Fire Emblem Tropera

"No need for that." Kiri had already gotten changed and held her torn dress out to Malia. It seems she was a little too used to this kind of treatment.

Malia quickly turned away when she realized Kiri had already undressed, and waited until the other girl was clothed again before she turned back and took the damaged garment from her.

"A-alright, I'll have this done in a jiff," she said, and set to work.

The cuts where the bandits' weapons had pierced the fabric were fortunately fairly clean, and Malia was soon finished. The stitching wasn't as expertly done as the original maker's, but it wouldn't be noticeable except under close inspection. "All done," she announced, holding the dress up. For just a moment she couldn't resist holding it up to her own body, imagining how the elegant dress would look on her, before handing it to Kiri and quickly slipping out the door before the other girl could disrobe again. "You can just leave the other dress on the bed, I need to talk to Grendan!"

With a breath to steady her nerves, she sped down the inn stairs and outside to find the wyvern rider. "Phew, what bold one," she said to herself.

It wasn't hard to find Grendan; a crowd of village kids had gathered around at a respectful distance to ooh and aah at Heath, scattering whenever the wyvern so much as yawned or stretched his wings and then coming scurrying back to watch again.

The day was getting on already, so Malia wasted no more time in setting Grendan up with fresh supplies of food and medicine for the company's trek and assault on Fort Bassairus.

"I'll talk to the mayor and see if we can organize a party to take supplies to help rebuild the ruined village, too," she reassured Grendan as Kiri rejoined them. "You'd better be off, now. Don't want to keep our Lady waiting!"

Meanwhile, the rest of the party was preparing to set out from the other village. The survivors had gathered at the town gates to see them off.

"We thank you again, heroes," the mayor's daughter said, bowing to the assembled mercenaries. "Would that we had more to repay you with than mere food and water."

"Every bit you have provided us will help to bring our homeland a brighter dawn," Tigra assured her. "Look to the north in the days to come. I would not be surprised if aid comes from Bethran, if I know my attendant."

"Now then," she said, turning to the company, "let's go find that dawn!"

Grendan nodded as he stowed the supplies away, waiting until Kiri remounted before taking off once more. "Heath can move quite a bit faster than everyone else, so it shouldn't be too hard to catch up. We'll head to that village we just liberated, give them the news, pick up directions, and then rejoin the others," he informed his passenger. "I think you can handle the talking; it's almost time to feed Heath, and he gets cranky when he misses meals." He turned his gaze to Heath before adding, "I have no idea why he doesn't eat if I give him his food early... Maybe he's just picky about schedules."

When Kiri came out of the inn she was still dressed in Malia's clothes. Her own was folded neatly. "Here" she pushed the dress into the younger girl's arms. "I'll trade you. I'm afraid it'll only be destroyed where I'm going. And you'd look beautiful in it" she noted before hoping into Heath, not taking no for an answer.

Gertrude had slipped into her old uniform again. Feeling the weight of her chainmail made her feel more comfortable now.

Grendan and Kiri caught up to the rest of the party not long after they departed the ruined village, and the next few days' travel passed uneventfully. Grass and undergrowth faded away as the mercenaries climbed higher into the mountains, replaced by bare stone and rugged trees that clung to the wind-whipped trails with roots that burrowed deep into the mountains' cracks and crevices. Shortly before noon on the third day, Tigra brought the group to a halt.

"There it is," she said, pointing up the trail. "Fort Bassairus."

The structure was imposing, even in its disrepair. Brush had begun to obstruct the base of its walls, and stones had fallen loose from the crenelations, atop which stood a lone, hulking figure. Clad in furs and heavy armor, he towered like a gargoyle on the parapet, a massive axe slung over his shoulder.

"So you've come, Tigra!" his voice boomed across the valley. "It was always fate that it should end like this."

"It can't be..." Tigra murmured, then called out, "Keeve?"

"In the flesh!"

"Tch! I should have known. The way the bandits have been attacking the villages, striking randomly over the whole countryside... as if they knew just how to organize themselves to make it too troublesome for the army to deal with. Of course a traitorous swine like you would be leading them!"

"You're one to talk, Tigra! I hear you're no longer a knight, any more than I am!"

"Resignation and dishonorable discharge are hardly the same thing, you slime!"

"Enough! It all ends here, Tigra. The fort where we first served together... I can think of no better place to finally cut you down! Minions, attack!"

From the fortress and the woods, from hidden alcoves in the rock and behind the crest of the canyon, bandits appeared in overwhelming numbers.

"Damn him, that bandit, Keeve..." Tigra muttered. "He planned for this all along. We're outnumbered, and in a disadvantageous position. Our best option for now is to retreat and try to find some way to—"

Tigra's words were cut off as yet another host of bandits appeared, blocking the trail they had only minutes before ascended.

"Blast! So we either fight our way out, or try and take the fort despite the odds. Well, everyone? Where do your swords lead you?"

• Chapter 1: Bandits in the Hills: The Bandit King
• Objectives: Seize throne OR retreat.
• Round 1 Deadline: 11:59pm PST, 12/11.

