SUNSETINE: NOBLESSE OBLIGE.

Once more the arena shifts in the midst of their battle, and this time it carries with it a sense of finality, of one final, ultimate battle between the persevering heroes and their illusory enemies. Once more Ferdinand sits upon a horse, armed with a lance as well as a magic spell. His garments and armour denote him as a holy knight, and the ginger grins, giddy with the Projectionist's choice. "How did she know?" he murmurs. "One of many aspirations of mine... Now it is, however temporarily, fulfilled."

Two hulking metal giants stand before them, with an inky-black heart shape lurking behind them. Ominous, and likely to be rather troublesome if his experience here has taught him anything. Best to eliminate this creature first before it can visit whatever wrath it sees fit to inflict upon them. "Comrades! We must attack that heart of darkness and defeat it if we are to have any hope of succeeding!" With that, he charges toward the entity, intent on taking it down.

Bond activates! Health restored: 1. Ferdie: 9/10 HP

Roll Gradivus: 14. Hit! Damage dealt: 5. Void Heart: 33/38 HP

Roll Darting Blow: 22. Crit! Damage dealt: 10. Void Heart: 23/38 HP

Ultimate Defense activates! -2 Def to Ferdie until the end of Round 1.

Ferdie is poisoned! Damage dealt: 1. Ferdie: 8/10 HP

Ferdinand strikes once, twice, the second one sinking deep into the endless black heart before him, all the way to his hand. The sensation of the abyss slides against his body like a sickening nothingness, an absence, and to make it worse, the poison creeps further through his blood. The young noble retreats, shaken by what he has just experienced.

"We must be careful," he admonishes them, expression serious. It is out of character for him, he knows, but they cannot lose when they have come so close to their goal, and thus they must proceed with utmost caution. "Marianne, darling, would you happen to have a Restore spell handy? It is imperative that we rid ourselves of this poison if we are to succeed."

the ought-to-be damned | silver round, team three​

Though disappointed they hadn’t managed to eradicate one of the minions before The Accused was ready to attack them, Byleth was still pleased with their teamwork and efficiency at whittling the enemy down thus far. A lot of lessons had been learnt in the previous rounds. Now to brace for the Boss’ attack.

Roll 4d20:  5!     Miss!  Damage: 0HP      [Byleth: 8.5/10 HP]

A lucky miss. Byleth let out a sigh of relief at The Accused failure. Unfortunately its minions were not so useless and Recruit A came towards her to do its master’s bidding.

Roll: 20 (+4) = 15!     Hit!  Damage: 2(-2) = 0HP      [Byleth: 8.5/10 HP] Byleth is inflicted with toxic poison

However she saw the swing of the axe before it struck and was able to raise her gauntlets up in time to catch it, negating any damage. “My turn” She said to the Recruit’s leering face before following up with a swift punch to said face.

Roll: 20 = 12!     Hit!  Damage: 3HP      [Recruit A: 92/95 HP] Recruit A is inflicted with Seal Defense (-4 Defense)

This sent Recruit A reeling backwards as she intended. Stunned and less able to defend themselves, Byleth took the opportunity to rush in with her main attack. She aimed another punch to the Recruit’s chest and a third to the stomach. 

Byleth heals 1HP (Prayer ring).      [Byleth: 9.5/10 HP] Roll: 20 (+6) = 24!     Hit!   Damage: 5HP      [Recruit A: 87/95 HP] Roll: 20 (+6) = 9!     Hit!  Damage: 5HP      [Recruit A: 82/95 HP]

If the Recruit’s armour wasn’t bent out of shape before, it certainly was now. That should make them an easier target for her team mates. Not to be downed so easily, the counter attack came in swinging but she was able to deflect is easily. 

Roll: 20 (+4) = 8!     Hit!   Damage: 2(-2) = 0HP      [Byleth: 9.5/10 HP]

Although no damage had been taken from the enemies weapon, as she retreated Byleth felt the burn of the worsening poison sap her strength as she retreated. “Let’s try and rid us of one of those minions before they attack us again”

Byleth is poisoned     Damage: 1HP      [Byleth: 8.5/10 HP]

@premiersoleil​ @freliana​

The ground tremors when the accursed enemy leader rains down lethal wrath, though Ferdinand finds to his relief that all of their little party have managed to avoid what no doubt would have been agonizing deaths; in fact, none of them appear to have been struck by the attack. While Byleth takes on the axe-wielding recruit, the ginger returns to the other one and rushes to finish him off.

