You are Tristain d’Rusalka, a noble from the United Kingdom of Fodlan born with unique abilities bestowed upon you by the Goddess. You have journeyed across the sea to the desert kingdom of Morfis after receiving an invitation to join a mysterious competition. Though you know little of the trials that lie ahead, the winner of this contest has been promised the hand of Morfis’ Princess, Yulia Xan Phanes, in marriage. Seeking adventures, thrills, and battles that would be worthy of your might, you embarked on this strange voyage with nothing but your trusted axe.

After having arrived at the mountain town of Hima, you were quickly pulled into a confrontation between the local garrison and the dreaded Cult of the Serpent. In your attempt to learn more about the Cult’s activities, you inadvertently caused a religious schism which found you as the new figurehead of one of its branches. Partnering with Hima’s defenders as well as one of your rivals in the competition for Princess Yulia’s hand, you defeated the Cult’s main army. In doing so, you acquired a new mount for yourself; an exceedingly rare white wyvern capable of sorcery, whom you named Fionn.

Grateful for your assistance, the Governor of Hima offered to train you in the art of fighting atop your newfound companion. You have now spent the last five days familiarizing yourself with Fionn and growing accustomed to his movements. You will soon leave for your next destination, Shangri-La. The fabled “Palace of Debauchery” will be your last stop before finally arriving at the City of Morfis.

>Tristain d’Rusalka
>Level 30/50 Wyvern Lord (EXP: 0/100)
HP: 61/61 (120%)
Strength: 34 (65%)
Magic: 20 (40%)
Speed: 25 (30%)
Defense: 26 (60%)
Resistance: 16 (40%)
Luck: 15 (55%)
>Skill: Resolve (When HP falls to less than 35%, Strength, Speed and Defense increase by 7)
>Dragon-kin Wyvern (SPD based chance for Fionn to launch an ice attack, dealing ½ MAG Damage.)

>Weapons: Silver Axe (+16 ATK), Hammer (+8 ATK, 3x DMG vs Armor Knights), Devil Axe (+21 ATK, -20 HP when Used) Iron Bow (+6 ATK)

>Spells:
Fire (+3 ATK, 5 Uses)
Elfire (+7 ATK, 3 Uses)
Wind (+3 ATK, 5 Uses, 3x DMG vs flying)

>Abilities:
Crest of Indech: You are able to make a follow-up attack on one foe, regardless of Speed. (4 Charges)
Crest of Macuil: Double the attack power of a magic spell. (3 Charges)
Combat Art: Earthsplitter: Cleave all enemies standing two rows in front of you. (Cost: 1 Crest of Indech Charge)
Combat Art: Throw: (Toss your weapon at an enemy and return it to your hand. Ranged attack.) (1 Crest of Indech Charge)

>Items: Concoction x5 (+20 HP)

>Gold: 300g

>Tristain’s Party: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mrlj-c7Oe51qIoat3LJfDSv0Bw2nmExQT2EqlKlWPGw/edit?usp=sharing

>Combat Rules:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m_UvIqCmBRzmrlu0mvttVkGRRI8bIkT6iTTrDR_J5zo/edit?usp=sharing

>Archive: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Sorcerer%20Kingdom

>>6216695 (OP)
You leaned back in your sturdy chair, letting your legs fully stretch and extend out before you as you rested them atop the table. These last five days had found you training hard under Governor Tobias and the Scorchers. You were a natural when it came to riding wyverns, perhaps something inherited from your father. Nevertheless, there was still much to learn when it came to utilizing Fionn effectively. You were forced to alter your fighting style significantly from what you’d been used to. Everything from the weight you put behind blows, to the direction of your swings and even the way you held an axe had become subject to change as you adjusted to fighting atop Fionn. This had been a grueling lesson that you’d been subjected to, but you could not deny that you’d felt yourself growing stronger.

Seated around the same table were six of your closest allies and confidants. May, Cassius, Adeline, Cuthbert, Nadia and Alvin. Though you’d only known them for a rather short amount of time, you’d now shed blood with each of them on multiple occasions. You never really had many friends back home. Many back at the Officer’s Academy avoided you, with the exception of Klement von Bergliez, whom you considered more of a fellow delinquent rather than an acquaintance. And while you had no problem bossing these six people around, you still valued them greatly. That was just how you showed camaraderie. Every group of friends needs someone in charge after all.

The seven of you occupied this room within the Scorcher’s main base. It was where their officers would come together to discuss urgent matters, though they were kind enough to lend it to you and your party. Which was fitting, as you all had your own urgent matter to ruminate on.

What was there to do about Elric von Boramus?

The little lord from southern Fodlan was growing up fast. Perhaps too fast. He’d skipped his first strands of facial hair and jumped all the way to the wholesale slaughter of man. Ordinarily, you might have been proud of the little book worm. But there was nothing ordinary about this situation. It was plain to everyone here that the cause of this transformation had less to do with personal growth as much as it did with “Mystletainn”, the mysterious sword Elric had received back in Ithaca from 99. While you like to think the little girl perhaps meant well in her gesture, in hindsight it was clear to see that the sword had been with the Magic Seal for a reason, and that it was not hers to give.

