gallant

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 || 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐝 & 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱

It takes everything in Felix not to make a face when Ingrid smiles at him like that. He barely manages to keep his expression neutral, though, and he even stands still (perhaps a bit too still, more like a statue and completely unnatural) as she pats his cheek and adjusts his shirt collar. Everything about this mission was worth writing down on a list of reasons for why Felix hates the school with every fibre of his being.

Ingrid’s hands at his collar makes him first think that she is going to wring his neck, but thankfully she simply uses the close proximity to mutter about her observations for the sake of the mission. He nods his head, even going so far as to place a hand over her own gloved one with a singular pat as though he were thanking her for the adjustment on his attire.

“Let’s get something to drink. I’m feeling parched with all of this excitement around us.” Honestly, the large crowd of partygoers is just making Felix antsy and anxious, feeling as though every pair of eyes are on the both of them. He loathes undercover missions. Why the hell did they pick the two most unsuited Blue Lions to take on this mission? This was certainly more Sylvain’s speed…

Felix offers his bent arm to Ingrid with his lips pressed together to avoid making another uncomfortable expression, waiting to accompany her to the refreshments table. Perhaps by getting closer, they could get a better read on the suspicious man in the green suit.

Ingrid is thankful that this party unlike last moon’s Ethereal Ball has no Photo Artifex to capture Ingrid and Felix’s expressions in memoriam, for surely if it had they would be images to strike fear in the hearts of even the most strapping of Faerghus youth.

Okay, deep breaths. Gargoyle was not what either of them should be going for. Still, as she slips her arm under Felix’s, she cannot help but be just a bit impressed they’ve made it this far. Felix’s social awkwardness could be waved away as him being... Felix, and at least now they had a lead to focus on.

“Yes, I think that a wonderful idea,” Ingrid demures, and they make their way to one of the many tables of refreshments; as they do, however, she notices the man move to the next one just quickly enough she does not think it natural.

Did he recognize them too, perhaps?

Once each Felix and Ingrid has a glass in hand, Ingrid leans across the table to an Adrestrian gentlelady with a positively overwhelming amount of perfume. “Oh my! Is that Ceathleann’s Verdure? It goes wonderfully with your dress.”

“Oh,” the lady laughs, high-pitched and self-assured, “indeed it is! (thank you Goddess, Mercedes and Annette) it’s become quite scant, lately. But if you’re interested...”

they don’t let just anyone into tea school you know

By the time Miranda realizes that this is neither a seminar on tea etiquette nor is it a class on exploding your enemies with magic, it’s already too late to bail. She has already made the grave mistake of locking eyes with the reason professor, who will now surely call her out if she tries to leave early. She can only sit and seethe in her seat until it’s over.

Why…why must the topic be their love lives?! Did she really need to add another person to her laundry list of people who had it out for her?! It might be fine for the other students, but she has no love life to write home about, much less one she is willing to let some stranger try to divine!

Her partner, however, need not be the source of her ire, just an unwilling vessel through which this tomfoolery must be performed. Judging by the look on her face, she must be another poor sap who got tricked into taking this seminar. A comrade in arms…!

“Yes, you’re correct. And you are… Lady Ingrid? I may be a mage, but I have no more experience with divination than you do. We’re learning this together, I fear.” They won’t accomplish much just sitting here and looking at each other, though. Miranda opens up the supplementary book and takes a peek over at Ingrid’s cup. “Here, I’ll do yours first to show you how it works. First…” 

She points to the first clump of leaves starting clockwise from the handle and leafs through the book. “…I suppose it looks like a clover? That would mean a need to let go of the past. And this next one…a horse head, maybe, so a lover.”

A need to let go of a past lover. 

Miranda’s hands, which had been rifling through the pages halts and she looks away. Their “”fun”” little exercise quickly sours with the first reading unintentionally becoming a double-edged sword.

“…Er, do you wish me to continue?”

Ingrid is happy enough to draw her chair closer to Miranda’s, bringing her near-finished tea cup with in hand, once the lady Ulster accepts her invitation to partner up.

“A clover,” Ingrid repeats, wishing to take notes despite herself; the meanings of the symbols go over her head really but she nods at each word of Miranda’s, freezing up a bit as Miranda awkwardly makes her final proclamation.

After the initial shock Ingrid just sighs, however, and pats the book Miranda has hurriedly close with if not cheer a good-natured attitude.

“Leave it to someone of your magical prowess to see just to the heart of things. I suppose I must believe there’s something to this art now.” When Miranda returns her eye contact she merely shrugs. “You can continue if you’d like. It isn’t exactly an uncommon story, nor is it unknown. My childhood fiancé died in his first campaign as a knight and my father has been hard at work trying to find his replacement ever since.”

She takes a moment to think about what “letting go” might mean in this instance, finding it a difficult question. Glenn would always be in her heart, but unlike what Felix thinks she’s hardly hung up upon the man. As embarrassing as it is to admit Ingrid would be open to taking another lover, it was just -

“But, hm... letting go off the past. I wonder what that could mean? Must I jump into the arms of the next greedy landowner’s son my father picks out just to prove to the Fates I’ve moved on?”

A bit of fire comes back to her then and Ingrid reopens the book to see if there’s anything more but further messages much like the connection between symbol and meaning elude her. She lets out a huff.

“Actually... if you don’t mind, would you let me take a turn? I think it might do me some good.”

Ingrid’s reading of Miranda’s tea leaves takes a bit more time as she wrestles with both the book and what on earth the bits of leaf, could be besides, well, leaf.