Prayer Ring activates! Health restored: 1. Ferdie: 9/10 HP

Roll Brave Lance: 22. Hit! Damage dealt: 9. Recruit: 0/95 HP

Recruit B has been defeated!

Ferdie is poisoned! Damage dealt: 1. Ferdie: 8/10 HP

One blistering strike later, and the phantom is no more, having dissolved into nothingness. The heir of Aegir grins at his companions. “It will not be long now before we can defeat the other one, will it? And then we can fell this horrid ‘Accused’ projection and be that much closer to rescuing our comrades!” They have made it quite far, now that he thinks about it, and the end must be in sight. It has to be after all that they have fought through. Everyone has done admirably, in his opinion, and he is not ashamed to admit that all together they make a splendid team.

Just a bit more, and then everyone else will be freed! We can do this! We merely need to keep going!

POV: Learning Secrets with a Morb [Morgen & Ferdinand]

Oh. Oh my. Well, Morgen certainly hadn’t expected to be dumped with such knowledge about tea within a meager few seconds. To be fair, she had asked him to have tea with her, so perhaps it was natural for him to spout such words? She didn’t know, but it probably wasn’t exactly what Professor Letizia was looking for when she asked her to find out a secret about Ferdinand.

“Oh, I’m not really much of an expert on tea! I’ve hardly drank any before! I’m more of a coffee lady anyway! It was really popular in my home nation!” Oh how she missed the roasted beans of Plegia. Truly, something that she would never be able to return to, even if a fellow Plegian did show up someday. Sometimes she missed it more than she could ever describe. The hot desert sun, the sand that got everywhere when you walked around; she missed even the worst parts of Plegia. Of course she couldn’t bear to let herself return, not after everything.

“I more just wanted an excuse to chat! I really do like making new friends!” She was going to find out a secret about Ferdie if it killed her. No disappointing Professor Letizia after all!

Ah, so she prefers coffee instead? “I... apologize, I am not a connoisseur of coffee. I find the taste rather disagreeable, not to mention it gives me the most horrid shakes. A mere sip is enough to set me trembling for the rest of the day.” The ginger’s expression turns apologetic. “I am quite sorry that I cannot enjoy the favored drink of your homeland, but if all you wish is to have a conversation, I am amenable to granting you your wish! I truly do need to better get to know my classmates, whether they share my House or not. Well, if you will allow me to procure some refreshments and drinks, we can have ourselves a conversation in the privacy of the gardens if you so wish!”

For an experienced host such as Ferdinand, it is but the work of a moment to locate food, drink, and a locale fitting for a small afternoon tea. He even brings a carafe of coffee for Morgen as well; it would not do to ignore his guest’s tastes despite them clashing with his own. The ginger beckons his new friend to the table, where tasty cakes and pastries have been laid out on a tray alongside a beautiful pot filled with tea and the elegant carafe. Cream, sugar, nothing has been forgotten in this impromptu rendezvous.

the ought-to-be damned | silver round, team three

Her new outfit is far more fashionable than anything else she’s ever worn on the battlefield. It’s easy to move in, too, although it does leave her feeling a little exposed. The lack of armour leaves her feeling a little vulnerable. Tana tries not to let it show though, shooting her teammates a bright and cheerful smile.

“I’m gonna aim at the big guy! I bet he’ll be really scary when he attacks,” her voice rings out as she points towards… whatever that skeletal thing really is. Tana decides not to think about it too hard. “I think I can weaken it a little, maybe you’ll thank me later!”

With that she sticks her tongue out at her new friends and dances across the arena. Each step is a graceful leap forward and she holds her sword the way she has seen her beloved Eirika do countless times before. Tana can only hope she’s half as graceful as her best friend is.

Roll 2d20+4: 9, 10! Two hits. The Accused takes 9 damage. Strength and Magic reduced by 2 for one round. The Accused has 181/190 HP remaining.

Pirouetting away completely unscathed, Tana still has energy to spare. Bouncing into Ferdinand’s field of view, she gives him a teasing wink and places a finger to her lips.

“This is our little secret, okay?” She says, swinging her hips in slow, gentle circles. Tana gazes up at him through her eyelashes but her composure breaks the moment she sees the colour rising to his cheeks. Doubling over with laughter, she slaps a friendly hand against Ferdinand’s shoulder. “Go on, Nandino! Smash our foes into next week!”

