FE: War of Men (Gameplay)

[Enaluxeme]

By throwing his weapon at the enemy, Sicon successfully landed the finishing blow before the man could heal and come back. Of course, the thrown weapon was enchanted to come back in the hands of his owner, like many others of its kind.

Sicon hits for 8 damage and kills Mercenary

Sicon gains 31 Exp

With the cleric's treatments and his own intervention to remove the poison, Abeloth was brought back to top condition. However, as the duo was getting near the occupied village, someone reached them, flying on top of a pegasus.

Abeloth loses 1 HP from the poison (12/23)

Abeloth is no longer poisoned

Ahava heals 12 HP to Abeloth (23/23)

Ahava gains 11 Exp

The two other bandits didn't react well to Sicon killing their companion, and kept attacking the soldier. As sicon was now wielding an heavier weapon, mostly suited for ranged combat, he had difficulties keeping the quick swordman at bay: the tip of the sword grazed his leg once and just barely missed on the second attempt at hitting him. Moreover, the archer was too far away to reach even with an enchanted spear. At least, the bowman was still too inaccurate to hit his target and, to be honest, having tested his abilities outside of the training grounds made Sicon feel stronger and more confident.

Thief hits Sicon for 2 damage (10/20), Sicon retaliates and deals 11 damage (3/18), thief follows up but misses

Sicon gains 17 Exp

Level up! +1 HP +1 Str

Hunter misses

Sicon gains 1 Exp

Last turn!

[Moblin Major General]

Having been fully revitalized, Abeloth made a mad dash for the boss, hatchet in hand. He moves to L4 and throws his hatchet.

[ThicreanPhoenix]

The spear had landed. The pesky swordsman collapsed, and hopefully would not be standing back up anytime soon. The spear, as due its...qualities, reappeared in Sicon's grip. Sicon was almost proud, but out of the bushes came the one who had attacked him and started this mess. Unable to parry or escape, he found himself stinging. He made sure to return the favor, though.

"Ha! Better luck next time...if you can last until then!" He taunted, evading the second strike. "And you might have to pray you do!" Sicon continued as he seamlessly drew his old, less cumbersome, weapon and brought down the axe. The metaphorical axe, at any rate. In truth, Sicon prayed himself for a split-second that his strike landed...he wouldn't last much longer if it didn't.

Equip Slim Lance, attack Thief.

Edited July 24, 2017 by ThicreanPhoenix

[Enaluxeme]

Having gotten closer to the boss, Abeloth was in a good position to attack him.

 "Who the hell are you? We were only expecting the border patrol to show up... No matter, I'll cut you down anyway."

The bandit got hit by Abeloth's weapon on the left forearm, but was still perfectly capable of hitting back, as his axe was similarly enchanted. His attack resulted in a rather nasty cut on Abeloth's chest.

Abelot hits Boss for 7(18/25) damage, Boss retaliates and deals 11(12/23) damage

Abeloth gains 11 Exp

Just as impressive as the fight with the bandit leader, if not more, was Sicon, still fending off against multiple opponents. With his last attack, however, the soldier brought down the opposition to just the bowman on the hill, as the thief dropped dead on the ground.

Sicon hits for 10 damage and kills Thief

Sicon gains 50 Exp

[Toogee]

Ahava was quite annoyed as Abeloth completely ignored her warning and rushed back into battle. Perhaps she would have been just as stubborn a patient, but the truth remained. Fighting in such a condition was a good way to get yourself killed. Fortunately, another ally had flown in. The healer walked to the peg knight to get her aid."

"If you are able to fight," Ahava said to Mi'iltha, pointing toward the village, "we could use your help freeing that village."

Regardless, Ahava continued to K4 and healed Abeloth. She'd have to monitor him for the ill effects of poison, though it seemed to have subsided.

Edited July 25, 2017 by Toogee

[Toyotasomi no Miko]

Mi'iltha nods in response to the approaching cleric, definitely willing to provide aid. "Of course. These brigands up here are the reason I'm even fighting up here in the first place."

Seeing just how much damage the boss did in one hit to the fighter, Mi'iltha moves to M4 and sits there. Or M5 if that corner's not a legitimate place to place herself at.

[ThicreanPhoenix]

Sicon stood up straight, snapping his javelin back on his belt. His other lance, however, he pointed at the archer, whom he could see from his mountain perch. No doubt they could see him too.

"That makes two down, arrow boy! Do you still value your life, or shall I make that three? If the former, drop your weapon. If the latter...make peace with whatever god you worship before I send you off to meet them."

[Moblin Major General]

Abeloth looked directly into the eyes of the Bandit leader. "I know not who you are, but you are a blight upon the innocent, worse than any natural plague. I hope you prayed to your gods to forgive your sins, because I will not. Face me, if thou dare, spawn of strumpet!

[Enaluxeme]

Thanks to Ahava's magic, the wound on Abeloth's chest immediately healed, without leaving behind even the smallest of scars.

