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.

In the three months you have spent in this foreign nation, you have overcome encounters with trained assassins, malicious cultists, former rivals from Fodlan, and even the ancient spirits that once ruled this land. Now, your path has finally led you to the Sorcerer Capital, where the world’s strongest warriors have gathered to compete. Your cousin, Bronte Weaver, whom you have not seen in over three years, awaits you.

>Tristain d’Rusalka
>Level 35/50 Wyvern Lord (EXP: 50/100)
HP: 69/69 (130%)
Strength: 37 (75%)
Magic: 25 (50%)
Speed: 25 (40%)
Defense: 27 (70%)
Resistance: 19 (50%)
Luck: 21 (65%)
>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), Bolt Axe (+14 ATK, Ranged, Targets RES) 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 damage 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)
Combat Art: Hit and Run: (Perform an attack that allows you to dodge the next harmful attack. Increases SPD by +7 for 1 turn. Costs 2 Crest of Indech Charges)

>Items: Concoction x5 (+20 HP), Light Rune x2

>Gold: 24,800

>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

>>6261156 (OP)
When you came to Shangri-La, it stood proudly in the desert as a testament to the power, wealth, and decadence that the Merchant’s Consortium of Morfis wielded. The infamous “Palace of Debauchery” was where riches were won and lost, all under the watchful gaze of Fortuna, the so-called Goddess of Fortune. In a matter of days, you’d managed to completely turn this legendary Morfis institution into a madhouse, releasing Fortuna, as well as spitting on the offer extended to you by a desperate Consortium. Upon Alvin’s suggestion, you quickly left Shangri-La behind you, and were now headed towards your final destination. The Sorcerer Capital of Morfis was now only a few short days away. Rather than training for the no-doubt rigorous battles that awaited you, you instead had your priorities focused somewhere else.

>“HERE I COME!” You shout, jumping off Fionn to plunge through the air. Your eardrums pop as you fall faster and faster, until you crash into a cool body of water that explodes with a tremendous splash. You sink to the bottom, holding your breath, before kicking your legs and emerging on the surface with a loud gasp.

“Marvelously done, Lord Tristain.” Nadia commends you. Like many of your other companions, she’d stripepd down to her smallclothes, and had joined you in enjoying the cool oasis water.

“Imagine having come all this way, having fought all the battles you’d fought, against foes that include ancient spirits, just to break your neck at the bottom of a pond.” Chelsey sighs, annoyed that your cannonball had splashed her in the face. “Honestly, with your sense of self-preservation, Fortuna must have given you her favor long ago.”

You and your party had left Shangri-La two days ago. Along your travels, you’d come across the oasis that you were currently enjoying. Having seen no signs of any foul-mouthed maidens that were in the habit of collecting axes, you saw fit to pause here for a time and take a break. Every good warrior needed a good rest, and you’d had no shortage of fights that’d seen you bloody and battered. There was only so much healing magic could do. Every now and then, goofing off like this was imperative for one’s mental and physical health.

>“The water’s deep enough, I knew what I was doing. You should learn to stop worrying so much. It’s going to cause you to wrinkle. No one wants to see an old hag dance.”

“You’re such an ass!” Chelsey fumes, splashing you back with water. “I’ll have you know I dance for Lady Bronte and the good of our nation! And I am in no danger of wrinkling any time soon!”

“I’m glad we decided to stop, this is quite nice.” Cassius says. The summoner was in the midst of a backstroke. “Adeline! You should come in!”

>>6261157
The Armor Knight was sitting at the edge of the water, though she was refusing to join in on the fun. She’d merely splashed a bit of water on her face and called it a day. The way she was sitting there in her armor while everyone was enjoying themselves made you a tad uncomfortable.

“I-I’m okay! Honest!” Adeline shouts back. “You all enjoy yourselves!”

>“What’s her problem?”

May pokes her head up, emerging above the surface with a gasp. The thief latches onto your shoulder, whispering into your ear.

“I think the other girls are making her nervous.” May hushes.

>“Nervous? What for?”

“Look at them!” May says, pointing towards Nadia and Chelsey.

The two of them had no qualms with showing off their considerable assets here in the oasis. They floated without a care in the world, chatting and enjoying the shade provided to them by Fionn above. You suppose that sort of thing came naturally to women who held both confidence as well as a certain level of beauty. While Adeline herself was certainly no slouch when it came to looks, her confidence could certainly be nonexistent at times when it came to anything other than battle.

“What sort of girl wouldn’t be intimidated to get in the water when those two are around?” May asks.

>“Well, you’re in here.”

“Just what are you implying?” May squints her eyes. “I’m really cute too! Just in a different way, you know?”

>“No, I don’t. Women can be so fussy at times. And I’m about to be reunited with the fussiest of them all. I’m sure Bronte simply cannot wait to chew me out the moment she sees me. She’s always loved nothing more than to nag.”

“I can’t wait to meet your cousin!” May exclaims. “I bet she’s got all sorts of stories of what you were like as a kid.”

>“I’m sure the way she tells them would paint me as quite the terror whom she’d have to bail out of all sorts of trouble. Be sure to take it all with a grain of salt.”

“TRISTAIN! WE HAVE A PROBLEM!” Cuthbert shouts from across the oasis. He, along with Alvin, had chosen not to take a dip in the water. Elric hadn’t either. In fact, you hadn’t seen any sign of the boy at all. The last time you’d seen him was when he’d gone into his tent last night, just as you’d set up camp here. He’d usually be up early in the morning, swinging that sword of his.

>“What’s got you in a huff?” You ask, swimming closer to the edge of the water. Few things hardly ever frazzled the veteran spearman, so seeing him in a frenzy like this had your nerves a bit on edge. As you draw closer, you realize he has what looks to be a note in his hand.

“Read this!” He shoves the paper forward. You grab the note, just as the rest of your companions in the pool begin to gather around. You read the note aloud.

>>6261159
>Dear Everyone,

>I’m sorry to leave without saying goodbye, but I saw no choice. I knew you’d try to stop me otherwise. All my life, I’ve been a joke and burden to those around me. I came to this land to compete for the hand of Princess Yulia. I foolishly thought I could outwit the competition and win. That wit and intellect was all one needed to make their way in this world. I realize now that I was wrong.

>I also realize that I’ve been getting stronger exponentially. I was even able to spar with Tristain! I may be foolish, but even I have my limits. I realize that this newfound strength does not come from any latent talent, but rather from Mystletainn. It is the sword I wield that has granted me this sudden skill. At night, I hear it speaking to me. Telling me that I can grow stronger, if I only continue to wield it in battle. I do not believe it is lying. It craves hellish battle. The type it saw in Tristain and Klement’s bout.

>As such, I have decided to rejoin the pursuit for Princess Yulia’s hand. This is a chance that I cannot simply let pass me by. I can see Morfis in the distance and should not require a guide to make it there. I know I am foregoing my promise to help you, Tristan, and I ask that you forgive me. Should we meet in battle, please do not feel as though you need to hold back. I respect you greatly, and I shall fight you with everything I have.

>Cuthbert, I’m sorry for leaving without notice. You were the finest bodyguard I could ask for, and I was not worthy of your protection. Should I win this contest, I would like for you to one day resume your duties as my royal guard.

>Thank you all for allowing me to travel with you. These last few months were the best of my life.

>I’ll see you in Morfis.

>Elric von Boramus

You crinkle the paper in your hand, tossing it aside to float in the water.

“Is he out of his mind?!” Cassius shouts. “Barely anyone knows anything about this contest! The battles may very well be to the death!”

“He took enough food and water for a few days.” Cuthbert pales. “He’s seriously gone ahead to Morfis. Tristain, you have to do something. I don’t care how good that sword has made him, he’s still just a kid! If he goes up against any of those monsters, he’ll die!”

>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.
>B): Sorry, but he’s a rival now. He told me not to hold back, so I won’t.
>C): Write-in

Welcome back.
>>6261160
>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.
Im more worried about the opposite. That Mystletainn will have win the competition for some nefarious end.

>take a sword and go to Morfis

>fist update is a beach episode
Based
>>6261160
Cool. Killing him will lose us Cuthbert, but I guess that's inevitable now.
>>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.
Break the sword, kill the imprisoned entity №3, doom the kid to the life of a manlet nerd, all in day's work.

>>6261160
>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.
Dammit we should have got that effective against sword axe when we had the chance.

>Already assigning Cuthbert as his royal guard
The poor man's retirement home will be an actual coffin at this rate kek

>>6261212
Don't think the Yulia matches are strictly to the death, we can probably get away with beating him to an inch of his life. Also we have Bronte in the capital, maybe she can hook us up with something to snap him out of it before we even cross blades.

>>6261279
>Is he out of his mind?!” Cassius shouts. “Barely anyone knows anything about this contest! The battles may very well be to the death!”
Whoops, reading comprehension = 0
Guess we just have to beg our wise and wonderful cousin for a miracle

>>6261160
>>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.
Geez teenage rebellious arc hit like truck

>>6261160
>>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.
Fionn will catch up in no time.

>>6261160
>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.

>>6261160
>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.
How many people can we take on Fionn?

>>6261160
>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.

>>6261160
>A): Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.
My God that little shit interrupting the oasis beach episode with May on our shoulder.

>>6261160
>“Don’t worry, I’ll bring the little shit back.” You say, lifting yourself out of the water and grabbing a nearby rag to dry yourself. Though Elric was really not worth the trouble he was causing, he was still an old family friend. You weren’t about to let him do something this stupid now that you were so close to your goal. You think back to the sparring session he’d referenced in his note. Was his head so big because he managed to put up a fight back then? You had been aiming to knock the sword out of his hand, or best case scenario shatter it with a single swing. But he’d held onto Mysteltainn with a strength that defied logic. Looks like the damn thing was cursed after all. You’d have words for 99 if you ran into her again.

“Just how do you plan on catching up with him?” Alvin asks. The Adjunct had appeared while you’d been reading Elric’s note, sporting a concerned look on his face. “If he left last night, he’s likely already put quite some distance between us.”

>“I’ll go ahead on Fionn, obviously.”

“Alone?” Alvin asks. “Is that wise?”

>“Wise?” You ask, one eyebrow raised in disbelief. Adeline had brought you your armor, and you were already in the process of changing. “It’s Elric we’re talking about. He may have let this weird sword get to his head, but I’m not too worried about it.”

“We’re in this situation precisely because of that weird sword.” Cuthbert seethes. “Do you recall how he slaughtered those cultists? And then his duel with you? He’s getting stronger. How do you know whatever magic is imbued within that blade hasn’t caused him to progress even further?”

>“Fionn is strong, but he isn’t a pack mule.” You retort. “Even the addition of someone as light as May or Chelsey atop him would slow his speed considerably. He’d only put further distance between us.”

“Going alone may indeed be too dangerous, Lord Tristain.” Nadia warns. “You left that sword alone with me for some time. While I was unable to decipher its true nature, I could tell that there was a considerable amount of magic within. We may lose time on catching up to Elric, but it may be better to be safe than sorry.”

>A): Go after Elric alone
>B): Bring an ally (Who?)
>C): Fighting him out here may be too risky. Perhaps we should try looking for him in Morfis.

>>6261684
>>A): Go after Elric alone

>>6261684
>>B): Bring an ally (Who?)
Nadia, both as a "Alright, you don't want me to go alone? Come with!" And also as healing so we can definitively keep Elric alive.

>>6261684
>>6261696
I still want the 1v1 but bringing her is good for the aftermath. +1

Even if Fionn is weighed down, we should stil catch up since flying is faster than walking. Plus he's walking on sand which is way more tiring than walking on solid ground.

>>6261684
>A): Go after Elric alone
Lil kid think he's so tough

>>6261684
>Bring an ally
>Cuthbert
If there's anyone who might be able to help Elric snap out of it it's this guy

>>6261684
>>A): Go after Elric alone
I love underestimating my enemies.
Surely with 2 charges of hit and run we'll be able to roll him

>>6261684
Could Tristain use his limited Wind Magic to speed up his pursuit lol

>>6261684
>B): Bring an ally (Who?)
>Cuthbert
I live for the drama

>>6261969
Afraid not!

There's presently more B than A, but it's split between Nadia and Cuthbert. next vote that picks between them wins.

>Thread started off with a beach episode.
Neat. Too bad Elric had to cut it short.

>>6261684
>B): Bring an ally (Who?)
>Cuthbert
We can probably take him on our own, but Cuthbert would be a nice stat stick to boost our STR, and bringing him along would probably be more entertaining in general.

>>6261684
>>6261741
I'll change to
>A): Go after Elric alone

>>6261684
>Nadia

>>6262221
Agh now Nadia can tie with Cuthbert again.

>>6261684
>>6261696
>>6262216
Either alone or with Nadia, just not with Cuthbert. I want my 1v1 dammit.

>>6261684
>B): Bring an ally (Who?)
Nadia, for healing and misc evil sword diety handling.

I'll call it for Nadia. Writing!

>>6261684
>“Fine, I’ll bring someone along. But I’m not having a guy riding behind me. Nadia, you come along. If I bash Elric’s head in too hard, at least you can put him back together.”

“As you wish, Lord Tristain.” Nadia nods her understanding, though you happen to notice that she is a bit shaky, glancing at Fionn nervously. She catches you staring at her, and laughs uncomfortably. “S-sorry. I don’t care much for heights…”

“Thank you, Tristain.” Cuthbert says. Though the veteran offers you his gratitude, you can tell that he still is ill at ease knowing that Elric is out there. “Do whatever you can.”

After strapping into your armor, you mount Fionn, offering Nadia a hand to join you on his back. The sorceress clutches onto you tight enough that you can feel her grasp through your breastplate. As soon as Fionn begins to move, Nadia lets out an involuntary whimper and tightens her arms around you. That same whimpering turns into a scream once Fionn takes to the skies and begins to fly in the direction of Morfis. You’d gone from enjoying a nice early morning dip to having a woman screaming in your ear, all to hunt down a runaway pipsqueak. Needless to say, you were not in a good mood.

The three of you fly over the dunes, looking for any trace of Elric below you. No matter which way you look though, you see nothing but sand. It was possible Elric had already made quite the considerable distance. While Fionn was covering good ground, he was simply not used to having two bodies flying atop him, and he was not travelling as fast as he could otherwise.

“DO YOU SEE HIM?!” Nadia screams in your ear. You’ve noticed that she herself has not bothered looking, instead keeping her eyes closed the entire time as she clings to your cloak.

Just as your patience begins wearing thin, you hear a familiar voice, sounding as if it were coming from someone right next to you.

“Greetings, son of the Goddess. How are you faring in this twisted land?”

>“Marek!”

“WHAT?” Nadia asks, refusing to open her eyes. “WHO IS THAT?”

>“You’re doing the creepy voice thing again? I don’t really have time for this. I’m in the middle of something. If you want to bother me with more inane bullshit, I’m going to have to ask you to do this another time.”

“Are you seeking your friend?” Marek’s voice echoes in your mind. “Don’t waste the effort. I’ve already helped spirit him on his way to Morfis with my magic. He should be arriving any moment now.”

>“What? Why would you do that?!”

“That boy is the plaything of an incredibly powerful and vengeful desert spirit. One that seeks the utter destruction of the Agarthans and their lineage. Having a fiend such as that running rampant through that accursed city can only be a good thing.”

>“A vengeful spirit? So that sword is cursed after all?”

>>6262299
“Cursed as a result of the meddling of the Sorcerer King.” Marek echoes. “Are you finally understanding why his progeny must burn?”

>“I don’t understand anything you ramble about, madman.”

“WHO ARE YOU TALKING TO?” Nadia screams.

“You are about to enter the accursed city of the deceiver.” Marek says. “Has the Goddess graced you with the wisdom yet to understand what must be done? The city of Morfis must burn. The way to Tartarus must be open. Abandon your greed and desires to rule over a nation of twisted and deceitful sorcerers and their sycophants. The very blood that courses through your veins was put there for the purpose of destroying the Agarthans. To intermingle with one of their own would be the highest blasphemy.”

>“Not this ‘Agarthan’ shit again. I told you, I have no idea what you’re talking about. What did you do with Elric?”

“I already told you, he’s gone. Now is not the time to worry about your friend, when the fate of your soul is currently at stake. I wish to hear something from your own lips. Surely you’ve thought about Tartarus. I know full well that your Adjunct carries the makings of a key. Do you intend to open the ancient mausoleum? Or will you shirk your duty?”

>“Why are you so sure Tartarus will spell the end of Morfis? From what I’ve heard, no one knows for sure what’s inside.”

In response, Marek only laughs.

“Ernest, or Leviathan, as you know him, prophesied that opening Tartarus would lead to the end of the threat posed by the Agarthans. His word is law. Anything he declares is rooted in truth. Now, answer the question, son of the Goddess.”

>A): Yes, I plan to open Tartarus.
>B): I’ll keep that place locked.
>C): Piss off.
>D): Write-in

>>6262300
>>A): Yes, I plan to open Tartarus.
we already decided. curiosity gets us loot and experience

>>6262300
>D) I don't know yet. Might just keep it locked up if it makes you shut up.
Or something like that.

>>6262302
Don't tell him that though.

>>6262300
>C): Piss off.
Go away weirdo

>>6262300
>C): Piss off.
Who does this bastard think he is, making demands of us?

>>6262300
>A): Yes, I plan to open Tartarus.

>>6262300
>C): Piss off.
Dude really thinks we'll answer him after he screwed up our chances of getting to Elric?

>>6262300
>>A): Yes, I plan to open Tartarus.

>>6262300
>D): IDK, depends, I'm busy now, ask later.

>>6262300
Damn, we missed Elric

Reminds me that a fortune teller told May 'Don't open the door'. She must have been good.

There's a tie between A and C. Next vote wins. Choose wisely!

>>6262713
C, obviously

>>6262304
>>6262717
By that I mean I switch to C.

>>6262713
Was going to vote D, (I don't know yet) but C is just as good

>>6262300
>“Piss off already. If you really helped Elric escape, then you’ve gone ahead and further made yourself my enemy. Are you nearby? Why don’t you let me know where you’re skulking, and I’ll come say hi in person.” You had absolutely no patience for this man and these fanciful Agarthans that he spoke of. Whether they really existed or not was none of your concern. What you did know was that this cultist was here in the present, and you wanted nothing more than to split him in two.

“A shame.” Marek echoes. “As someone blessed with the gifts of the Goddess, I’d hoped to give you one last chance to see the error of your ways. But I see now that the people of Fodlan have grown complacent in the millenia following their grand war. They have forgotten their covenant with their own Goddess. Your presence in these lands is to simply be another obstacle that Her faithful must overcome. It matters not. We no longer need you to be our champion. We have found another bearing her gifts that is willing to do what must be done.”

>“Another?” You scoff. “Did you really convince someone from Fodlan to go along with this crap? What sort of gullible fool is it?”

“Worry not. You won’t live long enough to meet them. Farewell, Tristain d’Rusalka. May the Goddess have mercy on your soul.”

Marek’s presence suddenly vanishes, and you can no longer feel the sorcerer within your mind. You look left and right, hoping to find a trace of the man so that you can go make due on your threat, but it is to no avail.

“LORD TRISTAIN, ARE YOU OKAY?” Nadia screams, her eyes remaining shut.

>“I’m fine. But I don’t think we’re going to find Elric. We’d better turn ba-”

A loud screech from above cuts you off mid-sentence, and you feel Fionn bristle beneath you. A shadow is cast over the three of you, and as you look up, you find the culprit. A giant winged vulture hovers in the sky over you. The creature sports massive wings, and you can see the gleam of its razor sharp talons from here. Its head and large beak are craned down, staring at you with venomous hate. There was no mistaking it, this thing was a Terror. So that was what Marek meant.

“WHAT WAS THAT NOISE?”

>“A Terror. It’s a good thing I brought you after all. You can knock that thing out of the sky easily with your effective magic, can’t you?”

At that moment, the vulture lets loose a torrent of fire from its mouth. Fionn ducks out of the way, avoiding the blaze, all the while Nadia screams, clutching onto you tighter.

“I-I CAN TRY? I’VE NEVER FOUGHT IN THE SKY BEFORE. M-MAYBE I CAN JUST HEAL YOU, INSTEAD?”

Could this day get any worse? Well, if there was any silver lining to this, you’d yet to have a real fight atop Fionn. Perhaps this was finally the opportunity you’d been waiting for.

>>6262812
>Vulture Terror
>Level 35
HP: 140/140
Strength: 30
Speed: 33
Defense: 30
Resistance: 15
Attack: Flame Breath (+8 ATK, Targets RES), Talon Strike (+10 ATK, Targets DEF)

>Order of Combat:
>Vulture Terror
>Nadia (Can only use supportive spells, will not attack)
>Tristain


>Attack the Vulture (How?)


Note: The vulture will only attack Tristain. Additionally, some Crest abilities have been changed/improved since the last thread.

>>6262813
If Maculi now doubles the total damage of a spell rather than just the added damage from the spell itself, and this Vulture count as flying (I don't see why it wouldn't), Wind and a Crest of Maculi will annihilate the fuck out of it.

((25 MAG + 3 from Wind) x 3 from effectiveness against flying) x 2 from Maculi - 15 Resistance
(28 x 3) x 2
84 x 2 -15
168 - 15 = 153
140 - 153 = -13

Total Vulture Death.
We'll take some damage because it goes first but surely Nadia will heal us up right afterwards.

>>6262812
>>“Another?” You scoff. “Did you really convince someone from Fodlan to go along with this crap? What sort of gullible fool is it?”
I don't know Tristain, maybe the special agent sent directly by the church would. The one that carries our bow.

>>6262813
>>6262822
Support, finally we get some use out of Maculi.

>>6262813
>>6262822
Support. Then Nadia heals us up for round 2.

>>6262824
>We have found another bearing her gifts that is willing to do what must be done.”
Nah don't think it's Cyril because this reads that the person has a crest. Either Arios or Scratch baby from Sreng, and I think there's a Gloucester heir too?

Also Cyril is hear as an ambassador, he's there to smooze up to the future king Tristain not to kill a bunch of civilians

>>6262813
>>6262822
Support, let's make mince meat chiken

>>6262813
>>6262822
Supporting.

I'm leaning on Marek being used by whoever he's working with as I doubt any of the other contenders would be on board with killing all Morfisians. My first guess would be that it's Gloucester since from how she was described in the first thread, she does seem like the type to manipulate Marek and the cult.
Though based on his wording, it might be a non-Fodlan Crest Bearer which only leaves Clay or Scratch's kid.

>>6262813
Supporting >>6262822 , and hopefully we can resolve this cult schism soon. Getting Marek to see things our way would be ideal, but I'll settle for purging him as a filthy heretic.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

Fortuna's Gaze is upon you...

>>6263760
i don't like that...

>>6262813
While Fionn absorbs much of the damage, you prepare to launch your own counterattack. Throughout much of your time in Morfis, you’d consciously refrained from using the Crest of Macuil. You saw it as a trump card that you did not want to reveal unless otherwise forced to. But up here in the skies, there was no need to fear the observant eyes of potential challengers. You could unleash your full sorcerous might on this creature to finish it quickly. You summon several blades of wind, empowered by the Crest of Macuill, that buffet the vulture, slicing into its flesh and sending blood and feathers raining down upon the sand.

>Tristain: 25 MAG + 3 (Wind) = 28 - 15 RES = 39 DMG x2 (Macuil) = 78 DMG
>Vulture: 62/140 HP

The vulture is sent careening off course by the sheer might of your wind magic, which does considerable damage to the winged creature. Your attack is followed up by your scaly companion. Fionn’s sorcerous breath blasts the vulture head on, leaving a trail of frost that serves to slow the creature down, causing it to flap its wings with great strain.

>Fionn: 13 DMG
>Vulture: 49/140 HP

The Terror makes one last ditch effort to kill you, shooting out another stream of fire that hits Fionn. The wyvern takes the attack in stride though, fanning away the flames with its wings. By now, both you and Fionn are somewhat badly burned, but that was fine. You didn’t intend to give this monster another opportunity to serve you roasted. Nadia, for her part, seemed content to sit there screaming. That was fine though. You summon forth another Macuil-empowered gust of wind, and watch as the efforts of your sorcery serve to dice away at the vulture. Several bloody chunks of meat are ripped off the Terror’s body, crashing far down below into the desert wastes.

>50xp gained! Level Up!

>Tristain d’Rusalka
>Level 36/50 Wyvern Lord (EXP: 0/100)
HP: 69/69 (130%) + 1 = 70
Strength: 37 (75%)
Magic: 25 (50%) + 1 = 26
Speed: 25 (40%) + 1= 26
Defense: 27 (70%) + 1 = 28
Resistance: 19 (50%) + 1 = 20
Luck: 21 (65%) + 1 = 22

As you admire your handiwork, you can’t help but feel a tad strange. You’d just defeated a powerful foe, and with minimal effort at that. You knew for a fact you’d gotten stronger. And yet you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was perhaps wrong.

>Fortuna’s mood shifts, interfering with your fate. Until her blessing is used, her gaze shall remain upon you.
>DEF: 28 - 1 = 27

>>6263777
“E-EXCELLENTLY DONE, LORD TRISTAIN!” Nadia yells from behind you. Her eyes were still shut tightly, though you could see the faint trace of tears there. The normally cool sorceress was unquestionably out of her element here. “SHALL WE CONTINUE THE SEARCH FOR ELRIC?”

>“No. We’re likely too late. Let's turn around and regroup with the others.”

Elric, just what the hell were you thinking? The sword could not have consumed him completely. There had to be some lingering trace of him still there. The absurdity of potentially having to face him in the Competition was not lost on you. You would make every effort to break the boy’s curse and ensure his safety. But if he really was growing stronger, it may be difficult to do while holding back. Mystletainn, a cursed sword with the ability to grow stronger and influence its wielder. The list of shit you’d have to deal with just seemed to be growing larger.

By the time you regroup with your companions, the sun has already begun setting. The others crowd around you and Fionn, concern evident in their faces when they notice that not only was the boy not in your grasp, but that the wyvern was somewhat more charred since they’d last seen him. You explain to them your battle with the Terror, as well as how Marek had once again communicated with you.

“The sort of magic you’re describing is not common.” Alvin says. “To communicate with an individual via telepathy is sorcery on the same tier as the Royal Sages. One thing is for certain, a spell like that would only work if Marek was nearby. The head of the Cult of the Serpent being this close to Morfis is almost unthinkable though.”

>“He’s not the head anymore, I am. Remember?”

“I wish I did not…” Alvin groans.

“So this bastard Marek helped Elric get to Morfis? How is such a thing possible?” Cuthbert asks. The man’s mood had soured considerably as he paced back and forth, fists balled. “If he’s nearby, we should go get him and find out what he did!”

“We’d have an easier time finding a needle in a haystack than an experienced rogue mage in these sands.” Alvin sighs. “Though I dislike it, I’m afraid we can do nothing but proceed forward to Morfis.”