@premiersoleil

Tana, bold soul that she is, has the audacity to attack the monster that is no doubt the leader of the enemy forces for this round... as well as sidle up to him with a coquettish expression and twist of her hips. As valiantly as he attempts not to stare at her, Ferdinand fails miserably and beholds her scantily-clad body in all its jingling glory before he forces his gaze away, face burning. Her “encouragement,” if that is what it can be called, causes him to splutter in response. Clearing his throat, the young heir pivots away on his horse, as much an effort to leave the situation as it is one to attack the enemy again. “I would appreciate it if you did not try to seduce me in the middle of a battle again!” he manages to squeak.

It may have been unintentional on her part... then again, she does seem to love toying with him so.

Prayer Ring activates! Health restored: 1. Ferdie: 9.5/10 HP

Roll Brave Lance: 5, 8. Barely hit and hit! Damage dealt: 17. Recruit: 36/95 HP

Roll counter: 17. Hit! Damage dealt: 3.

Inspiration activates! -2 to damage dealt. Ferdie: 8.5/10 HP

Poison Strike activates! Damage dealt: 0.5. Ferdie: 8/10 HP

Roll Darting Blow: 20, 11. Hit and hit! Damage dealt: 18. Recruit: 18/95 HP

Renewed vigor courses through his veins, and again he duels with the damaged recruit in a fierce tussle. Although he returns from the fight sore and in pain from the poison working its way through his body, he grins at his opponent’s weak and battered state. “It will not take much more to defeat him, I believe. Everyone, we must rally together and push forward!”

"Care to have tea with me? It'd be really nice to chat! Making new friends is always fun, after all!"

It would be incorrect to say that Ferdinand has not yet heard of this particular Blue Lions student; though he has not been here but a month or two, he has already caught wind of many of the rising stars and up-and-coming talents within the student body of the Officers Academy, as well as many unique personages who have graced Garreg Mach with their presences. This Morgen bears more than a passing resemblance to the lady librarian with whom Chrom Lowell is close friends, and the ginger would not be surprised if the two women were related. That she approaches him for tea and a conversation makes him smile: is he truly so well-known amongst the foreign students? Certainly he must stand out from the rest with his fiery hair and noble demeanor!

“I would be delighted!” he replies to the young woman. “I have heard that you are not from Fódlan—will we be tasting a tea native to your homeland? Or if not, perhaps you have become familiar with the teas of our continent? I appreciate all types of tea, though I am partial to several specific teas and blends. For example, the Almyran Pine Needle from eastern Almyra is an oolong characterized by an earthy taste and aroma perfect for a quiet afternoon luncheon. If you prefer the flavors of fruit in your tea, the Southern Fruit Blend contains bright and strong notes of fruit from the south of Fódlan. And of course, perhaps the most introductory tea of our lovely continent, the Seiros Tea is a rather simple black tea with basic flavors. These three are my most favorite, but there are many more available if you would prefer—I consider myself an expert on Fódlani tea, so if you provide me with your preferences, I am certain I can find one that is to your liking!”

Status:

Passed!

Skill Points Gained:

Monthly Activity - +1

Arena 2022 Participation - +1

Skill Point Allocation:

+2 -> Lance -> C

the ought-to-be damned | silver round, team three

Another round another set of enemies. This lot were the worst so far, up there with some of the monstrosities they face out on their annual missions. Just where did the Academy find these things?! Byleth wondered. 

“Thank you, Marianne” she said, feeling the wave of healing energy wash through her, repairing the damage from the last phase of combat. Renewed and ready to take on their new foes, Byleth readied her fists and made to swing at the nearest minion. 

Roll: 20 (+2) = 20!     Hit!    Damage: 3HP      [Recruit B: 92/95 HP] Roll: 20 (+2) = 16!     Hit!   Damage: 3HP      [Recruit B: 89/95 HP] Recruit B Seal Defense (-4 Defense)

Despite her best efforts and getting in a good couple of solid hits to the Recruit’s chest, Byleth felt like she’d done little damage. These enemies were defiantly made of sterner stuff than the last lot. “This is going to be tough” She called back to her team in warning, hoping to prepare them mentally for the long haul ahead. 

Roll: 20 = 7!     Hit!   Damage: 3HP (-2)      [Byleth: 9/10 HP]

Distracted by talking to her comrades, Byleth barely had time to block the incoming axe attack to her thigh from the recruit. She swung her arm down in a low block but felt the sting of the edge of the blade scrap her regardless. But it didn’t hamper her movement so she backed away quickly. However, upon reaching her team, the wound started burning like mild acid had been poured in it. 

