Fire Emblem on the Forums: Sea of Crossroads [IC]

[Sutoratosu]

"No, no, not, really..." she answered "Anything to break the dreary silence of this shit hole will do, at this point." 

 Reinvigorated, she headed off to go inspect the other hall, see if there were any wandroughts there who needed a good shanking as well, and much to his satisfaction, and partial disappointment, all of them who'd been occupying the space were already dead. She caught sight of the girl from the cells though- the rather contrary one who'd been so intent on picking apart any hope at escape. Walking over, she called out, something shiny in her hand

"Oi, you there! you can probably put this to better use than me, so here, Catch!" the shiny object she carried was tossed to the nun. Selia would clearly see it was a key, still coated in the blood of it's previous owner... "The mages are the only ones still without their gear, afterall. Once everyone gets their crap together, we're heading up, and putting down anyone else stupid enough to get in the way."

 

C7, Trade the Chest Key to Selia

 

 

[Zetaark]

[Enemy Phase]

 

The mercenary, finally coming to the realization that there is no way out of the situation he's in, drops his weapon and proceeds to start sobbing in the corner. Anyone near the doorway would hear the echoes of muffled despair.

 

Mercenary 13 Moves to O22

 

Soldier 13 Moves to P22

 

Reinforcements Arrive

 

[Ally Phase]

 

Madante Holds

 

Helena Holds

 

Karik Holds

 

Turn 17

Karik Heals 3 HP

 

Cheat Sheet:

Spoiler

 

Enemies: Health, Location, Weapon
Mercenary 1: (0/30) (M14) Iron Blade (44/45) 
Mercenary 2: (0/30) (P17) Iron Blade (45/45)
Mercenary 3: (0/30) (B14) Iron Blade (44/45)
Mercenary 4: (0/30) (B15)Iron Blade (45/45)
Soldier 1: (0/32) (C9) Iron Lance (44/45) 
Soldier 2: (0/32) (D10) Iron Lance (44/45)
Soldier 3: (0/32) (N13) Iron Lance (45/45) 
Soldier 4: (0/32) (P20) Iron Lance (45/45)  Poisoned 2/2
Soldier 5: (0/32) (J22) Iron Lance (44/45) 
Soldier 6: (0/32) (J21) Iron Lance (45/45)  

Reinforcements: Health, Location, Weapon
Mercenary 5: (30/30) (D2) Iron Blade (45/45) (Crying in a corner)
Mercenary 6: (0/30) (C21) Iron Blade (45/45)
Mercenary 7: (0/30) (D21) Steel Blade (29/30)
Mercenary 8: (0/30) (P22) Steel Blade (29/30)
Mercenary 9: (0/30) (T22) Steel Blade (28/30)
Mercenary 10: (0/30) (U22) Steel Blade (29/30)
Mercenary 11: (0/30) (E14) Steel Blade (30/30)
Mercenary 12: (0/30) (H12) Lancereaver (20/20)
Mercenary 13: (30/30) (O22) Lancereaver (20/20)
Soldier 7: (0/32) (O20) Iron Lance (44/45)
Soldier 8: (0/32) (C18) Iron Lance (45/45)
Soldier 9: (0/32) (H27) Iron Javelin (45/45)
Soldier 10: (0/32) (P22) Iron Javelin (43/45)
Soldier 11: (0/32) (G26) Iron Javelin (43/45)
Soldier 12: (0/32) (I12) Short Spear (25/25)
Soldier 13: (32/32) (P22) Short Spear (25/25)
Grand Saber 1: (45/45) (U27) Rune Sabre (25/25), Lancereaver (20/20)