Gertrude saw the massive army of bandits from both north and south. Those from the south should be priority. She moved into the front line.

I20 Equip Steel Sword attack J20

edited 10th Dec '16 6:55:25 PM by RAlexa21th

Kiri made a low growl and summoned her wings to her back. "I say we do exactly what we came for." she said, spotting a bandit approaching from a nearby hill. She winged over brought her sword to bear on him.

Move to C21, Attack Bandit 22

Grendan grimaced at the sight of the enemy leader. "So, it's you... Keeve. Still up to your old tricks, I see," he snarled, his loathing audible. "I must admit, it seems you've finally found your true calling: A common bandit, hiding in his hole and hoping the sword doesn't find his neck."

He glanced back, then added, "And I see you've brought your little boot-licker Bakkar along, too. What a surprise..." Turning to Tigra, he stated, "With all due respect, Sir, I refuse to retreat this time. It's long past time someone put this scum in his grave, and I intend to be the one to do it."

Move to G21 and counter.

edited 11th Dec '16 5:16:16 AM by Suttungr

"Don't get too cocky or I'll have to drag you out!" Gramps said to Gertrude as he followed along behind her.

Gramps to H20. Defend.

"Marching through a canyon lined with fortifications? I suppose we probably should have seen this coming." Eridan sighed.

"Well, at least they had the courtesy to split up their forces. Let's take this nice and slow."

If Zeera moves: Move to C20, Attack Bandit 22 with Flux. If Zeera doesn't move: Move to F18, Counter.

Zeera looked around at the high towers and cliffs all around them. Maybe this wasn't the best route to approach this fortress place, but it didn't look like there were many other ways in. It wasn't exactly the sort of place Zeera would have wished to wander in if she were on her own, seeing as there weren't that many places to escape, though it didn't seem like many of these bandits had the means to scale this rock either. Well, some of them were able to, but there weren't that many.

Zeera had no idea who this Keeve guy was, or how he was able to shout so loudly even though Zeera couldn't see him, but none of that really mattered.

He was a threat, and that was all that mattered.

None of them could reach him right now though.

As Zeera looked round, she saw a burly axeman lurking atop the mountains nearby. Eridan also seemed to be heading her way, but there seemed to be a bush nearby.

Zeera ran towards the bush, letting the mage pass by, and once she got there, she let loose a fireball toward the bandit, though she wasn't sure if her shot would hit.

Move to B19. Use Fire Tome on B21.

Round 1: Player Phase

"Well then, if that's the way you want it, I won't argue!" Tigra said, pride in her troops welling up within her chest. "Cut through the blaggards to our rear so we'll have less to worry about when we assault the fort! I'll hold the front!"

_________________________________________

• Gertrude moves to I20 and attacks Bandit 21 (Steel Sword)!
  • Gertrude's first attack deals 14 damage to Bandit 21 (14/28).
  • Gertrude's second attack deals 14 damage to Bandit 21 (0/28).
  • Bandit 21 dies!
• Kiri moves to C21 and attacks Bandit 22!
  • Kiri's attack misses.
• Grendan moves to G21 and prepares a counter.
• Gramps moves to H20 and defends.
• Zeera moves to B19 and attacks Bandit 22!
  • Zeera's first attack misses.
  • Zeera's second attack deals 10 damage to Bandit 22 (16/26).
• Eridan moves to C22 and attacks Bandit 22!
  • Eridan's first attack deals 18 damage to Bandit 22 (-2/26).
  • Eridan acquires a Vulnerary.
  • Bandit 22 dies!
• Michel moves to G20 and prepares a counter.
• Buckley moves to H21 and attacks Bandit 23!
  • Buckley's first attack deals 8 damage to Bandit 23 (13/21).
  • Buckley's second attack deals 8 damage to Bandit 23 (5/21).
• Tigra moves to G18 and attacks Bandit 18 (Hand Axe)!
  • Tigra's attack deals 11 damage to Bandit 18 (8/19).

_________________________________________

"I've been lookin' forward to this day for a long time, Grendan!" Bakker shouted, flourishing his sword above his head. "You were always lookin' down on me, just because I didn't give a rat's ass for your precious code of honor! Well, we'll see who's lookin' down on who when I slice your stupid lizard's wings off!"

_________________________________________

Round 1: Enemy Phase

• Bandit 18 recovers 3 hit points (11/19).
  • Bandit 18 attacks Tigra!
  • Bandit 18's attack deals 1 damage to Tigra (23/24).
• Bandit 23 attacks Buckley!
  • Bandit 23's attack misses.
• Bandit 24 moves to J20 and attacks Gertrude!
  • Bandit 24's attack deals 4 damage to Gertrude (15/19).
• Bandit 26 attacks Buckley!
  • Bandit 26's attack deals 7 damage to Buckley.
  • Bandit 30 moves to I22.

Round 2 Time Limit: 11:59pm PST, 12/13.

edited 12th Dec '16 4:45:37 PM by Wryte

"Excellent form, girl, but I think his friend is angry now!" Gramps said as he used his staff to heal Buckley.