Byleth is poisoned     Damage: 0.5HP      [Byleth: 8.5/10 HP]

“Damn” she cursed before warning the others. “Their weapons must be dipped in poison”

@freliana @premiersoleil

Once again Ferdinand finds himself atop a steed for this new round with a lovely lance and another Prayer Ring. Their foes appear quite tough, as the professor, despite her vicious pummeling of one of the enemy recruits, does little apparent damage to him. Ferdinand tsks and twirls his lance before charging towards the pesky opponent. "Fear not, Professor, I shall have it crumbling before me in no time!"

Roll Brave Lance: 14, 15. Hit and hit! Damage dealt: 18. Recruit: 71/95 HP

Roll counter: 19. Hit! Damage dealt: 3.

Inspiration activates! -2 to damage dealt. Ferdinand: 9/10 HP

Poison Strike activates! Damage dealt: 0.5. Ferdinand: 8.5/10 HP

Roll Darting Blow: 7, 16. Hit and hit! Damage dealt: 18. Recruit: 53/95 HP

The young heir engages in a flurry of strikes and blows with the recruit, and though he comes away with a scratch that burns with poison, the phantasm fares far worse. Ferdinand smirks as he eyes his lance. This must be a Brave Lance if his memory serves him right, and some boon must have been bestowed upon him for him to rain down so many attacks in such a short time. I know not what it is, but I admit, I quite like this combination!

Again with the revolution of equipment? Perhaps Ferdinand should not have been surprised to find it happening again, though it still takes him off guard. It always seems to occur whenever the fight is nearing completion, which both heartens and unnerves the ginger; how many more fights must they endure before they can free their comrades? In any case, the young heir finds himself fitted with a bow, two rings, and a shield, the garb of an assassin clothing his frame. An assassin?! Could there be a less noble class than this?! I am meant for glory and battle, not skulking in the shadows! Who in the world is arbiting these choices?! I wish to speak with them posthaste!

The enemy contains only two opponents... but these appear tremendously strong compared to those the group has fought in the previous battles. Ferdinand gulps, but adjusts his grip on his bow and aims at the smaller foe, evidently a minion of the larger one. "Although you may not be responsible for our situation, I will still punish you for obstructing our way! Prepare to taste defeat served by my hands!"

Prayer Ring and Ochain Shield activate! Health restored: 2. Ferdie: 8.5/10 HP

Roll Magic Bow: 9. Hit! Damage dealt: 5. Minion: 12/17 HP

Roll counter: 6. Hit! Damage dealt: 2.

Ochain Shield activates! -2 to damage dealt! Ferdie: 8.5/10 HP

Healing power flows into him from his shield and one of the rings, restoring about half of his injuries as he nocks an arrow and lets it fly. His shot tears a good chunk out of the flying projection, and although the thing strikes back in retaliation, Ferdinand moves at just the right moment to allow his shield to take the brunt of the damage. Well, now. Though I believe the class selected for me to be wholly ill-fitting, this is quite good equipment. I will have to thank our dear Projectionist if she was the one to choose it for us.

"Marianne," he calls, "would you be a dear and heal up Lady Lindgren? She seems as though she requires it the most."

It is only after he asks that that he realizes he slipped quite the unintentional pun in there. "Ah, I did not mean 'deer' as in the mascot of your House, but 'dear' as in 'darling'—er, pay me no mind, I suppose."

when the going gets tough | iron round, team three

The last of their phantom foes vanishes into nothing before they might turn their gazes upon it, a new hoard of enemies taking their place. Where she had once been armed with nothing but the magic stirring in her blood, a spear materializes, fitting perfectly into the palms of her hands. She gives it an experimental twirl, then sets it aside. 

“Allow me to see to your injuries once more,” she murmurs to the professor, head already bowed in prayer as she summons the light of a healing spell to wash over her. The movements are practiced, routine, performed almost without a second thought. This time, bruises and cuts fade away entirely with the light.

[ ROLL D20: 1, +5 HP! ]   Marianne heals Byleth for 5HP.  ( Byleth: 10/10 HP )

With a satisfied dip of her head, Marianne takes a step back to survey their new battlefield. An armored knight, an archer, and a pegasus knight…the last phantom, she cannot place. Perhaps a brawler? With a passing glance she can only note the gauntlets that adorn their fists, but nothing else. All of them threats to be certain, but now that Tana sits astride a pegasus of her own, she eyes the archer warily. Her place on the battlefield is not that of a tactician, but even she knows well how easily a well-aimed arrow could clip her wings.