Players: Health, Location, Weapons
Rayne: (22/22) (D15) Iron Javelin (11/45)E, Vulnerary (3/3), Iron Javelin (43/45), Slim Lance (32/35)E, Short Spear (17/25), Chest Key (1/1) 
Belros: (22/22) (D10) Lockpick (12/15), Iron Bow (3/45)E, Cutlass (23/25), Parrying Knife (27/30),Poison Knife (38/40)
Cadence: (23/23) (C7) Parrying Knife (29/30), Steel Rapier (30/30), Gale Sword (19/25), Poison Knife (36/40)E
Emilee: (25/25) (C9) Heal (14/30), Vulnerary (2/3), Soothe (14/15), Barrier (13/15)E, Sleep (20/20)
Darius: (25/26) (C10) Flux (6/40)  
Idei: (24/24) (D12) Iron Bow (15/45)E, Iron Longbow (30/30), Iron Longbow (26/30), Steel Bow (24/30), Steel Yari (25/25)
Cass: (32/32) (C11) Vulnerary (2/3), Soldier's Drums (19/20), Ninis' Grace (14/15), Vagrant's Whistle (15/15) 
Myrdwyn: (30/30) (D2) Heavy Lance (18/20), Iron Pike (34/35), Axereaver (18/20), Iron Lance (43/45), Devil Lance (19/20)E
Clarisse: (22/31) (B13) Poleaxe (18/20), Iron Axe (43/45), Hammer (14/20)E, Vulnerary (2/3), Poison Hand (16/20)
Selia: (27/28) (D7) Chest Key (1/1)

Allies: Health, Location, Weapons

Madante: (14/28) (C16) Iron Sword (6/45) 
Helena: (30/32) (B14)  
Karik: (22/32) (C14) Iron Axe (37/45), Vulnerary (2/3), Hatchet (22/35), Steel Axe (30/30), Francisca (21/25)E

Doors and Chests: Health, Location
Door 1: (50/50) (E6-F6)-Opened
Door 2: (0/50) (C11)-Destroyed
Door 3: (50/50) (E14-E15)-Opened
Door 4: (50/50) (C18)-Opened
Door 5: (50/50) (E23-F23)-Opened
Door 6: (50/50) (M8)-Opened
Door 7: (50/50) (Q14-Q15)-Opened
Door 8: (50/50) (P23-Q23)-Opened
Chest 1: (D4)
Chest 2: (H3)
Chest 3: (H4)
Chest 4: (T13)-Opened
Chest 5: (T14)-Opened
Chest 6: (T15)-Opened
Chest 7: (T16)-Opened
Chest 8: (R26)-Opened
Chest 9: (Q27)-Opened
Chest 10: (P27)-Opened
Chest 11: (D26)-Opened
Chest 12: (D25)-Opened
Chest 13: (D24)-Opened

Exp Tracker: 53/100

 

 

[Swordstar]

E-4, open chest

[Zetaark]

Opening the chest, Selia finds a host of tomes, though they appeared to be of the dark magic family.

Darius' Inventory Obtained!

[Chevaleresse]

Myrdwyn knocked the weapon away from the man with her lance, just to be sure. 

"And get yerself a real weapon before ya try to do anything like this again. Damn idiots with their glorified kitchen equipment, tryin' ta fight people with lances. . ." 

 

D7

[Swordstar]

Selia frowned at the sight of the tomes. These weren't the ones she was looking for.

 

"Ugh... Right. What was his name.... OI! DARK MAGE, I HAVE YOUR TOMES!"

[Aurorix]

Belros pitied the crying man. As he awkwardly walked into the room he tried not to stare. Wanting to get his job done as quick as possible he just took out the key to the chest and opened it. 

 

Move to G-3 and open the chest with the key

[Sutoratosu]

Head back to C12 because my work in this map is done

[Zetaark]

As Belros opened the chest, he found a collection of tomes in various colors, a clear sign of anima specialization.

Helena's Inventory Obtained!

[Twinwolf]

Hoooold

[Pyon Pyon Kyuu!~]

 

Move to C13 heal Karik

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

move to D-10 and give Darius 1 spicy Chest Key.

[rokubiraijuu]

It seems that the immediate danger is gone. They've cleared out the guards that stood in their way, and with Kite again with him, the situation doesn't seem so dire. Even the uncertainty that had taken hold of him in the chaos of the last fight and which had continued to plague him in the cell has released its grip on him, though something tells him it's only a temporary reprieve.

 

Nevertheless, he decides to take it as it comes. As he waits for the others to finish their business, he maneuvers closer to the stairs leading out of the dungeons, pulling Kite to a gentle stop and idly checking the remainder of his equipment for any scratches or other damage they may have sustained. He hums a quiet, melancholic tune from the sands under his breath.

