riariadne

Greater Good "Well, again, I appreciate it. Though, it will be hard to make any decisive calls until after we meet. This attack caught us off-guard, so we're going to collaborate information to try and pinpoint where his location most likely is." Thalia nodded along at the tone of discussion, appearing somewhat surprised at Velvet's request. "Why didn't you say so before? Some of the people positioned around here were healers, at least, were they not?" She walked towards the castle, opening the door. "This is Commander Thalia- I need a healer not immediately busy here, as soon as possible!" It was very soon after her order that a young man- identifiable as someone who had just been out before- rushed back outside, starting with Kolmar's wounds first. "That should be satisfactory, I hope." Future Past? Shylah crossed her legs, sitting and pondering Kaya's story as she told it. "Oh, it most certainly was of the past. Timaeus, and his followers, are from an age long gone. And yet I know that one of your companions is aware of the Time King's story in the Lost Age- did they never tell you? Perhaps you should think over who you trust some more, Kaya, and be rather more careful... There are a number of different ambitions amongst you all. It wouldn't do for you to tear yourselves apart, would it now?" She shrugged. "Regardless, it's a tale I'm familiar with, so I will relay it to you. I'll keep it as short as I can without omitting important details. There were two Monarchs for the entire Mystic Age, Kaya, known now as the Lost Age. One of them was Archsage Jotun- yes, the man who gave his namesake to the city you were born in- and you may be appalled to find out that he revealed rather wicked tendencies upon claiming the crown. It was three years before he was overthrown by his apprentice, the only mage stronger than him- the first child born on the leylines in the city he founded would be his downfall, using time magic. Yes, Timaeus was a hero to the people of Titan long ago. Him and eight others were at the helm of the revolution, and when he disposed of the tyrant, the people were overjoyed to appoint him as the next Monarch. Of his eight comrades, two perished in the battle to topple the King, and two of them retired from duty when they felt their job was done. That leaves four, of whom you've met three- Valerie, Mercury, Camellia, and Dimitrius." "Timaeus delved into time magic, and with it he used spells to prevent himself and the four others from aging, even dying. So he ruled for the rest of the age, the King of Time. And for most of it, he retained the support of the people. But in time, he lost sight of his initial goals and amassed much power for himself. Never was he so bad as, say, Ursula or Jotun, but he was selfish, and there was no end to his reign in sight. So the people formed a plan, seeking out all the Gifts and heading to the cliffs of Calimdour to call upon the Elder Dragons. Rhovennes answered, and he used his powers to create three mages who sealed Timaeus and his allies away. Then, Rhovennes used his magic to change history. The Mystic Age became the Lost Age, Timaeus's acts never again to be repeated." "And yet... nothing lasts forever. As mighty as the mages were, the seal has been broken with the dawn of this new age, and Timaeus returns. Though he has lost much of his power, he has learned his lesson. He will not be defeated in the same way, and he has sought to find the Gifts himself. So what you saw was back when Timaeus had a just heart, and sought the best for the world. Time has changed him, for with his magic, he has lived for more time than anyone. He never died, so to him the throne is still his. Perhaps with no Monarch, he is right. So that is the story, as I know it."

Votals (they're probably right): Makaze (2): Rapier, Zeonth Fenrir (2): XnadrojX, Mackc2 Fable (1): Makaze RAD (1): Satsuma XnadrojX (1): athena athena (3): Rapier, Junk, Fenrir Rapier (1): Evan Satsuma (1): RAD Reminder to do your vote formatting as is done here and stuff. Though it seems like people are doing this anyway, Iris just wanted to remind everyone mostly. https://serenesforest.net/forums/index.php?/topic/83798-training-mafia-30-interested-new-players-read-first-post-day-1/&do=findComment&comment=5244142

one you've earned

Thunder Scion "Mm, I like to maintain a realistic assessment of my weaknesses, but thanks. Being appreciated feels nice, and really, we need all the help we can get. I can't exactly be running around the continent too often. But I think Sierra will be fine at the capital for, err, a little while..." Thalia bit her lip a bit uneasily. "Strange as some of her priorities might be, they're not destructive or anything, and even the Council will listen to her. Even among all of the stuffy old geezers who don't want to listen to a word I say, nobody wants to be known as the person who thought they were too good to listen to Sierra Tairn..." She looked over towards Fia, who seemed mortified at being noticed. "That's her sister, isn't it? Poor girl has some real confidence issues. She's impressive in her own right, though. I think if she stops seeing herself as in Sierra's shadow, she has a lot of promise. Well, anyway, I guess I'm getting off-topic. I'm glad to hear that you're willing to help work with us on these. It's hard to get all the Knights together sometimes, so you'll certainly be a valuable help... I hate bureaucracy. To be honest, I'm sure the Council is thrilled to have me out of the Capital for a little while, but I can't leave for much longer than I'm planning to. Sierra is fine as a very short term fill-in, but not exactly well versed in how to run a city, and I don't really have a lot of good options." She nodded at Aaron's explanation of the Lionheart. "Ah, that would make sense. They are a very different culture than ours. As much as I dislike the politics we engage in here, I'm not sure that their constant redrawing of borders is exactly an improvement. I hear they are not so much for magic there, either, which is quite different from us having many academies for mages. Still, having met them, I think they could be good allies if this conflict with Timaeus is to continue. They are a people who stay to their principles, and people like that are needed in these times. That's why I count myself fortunate that a group of people like you exists- it seems you've helped us quite a lot." Prophetic Musings "Something you need speak with me about? How interesting, Kaya." Shylah paused for a moment, the markings on her hands glowing white. "Ahahaha... I sense there is a certain level of resentment towards me at some of the people here, anyway. People don't like vague answers, but simply by how my visions work, they are obfuscated. Rarely can I answer with certainty as to what may be the truth. So yes, if you'd like, we can take our conversation elsewhere. Where to, then, Kaya?" She smirked.