TAG !! @premiersoleil

Like flipping through the pages of a book, their opponents exeunt stage left, only to be replaced by more enemies, and as Ferdinand finds himself astride a horse, so, it seems, do their equipment. The horse is no Alexandre, but Ferdinand shakes his head and chastises himself. There are far more productive things to do than mope about my beloved companion’s absence! People are relying on us to defeat these interlopers and free them from the clutches of this mysterious book! It appears he has also been bestowed with a Blessed Lance, an Evasion Ring, and the spell Seraphim. Apparently he is to be a troubadour this battle? A curious thing, and one he notes for future reference; depending on how this battle flows, he may have more to add to his study plan and class access goals.

To his relief, Marianne heals the professor, and the ginger likewise feels a wave of healing wash over him from the lance. A tremendous boon, and one he must take care to use to great effect. Twirling his lance, he sets his sights on the archer, for if that enemy manages to strike Tana, the princess will no doubt be done for.

Blessed Lance activates! Health restored: 1. Ferdinand: 8.5/10 HP

Roll Blessed Lance: 12. Hit! Damage dealt: 1.5. Archer: 7.5/9 HP

Close Counter activates! Archer can counterattack!

Roll counter: 3. Hit! Damage dealt: 2. Ferdinand: 6.5/10 HP

At his urging, his steed gallops towards the archer, and Ferdinand deals a solid hit to the phantom. To his surprise, the archer fires a shot at him at close range, and while it goes wide, it slices right through the young heir’s shoulder. “Aaah!” The ginger retreats, clutching his wound; if he had not had the Blessed Lance heal him, that shot would no doubt have put him in a far more precarious state. Ferdinand glances at Byleth, noting the gauntlets she now bears, and thinks. “Professor, would it not be best to finish this archer off before he can do irreparable damage to Lady Lindgren? Although, if you feel you cannot incapacitate him, do not fear, for I will do my utmost to protect the fair princess!”

super smash bros 1999 (team three)​​​

“Professor, are you okay?” Tana rushes over to Byelth, an arm gently placed around her shoulders. The older woman is clearly a little unsteady on her feet after such an onslaught but she fought so valiantly that all Tana can do is grin at her with pride. “They have no idea what hit them! You were so cool, totally incredible even. Marianne? Riri?” Tana calls out for her shy classmate. “Could you heal her up for me? I’ll be fine but I’m worried about our professor.”

With a cheerful wave back at the pair, Tana skips forwards, clapping Ferdinand between the shoulders a little harder than intended. Excitement bubbles up in her chest - they’re so close! They’ve definitely got this.

“Ferdie! Nando! Whoops… sorry! Check out the myrmidon over there though,” Frelia’s princess points at the swordsman, an illusion now swirling with purple and black clouds of miasma around him. Something is definitely up, it’s so obvious even to her. What a fool these phantoms are to be so brazen, showing their hand early. Tana looks over her shoulder at Byleth and Marianne; her resolve to protect them strengthens. “Think that means he’s gonna try a special attack? Why don’t you and I team up and put a stop to him before he gets the chance, huh? Last one over there is a rotten egg!”

The pegasus knight dashes forward, cornering the myrmidon whilst he prepares to make his move. Whatever he has planned is about to come to sudden end, however. Keeping just out of reach so he can’t swing his sword at her, Tana tries magic for the first time in her life. It’s exhilirating, really. Light rushes to her hands, coalescing as she takes aim. Nosferatu is released and hits her target square in the chest.

Tana attacks Myrmidon A with Nosferatu from range. Roll d20: 20! Critical hit! Myrmidon A takes 3 damage. Tana is healed for 3 HP

Tana’s remaining HP: 9.510 Myrmidon A’s remaining HP: 0.5/8 HP

“Whoo! Even I didn’t know I could do that. Nandino, he’s all yours now. Wipe him out!”

@premiersoleil​

"Professor!” Ferdinand cries out as the recruit and myrmidon both besiege the Ashen Demon, and although she holds her own and endures the attacks well, even delivering her own, she still emerges much worse for the wear. Before the ginger can come to her aid, the commoner enemy targets him.

