best time to reveal it."

"I suppose so..." She raises her voice to an ordinary speaking level. "Princess Paula, I believe it's your lunchtime."

"But Yvette..."

"We both know how you get when you haven't eaten enough. This isn't up for discussion."

Yvette leads Paula away, which also drew your relatives' attention to you.

"I take it you've already heard how, exactly, Ulir was."

You nod.

"That being said, I'm glad you've at least reclaimed the Cord region."

>A. Does she already know about Lars
>B. Where're her aides (Yancy and Maria)
>C. How is she besides
>D. Anything on the "probably related" thing
>E. Write-in
>>
>>42969553
>B. Where're her aides (Yancy and Maria)
>C. How is she besides
On option D, It has been shown Ellen doesn't really care.
>>
>>42969553
>A. Does she already know about Lars
>B. Where're her aides (Yancy and Maria)
>C. How is she besides
>>
>>42969568
Yeah, it would've been more of a "hey yeah that was a thing" deal if she asked, in the most uninterested way you can possibly read the words within those quotes.
>>
>>42969553
>A. Does she already know about Lars
>B. Where're her aides (Yancy and
Maria)
>C. How is she besides
>>
>>42969568
>>42969586
>>42969650
"Where's, uh... Yancy and... What was her name?"

"Maria?"

"Yeah, her."

"They've got diplomatic business in Noba. With Ulir explicitly out of the Dories hands-oh, I spoke to your mother, by the way. I know you don't really care, but just thought I'd mention I was right about that-anyway, with Ulir in Durvan's hands, unless some miracle occurs, it will be harder than ever to convince Phile and Fathom's dukedoms not to align with Dain."

You nod. "And... About Lars..."

"Well, word of his capture arrived after he was first sighted in Ulir, free as a bird, so... I assume that didn't work out."

"Yeah. How're you besides?"

"Worn out. It's... a default state of being, so don't worry much of it, though."

You nod.

>A. Ask if she knows about thing with Katina
>B. Don't do that
>>
>>42969756
>B. Don't do that
>>
>>42969756
>A. Ask if she knows about thing with Katina
>>
>>42969756
>>B. Don't do that
>>
>>42969773
>>42969812
You lead Corneria and your cousins into the castle, past... What's his name and what's her name and thank the gods you not knowing the castle's frontmost gate's guard's names after learning them hasn't come up yet (why don't you have nametags or something?), and into the castle proper.

A brief meeting best summed up as "what the hell do we do?!" ensues, featuring most relevant parties to the greater plot, and it's ultimately determined that, after the miserable failure that was their best and brightest trying it, at least no surprise invasions like the Cord campaign will happen again. The Vautou have been asked to keep exceptionally watchful eyes on the seas, but Corneria thinks it may be for the best for your various forces to head through Heim, possibly try to put pressure on Dain.

"Ugh, the desert," Dama gripes, "Garou soldiers... Won't be pleased that this is where we need to go."

"Then, uh... We'll need more than just Tarvosians here, in case of attacks from the South, or even if they do try another Northern surprise again. You can... Have them ready for hypothetical action here."

"Word from spies in Dain is that nobody there has seen Lars or Alexia since Ulir, right? This... Lars has been speculated to be planning something for awhile, hasn't he?" Salia says. "If that's the case, then any number of Dain's allies or supporters might be their enemies any day now."

>A. But who?
>B. But when?
>C. We can't exactly count on that
>D. The chaos alone COULD fuck with Dain
>E. Who's to say they're not more enemies
>F. Write-in
>G. Be silent
>>
>>42970017
>C. We can't exactly count on that
>E. Who's to say they're not more enemies
>>
>>42970017
>A. But who?
>C. We can't exactly count on that
>E. Who's to say they're not more enemies
>it's worth a shot, but without knowing lars' location we shouldn't spread our forces out too thin
>>
>>42970073
>>42970078
"But... Who would that be in the first place? We can't exactly count on making allies out of a faction we only sort of know exists... Especially not when its leader's 'vision' could very well involve our own defeat just as much as Dain's. All things considered, though, Lars can be anywhere, and... How powerful are Witch's Pendants, exactly?"

"It takes a LOT of strain to use one for more than a very small group of people, and its cooldown time is even longer the more people are affected by it, especially over longer distances," Corneria explains, "so, at the very least, an army out of the blue won't be an issue unless this Esmer is significantly more skilled than the single most potent mage in all of history."

Garrus nods. "And... Lars doesn't really seem to do 'small-scale' when it comes to... Doing things."

Monica adds, "the fate of the Emperor's Flight made that much clear. Their loyalties lied with Dain's actual rulers, so he couldn't have them around beyond their purpose..."

"He really overestimated the rebels, then," Eva quips.