"The west, you say? Alright, we'll get people on it right away." Thalia gestured to the soldiers following her, all but one lance-wielding woman who immediately saluted and followed off as quick as they could to get to work. "Help for whoever needs it will be here in Koerm today. Aurea, if you'd check the castle for me..." The young lancer- Aurea, apparently- nodded. "As you say, Commander! I'll give Dukes Barus and Anwir a complete summary of everything that's gone on, and an update on the status of the other three Duchies." She headed off swiftly past Fia, who seemed rather reverent at the people before her. "Thank you, Lieutenant... I'm not too good at talking with nobles, understanding what exactly they want, all that sort of nonsense. If I was, I'd probably be Queen, and we'd have a much less inane situation." The Commander huffed. "I think I'm better off leading the Knights than the whole nation, but having no leader, or someone like him who wants to seize the throne by force... we need someone to lead, and I'll do it if I have to." Perhaps a bit delayed, she took notice of Aaron and what Shylah had said. "Is that really what it looks like? The Lionheart?" "Oh, it's real. I can tell. What a strange way you obtained it, Sir Lawson... or are you not quite the knight you look somewhat the part of?" Shylah vanished in a puff of purple smoke, reappearing looking at the axe from over Aaron's shoulder, then slowly circling the party, looking each of them over. "Yes, truly this is a curious scenario indeed. Well, no matter. I'd love to say I'm a lot more knowledgable about how Timaeus thinks, or how we can put an end seemingly immortal refugees of time, but what good would it do me to lie? For the time being, we can merely play their game and stop them, with no way to vanquish them in sight. But all things, in time, must come to an end, for that is one of the natural truths of the world. Nothing lasts forever." She smiled as she reached Raz. "Happy to see me, Raz Caecina? Mm, no- I wouldn't exactly call it fun to rend the souls of my enemies, bringing suffering beyond death and thus condemning them to a horrible oblivion until some later time their spirit finally moves on, but I do think it important to play what fate dictates be my given part. And in this case, it was to provide some form of assistance to you here, and make some token attempt doomed to fail at retrieving the Lazarus Gem, which Valerie was very keen to protect, given that it doesn't seem of much use to people who boast they are unable to die. An attempt doomed to fail, but nonetheless destined. At least... that's what I foresaw." She shrugged.