Roll Commoner A: 10. Hit! Damage dealt: 1. Ferdinand: 8.5/12 HP

Roll counter: 12. Hit! Damage dealt: 2. Commoner A: 3.5/8 HP

His opponent’s sword scores a gash along his side, but Ferdinand takes the chance to slam the point of his lance in the commoner’s gut. Clutching his side, the young noble retreats with a huff. At least he has yet to replicate his embarrassing failure from early on in the fight, he consoles himself. A firm hand crashes between his shoulder blades, and the Black Eagle tenses up before sensing the allied presence behind him. Then he registers what she called him and sputters, outraged. “‘Nando?!’ Lady Lindgren, I implore you not to address me as such! I am either Ferdinand or Lord Aegir, but only those two terms may be used to refer to me!” He pauses in consideration. “... Although I... understand that in times of urgency, a shortened name or nickname may be preferable, in which case I deem the use of ‘Ferdie’ acceptable—hey, wait a moment!”

Too late, for the Golden Deer has darted out and blasted the enemy myrmidon with magic. Ferdinand sighs; it seems in the midst of his rant she was attempting to convey her strategy to him. As Tana has divested the swordsman illusion of a good amount of his health, the Aegir heir notes that it would be all too easy to finish him off, weak as he is now. But, “Nandino?!”

Roll Steel Lance: 13. Hit! Damage dealt: 2. Myrmidon A: 0/8 HP

Myrmidon A has been defeated!

"For the last time,” the ginger grits out, “my name,” he slashes his lance at the myrmidon, shattering the projection into so many particles of fine light, before turning to face the princess again, “is Ferdinand von Aegir!”

super smash bros 1999 (team three)​

The monk wastes his rally healing but Tana can’t help but cringe when he brings the almost routed Recruit back into the fray. She can practically hear Innes’ voice ringing in her ears, scolding her for such an obvious strategic misstep. The commoner rushes over to her though and she can’t drop her guard too much. She had made an error of judgement but that wouldn’t happen again. When he attacks her she replies back in kind, making it very clear she is not to be trifled with.

Commoner A attacks Tana with Iron Sword. Roll d20: 14! Hit. Tana takes 1 damage. Tana counters with Steel Axe. Roll d20: 12! Hit. Commoner A takes 2.5 damage.

Commoner A has 5.5/8 HP remaining. Tana has 8/10 HP remaining.

Tana tries to gather her allies attention as discreetly as possible - letting their enemies know their plans was an amateur mistake. Sadly, subtletly has never really been her strength. Clever enough to at least wait until they gather to discuss her idea, their foes do turn their attention to her when she shouts for the others.

“Hey! Over here, I have an idea!” The pegasus knight’s voice has always been loud enough to carry over a crowd or cacophony of chaos. At least it captures the attention of her team too. Tana lowers her voice to a whisper when they rally around her. “The monk! I think we should focus on them first. We should try and defend Marianne too as they’ll probably try the same thing. If we can defeat them swiftly, the others won’t stand a chance!”

Bubbling over with excitement, Tana speeds forth with her axe raised high. Swinging it in an arc above her head, she brings it crashing down upon the Monk. Their knees buckle under the weight of Tana’s strike, yet they find the strength to attempt a strike of their own. Tana overpowers her foe considerably though, their blow is far too weak to wipe the confident grin from her face.

Tana attacks Monk B with Steel Axe. Roll d20: 15! Hit. Monk takes 2.5 damage. Monk B counters with Training Gauntlets. Roll d20: 14! Hit. Tana takes 0.5 damage.

Tana has 7.5/10 HP remaining Monk B has 5.5/8 HP remaining

“Ferdie, you’re up next! Give them hell from me, buddy!” Tana calls out as she takes a step back, proud and bright with courage. They have nothing to fear from these silly projections. Not if they work together. “The monk is a weakling so no need to hold back! He won’t be able to touch you!”

@premiersoleil​

“Right! I understand!” Tana’s encouragement sends fiery determination through his veins, and he makes to deliver a slash at the appointed opponent.

Roll Steel Lance: 17. Hit! Damage dealt: 2. Monk B: 3.5/8 HP

Roll counter: 6. Hit! Damage dealt: 0.5. Ferdinand: 9.5/12 HP

This time his lance hits the mark, and the ginger beams as the monk staggers away from him. Although the magic-user’s follow-up punch also hits its mark, Ferdinand barely feels it, though he likely acquired a bruise from the blow. Grinning, the young heir turns to Marianne. “Your turn! I believe you can finish him off, but if not, our fearless professor should be sure to put him to rest!”

super smash bros 1999 (team three)

Her vision grows dark for several minutes before it brightens again. She finds herself in what appears to be a crowded arena. There is an immediate rush to gather equipment and introduce herself to her teammates. A quiet, polite professor, friendly young gentleman and a timid blue haired girl she’d seen in class join her and Tana has no idea what to expect.