“I suppose it could be a boat,” Ingrid admits after a time, “let’s see there’s a whole section on boats here! So, hm, if that’s the prow then it could be one of those fancy two-seaters from Enbarr and facing down like that would mean... a romantic rejection.”

The words come out and Ingrid wishes she could pluck them right back. Oh, couldn’t she have just made something up?! Ingrid had just gone on about what a pain all her suitors were, assuming Miranda would understand but what if Miranda was a suitor herself? Stupid, she should have considered!

deja nue / team 1 gold round

At the end of the day, he probably should have known that this was how it would go. That is how most of his dreams of war and combat go, at some point or another, his fantasy all too proficient at filling in the gap for what reality has yet to achieve, despite trying very, very hard at times.

Quite frankly, Leonardo has no clue why he had the audacity, the stupidity to feel any shred of confidence at all during a fight like this. All it has done for him was to make him lower his guard, when he of all people has always been the one to ensure the Dawn Brigade kept theirs up, no matter how safe they felt.

Dream or otherwise, when did he lose his edge like this? Where and how did he stray so badly from the path he had always walked?…

It feels like the world stops for a moment that stretches into an eternity as he contemplates these thoughts, after getting so distracted by watching Sakura and Ingrid fall for the Nue’s tricks and attack each other that he did not even realize when the chimera unleashed a strike of its own, and by the time he is awakened by its deafening shriek, it is too late to do anything. He freezes, as does the kinshi underneath him, and he becomes an even easier prey to the beast than it was to his arrows.

Nue attacks Leonardo with Weeping Cry: 1d20=20. Crit. Nue deals 6 damage. Leonardo HP: 5 → 0

He is not even given the chance to scream, his voice still imprisoned within him; only his kinshi lets out a melodious shriek, graceful even in their fall,

          Edward

                        Nolan

                     Micaiah

                                                    help

as they plummet to the ground.

Vaguely, somewhere far away, he hears Sir Kent call his name, before everything fades to black.

Leonardo has been defeated!

> @damegalantea​

The last stand, Ingrid had called up to the Nue clad in the simple armor of a saint (the prophet Seiros); if only she had known then how right she had been.

At first, despite the few wounds she had sustained from her first scuffle with the chimera, all had seemed well; Leonardo high above on his kinshi shot blow after blow into the monster’s snake-like body and though it writhed and screamed they could all tell it was weakening.

Leonardo fell back, his own health in peril and the lady Sakura stepped forward. Ingrid thought she looked proud with lance in hand atop a war horse, and wanted to tell her so but something - the magic the nue had cast perhaps? - something kept her at bay.

The blood that spills from her as she is struck by Sakura’s spearpoint is as much of a surprise to her as it is to the priestess.

“I - I’m -”

[Ingrid taken down to 0.5 HP by Lance of Zoltan. Counters with Luce! (-2 HP to Sakura)]

It’s alright she wants to say but the bright light of Luce comes to her hand instead and she finds herself mouthing the unfamiliar words of an incantation. Sakura and her horse rear back, more from the shock of the encounter than Ingrid’s spell if the look on the priestess’s face is anything to go by.

She dashes from her horse over to Ingrid and all Ingrid can do is shake her head, after all she’s still alive - it was more important to focus on the Nue, but already she can feel the warmth of Sakura’s healing magic pouring into her.

[Sakura casts Recover on Ingrid. 1d20 roll: 18. Good Heal! (+6HP) Ingrid’s HP: 6.5/10.]

“It wasn’t your fault,” Ingrid manages - voice returned to her - before all hell breaks lose.

[Enemy phase begins. Nue attacks the party with Weeping Cry.   Ingrid: Hit! (-6HP) 6.5/10HP → 0.5/10HP]

Her strength drains as soon as it comes back, in fact it is worse this time - doubled over as she is in Sakura’s arms. Ingrid pushes back against the shorter girl, noting how bad the other’s wounds have gotten; she had to stand, now, for if they both continued laying her like this then -

[Nue attacks with Omen. Target: Ingrid! 1d20 roll: 3. Barely Hit! (-1.5HP) Ingrid’s HP: 0/10.]

The chimera hits her in the back, but before it does she manages to stand, to right herself so that she can look Sakura in the face and nod. Coughing, struggling to breath, but not Silenced this time she murmurs “thank you”.

Thank you for fighting beside me, for trusting me. For not letting me die alone.

As it turns out she was never much of a Saint, hardly someone worthy of praise. But she leaves life in the wake of her blood and perhaps, hope. Mostly she’s thankful she was able to feel the warmth of another’s embrace before her untimely end.

Ingrid will save what warmth remains in her soul for Glenn. It’s time, she thinks, I’m on my way.

[Ingrid has been defeated!]

When she would play saints & elites with her brothers, and then later with the ever competitive heirs to houses Gautier, Fraldalius, and Blaiddyd there was always a tussle over who would be Seiros.

She remembers her oldest brother swinging around a shield, proudly declaring that Ingrid would just have to take on the role of Ceathleann if she was unable to unarm him. The real Seiros could disarm a soldier with naught but her gaze. The real Seiros shone as bright and pure as her gold hair was said to be, and no one cared that she was a warrior but not a man for she was more than that, she was divine.

Garbed in white armor, holding a spell book in one hand and a staff in another Ingrid remembers those days, on how enraptured she had felt the one time she had managed to slip away to see the Opera troupe from Enbarr and heard Seiros speak for the first time, remembers how she had copied the actress’s stance and stage swordplay for weeks on end afterward until her instructor had told her how terribly unrealistic, and unbecoming it all was in reality.