“That was not the Elric I knew.” Adeline says, recounting the events she witnessed during the battle with the Cult of the Serpent. “His explosive strength is only one thing to consider. But the way he cut down the enemy…it was nothing like the kindhearted boy I met back in Solis. He left men screaming in his wake, caring not to even land mercy blows.”

>>6216697
>“It’s that damn sword of his. The boy won’t ever let it out of his hands. It’s got to be cursed. But is such a thing even possible?” At this point, you were ready to believe anything. This strange land was full of things you could hardly comprehend.

“If Adjunct Marlin were alive, we might have been able to ask him.” Alvin says. “But with his death, along with those of many of the mages of Ithaca, there’s just no way of us currently knowing. At least not until we arrive at Morfis, that is. If that sword was an artifact worth locking down, it is likely Marlin would have sent word of its existence ahead to the Royal College.”

“It’s true.” Nadia says. “Even as a researcher in Ithaca, I had very little insight as to the type of items that were stored with 99. We were often kept segregated, so as not to interfere or be distracted by the work of our contemporaries. My sole focus was my studies into quintessence. Whatever was going on in that basement is beyond me.”

“Perhaps the sword is possessed by another being?” Cassius suggests. “We know for a fact such a thing is possible. Think back to the Djinn Orb and the surly blue spirit that dwelled within. Is it possible that another desert spirit is within Mystletainn and currently influencing Elric’s behavior?”

“Whatever the hell the case is, something needs to be done.” Cuthbert says, slamming a fist on the table. For once, the boy’s guardian looks uncharacteristically worried about his charge. “I very well can’t bring Elric back home to his father in his current state. How would I even explain that? ‘Sorry, my lord. I accidentally allowed your son to be possessed by a thousand year old malevolent spirit. Forgive me?’”

“I kind of like him more this way.” May admits with a shrug of her shoulders. “Don’t you think he’s much more…mature? Dependable?”

>“You’re just saying that because he’s another body you can hide behind.” You growl.

“Hey, that’s not true! Think about all the fights we’ve gotten into where Elric had to stay behind or hide. At least now he can handle himself. And it’s not like he isn’t still on our side! He’s just getting to be about that age where boys start going through changes.”

“I don’t think this is puberty, May.” Nadia says.

“P-puberty?” May asks, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“In any case, perhaps we can just take the sword and examine it for ourselves.” Nadia suggests. “If I were allowed a few moments with the blade, I might be able to determine if there’s something in it for myself.”

“I’m afraid I’m having some difficulty imagining Elric giving up the sword willingly.” Adeline says. “Should you try to get near it…I fear things may come to blows.”

>You snort, hardly able to stifle your laugh. “Come to blows? With Elric? Come now. Are we maybe just over-exaggerating a bit here? Since when do we have any cause to fear ELRIC?”

>>6216699
An uncomfortable silence fills the room, where the only audible sound is the nervous drumming of May’s fingers on the large table’s surface.

“We should…really be careful about what we decide to do here.” Alvin says after some time. “Call it a hunch, but Ithaca wasn’t a daycare after all. As we all saw for ourselves, it was full of numerous horrors.”

“Where is he anyway?” Cassius asks.

“Where the hell do you think?” Cuthbert seethes. “He’s outside swinging that damn sword! It’s all he even does anymore!”

>A): Confront Elric with the intention of taking Mystletainn.
>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling.
>C): Leave the matter alone. As May said, perhaps it’s not all bad.
>C): Write-in

>>6216700
>A): Confront Elric with the intention of taking Mystletainn.

>>6216700
>>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling.
let him cook

>>6216700
>>A): Confront Elric with the intention of taking Mystletainn.
"Elric, sword's cursed. Hand it over."

>>6216700
>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling.
Not like the effects themselves have been negative, it's just the rate of change that is alarming. Let's give him a chance to hash out this situation with us man to man and see if can be reasoned with.

Furthermore, I hate Captcha.

>>6216700
>>A): Confront Elric with the intention of taking Mystletainn.

>>6216700
>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling.

>>6216700
>C): Write-in
Training Surprise. Knock him out when hes not looking. Surprise.

>>6216700
>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling.

>>6216700
>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling.

>>6216700
>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling.
Let's just talk it out don't be weird about it

Welcome back, Tree! Glad to be on time this time.

>>6216700
>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling.

>Stats unknown
>Enthusiasm changed to Unreadable
>He has the most levels out of anyone in the party

Hoo boy. Let's go and talk to him and see if he's still in there. If not, we should probably take the sword from him, by force, if needed.

>>6216700
>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling.
He's what like 4 levels above us and with a whole host of ??? for stats. Maybe if we had that axe that was good against swords we might have had a chance to beating him up but we don't.

>>6216700
>C): Leave the matter alone. As May said, perhaps it’s not all bad.
He's fine, don't worry about it.