 

Move to B15 and Hold.

[Anstane]

 

Darius heard Selia's shouts and started advancing carefully towards the source of them, still keeping an eye out for any more hostiles. He started hearing quiet sobbing that he soon learned was from a random mercenary that got intimidated by Myrdwyn.

 

"...huh. Well, at least he won't be an issue, hopefully."

 

Move to E7.

[Bfroger6]

"Huh, well, sure." Cass shrugged at Cadence before playing a set of particularly electrified tunes. A short sort of metallic set, nearly scraping, to be honest, but music nonetheless. Silent enough not to echo through the halls but loud enough to still have a pounding impact.

 

He proceeded to run after Darius. "Elder spirits still not diggin' the music, eh?" He asked as he played the tune again.

 

Move to E8, Play for Darius

[Anstane]

 

Darius flinched a bit at the sudden music. He really did not need such a sudden electric tune, but the extra vigor was appreciated nonetheless.

 

"Not really, but I'm not exactly in the position to really care about what they like or not at this moment, as long as they stay in line."

 

He then took out the key that had been given to him by Rayne and walked over to the lone remaining chest, opening it.

 

Move to G4, open chest with key.

[Zetaark]

Opening the chest, Darius finds an assortment of tomes, each with a lighter cover than any he had seen.

Selia’s Inventory Obtained!

 

Having acquired all of their equipment and having no desire to stick around, the party manages to escape to the stairs before any of the other guards arrive to catch them.

 

[Victory]

Final Results:

Spoiler

 

Enemies: Health, Location, Weapon
Mercenary 1: (0/30) (M14) Iron Blade (44/45) 
Mercenary 2: (0/30) (P17) Iron Blade (45/45)
Mercenary 3: (0/30) (B14) Iron Blade (44/45)
Mercenary 4: (0/30) (B15)Iron Blade (45/45)
Soldier 1: (0/32) (C9) Iron Lance (44/45) 
Soldier 2: (0/32) (D10) Iron Lance (44/45)
Soldier 3: (0/32) (N13) Iron Lance (45/45) 
Soldier 4: (0/32) (P20) Iron Lance (45/45)  Poisoned 2/2
Soldier 5: (0/32) (J22) Iron Lance (44/45) 
Soldier 6: (0/32) (J21) Iron Lance (45/45)  

Reinforcements: Health, Location, Weapon
Mercenary 5: (30/30) (D2) Iron Blade (45/45) (Crying in a corner)
Mercenary 6: (0/30) (C21) Iron Blade (45/45)
Mercenary 7: (0/30) (D21) Steel Blade (29/30)
Mercenary 8: (0/30) (P22) Steel Blade (29/30)
Mercenary 9: (0/30) (T22) Steel Blade (28/30)
Mercenary 10: (0/30) (U22) Steel Blade (29/30)
Mercenary 11: (0/30) (E14) Steel Blade (30/30)
Mercenary 12: (0/30) (H12) Lancereaver (20/20)
Mercenary 13: (30/30) (O22) Lancereaver (20/20)
Soldier 7: (0/32) (O20) Iron Lance (44/45)
Soldier 8: (0/32) (C18) Iron Lance (45/45)
Soldier 9: (0/32) (H27) Iron Javelin (45/45)
Soldier 10: (0/32) (P22) Iron Javelin (43/45)
Soldier 11: (0/32) (G26) Iron Javelin (43/45)
Soldier 12: (0/32) (I12) Short Spear (25/25)
Soldier 13: (32/32) (P22) Short Spear (25/25)
Grand Saber 1: (45/45) (U27) Rune Sabre (25/25), Lancereaver (20/20)