The morale of the camp falls to a low state upon the revelation that Elric was indeed out of reach. This upsets you, not only because the boy has created further work, but because the way you saw it, everyone should be excited you’d finally made it to your ultimate destination. Your thoughts turn towards your youngest cousin, Lila. She was good friends with Elric, unaware that he’d harbored feelings for her. You briefly imagine having to explain to her how you’d been forced to kill her childhood friend because you’d allowed him to be possessed by an ancient desert spirit bent on vengeance.

You spit on the ground. That certainly would not do…

>Choose a companion to speak with.

>>6263779
>Alvin
gimme your A-Rank! hopefully saving Elric will get us both his and Cuthbert's...

>>6263779
>Cassius
Bro has been ignored for too long.

>>6263779
>Cassius
the old man must stressed af

>>6263779
>Cassius
Poor guy's been dragged through hell with nothing to show for it. Let's have a chat with him. I wonder what ability we'd get if we got him to A-rank?

>>6263777
The level up was so good, Fortuna started messing with Tristain to keep him balanced
>>6263779
>Cassius
Obligatory "remember that guy?" vote

>>6263779
>Cassius
Don't let all this excitement make you forget that poor dude has been one of the first to join is still stuck at C kek

>>6263779
>Cuthbert
Pls comfort the actual old fart of the group, he's having a time of things

>>6263779
Wishing to distract yourself from your newfound shitty mood, you seek out one of your companions to speak with. You settle on the summoner, Cassius. He was sitting off to the side, reading from a familiar book you’d seen in his hands before, entitled “A Recollection of the Great Unification War of Fodlan.” You walk up to the man, and the Fodlan fanatic puts his tome to the side in order to greet you warmly.

>“Still haven’t finished that book?”

“Unfortunately not.” Cassius says. “I find little time for reading in your presence. It seems every day something new and exciting is happening.”

>“I don’t know why you waste your time stuck in that book. You have a real genuine Fodlander in your presence. If there’s anything you wish to know about back home, you’d be better off asking me than perusing through that dusty old thing.”

“Oh, I’ve already learned much about Fodlan from being in the presence of yourself and Adeline.” Cassius smiles. “This entire journey has been most illuminating for me. And to think there’s so much more ahead of us.” As the summoner begins reflecting on the journey still to come, you note that his smile slowly fades. “Though, now that I think about it, I fear that this relationship may perhaps be a bit too one sided.”

>“What do you mean?”

“As I said, I’ve learned much about Fodlan. More than ever would have been possible had I not accompanied you on this journey. And yet, I feel as though I have not been adequately able to share with you the culture and history of Morfis. You may very well soon be the King of this country, ruling over a population that numbers in the millions. And yet, save for the information that was in that children’s book, I suspect you may not know the first thing about our storied land.”

>“What? That’s preposterous. Of course I do!” You lie. In truth, you actually knew less about Morfis that you cared to admit. It wasn’t your fault. Until recently, this had been an isolationist nation for thousands of years. Information on Morfis was scarce in Fodlan. You’d also only been here for three months, and most of that time was spent avoiding death. There was hardly any time for an impromptu history lesson. You figured Bronte could likely fill you in on the details at some point.

“Right.” Cassius says dryly. Rather than calling you out on your fib, he chooses to play along. “In any event, I would like to extend to you the same offer you’ve made me. If there are any questions at all that weigh on your mind about this country, you can ask me. It can be anything you like. For example, did you know the favored dish in Morfis is lamb? And that our country’s favorite animal is the desert owl?”

>“How fascinating. Is there anything else you can tell me? Preferably something of particular importance that I should note, and not just trivial tidbits?”

>>6264334
“How about learning about our previous rulers?” Cassius asks. “You’re going to be king after all. Perhaps it would help to learn of your predecessors, taking note of both their successes and failures? I imagine something like that might be useful to one who will soon wield the same power as they.”

>“Hmm, that could be interesting, I suppose.” You admit, taking a seat across from Cassius in the sand. “What’s their deal? Has Morfis ever had any really shitty kings? Anyone I should know about to avoid making the same mistakes they did?”

“In the many years following Xenophanes’ passing, Morfis has had no shortage of kings and queens.” Cassius says. “Some were good, such as King Theseus. He was a renowned sorcerer for his time, and under his reign, he made numerous reforms that ensured that those unable to use magic would still enjoy equal protection under Morfisian law. Others were terrible, such as Queen Basilea, whose chief interest was expanding her harem of men to number over 400.”

>“A harem, you say?” You rub your chin.

“They all had one thing in common though.” Cassius continues. “They were all direct descendants of Sorcerer King Xenophanes, revered for having his blood flowing through them. And their spouses were all typically of similar stock, often being descended from his Four Apostles, or other sorcerous families of considerable renown. Always a Morfisian, never a foreigner.”

>“Until now, that is.”

“So it seems.” Cassius nods. “Princess Yulia is still young. She has yet to claim the title of Queen, though that is expected to change following the Competition’s conclusion. She has yet to even make an appearance in the public eye. Her husband will undoubtedly wield extensive power following their marriage. I would not be surprised if everyone in Morfis is on pins and needles as they await their mystery monarch. Will they receive a good king, and be allowed to live out their lives as they normally do? Or will they receive a bad king, capable of throwing the country into disarray?”

>A): What do you believe would make a good King?
>B): What sort of power could I expect to wield as King?
>C): Tell me about the general mood in Morfis towards Yulia?
>D): I changed my mind. Go back to talking about tidbits.
>E): Writing

>>6264335
>>A): What do you believe would make a good King?
>C): Tell me about the general mood in Morfis towards Yulia?
Tristain getting some sudden introspection about whether he'll actually have a good time ahead of him.

>>6264335
>A): What do you believe would make a good King?

>>6264335
>C): Tell me about the general mood in Morfis towards Yulia?
Tell me magic man

>>6264335
>E): She has yet to even make an appearance in the public eye? Is that normal?
>C): Tell me about the general mood in Morfis towards Yulia? She can't be very popular after all this "tournament" and "foreigners" business.
>E): Have there been any threats to this country lately? Desert raiders, uprisings, hordes of terrors? You know, problems in my area of expertise?
Thank god for desert cultists and terrors you can campaign against. If not for them, Tristain would speedrun Bobby B's condition after taking the throne. Implying that after opening the door there will be still a throne to take

>>6264335
>A): What do you believe would make a good King?
>E): What is the general opinion of the populace to Bronte?

Her becoming prime minster is probably still too new to comment on, but is the rumor that she's bewitched Yulia widespread or just limited to grumblings amoung the inner court?

>>6264335

>>B): What sort of power could I expect to wield as King?
>>C): Tell me about the general mood in Morfis towards Yulia?

>>6264335
>>B): What sort of power could I expect to wield as King?

>>6264335
>“What do you believe would make a good king?” You ask Cassius. You were genuinely interested in what the summoner, who’d lived in Morfis his entire life, would consider to be a good ruler.

“A good question.” Cassius says. “I believe that the best possible king for Morfis would be one that finally opens our nation to the outside world. Our country has remained isolationist for too long. My own personal biases for Fodlan aside, our nations have much to benefit from working together. There are an abundance of resources that you possess that the desert simply does not provide. Likewise, our advances in magic are leagues above your own, and could completely change the way of life for your average civilian. We require a ruler that would ensure a fair and equitable exchange of trade, knowledge and ideas between our two lands. Not someone that seeks to bed Yulia simply to pilfer our lands for the good of themselves and their home nation.”

>“Hah! That’s about what I’d expect you’d say. I imagine you’d love it if Fodlan and Morfis opened their borders to each other.”

“Within reason, of course.” Cassius smiles. “I’m enamored with Fodlan, but that does not mean I don’t love my own country as well. Both nations have their strengths and weaknesses. I believe a mutual relationship between the two, while maintaining their individual identities, would welcome a golden age for both countries. But that is simply my opinion, which you asked for. As I’ve told you before, I’d certainly welcome the chance to visit Fodlan freely, unbothered by the restrictions currently in place.”

>“What’s the general mood in Morfis towards Yulia?” You ask. Cassius had mentioned that Yulia had not appeared in the public spotlight, which you found starkly unusual for the ruler of a nation.

“Truthfully? Most people hardly think of her.” Cassius shrugs. “She is revered for having the blood of Xenophanes coursing through her. And it is true that she is technically the ruler of Fodlan. But, it is widely accepted that it is the Four Royal Sages who command much of the actual authority within Morfis. They’ve done so ever since the sudden death of the previous king, Yulia’s father. It remains to be seen how the power structure in Morfis changes once Yulia weds. The people’s biggest fear is perhaps that the new King will take issue with the status quo, potentially leading to conflict with the Sages, and a possible civil war. I believe that the Sages themselves are also aware of the risks someone like that would pose, and are working tirelessly to court potential winners of the Competition early. Hence the Adjuncts you saw with Klement and Arios. And perhaps even Alvin with yourself.”

Alvin had mentioned wanting to introduce you to the Sages eventually. You wondered what those weirdos were actually like in person.

>>6264946
>“I see. This was very insightful. Thank you for the conversation, Cassius. I feel as though I at least know a bit more about the way things work around here.”

“Of course.” Cassius says. The man was in a jovial mood at having the opportunity to be useful. “I know you are preparing to fight for your life in Morfis, but do not neglect your studies of our culture and history. The inner workings of the Competition are still unknown, and I would not be surprised if there was a section of it that tested your knowledge rather than your martial prowess. Elric may have had a point when he first mentioned that might alone may not be enough. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.”

>You receive a B-Support w/ Cassius!

The next day, you and the group continue your march towards the city of Morfis. You were close enough that you could now see the lights of the Sorcerer Capital illuminating the sky. Alvin mentions that he expects the group to arrive at their final destination in another day or two. The closer you got, the more your blood boiled. Your destiny was right in front of you, and you could hardly wait to seize it. Night falls, and while you wish to continue marching to save on time, the rest of your group is exhausted, and seeks to turn in.

The general mood of the camp is still low following Elric’s desertion. Indeed, even you are noticing the absence of the boy’s presence. Not just the absent-minded swinging of his sword, but his peppy and jovial nature that you’d often found irritating before. Growling with frustration, you seek to speak with another of your companions.

>Choose a companion to speak with.

>>6264948
>Chelsey
But Alvin would be fine too.

>>6264948
>Alvin
The A SUPPORT. For the NEW SKILLS.

>>6264948
>Nadia
The ever reliable evil witch is not A-supported yet.

>>6264948
>Cuthbert

>>6264948
>Cuthbert
The other old man

>>6264948
>Nadia

>>6264948
>Cuthbert
Sorry we lost your kid, please don't abandon us because your old man wisdom is kinda useful kek

>>6264948
>Cuthbert
Operation: Get That Boy Back is now in development.

>>6264948
>Cuthbert

>>6265043
Is Cassius even that old? Cuthbert is a fossil alright (though a very well preserved one) but I've always pegged Cassius as the same age as Tristain.

>>6265161
You'd be right to do so. I'd say Cassius is in his late 20s at most.

>>6264948
You decide to speak with Cuthbert. The man was obviously taking Elric’s disappearance harder than everyone else. While you hardly ever saw him in a good mood, this was a different matter entirely. You find the veteran sitting by himself, staring deeply into a campfire, shadows flickering across his scowling face. As you make your presence known, he hardly acknowledges you. You take a seat next to the man, and sit in silence for some time, before the awkwardness of the situation finally causes you to take the reins of conversation.

>“Maybe it’s just a rebellious phase. Lots of kids have them, you know?”

Cuthbert merely stares at you, unappreciative of your suggestion. It was not lost on either of you that most kids weren’t also possessed by evil spirits bent on vengeance against the living.

“This happened because I grew careless.” Cuthbert finally says after some time. “I took my eye off him. I erroneously assumed that he was simply maturing. That he was no longer in need of protection. I was wrong. Now he’s marching off to his doom, and I feel powerless to stop him. It’s not a good feeling.” The man smiled grimly. “I haven’t felt this way in a long time.”

>“Have some faith. I’ll get him back. If he really is possessed by a spirit, then it must have a vested interest in growing stronger and keeping Elric alive. In the short term, we should expect that he can take care of himself. At least long enough that I can smack him upside the head and shatter that sword.”

“I’m not so sure.” Cuthbert admits. “At the end of the day, whether Elric’s power is supernatural in nature or not, he’s still just a boy. What is a 15 year old supposed to do against the Crest bearing monsters he’s sure to run into?”

>“I don’t know. I’ll just have to knock either them or him out before it gets to that point.”

The halberdier snorts. He throws a few nearby sticks into the fire, keeping it alive.

“The last time we spoke, you asked me what Gronder Field was like.”

>“You didn’t feel like talking about it.”

“I’m being unpleasantly reminded of that day.” Cuthbert says. “It’s the last time I felt this useless. Back then, I was a soldier in an elite unit of the Empire. One that reported directly to the Empress herself. We were the largest and most well-trained army in the entire land, up against two weaker, dysfunctional nations that were on the verge of collapse. On any other battlefield, we’d have wiped them out with ease. But they had one advantage over us. They both possessed more Crest bearers and Heroes Relics than we did. We won the battle, but it could hardly be called a victory. Rather, it was the beginning of the end for us. The losses we endured were unsustainable. All because of you genetic freaks.” He turns his head to look at you. “No offense.”

>>6265417
You shrug, unbothered by his words. You knew full well the advantages you had over ordinary people as a result of your Crests. Those same advantages would increase tenfold if you had a corresponding Heroes Weapon. One of those types alone would be a handful to deal with, let alone the over a dozen or so that reportedly fought at Gronder that day.

“Me and my unit were commanded to protect Empress Edelgard.” Cuthbert continues. “The Alliance’s soldiers weren’t nearly as good as we were. The war had been raging for five years at that point, and they’d stayed out of the fighting for the most part. We had more experience, but they had a Crest empowered sorcerer who’d single-handedly blown a hole through our defense, felling hundreds. Our line faltered, and the Mad King of Faerghus chose to use that opportunity to launch a suicide attack aiming for Edelgard’s head. Even with our losses, we’d outnumbered his forces, which at that point were exhausted, and suffering from ever decreasing morale. But the Mad King would not be stopped.”

The Mad King, or rather, the Last King of Faerghus, was Dimitri Blaiddayd. Legends of his cruelty on the battlefield persisted to this day. He wielded the Crest of Blaiddyd, along with the Heroes Relic, Areadbhar. Following his death, the Crest of Blaiddyd was thought to be lost to history.

“As the Mad King grew closer to Edelgard, I watched as many of my comrades tried to hold him back.” Cuthbert recollects. “He slew them in droves. Often with a single swing. I still remember his Crest activating, over and over, as the men and women that I’d spent years fighting and bleeding alongside died one after the other. Eventually, it was my turn to try and stop him. By sheer luck, I’d managed to survive where many of my comrades did not. I only caught a glancing blow from his spear, but it was enough to maim me for life.” He points to his shut, scarred eye. “I’ll never forget the helplessness I felt that day. Knowing that there are more people like him out there, all gathering in one place, and that that thing inside Elric’s body wishes to fight them…it’s enough to fill me with great dread.”

Silence falls upon the two of you once more as you absorb Cuthbert’s story. Eventually, he breaks it by asking you a question.

“Tell me, you started this journey because you were bored, no? You felt like you wanted your fair share of fighting that you’d missed out on. That’s all well and good now, but what happens once you win? And the fighting stops, and you’re now expected to rule like a monarch? Will you seek more fights to pick?”

>A): There’s always someone out there that needs their ass kicked.
>B): I guess I’ll hang up my axe and try ruling this country.
>C):I honestly don’t know.
>D): Write-in

>>6265418
>>C):I honestly don’t know.

>>6265418
>D): Fighting stops? There’s always someone out there that needs their ass kicked. I'll rule like a monarch and fight like a warrior.
Or something like that, Tristain won't abdicate responsibility but he won't stop fighting neither.

>>6265427
+1

>>6265427
>Support
Hell yeah warrior forever

>>6265418
>>6265427
Yeah this. Realistically there'll always be people looking to knock him off that fancy new throne of his and they probably won't settle down (much) until he has an heir or two. But once he punches their face in I'd imagine he'd settle down to rule well. (And hey maybe he can restart the wheel of fortune tournaments if he ever gets that bored)

>Cuthbert survived THE BOAR
You sure he wasn't the one blessed by fortuna, holy heck

Also always wondered back then what exactly caused Dimitri to cleave Lys in fucking half. Guess we finally know

>>6265418
>>6265427
Support. Makes Tristain a good mix of both his parents.

>>6265418
>>A): There’s always someone out there that needs their ass kicked.

>>6265418
Supporting >>6265427 on account of a warrior king always needing to fight off assassins and such.

>>6265418
>“Fighting stops? There’s always someone out there that needs their ass kicked. I'll rule like a monarch and fight like a warrior.” You couldn’t imagine a world where you wanted to stop fighting. To you, that was exactly why the Goddess had given you the gifts she had. So that you could spread her word, defend your loved ones, and ensure that the people you were responsible for were safeguarded and prosperous. You intended to succeed at ruling, but that didn't mean you intended to hang up your axe for good.

“Of course it does.” Cuthbert looks at you as though you were mad. “Have we been absent from Fodlan that long? Home may have its issues, but one thing that cannot be denied is that the Archbishop has ensured that we have not had to fight a war in over 25 years. I would hope that you seek to follow her example were you to become king. Fighting may be well and good for you, but that’s only because violence and strife runs in your blood in the form of those Crests. For everyone else, it’s a living nightmare. Don’t go picking fights as a ruler just to satiate your own boredom, Tristain. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself going down in history as a tyrant.”

>“Wouldn’t be the first one you served, would it?”

“At least Edelgard fought for something other than her desires. And in the end, her dream of a world that placed less emphasis on Crests came to fruition. If fighting and testing your abilities is what you truly want out of your life, then the best thing you could do is decline to rule this nation. It’s a large world out there. Perhaps there are more interesting things for you to do than sitting on a dusty foreign throne.”

>“I’ll be sure to take your considerations to heart.” You say, crossing your fingers behind your back.

“Be sure you do.” Cuthbert says, getting up from his log and stretching out his tired limbs. “Don’t stay up late. Alvin says we’ll be in Morfis tomorrow. Best you get some rest. You’ll need it.”

>You receive an A-Support w/ Cuthbert!
>New Skill: Veteran - Effective damage taken is nullified

During the next day’s travel, you see it before anyone else does. Riding ahead of the group upon Fionn, you can make out the numerous, impossibly tall spires that lie ahead of you, each one piercing above the clouds. After three months of marching and fighting, you’d finally done it. You’d reached the Sorcerer Capital of Morfis. Your destiny was ahead of you. The beautiful Princess Yulia, a reunion with your cousin, and the greatest battles of your life were all waiting. In excitement, you bring Fionn down to the rest of the group, informing them that you’d finally reached your destination.

>>6266043
“That’s Morfis?” May exclaims breathlessly, her head trailing upward as she studies the spires from afar. “It’s incredible. I didn’t know they made buildings that big…”

“Indeed…” Adeline follows. “The largest city I’ve ever been to is Fhirdiad…and even that looks like a small hamlet in comparison. People truly live there?”

“The first time seeing the city is always an experience.” Chelsey says. “But yes, that is Morfis. Home to one million souls, mages and mundane alike. The city has stood since the time of the Sorcerer King, and was shaped directly by the magic of both him and his Apostles.”

“Legend says that they modelled this city to their exact specifications.” Alvin chimes in. “Using their godly magic, they built this place in a quick fashion, almost as if following a model for something that already existed somewhere else. Of course, the city has expanded since their passing, and now stands in the form you see before you. There are usually strict security measures in place, put there to bar both outsiders and potential cultists. But with the Competition, standards have lessened a bit.”

“Hey, you should march in there like a real big shot!” May says to you.

>“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Well, if you win the Competition then you’ll rule that place, won’t you? If so, you should walk in there like you already own it! Strut your stuff and show them who's boss!”

“I don’t know about that.” Cuthbert mutters. “It may be better to keep a low-profile. Revealing yourself too early may alert you to the other competitors, and only serve to make you stick out as an adversary that should be taken out first.”

>A): Enter Morfis, keeping a low profile.
>B): Walk in like you own the place.
>C): Write-in

>>6266043
Just because there's peace in Fodlan doesn't mean there's no violence. Besides, Tristain can also have his fights by hosting tournaments just like this. Won't be having his crown as the prize though.

>>6266046
>B): Walk in like you own the place.
Cuthbert really be threatening Tristain with a good time. That was the worst argument he could've chosen.

>>6266043
>>New Skill: Veteran - Effective damage taken is nullified
fucking WHAT
>>6266046
>>B): Walk in like you own the place.

>>6266043
>B): Walk in like you own the place.
Well said May, she knows our heart. Also maybe she just wants to steal some stuff while we make a big show. I approve, though a May in our lap would be nice too.

Tristain riding Fionn on the road like hes fucking Prince Ali, maybe throwing a few handfuls of coin. Chelsey singing and dancing along, as we don't seem to have a Robin Williams Genie just the one we killed. Unless Cuthbert or Cassius are hiding a real singing voice. Bit of magic from Nadia and Alvin. Some little shadow creatures from Cassius. Our shining guardian knight Adeline.

>>6266046
>>B): Walk in like you own the place.
It's time for Tristain to do the Dr. Livesey stride

>>6266046
>B): Walk in like you own the place.

>>6266046
>>B): Walk in like you own the place.

>>6266046
>B): Walk in like you own the place.
Hell yeah, man Tristan really is charisma magnet with how much people he get

>>6266046
>B): Walk in like you own the place.
Strut yo shit king

Also, as promised in the last thread, I now present to thee, May's revenge fantasy involving the one and future king Tristain, and his concubine, Clement.

>>6266692
lol holy moly

Bless May

>>6266692
Damn Klement is fucking RIPPED. This makes sense canonically, as May is the party member most likely to have fujoshi tendencies. An awesome piece all around though, thank you for commissioning it, friend. Who is the artist by chance? I really like their style.

>>6266904
The artist is Gutsbro, a buddy of mine.

>>6266692
this is how they gonna describe that duel in the history books

>>6266692
this is actually canon btw. im treeQM im just phoneposting trust me

One thing I want to share is that I got updates on the artwork and at one point Tristain had a massive creep smile.

>>6266046
May had a good point. First impressions were everything. The people of Morfis were about to meet their King for the first time. It was important that you make a grand entrance and show them what you were made of. You momentarily force the party to cease their advance, and to direct their attention towards the creation of a makeshift banner. You didn’t know much about arts and crafts, but fortunately, Cassius offered to put something together for you from one of the hides of a tent you would no longer need. You’d asked the summoner to paint a picture of a Hellwing, a vicious bat native to Fodlan, which was the symbol of your late father. What he gave you was less than satisfactory. You suppose you should not have expected much given what you’d previously seen of his makeshift drawings, but beggars could not be choosers.

Holding the banner in your hand, you mount Fionn and lead your party towards the gates of Morfis. The spires ahead of you look even grander up close, and you find it incomprehensible how such wonders were created in the first place. From an architectural standpoint, Morfis was leaps and bounds ahead of Fodlan. As you gaze up at a tower that pierces above the clouds, you wonder what else this nation will have in store for you.

As you reach the edge of the city, Fionn takes a sharp dive down, landing in front of the city gate with grace and pose. He spreads his wings wide, and cranes his neck back, taking up as much space as he can to let out a proud roar. You stand atop his back, waving your banner left and right, giving off a bellow of your own.

>“Hear me, Morfis! Tristain d’Rusalka has finally arrived to battle for the honor of Princess Yulia xan Phanes! Stand in my way at your own peril, for nothing shall stop my advance!”

clap clap clap clap

“Very nice landing.”

“The speech was a little generic though…”

“Hey, is that a white wyvern? Cool!”

“He’s lucky he’s got that much at least. Otherwise I’d rank him towards the bottom half…”

A group of mages serve as the guardians of the gates of Morfis. They stand around, politely clapping in your direction and discussing the merits of your entrance. While they seem well-meaning, you couldn’t help but feel as though they were just being nice for the sake of it.

>“What are you doing?”

“Hmm? Oh, sorry.” One mage offers an apology. He scratches the back of his head, as if embarrassed that they were caught. “We’re so used to seeing these sorts of entrances from you competitors, that we’ve taken to ranking the best ones amongst ourselves.”

“For what it’s worth, yours was MUCH more interesting than the last kid we just saw. He was a real little creep.”

>“Other entrances?” You seethe, rethinking the merits of this idea. “Just how many competitors have you seen thus far?”

>>6267046
“You’re Number 59.” A mage pipes up helpfully. In his hands is a piece of paper, and he takes a second to write and check something off. “Tristain d’Rusalka. Thanks for the introduction!”

>“59?!”

“Hey, don’t feel too bad.” A female guard says. “Even natives get lost in the desert all the time. The important thing is that you made it at all!”

At that, the gate guards begin laughing hysterically. Did these little rats think you’d just been frolicking out in the sands for three months?! Did they have any idea of all the shit you had to do to get here?! You’re a few moments away from giving them a verbal lashing when their laughter ceases as quickly as it began. The guards suddenly snap to attention, and the lead one gives a practiced salute.

“Adjunct Alvin! Welcome back, sir!”

“At ease, friends.” Alvin smiles. “I see you’ve met my good friend, Tristain. He plans to take part in the Princess’ competition. What do you think of him?”

“He’s really cool!”

“Wow, and huge too! They make them that big in Fodlan?!”

“Never seen anyone like him before!”

Kiss asses. You figured you shouldn’t be surprised. This was a nation that was currently being run by a bunch of glorified bookworms. As one of their right-hand men, Alvin would certainly command considerable power and influence within these walls. Good thing he was currently on your team.

“We’ll get the gates open and let you and your friends in right away!” The lead guard says. Before he scurries away though, you call out to him.

>“Hold it! You said there was a kid that appeared just before I did. Was he a short lad with green hair? Maybe carrying around a weird sword?”

“Yes, that would be him.” The guard says. He goes through the same list he’d checked earlier, when he’d written your name. “Elric von Boramus. He’s likely off at the Fodlan Embassy.”

>“Fodlan Embassy?”

“It’s a temporary measure. Every nation that has a representative competing has one. They’re places where competitors can rest and resupply before the competition’s start.”

>“I see. Maybe I should stop there and kick Elric’s ass first.”

“Hold, Tristain.” Alvin says. “That sort of behavior may have been fine before. In fact, given the lack of hard rules so far in this contest, I’m sure it was encouraged to weed out weaker competitors. The local authorities were all too happy to turn a blind eye to the sort of trouble you foreigners were causing. But do not expect the same here in the capital. If you cause a scene or resort to violence, I would expect there to be great consequences. At this point, it may not be possible to shatter Elric’s curse until you face him in a sanctioned battle.”

>“Ugh. So, what do you suggest then?”