Reality or not, Ingrid finds herself facing the Nue once more and there in the center of battle - the center of the stage - she feels right at home, as if the Goddess herself has placed her here.

“Again, we meet,” Ingrid calls up to the chimera: “have you stopped running? Know by now you cannot win this chase.”

Ingrid peers around her at the comrades she’s come to trust - Leonardo, Kent, Hector, and Sakura, and finds herself grinning. Again and again, they have knit themselves back together - compared to that the Nue’s miracle seems nothing but a parlor trick.

It stares blankly back at her, but Ingrid does not flinch; flips through the unknown spellbook until she feels the Faith strum through her fingers and then flings it the Nue’s way.

Ingrid attacks Nue with Luce. 1d4 roll: 3. Illusion does not proc!

For a moment the Nue shimmers like a heat mirage but then the spell hits with a blast of divine light and pinned there in the air Ingrid feels the magic strike true.

1d20: 8. Hit! (-2HP) Nue’s HP: 48/50. 1d4 roll: 3. Nue reflects all physical damage! Ingrid remains unaffected.

“Now is our chance!” Ingrid calls, excitedly, breaking character for the moment to shout to the others and in that moment the Nue howls: nearly causing Ingrid to drop her book, though she stays upright by leaning on her staff.

Nue counters with Omen. 1d20 roll: 14. Hit! (-2.5HP) Ingrid’s HP: 7.5/10.  Ingrid is inflicted with Void! 

Playing center stage certainly seemed to have its draw backs as well, but nothing she couldn’t handle. “I’m alright,” Ingrid assures, “just, ah, unused to this new toolkit. But, please, let us not falter! Surely this is the last stand!”

nue kid on the block (team 1 silver round)

As she listened to the blue-haired man grumbling about etiquettes and such, the petite girl couldn’t help but giggle at the reaction, finding quite cute the fact he wasn’t used to being addressed like this. She did a little bow with her head, in excuse, still holding back a little laugh, “I will make amend, Hector” and she pronounced it currently this time, at least she hoped so, since the fierce student immediately ran after Leonardo: he has just shot a nice hit into the beast, a piercing blow dealt with an axe – actually the same axe that also Kent was holding.

As he went away, his last few words were enough for Sakura to be absolutely in agreement with him: Kent needed her help! So, while Hector managed to cast a cure on Leonardo, Sakura as well turned again towards the armoured knight and with a gentle touch of her staff, she enlighted again Kent, this time with a soothing aura that flickered all round his body.

Sakura uses Recover on Kent. 1d20: 14. (+6HP) Kent’s HP: 8/10.

Happy with the result of her healing, she turned just in time to notice that Leonardo was nimbly avoiding an attack that wasn’t coming from the creature – which still was in awe since the Silence spell –, but it came from— Hector?

“Be careful!!” she shouted in alarm, “The creature is definitely down for the spell, but not her counter-spell, I guess!” she gave a quick look around, then eyed Ingrid who was on the verge on doing something.

“Watch yourself from any tricks, miss Ingrid!” she didn’t know why all those formalities, especially in a situation like this, but she simply couldn’t help it, since she was taught to address politely in almost every occasion, especially with new people –even though, after all battles, they certainly were more confident and bonded with each other.

@damegalantea​

“Leonardo is correct,” Ingrid calls to the others, circling back now that her fellow flyer is on the war path, “Sir Kent looks quite injured! Let us all be ready to cover him.”

And this time, they all manage to do so. The light rune activates just in time as the nue sends Kent his own grievous blow back his way. Their enemy is cunning; unlike those before it; this much is clear, but the Daein on his kinshi is faster and deals the thing two blows before it can manage such trickery again.

“Nice work!” Ingrid calls, readying her own attack. Although... the thrum of magic in the air leads her to believe it may be best to hold off at least with this particular weapon for the moment.

Hector sends a Physic Leonardo’s way and Ingrid nods approvingly, only to feel the terrible sensation of whiplash when the second time Hector raises his hand to cast in the Daein’s direction it is an attack spell.

It misses, but the Ingrid still shivers at what could have been - what had been.

“The creature does not just repel attacks against itself, it somehow forces us to attack one another! Please be careful everyone.”

Blessedly, they are all looking much better than when they first arrived in the arena; thanks in most part to the lady Sakura’s efforts. Now even Kent was back up on his feet and when the priestess calls up for Ingrid to heed her own warning she grins back.

“Of course! I shall remain ever alert. Lend me your back, and I shall suport you priestess!”

Ingrid rallies Sakura for +6 Defense/Res

The feeling of victory may be fleeting as the battlefield, rats and all, fades - new landscapes appearing in its place, but Ingrid far prefers it to the bleak and utter horror she had felt before when all her comrades had fallen.

Indeed, there is a feeling of exhilaration now as the first new view that greets Ingrid is the bright, blue sky and the familiar silhouette of a pegasus that could be no one other than Acis flying to greet her. Rider and steed greet each other at a brisk place and as Ingrid sends a little prayer out for Leo the war horse as she is reunited with her one true mount.

Hovering above the battlefield she can see her classmate Leonardo is beside her on a mount of his own, though an unknown to her bird-like one. The rest of their teams remains on the ground and in between them all...

An odd chimera of a creature looms, as large as a tiger but bulbous and almost impossibly floating - though, because of its, er, head situation Ingrid is not sure which part of their team it is looking at.