Gramps heals Buckley.

edited 12th Dec '16 1:40:54 PM by nman

"Don't talk, Bakker. I'm sick of your posturing." Grendan braced himself to cover the retreat of any overenthusiastic allies who'd gotten in over their heads. "Your last job... is to die like the dog you are."

Hold position and counter.

edited 12th Dec '16 7:08:19 AM by Suttungr

There are some up the mountain. Gertrude moved to the South mountain to deal with them.

H22 attack H23 with Iron Sword.

edited 12th Dec '16 11:10:52 PM by RAlexa21th

Zeera stepped out from the bush once the bandit had gone down. The others were engaged with a mob down south, so Zeera looked down the northern path to see if more enemies were coming.

It didn't seem like it for now, but Zeera still kept watch.

Move to F18. Counter.

Kiri noted the banter going on, specfically the talk of cutting off Heath's wings. Wyverns might be lesser creatures but she coudln't help feeling some kinship to them. Like dogs. "Excuse you, Bakker was it? I'll have you know that "Lizard's" dung has more worth than you. I mean that litterally, it can at least fertilize crops. You however are parasite."

Despite her tauntings she had no reason to jump into a swarm of bandits.

Move to D21, Counter

edited 12th Dec '16 8:00:34 AM by Azure

Grendan smiled grimly at Kiri's words, answering without turning, "For now maybe. By the end of the day he'll be feeding the worms."

Buck tried not to make a noise as he jostled Nixie out of the way of the weapon; hopefully in the battle's blur nobody would notice the pained whimper. God, fighting wounded hurt.

But things were a lot better now. There was old Gramps to his left, solid as a stone wall, and Gertrude—amazing woman—had somehow contrived to slip by Nixie, scramble up the mountainside, and find some toehold there to fight on.

For a second he wondered if he should ask her if she was related to any mountain goats. Then he realized that there was no way to formulate that praise without being horrifically offensive, and wisely kept his mouth shut.

Judging from the beckons and the gestures, it was time for him to go. "Gren, Gramps, Gerty," he said, "'Twas an honor, it's yours fer now."

Move to E17.

edited 12th Dec '16 11:01:18 PM by SabresEdge

As Eridan picked up the Vulnerary kindly dropped by the fallen brigand, he felt a gust of wind blow through his hair. Looking up, he saw that the little girl who for some reason had marched with them to this death trap was flying through the air with sword in hand.

"Ye gods, she's flying. This little band grows more ragtag by the day."

Move to F20, Counter.

edited 12th Dec '16 10:55:25 PM by TehStanman

Round 2: Player Phase

• Gramps heals Buckley.
  • Gramps restores 16 hit points to Buckley (17/17).
• Grendan prepares a counter.
• Gertrude moves to H22 and attacks Bandit 26 (Iron Sword)!
  • Gertrude's first attack misses.
  • Gertrude's second attack misses.
• Zeera moves to F18 and prepares a counter.
• Kiri moves to D21 and prepares a counter.
• Buckley moves to E17.
• Eridan moves to F20 and prepares a counter.
• Michel moves to G22 and attacks Bandit 26!
  • Michel's first attack deals 7 damage to Bandit 26 (10/17).
  • Michel's second attack deals 7 damage to Bandit 26 (3/17).
• Tigra moves to H17 and attacks Bandit 18 (Hand Axe)!
  • Tigra's attack deals 11 damage to Bandit 18 (0/19).
  • Bandit 18 dies!

___________________________________________

Round 2: Enemy Phase

• Bandit 15 moves to H16 and attacks Tigra!
  • Bandit 15's attack deals 1 damage to Tigra (22/24).
• Bandit 20 moves to M20.
• Bandit 23 moves to H21 and attacks Gramps!
  • Bandit 23's attack misses.
• Bandit 24 moves to I20 and attacks Gramps!
  • Bandit 24's attack deals 2 damage to Gramps (19/21).
• Bandit 26 recovers 3 HP (6/17).
  • Bandit 26 attacks Michel!
  • Bandit 26's attack misses.
• Bandit 27 attacks Gertrude!
  • Bandit 27's attack misses.
• Bandit 30 attacks Gertrude!
  • Bandit 30's attack misses.

Round 3 Time Limit: 11:59pm PST, 12/14.

Kiri flew up and over the battlefield trying to see where she could strike next.

If Grendan moves, move to G21, Attack H21, if not Move to F23.

edited 13th Dec '16 2:00:24 PM by Azure

The elevation of Gertrude's ground was proving frustrating. Gertrude was able to dodge all attacks, but she did not score any hit either. ''It's a matter of time before they swarm this position. I have to finish this quick.

H23 attack I23 with Iron Sword.

edited 15th Dec '16 10:56:54 AM by RAlexa21th

"If you have trouble hitting, maybe you should lure them out of cover," Grendan advised Gertrude as he flew over to begin attacking one of the bandits sniping the pass.

Move to H24, attack Bandit 26.

edited 13th Dec '16 3:52:26 PM by Suttungr