>>6267047
“Let's meet with the Royal Sages first.” Alvin says. “I must check in with them immediately and inform them of recent ongoings. Not to mention, I’ll need to drop off ‘that thing’ as soon as possible.” He says, referring to the Agarthium in his possession. “I said I’d introduce you to them. I believe that you would stand to gain much from a friendly relationship. Not to mention, they have all the knowledge of Morfis in their possession. They could likely tell us something about Mystletainn and Elric’s possession.”

“Nuh uh, no way!” Chelsey interrupts the conversation, storming up to the two of you. “You’re meeting Bronte first! I told her as much when I left! I’m sure anything the Sages could tell us, she could as well. Besides, she’s your cousin, isn’t she? Family reunions come first! And she’s going to be pissed off to hell if you meet with those geezers before her.”

Alvin clears his throat. “Well, be that as it may, surely she’d understand the severity of the situation. I fear that the Sages themselves may also feel a bit slighted were you to not stop and speak with them first.”

Of course they would. As Chelsey told you before, the Royal Sages and the Royal Family were in the midst of a power struggle for control of Morfis. Visiting one side first would certainly cause the other to suspect you’d already been taken in, not to mention, one of your allies would be left feeling annoyed with you.

>A): Visit Bronte first.
>B): Visit the Royal Sages first.
>C): Visit the Fodlan Embassy first, leaving both sides miffed.

As a heads up. I'm going to be travelling for a few days, so updates will be paused until I return, likely on Tuesday, July 1st. See you then!

>>6267019
Lmao that's really good. A trustworthy and warm smile if I ever saw one.

>>6267048
>>B): Visit the Royal Sages first.
annoying bronte is our destiny

>>6267048
>>C): Visit the Fodlan Embassy first, leaving both sides miffed.
ELRIC WE'RE GONNA KICK YOUR ASS AND TEACH YOU A LESSON

>>6267048
>B): Visit the Royal Sages first.
For a variety of reasons. This annoys Bronte so it's funny and in character, we already have rapport with Bronte, having a man on the inside benefits Bronte, the Sages are the most likely to oppose us so "...keep your enemies closer", doing this could have them approve the fight against Elric.

>>6267048
>>A): Visit Bronte first.
I'm the only one who thinks we have annoyed imouto enough

>>6267048
>C): Visit the Fodlan Embassy first, leaving both sides miffed.

>>6266692
Absolutely based.

>>6267048
>B): Visit the Royal Sages first.
Keeping Bronte waiting would be funny.
Beyond that, the Sages seem more interesting so far. One of them is buying kids for human experimentation and another is probably going to be harvesting quintessence.

>>6267048
>B): Visit the Royal Sages first.
Bronte can wait an extra hour, she already waited 3 months after all lmao

>>6267048
>C): Visit the Fodlan Embassy first, leaving both sides miffed.
CYRIL HAND OVER OUR BOW RIGHT NOW THE GODDESS DEMANDS IT (we'll probably need it when facing Elric desu)

Also good way to keep thing neutral (-lly pissed) kek

>>6267048
>A): Visit Bronte first.
Gotta annoy family first

>>6267048
>C): Visit the Fodlan Embassy first, leaving both sides miffed.
If we're going to have someone pissed at us either way might as well not have people think we've already been swayed on top of that. Plus we can pacify Bronte with saying we were trying to secure our bow to win the competition for her or something

>>6267048
>>A): Visit Bronte first.

>>6267048
>B): Visit the Royal Sages first.
Let's gauge what they're all about.

>>6267048
>A): Visit Bronte first.
Angering the Sages is temporary. Betraying family is eternal.

>>6267048
>>6267265
I'll change my vote to
>A): Visit Bronte first.
Though visiting the Embassy sounds better, I'd rather visit Bronte first before the Sages if it's between those two options.

>>6267048
>A): Visit Bronte first.

>>6267048

Since shaking Cyril down for our bow isn't going to win might as well change my vote to seeing Bronte. >>6267302

>A): Visit Bronte first.

Also, though it's nothing compared to the absolute masterpiece of >>6266692, my own comm of the hypest moment of last quest has finally come through too - featuring best hag, best pegasus and some guy who went down like a damn NPC, stun you will forever be the MVP.

(Also yeah I know Blair didn't have Gungnir during Gronder, but hey it's the cooler spear of the two so in it went)

Seriously, thanks so much to running both this quest and the original Three Houses Quest Tree, most fun I've had on these boards in quite a while.

>>6268447
Holy shit this looks amazing, like an official illustration you'd see from a fire emblem game, great stuff... Man, the difference in both our commissions lmao

>>6268447
Damn that's cool. Rex's hand is a bit thin for an absolute unit he was, but the composition and style kick ass.

>>6268450
I will not have you putting down the commission of Tristain and his canon S rank, you hear? Seeing it made me regret not siding with Klement kek

>>6268516
Excuse me this a Blair propaganda piece and so the only unit around here is herself kek

Also can't take credit about the composition, it's ripping off heavily inspired by pic related portrait of a valkyrie by Peter Nicolai Arbo because I always knew I wanted valkyrie!Blair in some form. Still in awe of how the artist did the sunset though (I was a big indecisive baby over whether it should be blue sky(and a battle) or sunset and let them pick what felt best kek)

>>6268447
What an incredible piece! Seriously I'm taken aback. Thank you so much for the commission. Blair looks so good here its unreal. I'm glad this was your favorite part. I still maintain that the erroneous update back then was canon, and the fact that things turned out differently was the result of a Byleth Divine Pulse that managed to change Blair's RNG lol.

A wins, writing.

>>6267048
>“Sorry Alvin, but family comes first. Bronte is already likely to be annoyed with me. I’d rather not draw her ire anymore than I have to. These Sages may hold a tremendous amount of power, but I’d still risk being on their bad side than my cousin’s.”

Alvin sighs, not looking happy with your decision. He shakes his head, but does not push the matter with you any further. “Very well. I’ll lead the others to the Fodlan Embassy before taking my leave to make my report. Hopefully the Sages won’t be too cross and we can simply schedule a meeting another time.” Taking you a bit by surprise, he offers you a handshake. “I’d love to show you through Morfis myself, but I imagine that my work may take me away for a bit. It’s possible you and I may not meet again under the usual circumstances until the Competition’s start. Should that be the case, I wish you the best of luck, Tristain. Know that if there is anything I find out about Elric’s condition, I will send the information to you right away.”

>“Are you really going to be that busy?” You ask, accepting Alvin’s gesture with a firm handshake of your own.

Alvin nods. “They’ll likely need my help in preparing the key. Nevertheless, I will make my recommendation to the Sages that they throw their lot in with you for this tournament. Should they accept, someone else will come find you.”

>“Very well. Thanks for everything, Alvin. I doubt this trip would have been half as fun had it not been for you.”

“The feeling is mutual.” The Adjunct smiles. “I shall cheer loudly for your success, my friend.”

Alvin takes his leave, the rest of your party in tow with the exception of Chelsey. When the Adjunct’s back is turned, the dancer sticks her tongue out in a mocking gesture towards him.

“Careful with that one, Tristain.” Chelsey warns you. “He may be friendly on the outside, but he’s still an Adjunct of the Royal College. His true loyalties lie with the Four Royal Sages, which means that he must be against Bronte and the Princess. Whatever they’re planning, I’m sure it is to the detriment of her. Perhaps the reason he wishes to win you over to their side is to have a man on the inside that can tell him what your cousin is planning.”

>“I don’t know.” You say. “If he was really planning on betraying me, he has a funny way of showing it. He’s been nothing but helpful thus far. Without his aid, I’m not sure how easily I’d have made it to Morfis. And his presence did certainly keep things interesting for me.” You think to yourself that were it not for Alvin, you’d have fought far less, and thus been far more bored, and perhaps even in a less experienced state for this contest.

“One doesn’t get to his position without knowing how to wear a mask.” Chelsey says, “Just be careful is all.”

>>6268726
Following Chelsey, you explore Morfis with much interest. The streets of the city were paved with white stone, and despite the heavy foot traffic, they were immaculately clean. Several tall buildings and spires lined each street, larger than any sprawling manse you’d seen in Fodlan’s capital city of Enbarr. Despite being in the middle of the desert, there was an abundance of greenery decorating each corner of the city. Strangest of all, there was music in the air. Though you could not see any musician or band playing, a pleasant melody was coming from somewhere above you. Everywhere you went, the people of Morfis stopped to stare at you. These were not the same suspicious glances you’d received in Solis though. Here, these men and women seemed genuinely excited by your presence. They greet you with warm smiles and waves, and some children even stop to tug at your cape, at least until Chelsey shoos them away.

>“Everyone seems so…friendly. I have to admit, I’m not used to this from you people.”

“Well, you foreigners are the talk of the town.” Chelsey says. “Those in the more remote corners of the country might be more suspicious, but here in the capital, the Competition is all anyone seems to care about. It’s a huge deal, and given that it will take place here, most of the common folk feel as though they’re right at the center to witness it all. It’s a historic moment for them”

You take all this admiration in stride, waving and smiling back at the citizenry, some of whom begin following you all the way to the Palace of Morfis. Arriving there, you’re shocked by what you find. This place was massive! At least two to three times larger than where the Archbishop sat! You could hardly believe such an incredible building was sitting all the way out here, unbeknownst to most people back home. And soon, this place would be your home! As you begin salivating at the idea, you fail to notice that you’ve already arrived at the front gate of this place. One of the guards nods in Chelsey’s direction, allowing the two of you to enter the castle grounds.

The two of you walk through sprawling halls, adorned with all manner of finery, including intricate tapestries, golden ornaments, and masterfully crafted sculptures and glassware. The wealth that was on display here was extremely opulent, and the further you explored the castle’s depths, the more you found. What must have been this place’s attendants greet Chelsey warmly, stopping to stare at you in the same way those outside did, though with much more interest.

“She should be in here…” Chelsey mutters, stopping before a pair of exceptionally large wooden doors. Someone has carved a mural on them, depicting a ship flying over the desert sands. A reference to this country’s origin story. “But…”

The dancer opens the doors, and you are greeted by raucous yelling, and an obnoxiously large crowd of people.

>>6268727
>“What the hell is this?” You ask, observing the scene with great annoyance. The room before you was vast, filled to the brim with men and women dressed in silk fineries. Their backs were turned towards you, and they faced the front of the room, where you saw a large stained glass depicting a white-haired old man, likely the Sorcerer King. There was a raised dais, and you could make out a throne of some sort, but because of the crowd before you, you could not make out who was sitting there.

“Ugh, they’re petitioners.” Chelsey groans. “Mages of high regard, here representing the various interests of Morfis. Most are already in the pocket of the Sages. They come here everyday to demand things of your cousin. I was hoping they’d be gone by now, but it appears we were not that fortunate.”

“Silence!”

A woman’s voice echoes through the hall commandingly, shutting up the grumbles of those present within this vast hall. You’d recognize that voice anywhere. Bronte was here.

“This matter has already been settled long ago, and a great deal of work has gone into this effort. This is the will of Princess Yulia, and no changes shall be made.”

“So you say!” A male voice cries out in opposition to Bronte’s. “However, how can we be so sure that is the truth? No one has spoken to Princess Yulia other than yourself. Are we just supposed to take your word that this inane contest has her blessing?”

“That’s right!” Another voice, this time a woman’s, exclaims. “In all our history, there have never been as many foreigners present as there are now! And each of these ‘contenders’ has brought with them a small army! If they decided to work together, they might very well cause complete havoc across the entire country!”

“That shall not happen.” Bronte declares. “They will abide by the rules of fair competition. As for the Princess, you know very well that she need not show herself to you until she is wed. That rule was instituted by her late father, the former King. As Prime Minister of Morfis, I intend to see his wishes are followed.”

“How convenient.” The first voice says smugly. “The first time a foreigner is Prime Minister of our great nation, she invites a horde of foreign savages from the Dark Continent, all with the promise of ruling over us. And we should just accept this?!”

Once more the audience hall breaks out into a frenzy, each person clamoring to add their own thought to the discussion.

>“Fuck sake…” You groan. “How long does this go on for?”

“They’re very animated today.” Chelsey says. “They must be growing nervous now that the Competition is so close to starting. This might take a few hours.”

>“Fuck that. I’ll interrupt.”

“Don’t!” Chelsey warns. “That’ll just make things worse. Leave it to your cousin.”

>A): Move to the front and interject.
>B): Sit tight and watch.
>C): Write-in

>>6268729
>>A): Move to the front and interject.
nuh huh!

>>6268729
>A): Move to the front and interject.
Make way for the future king

>>6268729
>A): Move to the front and interject.

>>6268729
>B): Sit tight and watch.

>>6268729
>B): Sit tight and watch.

>>6268729
>>B): Sit tight and watch.

>>6268729
>>A): Move to the front and interject.
Play it off as bombastically greeting our cousin.

Is this a bad idea? Probably. But if we do the bad idea, I want it to be funny.

>>6268729
>B): Sit tight and watch.
If we're going the "suck up to Bronte" route, then let's go all the way. Let's see how she's been handling herself...

>>6268447
Stunning!

>>6268729
>B): Sit tight and watch.

>>6268729
>B): Sit tight and watch.
No point pissing off the sages only to go and piss off Bronte anyway.

Also damn maybe we should have cozied up to Alvin for his A rank skill. But if they leave the party can we still use them?

>>6268729
>A): Move to the front and interject.
Didn't even read the other options

>>6268447
Neat. Gronder was absolute kino in general. I still think that the Forseti scene was peak.

>>6268729
>B): Sit tight and watch.
Interrupting would probably be more entertaining, but I do want to see how Bronte deals with this.

B wins, writing.

>>6265417
>All because of you genetic freaks
Damn, Cuthbert knows what genes are.
The talk with him is very interesting, more so than with Cassius even. No war for 25 years is big even for the modern world, for a fantasy realm it's *really* good. Maybe Tristain will spend his time on campaigns while someone else rules at home. Maybe he'll just organise a lot of tournaments.
>>6269082
Tristain has spent his entire Morfis vacation telling everybody off, but he seems much more willing to be reasonable when working for imouto. Kind of cute.

>>6268729
Tempting as it may be to shut these cretins up, you decide not to interrupt. Your cousin had been dealing with these types for far longer than you had, and your wish to see how she handled them overrode your own desire to be a nuisance. You cross your arms, content to simply observe the show. Chelsey blinks rapidly, her expression morphing into one of shock. She could hardly believe that you’d actually listened to her. The crowd continues their incessant bickering until Bronte finally deems it appropriate to interrupt, her voice once more amplified by magic.

“This is not up for discussion.” She says unperturbed. “You have made your feelings on this matter known for many months now, and while they have been taken into consideration, the Princess has deemed this the best path forward for both Morfis and herself. As her rightful Prime Minister and arbiter of her word, it is my duty to ensure that the Competition is carried out fairly and in full. Now, it is my suggestion to all of you that you make peace with that fact. Very soon, Morfis WILL have a new king, one who will play an active role in ruling alongside our Princess, as well as opening trade between our nations. Were I you, I would not deem it wise to stand in the way of that person, whose temperament is as of yet unknown.”

“You wish us to sit still as you sell out our nation to foreign devils?!” A man cries out angrily.

“The Grand Stage has been refurbished to comfortably seat 20,000 onlookers in preparation for the finals of the Competition.” Bronte answers him. “If you’re looking for a place to ‘sit still’, I would suggest purchasing a ticket there before they are sold out.”

At that, the crowd erupts in a fury. You knew Bronte could at times have a temper, but you’d never seen her goad anyone into a frenzy like this. For a second, you think that some of the petitioners will move forward, as if seeking to rush the dais and seize your cousin. However, none do so. At that moment, you notice that there are hardly any guardsmen within this hall. As if your cousin had no need to fear reprisal from an angry mob seeking to tear her apart. She was up there alone, flanked by no one except for two, giant statues standing at the far edge of the room. Actually, you were surprised you hadn’t noticed them before. The things were massive, holding giant swords and shields that appeared to be made of some sort of strange black stone. You suppose even they were dwarfed by the spectacle taking place in this grand room. As the crowd continues to hurl more and more insults, you swear that you catch the faintest glow emitting from the eye holes of both statutes. Surely that was just your imagination though.

“This meeting is adjourned.” Bronte declares. “Please leave the premises, and do not return unless you have matters of actual importance to discuss.”

>>6269144
You stand as an obstacle for many of the petitioners who are now exiting the room, each of them having to maneuver around you to reach the exit. Some give you shocked looks, surprised by your appearance here. Others, a mean glare or a hushed whisper. But none dare to approach you and discuss their grievances with your presence personally. One by one, they all pour out of the room, until only Chelsey, Bronte, and yourself are left. With the crowd finally out of your way, you are granted your first look at Bronte in over three years.

“I said this meeting was adjo-” Bronte starts, before cutting herself off as she sees you for the first time. You’re shocked at the woman who stands before you. There was no doubt this was your cousin, whom you’d grown up with and spent countless hours beside. And yet, she’d grown so much you almost had a difficult time recognizing her. Instead of the humble robes and dresses she’d wear, she was clad in garb befitting of an affluent noblewoman. Her grey hair, inherited from her father, was styled well and flowing long. She wore jewelry on her ears and fingers, when ordinarily you hardly ever saw her with anything of the sort save for the bracelet Chelsey now wore. Perhaps most surprising of all though was the newfound hardened look in her eyes. There was no longer any trace of naivete or doubt there. Your cousin’s experiences in this strange land had no doubt changed her greatly.

>“Yo.” You wave.

Bronte stands there, taking you in with a shocked look upon her face. She walks off the dais, her elegant heels tapping across the polished floor rhythmically. As she approaches, you hold out your arms, ready to embrace your cousin for the first time. She stands before you, a good many inches shorter, and punches you as hard as she can in the chest. Given that she possessed none of the physical talents you did, you fortunately did not feel a thing.

“Are! You! Out! Of! Your! Mind!?” She exclaims with each punch, fury etched across her face. “What’s this I hear about you forming a cult?! And releasing the ancient spirit that was trapped in Shangri-La out into the world?! You were just supposed to come straight here! What other maddening things have you done that you haven’t told me about?!”

>“Uhh, remember Elric von Boramus? Lila’s friend from back home? I had him tagging along with me and I think he’s now possessed by an evil sword.”

“What?!” Bronte yelps in horror. “How?! Why?!” By now, she’d begun to grow tired of punching you. Her breathing was labored, and her stylish hair was now matted with sweat. She was certainly no athlete, that much was certain, but you were fortunate she’d decided only to punch you. You could sense almost immediately that her sorcery had improved tremendously since you’d last seen her. Being on the receiving end of one of her spells would be disastrous.

>>6269146
Bronte lets loose one final punch, hardly any energy behind it.

“You’re…such a bastard.” She says, headbutting you in the chest, before finally growing still, her tantrum over. She rests her head there for a moment, growing silent save for her tired breathing. You remain perfectly still until you hear the sound of your cousin beginning to whimper. She clutches onto your chest tightly, not allowing you to see her face, though you can tell from the way her body shakes that she is holding back a sob. Wrapping her in a hug, you hear the sound of Chelsey’s footsteps. The dancer exits the room silently, closing the door behind her and leaving the two of you alone.

“I’ve missed you so much.” Bronte mutters through choked sobs, her head still firmly within your chest.

>A): I’ve missed you too.
>B): You’ve got a lot of explaining to do, kid.
>C): I got your letter, and I’ve come to claim my throne!
>D): Write-in

>>6269147
>A): I’ve missed you too.
Pretty cute, but I prefer May

>>6269147
>>A): I’ve missed you too.
she's been through a lot huh, just like momma

>>6269147
>A): I’ve missed you too.
Hell yeah—suffering builds character, except for Tristan, that weirdo who just waltzed in and beat every single obstacle in front of him

>>6269147
>A): I’ve missed you too.

>>6269147
>A): I’ve missed you too.
Bronte's introduction is fun

>>6269147
>>C): I got your letter, and I’ve come to claim my throne!

>>6269147
>A): I’ve missed you too
Looks like she's inherited her mother's height as well as her magic powers. What's the height difference between her and Tristain?

>>6269147
>A): I’ve missed you too.

>>6269147
>C): I got your letter, and I’ve come to claim my throne!

>>6269147
>>C): I got your letter, and I’ve come to claim my throne!

>>6269147
>>A): I’ve missed you too.
Tard wrangler obtained
Imouto hugged
Humanity restored

>>A): I’ve missed you too.

>>6269341
Tristain is around 6'3. I'd say Bronte is around 5'7. Neither Blair nor Ashe were particularly tall.

>>6269147
>“I’ve missed you too.” You say, hugging Bronte tightly. In this moment, where it was just the two of you alone, you didn’t have a problem dropping your usual demeanor. Though you knew you two were not blood related, you still saw Bronte as a dear sister and friend. Perhaps the person you held the most confidence in. It stood to reason that until you came to Morfis, these last three years without her had been lonely ones. You had a million questions for her, but those could wait until she was ready. For now, you were both happy just being in each other’s presence.

Bronte rubs her face with the sleeve of one arm, wiping away her tears. Though still red-faced, she does her best to put herself back together. She grabs you by the hand, and begins leading you away towards another room. “Come, let us catch up in private. I’ve had enough work for one day. Tell me, how are mother and father faring?”

>“Your mother is fine.” You say, allowing Bronte to lead you to a small office in the back of the room. You walk past those enormous statues you saw earlier. They were even bigger up close, but you don’t stop to examine them. “She’s busy as always with governmental affairs. Especially now that trade with Morfis is starting to ramp up. She worries about you constantly, but Corrine and Kate know how to settle her down. As for your father, he actually wished to accompany me here, but your mother would not allow it, saying he wasn’t a young buck anymore. Frankly, I’m glad she did. He’d have been really stuffy to have around.”

Bronte laughs heartily, opening the door to a small office. Inside was much plainer than what you’d seen of the rest of the palace. Books and papers were neatly piled atop a wooden desk, and the furniture present within was all of modest make. You both take a seat on a dark green couch, situated in the middle of the room.

“I’m glad mother stepped in as well. As much as I miss them with my entire heart, I fear things in Morfis are about to grow heated, and very fast. And what of Lila and Ogier? How are they?”

>“Your little brother talks about joining the Knights of Seiros. Blair isn’t thrilled with the idea, but after I told her I’d be coming here, she seemed to warm up to it. I guess she figured there were far more dangerous things her son could be doing. As for Lila, she’s still as shy and reserved as ever. She prefers to sit around in the castle, helping her mother and reading whatever she can get her hands on. I suppose it’s for the best that at least one Weaver child stays at home. They both miss their older sister though.”

Bronte sighs in relief. She takes a moment to compose herself, once again on the verge of tears, but manages to remain strong.

“Thank you, Tristain. I look forward to nothing more than seeing them all again. To do that though, I’ll need your help.”

>>6269551
>“Are you going to tell me what’s going on here? I came here under the impression that all of this was to decide who would marry the Princess and nothing more. And yet, I keep running into people that suggest there is far more going on than meets the eye. What is your play in all of this, Bronte?”

“That still is the idea…for the most part.” Bronte says, growing serious. In a moment, she’s shifted from a nostalgic lost girl back into the Prime Minister of Morfis. “You very well may win this whole thing. In fact, I hope that you do. But first, I have a question for you. What is your involvement with the Cult of the Serpent? Truly?”

>“Those guys? They’re a really weird bunch.” You sigh. “They worship the Goddess, which is strange enough in these lands. But they’ve got a really weird way of going on about things. Some of them have Crests of an insignia I’ve never seen before, only they call them the ‘Dragon’s Blessing’ or some shit. A bunch of them started thinking I was special because they’d never seen my Crest before, let alone the fact that I have two. They revere some guy I’ve never heard of called Leviathan, but sometimes he’s called Ernest, and by all accounts he is an ACTUAL dragon who commanded that they destroy Morfis. Leviathan told them others like him would one day come from Fodlan, and well, they seemed to believe that was me. I used all of that to my advantage to take over a faction of the Cult, and together with the Scorchers of Hima, we smashed the rest of them in a battle.”

Bronte blinks rapidly, seemingly absorbing the information you’d just given her. “When did you get so…inventive?”

>“I suppose this place just brings it out of me.” You shrug.

“Did you truly defeat the Cult of the Serpent though?”

>“Not quite. Their leader is still around, probably with a splinter force beside him. My faction is supposed to be hunting him down, but given that I recently encountered the man on the way here, it seems they’re doing a pretty piss poor job.”

“You met their leader?!”

>“Marek. I did. He’s the fucking strangest of them all. He keeps going on and on about something called ‘Agarthans.’ I’ve no clue what his problem is.”

“Tristain.” Bronte mutters, rubbing her temples in a familiar way you found yourself missing. She’d normally look like this right before having to explain complex problems to you. “This is going to sound…difficult to believe. But…what this Marek told you…is not entirely untrue. Agarthans are real. In fact, this is technically an Agarthan city…with Agarthan rulers.”

>A): You’ve gone mad here, haven’t you?
>B): Explain what you mean. And start from the beginning.
>C): I’ve had enough of these ridiculous fairy tales. Why don’t you tell me why YOU’RE here?
>D): Write-in

>>6269552
>>B): Explain what you mean. And start from the beginning.
theeeere we go

>>6269552

>A): You’ve gone mad here, haven’t you?

>>6269551
>Castle Hohenzollern
Heh. Symbolism.

>>6269552
>A): You’ve gone mad here, haven’t you?
Give her a smirk while saying it, an absolute shit eating grin. That'd drive her nuts.

>>6269552
>B): Explain what you mean. And start from the beginning.
Good can't wait to skin that snake

>>B): Explain what you mean. And start from the beginning.

>>6269552
>>A): You’ve gone mad here, haven’t you?

>>6269552
>B): Explain what you mean. And start from the beginning

>>6269552
>B): Explain what you mean. And start from the beginning.
So is uncovering secret Agarthan things now a Weaver family trade or something? Actually, did Blair send Bronte here knowing this? If so that's some great trust for her daughter, or something like it, remember, we do have some Agarthans mingling around D'rusalka.

>>6269551
>Frankly, I’m glad she did. He’d have been really stuffy to have around.
Kek, yeah, he would be stiffy, he's a good guy through and through. Now I wonder what 40 year old Ashe is like. Kept his "follow your dreams" attitude I hope.
>>6269552
>D): Ah damn it. And here I thought I can just barrel through things, while remaining unaware of the bigger picture. What? It's a good life.
Alright fine. I wonder if Blair redpilled Bronte, or she found out herself.
The princess must be a snake then. Hopefully she's closer to the elf look than to the slitherer-in-the-dark look

>>6269552
>B): Explain what you mean. And start from the beginning.
Blair why did you send your beloved daughter to snakeland

>>6269552
>B): Explain what you mean. And start from the beginning.

>>6269552
>“Goddess, not you too.” You groan, sagging down in your seat. Fine, fuck it. If even your cousin was going to give in to this madness, at least you’d try to hear it out with more consideration. “Explain what you mean. And start from the beginning!”