Keeping one hand on Acis’s reins and the other on the bow at her side she circles ‘round it, carefully landing beside Hector; and although this time the man is in a more befitting choice of armor she can tell he’s seen better days.

(How much longer would this go on? She cannot help but think, though just as quickly pushes it to the back of her mind).

“I never did thank you for the support earlier,” she tells him, nodding, “remember to rely on us, as well, please. We have learned much in our time together so let us make use of it!”

Ingrid rallies Hector (with Booming Voice). Hector gains +8 Def/Res for one round

Friendship Ended With Zealotry (Team 1 Steel Round)

“Hey.”

Leonardo flinches lightly at the sound of the voice, turning to face its source - Lord Hector. Their eyes meet, and the Daein briefly wonders what he should say or do - apologize? run away? explain himself? - but he realizes there is no anger in the man’s gaze, and before he knows it, he feels healing power washing over him, healing whatever wounds he still had.

… Oh.

Full two seconds pass before he processes everything, and in the end, all he can manage is a weak nod and a quick “thank you” - before noticing that the Rat King has charged towards them, choosing him as one of its targets, its little yet fat paws stretched out towards his gear, and the blond, brought back brutally to the land of reality, jumps back and yelps in a rare for him show of anger and disgust.

“Get AWAY from me you dirty little—”

King of the Rats uses Master Embezzler: 1d20=2, fail. Leonardo’s equipment is not stolen.

He withdraws just in time, keeping the opponent at a distance; in what feels like the same moment (how is this fat rodent so FAST) Ingrid avoids it as well, but Sakura is robbed of her Light Rune - luckily, not before she uses it to protect Sir Kent from the attacks of the rat’s minions.

And next thing he knows, they fall over dead, their power absorbed by their boss.

Yune’s feathers, what is even going on anymore.

Ingrid uses Rally Defense & Rally Resistance. Leonardo gains +4 Def & Res for one round.

They regain their bearings - Leonardo sends Ingrid a nod of thanks as he feels protective power emanate from her towards him. She then charges at the oversized rodent, Lord Hector and Sakura follow - and before long, the enemy is a lot worse for wear.

Turns out, stealing and abusing your own for personal gain does not, in fact, pay off. Leonardo really cannot not think of the Begnion Senators as he watches the Rat King stagger around, screeching, looking around to search for help that is no more because it had personally robbed itself of it.

The thought of what their greed had done to his people fuels a fire inside of him, as though the enemy before them, too, was responsible for Daein’s misery. As it unleashes what feels like a desperation attack, he raises one arm to protect his head.

King of the Rats uses Spendthrift. Leonardo takes 3 flat damage. Leonardo HP: 10 → 7

But it does nothing to dampen his resolve, so when Sir Kent calls him to action, he nods and readies his sword. “Yes sir!” he responds, charging at their enemy right alongside the knight-turned-butler; the man scores a clean hit, leaving the rat open to attack, and that is when Leonardo takes his opportunity.

Leonardo heals 1 HP with Prayer Ring. Leonardo HP: 7 → 8

Leonardo attacks King of the Rats with Brave Sword: 2d20=18, 1. Crit, Miss. Leonardo deals 10 damage. King of the Rats HP: 4 → 0

The sword, though unfamiliar to him, answers his call, cleaving nearly through the opponent, who staggers, before falling, silenced for good. Looking back at it, Leonardo really cannot bring himself to feel any pity.

Instead of the enemy who only fought for itself and lost for itself, he focuses on his own; sheathing the sword, he extends his arm towards the wounded Sir Kent, calling forth the healing power.

Leonardo uses Recover on Kent: 1d20=12, +6 HP. Ingrid HP: 3.5 → 9.5

“Almost there. Let’s finish this.” His voice, once again, is calm.

> @braveryinblue @damegalantea

Ingrid hardly has a chance to thank the one responsible for her healing, turning to the lord of Ostia she calls out: “apologies, Hector. Thank you so much for - um, do you require assistance perchance?”

Before she can ride over to help rid him of the rodent’s bite (she had been correct, those incisors were terrifying), the King Rat scurries away thieving vitality from his minions just as he had stolen their weaponry earlier.

What a vile creature! Ingrid cheers when Sakura lands a hit with her Faith magic, though as soon as the sound emerges from her mouth she finds herself besieged again with an explosion.

King of the Rats has fallen to 50% or lower HP! King of the Rats attacks the party with Spendsthrift immediately! Ingrid: (-4HP) 10/10HP → 6/10HP Party unable to counterattack!

She and her horse Leo stand, shell-shocked, from the sudden force of it all but Ingrid can hardly stay in such a state as she sees Sir Kent near immediately take up his blade, calling out to Leonardo and in a moment, as one they find the strength the strike the Rat King down.

Ingrid leaps off her horse, patting it gently (two explosions was surely enough for a first meeting on the battlefield. A testament to the steed’s  personality it still listened to her so intently), and whispered, “thank you, my friend” before rejoining her group.

“Priestess Sakura only one of these horrible rats remain, now is your chance!”

Ingrid rallies Sakura. Sakura gains +4 Def for one round

Friendship Ended With Zealotry (Team 1 Steel Round)​

Few moments have passed since she felt nothing but emptiness –or that was what she thought, as Sakura suddenly found herself in the middle of the battle again, this time without any winged steed (and maybe it was for good, since the altitude from before wasn’t exactly a nice trip). Regardless of this tiny detail, she actually felt more confident this time around, feeling inside her veins the usual magic she was keen on and pretty good at handling too: she moved her hands, palms up and down as to better feel the magic sensation, soon noticing two spell books attached on her belt –some pretty interesting magics, she would be at ease for sure during the next phases of the battles.