>>6216700
>>A): Confront Elric with the intention of taking Mystletainn.
Alright man, I need to talk to *the entity*.
Also, we owe Cuthbert to at least try

>>6216700
>B): Meet with Elric and hear him out on how he is feeling

>>6216700
>“I’ll talk to Elric and try to come to some sort of understanding. Cuthbert, as the boy’s guardian you should come along as well. The rest of you would just make things too strange. You’ll all stay behind and get things ready. I’d like for us to leave for Shangri-La sooner than later.”

There was only one stop left to make before arriving in Morfis and claiming the Princess for yourself. If your brief stays in Ithaca and Hima were anything to go by, you were sure there’d be some bullshit in Shangri-La you’d have to deal with. All the more reason you had to settle this Elric situation now before things grew more complicated. Cuthbert leads you out of Hima, towards a secluded area deep within the mountains that surround the town. It is there you find Elric. The boy is doing what he typically does these days. He practices swinging his sword with full attention, not even noticing your arrival. He’s removed his shirt, and you note with some surprise that he has started to develop defined musculature. Three weeks ago he could hardly lift his rapier, and yet the person hacking and slashing before you now appeared as though he’d been practicing his entire life.

Cuthbert clears his throat in an attempt to bring notice to the two of you. Elric’s head snaps towards you instantly, eyes wide with surprise. Mystletainn is gripped tightly in his hand.

“Lord Elric. Tristain and I thought we might check in on you. I’ve brought some water and snacks. How goes your training?”

“Ahh, of course. Thank you!” Elric says with a polite smile and a bow. He walks over to the two of you and accepts Cuthbert’s offerings. You note that he receives them using only one hand, as his other is still clenching Mystletainn. “It’s good to see you both. Training is going well! I decided to wake up a little earlier this morning to get a few more swings in before we leave for our next destination.”

“So…you’ve been out here for several hours then?” Cuthbert asks.

“Huh, I suppose so. The time just flies when you’re deep in concentration.” Elric answers with a shrug. He gulps the flask of water ravenously, and in a few seconds the container has been completely drained.

>“How are you doing these days, Elric?” You ask.

“Ahh, I’m doing great! Never better actually. Lately I’ve just felt so good. Like I could do anything. I think it must be all the sunshine in this desert. It’s really not so bad once you get used to it. Did you know proper exposure to sunlight is pivotal for human growth?”

>“Yep, that’s it. It’s got to be all the sunlight.” You say, never taking your eyes off Mystletainn. Was it your imagination or did it just blink at you? You always hated that stupid red glowing eye. What a tacky design.

“Adeline says you performed exceptionally in the last battle.” Cuthbert says. “I had no idea you’d grown so strong. Tell me, what’s your secret?”

>>6217047
“Oh I didn’t do that well.” Elric says blushing. “Just hard work and practice, I guess.”

>“Still…I’ve got to say I’m a bit surprised. I always thought you were something of a pacifist. I mean, when we first met here, you talked about winning the competition through intellect. Scholarly pursuits and uhh…poetry. Now you’re out here swinging around a sword and chopping down men twice your size. I’ve got to say it’s all a bit…different?” You offer, hoping Elric would take the bait.

“Hmm…did I say that?” Elric questions, a puzzled looking drawn on his face. “If I did…I don’t remember. But…I think my feelings have changed a bit.” Elric settles on his answer, the doubt clearing in an instant. “I realize now that Morfis isn’t the scholarly land I’d thought it was. It is a brutal, savage desert wasteland. Despite what they might say, the people here only respect strength. Trite philosophy will only take one so far here. If one wishes to rise above the human refuse that populates this country, they must be prepared to exert their might, and cut down any who stand in their path.”

>“Geeze kid, that’s depressing.” You grimace. “If Lila heard you talking like this she’d think you were a total weirdo.”

“Lila?” Elric’s face once again grimaces in confusion.

>“Yeah, idiot. Lila. My cousin. The one you had a crush on.”

“Oh, of course. Sorry, I guess I’m a bit tired after all that practice. I certainly can’t wait to see her again.” The boy laughs. “So, when are we leaving for Shangri-La. We’ll want to go soon, no?”

You examine Elric. This close, you could tell plain as day he was hiding a great strength. You could feel the weight of his swings earlier even from afar. It was the same sort of strength that allowed him to butcher those cultists a few days ago. Only, if Elric really was growing more powerful with each passing day he held that sword, it might be safe to assume he’d already surpassed the level he’d shown in the battle against the Cult. You consider your options carefully. The way he clutched onto that sword reminded you of a mother holding her newborn. He’d never part with it willingly, and to do so would risk a battle. One where if you were forced to fight all out, you could not guarantee his safety.

You could perhaps offer the boy another “friendly” spar, where your main goal would be to knock the blade out of his hand. Cuthbert could then try to either restrain him or grab the sword. But that idea had its own potential drawbacks. If the sword really was cursed, what would happen if you or Cuthbert grabbed it?