Ahava heals 12 HP to Abeloth (23/23)

Ahava gains 11 Exp

The bandit leader was outnumbered with the appearance of Mi'iltha. It seems he wasn't pleased, as he immediately attacked the pegasus knight. Despite being close enough to use his axe normally, he still threw his enchantend weapon, successfully hitting the girl's hip and almost knoking her down from her mount. Of course, Mi'iltha responded with a good thrust of her sword.

Boss hits Mi'iltha for 11(7/18) damage, Mi'iltha retaliates and deals 6(12/25) damage

Mi'iltha gains 12 Exp

The axeman was ready to attack again, when his attention shifted to the east: the rest of the border patrol had dealt with the other bandits and was coming to finish the job.

 "This should be enough... Everyone left, retreat! Now!"

He looked Mi'iltha and Abeloth with a grin.

 "Maybe we'll play another time, kids."

Having said that, the boss retreated inside the village. As all the villagers that survived the previous attack were in hiding, no one could stop him, and he simply vanished without a trace before you could catch him.

After shooting his last arrow, finally hitting his opponent once on the thigh, the only other remaining bandit vanished just as easily.

Hunter hits Sicon for 4 damage (6/20)

Sicon gains 1 Exp

 

Bonus Exp

Spoiler

Mi'iltha

• Village rescued: +10
• Partecipation: +20

30 Exp

Level up! +1 HP

Sicon

• Roleplay bonus: +10
• Use of terrain to own advantage: +5
• Partecipation: +20

35 Exp

Ahava

• Avoided enemy attacks: +5
• Supported allies: +10
• Partecipation: +20

35 Exp

Abeloth

• Use of terrain to own advantage: +5
• Partecipation: +20

25 Exp

 "Hey! Where is everybody?"

 "You two, check every last pebble of this village. Lithis, patrol the area. That bandit must still be nearby. Mi'hilta, Sicon, report."

 

Edited July 26, 2017 by Enaluxeme

[Moblin Major General]

Abeloth put away his weapons and approached the captain. "The village in the Northwest is safe. You may need to post a patrol there, just to reassure the villagers." Abeloth turned to the cleric girl. "I never was able to ask before the countryside erupted, but do you have a name, miss?" He also looked at the Pegasus Knight, presumably the one that was addressed as Mi'iltha. He didn't see where she came from, but he knew she was on their side. The other, however, was nowhere in sight, probably on the other side of the other pegasus knight named Lithis.

[ThicreanPhoenix]

Sicon watched as the archer fired one last shot and ducked away. He started to give chase, but he was gone before too long. "Damn..." However, Sicon didn't have much time to beat himself up about it. A recognizable voice rang out ahead. It was the Captain, demanding a report.

Sicon instinctively jogged up to the brigade and saluted. "Eastern Ridge clear, Captain. Three assailants. Two dead. One escaped." Sicon stood at attention, waiting for a response. He had to wonder about the other person the Captain, called, though. Was someone else supposed to be here with him?...

[Toogee]

"Ahava. And yours?," she answered Abeloth. She had to address the peg knight in need of healing, so the cleric moved past Abeloth and began focusing her staff on Mi'iltha. With the battle over, Ahava had enough time to fully heal those wounds without worrying about the enemy jumping them. Meanwhile, she listened to the conversation between the captain and subordinates for any information on what had occurred. 

[Toyotasomi no Miko]

At the mention of her name, Mi'iltha nods at Lithis before looking over at her commander. "There was a village to the south of here, but I got there before anything could happen to it. Beyond that, there were a few bandits, but aside from the one fleeing into the village, as well as the one that Sicon mentioned, none got away that I know of." She states, sighing. Even letting one get away was... not how she would have liked it to go.

[Enaluxeme]

"I see. One or two bandits escaping is not a problem, you both did a great job of protecting the villages."

The captain then turned to Abeloth and Ahava.

"I generally dislike when civilians get involved, but I'll still thank you for your help, it was greatly appreciated. I'm glad you are uninjured. Miss, may I ask a favor of you?"

The last sentence was clearly meant for Ahava, yet he wasn't looking at her.

[Moblin Major General]

Abeloth stopped himself from taking offense at the captain's comment, if only because he knew that armies could only really tell the difference between who was a soldier and who wasn't, and that the details didn't really matter. He turned to Ahava and kept it short. "Abeloth."

[ThicreanPhoenix]

Sicon listened to the report of the pegasus knight and the commentary of the Captain. Only one...two...things struck him as odd. First, there was an entire brigade. Why were only two soldiers sent to deal with this? The main force could surely have spared a couple soldiers to offer some backup just in case. Second...the pegasus knight knew his name. Sicon didn't remember ever encountering this person, let alone introducing himself. So how did...

Sicon wasn't about to question the Captain's orders and voice his concerns. But he could find out the answer to the second one...after he was dismissed. Sicon knew better than to converse in the presence of a superior officer. He shot a quick glance at the pegasus, then refocused his attention on the Captain.