Players: Health, Location, Weapons
Rayne: (22/22) (D15) Iron Javelin (11/45)E, Vulnerary (3/3), Iron Javelin (43/45), Slim Lance (32/35)E, Short Spear (17/25)
Belros: (22/22) (D10) Lockpick (12/15), Iron Bow (3/45)E, Cutlass (23/25), Parrying Knife (27/30),Poison Knife (38/40)
Cadence: (23/23) (C7) Parrying Knife (29/30), Steel Rapier (30/30), Gale Sword (19/25), Poison Knife (36/40)E
Emilee: (25/25) (C9) Heal (14/30), Vulnerary (2/3), Soothe (14/15), Barrier (13/15)E, Sleep (20/20)
Darius: (25/26) (C10) Flux (6/40), Ellight (20/20), Ray (40/40), Vulnerary (3/3)  
Idei: (24/24) (D12) Iron Bow (15/45)E, Iron Longbow (30/30), Iron Longbow (26/30), Steel Bow (24/30), Steel Yari (25/25)
Cass: (32/32) (C11) Vulnerary (2/3), Soldier's Drums (19/20), Ninis' Grace (14/15), Vagrant's Whistle (15/15) 
Myrdwyn: (30/30) (D2) Heavy Lance (18/20), Iron Pike (34/35), Axereaver (18/20), Iron Lance (43/45), Devil Lance (19/20)E
Clarisse: (22/31) (B13) Poleaxe (18/20), Iron Axe (43/45), Hammer (14/20)E, Vulnerary (2/3), Poison Hand (16/20)
Selia: (27/28) (D7) Flux (39/40), Carrion (18/20), Vulnerary (2/3), Vulnerary (3/3), Nosferatu (20/20)

Allies: Health, Location, Weapons

Madante: (14/28) (C16) Iron Sword (6/45) 
Helena: (30/32) (B14)  
Karik: (32/32) (C14) Iron Axe (37/45), Vulnerary (2/3), Hatchet (22/35), Steel Axe (30/30), Francisca (21/25)E

Doors and Chests: Health, Location
Door 1: (50/50) (E6-F6)-Opened
Door 2: (0/50) (C11)-Destroyed
Door 3: (50/50) (E14-E15)-Opened
Door 4: (50/50) (C18)-Opened
Door 5: (50/50) (E23-F23)-Opened
Door 6: (50/50) (M8)-Opened
Door 7: (50/50) (Q14-Q15)-Opened
Door 8: (50/50) (P23-Q23)-Opened
Chest 1: (D4)-Opened
Chest 2: (H3)-Opened
Chest 3: (H4)-Opened
Chest 4: (T13)-Opened
Chest 5: (T14)-Opened
Chest 6: (T15)-Opened
Chest 7: (T16)-Opened
Chest 8: (R26)-Opened
Chest 9: (Q27)-Opened
Chest 10: (P27)-Opened
Chest 11: (D26)-Opened
Chest 12: (D25)-Opened
Chest 13: (D24)-Opened

Exp Tracker: 59/100

 

 

As the party heads up the stairs, they find themselves not back in the main manor that they entered from, but what appears to be a smaller meeting room. Apart from themselves, nobody else was present, and there were a set of doors in the back.

 

"Well, let's see if these will budge," Madante remarks as he pushes the doors open. And for the first time in a while, the party ends up outside, with the manor at their backs.

 

"Finally, we're out of this place, but we can't bask in the sun for very long. We need to find a way to get back on course. Given everything that's happened I'm concerned that the incident back at Kabumu is more serious than anyone expected. Let's head back to port and see if we can catch a ride" He states, as the party heads towards the port.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Reaching the port at around midday, there were a few ships stationed here and there, and most of them cargo ships. After a bit of asking around, most of the ships weren't heading anywhere near the group's destination, and the ones that could asked for exorbitant fees. Finally, the group reached the last ship currently docked, and Madante again tried to negotiate with the ship owner.

 

"Excuse me ma'am? My crew is trying to get to Kabumu as fast as possible. Could you perhaps take us?"

 

"I'm afraid that we only came here to pick up a few things and planned to head back to Versidia. We have no plans to go to Kabumu at the moment. I'm sorry."

 

"O-oh. Is there anything we can do to change your mind."

 

"Have any information about the whereabouts of my son perchance?" she asks in a half joking, but still sad tone. "But no, I'm afraid you won't-" as she begins to finish her statement, Karik begins walking up towards the woman, his face showing great disbelief. 

 

"I knew the voice sounded familiar but...ma, is it really you?" Karik asks.

 

"Hmm? What are you...o-oh..." the woman's eyes go wide as she walks towards Karik, examining him a few times. "K-karik...is it really you?"