In the meanwhile, she happily noticed that all her companion were alive – and luckily for her, she was completely unaware of the fact they were defeated as well, at least she hadn’t had to endure that terrific moments. On the other hand, though, anew nemesis has appeared in front of their eyes and they seemed quite shady and disgusting too: rats. She was a big animal lover in general, even of tiny cute mice, but those— those definitely weren’t tiny and definitely weren’t cute. Not a single bit.

While admiring with a certain disdain the horrifying scenery before her eyes, the team didn’t linger long and everyone proceeded on with healings, while the blondish girl, as soon as the glittering light of heal shone away, immediately bumped into one of the bodyguards of the giant rat king – it had a crown, so Sakura amusingly assumed it was some sort of ruler – and with the help of the mighty Hector, it went down pretty smoothly.

“Good shot Mister Hector!” she muttered from behind and while watching the show, she felt actually stronger and healthier than before.

Renewal heals Sakura. (+2HP) Sakura’s HP: 7/10.

Maybe it was the inspirational actions of her companions or maybe it just was her new form, but now she felt like taking her turn as well, since confidence struck again in her chest, hoping to be helpful in a way she was actually quite used to.

Sakura uses Light Rune on Kent.

With a swift gesture of her hand, she unthreaded from the belt one of her spell books and with whispered words – almost as if she didn’t want to be heard by the enemies – she cast a magic shield around Kent, seeing he was moving with more difficulty than the others and actually, she noticed that the small rats were aiming and directing towards him—!

King of the Rats uses Master Embezzler on Sakura. Sakura lost Light Rune.

The petite girl was so focused on the other minor rats, that she didn’t even notice the swift movements of the giant rat, which quickly took possess of her spell book, snatching it from her bare hands, leaving her quite desolate and unsettled.

What the heck just happened…

Ingrid is relieved; after everything that had happened between their team, intentional or not their last combat session she had worried they would be unable to fight as one but they seamlessly fall back into teamwork.

Even Hector and Kent were able to banter, thank goodness...

Giving a nod of thanks to Leonardo for healing her, she stretches a hand out in his direction; “I owe you much my friend, let it be known here and now that debt shall be repaid!”

[Ingrid rallies Leonardo. Leonardo gains +4 Def/Res for one round.]

Hearing a yelp of surprise from the priestess, Ingrid turns in Sakura’s direction and takes off. Her steed makes it to an odd scene: the rat “king” running off with one of Sakura’s possessions, a rather powerful protective object she had just used on Sir Kent if she recalled.

“Stop right there,” Ingrid calls out to the rat, stopping it in its tracks by pulling her horse up beside him (though not before she notices the “king” slipping the rune into the grates beneath them, and another greedy distinctly rodent-like paw coming up to grab it).

[Ingrid attacks King of the Rats with Brave Lance. 2d20 roll: 20, 19. Crit! Hit! (-10.5HP) King of the Rats’ HP: 19.5/30.]

Bolstered by the company of her friends and her own sense of justice Ingrid deals two vicious blows to the Rat King as it stands up once more. It screams, and Ingrid cannot help but notice the sheer length of its incisors as once it regains its bearing the thing smiles, pulling what appears to be a bomb out from the grate beneath it.

[King of the Rats counters with Arson! 1d20 roll: 15. Hit! (-2.5HP) Ingrid’s HP: 6.5/10]

Ingrid is unable to dodge as it throws the explosive at her and skitters away, joined by its new ally who has also come above ground. Coughing, she makes sure her horse is alright.

“Shhh, it’s alright. You’re a strong one, aren’t you? Leo... Leo! Is that what I should call you? There, there.”

Horse and rider both mollified Ingrid rights her posture and brandishes her lance once more. This was far from over.

bullet hell — iron round ( team one )

His shout of warning, as per usual, comes too late - Sakura falls, and from the pegasus’ back, Leonardo has a very good view of the resulting scene. Far too good.

In a sense, perhaps, one would say it is good that he cannot get used to this; it means that the loss of life and brutality of combat still leave a mark on him, as they should, for they should never be allowed to become the norm.

But, of course, that means they hurt, they hurt just as much in a dream as they would in real life.

And just like in real life, so in the dream are those for whom this is simple entertainment; as the crowd breaks into cheering and shouting, Leonardo begins to feel himself grow almost physically sick.

(He wonders if that is what Senator Lekain sounded like to King Pelleas.)

He releases the air from his lungs through his teeth in a hiss, before calling forth the magic again - 

Leonardo attacks Alloy Arsenal: Prototype with Seraphim: 1d20=8. Hit. Leonardo deals 0 damage. Alloy Arsenal: Prototype HP: 9.5 → 9.5

Alloy Arsenal: Prototype counters with Heavy Stomp: 1d20-2=15. Crit Alloy Arsenal: Prototype deals 3 damage. Leonardo HP: 10 → 7

Leonardo attacks again (Darting Blow): 1d20=9. Hit. Leonardo deals 0 damage. Alloy Arsenal: Prototype HP: 9.5 → 9.5

- but it does nothing. It connects, but it does nothing, the spell simply bouncing off the armor harmlessly, while he earns himself a painful hit to the ribs before he can withdraw; and Leonardo feels a hint of panic setting in. He suppresses it as quickly as it appears in a maneuver known and well perfected over the years, but still - what is he to do?

If he is useless, can he at least do something for those who are not? As he withdraws, he holds out his arm towards Hector.