"I think that having the Emperor's Flight out of his way could've... Could've always been a part of his endgame, whether he'd won in Cord or not. I mean, even if he took over this entire country, they're an elite force that would never answer to him directly, but in the short term got to be at his disposal."

"Regardless," Corneria repeats, "I think it is, at the very least, safe to say that it's all we can do to push further Eastward. Anyone who dislikes getting sand in their feet..."

Dama interrupts, "yeah, the Garou will help keep track of things in Neir. It'll also... Probably help get ordinary people more used to the idea of us not being stuck on some mountain, too."

>A. That's the spirit
>B. You still have some questions... (specify)
>C. Write-in action/dialogue
>D. Be silent
>>
>>42970259
>A. That's the spirit
>>
>>42970259
>>A. That's the spirit
>>
>>42970277
>>42970289
"That's the spirit, Dama!"

"People need to get used to seeing us as more than these scary far-off threats."

"Anything I can do to help with that, Dama?" Salia asks. Oh, right, they're like. Close friends. "I... Don't really imagine I'm going to be wanted out West after what happened in Barst."

"Do you want to be there for what happens next?"

Salia nods after a thoughtful several moments. "Yeah, I think I'd like to come along."

"Princess, are you certain this is wise?" Monica asks.

>A. Support Salia
>B. Stay out of this
>C. Support Monica
>D. Write-in dialogue/action?
>>
>>42970470
>A. Support Salia
You can't just keep her here all the time.
She's old enough to make her own decisions
>>
>>42970508
"Look, you can't just keep her here all the time. She's old enough to make her own decisions."

"For the record, Ellen," Monica says, the recently-short-haired Falcoknight glaring intensely, "need I remind you that her highness nearly DIED last time she saw combat? Impaled before anyone even had time to do anything about it."

"I... Yeah, I did, but that doesn't mean I-"

"Do I have to be the one to remind you that you're sixteen? That is FAR too young to be getting killed, fighting these sorts of fight." Monica not-so-subtly looks in Corneria's direction. "Even if SOME of us are okay with people so young, who we ought to be looking after, throwing their lives on the line, I have allowed it to happen for too long. Salia, as the person in charge of your safety... You are NOT seeing combat again. Zoe and I will do as you please in Neir, but... You aren't going to get into any more of this warfare business."

"Monica..!"

"Any objections?" Monica says, almost challenging in her tone.

>A. Accept the challenge! Object!
>B. No, no, she... Really has a point here.
>C. Be silent
>D. Write-in dialogue
>>
>>42970649
>A. Accept the challenge! Object!
She almost died because you keep her from every battle that pops up, if you keep her away from fights of course she won't be able to fight well. She needs to know how to fight, not just for her kingdom but to protect herself as well.
Garrus fights too, as did his father and mother
>>
>>42970734
"This is because you keep her away from every battle that pops up. If you keep her away from things like this, of course she'll never know how to do it! She needs to-"

"But why. Is. She. Needing to fight. In the first place?! We have entire forces for that! Subdivisions of subdivisions PURELY to fight her battles specifically. Is it that difficult to comprehend that there is no reason for Salia to know how to fight to begin with?"

"She needs to know how to fight for her kingdom, for her own sake, for-"

"That's what OUR job is supposed to be, Ellen." She turns towards Garrus. "Your majesty, you understand what I mean, do you not?"

"I... Yeah, I... Guess you have a point... Sorry, Salia, but... You really have no good reason to be in danger like you have been, and as a king and your brother... It really isn't very responsible of me to let you at all."

>A. Garrus, please
>B. Concede
>C. Write-in
>>
>>42970807
>B. Concede
>I still don't agree
>>
>>42970807
>I'm not saying we should just throw her into danger. But a ruler needs to understand her soldiers and the war they fight. Leave the dangerous missions to us, but she isn't going to learn from sitting in a stuffy throne room all day. There's a fine line between protecting your charge and suffocating her.
>>
>>42970821
Backing >>42970853
>>
>>42970821
"Well, if you're gonna pull rank... I tried, your highness."

"It's fine, Ellen."

Not much you didn't already know about heading West in the near-future beyond that. Something about it being safe and in her best interests to bring Kia back East.

Needless to say, you spend the night complaining about it to Zoe, who is quick to say, "Monica's just... She's concerned about me just as much as Salia, if not more. I mean, I can handle myself way better, and I'm older than the princess, but... I wouldn't be surprised." She leans against you as you stare over that cliff where she confessed to you, an arm around her waist.

"Guess this means we're parting ways again," you say sadly.

Zoe nods. "But just like all the last times... This won't be forever, right?"

>A. Of course!
>B. What if you didn't come back
>C. Be silent
>D. Write-in?
>>
>>42970853
>>42970861
Shit, didn't see these at all. Should I rewind a bit, or just roll with the punches?