Maybe the best course of action was to continue to keep a close eye on the boy? Once you reached Morfis, Alvin could figure out what the deal was with Mystletainn. Bronte might be able to help too.

>A): Demand Elric hand you the sword.
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.
>C): Do nothing and continue to keep an eye on him.

>>6217049
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.
"We've got healers on standby; we can afford to go a bit harder than we usually would."
Try and make him feel comfortable with our level of aggression in the fight; because we're going to be pretty aggressive getting the sword away from him.

>>6217049
>>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.
Yeah, Elric is on sabbatical

>>6217049
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.

>>6217049
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.
I don't know if he's possessed or something or if the sword is just making his mind hazy.

>>6217049
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.

I mean there are times when you might have to give up your sword, like meeting a Monarch as a foreigner. Is he gonna bring it to a dinner party. Or some such. Good to be practiced in good ol brawling. But perhaps thats too reasonable and hes too possessed by this here sword.

>>6217049
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.

>>6217049
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.
If we wait until Morfis there might not be an Elric to save under all that brainwashing

Fun Fact: Today is the one year anniversary of Blair Quest's conclusion.

>>6217049
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.
The sword need to learn it's place as weapon not parasite

>>6217167
Happy anniversary, y'all! Time truly does fly, eh?

>>6217049
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar.
Yeah, either the sword has taken control, or it's eating his memories and making him more warlike. We're probably going to beat our asses handed to us, but if we can cut him off from the influence now, then all the better.

>>6217049
>>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar

>>6217167
I need a direct sequel where Blair becomes Empress... somehow

>>6217049
>B): Offer Elric a “friendly” spar

Rolled 85 (1d100)

Rolling to disarm Elric: STR + LCK x2 (98) - Elric's STR (25) = 73% Success Rate.

1-73 means success.

>>6217451
We just can't win can we?

>>6217451
Starting early, I see.

>>6217451
What even is the fucking point in rolling at this point, just give us the bad outcome from the start.

>>6217451
Is it rolling the fight or just disarming

>>6217451

>>6217458
Just disarming.

>>6217451
An eternal classic.

Elric being at 25 STR is surprising though-- that's more than May, Alvin, and Cuthbert, and only slightly lower than Adeline. Still not as much as Tristain, of course, but we haven't even seen the boy's passive yet.

>>6217167
Oh how time flies
>>6217451
>Are you alright my lord Tristain?

>>6217455
The way I see it this will be more flavorful. Instead of disarming Elric we DIS ARM him and the blood sprays into Tristain's face.

>>6217451
It's alright boys, get all that bad luck out of the way.

>>6217049
>“Hey Elric, how about a friendly little spar? Like the one we had back at Ithaca. I’d like to see just how much stronger you’ve gotten since then.”

“Tristain, are you sure that’s a good idea?” Cuthbert asks, eyeing you warily.

>“Of course it is. You can even act as the judge. We’ll begin on your count. That sound good to you, Elric?”

Elric nods approvingly. “Of course! I can’t pass up an opportunity to duel with you, Lord Tristain. I’ll give it my all!”

You were going to knock that sword out of Elric’s hands and see if anything came about it. If you used your Crest here, there was a fair chance that you might end up maiming the boy. Neither Alvin nor Nadia were here to help in the event of an injury, so you had to play it carefully. You planned to pull the full weight of your strength into knocking Mysteltainn out of Elric’s hands. If you did that, you could gauge his reaction and then assess the best course of action from there. You still didn’t want to touch that creepy thing though. Maybe you’d make Cuthbert do it instead.

You and Elric backup several paces away from each other. Unsheathing your Silver Axe, you get into position as you watch Elric square his feet. The last time you both did this, you’d knocked him on his ass with a single slap of your palm. Somehow, you got the impression that this time would not go as easily. Cuthbert looks nervous, but is smart enough to have caught on to your plan with a mere glance. Stepping in the middle of the space between you and Elric, he clears his throat, before backing up with a shout.

“Begin!”

You rush towards Elric like a charging bull, keeping your axe low to the ground. He was not expecting you to rush in like this, and he attempts to maneuver out of the way. You read his movements easily though. You get in the boy’s face, and then swing your axe up with all your considerable might. If you’d been aiming for his torso, you had no doubt that you’d have cleaved him in half. Instead, your target is Mystletainn. A loud clang echoes through the mountains as Elric meets your attack head on. You watch as the boy grits his teeth fiercely, arms bent back as he absorbs the weight of your blow. He holds onto his blade for dear life, before being sent flying into the side of a nearby boulder. The stone shatters with a resounding explosion as Elric shatters through the rock.

> “Oh shit!” You panic. That wasn’t supposed to happen. Why didn’t he let go of the sword?! Had you been mistaken? Was he dead?!

“Elric!” Cuthbert shouts, sprinting towards the pile of dust and debris Elric had exploded into. You rush to join him, when you instinctively stop in your tracks. You put up your guard as something lunges at you out of the cloud at blinding speed.