Leonardo uses Rally Speed. Hector gains +4 Spd for one round.

“… I’m sorry, that’s all I can do!… Go for it!”

> @braveryinblue @liegebound​ @damegalantea​

She can’t make it to Sakura or Hector. She’s powerless to do anything even as another foot soldier approaches her, encasing her body in pain once more as the light from its beam hits her.

...Perhaps the reason her voice remains is they want her to cry out, to beg, she will never. She knows Glenn had not - he wouldn’t!

[Ingrid hit again! Down to 4.5/10 HP and unable to counterattack]

The thought of Glenn brings back memories, both good and bad - but it also reminds her of the dear friends who would mourn her if she let herself give up here, dream or no. The lance in her hands shines once more.

[Player phase begins. Ingrid healed +1 by Blessed lance. Up to 5.5/10 HP]

It is too late for Sakura, as a fellow flyer she knows that; but Hector, she can feel him holding on as well as she can feel the Faith welling up within her.

“I refuse to let the rest of you fall before me, so I beseech you all, please live!”

[Recover, 1d20 roll: 18 -> +6 HP to Hector. Hector at 7.5/10 HP]

White light gathers in her hand, and as she reaches out with her heart to Hector so too does she realize she moves. Stumbling despite her wounds, Ingrid hurries to Hector’s side and entrusts him with her and Glenn’s hopes and dreams.

“Our comrades have fallen, but we do not. We carry on!”

bullet hell — iron round ( team one )​

   His healing is returned almost immediately, Ingrid finding some of her own proficiency in faith magic— to this gesture, he nods appreciatively.  “ Thank you, Lady Ingrid! ”

It gives him the strength to think more rationally, to be able to have more potential on what to do with the resources he’s been given. He knows very well how to use a blade, and though he is no archer, the motions from the last time he’s been put in one of these bloody arenas still comes back to him, but…

His relief is not to last, and it is to his staff again that he goes instead, feet taking him to Hector’s side the moment he sees him laid flat on the ground by his own might.

Kent casts Recover on Hector. 1d20 roll: 15+4. Good Heal! (+6HP) Hector’s HP: 6.5/10.

Health restored to him, Kent thrusts out his free hand to help Hector rise to his feet again, startled still at the strange sight he had been witness to. It was already surprising enough to see the man be felled at all, but to be so by his own hand…?

Even a Berserk Staff knew to make a unit fight his own allies rather than himself…!

“ Milord, are you of your right mind?! ”  Perhaps this was dangerous, to approach the man in such a state, but no matter the danger, no matter what emotions may overcome him, Kent is still, at his core, a knight.

A knight does not abandon someone so easily, but though this may be true, a knight can also not be in two places at the same time, and by the time he realizes it, it is already too late. Crimson eyes widen as he takes in the sight of his decision, the sight of a star falling from the sky, sent off the back of her mount…

“ …! Lady Sakura…!! ”

next: @damegalantea​ !

Ingrid starts to run to Hector when the onslaught begins. Sakura has flown to him first and is battling the towering monstrosity that looms above them all, but in the air and on the ground smaller creatures crawl toward them.

She can't make heads or tails of what any of these things are but she knows foot soldiers when she sees them.

As Sakura and Hector are preoccupied and Sir Kent still healing she rushes forward, seeing one of the small monsters shoot up into the air. Ah, so that was where Leonardo had gone. Thankfully he seemed to be able to take care of himself.

One locks, well, not eyes with her, but its attention certainly turns Ingrid's way and she takes a fighting stance. The same beam of light that had assailed Leonardo is shot her way now, and though Ingrid tries to dodge it is not enough.

[Radio scout attacks Ingrid. 1d20 roll: 9-2. Hit! -3 HP Ingrid’s HP: 6/10. Ingrid is stunned! Stunner must now recharge. Ingrid is unable to counterattack!]

As soon as she is hit her entire body locks up, her lungs lock up, refusing to respond. The monster turns to her comrades and Ingrid lets out a growl - she can speak then, she realizes, lungs filling with air once more, but her limbs still refuse to heed her call.

She is powerless to do anything but watch as the tiny, feckless things sneak up on Sakura - still fighting off the giant midair, and shoot her down.

The crash Ingrid sees is the stuff of nightmares. This is a nightmare.

"Priestess Sakura! No, please!"

bullet hell — iron round ( team one )

From healthy to the brink of defeat.

He really was all talk, huh.

Laying on the ground blinking stars from his gaze, Hector could but wonder at what in the blazing hells had just happened.

                    *             *            *

The next round was to begin, it seemed. Hector had stalked off to be on his own, but with the shift in weapon and gear, he came padding back. Everyone was okay. Everyone was upright, some maybe worse for wear, sure, but… Alive. They were all still alive.

He could not bank on the last such escapade having returned his comrades to him after the fact holding true for this event as well. They ought to treat it as life and death, where one wrong move could prove fatal.

Snorting in annoyance, Hector waited, waited for their enemy to reveal itself, and while he waited…

He wondered at his fists. He felt great! Felt strong, in fact. Like he could take on just about anyone, which was a much better feeling than the unease that fiery beast had saddled into the pit of his stomach. But these gloves. Something was definitely wrong with them. He’d make do, of course, because like a certain irritating lad had mentioned, he’d not become defenseless just because he happened to favour one type of weapon over the others.

So when their monsters of metal materialized, Hector wasted no time. He’d follow Kent’s advice - he wasn’t diving in recklessly, he was (mostly) quite sure of himself, and he had a team to count on.