 

"Yeah...its me ma." Karik says as he hugs the woman, trying and failing to hold back a few tears.

 

"Goodness, it really is you... I can't believe it," the woman responds, embracing Karik with a few tears present. "When you were captured we spent so much time trying to find any information about where you were taken, but we couldn't find anything. We were so worried," she continues, tearing up more as she pulls him closer. After a moment, she eventually looks back to Madante and his group. 

 

"Where did you even find him? How did you find him? Well I suppose that can wait for a moment. You said you needed to go to Kabumu correct? We can talk about things on the way there. How does that sound?" she asks the group.

 

 

 

[Swordstar]

Selia had been dragged along once they'd escaped the manor, not that she had been complaining too much. This was where she would normally part ways with the group, but the idea of leaving the island was rapidly becoming more appealing. Eventually she went over to the pegasus rider she'd talked with before.

 

"Hey, uh, I was wondering... Any chance I could catch a ride with you guys out of here? Not exactly super welcome here anymore, given everything so... Getting off the island sounds like as good an idea as any."

[Bfroger6]

"Well that's no fun at all!" Cass replied to Darius with a shrug, finishing the piece with a couple unplanned and untuned...well tunes, born from displeasure. The good part was they'd prolly bother the dark mage as well. Heh. The guy just didn't get it, but all right, all right. OBVIOUSLY not everyone was cut out for music. However, it did annoy him, just a tiny little HUGE BIT that these so-called 'elder spirits' didn't find anything in his music alluring or mystifying or elderly? Ancient, a better word. Yeah it bothered him and he eyed the dark mages's tomes as they ascended the stairs, holding his guitar close to his lips so he could whisper to it how bad these evil books were.

 

Come to think of it, his guitar's magic came from anima in a way. Or did it? Interesting question...

Maybe that's why Darius's spirit buddies didn't get it? Maybe yes and maybe not. Maybe Darius was the problem. If he wanted to get through to the elders, he'd have to get through to Darius as well. And that would call for extensive planning and research. Darius seemed like a troublesome type for music, honestly. If Cass had to guess he'd have guessed Darius didn't particularly like any music at all or just really quiet music that would help him concentrate in silence or something. Could his guitar do that? Playing the whistle also wasn't really what one would call quiet or mentally-inspiring. Sheesh.

Then something more natural? but that was anima too, goshdarnit. It was just making his head hurt from all the stress and now all this thinking.

 

As they arrived up into the beautiful clear skies, Cass stretched his arms out and took a deep breath.

"Well that was more than enough shitholes for this week." He said to no one in particular. He didn't have to say it to anyone as he only really cared about being outside again. Idei probably felt the same way but Cass didn't feel like talking or...er-thinking anymore for now. He followed the rest towards the docks, pulling on the strings from time to time to create some form of background music to accompany their steps. It was a deep undertone, unelectrified for the most part, like a romantic's guitar. He played as he held his partner close to the side of his face, gently laid against his cheek and embraced by his arms. How else to celebrate the reunion of him and the lovely guitar itself?

 

The pirate kid having a mother was a fun concurrence as well. As they talked, Cass sat on the side and relaxed, breathing the sea breeze in and out. He placed the guitar to his side and enjoyed the moment in peace and quiet.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

Rayne seemingly didn't notice Selia speaking immediately. There was but a blank expression on her face. No one was home. At least for a moment, but the light came on. "Oh, ye! Sure! l said l'd get you out of here so if this place is dangerous my job is not yet done!" she said brimming with excitement. Rayne was happy to have more company for longer anyway. The fortuneteller was quite an interesting person as well so she wasn't opposed to it. "So welcome aboard. You can stay as long as you like."

She then realized she should probably clear it by Madante. But, she was sure he'd not say no to someone's plight. He was a pretty nice guy... probably.She didn't really know him that well honestly. She honestly wondered if he ever did anything she could remember, but she couldn't recall anything not even in any of their battles. She just shrugged, but forgot why she'd been thinking about it in the first place.

[rokubiraijuu]

Outdoors.

 

Though it had likely been less than a day, it's felt too long since wind has brushed his face. The sensation alone is enough to make him close his eyes and turn into the port breeze, breathe in a lungful of increasingly familiar saltwater air. Finally, he has the room to stretch, even though the halls hadn't been so cramped. Living in a structure closed off from the elements, with thick stone and wood blockading the view of the sky and the softness of the earth, is something he'll never get used to.