Mystletainn grinds against your Silver Axe with tremendous strength. Elric is attacking you, and the look in his eyes is one full of murderous intent.

>>6217679
Your axe and Mystletainn clash in a fevered frenzy of swings. This was a shock indeed! You were sure you’d broken every bone in the boy’s body with that first swing of yours. He certainly looked like shit. His armor was shattered and his body was severely bruised and cut. And yet he was fighting on as though he’d suffered no injury at all. He slashes at you from every direction, and before long you find yourself on the backfoot. You parry his blows to the side, each of which has considerable weight behind it. Far more than you’d ever have expected to come from that tiny body. As you counterattack, still trying to knock the blade out of his hands, Elric dances out of the way. Your swings glide through the air, unable to make any further contact with the blade except for when defending yourself.

Where the hell did he pick this up? You wonder as you block an overhand chop that would have split your skull open had you not blocked it. This was not a fighting style he would have ever learned in Fodlan. It was reminiscent of Nestor’s, the swordmaster you’d fought back in Solis. It was how many of these Morfisians fought. Swift strikes and even swifter footwork. The combat style befitting of a lightly armored warrior. It could hardly be compared to what you’d seen of Elric before with his stupid rapier.

You swing your axe towards Elric, who once again dances out of the way. This time though, you stop your strike halfway through, leaning forward and shoulder charging the boy. He is caught off-guard and sent staggering back, giving you the opportunity to attack Mystletainn. Just as you are sure your second strike is about to land, Elric leaps out of the way.

Directly onto the blade of your axe.

Before he can stab your face, you quickly toss the pipsqueak several feet away onto the ground.

“I think that’s enough!” Cuthbert shouts in a frenzy, getting in between you and the child.

Both you and Elric were breathing heavily. Just what the hell was all that about? You weren’t sure what shocked you more; that Elric was clearly possessed by some sort of anomaly, or that you had actually just enjoyed yourself.

“Lord Tristain!” Elric says with some difficulty. “That was…a fun fight! Thank you…for training with me!” He suddenly grimaces. “I think…one of my ribs…is broken!”

In response, you flick the boy in the head.

“Oww!”

>“Don’t stop fighting just cause someone said so. You let your guard down. I win.”

>20xp gained! (20/100)

“Elric, let’s get you to the others.” Cuthbert says. “Someone should be able to heal that…rib.”

Elric makes to leave alongside Cuthbert, Mystletainn still clutched in his hand. As you stand there, watching them go and catching your breath, you once again swear you see the sword blink at you.

>>6217680
>Choose a Skill to Learn:

>Combat Art: Hit and Run: (Perform an attack that allows you to dodge the next harmful attack: Costs 2 Crest of Indech Charges)
>Combat Art: Armored Strike: (Perform an attack that increases your DEF by 10. Lasts one turn. Costs 1 Crest of Indech Charge)

An incredible falure!
The final boss is gonna be Cuthbert who had enough of our shit

>>6217683
>>Combat Art: Hit and Run: (Perform an attack that allows you to dodge the next harmful attack: Costs 2 Crest of Indech Charges)

Damn. If the sword is adapting to our tactics, then disarming it from Elric is going to be harder in the future, huh? At least we got a cool combat art from it.

Might've lost connection. I'm this anon. >>6217470

>>6217683
>Combat Art: Hit and Run: (Perform an attack that allows you to dodge the next harmful attack: Costs 2 Crest of Indech Charges)
Armored Strike is pretty good against physical fighters, and is cheaper to use... but the flexibility of Hit and Run is just too good to pass up, especially against enemies roughly on par with our speed. We could use it on retaliation and be safe from that enemy on the next turn, and then follow up with a standard Crest Activation, or use it to dodge harder-hitting magic attacks.

...Actually, I should ask... does Armored Strike stack? If we manage to attack multiple times in a round (multiple enemies, doubling a slow enemy, etc), can we get +20 or even +30 DEF for the rest of the turn if we were willing to burn the charges? Although I don't think that'd be very efficient, regardless.

>>6217683
>Combat Art: Hit and Run: (Perform an attack that allows you to dodge the next harmful attack: Costs 2 Crest of Indech Charges)
Hit and Run would probably be more useful overall despite the higher cost since Tristian's RES is pretty low while his DEF is decent.
Armored Strike could be useful for tanking a group of physical enemies.
In a 1v1, Armored Strike would only be good against someone with a ranged physical weapon since otherwise we could just use Throw to avoid a counterattack entirely.

>>6217683
>>Combat Art: Hit and Run: (Perform an attack that allows you to dodge the next harmful attack: Costs 2 Crest of Indech Charges)

>>6217683
>Combat Art: Hit and Run: (Perform an attack that allows you to dodge the next harmful attack: Costs 2 Crest of Indech Charges)
The one positive is that going the friendly spar route instead of demanding blade means that Elric doesn't seem to be suspicious of us...yet

>>6217780
>...Actually, I should ask... does Armored Strike stack?
Nope. It would just be a flat +10.