(Salia won't be "suffocating in some throne room," as an aside. She'd still be doing things throughout Neir offscreen)
>>
>>42970904
If the other anon wants to.
I'm alright either way
>>
>>42970892
>A. Of course!
>>
>>42970904
It's not a big deal to me but if it changes things then I'd like a rewind.
>>
>>42970946
Monica REALLY doesn't want Salia going. Maybe enough sweat and determination could wear her down, but by then if something happens afterwards, you're that girl who convinced everyone a sixteen year-old princess should go to war.

So it's all up to whether you guys think it'll be worth giving that last push.
>>
>>42970968
I really think she should know how to fight, buy I understand Monica.
Even if we agree with Monica we can still make sure she knows how to fight right?
We can spar with her ourself, Monica can't complain about that right?
>>
>>42970968
I was hoping there was some middle ground like 'let Salia go but she won't see big battles'. But I don't like Monica being so controlling over her, even if she has good reason to, so I'll give it one last push. If this doesn't work then I'll concede.
>>
>>42971023
>>42971028
Alright, then. I was just finishing up the "Salia stays" timeline post, so give me a few minutes to make the new one. I naturally can't use any of what I was in the middle of (it would've ended in Monica showing her emotional side and literally ordering Cheryl and Ellen to return alive from what happened, after another cute moment between Ellen and Zoe).
>>
>>42970853
>>42970861
>>42971047
"Look, I'm not saying we should just... Throw her into danger, but. She needs to understand what's happening, don't you think? Sure, leave the actual danger to all of us, but what'll she learn that she can't any time staying in Neir?"

"By going West, she may learn things about warfare that no girl her age ought to. Things that the sheer speculation of turned my sister into... What you saw when you met her."

"There's a fine line between protecting her and coddling her, Monica."

She closes her eyes. "You're not going to let this drop, are you?"

Aside from the insertion of Salia's party into the plans (for which she thanks you afterwards), the rest of the planning goes... Pretty much exactly the same.

Instead of a tender parting evening with Zoe, you end up tracking down Victoria and Cheryl alongside Zoe for a more friendship-oriented evening, dinner at your usual venue of choice.

"So we're to be headed to Dain soon, after one more trip through Heim..."

"Yes, that is exactly what she just said!" Cheryl says to Victoria.

"Well, sorry for trying to condense it into a single sentence."

"After what happened to princess Salia while Monica and I were chasing after Paula, we can't let her get hurt again!" Zoe says, "so I'm gonna need to be better than my best if we're going this far in!"

"Zoe, there's something I've been wondering..."

"What is it, Cheryl?"

"When did you get stronger than your big sister? Who said that was allowed?"

>A. Laugh
>B. Say something (specify)
>C. Write in action
>D. Be silent
>>
>>42971158
>A. Laugh
>>
>>42971158
>A. Laugh
>>
>>42971206
>>42971213
You all laugh at the observation.

"I guess I've just been busier overall..."

"Yeah, I guess you have a point. I need to be a shining example, though! Gotta start working out even more earnestly!"

Victoria adds, "do you suppose... This will all be over soon?"

"Depends on what you mean by 'this' and 'all...' and 'soon,' for that matter," Cheryl responds.

You don't discuss much of note, in short, but it's a good time.

Cheryl doles out some further gossip about Reese and Misheil: apparently the former has decided to stick with the party even longer than initially planned, now citing "making Noba safer for Michalis" as an excuse for traveling with the party Heim-then-Dain-wards. Also, some stuff about two guards you've heard nothing about, and some prodding Victoria about her own lack of a love life, which stops when she shows clear discomfort with the topic at hand.

She also makes it clear how damn thankful she is that Arvo's been gutted, her exact beef with the deceased pirate only being privately confessed to you, pertaining to certain dishonest statements on his end when she was enlisting his pirates' help towards the end of her rebellion attempts, and how she'd ended up coming to get him to hire out a shipworth of his mercenaries in the first place. You kindly refrain from sharing the details with anybody.

She also grimly recalls the Deadlord Equus, and how he will undoubtedly be somewhere among Dain's number.

"But... So long as I'm by your side, I think... I may be able to cope with this."

>To be continued next thread
I really had no idea where to end, but it's getting late and enough has happened this thread, so.

Thanks for playing, twitter and ask.fm are both qmgrandflocto, and I'll be around for writeups and Q&A for awhile.
>>
>>42971356
Thanks for running
>>
>>42971356
Thanks for running Octo. And now I must sleep.
>>
>>42971381
Always a pleasure.
>>42971402
Night, anon.

Here's hoping this decision won't cause anything to happen to our beloved princess.



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