Bronte sighs, not immediately delving into an explanation. Rather, she seems to take a few moments to compose her thoughts, and you get the feeling that you’re the first person she’s ever had to relay this information to.

“Very well. I know exactly how insane this is going to sound, but please, promise to listen to me with an open mind.” Bronte pleads. “It all began…thousands of years ago.”

>“Of course it did.”

“Shut up! Let me finish!” She seethes, nails out, ready to lash at you. “For the record, a LOT of this is going to go against church doctrine. If they knew what I was about to tell you, they’d probably brand me a heretic. Save your interruptions and questions for the end, please.”

>“Fine.”

Bronte clears her throat. “Right. As you’re well aware, the Church teaches that humans were created by the Goddess, and that they spread out across the land and multiplied. However, in truth, we were not the first ones here. We were preceded by two ancient civilizations. The Agarthans were first. They were both a sorcerous and technological people, whose advancements in both fields dwarf that of what we know today. They worshipped not the Goddess, but a pantheon of their own deities, and they lived in vast cities made of steel that would put what you see here in Morfis to shame.”

Noticing a plate of untouched rice crackers on the table before you, you help yourself to a treat. You munch down as Bronte continues.

“The Agarthans had no knowledge of the Goddess until she appeared to them one day with her own spawn in tow. Those were the Nabateans. Humanoids with the ability to morph into a myriad of beasts, most chiefly among them, dragons. The Agarthans and Nabateans were able to coexist in peace for some time, but in truth, the Agarthans always had their suspicions of the Goddess. They already had their own gods they worshipped, and they viewed her as a foreign entity that did not make sense to them. An alien being with the power to create new life. A threat. Eventually, relations broke down, and the two races fought a war that threatened to destroy the entire world. The Nabateans won that war after the Goddess wiped the table clean with her power, and the few surviving Agarthans were exiled to the underground of Fodlan, condemned to suffer to the darkness, as well as to their growing madness and desires for vengeance. Eventually, even their very forms would twist, resembling nothing of humanity.”

Shit, the rice cracker had made your throat parched. You spot a tea kettle off to the side. Grabbing it, you are disappointed to find it empty.

>>6269792
“However, not every Agarthan was driven underground.” Bronte continues, ignoring your thirst. “Before the Goddess had called the flood that would destroy their civilization and banish them to the underground, one Agarthan had fled. Xenophanes, the man who would eventually become the Sorcerer King. At the time, he was an Agarthan Sage of great power and influence. He’d sensed that the end was near, and taking four of his most loyal followers, they fled Fodlan upon an airship. Their destination was a little-known land. A barren desert where they could escape the Goddess and her children’s wrath and live out the rest of their days on the surface, free from the corruption that would eventually decimate their people. They came here, to Morfis.”

Oh, Bronte had one of those tiny little ice boxes that you’d seen in your room back at Shangri-La. Opening it, you’re greeted by a pleasant cold breeze. You grab a bottle from inside. Someone had painted an orange on its surface. Neat!

“But when Xenophanes and his followers arrived, they were shocked at what they’d discovered.” Bronte says. “There were already humans living here. Humans whose origins could not be traced to either their own gods, nor those of the Nabateans. They were a primitive sort. Every day was a struggle for survival in these barren wastelands, and worse yet, they were subjected to the torments of a myriad of what Xenophanes viewed as ‘lesser spirits.’ Supernatural beings that, while not as powerful as the Goddess, demanded tribute and worship. Something about what he saw moved him, and rather than living out his life in exile, Xenophanes decided he would help these people. In time, many of them came to see him as a god in his own right. They had no comprehension for the magic that he wielded, and due to the extended lifespan he enjoyed as an Agarthan, he was not far off.

>“I read a pretty sophisticated book about this once.” You say, enjoying the refreshingly cold orange juice. “Everything’s all happy days until Leviathan shows up, right?”

Bronte nods. “One day, a fluke accident occured. The airship that Xenophanes had come to Morfis on, which had sailed over the skies of Morfis unperturbed for over a century, suddenly crashed into the desert by the power of a rogue spirit. The ship was swallowed by the sands, but not before something onboard gave off a signal. A powerful piece of Agarthan technology that cried out, and unfortunately for Morfis, someone had heard it. A Nabatean who’d been searching for Agarthan survivors to put an end to them. Ernest. Leviathan. He flew to Morfis, and was enraged by what he discovered. He rallied those who held mistrust for Xenophanes to his side, and soon enough, war erupted.”

>>6269793
>“Oh, that thing about the ship, you must have been talking about Fortuna. I actually released her from imprisonment in Shangri-La. She’s a bit weird, but seemed harmless enough. She actually gave me her blessing if you can believe that.”

“I can, and I cannot adequately express how much your nonchalant attitude towards these sorts of things horrifies me.” Bronte says through gritted teeth. “But you appear to have the gist of it all now. Xenophanes managed to defeat Ernest by unknown means. The story is that he gave his life to do so. In reality, neither Xenophanes nor Ernest left a body behind, so we do not truly know. But neither have been around in over a thousand years. Before he vanished though, he’d already consorted with a human woman. Their descendants became the royal family of Morfis. Over the centuries, many of those new rulers made changes that were perhaps not in line with Xenophanes’ original vision. Certain kings took it upon themselves to make distinctions between those who could use magic and those who couldn’t, and soon a magocracy was born. It’s all led to where we are now.”

>“And where is that?”

Bronte looks you dead in the eye. “If we don’t play our cards right, the end of Morfis, and perhaps the entire world as we know it.”

>“Where’d you even hear all this shit?”

“From Princess Yulia herself.” Bronte says. “Much of this information has been passed through the royal family for generations.”

>“And you just believe it?”

“I do.” She says determinedly. “The question is, do you believe me?”

>A): I believe you.
>B): This is all…a bit hard to take in.
>C): I think you sound crazy.
>D): Look, I just came here to win a Princess…
>E): Write-in

>>6269795
>B): This is all…a bit hard to take in.
but...
>A): I believe you.
Like what we heard from the cultists this should be about right, but we have our preserves about it.

>>6269795
>C): I think you sound crazy.
>A): I believe you.

>>6269795
>D): Look, I just came here to win a Princess…

>>6269795
>E): Write-in
"So how come I can't turn into a dragon?"

>>6269795
>C): I think you sound crazy.
>BUT
>A): I believe you.

>>6269795
>C): I think you sound crazy.
however
>A): I believe you.

Also Tristain's quest for snacks had me cracking up

>>6269795
>C): I think you sound crazy.

>A): I believe you

>>6269795
>B): This is all... a bit hard to take in.
She has no reason to lie to us, but that doesn't mean the heat around here hasn't fried her brain, or at least it doesn't mean we don't think that's what happened.

>>6269795
>A): I believe you.
Sure why not we already seen crazier thing

>>6269795
>>E): Ancient history aside, I do believe that some sort of war is coming. Three sides, right? Marek, Royal family and The four sages of the College. And maybe whoever was behind Andreas.
I don't think tristain cares about lore much. But he's gotta see that something is brewing, in the present.

Also Tristain looking for food and drink is a nice way to lighten the lore dump. Good job, Tree

>>6270005
>Tristain:''A war between Three Houses you could say.''

>>6269795
>A): I believe you.
>E): Is Princess Yulia attractive?
With all the weird shit he's already seen here and it being stated that both Yulia and the Sages are old, this shouldn't be too unbelievable for Tristain at this point.
Though it's not like anything Bronte confirmed so far changes much for Tristain. He still wants to win the competition and Marek wanting to burn down Morfis is bad.

Bronte being a bad host and continuing to exposition dump while Tristain has to look for snacks and drinks along with Chelsey being surprised at Tristain showing restraint in the previous update were great.

>>6269795
>“I think you sound crazy.” You tell Bronte. “As if the heat of the desert has absolutely cooked your brain. But…I suppose I believe you. You’ve been here longer than I have. And your story sort of matches up with what that lunatic Marek had told me. Still, history lessons aside, what’s this have to do with the present day? I don’t see very many dragons flying around. And these Agarthans have just been sitting around in the desert keeping themselves isolated from the rest of the world, no? Then what’s the big deal? What do you mean by the end of Morfis?”

“This room is magically sealed. Any words we speak will not reach the outside. Tristain…what I am about to tell you is of the utmost importance and secrecy.” Bronte says. The atmosphere in the room grows tense as your cousin leans forward, her gaze piercing right through you. “In all of Morfis, I am the only one alive who knows this truth. You must swear to not reveal what I say to another soul. Promise me. And show me your hands as you do so. I already know all your tricks.”

>“I swear.” You say, holding your hands outright so that Bronte could see you were not crossing your fingers.

“Princess Yulia…” Bronte whispers. “Is unable to use magic.”

>“What?” You chuckle inadvertently. “The princess of the Sorcerer Kingdom can’t use sorcery?”

Bronte shakes her head. “She is the first descendant of the Sorcerer King in over a thousand years who cannot. It is not unheard of for magical talent to skip a generation. There are many plain examples of it back home. However, something like that happening here has deeper consequences. Morfis is a magocracy, and one that reveres the Sorcerer King and his family as their rightful rulers. If the people ever found out that Yulia was unable to use magic, they would view it as the end of the Sorcerer King’s dynasty. The family would fall out of favor. At that point, the leadership of Morfis would fall to the Royal Sages. It is for that reason Yulia is kept out of sight, and why we need a new ruler that can actually fight back.”

>“Is that the reason for the contest? But what’s your problem with the Sages taking over?”

“Because the Sages wish to open Tartarus.” Bronte says. “And that is where the end of the world comes into play.”

>“That mausoleum right? Seems everyone wants to open it, but no one knows what’s inside. Alvin seems to think it’s a place of creation, while the cult seems to think opening it will destroy Morfis outright.”

“Of the two, the cult is probably closer to the truth.” Bronte says. “Tell me, do you remember learning about the Valleys of Torment back in school?”

>“Ailell and Merceus, right?” The Valleys of Torment were the two most hellish places in Fodlan. They were giant craters where no life survived, said to be created after humans provoked the wrath of the Goddess.

>>6270215
“Ailell has been in a ruinous state for ages, however, Merceus turned into one more recently. It used to be one of the old Empire’s strongholds. During the Unification War, it was suddenly wiped off the map by what was described as a beam of light falling from the sky. Even now, 25 years later, no life grows there. The official story from the Church was that, once again, the Goddess had been provoked. That she’d been angered by the countless lives lost due to the ongoing war. In truth, both Ailell and Merceus were the targets of ancient Agarthan weapons that were known as the ‘ICBM.’”

>“Eye See Bee Em?” You furrow your brow in your confusion. “Bronte, what the hell are you talking about?”

“That is what the weapons were referred to in the writings left behind by Xenophanes.” Bronte says urgently. “They are the worst combination of both magic and technology. Used thousands of years ago by the desperate Agarthans in their war against the Goddess. The ICBM that hit Merceus was launched by the Agarthans on Fodlan who’d been forced underground. The result of the blast could be felt even by the most powerful sorcerers here, many miles away. When the Sages and the former King learned of the ICBM launch, they were able to trace it to its source, and they uncovered the location of the underground city, Shambhala. They believed the old Agarthans were on the brink of extinction, and they were correct. Shambhala was destroyed, and the United Kingdom of Fodlan was born soon after. The threat of the ICBMs was seemingly gone for good.”

You burst out laughing, doubling over on the couch and grabbing your ribs. You laugh so hard that you are almost on the verge of tears. Bronte waits for you to finish, which to her, seems an eternity. After wiping your eyes with your cloak, you are finally able to muster up the will to say something.

>“Bronte…you realize how this all sounds, right? I mean…if your mother could hear you now, she’d drag you out of this land on the back of her pegasus herself.”

“You don’t think I know that?” Bronte asks, bitterly. “Don’t you know how badly I wish I could tell her? To confide in her and hear her counsel? Even if by some miracle I was able to send her a letter that was not intercepted, she’d think I’d gone insane. Who would believe a story as preposterous as this?”

>“Certainly not those old-timers.”

“Exactly. So do not mock me, Tristain. Please.”

>“Right, sorry. So back to Tartarus. What do you think is inside?”

Bronte takes a moment to compose herself before continuing. “When Xenophanes came to this land, he brought with him ICBMs. The idea was he’d use them against the Nabateans if they came for him, or possibly against Shambhala, who would have viewed him as a traitor and deserter. The only problem is, they’ve never been found.”

>>6270218
>“Never been found? What do you mean? If they’re strong enough to flatten an entire city, they seem like they’d be pretty hard to misplace.”

Bronte shrugs her shoulders. “Exactly. And yet, no one knows where they are. When Ernest attacked Morfis, Xenophanes didn’t use them. One theory is that they were on the airship, and are now buried in the sands. The other theory is that Xenophanes willingly chose not to use these ICBMs because of the destruction they would cause to Morfis. All the work he’d done in creating this place would be for nothing. Having no means of disposing of them, the next best option would be to lock them away where no one could reach. In Tartarus.”

>“So, you think the Sages wish to open Tartarus to get these…ICBMs?”

Bronte nods. “The threat of using those weapons in the past meant potential reprisal from Shambhala. With them gone, the only ICBMs left to call on are here, in Morfis. If the Sages had access to that sort of terrifying power, there’s no telling what they might do with it. They already see themselves as above the rest of us. They take great pride in the ancient, uncorrupted Agarthan blood that flows through them.”

>“I keep hearing these Sages are so great, holding more influence than Yulia herself. If that’s the case, why haven’t they just knocked her off the throne and taken over already?”

“The Sages do not know Yulia cannot use magic.” Bronte smiles mischievously. “There are ancient spells weaved in this palace, as well as machines of war put in place by Xenophanes himself to keep it safe. They can only be activated by the magic of one who shares his blood. Yulia may not be able to do anything with them, but the Sages do not know that. It is out of an abundance of caution that they do not strike out at her. But as their influence and power grows, especially now that the makings of a key are in their possession, I do not wager that they plan to stay still forever.”

>“A question. Whatever is in Tartarus…there’s a possibility it may not be these weapons you speak of, correct?”

Bronte shrugs her shoulders. “There could be flowers and birthday cake inside, Tristain. If a Sorcerer King thousands of years old decided that they needed to be locked away forever, I’d rather a group of power hungry mages that refer to our home as the ‘Dark Continent’ not get their hands on them.”

>A): I was just kind of curious what was inside. I even thought about opening it myself.
>B): Fine, so when I win, we’ll keep Tartarus closed?
>C): What’s your deal with this Yulia? Why are you fighting so hard for her?
>D): I’ve heard enough. Just tell me about the Competition and what I need to do to win.
>E): Write-in

>>6270220
>E): Malek wants to opens Tartarus too
Think she's better know that.
>C): What’s your deal with this Yulia? Why are you fighting so hard for her?
And this I want to hear from the horse's mouth

>Bronte and Tristain writing off Blair
Smh kids these days, when Blair was their age she'd already killed three sages.

>Bronte stopping the finger crossing
Cute!

>>6270220
>A): I was just kind of curious what was inside. I even thought about opening it myself.
This explains why Chelsey has been opposed to Alvin and the Sages.
It's still incredibly tempting to open the door despite all the warnings.

>>6270220
>>B): Fine, so when I win, we’ll keep Tartarus closed?

>>6270220
>>6270224
I'm voting this, also yeah it's mad funny they're saying Blair would never believe them, she's going to have a heart attack after the end of this quest

>>B): Fine, so when I win, we’ll keep Tartarus closed?

>>6270224
Seconding this. I don't want to promise not to open Tartarus - it's like a giant mystery box! Also, we've only got the one side of the story. We should ask Alvin what this is all about from their end.

>>6270220
>>6270224
+1

>>6270240
>I don't want to promise not to open Tartarus - it's like a giant mystery box!
This is true.

>“You don’t think I know that?” Bronte asks, bitterly. “Don’t you know how badly I wish I could tell her? To confide in her and hear her counsel? Even if by some miracle I was able to send her a letter that was not intercepted, she’d think I’d gone insane. Who would believe a story as preposterous as this?”
Hehehehe. Oh little Bronte, if you only knew what unholy retribution both Byleth and your mother would bring on this continent if they knew it's secrets.

>>6270220
>>6270224
>support
Well now we need to open that weird place

>>6270220
>E): You should know, Malek wants to open Tartarus, too.
Feels like we should warn Bronte about this, yes.

>>6270218
>“Certainly not those old-timers.”
Lol. Lmao even. Actually, now I really want to visit the embassy. See how much Archbishop's agents know.
I see we skipped the "Javelins of light" fantasy nomenclature. Can't wait for agarthian laser rifle loot drop.
>>6270220
>C): What’s your deal with this Yulia? Why are you fighting so hard for her?
Our future wife is a magelet, it's over.
>A): I was just kind of curious what was inside. I even thought about opening it myself.
The box. What's in the box?

I'm pretty sure Bronte knows about Malek. Tristain literally just said that cultists want to open the box and think it will destroy Morfis.

>>6270490
Well now I feel dumb.

>>6270451 here, changing to:
>>6270220
>A): I was just kind of curious what was inside. I even thought about opening it myself.

>>6270490
>>6270607
we could mention he allegedly has the key

>>6270220
>“What’s your deal with this Yulia anyway? Why are you fighting so hard for her? Because to me, it seems like you’re sticking your neck out quite readily. You know, I heard some pretty interesting rumors regarding your relationship…”

“Yulia is my friend, nothing more!” Bronte says rather defensively, a fierce blush creeping upon her cheeks. “Those ridiculous rumors that you’ve heard are just that! I have not bewitched her, nor are we in some sort of relationship! The fact of the matter is that she was the first friend I made upon coming to this land.”

>“How? I thought this place had her locked away tightly?”

“Do you recall when I was first offered the chance to study here?”

>“By the Goddess, another long story?”

“Shut up!” Bronte shouts, taking full advantage of the magically soundproof room you were in. “I’ll make it quick. You were there after all. I received an invitation from the Four Sages to study magic here in Morfis. A rare invitation that only a select few in Fodlan have ever been granted. Officially, the offer was made to improve relations and trade between Morfis and Rusalka. In reality, I later found out they simply wanted an excuse to come to Rusalka more frequently so they could hunt for the Agarthium needed to open Tartarus. When I arrived here, they were polite enough. They even taught me quite a bit. But there was a certain coldness there. Not just from them, but from everyone in the College. No matter how good I was, or how hard I trained, I was still a foreigner from the ‘Dark Continent.’ That was when I met Yulia. Despite not having the capacity for magic, she somehow managed to escape her quarters.”

>“How’d she do that?”

“Yulia may not know magic, but she’s a genius in her own right.” Bronte says. “In all her life, she’s had nothing to do but peruse the personal texts that belonged to the Sorcerer King and his Apostles. Ancient math, engineering, sciences I’ve never even conceived of, Yulia threw herself into it all. She found something that allowed her to slip the barriers placed by the former king and prime minister. And for the first time in her life, she was able to explore the very city she was princess of. She toured it all, taking great care to disguise herself. Eventually, word reached her of a foreigner that had come to Morfis to study. I piqued her interest, and she sought me out.”

>“And that’s it?”

“That’s it.” Bronte shrugs. “We hit it off well. For a while, she hid her true identity from me, pretending to be a local librarian’s apprentice. I’d finish my lessons at the College, and she’d be there waiting for me. She snuck out everyday to meet me. We went from exchanging our countries’ histories, to speaking of our hopes and dreams, of what we wished to accomplish. Eventually, she confided in me her true identity. And asked for my help.”

>>6270980
>“That’s it?” You scoff, eyebrows raised in amazement. “You’ve been away from home for three years. Away from your family. Fighting a secret war against four powerful sages that are the descendants of an ancient advanced civilization…because she asked you to?”

“Yes, what of it?” Bronte asks, getting up and stretching out her limbs, seemingly exhausted from her endless explaining. “You know as well as I that our family never spoke of what they did during the war. Any time the subject was broached, they were quick to change topics. But I could see plainly, as well as you could I’m sure, that whatever they were involved with affected them greatly. My mother always tried to instill in us the importance of doing what was right. And of remaining loyal to your friends. I believe when it came to these two principles, she was greatly put to the test. Here I am now in the same predicament. Yes, I could leave Yulia to her fate, but that would not be the right thing to do. And I will not abandon my friend.”

>“That’s surprisingly bullheaded coming from you.”

“Now, who do you think I learned that from?” She smiles warmly.

>“Well, I have one more question. Perhaps the most important of all. You’ve seen Yulia. Face to face. Perhaps the only person alive who has. You’ve got me thousands of miles away, fighting a war you’ve brought me into. I have to know. Is she pretty?”

“Tristain, what?” Bronte staggers back, all manner of composure lost.

>“You heard me! Is she pretty? Or is she at least my type?”

Bronte thinks for a moment, rubbing her chin lost in thought. The room grows still, the silence deafening, as you wait for your cousin to give you her verdict.

“Truth be told…” Bronte mutters. “I’ve…never quite actually understood what your ‘type’ was…?”

>A): You liked women that were scrappy, fun, and cheerful. Sort of like May.
>B): You liked women that were stoic, demure, and with good morals. Sort of like Adeline.
>C): You liked women that were smart, confident, and resourceful. Sort of like Nadia.
>D): You liked women that were seductive, loyal, and talented. Sort of like Chelsey.
>E): You liked women that were strong, determined, and supportive. Sort of like Bronte.
>F): Write-in

>>6270981
damn, it would have been really funny if bronte did bed the princess before tristain even got here...
>>A): You liked women that were scrappy, fun, and cheerful. Sort of like May.
y'know what. even though Nadia is our MVP... having May around really makes everything better. she really is a black cat

>>6270981
Oh god, uh... I don't know the implications of this.
>E): You liked women that were strong, determined, and supportive. Sort of like Bronte.
I mean, they're all fun in their own ways but since there can only be THE ONE waifu then I'd like her to have a lot of tone variety.

>>6270981
>E): You liked women that were strong, determined, and supportive. Sort of like Bronte.

>>6270981
>A): You liked women that were scrappy, fun, and cheerful. Sort of like May
MAY
Yulia may be the princess of Morfis, but May is my Princess.

>>6270981
>B): You liked women that were stoic, demure, and with good morals. Sort of like Adeline.

>>6270981
>E): You liked women that were strong, determined, and supportive. Sort of like Bronte.
Contractually obligated to support her considering my ramblings last quest.

>>6270981
>C): You liked women that were smart, confident, and resourceful. Sort of like Nadia.
My goat and fuck incest whatever justification still weird

>>6270981
>C): You liked women that were smart, confident, and resourceful. Sort of like Nadia.

>>6270981

>A): You liked women that were scrappy, fun, and cheerful. Sort of like May.

>>6270981
>A): You liked women that were scrappy, fun, and cheerful. Sort of like May.
The true choice

>>6270981
>E): You liked women that were strong, determined, and supportive. Sort of like Bronte.

>>6270981
>D): You liked women that were seductive, loyal, and talented. Sort of like Chelsey.

>Sisterfuckers out in force
God damn it.
>>6270981
>B): You liked women that were stoic, demure, and with good morals. Sort of like Adeline.
time to die on my hill

>>6270981
>A): You liked women that were scrappy, fun, and cheerful. Sort of like May.
You could say that she... stole our heart
>*badumtss*

>>6270981
>E): You liked women that were strong, determined, and supportive. Sort of like Bronte.

>>6271283
Awful. Get off the stage.

>>6271309
Can't, I've already stolen this show!
>*badumtss*

Tie between A and E. I'll work with that. Writing.

For the record the tally was:
A: 5
B: 2
C: 2
D: 1
E: 5

Not a route lock, but just an estimation of where Tristain is with everyone.

>>6271375
motherfff-

>>6271376
In the last quest, people were pretty unified around Ashe from almost from the start. Now though, it looks like we might be on the brink of a waifu war. And Tristain hasn't even met Yulia yet...

>>6271387
It's sisterfuckers vs gremlinfuckers vs evil woman fans vs good woman fans. And that one guy who likes Chelsey
Shit's gonna be brutal
>In the last quest, people were pretty unified around Ashe from almost from the start
Yeah, Blair was a yandere

>>6271389
For me? It's Lady of the Oasis.

>>6271387
To be fair the decks were pretty much stacked in Ashe's favour: not only did he and Blair have a not in common but he had the plot on his side and thus a lot of screentime early on to win over the anons.

If he'd died or something I think Corrine would have won the Blairbowl for pretty similar reasons

>>6271393
The Sreng prince was pretty cool, but came in too late

>>6271393
>Not a lot
A LOT, rather, with them both being baseborn adoptive children of nobility who want to be knights.

>>6271395
I was the one anon screaming for Leopold, but honestly Ashe makes everyone too late kek

>>6271387
never really understood what everyone else saw in ashe. anemone though, maaaan that would have been cool...

Argh, missed out on the vote. I'm a big incestbro, but I'm not feeling Bronte all that much. Probably would have voted for Nadia...

>>6271387
>>6271401
>>6271404
I hated Ashe with a passion, too much of a safe, boring, vanilla choice. I'd have killed for a Leopold/Corinne/Anemone romance, genuinely... Anything but the cookie cutter boring guy. Even a year or two later, I'm still mad about the other anons' taste...

>>6271405
I'd join you in killing for a Leopold romance, seeing him blunder through finding himself at the goddess tower with Blair and flailing at her showing up after five years looking hot would have been great.

>>6271389
>>6271405
>I'm a big incestbro
>sisterfuckers
It's not real incest since Blair was adopted into the d'Rusalka family. They're not real cousins, they just think they are because Blair probably never told them and Ashe might not know she's adopted, and thus never said anything about it either. The new (fake) cadet branch of d'Rusalka needs to unify with the actual d'Rusalka bloodline to gain true legitimacy.

Yuri fags, not even once

>>6271409
They know they're not blood related. They use the term cousin because they grew up together consider each other family regardless of blood.

>>6271409
Blair x Tristan........ Now that's a good, proper, problematic ship. Throwing everything in disarray, following his heart and ruining the legacy of both Morfis and Rusalka sounds like a Tristan thing to do, no?

You motherfuckers need jesus
>>6271413
eww, she's so old

>>6271414
>>6271376

>Mayfags never beating the kidfucker OR massive baby whiner allegations

Honestly she's far more of a little sister than Tristain's (not blood related) cousin

Bronte, Yulia, Nadia, Chelsey...as long as Tristain gets with an grown woman who actually has tits I don't care who wins.

>>6271417
your strawman sucks, you didn't even guess my vote correctly

where are all these shitty 1 post cretins coming from, get the fuck out

>cowards can't back up their opinion with their main ID so they resort to phoneposting 1PBTIDs
I forsee massive samefagging for when the actual choice in love interest will be made.