>>6217683
>Combat Art: Hit and Run: (Perform an attack that allows you to dodge the next harmful attack: Costs 2 Crest of Indech Charges)

>>6217683
When you return to Hima, you find that your party has finished all the preparations and resupply necessary to make their departure. You are met with much fanfare as you walk through the narrow town streets towards the exit. A stark difference from how you were first treated upon your arrival here. Governor Tobias awaits you alongside a party of his trusted aides. Though it was only brief, the governor had served as an impromptu instructor for you these last few days, teaching you much about how to both ride and fight upon Fionn. As you approach, he offers you a firm handshake.

“May you prove victorious in the trials to come, Tristain.” Tobias says. “Should I be granted the opportunity, I have half a mind to fly out to Morfis and witness this competition for myself.”

>“Hah, feel free to. You can have a front row seat to my coronation as King!”

You and your party depart from Hima, venturing down the mountain path that will take you back out into the desert and towards Shangri-La. While your companions are forced to navigate the steep trail down, you opt to fly over it upon Fionn. If a part of you felt guilty about the luxury afforded to you, you did not show it. Your relationship with the wyvern was still fresh, and you were not sure how the fussy lizard would react to you sharing your saddle. Fionn still hardly let any others near him. Ever since you’d bonded with the white wyvern, you were the only one he didn’t seem keen on maiming. You scratch the back of his neck, and are pleased by the groan that Fionn emits. What a good boy.

Once your companions finally make it off the treacherous mountain path and onto flat ground, you opt to land Fionn on the ground and walk alongside them. Flying was all well and good, but as the only one in your group that could do so, it became boring rather quickly when you didn’t have anyone you could chat with.

>“So, what is this Shangri-La anyway?” You ask Alvin.

“A lustful place.” Alvin says. “Full of every sin and vice that one could possibly imagine.”

“I think it’s kind of fun…” Cassius admits.

>“Vice, huh? What are we talking about here?”

“You name it.” Alvin says. “Women, liquor, gambling, fighting. Shangri-La has it all. Life in the desert, as you can imagine, can be quite boring. Shangri-La serves as the famous “jewel” of the sands. Those without the means to make it to Morfis may visit the ‘Palace of Debauchery’ instead. Many are the tales of those who have lost their entire fortune within the halls of that cursed place.”

“…Why are we going there again?” May asks.

“It’s the last supply point before reaching Morfis.” Alvin says. “All those leaving to and from Morfis will eventually find their way there. I suppose that’s what the consortium of merchants who founded the palace had in mind. Thanks to Shangri-La, they’ve been able to amass quite the fortune.”

>>6218122
“If we’re simply stopping for supplies, then there is nothing to fear.” Adeline says. “We don’t need to do any of the immoral things you mentioned.”

“Yeah…I guess not.” Cassius says sullenly.

“That’s right…” Cuthbert mutters, disappointed.

“No need…” Nadia whispers softly.

>“What was that about fighting?” You ask Alvin.

“Shangri-La is home to a famous underground coliseum.” Alvin says. “Many from all over Morfis come to do battle within. As you can imagine, there are also many who wager gold on said battles. The gold that pours out from the coliseum alone is staggering. That’s not to mention that Ogre, the Coliseum Conqueror, also serves as a pretty big attraction for visitors.”

>“Who’s that?”

“He’s a monster.” Alvin says. “Literally, if you can believe that. A terror that underwent experimentation to make it more docile. While the mages behind it succeeded, ‘docile’ has a pretty different meaning by Terror standards. Ogre still lusts for destruction, but he’s been contained to the underground arena of the coliseum. Every so often, some foolhardy challenger who gets too big for his britches comes to challenge Ogre. And for 10 years now, he’s smeared the walls red with them.”

“You want to fight it, don’t you?” May asks you, before turning towards Alvin. “Why would you even tell him that?!”

>“Hmm…while I don’t find fighting Demonic Beasts particularly enjoyable, I do like it when I do something that tells people I’m a big deal. Maybe we can stop inside Shangri-La. Just a peak. It won’t hurt, right?”

Though no one says anything, you can feel that the collective morale of the group has improved marginally.

After several more hours of traversing the desert, the group stops to take a break. As usual, you decide to use the opportunity to bug one of your companions.

>Choose a companion to speak with

>>6218123
>May
LOVE MAY

>Everyone wants to go to Shangri-La
>Even Nadia
Kek. Now I'm curious.

>>6218123
>Elric
Toss-up between him and Cuthbert, honestly. I wonder if we can get high up enough in rank to get through to him, or if this means establishing a relationship with the sword, rather than the kid.

>>6218123
>Cassius
We've ignored him for too long. Also, sorry I'm late.

>>6218123
>Adeline
I'd like to get her A rank to try and convince her to drop the competition. We are almost there so not many chances left.

>>6218123
Is this just increasing their support or can we actually do something? Because if it's the latter then:
>Elric
I really want this situation sorted before it can start trouble. Like anon said, perhaps with enough rapport he won't hiss like Gollum with the Ring at the thought of someone else holding his sword.