The projectionists work is impeccable. She freezes for a moment, unable to move. Their opponents look so real she has to remind herself this is merely an illusion.

One that might just save them from this complicated tale.

Tana acts first, hefting the axe up to her shoulders and giving it a practice swing before approaching the recruit. She takes a deep breath and prepares to fight her way out of this mess and back to the monastery. Tana intends to make an impression, prove herself and rally her allies too.

rd20: 12! hit! tana deals 2.5 damage to recruit a rd20: 11! hit! recruit a counters for 1 damage to tana

recruit a: 5.5/8 HP tana: 9/10 HP

Her guard is let down though and she takes a jab from the lance to her side. It smarts slightly but Tana doesn’t lose the cheerful grin on her face. She imagines Eirika and Ephraim, her dear friends, and how they would never give up so easily. Tana won’t fall here too and retreats back to the others with her hands raised, ready to high five the next challenger.

@ashenprofessor @premiersoleil & @cruelsfate

Finding his classmates trapped within a book is not quite how Ferdinand expected his time at the academy to go, but let it be said that he would never turn down a request for aid; such is no different here. What is more noble than risking one’s life to save that of another? Though he cannot imagine what could possibly endanger the others here, it... would be wise not to assume their presence within the book prevents them from harm. He counts himself fortunate that he finds himself amongst a party including the famed Ashen Demon and the daughter of Margrave Edmund, in addition to one of their Golden Deer classmates.

“Excellent! Well done!” he cheers at the lady with the sapphire blue hair as she delivers a swift strike towards one of their opponents. Although the enemy returns in kind, he cannot deny the effectiveness of her hit, and the success rouses his excitement. “Allow me to make my own follow-up—!”

Roll Steel Lance: 1?! Miss! Recruit A: 5.5/8 HP

Roll counter: 18! Hit! Damage dealt: 2. Ferdinand: 10/12 HP

Except that when the ginger swings his lance at the enemy, a gust of wind blows his bangs across his face. In the attempt to brush the offending strands out of his eyes, Ferdinand misses his opponent entirely, for what else could the weapon slicing through thin air only to strike at the ground mean? He pays for his mistake immediately as the enemy seizes the chance to stab him in the back. “Agh! Aah...” Retreating back to his group, the young noble gives them a smile that is more awkward, pained grimace. “My apologies... I was too hasty and paid too little attention to my environment.”

☼ a puzzling escape | + velouria.

Velouria didn’t know what the hell she was doing here in the first place. Her ears twitched softly at every little sound outside and in. It was very overwhelming, not to mention, she didn’t quite like the idea of being confined in a single room for the rest of her days if she didn’t manage to help her classmate escape. Her tail drooped behind her as she sniffed the stale air of the room. Ugh, musty. She hated musty things, cause that usually was the smell of dusty old books and classrooms, things that she hated more than anything.

Hrumph… grrrr she really didn’t like being trapped in here. Fine! She would try to help, though no gurantees that she would do anything useful!

“Huh? It looks old… and dirty.” Normally that would have been something that she liked, but in this (slightly) terrifying situation, everything would very well be another trap.

“Do you think… brute force is an option instead…?” It probably wasn’t, but it didn’t hurt to try everything that she could do. And what she did best was, after all, defying the norms of what people were expected to do in situations. No one could ever see anything she did coming.

“Brute force?” Ferdinand takes a moment to consider her idea. “Well... I suppose, though I do not believe that the game master nor the faculty would be terribly pleased if we were to destroy their property. I may be a bit rusty, but in my experience, either we must fight our way out, or solve our way out, and nothing in here appears to point to the first option. We might as well check this scroll and see if it has any information to offer us.”

The teen unties and unrolls the piece of parchment, finding a series of written rows on it:

𝐹𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 - 𝒟𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑜𝑒𝓈

𝒮𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓃𝒹 - 𝒞𝒶𝓈𝓉𝓁𝑒

𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓇𝒹 - 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈

𝐹𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓉𝒽 - 𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒹𝑒𝓇

“Hmm? First, second, third, and fourth...? Oh! I believe this is the key to opening the chest!” he exclaims, looking at the lock, which holds four keyholes. “We must locate these items on the list and in doing so obtain the keys necessary for unlocking the chest. Let us split up and search for these items—I will search for the dominoes and castle, so would you please take the books and spider? I presume they mean a toy spider and not a live one, as the latter would make solving this puzzle all the more difficult.”