Oh piss off, not my fault I live in a shithole where everything is banned. All recent 1ids are me, besides this guy >>6271417

>>6270981
Hmm, that was a good question. What WAS your type? You think about the women in your life that you’d recently gotten to know. Of all of them, you had to admit that there was something charming about May. She was a woman who knew how to take life not so seriously. Her easygoing and cheerful demeanor was strong enough that you found it had an effect even on you, oftentimes cooling things down when your anger was about to become overwhelming. And, admittedly, she wasn’t bad on the eyes. While not as conventionally attractive as someone like Nadia, she was certainly still cute. Perhaps it was because she was so tiny? There was also something refreshing about the way she placed little to no emphasis on mundane “girly” things like combing her hair or putting on makeup. You could appreciate that in a woman.

Then again, there was the matter of your “cousin.” You two were not blood related, and admittedly, the thought had crossed your mind on more than one occasion. Bronte was strong, much like yourself, albeit in a different way. She was determined, always set on doing whatever she set out to. And since you were children, she’d constantly had your back. From a physical standpoint, she’d only grown more beautiful since coming to Morfis. This place may have permanently damaged her brain, but it’d done wonders for her appearance. What more could one ask for in a woman? Still, whether you were blood related or not, something about this whole train of thought unnerved you. In fact, if her mother even suspected you were thinking this way, you had no doubt she’d kill you herself.

As you ponder the merits of both May and Bronte it occurs to you that the two women could not be any further apart from each other. May was a carefree and high-energy woman, whereas Bronte was more prone to get on your case and nag about every little thing you did. On the other hand, May was a thief, one who you weren’t even sure knew how to read, whereas Bronte was one of the smartest, most driven people you knew.

Shit, this wasn’t good. Maybe Adeline was a better choice? Or Nadia? Certainly not Chelsey. Then again, the dancer had her merits too…

You realize rather grimly that not only do you have no idea what your type of woman is, but that it’s been more than two minutes since Bronte asked you that question, and now the pregnant silence has grown beyond an acceptable level, passing from awkward to exceptionally uncomfortable.

“Uhh…look…forget I asked.” Bronte mutters. “In any case…I believe Princess Yulia to be quite the catch. It’s just…”

>“Oh Goddess, what is it?”

“Look…she’s been under lock and key her entire life. Maybe…temper expectations a bit…”

>“SHE’S UGLY!?”

“NO!” Bronte screams, her hands reaching for your throat before she pulls them back. “Ugh, you’re the worst! Worry less about what she looks like and more about winning the damn Competition! Otherwise it won’t matter!”

>>6271483
>“Right, the Competition. You’ll help me with that, right? What can I expect to encounter?”

“How should I know?” Bronte shrugs, exasperated.

>“What? What do you mean? It was your idea was it not?!”

“Well, the concept was!” Bronte says defensively. “It’s not like the Sages would let me design the thing though! Do you know how much trouble they gave me when it came to even trying to get the thing off the ground? If I hadn’t agreed to leave the planning of the Competition to a neutral party, it was possible they may have revolted right then and there!”

>“A neutral party? In this place?” You scoff. “Who could that possibly even be?”

“Have you heard of the Yasha?”

>“Oh fucking great.” You groan, remembering that milk-drinking weirdo Kosmas. “Yes, I have. I thought they were in the pockets of the College?”

“The College may send them on investigations, but they do not answer directly to them. The Yasha are the most fervent adherents of the Sorcerer King, and to them, the only thing that matters is that they follow the letter of the law exactly as it was written by Xenophanes and his lineage. At the very least, you can expect them to be impartial, and to abide no shady business.”

>“Is there truly nothing you can tell me that will afford me an advantage?” You sigh deeply. You were really looking forward to cheating in this thing.

“Only this.” Bronte says. “The Competition will take place in what is known as the Tower of Illusions. It is a massively sprawling spire, built by Xenophanes himself. It is home to a special sort of magic capable of warping space and time within the confines of its walls. It was speculated that it was what Xenophanes had used when planning this city. While no one can reproduce that magic outside its walls, there exists a control mechanism that allows one to manipulate the inside as they see fit. This is where the Yasha will test you.”

>“Sounds annoying. Can’t we just bash each other’s brains out and be done with it?”

“Yes, but not at first. There were 58 contenders in Morfis as of this morning. You are the 59th. The Yasha will test you until only 8 remain. At that point, the test will stop, and the few of you left will face off tournament style for Yulia’s hand. All you need to do is make sure you are among the final 8 standing. My advice to you? Make alliances with some of your fellow competitors. Ones that you trust will not betray you at an inconvenient moment. I believe several of them will be seeking allies to try and make it to the end together.”

>“I’ll take it into consideration. Anything else?”

Bronte shakes her head. “Only that after this, I can not readily meet with you again. The last thing I need is suspicion arising that I’m playing favorites.”

>“Heh, figured. No worries. I’ll crush this thing, no problem.”

>>6271484
“I know you will.” Bronte smiles. Your cousin grabs your hands, squeezing tightly. “I’ll leave Chelsey with you. Treat her well. She’s a good woman, and someone I have complete trust in. She’ll see you around Morfis in my stead. Also, I’ll instruct some of my people to keep a close eye on Elric. If they notice anything strange, I’ll let you know. We’ll fix him up, otherwise Lila will kill us both.”

>“Sounds good. See you later, Bronte.”

“Farewell, Tristain. I’d wish you luck, but I don’t think you’ll need it.”

You exit Bronte’s chambers, eventually meeting back up with Chelsey, who’d been waiting outside the doors of the audience chamber. The girl had fallen fast asleep, but is jolted awake when you open the door hard enough that it slams against the wall.

“AHH! I mean, you’re finally done?” Chelsey asks, rubbing her eyes tiredly. “You two were in there forever…”

>You shrug. “It was a family reunion. Bronte says you’re to tag along with me. Guess you’re officially part of the team.”

Chelsey sighs. “Very well. Just please promise to stop stressing me out so much. I’m liable to turn into Cuthbert if you keep up your antics.” She claps her hands and faces you. “Well then, where to next? Should we regroup with the others at the Fodlan Embassy? Or would you like to see some of the sights the city has to offer?”

>A): Head to the Fodlan Embassy
>B): Take a brief tour of Morfis
>C): Write-in

>>6271489
>>B): Take a brief tour of Morfis
Fortuna, take the wheel

>>6271489
>>A): Head to the Fodlan Embassy

>>6271483
>B): Take a brief tour of Morfis

I wonder if Yulia will have just pure high tech weapons and gadgets, which I suppose some people could mistake as magic lol. Magic power armor? The Morfis Gundam Golem? A gun?

Did one of the Sages do some crazy alchemy or eugenics plot to give the previous King a wife that would produce a child without magic? My eye would be on the guy who made 99, and if its the same guy the evil adjunct follows I think we have our man. Actually if we could bring 99 here she would be handy to have around the Princess, then I doubt anyone would be able to tell shes got no magic and she'd be protected from any harmful magic even if she went out.

On the other hand maybe a rumor that her magic is so powerful its more like a weapon of mass destruction and its better she doesn't use it. Thats probably better than having no magic?

>>6271489
>A): Head to the Fodlan Embassy
Let's finish business and then we chillax
Also clearly TH has shown that Bronte route isn't going to work due to Tristain's apprehension to the idea, so clearly May is the best fit... You know if Yulia's not hot that is.

>>6271489
>B): Take a brief tour of Morfis

>>6271489
>A): Head to the Fodlan Embassy
Gotta tell Cuthbert we've stuck Bronte's secret police on Elric before his old man heart gives out

>>6271489
>>A): Head to the Fodlan Embassy
Go "subtly" ask the church's agent what he knows about so called "agarthians"

Also, damn, I was shitposting, but Yulia might actually show up with a beam rifle.

>>6271733
>Thinker Tristain
My sides are in fucking orbit anon

>>6271489
>A): Head to the Fodlan Embassy

>>6271733
Don't ask me what the fuck is Bronte wearing, I kind of lost control over that one. Also Tristain got a Devil May Cry looking coat now

>>6271489
>>A): Head to the Fodlan Embassy

>>6271733
I really did like how Tristain had a minor silent breakdown due to realizing he's not sure what his type is, it eats away at a man not knowing what he likes in a woman exactly

>>6271733
Hell yeah, I'm always eagerly anticipating more artwork from you. And I actually really like Bronte's outfit here. I think her showing a bit of skin emphasizes how much she's grown since Tristain last saw her.

>>6271489
>B): Take a brief tour of Morfis

>>6271489
>A): Head to the Fodlan Embassy

So final 8 is probably going to be
>Tristain
>Elric
>Charon
>Gloucester
>Almyran
(No I cannot be bothered to find their proper names kek)
>Scratch baby
>Mystery box 1
>Mystery box 2

Convinced one of the ????? slots will be a proxy of the cult guy. Or Clay if he's bored enough to take part in this

>>6271489
>B): Take a brief tour of Morfis
Let's find more friends.

>>6271733
Man, that is great. Tristain's greatest internal struggle. Who makes Tristain happy? Also nice legs on Bronte.

>>6271489
>A): Head to the Fodlan Embassy
Don't we still have a bow to (maybe fail to) pick up?

>>6271733
Title: Tristain slowly coming to the realization that he prefers Klement or Alvin to all the cute girls surrounding him.
Fujosisters this might be our time...

>>6272166
May shows him the art she made of him and Klement which gives Tristain a full on mental breakdown, he can't be gay! ... Right? But he's fucked so many bitches (probably)

>>6272167
I quote:
>Men be like "im fighting demons" and then the demons be bisexuality

>>6271489
>“Let’s go to the Fodlan Embassy first. I’m tired and could use a bit of a rest. Besides, we should regroup with the others. Maybe they’ve already run into Elric.”

You and Chelsey leave the Royal Palace for the outside and find that night has already fallen. Despite the absence of sun, you’re surprised to find that the city is still illuminated. On every street that you walk through, you find strange poles made of iron, the tops of which radiate a light that drives away the darkness. You’d never seen anything like it! If you were back in Rusalka, you’d have been expected to carry a torch around during night just to enjoy a paltry amount of light. As you walk together, Chelsey notices you staring at them in wonder.

“What? You don’t have streetlights in Fodlan?” She asks. Evidently she’d already grown used to this.

>“Of course not. How do they work?”

“Beats me.” She shrugs. “Some mages come around and light them up every night with their magic. I guess I can understand how one might find them amazing though, if you’ve never seen them before.

You and Chelsey continue to attract no shortage of looks from the citizenry in Morfis. Perhaps because of the addition of these streetlights, you find that there are still a plethora of people walking around the city. Morfis seemed remarkably different to you at night. As if it were an entirely different place. In a way, you found you were captivated by the dazzling lights and the strange buildings and people. You start making a mental list of the things you’d wish to bring back with you to Fodlan, should you ever return. Eventually, you and Chelsey find yourself on a street that contains a row of large dwellings, reminiscent of the mansions you’d seen many of the affluent families of Enbarr living in. It is here that you no longer see Morfisians, but Fodlanders, walking about as if they naturally belonged.

“Some of these homes have been repurposed to serve as makeshift embassies.” Chelsey informs you as you begin walking down the street. “Each nation that has a representative competing has their own, with additional housing for their vassals.”

>“Each nation, huh? Just how many are there?” You ask, your head on a swivel as you examine the various house insignias present amongst the Fodlan vassals walking around.

“Well, the large majority of the competitors are from Fodlan. But, from what I gathered while you were speaking with Bronte, there are also competitors from Sreng, Almyra, and even farther off places like Dagda and Brigid.”

>“Brigid and Dagda…wow. I can’t believe someone would travel all that way just to lose.”

“Brigid has sent one champion. Dagda has sent three.” Chelsey informs you. “As for Almyra and Sreng, they have one each. All the warriors from those countries apparently knew enough to fall in-line behind their chosen champions.”

>>6272184
>“Huh, well Uriyan is strong enough I suppose.” You say, sparing a glance towards a large mansion that currently sports the Almyran flag over its facade. There were several Almyrans on the lawn, in various drunken states, some passed out face first in the grass. “Geeze, those guys are rowdy. Anyway, who’s the Sreng champion? Did you find out anything about him?”

“It’s a woman, actually.” Chelsey says with some surprise. “Her name is Saoirse. She’s the First Sword of Sreng, whatever that means. Not much is known about her, given how far away the country is. But apparently she came here with a slew of tough berserkers. Some of the hardest men you could find. And yet, they treat her with much respect and reverence. Look, that’s them.” She points to a mansion that sports a red and black vulture on its facade, the symbol of the nation of Sreng. There, you find several large, hulking men, each of whom is clad in battle-scarred iron and fur. They stand in a circle around one of their own, who was currently holding himself up by his hands atop a large keg, drinking from the tap.

>“What the hell?” You mutter in amazement. Far be it from you to tell anyone how to behave, but between Almyra and Sreng, the superiority complex these Morfisians had was only sure to grow.

You both finally make it to the front of the Fodlan Embassy. There on the sprawling lawn, you find your companions, simply standing around in a circle.

>“What are you all doing?” You ask an angrier than usual Cuthbert. Adeline and Cassius were busy roasting some meat over the fire for that night’s meal, while May was lying on the grass, sharpening one of her daggers. Nadia meanwhile, was conspicuously absent.

“They won’t let us inside.” Cuthbert growls, clearly annoyed. “Said we can’t go in without the supervision of a declared champion. So we’ve been stuck out here waiting for you to get back.”

“Nadia was here with us, till some dorks from the Royal College came looking for her.” May informs you. “She said she’d be back later, then left with Alvin. How was your reunion with Bronte?”

>“Very touching and moving.” You say glibly. “Get that meat off the fire and let’s go inside.”

“Hey! A new face!” Someone calls out from behind you. You turn to find a strange looking man. He had long, greasy black hair, and a rather sharp pointed nose, yet there was no mistaking he was of Fodlan stock. His armor and cloak were of rather high quality, likely made for a noble, and there was a rather ornate sword scabbard at his side. You had no doubt about it, this was a fellow contender.

>“And you are?”

“Thomas vi Muller.” The man says proudly. “I’m the fourth son of House Muller, on the border of Bergliez and Gloucester. You’re Tristain d’Rusalka, aren’t you? A pleasure to meet you!” He offers a handshake.

>A): Accept the man’s handshake
>B): Turn him away
>C): Ask how he knows you
>D): Write-in

>>6272187
>>B): Turn him away

>>6272187
>A): Accept the man's handshake
and
>C): Ask how he knows you
Let's be polite!

>>6272187
>D): Write-in
Politely decline his handshake and ask him how he knows us.

>>6272187
>A): Accept the man’s handshake

>>6272187
>A): Accept the man’s handshake
Something something Bronte told us to make friends and shit.

Still think we should probably throw our lot in with Uriyan though

>>6272187
>>A): Accept the man's handshake
Smells suspicious but if he wants to backstab us he'll be a stain on the streets within a second.

>>6272187
>A): Accept the man's handshake

Imagine if the first sword of Sreng wants to take Bronte as a trophy wife like her dad wanted Blair

>>6271733
Neat. Can't wait for the waifu wars when we finally reach the actual vote.

>>6272187
>A): Accept the man’s handshake
It was definitely because of our cool entrance that the other contenders know of us.

>>6272505
The Sreng lust for that commoner witch pussy

>>6272187
>>D):Accept the Man's handshake and try to dominate with strength and firmness.

No need to be rude, but let's show him we're the Alpha dog

>>6272187
You stare at the man’s outstretched hand. You’d never heard of him before, though you knew Muller was certainly a place that existed just where he said. In any case, you saw no harm in being friendly. Bronte told you it may be helpful to have a few allies you could trust watching your back during the earlier rounds of the Competition. Perhaps you should see what this man was about. You accept Thomas’ handshake, offering him a polite nod in return.

>“Hello there. You’re correct. How did you know who I was?”

“You fit the description, of course.” Thomas says, offering you a toothy smile. “Tall, wearing dark armor and with long, bright red hair. You’re the talk of the town lately, my friend. Word on these streets is that you’re the one who defeated Klement von Bergliez. Some of the other competitors were in Shangri-La and watched the whole thing. I gotta say, I’m seriously impressed! Klement may have been a real rat bastard, but he was still one of the favorites to win. That you took him out single-handedly makes you someone to watch.”

Evidently word travels fast around these parts. You would not be wrong to have considered yourself relatively unknown prior to coming to Morfis. Despite having two Crests, you’d yet to have the opportunity to distinguish yourself like some of the more famous fighters competing here. But now, the others would be learning of you, and fast. A new favorite, huh? You can’t help but wonder if defeating Klement has painted a target on your back.

>“Yeah, beating him was no problem, really.” You boast, which elicits quite the eyebrow raise from Thomas. “I suppose you were introducing yourself in hopes of an autograph of some sort?”

Thomas laughs, unphased by your jab. “I just wanted to meet you, that’s all. I like meeting all my fellow competitors. Believe it or not, I was actually the 1st person to make it to Morfis!”

>“Huh. Is that really such a big deal? I didn’t think we were racing.”

“We weren’t. But being the first person has its advantages too, y’know?” Now you felt as though it was Thomas’ turn to brag. “I’ve seen every single competitor come through, from number 2 all the way to yourself, number 59. Along the way, I’ve gotten to know a little bit about everyone! I may not have a fancy Crest like some of you other folks, but I’ve managed to fill up quite a bit of intel!”

>“Intel, huh. So, are you here to find my weakness or something?”

“Don’t be like that, Tristain.” Thomas shoos the idea away. “We may be fellow competitors, but there’s no reason we can’t be friends, right? Here, I’ll share with you some information, free of charge. As a gesture of good will!” Thomas beckons that you lean in close. As you do, he whispers in your ear. “Take a look around the lawn here. Where the other Fodlan competitors and their vassals are standing. What do you notice?”

>>6272673
Doing as Thomas asks, you turn your head left and right. The banners of various Fodlan houses each decorate a spot of the lawn. There appear to be an almost even number of banners from the three distinct areas of the United Kingdom; the old countries that used to be known as Faerghus, Leicester and Adrestia. Underneath each are groups of vassals, their armor signifying that they belong to the house of the banner they congregate under. What you notice though, is that there is a wide distance between one banner and the next. One group of vassals looks at another scornfully, while another huddles close together, whispering and muttering amongst each other. If the Sreng and Almyran entourages were living loosely, the Fodlan ones were in comparison much more cautious and weary.

“This competition…” Thomas mutters. “It’s going to be a bloodbath. Old wounds take the longest to heal, and despite the extended peace we enjoy now, it looks like 25 years isn’t enough time to forget about the Unification War. There are members of almost every noble house from Fodlan here. And you can bet your ass they’ve all got one grudge or another they’re gonna be looking to settle. That type of stuff may not fly back home, but here in a foreign land, they won’t be able to help themselves from ripping each other apart.”

>“You think the Competition will be to the death?”

“Heh, wouldn’t surprise me one bit.” Thomas laughs. “Cyril and his Knights of Seiros are keeping the peace so far. They’re warning the others against slaughtering each other. But they won’t be there once the Competition starts. If I were you, I’d start thinking about any houses that Rusalka might have some old wounds with, and keeping an eye out on any competitors who might hail from there. Nobles have a long memory, and oftentimes, the worst grudges are passed on to their descendants.”

Were there any houses that took issue with Rusalka? The only person here you expected any trouble from was Arios of House Charon. He’d already made it plain and clear he wanted nothing more than to kill you. But if there were others, then you certainly didn’t know who. Still, your father and aunt were decorated war heroes, and you don’t reach that status without pissing off a lot of people. If they did cause any problems for anyone, you’d be paying for it 25 years later.

“Incidentally…” Thomas says. “Seeing as I’ve been able to gather intel on so many fighters here, I’ve opened up a bit of a side business.” He produces a stack of paper from inside his cloak, and smiles mischievously. “If you want some dirt on some of the others…just name them. 5000 gold per fighter.”

Choose as many as you like: (24,800 gold)
>A): Arios Charon
>B): Leonora Gloucester
>C): Uriyan
>D): Saoirse
>E): Elric
>F): Someone unknown to you that possessed a Crest
>G): The Brigid contender
>H): The Dagdan contenders (15k)
>I): Decline

>>6272673
Doing as Thomas asks, you turn your head left and right. The banners of various Fodlan houses each decorate a spot of the lawn. There appear to be an almost even number of banners from the three distinct areas of the United Kingdom; the old countries that used to be known as Faerghus, Leicester and Adrestia. Underneath each are groups of vassals, their armor signifying that they belong to the house of the banner they congregate under. What you notice though, is that there is a wide distance between one banner and the next. One group of vassals looks at another scornfully, while another huddles close together, whispering and muttering amongst each other. If the Sreng and Almyran entourages were living loosely, the Fodlan ones were in comparison much more cautious and weary.

“This competition…” Thomas mutters. “It’s going to be a bloodbath. Old wounds take the longest to heal, and despite the extended peace we enjoy now, it looks like 25 years isn’t enough time to forget about the Unification War. There are members of almost every noble house from Fodlan here. And you can bet your ass they’ve all got one grudge or another they’re gonna be looking to settle. That type of stuff may not fly back home, but here in a foreign land, they won’t be able to help themselves from ripping each other apart.”

>“You think the Competition will be to the death?”

“Heh, wouldn’t surprise me one bit.” Thomas laughs. “Cyril and his Knights of Seiros are keeping the peace so far. They’re warning the others against slaughtering each other. But they won’t be there once the Competition starts. If I were you, I’d start thinking about any houses that Rusalka might have some old wounds with, and keeping an eye out on any competitors who might hail from there. Nobles have a long memory, and oftentimes, the worst grudges are passed on to their descendants.”

Were there any houses that took issue with Rusalka? The only person here you expected any trouble from was Arios of House Charon. He’d already made it plain and clear he wanted nothing more than to kill you. But if there were others, then you certainly didn’t know who. Still, your father and aunt were decorated war heroes, and you don’t reach that status without pissing off a lot of people. If they did cause any problems for anyone, you’d be paying for it 25 years later.

“Incidentally…” Thomas says. “Seeing as I’ve been able to gather intel on so many fighters here, I’ve opened up a bit of a side business.” He produces a stack of paper from inside his cloak, and smiles mischievously. “If you want some dirt on some of the others…just name them. 5000 gold per fighter.”

Choose as many as you like: (24,800 gold)
>A): Arios Charon
>B): Leonora Gloucester
>C): Uriyan
>D): Saoirse
>E): Elric
>F): The Brigid contender
>G): The Dagdan contenders (15k)
>H): Intimidate Thomas into giving you info. (STR+LCK: 58% Success)
>I:) Decline

>>6272677
>>H): Intimidate Thomas into giving you info. (STR+LCK: 58% Success)
just a little favor that we'll remember during the competition

>>6272677
>>H): Intimidate Thomas into giving you info. (STR+LCK: 58% Success)
>E): Elric
As in, specifically for info on Elric.
>>6272682
With this guy's angle. Play up that we're looking for our friend who picked up a not-so-good-for-him magical sword that is (I think we know this in character) driving him to try and destroy Morfis.

>>6272677
Would hyping up Elric to this guy make it more or less likely he gets targeted ya think?

>>6272677
>I:) Decline
Ew no I don't want to give 5k over the greasy

>>6272677
>H): Intimidate Thomas into giving you info. (STR+LCK: 58% Success)
Let's go gambling Gambling

>>6272677
>H): Intimidate Thomas into giving you info. (STR+LCK: 58% Success)
Man this guy is such a scammer, he's either hoping aunty / Bronte set us up well or he knows that we've cleared out Shangri-la

>>6272677
>>H): Intimidate Thomas into giving you info. (STR+LCK: 58% Success)

Rolled 64 (1d100)

Rolling. 1-58 to succeed.

>>6273045
You can use your one Fortuna's Blessing to reverse this failed outcome. Do you?

>>6273045
AAAAAA
>>6273047
NO

>>6273047
HELL YEAH BABY NOW WE'RE GAMBLING LIKE TRUE MEN! GIMME THAT WEIRD DOWNSIDE!

>>6273047
Nay, there are probably more important gambles in the future over some dude's info scheme.

>>6273047
YES

>>6273047
NUH UH

>>6273047
Nah the stake not dangerous enough, what that whimp gonna do anyway send his goon?

>>6273047
Nope
Don't want to give greasy my reroll either

>>6272677
5000 gold per fighter? Geeze, that seemed like a bit much. All you had to do was smash those losers before they could react. What more was there to know? You had no intention of paying that much for some shady intel, but maybe you could throw your weight around to gain something of use. Up close, this Thomas guy seemed like a pretty big pushover. You make yourself big, towering over the Muller warrior, and lean in close.

>“I have a better idea. How about you just go ahead and give me some of that intel of yours anyway? If you do, I’ll be sure to overlook you during the Competition. Seems like a fair trade, no?”

Thomas simply laughs heartily in response. Though it may damage your ego to admit it, you feel as though you’ve failed to properly intimidate the man. “Come now, Tristain.” He says in a friendly tone. “If I was that easy to scare, I probably wouldn’t be here. I’m afraid we won’t be able to come to a deal. But no hard feelings, and I’d still very much like to be on good terms with you. Allow me to make a gesture of good will.” Thomas reaches into a satchel that had been sitting at his side. From it, he retrieves a small transparent bottle. The liquid inside is a refreshing pink color.

>“Uhh, what’s that?”

“The locals call it lassi.” The man says. “It’s a delicious yogurt beverage. This lassi in particular though has been treated by skilled mages. It doubles as a strength tonic. And it’s strawberry flavored. Please, take this one. I have more than I can hold here, and I believe it will serve as an example of the delicious cuisine to be found in Morfis. Go on, I insist.”

Thomas shoves the lassi drink in your hands, leaving you no choice but to accept.

>You obtained Thomas’ Strength Tonic! (+7 STR for one action)

>“Oh uhh…thanks, I guess. That’s rather nice of you…”

“Think nothing of it! Should you win the Competition, please consider it my gift to the future King of Morfis. Well then, I suppose I’ll be off now. See you soon, Tristain!”

With a wave, Thomas makes his exit, leaving to join another group of Fodlan locals not too far off.

“What a nice guy.” May nods approvingly. “You sure showed him, boss.”

“I’d think twice about drinking that were I you.” Cuthbert mutters. “In any event, are we done here? Let’s go inside already.”

Pocketing the lassi drink, you lead your companions towards the mansion that currently serves as the Fodlan Embassy. The guard at the front is ready to deny you entry, however, once you identify yourself, he bows his head and allows you passage inside. The interior of the mansion does not fail to impress you. Inside you find a lavish array of furniture, paintings, and sculptures that, surprisingly, are not of Morfisian origin, but rather Fodlan. Whoever designed this place knew exactly what they were doing to make you feel at home. This is not too dissimilar from an affluent noble of Enbarr’s dwelling.

>>6273623
The inside of the Embassy is comparably much livelier than that of the lawn. As the doors swing open, the attention of most of the Embassy’s inhabitants turn towards you. Here, you are able to get your first look at some of the other competitors that you will face off against. A man clad in purple armor with a ridiculous hairstyle is currently busy entertaining a group of women reminiscent of the Maya dancers you’d seen in Shangri-La. Upon your arrival, he stops a jest he’d been in the middle of to stare at you pensively.