 

He follows the others to the docks and watches Madante try and fail to catch them ride after ride to their intended destination. Once or twice, he glances back over his shoulder to make sure more guards aren't following them. If the leaders in this area want them dead or imprisoned for one reason or another, he can't imagine they would be safe wandering these streets for much longer.

 

He thinks back to the woman who had given him that parcel in the instrument store. A pity. These last hours notwithstanding, he'd developed a penchant for this place.

 

His attention turns back to the rest of the group when the alarmed cries of a reunion reach his ears, and he watches little Karik rush into the arms of a woman and call her mother. He watches her turn to Madante and the others with gratitude brimming in her eyes and his chest swells with happiness for the boy while simultaneously aching with a longing of his own. Looking briefly out over the sparkling sea, he thinks about those who might still be waiting for him somewhere beyond the lulling waves lapping at the quay. Could Karik's return home, which he had felt connected them in some way since first meeting the boy, be a herald for his own return someday? His uncle had taught him at a young age to read the arrival of omens, but they were so much more difficult to grasp beyond Arcadia where there was too much water for the shadow of an osprey to signal impending rain.

 

He lets the others speak to the mother, feeling that the moment isn't one for him to intrude upon. A bump to his head has him turn to Kite with a small smile, and he lifts a hand to rub down his nose in soothing strokes. "I know. I am no less thankful for our reunion. Maybe an even greater one awaits us."

[Aurorix]

After they all escaped from the manor, Belros made sure to return all the equipment he had to their rightful owners. He still kept the bag over his shoulder, after all that's where the Null Armor is being held. He had yet to tell anyone he found it though. As they were walking to find a way off the island, however, he kept his distance staying at the very far back of the group. He kept silent not saying a word. He was happy Karik found his parents, it would be terrible if he was never able to, but that's not why he's clammed up. After all the group went through, Belros blamed himself for it. No words could express how guilty he feels because they all nearly lost their lives and it was all his fault. He didn't know what to say or do. The thought of leaving also crept into his mind, would they be better off without a burden like him around? But then how else will he avenge the guild? He can't do it alone. But if he stays it feels like he's using them for his own personal gain. Either way seem like walking down of guilt and bad decisions. So he just stayed back, not saying a word.

[Zetaark]

Looking around, Madante sees that everyone is just about ready to leave the island.

"Well then, I suppose our group is ready to head out. Shall we?"

 

"Indeed. Oh, before I forget, my name is Keanna. I'm a merchant by trade, though I'm stationed in Versidia. I'm not sure how much I have in the way of spare supplies, but if you need to get things checked out, I can help with that." she finishes before heading aboard her ship. Having done all they needed to at Z'Ark, the party follows Keanna aboard the ship and finally heads off to Kabumu.

 

Chapter 6: An Unfortunate Reunion

Year 1638, 28th of Vembra

 

A day of sailing passes as the group lounges on the deck. As they go about their business, Keanna and Karik come on deck, with Keanna having a request.

 

"I've been speaking with my son for quite a bit, and he's told me quite a bit about what happened since he's been caught and wound up with you. Even so, I still want to hear a bit more about how you found Karik. Would any of you be interested in telling me about your travels so far?" she asks the group in general.

 

Madante meanwhile is near the front of the ship, practicing his swordsmanship, while Helena is besides the railing reading some sort of tome.

[Aurorix]

"So, back to training eh?" The spy spoke walking up to his commander. He leaned his back on the guardrails and crossed his arms. He was feeling a bit more chipper today, and a lot better than yesterday. How long this will last, who knows? He wanted to keep his mood up and decided to speak with the Madante. Plus, talking about their travels thus far to Karik's mother didn't seem too appealing either.  "Is this what you usually do with your free time? Just swinging that blade in the air over and over again."

[Zetaark]

"Ah, Belros. I suppose I have been training a bit more as of late, though I hesitate to call it my favorite pastime," Madante chuckles a bit before pausing his swings and looking at Belros. "How about you? What do you tend to do with your free time?"