Edited July 28, 2017 by ThicreanPhoenix

[Toogee]

22 hours ago, Enaluxeme said:

"I generally dislike when civilians get involved, but I'll still thank you for your help, it was greatly appreciated. I'm glad you are uninjured. Miss, may I ask a favor of you?"

The last sentence was clearly meant for Ahava, yet he wasn't looking at her.

Ahava had continued her healing duties during the conversation, moving over to Sicon. He seemed to have suffered the worst among them, so she moved quickly. As she waved the glowing staff around Sicon, she addressed the captain (also not looking at him in order to focus on Sicon).

"Yes? Are there more wounded in the village?"

[Enaluxeme]

The captain pointed in the direction Ahava and Abeloth came from.

"I'm sure the villagers are tending to their wounded. However, no one else would heal that man. I wish to question him, he'll need more time to heal without magic."

He started walking towards one bandit who was still alive.

Before he could arrive, Lithis came down from the sky.

 "Not a single trace of the man. Perhaps he's still inside the village? Uh? Where did the captain go?"

The gastallian knight looked around, saw captain Sleidors and reached him, presumably to give him the same information.

Edited July 30, 2017 by Enaluxeme

[ThicreanPhoenix]

Sicon stood straight as ever, waiting for Captain Sleidors to be done. As he was waiting, however, a woman in lilac approached him, and with a wave of a staff, Sicon felt his scrapes and aches melt away. "Thank you, uh...milady." Sicon responded to the cleric, briefly pulling his attention away from the Captain.

When he looked back, however, the Captain was gone. A quick look saw him walking off to...well, who knows what, but walking away nonetheless. Sicon assumed this meant he was no longer required and took his chance. He approached the pegasus knight who had mentioned him in her report. "Excuse me, miss? I was wondering...how exactly do you know my name? I don't recall ever even meeting you, let alone introducing myself."

[Toogee]

Ahava nodded to Sicon when she finished. She then followed the captain over to the wounded bandit. Abeloth had done quite a bit of damage to the man. The cleric knelt down to the bandit (assuming he is still on the ground) and examined his condition. She focused on the more life-threatening wounds to ensure that the bandit would survive long enough to answer questions. 

[Toyotasomi no Miko]

Mi'iltha looka down at Sicon, temporarily lowering herself off of the Pegasus. "Simple logic. The captain wanted a report from me and Sicon, and since you answered first, I just presumed from there. Sorry if that's not alright." She states. "...Although I suppose I didn't actually know your name until now. A pleasure to meet you officially, then. My name is Mi'iltha."

[Moblin Major General]

Abeloth looked at the bandit Ahava was healing. "You might not be thanking her once she's done. Your actions carry hefty cost, and if you've killed or stolen from nobles, that means the gallows, or worse." He then turn towards the captain again. "Captain, if I may say something, me and the lady here were thinking of travelling into Vinhon, but we realize that neither of us would be particularly welcome there alone, much less together. With your permission, we would like to inquire if you could spare one, maybe two soldiers from your detachment." He expected a brush-off, but he had to at least ask so that any soldier who chooses to go with them would not be seen as derelict in their duty.

[Enaluxeme]

"I'm sure you'll understand, I can't just send soldiers away to accompany passersby, even less so considering the bandit problem we are having."

The bandit didn't move.

"Get up, and don't try anything funny."

Still nothing. Impatient, the captain bent his knee and shaked the man, then turned him face-up. A greenish foam was covering his mouth. He was already dead.

"Poison... This makes no sense... These are no ordinary bandits."

[Moblin Major General]

Abeloth cited the professionalism of the captain, but knew that they needed escorts. When he saw the bandit dead, he approached the captain and the lifeless brigand. "Poison usually means the water supply is going to be targeted. I don't have to tell you how many would be in immediate danger, or worse, if this river hand even one gallon of this type of poison in it. The local magistrate might want to know about this. Is he in any of the other villages besides the one in the Northwest?" Abeloth knew the best chance they had of getting help was if a magistrate owed him a favor, like payment for clearing out bandits that are much more threatening than the nuisance they usually are.

[Enaluxeme]

"No, I think this man took the poison to avoid giving informations. I see... They were all too organized to begin with, and some of them didn't even look like bandits. Those must have been mercenaries, but who sent them and why?"

Sleidors remained silent for a bit, thinking. He then got up when the soldiers came back from the village.

"Sir! There's no trace of the bandit leader, but we found an used warp circle hidden on the outskirts."

"Mmh... This complicates things even more. You two might have company going East after all... Lithis!"

"Captain Sleidors."

"Fly to Castle Lefberg, inform Lord Cameron of my imminent visit, tell him it's time to check on the fire."

"The... fire, sir?"

"Those exact words. Now go."

The pegasus rider discussed no further and departed immediately.

Edited July 31, 2017 by Enaluxeme