Not too far from him, a red haired noble sits by himself. He sports well-made armor, of which the craftsmanship could have only come from the finest blacksmiths of the capital city. Yet, the most notable thing about him is the eyepatch he sports over his right eye. He observes you cooly over a glass of wine, his expression giving nothing away.

Another man, this one with a thick head of hair covering his head and face, currently feasts on the carcass of a turkey. Despite his vigorous appetite, you can tell that he’s staring at you with a look of curiosity and intrigue.

On the second floor, you notice two men staring down at you. The first is a gray-haired fellow. Perhaps the oldest competitor here. You sense a strong magic brimming from him, as he stares down at you with a hawkish look. Not too far off from him is a gentleman dressed in the garb of the Church of Seiros, who outright stares at you with a curious glance, before making a sign to the goddess.

Finally, you see the first familiar face you’d seen yet. Elric von Boramus sits by himself in the corner of the room, enjoying what appears to be a shrimp cocktail. Making eye contact with the boy, he simply waves at you, as if everything in the world were completely normal.

>A): Blend in and enjoy the delights offered.
>B): Declare to everyone in the room who you are, and that you will defeat them all.
>C): March straight for Elric.
>D:) Choose someone to walk up to and speak with.
>E): Write-in

>>6273624
So this isn't the church guy who is holding onto our Relic Bow?

>>6273626
It is not. You haven't noticed Claude yet amongst the crowd.

>>6273626
It is not. You haven't noticed Cyril amongst the crowd yet.

>>6273624
>>C): March straight for Elric.
you little shit

>>6273624
>>C): March straight for Elric.

>>6273624
>C): March straight for Elric.

>>6273624
>C): March straight for Elric.

>>6273624
>C): March straight for Elric
Gotta feel for Cuthbert with this kid not knowing anything about stranger danger

>>6273624
>C): March straight for Elric.

>>6273624
Heres what Tristain really thinks

If we got them to all stand in a row we could Earthsplitter, Indech Follow up, Earthsplitter to kill them all in a single gore strewn super kill. That would be so cool.

>>6273901
>6273901
Burn bridges with your homeland but you'll surely gain points from the morfisians

>>6273907
Pretty fire, bridge burn good. Homeland boring, maybe invade later. Tristain King of Kings.

>>6273624
Elric is sitting off by himself, Mystletainn strapped to his back, casually enjoying the local cuisine without a care in the world. Upon spotting you and the others, he waves in a friendly manner. You march up to the boy, and smack the shrimp cocktail that he’d been eating out of his hands. He watches as the glass shatters onto the ground, and suddenly the attention of the entire room of contenders is focused entirely on the two of you.

“Hey, I was eating that…” The boy says sullenly.

>“Are you out of your mind?!” You and Cuthbert speak in tandem, the halberdier joining you at the front.

“I don’t think so?” Elric says, looking back and forth between the two of you. “I thought the letter I had left behind was perfectly clear. If you’ve come here to talk me out of this competition, then I’m afraid you are wasting your time.”

You stick a hand out to block Cuthbert’s path. The veteran lunges forward, only held in restraint by your presence. Making sure that he won’t lose his cool, you address Elric directly.

>“Was it you that left that left letter behind? Or was it the sword that you claim has been speaking to you?”

“It was me, of course.” Elric says, chuckling as if he could not believe you were asking him such a ridiculous question. “The sword may be giving me power and speaking to me, but only I decide my fate. It is merely a tool. A sorcerous one with great power and advice, but a tool nonetheless.”

>“Bullshit.” You retort. You hear the crowd of onlookers beginning to whisper amongst themselves as they watch your group closely. “You’d have never talked like this even just a few months ago. You’ve let whatever’s inside that sword get to your head, and it's the one calling the shots now.”

“If you say so, Tristain.” Elric sighs, leaning back. “I already told you that I respect you greatly, but my mind on this matter is made up. If you wish to drag me back to your camp so badly, then all you have to do is defeat me in the Competition. That should be simple enough for you, no?”

“Elric.” Cuthbert says, stepping up towards the boy. “Listen to yourself. This is not you. Cease this foolishness. Magic sword or not, look around you. These are all experienced warriors. The best that Fodlan has to offer. Many of them have been training longer than you’ve even been alive. Do you really believe some sword could cover that much lost ground? Toss the thing away and do not allow it to corrupt your mind any further.”

“You guys are worrying too much, honestly.” Elric says. “Yes, the sword speaks to me. But it is an ally. A friendly shade of Morfis’. He shows me visions of his past. How he was wrongfully imprisoned by the Sorcerer King and sealed away. When I wield him in battle, we are in tandem. One and one. He can see my mind, and I can access his incredible talent. There is no corruption here.”

>>6273975
For the first time that you’ve ever seen, Cuthbert is at a loss for words. He opens his mouth to retort back at Elric, but is unable to find what he wishes to say. The man looks utterly lost, and looks towards you, unsure of how to react. Possessed or not, Elric has certainly worn thin on you. You weren’t sure who it was you were speaking with right now, but you had a good feeling it wasn’t the Boramus noble. Rather, you had a suspicion that this was Mystletainn itself, merely putting on the masquerade of Elric, having learned all it could about him from their time together. This level of arrogance, there was no way this could be the dorky little boy you’d known.

>“Listen. I have no idea if you’re merely addicted to the power the sword has granted you, or if you really are just the spirit of the blade itself, fully manifested in his body. All I know is that one way or another, before all this is said and done, I’m going to break that blade over my knee. You can count on that.”

Elric(?) looks at you smugly. He allows your threat to wash over him, almost seeming amused that he’d managed to piss you off this much. The others in the room, perhaps sensing what seems like the start of something serious, begin to bristle. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice more than one hand reaching for the hilt of a weapon.

“I wouldn’t be so cocky were I you, Tristain.” Elric says. The voice is his own, yet somehow not. “You held the blade for a short moment too, did you not? You may find yourself surprised by what I can glean from merely a touch.”

A door above you opens, and an outpouring of soldiers come walking out, each clad in familiar silver armor. The Knights of Seiros. Cyril’s men. It doesn’t take them long to realize that something is amiss, and they quickly go on edge, staring down at you and Elric.

>A): Strike Elric
>B): Leave him for the Competition. Go find Cyril for now.
>C): Write-in

>>6273976
>B): Leave him for the Competition. Go find Cyril for now
It's the sword we have a beef with, not the boy. We'll shatter it to pieces in the competition and be done with it.

>>6273976
>C) "Knights of Seiros! The boy is possessed by a spirit most foul! Aid me in exorcising him, and you will be handsomely rewarded once I become king!"
Or something to that effect.

>>6273976
>"You may find yourself surprised by what I can glean from merely a touch.”

>C): Write-in
"Would Elric say something like that Mystletainn? He wants to be a warrior that uses whatever you can steal with sorcery? The Sorcerer King's magic that made you like this no less. I see you."

Mystletainn slipped and came out too strongly me thinks. If this doesn't get a rise out of it, then it wasn't us that started the fight. Hopefully it plants a seed of doubt and division.

>B): Leave him for the Competition. Go find Cyril for now.

>>6273976
>C): You talk a lot of shit for an overgrown kitchen knife wielded by a book nerd, do you really think you alone with Elric can survive through all this? Or are you waiting on him to die so you can possess his killer?

>>6273976
>>B): Leave him for the Competition. Go find Cyril for now.

>>6273976
>C) "Knights of Seiros! The boy is possessed by a spirit most foul! Aid me in exorcising him, and you will be handsomely rewarded once I become king!"
>"Would Elric say something like that Mystletainn? He wants to be a warrior that uses whatever you can steal with sorcery? The Sorcerer King's magic that made you like this no less. I see you."
>"You talk a lot of shit for an overgrown kitchen knife wielded by a book nerd, do you really think you alone with Elric can survive through all this? Or are you waiting on him to die so you can possess his killer?"
A combination of the write-ins.

>>6273976
>C): "I meant every word, Mystletainn. Don't you dare get that boy killed before we meet in the Competition, or you'll have worse than any old wizard to contend with."

And then
>B): Leave him for the Competition. Go find Cyril for now.

>>6273976
>>6274026
Supporting this.

Also really curious if taking Elric into the arena would have changed anything. Would Mystletainn have even obeyed us or just charged in swinging and we'd have to work around it?

>>6273976
>A): Strike Elric

>>6273976
>“I’m not here to argue with a talking sword. Make sure you don’t get the boy killed before we meet in the Competition. You’ll find I’m a much worse person to deal with than some old, dusty wizard.”

Elric smirks, pushing himself away from the table he’d been sitting at. “I’ll be looking forward to our duel, Tristain.” The boy gathers his things and walks past you and the others, sparing them not even a glance. The eyes of the other contenders settle on him briefly. If they thought Elric had just been some fool who’d made it this far by pure luck, their estimation changes a bit after seeing the two of you exchange barbs.

“Is it really alright for us to just let him go?” Cassius mutters at your side.

>“Don’t have much of a choice.” You shrug, glancing towards the Knights of Seiros who by now have somewhat relaxed. You recall Alvin’s words before he’d parted. Causing a scene here in the capital could lead to negative consequences, and you didn’t come all this way just to be disqualified at the eleventh hour. This situation with Elric was annoying, no doubt about it. But you’d have the perfect time and place to deal with it soon enough. You just hoped there was still something of the boy left to retrieve from Mystletainn’s clutches.

“I need a drink.” Cuthbert grumbles, heading off by himself to the Embassy’s bar. As he does so, you instruct the other members of your party to follow suit and make sure the veteran didn’t do anything hasty. In the meantime, you had a Crest Weapon to obtain. Cyril the Dragonslayer was here, and if Klement was to be believed, he had in his possession The Inexhaustible, the Sacred Weapon of the Crest of Indech. Getting that bow in your hands was a surefire way to level the playing field with some of the tougher foes here. You just had to be your best charming self.

You move up to the second level of the embassy, the knights granting you passage once you identify yourself. You spot your target immediately, for he sticks out like a sore thumb in this room. Cyril the Dragonslayer, one of Archbishop Byleth’s closest companions. Though he was of Almyran heritage, he’d been loyally serving the Church ever since the time of Byleth’s predecessor, the Archbishop Rhea. By all accounts, he’d been a child when he first took up his bow in service of the Church, having defended it against its enemies during the Unification War. His legend grew into prominence though during the war’s final battle, when a horde of strange Demonic Beasts invaded Garreg Mach Monastery.

Supposedly, Cyril had struck the final blow on the lead Demonic Beast, putting an end to the creature and its horde of monsters. Since then, he’s served as a Commander of the Knights of Seiros. Supposedly, it was his rise in prominence that allowed a smoothing of relations between Fodlan and Almyra.

>>6274275
Unlike the rest of the Knights of Seiros, clad in the traditional armor of their order, Cyril was in comparison dressed much more casually. He had a large, bushy beard; a traditional style sported by many Almyran men, and his bare arms still possessed a great degree of musculature despite the fact that he was now pushing into his 40s. Upon spotting you, he greets you warmly, and invites you to speak with him.

“Tristain d’Rusalka, I presume?” Cyril asks you gruffly. He offers you a firm handshake, allowing you to feel a measure of the man’s strength.

>“The one and only.”

“Cyril. Commander of the Knights of Seiros expedition here in Morfis.” He says, businesslike. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I hear that you were the one that defeated Klement von Bergliez. Tell me. Does Klement still live?”

>“As far as I know.” You shrug. “I spared him the final blow so that he could run back to Fodlan with his tail between his legs. In the state I left him, I don’t imagine he’ll be doing much more than that.”

“Hmm, I see. That’s good.” Cyril says, nodding in approval. “Klement was a wild card. One that was likely to cause trouble for the Morfisians, and by extension for the Archbishop. That being said, he is still the heir of a major house. Killing him may have had repercussions back home. You have my thanks for dealing with him in a non-lethal manner. I’d sent Arios to try and talk some sense into him, but it appears Klement needed a…firmer hand.”

>“Hah, yeah, that Arios guy didn’t really amount to much. Can’t rely on him for anything, that one.” You laugh. Before passing out, Klement had told you that Cyril was expecting Arios to win the Competition. As far as you saw it, all you had to do was convince Cyril you were a better horse to bet on, and he was sure to give you that bow.

“Right…” Cyril says, somewhat skeptical. As a Knight of Seiros himself, Arios would technically be Cyril’s subordinate. It seemed as though Cyril wouldn’t be won by slander towards his men. “In any case, my presence here is simply to ensure that this contest proceeds as smoothly as possible on the Fodlan side. I trust that you will continue to conduct yourself in a manner that is befitting of a representative of our home.”

This guy was all business, there was no doubt about it. He took his duties as a representative to the Archbishop seriously. The question was, how would you go about getting your hands on The Inexhaustible? Should you just directly ask him for it? Or should you beat around the bush and butter him up first?

>A): Bring up The Inexhaustibile directly.
>B): Ask Cyril who he believes will win, and then try to convince him why you are a better choice.
>C): Ask Cyril if there is anything he needs help with here in Morfis, and then volunteer yourself.
>D): Write-in

>>6274276
>>B): Ask Cyril who he believes will win, and then try to convince him why you are a better choice.

>>6274276
>B): Ask Cyril who he believes will win, and then try to convince him why you are a better choice.
Getting his opinion on who's the current golden child would be nice

>>6274276
>C): Ask Cyril if there is anything he needs help with here in Morfis, and then volunteer yourself.
He can't be backing Arios purely because of his battle prowess - if that was the case then Tristain with his two crests would be the better pick already.

Arios is probably the fave because the church can trust him to 1) be loyal to them when he takes the crown and 2) be level headed enough not to immediately start a crusade and throw the balance of power out of wack. Tristain's fighting and whoring before he got there is probably also a black mark against him honestly, but not causing a political headache back home with Klement might have just erased that.

So really Tristain needs to prove that he can be equally useful to the church as King if he wants to get his hands on the bow otherwise Cyril will just tell him to fuck off. And that probably means doing a sidequest.

>>6274276
>C): Ask Cyril if there is anything he needs help with here in Morfis, and then volunteer yourself.

>D): Write-in
Bring up that there are already a Goddess Worshipper Cult in Morfis, did some good fighting, and that we lead them. I'll put in a good word for you guys...(In exchange for the Bow.)

>>6274421
I mean if Arios loses its over, and if he shows his raging grudge against Tristain theres a decent chance it'll be quite a scene. That might help convince him that Arios isn't quite perfect. Just gotta have Cyril somewhere he can quietly watch.

Though I'd think the Church would be mighty interested in Tristain's Cult. Already established here and with a long history. Has its own Crest. Is in NEED of support to wipe out the more heretical branches and establish peace. Has a connection to Tristain, a contender.

>>6274441
Supporting this.

>>6274276
Supporting >>6274441 on account of this is something the Church in general needs to know about. We don't necessarily have to tell them we took over the Cult (yet), but its existence absolutely should be mentioned.

Cyril:''You're in charge of a cult?!''
Tristain:''Who worship the goddess! We're all on the same side here.''

>>6274276
>>6274441
Yeah supporting since hopefully he would have been told about the snakes already

>>6274276
>C): Ask Cyril if there is anything he needs help with here in Morfis, and then volunteer yourself.

>>6274276
>>6274441
Supporting.
There could be an issue saying that we are the leader, but the guys at Hima basically overlooked their actions and placed the blame entirely on Marek's faction, so it'd probably be fine here.

>>6274622
Tristain:"Everything will work out."
Tristain: Crosses his fingers behind his back

>>6274276
>“Of course! As a Champion of Fodlan, it is only a given that I show these Morfisians the best of what our people can do.” You tell Cyril, whose facial expression gives nothing away on whether he believes you or not. “I am here not just as a representative of Fodlan, but of the Goddess as well. And given that you are one of her sworn warriors, there’s something you ought to know. Something I’ve uncovered during my time in these strange, foreign lands.”

“Go on.” Cyril says.

“There is a secretive group of native Morfisians that have been worshiping the Goddess for hundreds of years. They live out in the desert, away from their kin, and show reverence to her rather than the Sorcerer King. Some of them even possess Crests! I made contact with them not too long ago, and they now look to me as their leader. The Church of Seiros would undoubtedly stand to learn much from this group and its origins. As the Archbishop’s representative, I’d be happy to put a good word in for you.” You give Cyril the most genuine smile you can muster.

“That’s…quite a revelation.” Cyril blinks, taken aback by your words. “Do you have any proof?”

>“I can take you to them. I know where they live. All I ask is that you give me The Inexhaustible. The Sacred Weapon of the Crest of Indech. Once I win the competition, I will introduce you immediately.”

“Right.” Cyril says, unconvinced. “You wish for me to give you the Sacred Weapon. And then you will take me to this secret group. That only you know of. That coincidentally also follows your every word.”

>“Look, I know how it sounds, and if there was time to take you now I would, but we wouldn’t make it back in time for the start of the Competition. My allies met them, and are here with me right now. They can back up that what I’m saying is true.”

“You’re saying that your vassals are willing to back up your claim?” Cyril raises an eyebrow. “Is that supposed to convince me? They follow your every word, do they not?” The commander shakes his head. “I appreciate what you did in Shangri-La, but I’m afraid we do not have a deal. You would not be the first contender here who has thought that they could strike some sort of bargain with me for my assistance. If this group you claim does exist, then you can show me after the Competition is over.”

Shit, how annoying. Cyril was unwilling to believe your claims about Eman and his sect of the Cult that now followed you. Sure, it was a ridiculous notion, but it was also true! In any event, you did not plan on giving up just yet in your pursuit for the bow.

>“Well then, how about I prove myself to you some other way. I understand you have your work cut out for you here with all these hotheads. I’d be happy to lend a hand. You’ve already seen how resourceful I can be with Klement.”

>>6274835
“Are you volunteering yourself for some work?” Cyril asks you, the man sounding interested for the first time.

>“Say what you need, and I’ll get it done. In exchange though, I want that bow. I intend to win the Competition with or without it, but having it would certainly make things easier. And I’d be sure to hold you and the Knights of Seiros in the highest regard for helping to make that a reality.”

“The Inexhaustible was given to me by Archbishop Byleth herself. It symbolizes that I am here to carry out her will.” Cyril states. “I cannot simply part with it just because you ask me to. However…there is a task that I do have in mind. One that you are perhaps well-suited for.”

>“Name it.”

“A rogue mage from Fodlan is competing in the Competition.” Cyril informs you. “His name is Gyles. An exiled member of House Dominic, yet one who possesses their Crest. He managed to steal a Heroes Relic from right under our nose. The Ichor Scroll.”

>“The Ichor Scroll? I’ve never heard of it.”

“A more obscure relic. It is a Crest Weapon, a magic tome, that corresponds to the Crest of Lamine. It was recently rediscovered, but before it could be transported to Garreg Mach, Gyles pilfered it and made way for Morfis. He is a skilled sorcerer who had no issue taking out an entire unit of knights to get his hands on the tome. Despite not having the Crest of Lamine, the Ichor Scroll is still an incredibly dangerous tome in his hands. Gyles is keeping a safe distance away from the Embassy, but make no mistake, he plans to compete. I would like for you to eliminate him and retrieve the Ichor Tome. Since you possess a Crest, you’ll have no problem holding the Heroes Relic.”

>“So, if I off this guy and bring you back the tome, you’ll give me The Inexhaustible?”

“I will LEND you The Inexhaustible.” Cyril corrects you. “The bow is not mine to give, but at least for the rest of the duration of this contest, you may use it. Unlike Klement, I care not if you kill this man. But be careful, he is not to be underestimated.”

>A): You have a deal.
>B): Do your own dirty work.
>C): Write-in

>>6274836
>A): You have a deal.
A weapon for a weapon. Let's do this. Blood for the Goddess, Skulls for Her Throne Inside Byleth's Head.

>>6274836
>A): You have a deal.

>>6274836
>A): You have a deal.

>>6274836
>A): You have a deal.

>>6274836
>A): You have a deal.

Church official asking for an assassination, just another day for Tristain. I suppose the Relic for our other Crest is locked away back in Fodlan.

Though if I were a gambling man it might be fun to ask May to steal the Ichor Scroll just to see if she could, or if she gets captured and forced into dressup again.

>>6274836
>A): You have a deal.
Tristain must still be traumatized by that wrestling match and memoryholed the Almyrans. Probably best to let Cyril believe we're making things up though unless we want to get into an awkward conversation once he realizes we're referring to the Snake Cult.

>>6274836
>A): You have a deal.
time to go gank this noob

>>6274836
>>A): You have a deal.

I'm back. With the whole page of Adeline.
>>6274275
Holy fuck Cyril got LARGE. Good for him.
>>6274836
>>A): You have a deal.
Sidequest, woo!

>>6275066
Adeline might not be too popular in this quest but she is great, thanks for the food

>>6275066
Best girl. Too good for Tristain.

>>6275066
God DAMN thats a lot of Soul, absolutely smashing. Also lol at that May

>>6275066
Hot damn, beautiful work as always anon. I'm only noticing it now that you've posted this but her color scheme and headband remind me a lot of DIO's. Especially in that last picture lol. Adeline looks so cute here though. I suspect this will net her a surge of votes when THAT time comes.

>>6275267
We'd never notice if she became a vampire because she never takes her armor off anyways! Genius!

>>6275267
>her color scheme and headband remind me a lot of DIO's.
Green lipstick on powerup confirmed lol
>I suspect this will net her a surge of votes when THAT time comes.
I do like her, and I will vote for her, but is she even good for Tristian? Tristain/Adeline has 1 braincell between them and a tug of war over the moral compas lol. He might rather take a fellow villian or a tard wrangler. We'll see how it'll turn out in the final battle of the waifu war.
>>6275250
>a lot of Soul
Thanks. The bigger image was inspired by the picture of Lalatina repairing her armor. That's where the black bodysuit thing came from.
>lol at that May
the creature

>>6275278
Inspired by a character on the absolute opposite side of the spectrum, thats funny.

>>6274836
>“Very well, you have yourself a deal. I’ll find this Gyles and bring you back the Ichor Scroll. In exchange you will lend me The Inexhaustible.” You should have figured that he wouldn’t just hand it over. The Inexhaustible was a one of a kind weapon. Even without the corresponding Crest, it would still rank amongst the greatest bows ever made. Something similar could probably be said about this Ichor Scroll. Gyles may not have had the correct Crest, but being capable of using the tome was probably more than enough.

“I appreciate your confidence, but don’t go overboard.” Cyril says. “I’ve also tasked Arios with bringing Gyles to justice. Should the matter prove too much for you, I’m sure he can handle it.”

>“Heh, is that supposed to be a joke?”

Cyril smirks, perhaps somewhat uncharacteristically from what you’d seen of the man so far. “I’m well aware of the bad blood between the two of you. I’ve encouraged him to do his best to put it aside for the duration of this contest, and I would do the same for you as well. The two of you are amongst Fodlan’s best and brightest, and we don’t need you killing each other. Keep sight of the goal in mind and compete honorably.”

>“Bad blood? Pfft, that’s all one-sided on his end. So long as Arios doesn’t get in my way, he won’t have to worry about a thing.” You cross your fingers behind your back. In truth, you didn’t really mind Arios’ grudge. In fact, a part of you welcomed it. ‘The Thunderstrike’ was considered by many to be the finest paladin in all Fodlan. A duel with him would be right up your alley. One way or another, you knew the two of you would fight before all was said and done.

“If you say so.” Cyril shrugs. “Best of luck to you, Tristain d’Rusalka. May the Goddess watch over you.”

As you make your way downstairs to reunite with the rest of your companions, you find that someone else has joined them. It was the same knight in purple armor with ridiculous hair that you’d seen earlier. He’d left the company of the women he was with and was now in the process of cornering May and Adeline. As you draw nearer, you can make out their conversation.

“My ladies, has that man harmed you in any way?” The knight mutters. “Or perhaps clouded your mind with some sort of dark magic? I shudder to think of what horrors you may have survived in his presence, but you need not fear. I shall not let him harm you any further.”

“Uhh…I don’t think I’m clouded?” May says, unsure, before turning to Adeline. “Are we?”

Adeline shakes her head. “No, I don’t believe so.”

>>6275352
“You don’t need to hide it.” The knight says reassuringly. “I can sense the evil within that red-headed devil. It surrounds him like a foul aura. These other two are the same as him aren’t they?” He points towards Cuthbert and Cassius. The former was drinking at the bar, doing his best to ignore the knight. The latter was lost in his own world as he took in the Fodlan architecture, examining everything as closely as he could. “The Morfisian reeks of dark magic, and the other is clearly a drunken rapscallion.”

>“Excuse me, why are you harassing my minions?” You ask the purple knight, coming in-between him and the women. “Do I know you?”

The knight immediately puts his guard up when in your presence. He shoots you a dark scowl, and places one hand on the spear that was sitting on his back. “You cannot hide your true nature from me. I sense the darkness sealed away deep within you. You’re just like that creepy boy, but at least he had the decency to not rope others in his web!”

>“What? That’s preposterous. I’m nothing like that loser. I’m a hero, y’know?” You scoff at the fool.

The man unhooks the spear at his back and slams it on the ground. You recognize the weapon immediately. It was a Blessed Lance. A holy weapon, wielded by only the most devout of warriors. The spear was not only vibrating in his hand, but glowing a hot blue, and you could feel the pressure it was emanating even from a distance.

“I’ll say it one last time, leave these women alone!”

>A): Unsheathe your axe and get ready to fight the man.
>B): Allow the Knights of Seiros to handle it
>C): Gesture for Adeline and May to talk the man down.
>D): Write-in

>>6275353
>A): Unsheathe your axe and get ready to fight the man.
Don't forget to exercise

>>6275353
>>D): Write-in
Needle him. "You're the one drawing steel in an embassy and shouting, you loon!"
Make sure he hits (or at least swings) first, because we're in an embassy and only the most justified of fights can be excused. Could we perhaps use a crest of Indech to dodge? I know hit-and-run is a thing, but could we skip the 'hit' part to maintain a smug sense of entirely unearned moral superiority?

>>6275353
>>A): Unsheathe your axe and get ready to fight the man.
he won't learn the lesson otherwise

>>6275353
>A): Unsheathe your axe and get ready to fight the man.

Well Tristain is hardly one to turn down a fight when offered. Kill this guy. Take his stuff, maybe give the lance to Adeline since she uses spears.

So its some kind of anti-monster anti-terror weapon. But its reacting to Tristain. Is it because of the eugenics magic that allowed him to have two Crests? Or maybe its the Blessing of that Luck Goddess?

>>6275353
>C): Gesture for Adeline and May to talk the man down
They can speak for themselves. Besides it'll be more humiliating for them to burst his bubble.

>>6275353
>C): Gesture for Adeline and May to talk the man down.
At least this way when he inevitably brushes them off to carry on white knighting we can absolutely say it was in self defense.