Standing up, the ginger glances about the room again, finding the dominoes easily enough. Several of them sit in a wooden tray, couched in their own separate indentations (four of which are empty), while a few more lie lined up in front of the tray. Another piece of parchment reads,

𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓈𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑜𝑒𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝒾𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒞𝒶𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝒾𝑔𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓇𝓇𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓈?

starter for @stelleffigia

One advantage to attending the Officers Academy lies in the fact that Ferdinand cannot want for sparring partners, for many of his fellow students and the Knights of Seiros think similarly and practice their forms and skills day in and day out. Ordinarily, the ginger would choose one of his usual partners with whom to spar, such as Lady Edelgard (if he desires a serious match), the kind Blue Lion swords-mage with hair as azure as his House’s name, or the bluenette’s redheaded, floral-minded friend. However, the monastery has welcomed a recent influx of new students and faculty, and Ferdinand finds himself curious and eager to test the abilities of these newcomers. Though he himself is barely a fresh face here, it is only right that he show hospitality to his new classmates and take their measure of strength that they might know to avail themselves of his guidance.

So it is that he meanders about the monastery, greeting classmate and faculty member alike, be they affiliated with the Eagles, Lions, Deer, or neither. In doing so, he comes upon a curious personage wandering amongst the others, one intriguing and confusing for the utter lack of emotion expressed. Ferdinand cannot help the tilt of his head as he considers this particular newcomer.

The... man? Woman? Person? The person bears great beauty which, coupled with their expressionless face, gives the young Aegir the impression of a human-sized doll brought to life. One would not think that sparring with one so delicate-looking would be wise... but perhaps appearances are deceiving in this case? (And speaking of appearances, Ferdinand cannot determine whether to refer to the person as “lord” or “lady”; the beauty tells him “woman” while the body states “man.” If he is to have any answer, it would only be polite to ask the person what is preferred.)

Your fantasy roleplaying adventures lead you to your first ever dungeon: the Crypts of Falkor, where the sacred relic of the ancient elven civilization resides. Retrieving the crystal ball, somehow, turned out to be the easy part. You didn’t think much of the gamemaster’s sinister cackling until you notice their absence. The door behind you is locked, barring your escape - is there no way out? Ah, but wait…! It seems there may be clues and puzzles scattered about the room, one leading to another… might they lead to safety?

"Do not lose hope, dear comrades! I have faith that my abilities will be sufficient to free us from our predicament!”

In all honesty, Ferdinand should have suspected that their party would encounter such a situation sooner or later, but it has been quite some time since he has partaken in a roleplaying game, and he has certainly never come across one so detailed and intricate before. He cannot deny that taking on a new persona is great fun, and his paladin character, Lord Aurore Soleil la Chevalerie (otherwise known as Aurore, for short) acts as a delightful conduit for all his fantasies about being a great and wonderful knight. (To be honest, Lord la Chevalerie’s personality differs little from his own, though perhaps that is an advantage, as he can more easily speak, act, and think how the character would.) Their intrepid party has done well so far, even with the added element of acting everything out, but he had not expected the game-master to lead them to a decorated room meant for their game and proceed to lock them inside.

Well. At the very least, it certainly adds realism to their characters’ plight.

The ginger casts a glance about the room before reexamining his character sheet. Aurore bears plenty of strength and dexterity, a good constitution, and a tremendous amount of charm... but the skills necessary for this task, intelligence and wisdom, are unfortunately his lowest ones. Although the young noble still believes persuading the guide character who led them to this dungeon to be a feat accomplished solely thanks to Aurore’s high charm, it is only now that he registers that leaving so few points for the paladin’s intelligence and wisdom could potentially cost him. In any case, he must try, for the sake of his fellow student and Black Eagle.

(With her lupine features, would she in actuality be more equipped to quite literally sniff out the answer? Ferdinand does not want to let it come to that just yet.)

Shaking his head, the young heir looks about the room, finding a small chest sitting on the floor in a corner, not unlike the ones they passed while heading into the “dungeon.” He crouches down beside it and attempts to open it—no luck, as it remains locked. Ferdinand sighs and shifts his weight, his foot nudging something that sounds distinctly of parchment; curious, he gets down on one knee and picks up what appears to be a scroll. “Velouria, dear, I may have just found something... do you suppose this could be of any help?” he asks his companion.