>>6218126
>or if this means establishing a relationship with the sword, rather than the kid.
It seems like not quite one or the other. I don't think his identity has been overwritten yet but he's increasingly forgetting who he once was. I referenced LotR and it really seems an apt comparison on how the item so thoroughly changes the user's personality.

>>6218143
>Is this just increasing their support or can we actually do something?
Increasing their support, which may lead to something immediately or in the long run. I should also mention that A rank is the highest support you can get for your male allies, and second highest for female allies. If you support one of your female allies afterwards, you'll S rank her, locking her in as your romance partner.

There may be some eligible partners you've yet to meet...

>>6218158
>Increasing their support, which may lead to something immediately
So can we solve the sword situation or not?

>If you support one of your female allies afterwards you'll S rank her, locking her in as your romance partner. There may be some eligible partners you've yet to meet...
I'd like to meet Yulia before making any decision on this one.

>>6218178
>So can we solve the sword situation or not?
Right now there's probably very little you can do. You know that SOMETHING is amiss with Elric, but the nature of it is completely unknown to you. And you can't resolve something you don't know. You could try talking to him and maybe gleaming some information, as well as further assessing his mental state, but you're unlikely to solve the problem at hand. As Alvin mentioned earlier, you probably need a second opinion on this. One you likely wouldn't get until Morfis.

That's assuming there is a problem in the first place. Other than his freakish strength and sudden outlook change, he at least looks to be the same old Elric!

>>6218123
>>Choose a companion to speak with
Elric.

>>6218187
I meant using this bonding time to, say, ask him to hand us his sword so we can look at it then tell him we'd like to "appraise it" with a please and a thank you. Nadia said she could look into it if she had the sword for but a few moments so that's what Im trying to get at, plus see if Elric regains some lucidity from abstaining it's use.

>That's assuming there is a problem in the first place.
The fact that he is forgetting things and having drastic sudden onset change in behaviour suggest that it is. Cuthbert is right to be worried.

>>6218123
>Choose a companion to speak with
>Elric
Because Tristain is very definitely not a sore loser and this is totally just big bro adjacent concern for turning Elric's ribcage into putty

At least we got a pity combat art out of the whole affair kek

>>6218123
>Elric
Even if we can't help with the sword situation he is the only one with C support, and hey, maybe a better relationship with him will better help us in the future.

Wait just noticed we don't even have a Support with Cassius, should fix that up soon, but doubt he'd gain enough support this late into the vote, maybe next time.

>>6218123
Would have gone for May but think Elric is a lock
>“You want to fight it, don’t you?” May asks you, before turning towards Alvin. “Why would you even tell him that?!”
Lol

>>6218123
>Adeline

>>6218123
>Elric
Looking forward to the sword stumbling through more conversations

And as far as S ranks go my pick hasn't even showed up yet

>>6218123
You spy Elric sitting atop a rock, alone and off to the side. Mysteltainn was sheathed on his back, which was a rare state to find it these days. Following your bout, Nadia had restored his ribs to working condition once more. But the healing would take some time to settle, and there would be no more practice swings this day. You grumble to yourself, annoyed as you watch the boy do nothing but sit there. You and Elric clearly had two different ideas of what a spar really meant. Every swing of his blade gave you the impression he was trying to kill you. You, meanwhile, were consciously holding yourself back, afraid you might injure the boy more than you already had. But in that state of mind, you found he was actually able to push you quite far.

Your curiosity was burning a hole in your mind. You just had to find out what the deal with him and that sword was. As such, you saunter over to where Elric is sitting to engage him in conversation, and hopefully gleam a little bit more information. Nadia had mentioned she might be able to deduce something if given a moment with the sword. If you couldn’t knock it out of his hands, maybe you could get it out another way.

>“Hey kid. How are those ribs holding up?”.

“Tristain.” Elric nods, greeting you. “I’m feeling fine. Nadia is a great healer. I already feel almost as good as new! That was quite the fierce blow you performed earlier. I hadn’t been expecting you to come charging in like that.”

>“Always surprise your enemy. That’s a tip that’ll take you far as a warrior. And I’ve got to say, you keep surprising me, kid. Where did you learn to fight like that? You damn sure didn’t pick it up from anyone here.”

“Oh, I just think the way these Morfisians fight is quite fascinating!” Elric says cheerfully. “By now I’ve seen much of their particular sword style, and decided to emulate it for myself. Of course I’m just an amateur, but I hope to continue improving the more fighting that I see!”

That was a load of bull. There’s no way he could have picked all that up just from watching the few fights you’d gotten into with the likes of Nestor and the Riahi.

>“What do you think of that sword 99 gave you? I noticed you seem to be quite fond of it.”

“Oh, Mystletainn? I love it!” Elric declares. “It feels so lightweight in my hands, and yet its cutting strength is deceptively powerful. I had no idea I would come to possess such an incredible treasure. I owe my sincerest thanks to Lady 99, and I hope to see her again one day so that I may express it properly.”