>>6275353
>>C): Gesture for Adeline and May to talk the man down

>Blessed weapons effect against us because of goddess boon
I have to admit that before I was a bit sad we didn't get Alvin up to A before he split, but now thank god we rushed Cuthbert.

Tree can Tristain use companion skills when the companion is not physically present with him?

>>6275353
>A): Unsheathe your axe and get ready to fight the man.
It's not the smartest choice but Tristain would do it, throw him into the streets, non-lethally of course.

>>6275353
>C): Gesture for Adeline and May to talk the man down
Nicking blessed lance for Cuthbert/Adeline would be nice but I don't want to show Tristain's hand infront of all his competitors. Also want to see what our two A rank girls have to say in our defense.

Wait for your turn purple boy, we got a hit job to do

>>6275353
>B); Allow the Knights of Seiros to handle it
We literally JUST got done accepting a mission from Cyril, we CANNOT immediately start trouble here without serious Goddess-damn consequences. We do have SOME self-control.

>>6275353
>C): Gesture for Adeline and May to talk the man down.

>>6275353
>C): Gesture for Adeline and May to talk the man down.
These are MY girls, capische?

C wins, writing.

>>6275738
Boo lameooo

>>6275353
Rather than feed into this strange man’s delusions, you gesture for your companions to speak for themselves. Tempting as it were to draw steel, Cyril had just advised you against giving in to such notions. You didn’t want to give him the impression you were some sort of brute, especially when you were looking to impress the man enough to part with his Sacred Weapon. You stand back as Adeline and May stand between you and the purple knight.

“Hey, back off creep!” May exclaims, pointing a bony finger towards the man. “I won’t hear any slander against the boss! He’s a good man! Sure he may look scary. And at times lose his temper. And occasionally he’s prone to violence. And he can be really self-centered. And he’s-”

>“Get to the point.”

“O-oh, right. But he’s got a kind heart! And he definitely doesn’t go harassing people like you!”

“She’s right.” Adeline says. The knight makes no sudden moves, but you could see her hand twitching, ready to bring out her spear and shield at a moment’s notice.”I believe you may be mistaken, sir. There is no need for things to come to violence. We follow Lord Tristain of our own will. Nothing clouds our judgment.”

“That’s impossible.” The knight's face grows puzzled, looking at his spear as if to verify his own inane idea. “This spear makes no mistakes. And look at him! How could a man with a scowl that deep possibly be-”

“HOMER!” Cyril screams from the second floor, where he’d been watching the entire scene unfold. He grasps tightly onto the railing, his meaty arms bulging with force. The calm, level-headed Almyran you’d spoken with a moment ago has been replaced by a furious version of himself. “What do you think you’re doing drawing steel here?! Put that thing away or you’ll have me to deal with!”

“S-shit…sorry! I’m sorry!” The boisterous and proud knight quickly morphs into a scolded child once Cyril begins barking orders at him. He puts away his spear and backs off, leaving you and the rest of your party alone, though not before shooting you an embarrassed look.

What the hell was that? His spear reacting that way in your presence was hardly the strangest thing about that encounter. Rather, it was his lack of self-preservation in thinking he could take you on. Perhaps you were the wrong person to judge on such matters. After all, there was nothing you liked more than a good fight. But you also knew how to measure your opponents, and were confident you could eviscerate this Homer with minimal difficulty. Was everyone here like that?

>>6276266
As you examine the room, you find many of the other contenders that were present were watching you closely. Were they taking measure of your strength as well? Or were they like Homer? People that back in Fodlan, had been big fishes in small ponds, and whose egos had expanded after completing the trip to Morfis. The lack of meaningful conflict over the last 25 years had made it so that many of the fighters present in this country, with the exception of the likes of Arios and Leonora, were relatively unknown. You’d have likely been included in those ranks had it not been for your recent victory over Klement. Were these guys going to be inexperienced weaklings? Or were there going to be a slew of dark horses? Men you’d never heard of that could match your might?

For the sake of your boredom, you hoped it was the latter.

Night soon falls, and you are shown to your quarters in the Embassy. You are given a private room that, while not as nice as the one you’d enjoyed in Shangri-La, still offers you many comforts that you would not enjoy had you still been camping in the desert. The Competition will begin one week from today. You mull over how best to spend your time until then.

>A): Spend the week training with your companions.
>B): You’re in the Sorcerer Capital. Find a way to improve your magic.
>C): You’ve trained enough. Explore the city. Who knows what you might find?
>D): Go shopping.

>>6275492
>Tree can Tristain use companion skills when the companion is not physically present with him?
He can, yep.

>>6276267
>>C): You’ve trained enough. Explore the city. Who knows what you might find?
come ooooon, we spent four threads to get here, we should get to enjoy it before the plot kicks off

>>6276266
>“I won’t hear any slander against the boss! He’s a good man! Sure he may look scary. And at times lose his temper. And occasionally he’s prone to violence. And he can be really self-centered. And he’s-”
Thanks May, all true.

Cassius could use a level, and May could use 5. If we even gonna bring her into active combat at all. But training is a boring option
>>627626
>D): Go shopping.
We're loaded, Let's see what's the selection like in mageland capital city.

Exploring is cool too, the ancient magitech city gotta have fun things around. Improving magic is kind of the same as shopping, further upgrading tristain into a mega-unit.

>>6276267
>D): Go shopping.
Klement didn't die for nothing, let's put his sacrifice to good use

>>6276268
Oh so Cuthbert actually MVP here, we'd better be picking up his tab kek

>>6276267
Hmm if we train with companions are we also hanging out with them to improve Support Rating? Or could we do that out in town?

>>6276267
>B): You’re in the Sorcerer Capital. Find a way to improve your magic.
Keeping magic as a trump card won't help if our magic is mediocre.

>>6276267
>D): Go shopping.

>>6276267
>B): You’re in the Sorcerer Capital. Find a way to improve your magic.

So many choices...Though Magic might be necessary.

The Yasha will be administering the tests as a hopefully independent and unbiased party. They'll be trying to weed out anyone that isn't suitable to be King of Morfis.

Magic is the heart of Morfis, I can only suppose that it would be wise to improve Tristain's magic. To find something here that lets him come into a magic of his own, or at least one that really suits him. Maybe the other magic characters can get something as well.

>>6276267
>B): You’re in the Sorcerer Capital. Find a way to improve your magic.

>>6276267
>Go shopping
Oh benevolent Goddesses, please grant your chosen the boon of a swordreaver, because we've got Thunderbrand Junior, Evil Sword Ghost and Scratch's kid breathing down our necks here. We should have got it back at the dragon village and just stumbled through the Fionn encounter with our crests in hindsight.

>>6276267
>B): You’re in the Sorcerer Capital. Find a way to improve your magic.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Tie between B and D. Rolling. 1 is B, 2 is D.

>>6276267
You enjoy a good night’s rest within the confines of the Embassy. When you awaken, you find the rest of your party waiting for you. You had one week until the Competition began, and it was up to you to decide how to spend it. You could spend the few days you had left in training, but frankly, you thought you were warmed up enough. Between your encounters with the Riahi, the Djinn, Ahmose and his Sacred Weapon, and then the gauntlet and Klement, you had a feeling you’d seen more combat than any other contender within these walls. Instead, you wanted to see more of Morfis. In particular, you wanted to spend the large amount of gold you’d acquired in Shangri-La. The next morning, you meet up with the rest of your party, sans Alvin and Nadia, who hadn’t come back from the Royal College yet.

“I’d be happy to show you more of Morfis, Tristain.” Chelsey says. The dancer had assumed the role of tour guide, particularly with the absence of your other two companions. “We could visit the Royal Museum if you’d like? Or perhaps a trip to the Morfis Gallery? Or maybe we could stop for some quick bites at-”

>“Boorriinngg.” You moan. “Let’s go shopping. I bet there’s all kinds of cool shit I can buy here.”

Though it appears for a fraction of a second, Chelsey does her best to hide her disapproving scowl. “Fine. We can go shopping. In fact, I know just the place.”

Chelsey leads you and the gang through multiple winding city streets. Along the way, you pass by several shop fronts that, at a glance, look very interesting. One claims to have the most tomes in all Morfis. Another boasts that they have the largest supply of silver weapons in the entire country. One store even promises that they possess several reagents that can boost your constitution and health. Chelsey ignores all of them though, leading you further down the path.

“Don’t worry. I know exactly where the good stuff is.” She tells you.

After several minutes of walking, you finally end up in front of your promised destination. A shop sitting in a seemingly ordinary corner of the city. The entire front of the store has been carved out of glass, allowing you to look inside at the variety of goods on display, which include food, healing poultices, magic tomes, and even a variety of weapons. As you stare at the strange shop, a couple moves ahead of you to go inside. You are shocked to find the glass doors magically open the second the couple steps in front of the store, allowing them passage within.

>“What is this place?” You ask Chelsey, in awe.

“The Seven and Eleven Emporium.” Chelsey says. “The oldest store in Morfis. Supposedly created by one of the Sorcerer King’s apostles. It is a general shop that offers anything you might desire.”

“Anything?” May exclaims breathlessly.

“Anything.” Chelsey confirms. “The Emporium is a feat of wonder. A shining example of the genius of our founders.”

>>6276800
You step in front of the glass of the Emporium, and are delighted to find that it opens freely for you, allowing you and the rest of your companions passage. Entering, you find that the store is delightfully cool. Magical lights hang above you, illuminating the large room in a white glow. The pleasant smell of roasting meat dances through your nostrils, and you spot several sticks of meat glowing on a cylinder rack.

“Oooh, I haven’t been to the Emporium in ages.” Cassius says happily. “Tristain, you simply must try the Moonfrost Slush!”

>“The what?”

Cassius runs up to a strange and unfamiliar contraption. He takes a gold coin out of his pocket, and drops it into a slot within the mechanism. As soon as he does, a strange liquid begins pouring out of a hole embedded in the contraption, filling up a cup that Cassius has grabbed and placed underneath. Once the cup is filled, he offers you the drink, which you find to be freezing to the touch. Was this more Morfisian magic? You drink from it.

>“This…is pretty good! What is it?”

“A famous Morfisian dessert.” Cassius answers, dropping more coins so that the rest of your party could partake. “No one but the Emporium knows what the ingredients are. Supposedly though, it involves an ancient form of magic passed down by the Sorcerer King and his apostles.”

Adeline meanwhile, has gravitated towards where the glowing sticks of meat were. She politely asks for one from the shopkeep. He then grabs one of the sticks, places it between a bun of bread, and offers it to your armor knight. Taking a single bite from the snack, she begins blushing profusely.

“I-it’s so good.” Adeline says between bites.

>“This place is certainly something else…” Cuthbert mutters under his breath. He has moved in front of a rack of colorful tomes. Picking one up from the shelf he begins reading through it. “Secret Love Child of Princess Yulia and Prime Minister Bronte Exposed?” He furrows his brow in shock.

“WOAH!” May exclaims, nearly dropping her Moonfrost Slush. “What does it say? WHAT DOES IT SAY?”

Chelsey slaps the book out of Cuthbert’s hands. “Garbage! Don’t waste your time with that trite! Anyone can write whatever they please here, that doesn’t mean you have to believe it.”

>You move in front of a rack of weapons and tomes, still enjoying your slush. “I can’t believe this place. It’s got just about everything. Shit, if I ever go back to Fodlan, I’ve got to bring this with me. This is incredible!”

>>6276803
>Gold: 24,800

>Store Note: Due to ongoing supply shortages as a result of increased cultist activity, items are limited to 1 per customer.

Pure Water: (Buffs RES +7. Lowers by 1 each turn): 500g
Talisman: (Increase RES Permanently +2): 3000g
Spirit Dust: (Increases MAG Permanently +2): 3000g
Energy Ring: (Increases STR Permanently +2): 3000g
Dracoshield: (Increase DEF Permanently +2): 3000g
Speedwing: (Increases SPD Permanently +2): 3000g
Talisman: (Increase RES Permanently +2): 3000g
Sorcerer King’s Idol: (Increase LUK permanently +4): 3000g
Seraph Robe: (Increases HP Permanently +7): 10,000g
Silver Bow: (+12 ATK): 2000g
Killer Axe: (+11 ATK, 30% Crit): 4000g
Brave Axe: (+10 ATK, attacks twice when initiating combat) : 6000g
Silver Greataxe: (+20 ATK, cannot follow-up or strike first if initiating combat): 12,000g
Killer Knuckles: (+3 ATK, +30% Crit, attacks twice when initiating combat): 2000g
Silver Gauntlets: (+6 ATK, +10% Crit, attacks twice when initiating combat): 3000g
Aura Knuckles: (+2 ATK, targets opponent’s RES, attacks twice when initiating combat): 4000g
Meteor: (Magic, +15 ATK., long-range siege magic. 2 uses.) 10,000g
Sacred Fire: (Magic, +12 ATK, 3x dmg vs. Terrors. 5 uses.) 8,000g


>Sell Value of your Items:
Silver Axe: 1000g
Bolt Axe: 2500g
Hammer: 1000g
Devil Axe: (No one seems to want to buy this…)
Iron Bow: 500g

>A): Buy something
>B): Sell something
>C): Do nothing

>>6276806
>>B): Sell something
>Iron Bow
>A): Buy something
>Talisman, Spirit Dust, Energy Ring, Dracoshield, Speedwing, Sorcerer King's Idol, Seraph Robe
LETS GOOOOOO. Say thanks to Klement. Also, TH you put the talisman twice

>>6276806
>Sell Something
Iron Bow

>Buy something
>Sacred Fire
>Spirit Dust
>Sorcerer King’s Idol
>Talisman
>Speedwing
>Pure Water
>Draco Shield

Buying Sacred Fire because think it may be useful to have +terrors on someone else but Nadia going forward, and at +12 MAG with Tristain's crest boost it can be a decent heavy hitter spell.

Also not buying Energy Ring and because Tristan is very gorilla already. The idol is a must because we're getting close to endgame diplomacy rolls.

>>6276806
>A): Talisman, Spirit dust, Energy ring, Dracoshield, Speedwing, Sorcerer king's idol, Aura Knuckles
Boost all fucking stats and get magic gloves, ez and the total is only 22k
Also i noticed there's two talismans on sale

>>6276806
>>6276895
Support

We've already fucked up the Terror research quest and the Sages are monopolizing Nadia so Tristain needs to have another anti-terror unit on his side.

>>6276895
>Support

now i'm thinking all that blood money from the consortium would have been nice...

>Blair fought to prevent this
Can't believe we were the villain all along.

>>6276806
>>6276895
Supporting.

>>6276800
>Ancient snakes were just americans
You know, maybe dragon people did a right thing.
>>6276806
>Meteor for 10k
Because nobody expects tristain to whip out a cross-battlefield tactical nuke
>Talisman for 3k
Can always use more RES in the sorcerer kingdom
>Spirit Dust for 3k
>Energy Ring for 3k
>Pure Water for 500

Silver Greataxe is actually peak Adeline weapon, but 12k is steep

Anons...Tree...I have a question.

For future comm purposes, what is Tristain actually wearing? A cape like >>6266692
or the devil may cry coat of >>6271733?

I'm torn because I like the long coat but the cape + bracers are very cool too. (Can't figure out a way to make a coat + bracer design in without making his arms too cluttered - something like pic related but then the coat would look ridiculous with three quarter sleeves??)

Man Blair was super simple comparison because her NPC ass was stuck in the default peg knight armor.

>>6277429
i prefer the cape, more heroic and more Tristain's vibe

>>6277429
Embrace your inner Araki and just design new outlandish shit every time you draw a new piece.
Become chaotic evil. Put bracers over coat sleeves.
>Man Blair was super simple comparison because her NPC ass was stuck in the default peg knight armor.
Was mini skirt actually default pegasus knight armor?

>>6277429
If it makes it easier, his armor in his sprite is spliced from Seth's from Sacred Stones. In official artwork, he doesn't have a cape, though in some official artwork, particularly Cipher cards, he'll have one. I've been envisioning his armor looking very similar to Seth's, but I would encourage you to go with whatever you think personally looks best.

>>6277439
Blair's armor is based off of Marcia's from Path of Radiance/Radiant Dawn. The skirt's been a peg knight staple for a lot of games.

>>6277449
>The skirt's been a peg knight staple for a lot of games.
Oh cool. Those quests are my only exposure to anything fire emblem related. (Because I didn't want to bother downloading a switch emulator for three houses)

>>6276806
“Are you sure it’s wise to spend this much gold?” Adeline asks, a hint of worry in her voice as you carry a large amount of items that had caught your eye in your arms. You walk over to the shop counter, where the bewildered employee looks at you with awe, before spilling everything in front of her messily. She begins to sort through each item one by one, putting them in a bag for your convenience.

“T-that will be 23,000 gold…” She says. Her eyes go wide when you dump your bag of winnings on the counter in front of her. The coins go spilling all over the place, several onto the floor, and the woman’s shoulders sink as she realizes she’ll have to count it all.

>Gold: 1800g

“Frugality is nice and well, but this is not the place for it.” You tell Adeline. “Hoarding gold will do me no good for the battles that are to come. Besides, once I win, money will be the least of my worries. This is simply smart spending. I’m investing in my future.”

>+4 LCK, +2 MAG, +2 RES, +2 SPD, +2 DEF

While you wait for the shop’s keeper to finish toiling away at your vast amount of gold, you begin reading through a tome that had caught your eye. A powerful spell of fire that supposedly could melt the flesh of terrors with ease. While you didn’t expect to run into any Terrors in the Competition, you recall Marek’s words. How he’d said he found a champion to represent his interests. You doubted you’d seen the last of the fiend, and you figured a spell like this would be handy to deal with whatever monsters he sent your way.

>Sacred Fire learned!

As you read through your tome, enjoying the Moonfrost Slush you’d acquired, the door to the Emporium slides open. A woman with purple hair and a pale complexion walks in, accompanied by another female in the fine garments of the Royal College. Both women are clearly mages, however, it is the purple haired woman who grabs your attention. The vast amount of magic emanating from her makes your hair stand on edge. At her left side, was a strange sceptre, made from what looked like bleached bone. In its center was a red jewel that looked uncomfortably like a pulsating eye. This was no ordinary sorceress, and that was no ordinary staff. It was a Hero’s Relic. Which meant this could only be one person.

“Ahh, I see you’ve discovered the wonders of the Emporium as well.” Leonora Gloucester says, her voice sweet and smooth. “To think a humble looking shop such as this would put all the marketplaces of Leicester to shame. This country certainly is a fascinating one, wouldn’t you agree, Tristain d’Rusalka?”

>“Leonora Gloucester, I presume?” You step forward.

“You presume correctly, good sir.” Leonora smiles, offering you a curtsy. “It seems that both our reputations have preceded us.” She gestures towards her companion. “This is Adjunct Filomena. My dear friend and guide in this land.”

>>6277481
“You are Alvin’s man, are you not?” Filomena asks.The Adjunct stares at you the way one would an unfamiliar object, seeking to understand how it ticks. “I see my colleague has chosen…an interesting sort.”

>“You’re easy to spot.” You tell Leonora, pointing towards the sceptre at her side. “Not many people walk around with a Hero’s Relic.”

“I suppose Thrysus does give me away.” She chuckles, shaking her head. “It took much convincing for my father to allow me to bring our family’s relic here. But I feel so much confident knowing it is at my side. Of course, that does not mean that it makes me invincible. A lesson that I’m sure Klement discovered the hard way when you defeated him. I’ll have to be on my guard if I find myself up against you, Tristain.”

The way Leonora flutters her eyelashes at you leaves you feeling disconcerted. The Gloucesters were one of the most affluent noble families in Fodlan. Unlike many of their contemporaries, they emerged from the Unification War with very minimal damage. This allowed them to consolidate their power, and they still possessed great influence in the former Leicester territories, even under the reign of Archbishop Byleth. Leonora was the heir to their fortune, and was by all accounts a prodigy in magic, swordsmanship, and above all else, politics.

Leonora had not just inherited her family’s Crest, but also their political savvy. It was said that none of the regional lords of Leicester dared to make a move without the approval of Leonora, and that she had her hand in every major decision made. By all accounts, she was a fair and just lord who treated commoners with respect. But there were also rumors abound that she desired more than her station granted.

>“So, did you stop by just to do some shopping? You should try the pork buns.”

“Perhaps later.” Leonora says, brushing the subject aside. “I’d much rather get to know you better, Tristain. I find it hard to believe that I’m only just hearing of someone with your talents. Rusalka must be hiding you away as their trump card.”

>You shrug your shoulders. “I just don’t get out much, I suppose.” That wasn’t a lie. You didn’t exactly have a thriving social life following Garreg Mach.

“A real shame.” Leonora pouts. “I suppose this must all be quite the adventure for you.”

The woman’s head turns towards the section of the store you’d just come from. As if spotting something that caught her eye, she walks towards the Seraph Robe. Picking it up gently from the rack that held it, she holds it up close.

“Ahh, how beautiful. Morfisian cloth really is like nothing I’ve ever seen. What do you think, Filo?”

“A fine choice.” The female adjunct nod.

“And you, Tristain?” Lenora asks.

>A): It looks good on you.
>B): I think it’s ugly.
>C): Why are you asking me? Do whatever you want.
>D): It’s not your style. Let me pick something else. (LCK Roll: 25% Success)

>>6277481
“You are Alvin’s man, are you not?” Filomena asks.The Adjunct stares at you the way one would an unfamiliar object, seeking to understand how it ticks. “I see my colleague has chosen…an interesting sort.”

>“You’re easy to spot.” You tell Leonora, pointing towards the sceptre at her side. “Not many people walk around with a Hero’s Relic.”

“I suppose Thrysus does give me away.” She chuckles, shaking her head. “It took much convincing for my father to allow me to bring our family’s relic here. But I feel so much confident knowing it is at my side. Of course, that does not mean that it makes me invincible. A lesson that I’m sure Klement discovered the hard way when you defeated him. I’ll have to be on my guard if I find myself up against you, Tristain.”

The way Leonora flutters her eyelashes at you leaves you feeling disconcerted. The Gloucesters were one of the most affluent noble families in Fodlan. Unlike many of their contemporaries, they emerged from the Unification War with very minimal damage. This allowed them to consolidate their power, and they still possessed great influence in the former Leicester territories, even under the reign of Archbishop Byleth. Leonora was the heir to their fortune, and was by all accounts a prodigy in magic, swordsmanship, and above all else, politics.

Leonora had not just inherited her family’s Crest, but also their political savvy. It was said that none of the regional lords of Leicester dared to make a move without the approval of Leonora, and that she had her hand in every major decision made. By all accounts, she was a fair and just lord who treated commoners with respect. But there were also rumors abound that she desired more than her station granted.

>“So, did you stop by just to do some shopping? You should try the pork buns.”

“Perhaps later.” Leonora says, brushing the subject aside. “I’d much rather get to know you better, Tristain. I find it hard to believe that I’m only just hearing of someone with your talents. Rusalka must be hiding you away as their trump card.”

>You shrug your shoulders. “I just don’t get out much, I suppose.” That wasn’t a lie. You didn’t exactly have a thriving social life following Garreg Mach.

“A real shame.” Leonora pouts. “I suppose this must all be quite the adventure for you.”

The woman’s head turns towards the section of the store you’d just come from. As if spotting something that caught her eye, she walks towards the Seraph Robe. Picking it up gently from the rack that held it, she holds it up close.

“Ahh, how beautiful. Morfisian silk really is like nothing I’ve ever seen. What do you think, Filo?”

“A fine choice.” The female adjunct nod.

“And you, Tristain?” Lenora asks.

>A): It looks good on you.
>B): I think it’s ugly.
>C): Why are you asking me? Do whatever you want.
>D): It’s not your style. Let me pick something else. (LCK Roll: 25% Success)

>>6277484
>>D): It’s not your style. Let me pick something else. (LCK Roll: 25% Success)
gambling... for no other reason (fuck you, i wanted that)

>>6277484
>>D): It’s not your style. Let me pick something else. (LCK Roll: 25% Success)

One day Tristain will say no to gambling

>A): It looks good on you.
Something something make friends or whatever. Also I don't want Tristain to be flat broke AND smacked by Thrysus.

>>6277449
>Seth Armor
Ah excellent. Going the be nicking the bracer idea from the /y/ AU because that is truly excellent though.

>Blair was based on radiant dawn
Whoops and here I gave the artist the three houses peg knight mockup. Have to admit the radiant dawn getup beats it out purely by having leggings under the skirt though. Smaller mercies that Blair is sitting down in the comm.

Can you remember what armor Leopold's sprite was based off by any chance? Was thinking someone from fates?

>>6277439
>Bracers over coat sleeves
I was so damn tempted though.

>>6277484
>>6277562
Would be very useful if I properly link my vote eh

>>6277535
DAMN. Very nice, anon. I can't believe Fortuna got OC. I really like the Morfis touch she has here. That's the canon look for her as far as I'm concerned.

>>6277562
Leopold I'm honestly not sure. That one isn't my sprite, and I don't recognize the base. I think it might be custom made.

>>6277484
>B): I think it’s ugly.
Ugly af

>>6277484
>A): It looks good on you.
As funny as picking D would be, let's try making allies with our fellow countrymen

>>6277484
>A): It looks good on you.

>>6277535
If fortuna looks like that no wonder Tristain wants her taking the wheel kek

>>6277484
>A): It looks good on you.
No reason to be a dick here.
>>6277535
I love the detail of him riding the wyvern. No wonder he gambles all the damn time

>>6277484
Damnit, you wanted that Seraph Robe. You purse your lips in disappointment. If you had a bit more gold it would have been yours, though that would have meant selling out to the Consortium. A part of you thinks about potentially dissuading Leonora from buying it. Perhaps something along the line of telling her that it makes her ass look fat. Or that the royal blue color was out of season and that others would mock her behind her back. But frankly, you didn’t know a thing about fashion, and you grew up around enough women to know that botching this might prove to have dire consequences.

>“I think it looks good on you.” You force yourself to say the words after some time.

“Ahh, a warrior with a sensitivity for fashion. Now I’ve seen everything.” Leonora smiles. “I suppose I’ll take it then.”

>Leonora gained +7 Max HP!

“Thank you for your feedback, Lord Tristain.” Leonora says, handing the robe off to her Adjunct so that she may complete the purchase. “I hope that there will be plenty of opportunities for us to work together in the early stages of the competition. Though there may only be one winner, I believe it would be fruitful for us to establish good relations. Together, I imagine we may be able to cull much of the chaff we find ourselves against.”

Working together with her? On the surface, it seemed like an obvious answer. Leonora was one of the favorites to win the whole thing. If you watched each other’s backs, there was a good chance you would both make it to the Top 8. But could you actually trust her? Or would she stab you in the back the first chance she had. No one knew what the Competition’s early stages would entail, and it was entirely possible she might jump on a chance to eliminate you rather than risk a one on one. Sure, she was friendly enough. Perhaps even a bit flirtatious. But you were sure there was a mask there. No one could command as much influence as her back home without possessing a cutthroat side.