Prayer Ring activates. (+1HP) Hector’s HP: 8/10. Hector uses Devil Gauntlets on Alloy Arsenal: Prototype. 2d20 rolls: 17-4 & 10-4. Crit! & Hit! (-4HP & -0.5HP) Prototype’s HP: 15.5/20 Prototype counters with Heavy Stomp: 15+2. Crit! (-3HP) Hector’s HP: 5/10

He got in. Gave a hell of a one-two. Left the bugger with some pretty dents to mar the shine of its tough armour. Heh. Yeah! And even though it tried to squish him good (and very near managed), he got out of that, too.

What he could not escape, however, was… himself. Last thing he saw was his own fist barreling toward his temple– Devil Gauntlets recoil: 1d5: 5. -5HP! Miracle activates. Hector’s HP: 0.5/10

What the shit was that!?

Ingrid is only standing thanks to her unknightly position of putting weight on her lance and if she closes her eyes again, no, she cannot - Ingrid focuses on the epicenter of her pain and forces herself to stay with it as the battlefield changes.

Her lance has changed too, into a form more familiar but she hardly has time to notice as that point of pain becomes smaller and smaller; it is only Sir Kent’s voice that has her snap to attention, seeing that all her comrades and their weapons have changed, that makes her realize it was he who cured her with magic.

“Yes, of course, I will be most prudent,” she calls back to him, standing tall with a familiar make of lance in hand, “I apologize for making you all worry.”

She looks around as her group comes together again, once more up against a hulking monstrosity. Pride for them swells in her - as does admiration for Sir Kent, that is what a knight means: protecting what is important even at the cost of ones own life. Her comrades are what is important now.

A white light surrounds her lance as she holds onto it, and she blinks; wondering if this is just another part of the dream, but something in the light pulls her back to Kent and she feels mirror of her own pain point in him. She sees how he leans upon his staff.

Ingrid has only ever cast basic white magic before, never having the knack for it; but now, bolstered by her belief and this strange dream world she sends Kent’s faith in her back to him.

Ingrid casts Recover on Kent (!) 1d20 -> 8. +4 to Kents HP. Kent current HP: 5.5/10

Of course, just as the glow of white light ends another sound pierces the air: Hector, oh but he is not speaking. He is... dear goddess, what is going on over there?

“Please, remain calm!” Ingrid calls to him, in what she hopes is a cleric-like manner, “Sir Kent or I will get to you, until then. Hang in there.”

No Healers We Die Like Men (Team 1 Bronze Round)

Despite the atmosphere was rather unique and somewhat off, Sakura usually didn’t happen to be amazed that easily, but this time, another reason kept her utterly awake – or that was what she thought, at least: she found herself in the middle of a large coliseum arena, a hot place with a rocky ambience, but what certainly caught her attention, were the other figures that were already on the verge of beginning the fight – familiar faces from the Garreg Monastery – and most importantly, a huge beast with a fierce look and a terrible appearance, an adamant creature that, as soon as it saw the group, immediately approached them , probably in order to defend the area.

What is that?! She couldn’t think of any better as she saw the creature getting closer to the first fighter on the line, who though nimbly attacked it first and avoided the counter-attack the creature made.

Just. Amazing.

She didn’t even make it on time to be amazed by the dexterity of her companion that another fiery combatant made his way towards the beast, quickly hitting it on the back, but receiving the counter-attack soon after— saved on time thanks to his shield! In response to this defensive action, the blonde Lion Student bumped into the monster with a firm attack, though not really doing any serious damage, but instead, almost risking her life as the beast responded with a dreadful damage over her fragile figure. She definitely felt the strength of that powerful enemy, calling out for help to her companions.

“We’ll coming for you!!” the petite girl immediately replied, running towards her as the other Blue Lion student suddenly threw himself against the enemy, not really worrying about the possible consequences, apparently. While she tried to help the other girl to move aside from the battle, the blue-haired man was trying to fight the creature, though not really accomplishing his objectives.

“Worry not, you’ll be safer here” she said as she gently dragged her away from the battle area, then facing the creature as well. “I must help him too, he’s been hit as well” and with this last sentence, she picked her bow from her back with an arrow and tried to take the aim, though miserably failing the task as she almost missed the target.

Sakura attacks Volcano Beast with Mini Bow. 1d20 roll: 3. Barely Hit! (-0.5HP) Volcano Beast’s HP: 5.5/10.

The creature emitted a loud creaking sound, probably feeling the hit and then turning towards her, luckily giving the other student the possibility to backtrack a little from it.

Volcano Beast counterattacks with Lunging Strike. 1d20 roll: 19. Hit! (-3.5HP) Sakura’s HP: 6.5/10.

The terrible counter-attack completely hit Sakura, who fell on her knees as she felt a stinging pain on her shoulder, left hand automatically covering the pouring blood that was flowing from her new wound. That was awfully bad, she thought to herself as she held back the tears from pain. But they couldn’t stop, they couldn’t surrender, they had to proceed and take down that beast, as fast as they could.

“Keep—pushing..” she tried to hold up, though clearly feeling the acute pain from her shoulder going down her right arm, but slowly gaining the force to stand up again.

@freedomarrow

The enthusiasm of her classmate Hector and the enchanting lady Sakura helps bolster Ingrid’s spirits, but only for what seems a moment. If she did not trust her comrades at Garreg Mach so she would say based on their performance that they were greatly outmatched, but Lady Luck was fickle and Ingrid had learned enough to know that true strength was to be found in more than just an outpouring of power.