>“I wish she’d had a proper gift for me considering I’m the one who saved her from being kidnapped.” You grumble. “But you know…that IS a pretty fine sword, Elric. I just realized that I’ve never actually seen it up close myself. Would you mind if I held it? For just a moment?”

>>6218554
“Huh?” Elric asks, a puzzled look plastered on his face. “You want to hold it? Why? I thought you said it was creepy.”

>“What? Did I say that?”

“You did. Multiple times actually. You aren’t going to do anything mean like throw it away are you?” Elric’s voice slowly trails off, and the confusion that he showed earlier has been replaced by one of suspicion.

Mean? What the hell was he talking about? Since when were you ever mean?

>“What? Of course not you simpleton. I just want to, uhh…see it for myself.”

Elric continues to eye you suspiciously.

>“Well, actually… I want to show it to Nadia. Because…she likes swords.”

“Nadia…likes swords?” He raises an eyebrow.

>“Yeah. She has a whole collection of them if you could believe it. She appraises them and everything. It’s like a secret hobby of hers. Though one she’s too embarrassed to admit to. She’s been wanting to check out Mystletainn ever since she first laid eyes on it, but has been a bit too shy to ask you. So I thought I could show it to her myself.”

“...Well, I can show it to Nadia?”

>“No! You can’t…because I want to do it. To, you know, impress her.” You weren’t sure what was required from Nadia to examine Mystletainn thoroughly, but you knew that there was a good chance it may tip Elric off to the group’s suspicions, which could lead to potential unwanted consequences.

“If I show Mystletainn to Nadia…will she be impressed?” You note a blush creeping up on Elric’s cheeks.

>“Don’t even think about it, kid. You’re too young for a woman like that. It has to be me.”

“Ugh…well, fine.” Elric relents with a sigh. “I suppose if this would be doing you a favor, then I have no choice. Just please promise me you won’t do anything silly, okay?” Elric unstraps Mystletainn from his back. He hands you the sword, still in its sheath, hilt first.

As you reach to grab the sword, a sudden realization strikes you like a bag of Killer Axes. What the hell were you doing? The prevailing theory amongst your group was that whatever was happening to Elric was a result of grabbing hold of Mystletainn. If that was in fact the case, here you were, about to grasp this potentially cursed object with your bare hands. What if the same thing that happened to him happens to you?

A sort of primal fear grips your stomach. It is reminiscent of the time you were a child and faced off against that mother bear. Elric was willing to offer you Mysteltainn right here and now. Was that because he had nothing to fear? Was this a trap? Or were you simply allowing your thoughts to get the better of you. You blink as your hand stays outreached, but does not yet grasp the sword’s hilt.

“Hey, are you going to take it?”

>A): Grab Mystletainn
>B): On second thought, never mind.
>C): Write-in

>>6218557
>>A): Grab Mystletainn

>>6218557
>A): Grab Mystletainn
It's not mindcontrol, it's a slow process of transformation and I think bein aware of it's effect beforehand will slow it down if not stop it outright.

Also why is Tristain so shit at being sleek?

Hmm... on one hand, we could just be psyching ourselves out. On the other, if Tristain has a bad gut feeling about something, there may be merit to listening to that feeling.

My theory is, if it's not a slow process of transformation... it might be based on one's 'purity'? There's a possibility that it's only slowly eroding the boy's mind *because* Elric is a pacifist with no love for fighting, and that if someone with a lust for battle holds it, takes control quicker, but...

>>6218557
>A): Grab Mystletainn
Even if that's the case, we shouldn't let Elric bear the curse by himself. Tristain has a much stronger will than Elric, so let's see if that'll be enough to maintain reason-- even if it's just long enough for Nadia to analyze it. We'll just have to chance it.

>inb4 Fallen Tristain

>>6218557
>A): Grab Mystletainn
Grab it by the sheath, not the handle. Play off spacing out.

>Mean? What the hell was he talking about? Since when were you ever mean?
kek

>>6218557
>A): Grab Mystletainn
He did hand over the sword when we first arrived at Hima, and presumably nothing happened to the guard that was holding onto it, so it'll probably be fine. Unless avoiding Mystletainn's influence is decided by a roll. Then we'd have a huge reason to be worried.

>>6218557
>>A): Grab Mystletainn

>>6218557
>A): Grab Mystletainn
If we hold it for only a moment then we should be fine... Hopefully, but this will be a confirmation that the weapon is fucked up.

>>6218557
>A): Grab Mystletainn
Not rushing in physically is for people who aren't Tristain

>>6218557
>A): Grab Mystletainn
If there's one thing Tristain d’Rusalka is not, it's a spineless coward.

>>6218557
>B): On second thought, never mind.
Contrarian vote.

>>6218557
>A): Grab Mystletainn
We must save the boy.

>>6218557
>A): Grab Mystletainn

Rolled 78 (1d100)

HP+LCK Roll. Looking for 1-76.

>>6218973
LOL I FUCKING KNEW IT