>“I’ll be sure to think it over.” You tell her as diplomatically as you can. You had no intention of locking yourself into an ally just yet. Bronte said anyone you worked with should be someone you could place your confidence in, and so far you’d yet to find that person.

“Please do.” Leonora smiles. Adjunct Filomena returns with a bag for the Seraph Robe, and you find that the shopkeeper has finally finished sorting through your own gold. Grabbing your things, you and the others finally leave the Emporium. As the door slides open, you find a group of mages standing out in front.

“Tristain d’Rusalka.” The lead mage says. “You have been summoned by the Royal Sages. Please, come with us.”

>A): Go with them.
>B): Decline. The Sages are the enemies of Bronte. You have no need for them.

>>6278009
>>A): Go with them.
fffffffff- fine...

>>6278009
>>A): Go with them.

>>6278009
>A): Go with them.
Good. We need Nadia or Alvin to use their magic to track down this creepy book stealing mage.

Also still think we should team up with Uriyan, he's wants to fight with us not backstab us, unlike this chick who's probably gunning to get rid of Mr two crests over here

>>6278009
>A): Go with them.
Oh does that mean we'll finally get our adjunct back? Since everyone else here seems to have them as their pocket pets kek

>>6278009
>A): Go with them.
>C:) You all mind if I snort all this magic shit I just bought?

>>6278009
>>A): Go with them

>>6278009
>A): Go with them.

>>6278009
Finally, an audience with the people who were running this show. You’d see for yourself what these Sages were made of. Maybe you might even find out something that could prove useful to your cousin. You grunt your approval towards the mages. As your companions move to join you, the lead mage holds his hand out, barring their passage.

“Apologies, but this meeting is for Tristain d’Rusalka only.”

“That’s fine. We don’t want to go to that dump you call a ‘College’ anyway.” Chelsey snorts. “Hurry up and get on with it, Tristain. I’ll show the others around while you speak with those geezers.”

The mages ignore the dancer’s rudeness. As they begin walking away, you shrug your shoulders in resignation, joining them. They don’t seem interested in making conversation with either you or each other, and much of the walk over to the College is done so in silence. It isn’t until you finally ask them a pertinent question that you overcome their silent treatment, prompting the lead mage to talk to you.

>“So, what are these guys’ names again?”

“...You’re trying to be the king of this country and you don’t know the names of the Royal Sages?” The lead mage mutters in exasperation. “What’s with you foreigners…? This isn’t just a game, you know? It’s got real consequences.”

>“Look, just tell me and maybe I’ll make it worth your while once I’m king.”

He sighs, relenting to your demands. “Lycus, the Anima Sage. Nicon, the Light Sage. Chryson, the Dark Sage. And Dexithea, the Healing Sage. Each of them specializes in a different pillar of magic.”

Oh right, you think Chelsey had told you of these guys before. Lycus in particular was a name that was familiar. He was the one 99 had told you about back in Ithaca. The Sage that had turned her into a magic seal. You wondered what sort of other freaky experiments these Sages were getting up to.

After walking for some time, you finally arrive at the Royal College of Morfis. Just as this country’s Royal Palace put the one back in Fodlan to shame, the College is no different. The Officer’s Academy at Garreg Mach looks like a playground compared to the grounds of this sprawling campus. The courtyard is vast, lush, and green, with dozens of people in uniform wandering about. Several carry large tomes under their arms, while others practice their magic outside, weaving arcane sigils in the air. You think to keep an eye out for Alvin, but the Adjunct is nowhere to be found. You are given a few choice stares by some of the mages, but the number is less than what you experienced wandering the streets of Morfis with Chelsey.

“Don’t look so disappointed.” The lead mage says, reading the look on your face. “You’re hardly the first contender the Sages have met with.”

>“No, but I am the best. As you and the rest of the mages here will soon find out.”

“Right…” The man says, unconvinced.

>>6278593
The entrance of the College swings open, revealing a cavernous grand hall with many winding hallways and staircases leading further within. The mages press on straight ahead, up the largest of the staircases, where ornate double doors await you at the top.

“This is the Star Chamber.” The lead mage informs you. “It is where the Royal Sages convene to discuss matters pertaining to the state of Morfis. They have already sensed your presence within these halls and are awaiting you. Please, go on in.”

Doing as the mage says, you step forward and open the double doors. You take a few steps inside, only to find nothing but total darkness. As you turn around, the doors to the Star Chamber close, leaving you alone in the pitch black. Your hairs stand on end as you begin to think you’ve been led into a trap, when you suddenly sense the presence of others inside here with you. To your right, a single beam of light shines, revealing an elevated podium, where a woman stands. Carved into the wood is the depiction of a curved stave.

“Tristain d’Rusalka.” The woman says dully. A bored expression looks down on you. “Thank you for joining us.”.

A second beam of light reveals another podium, this one with the carving of a sun. In this podium stands a pale man with long black hair, dressed in similar finery as his companion. “We’ve heard much about you from Adjunct Alvin.” He says, only slightly less disinterested than the woman, who you figure must be Dexithea. “And we have no shortage of questions.”

“Like for example!” A third podium is lit up, a crescent moon carved into the surface. Another pale man appears, a scar running down one eye. “How is it that not one, but two ancient spirits have been let loose in your presence? And why is it that one of those spirits is currently unaccounted for?”

“Chryson makes a good point.” The first man says.“Those spirits were sealed for a reason. Fortuna in particular is incredibly dangerous, and represents an existential threat to Morfis.”

A fourth and final light appears. A white haired man stands at the last podium. The symbol carved in the wood here is a lightning bolt. His hands are folded as he stares down at you, gathering his thoughts before speaking.

“What Nicon says is true.” The third man, Lycus, by process of elimination, says. “I cannot imagine your shattering of the Wheel of Fortune was a mere accident. “You may be here to compete for Yulia’s hand, but judging by your recent actions, not to mention the…quesitonable ties you hold to the Cult of the Serpent, we can’t help but wonder the following. Are you an enemy of Morfis?”

>A): Explain that you did in fact break the wheel on a whim, and that your ties to the Cult were not as it seemed. (LCK+MAG: 52% success)
>B): “Alvin, Governor Tobias, and Ithaca can vouch for my credibility.”
>C): “I only stepped up where you failed to do so.”
>D): Write-in

>>6278594
>>A): Explain that you did in fact break the wheel on a whim, and that your ties to the Cult were not as it seemed. (LCK+MAG: 52% success)

>>6278594
Damn, those guys are meeting Tristain in the illuminati chamber from evangelion.
>How is it that not one, but two ancient spirits have been let loose in your presence?
It's three actually, I'm pretty sure the sword counts.
>Are you an enemy of Morfis?”
You know, the word Morfis is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Really stretchy defenition. Tristain is not the enemy of the land or the random commoners. He doesn't want the place to end up as a crater.
But while it would be funny to to go full "it helps no one to be reductive", it's pretty clear that they are just asking about themselves.
>A): Explain that you did in fact break the wheel on a whim, and that your ties to the Cult were not as it seemed. (LCK+MAG: 52% success)
>>6277535
"Don't you want to bet your relationship with one of the two largest power bases in the country on the coinflip? Don't you wanna gamble over and over until you win big? I'm ready to roll 1d100 *right now*"

>>6278594
>D): Write-in
Tristain will just say whatever he wants first.

"Ithaca. A Morfisian mage turned off the sand orb thing, from inside. Assassins killed the camp leader, stole the orb and used it to block my attack. Then I killed the Djinn. So really I cleaned up whatever mess is between you guys, and lady. I guess the assassins would have had the orb if I didn't break it." (Experiment 99 says hi.)

"That mage used the chaos to steal Nadia's research materials, then hid in Shangri-La with the help of one of your College's Adjuncts who must have hidden him in the Vault after Klement beat the Colosseum. Made some weird giant terror by sacrificing living people and put it in the Colosseum gauntlet. Which I also cleaned up for you."

"Oh and I think one of you sent Kosmas there, I'd like to speak with him. He promised me a few minutes with that mage but broke his word. Are those guys allowed to lie for you?"

"Also you're wrong I didn't meet 2 spirits, it was 4 but I don't really wanna get into it until I'm King."
(Djinn, Wheel, Sword Spirit Mystletainn, The Oasis Spirit Lady.)

>>6278622
Really I want to achieve maximum psychic damage, so anyone else feel free to add stuff. Then I figure it either dissolves into arguing or we continue with other stuff.

>>6278594
>B): “Alvin, Governor Tobias, and Ithaca can vouch for my credibility.”
We literally could have walked away from the last two but we didn't

>>6278594
>A): Explain that you did in fact break the wheel on a whim, and that your ties to the Cult were not as it seemed. (LCK+MAG: 52% success)
>D:) I plan on becoming King of Morfis so it would do me no good to be an enemy of my own Kingdom, ruling over a ruined wasteland isn't exactly my style.


>>6278622
Oh god you're right we have met 4 spirits, we're like a magnet or something

>>6278594
>B): “Alvin, Governor Tobias, and Ithaca can vouch for my credibility.”
Issue is I don't want to piss them off before we get our mages back and I also don't want to waste the reroll on a bunch of shady snake nerds who will 100% backstab us later on anyway

It's funny to imagine that these chuuni nerds were standing there the whole day and their efforts put into this light show would have been wasted if we had just declined.

>>6278594
>B): “Alvin, Governor Tobias, and Ithaca can vouch for my credibility.”
>D): "Even that Yasha, Kosmas, can vouch for me. I helped him kill the rouge mage in Shangri-La. Without me acting as a distraction, he never would have gotten the opportunity to sneak in for the kill. He was drinking on the job by the way. I've also eliminated the Consortium's chosen contender and left the Consortium in chaos, allowing you all the chance to claim Shangri-La."
Since we spat on the Consortium's offer, might as well milk that situation as much as possible. I do wonder if Kosmas actually made it back or if he got into an "accident" and one of these Sages is keeping the research to themselves.

>>6278734
Mhm, irresistible to those of the spirit persuasion I might say. Frankly maybe we met a 5th spirit somewhere and didn't even know it. That old guy who tried to alter our fate and stat growths. Either he was a spirit, or hes the Sorcerer King in disguise.

Or inside the Cursed Axe but he just needs a bit of blood to wake up? Or maybe that Marek guy is also part spirit to account for his being extra powerful.

The whole Holy Spear vibrating at our mere presence with Wheel's Blessing on us has me rather thinking, because I assumed that sort of thing was meant to hurt Terrors or undead or something. Is a Spirit the same kind of power as a Terror but much more graceful, just a really lucky person who didn't become a mindless beast but turned into a polytheistic God? Is this Quintessence stuff a lost art of making Gods and Spirits and Terrors if you've got enough juice lying around. I'm not too concerned either way but thought I'd throw it out there.

>>6278749
Think bringing up the rouge mage is a bad play considering he was a minion of one of these four and that knowledge was supposed to be top secret.

When they say enemy of Morfis they really mean enemy of the sages, here

>>6278594
>B): “Alvin, Governor Tobias, and Ithaca can vouch for my credibility.”
They're already set against us because we got their minion killed and we went to visit Bronte first. Might as well give the facts and be done with it.

>>6278622
>A): Explain that you did in fact break the wheel on a whim, and that your ties to the Cult were not as it seemed. (LCK+MAG: 52% success)
I love gambling.

>>6278594
>B.

>>6278767
I think mentioning that dead guy would be fine since another Sage sicced Kosmas against him. Unless it was a 4D chess move and it was the traitor that sent Kosmas all along.
The traitor is presumably trying to hoard everything for themselves, so anyone that does react negatively over the dude's death would likely be outing themselves.

>>6278594
>B): “Alvin, Governor Tobias, and Ithaca can vouch for my credibility.”
>D) "You could ask the Yasha too; I am a most fair and upright man."

>>6278594
>B): “Alvin, Governor Tobias, and Ithaca can vouch for my credibility.”
Alright once we become king the first order of business is getting rid of all these losers and installing Alvin as the head chief top super duper sage here.

In other news I forgot how hideous the three houses fortress knights were. If anyone has any objections to Sebastian being put in a radiant dawn/path of radiance general getup then now's the time to speak up

>>6278953
That bad eh

B wins, writing.

>>6278953
Armor Knight designs have been terrible across the board since Awakening. I always envisioned him closer to the Tellius design so by all means, go ahead.

>>6278594
>“What is this, a trial?” You roll your eyes as the Four Sages hurl their accusations at you. “I am not an enemy of Morfis. If you have any doubts about that, I have many that can vouch for my credibility. Perhaps you should start by speaking with Adjunct Alvin, Governor Tobias of Hima, or the surviving mages of Ithaca?”

“Ahh yes, the mages of Ithaca.” Nicon laughs. “A group so trustworthy that one of their own stole pertinent research and deactivated the Djinn Orb, allowing the Riahi to commence their slaughter. I’m sure if we can pull the survivors away from their important research regarding the sleeping patterns of Terrors, they will serve as a great reference.”

“Governor Tobias.” Chryson sneers, the scar on his face twisting up. “He let a group of Cultists simply walk away following Hima’s victory against their forces. He had the perfect chance to put an end to a large swath of those insects and claim the Spear of Chulainn, but did not do so. The way I understand it, the reason he held his hand was because you assured him they were ‘harmless’ and following your orders. He must be made to answer for his failure in due time.”

“Adjunct Alvin…” Dexithea says, unpleased at the mention of the man’s name. “He made you aware of the Agarthium that he carried in his possession. He did this despite knowing the great importance of that object, and the secrecy that was required. That he would do something so incredibly foolish speaks volumes of his judgment. We cannot ignore his actions.”

>“So what?!” You retort. “That ‘Agarthium’ wasn’t even yours to begin with! You got it by digging up old trash in MY territory!”

“You left one of the greatest treasures of humanity, perhaps the key to Morfis’ future, rotting in an abandoned mine that you people blew up during your petty war.” Nicon says, shaking his head as if stunned. “Don’t get mad at us for taking back what is rightfully ours.”

“Your actions greatly perplex us, Tristain d’Rusalka.” Lycus says, staring down at you like a judge would a criminal. “While you have caused great harm in your time here, we can admit that you have also performed some good. We recognize that you did save Ithaca from complete eradication. Had you not saved the mages, it is possible that Terrors would have escaped the Keep into the desert. And your actions against the Consortium in Shangri-La allowed a Yasha to bring justice to a rogue mage. As well as giving us the ability to apprehend the head of the Consortium, Patros.”

“Although Adjunct Targa is still missing…” Chryson adds. “He never came back to Morfis. I don’t suppose you had something to do with that, did you?”

>“That green-haired bastard? Beats me. I’d have throttled that guy if given the chance. And did you just say you’ve captured Patros? Because if so, then I’m sure you’re aware of who he thinks put him up to that business with Andreas.”

>>6279189
“That slimy merchant says many things, eagerly hoping to escape punishment.” Nicon smirks. “Unfortunately, much of it is unverifiable. Particularly with the absence of Adjunct Targa. We’ll have to pray that Dexithea may find something of use from that fool.”

These four were proper bastards. They took issue with everything you said. Furthermore, they either didn’t take Patros’ claim seriously that one of them was a traitor, or they were simply hiding something.

“You know a great deal about what is happening in Morfis, Lord Rusalka.” Lycus says. “Perhaps more so than any other of you foreigners that have come to compete in this ridiculous contest. That you also happen to be the Prime Minister’s cousin is not lost on us.”

“Nor is it that the first thing you did when you came here was run to her like a lost puppy.” Chryson chuckles.

>“I hadn’t seen my cousin in over three years. What’s it to you anyway, freak? I can’t say I enjoy the way I’m being spoken to here.”

“So what?” Chryson says, growing more hostile. “You competitors are a dime a dozen! I don’t care-”

“Chryson, enough!” Lycus counters, interrupting his colleague. “I won’t insult your intelligence, Lord Rusalka. As I said, you know far more than your contemporaries. Meaning you know exactly what we want. We have much we wish to discuss with you. But before doing so, perhaps it is better we get to the heart of the matter, potentially saving ourselves from future disappointment.”

>“Go on then.”

“Tartarus.” Dexithea says.

“We want it open.” Nicon adds.

“And whoever wins Yulia’s hand will be prime to unlock those doors.” Lycus concludes. “We finally have the Agarthium we needed. Truth be told, we care not who wins. Let whoever ends up marrying that girl enjoy the fruits of their labor. But Tartarus must be open. Pledge to do so, and you’ll have our support. Alvin told us you were amenable to such a thing. We will ensure your rule is accepted by the masses, and you will have the full backing of the College. Furthermore, as a gesture of good will, we shall share with you pertinent information that will give you an advantage during the Competition.”

>“I thought the Yasha were in charge of putting the competition together?”

“This is the Sorcerer’s Capital, we are the Masters of Sorcery.” Nicon says. “Nothing escapes our attention.”

“I don’t know what nonsense you’ve heard about Tartarus.” Lycus says. “That it’s cursed or that there are spirits or corpses inside. The truth is that Tartarus was built for some unknown purpose by the very hand of the Sorcerer King himself. With only a fraction of the knowledge he left behind, our ancestors were able to build this shining jewel in this barren wasteland. The secrets waiting for us in Tartarus may elevate our civilization to heights never seen. Above all, we cannot allow petty superstition to halt progress.”

>>6279190
“Frankly speaking, once Tartarus is open, governing this country will be the least of our concerns.” Chryson says. The dark look he gives you indicates he was not yet over the way you’d spoken to him, but he was certainly trying his best to restrain himself. “You can play King all you like while we do what we do best. We’ll unlock the secrets of the past, and ensure the continued success and evolution of Morfis.”

>“Huh? So after all that crap, you’re still willing to back me up? Just at my word?”

“We’d need more than your word.” Lycus says cryptically. “Dexithea, produce the contract.”

Dexithea leaves her podium so that she may walk over to you. In her hands are a piece of paper, and something that resembles a quill.

>“What the hell?” You ask, accepting both items when offered to you by Dexithea. “What kind of language is this? I can’t read a thing.”

“Do you have contracts back in Fodlan?” Nicon asks. “This functions much the same. Though you’ll find breaking it to be quite challenging.”

“It is as Nicon says.” Lycus confirms. “This is a contract. One imbued with sorcery, written in the ancient script of our ancestors. Its terms are simply what we previously discussed. That if you win the Competition, you will pledge to open the gates of Tartarus. In return, we shall throw our full weight behind you, as well as reveal a secret that will trivialize the first half of the Competition, ensuring you make it into the top 8.”

>“And what are the terms for breaking said contract?”

“Let me do you a favor.” Nicon says. “If you’re already thinking about breaking it, you’d best not sign at all.”

A secret that would ensure you make it into the top 8? What could that be? You were still undecided on Tartarus. You weren’t lying when you told Alvin you were curious about what was inside. And you hadn’t exactly given Bronte your word that you’d keep the place closed. With the aid of the Four Sages, you could win Yulia’s hand, be King, and still open up that mausoleum.

>A): Sign the contract.
>B): Do not sign the contract.
>C): My Adjunct should probably look at this before I sign…(LCK Roll: 25% Succes

>>6279190
“Frankly speaking, once Tartarus is open, governing this country will be the least of our concerns.” Chryson says. The dark look he gives you indicates he was not yet over the way you’d spoken to him, but he was certainly trying his best to restrain himself. “You can play King all you like while we do what we do best. We’ll unlock the secrets of the past, and ensure the continued success and evolution of Morfis.”

>“Huh? So after all that crap, you’re still willing to back me up? Just at my word?”

“We’d need more than your word.” Lycus says cryptically. “Dexithea, produce the contract.”

Dexithea leaves her podium so that she may walk over to you. In her hands are a piece of paper, and something that resembles a quill.

>“What the hell?” You ask, accepting both items when offered to you by Dexithea. “What kind of language is this? I can’t read a thing.”

“Do you have contracts back in Fodlan?” Nicon asks. “This functions much the same. Though you’ll find breaking it to be quite challenging.”

“It is as Nicon says.” Lycus confirms. “This is a contract. One imbued with sorcery, written in the ancient script of our ancestors. Its terms are simply what we previously discussed. That if you win the Competition, you will pledge to open the gates of Tartarus. In return, we shall throw our full weight behind you, as well as reveal a secret that will trivialize the first half of the Competition, ensuring you make it into the top 8.”

>“And what are the terms for breaking said contract?”

“Let me do you a favor.” Nicon says. “If you’re already thinking about breaking it, you’d best not sign at all.”

A secret that would ensure you make it into the top 8? What could that be? You were still undecided on Tartarus. You weren’t lying when you told Alvin you were curious about what was inside. And you hadn’t exactly given Bronte your word that you’d keep the place closed. With the aid of the Four Sages, you could win Yulia’s hand, be King, and still open up that mausoleum.

>A): Sign the contract.
>B): Do not sign the contract.
>C): My Adjunct should probably look at this before I sign…(LCK Roll: 25% Success)

>>6279191
>C): My Adjunct should probably look at this before I sign…(LCK Roll: 25% Success)
>B): Do not sign the contract.
These guys want Tristain to sign a magical contract he can't read? Do they think he was born yesterday? If they don't accept Alvin having a look at it then tough.

>>6279192
>>C): My Adjunct should probably look at this before I sign…(LCK Roll: 25% Success)
nnnnnoooo

>>6279192
>B): Do not sign the contract
Hell no go away you freak

>>6279192
>B): Do not sign the contract.
B E G O N E

>>6279192
>C): My Adjunct should probably look at this before I sign…(LCK Roll: 25% Success)

Too bad, I would have liked to see how calling them out on the obvious conclusion that only someone who can order Adjunct Targa, who can get someone posted in Ithaca, who knew about Nadia's research, can order Yasha to retrieve said research, could have organized things. A Sage adept at controlling terrors. Also hired the pirates who were after Alvin's ship and the contents, who must have know where Alvin's ship would be.

Dexithea having to torture, heal and more torture Patros for answers but still not able to get anything is a bit sus. But most of what I see points to one man.

Lycus is the Anima Sage. Soul Sage. Created 99, an Anti-Magic weapon. The camp was also full of Terror creations. BUT Quintessence isn't effected by 99 as Nadia made the Skele-Tristain to defend herself. So Lycus here could neutralize every single mage if he brought out another 99, every single Sage, and use Quintessence to kill anyone that threatened him.

If hes like Nadia I wonder if he could extend his life hence the white hair. He has connections to Ithaca with 99. If he can create someone anti-magic, could he have made someone that would have a magicless child if she were married to the previous King, producing Yulia who has no magic and putting her out of the way.

If I had to guess Telepathy that Marek used is an Anima related magic. Terrors, an Anima/Quintessence related Magic. The Cult has been a problem for thousands of years, but suddenly now they can make and control Terrors. Launched a big attack with them.

Marek with his red eye and other eye covered. Skele-Tristain could also use Crests. So if someone had learned a completed Art of making these things, and had essence of a Serpent Cult Crest User, they could create someone like Marek. Then train them in magics of Telepathy, Terror Creation and Control, and anything else needed. Then send them to infiltrate the Cult to use as a pawn and secure the Key.

Being the one who really wants to put Tristain under the power of some Contract after hes made so much trouble...

Every single piece points to a College Sage, points to whoever has the magic to create and control these things, who has cultivated the ability to wipe the floor with mages. EVERY RED STRING POINTS TO LYCUS! KILL HIM! NOW!

>>6279192
>B): Do not sign the contract.
Holy shit I don't want Tristain to be a fucking pelleas expy, get that thing out of my face

>>6279192
>>C): My Adjunct should probably look at this before I sign…(LCK Roll: 25% Success)

>>6279192
>B): Do not sign the contract
Obvious trap is fucking obvious

>>6279192
>>B): Do not sign the contract.
I mean, why should we sign it? Fuckem, we can get through this tournament with ease, trust

>>6279192
>C): My Adjunct should probably look at this before I sign…(LCK Roll: 25% Success)
FORTUNA TAKE THE WHEEL

>>6279192
>C): My Adjunct should probably look at this before I sign…(LCK Roll: 25% Success)
Watch as Alvin can't read the moonrunes either.

>>6279224
It's unlikely that there's any actual connections with the Cult and the Sages. The Terrors shouldn't be a recent thing and were around for a long time, and Marek's also an established leader of the Cult.

>>6279192
>B): Do not sign the contract.
If you guys think they're actually going to keep their end of the deal then I've got some magic beans to sell you.

Also they're blatantly going to kill us once we've got the box open and they've got their nukes and/or become god emperor.

>>6279387
How did Marek know about Alvin carrying the Key if theres no connection? Though Marek does think it will bring about destruction. I'm sure hes been around for a long time to establish himself. I don't think thats a problem for Agarthan mages who live for centuries even before more powerful sorcery to extend their life. Or keep them looking pretty at least.

We know Marek can use telepathy. Is that the key spell to control Terrors? For the Cult all Marek would have to do is show off his Crest once hes in front of their soldiers. Kind of like Tristain. Bam, hes a lost child of the Goddess back in the fold. Fast forward a few decades.

Marek has powerful and utilitarian magic. We've seen Nadia's quintessence was capable of creating a warrior with Tristain's Crest powers. Someone wanted to stop her research and sacrificed an entire camp full or terror experiments to take it. Why? They knew she might learn something she shouldn't. Like how to control Terrors.

"Stark built this in a CAVE with SCRAPS" Ya know if Marek is just that much of a fucking genius that he can figure this out when entire generations of Morfisian Mages can't, fair enough, but its still sus.

Son of Ogre was a Terror created using Nadia's research tools.

Was it really a coincidence that every single location we traveled to on Alvin's journey with the Key had some fucked up plot going on. Ithaca. Wyvern Town. Shangri-La. The Pirate Ship.

Now the Sage traitor certainly would have put together the Pirate Ship, Ithaca, and Shangri-La. But Wyvern Town just so happens to have a plan to invade it when Alvin is in town with the Key? A Key Marek knows about and wants to use to open Tartarus? With controlled Terrors to help conquer the town.

>>6279446
Think Marek is either a massive wildcard who has gleaned the importance of the key from spying on the sages somehow and wants it for himself, or he's in league with one of the other sages who want the cult's manpower on their side.

Right now I think it's a safe bet to say that all four of the sages are outright warring with each other over who gets the key and claims the bounty of Tartarus, though they present a united front here. After all if what lies in Tartarus has the potential to make someone a god king like the OG Sorcerer King then why would you want to share that power with three other losers?

We know there are at least three parties warring for the key right now
>Alvin's sage who got him to track it down
>Sage who ordered the pirate raid + attack on Ithaca to get key off Alvin (also the same sage that was doing terror research together with Nadia's colleague)
>Marek

Would not be surprised if some of the other sages have schemes going on that Tristain hasn't bumbled into yet (like going along with one of the front runners to get key only to stab them in the back).

The sage who arranged all the attacks is probably trying to bolster their forces with the terrors because once the doors to Tartarus are unlocked then all pretense of civility will go out of the window as the sages battle to be the one who'll open them.