“That’s right,” Ingrid manages, smiling at Sakura as the priestess stands up despite her wounds, “we must not falter. No matter the cost.”

This, Ingrid believed in her heart of hearts. It mattered not if this was a dream, for that ideal was unchanging.

Falter she would not but the beast made it difficult when after knocking Sakura and Hector aside so easily it let out a growl to shake the skies, and then pawing at the earth of the arena began a lap of epic proportions. First, it was to the east, then the south - in front, then behind Ingrid, and finally its hot breath was upon her.

[Enemy phase! Volcanic Beast attack Ingrid with Eruption. 1d20 -> 3, miss!]

Ingrid moves based on nothing more than fear and instinct, but it is enough; indeed, perhaps more than she could ask for as when she turns to look the beast in the eye again she sees a molten pit between the two of them where she had once stood.

Saints, she prays, protect us. Guardian Seiros, lend me your strength.

Circling the beast and the pit Ingrid once more raises her lance. The beast takes a moment to stalk closer, opening its mouth to roar again and in that moment Ingrid strikes:

[Ingrid attacks Volcano Beast with Tannenboom! and activates Tempest Lance. 1d20 roll: 12 - 6 -> 6, hit! -1 HP with combat arte effect.] [Volcanic Beast at 4.5/10 HP]

The lance pierces the thing’s mouth and the reverberation of that collision vibrates through Ingrid like thunder; an electric feeling bursts through her for a moment but then she is back on the ground again, landing with a grunt.

This time she is unable to avoid the thing’s attack as it barrels into her.

[Volcano Beast counters with lunging strike 1d20 > 16 Hit! -3.5 HP. Ingrid current HP: 3/12]

She makes no sound, for she thinks the pain in her eyes must be evident enough. Saints, she thinks muddily, saints in the stories always suffer.

No Healers We Die Like Men (Team 1 Bronze Round)

    Kent finds ever since coming to investigate Rusalka that he’s begun to dread sleep. Dreams so pleasant as to make a man cry visit him again and again, leaving only a sense of emptiness when the morning comes. If he will always feel lonelier and worse when it becomes time to reawaken, he would rather never fall asleep again so as to not invite that bittersweet taste at all.

To sleep is to weaken one’s resolve, and Kent is still on a mission. It is for the sake of his pride that he must awaken and commit himself, lest he lose what little of himself remains.

Perhaps there really is a god out there that listens to his prayers, for when he eventually loses the battle against sleep that night, he is granted a situation he has never lamented not having. It is not enough to call it a nightmare yet, but the heat of the arena as a fearsome monster, majestic and intimidating both in its presence, towers over them and radiates strength is too far gone to call this a sweet dream either.

Kent has never wished for this, and so he feels himself glad to have it for this fact.

He takes a quick scan of his surroundings once he has realized this, taking note of the coliseum with what feels like hundreds of battle-hungry spectators crying out, and four other people alongside him— all people from Garreg Mach.

( Lord Hector… )

One might think Kent really was committed to being a servant to House Ostia with how he’s pushed to follow the man to these places. No matter, there is no time to think too heavily on this for the wind whips alongside the heavy movement of their fearsome foe, enraged as it lunges towards the archer that had taken the iniative.

Kent attacks Volcano Beast with Crimson Rapier. 1d20 roll: 19. Hit! (-1HP) Volcano Beast’s HP: 7.5/10.

It misses its target, granting a window of opportunity for Kent to brandish his blade ( Lady Meaghan’s blade, if his memory serves to be correct ) and slice at the beast’s back. The creature turns around, leaving no time or room for Kent to dodge with how close-quarters his attack had been, but the swordsman is not left without any recourse.

Volcano Beast counterattacks with Lunging Strike. 1d20 roll: 12+1. Hit! (-3HP) Kent’s HP: 7/10. Fire Shield procs! (-1HP) Volcano Beast’s HP: 6.5/10.

He is able to bring his shield up in time, and although it does little to soften the blow, once the beast’s strike connects with it, the shield begins to glow and emit a burst of flame, singeing his opponent and forcing it back in its wail of pain.

Kent looks back at his newfound allies then in that window of space, calling out,  “ Keep your wits about you, everyone! Even a regular strike from this foe is mighty! ”    // @damegalantea

Ingrid does not remember falling asleep, and upon finding herself in a lavish arena, secretly wonders if she ever really had. Such scenarios as this seem to have become quite common for her, after all.

Looking around she recognizes others from Garreg Mach – blessedly, in their usual clothing this time rather than whatever Delancey had been wearing their first meeting on set. In her hands is a lance, oddly festive in design, but solid and comforting in her hands.

Less comforting is fiery beast towering above them all. Her fellow classmate, Leonardo, knocks an arrow with expertise and manages to get one up on the giant clearly already hungering for their blood. It dives forward, narrowly missing the archer but catching the knight Kent in its lunge.

Thank the goddess he had a shield.

Ingrid nods at his warning, taking her chance to jab at the beast with her weapon; going for the underbelly expecting a weak spot, she instead finds only scales but clearly the attack hurt as the thing now turns its attention to her.

Ingrid attacks the volcano beast with Tannenboom! Roll 1d20 > 6, hit! -0.5 HP Volcano beast at 6/10 HP

It comes at her in a storm - as fast and ruthless as any of Faerghus’s cruelest gales, and hit by its bulk Ingrid hardly has the breath left to let out a cry of pain.

Volcano beast counterattacks with Lunging Strike Roll 1d20 > 19, hit! -3.5 HP Ingrid at 8.5/12 HP