Those happen. On ally phase, Monk A goes to Q14 and heals Aaron, who is at full now. [11 BEXP/311 TOTAL] But also on ally phase, a large group of soldiers marches up to the south. At their head is a blonde woman in white armor holding a glistening golden sword. "Soldiers of Timaeus, stand down!" she shouted. "I am Thalia Moore, the Knight Commander. If you do not surrender, I will finish off all of you myself!" When none of them yielded, she gestured towards a mage next to her, and disappeared for a moment before returning, much closer to the soldiers, and swinging her sword. (37, 16) Myrmidon B takes 96 damage from a Luna crit. Hate to see that. [1 BEXP/312 TOTAL] All other nearby enemies are dropped to 1 HP by Bamung's effect and Thalia's talent, Thunder Scion. They are cleaned up pretty quickly by the nearby ally units afterwords in a bunch of numbers that really do not matter at this point, so I will average things out to [120 BEXP/432 TOTAL]. The surviving enemies start fleeing, but since I'm cheeky, Troubadour B attacks Kaya since she's not equipped with a ranged weapon (89, 71) and misses. [1 exp] Gottem. Well, that accounts for all the surviving enemies but one... "I thought you were more neutral, Dark Prophet. Has your brother's plight moved you so?" Valerie asked, putting her bow aside. "We both know any further confrontation would be pointless... in my current state, I can't harm you. And you surely know you can't harm me." "My brother? Regus is doing quite alright with helping people himself, I think... But even if you can't be killed, Valerie, do not twist the truth. I can certainly harm you." Shylah cackled, her hands enveloped in a shadowy magic, gesturing with a finger. "Give me the Gem. You've done much of the important work, finding it in the first place... if you give me it, I'll let you go without pain." "Why would you ask something you know I'll decline? Pain is nothing to me. I would endure. But surely, you don't expect me to stay either." Valerie reached for a pouch at her side, withdrawing the same golden powder that Dimitrius had once used. "I will report to His Majesty about you. And while we did not take back our rightful control of Veiro... we have found value in this visit nonetheless. And you've shown your hand now, too. I don't need your powers of prophecy to know we'll meet again." She crushed the powder, vanishing in a shimmer of gold. With that, Map 6 is over in 8 turns. -- Her sword put away, Thalia approached the beaten-down group with a smile. "Thank you, all of you. You performed admirably in keeping the people of Veiro safe from danger when the numbers were against you. Timaeus's tactics to spring such a sudden attack were underhanded... but admittedly rather clever. But you've staved them off for now, and for that I must extend my gratitude. For those of you who don't know... I am Commander Thalia Moore, leader of the Knights. My great-grandfather, Tyrius, was once my rank and later King, protecting the lands with this sword, Balmung. I am acting leader in Madrigal, but I've come here to meet the Dukes and Duchesses to discuss Timaeus's rise to power, and what actions we must take with regards to him." "A stunning display." Shylah spoke up, sitting atop a roof near the assembled people. "The Balmung is a marvelous artifact, one of few I respect the power of... much like that Lionheart, hmm?" She gestured towards Aaron. "I think I need no introduction. Nor do I plan on joining your gathering later, either. But I witnessed what I thought important to see here, and while I plan on departing soon... perhaps I'll humor you all if you have some questions." Thalia didn't seem too fond of that, frowning. "Well, anyway... I heard you are the group that was sent by Duchess Mazzarin, yes? I was traveling with Dukes Reid and Damas, and Duchess Eliza, before my knights and I rushed ahead when we heard of Veiro being attacked. They are well defended, enough, anyway, and shall hopefully arrive within the hour. In the meantime, let me know if you have ideas for what best we can help with while we wait- you all likely understand the situation better than I. And, being honest... I'd rather hear the rundown from people who actually fought here rather than the Dukes who merely observed." -- The map is over. NPCS earned you 432 BEXP to distribute amongst yourselves, and the map's completion is good for 300, totaling at 732. Do what you want with that. Additionally, you visited 3 of the houses, enough for the modest reward of 1 Silver weapon of your choice (or equivalent magic: Conflagrate, Irradiate, Debilitate, or Physic). Also, you guys have a bunch of statboosters. Submit distributions for BEXP and those and which weapon you'd like in one post either via PM/ Discord/ OOC thread/ whatever.

(54, 1) Aaron hits hard, or at least he would if it weren't for Usavrn's Miracle. As strong as he is, Usavrn can't do much about Lionheart's protective factor. [14 exp/1 wexp] (21, 15) Raz strikes true, felling Usavrn. [59 exp/2 wexp] "Hahar... I thank you all, for giving me a battle like no other! I only regret I could not fight on longer..." That bosskill nets an easy level up for Raz. (39, 92, 18, 44, 91, 37, 89, 81) Magic, Luck, and rounded HP. Raz sends a pair of newly acquired items to the convoy- the listed Seraph Robe, but also the mentioned-on-discord bonus reward, which is a Beginner's Manual.

(75, 12) (14, 22) (6, 84) Joviana, over two combats, connects with all three hits counting Adept. [28 exp/3 wexp] 33 damage total. Velvet gets 10 exp for her inspire too.

Sidney waved as Accolon approached them, curious what he'd come to tell them, and looking over Owen's shoulder "In the smaller ship?" Guess there was some merit to taking a look there after all. But what she saw sure came off as a surprise. "No way... you can't be serious. Doug, Lord Dougistan, really holding off all of the Deiran forces so effectively?" She looked at Owen incredulously, then turned back to Accolon. "Yes, we know him... he was traveling with us for some time, and aided us especially in our initial campaign against then-Baron Dettard... Owen gave him some of Dettard's land after it had to be redistributed, and now I guess he's defending it admirably." She brushed her hands through her hair. "Hearing that, I think this changes our options. If Doug is soundly beating the forces of Deira, then we should try to join forces with him so we can each bolster each other and work together more effectively. What do you think, Prince Owen?"

eclipse cant count too! +python -sonya Alm 9 Atlas 18 Berkut 18 Boey 25 Catria 17 Celica 21 Clair 22 Clive 6 Conrad 21 Delthea 18 Desaix 15 Duma 21 Emma 18 Faye 25 Fernand 18 Forsyth 18 Genny 21 Gray 21 Jedah 14 Jesse 20 Kamui 20 Kliff 21 Leon 17 Lukas 21 Luthier 20 Mae 25 Mathilda 20 Mila 22 Mycen 21 Nomah 20 Palla 20 Python 26 Randal 20 Rinea 20 Rudolf 19 Saber 20 Shade 20 Silque 18 Slayde 18 Sonya 8 Tatiana 10 Tobin 27 Valbar 18 Yuzu 14 Zeke 23

+python -sonya Alm 11 Atlas 18 Berkut 18 Boey 25 Catria 17 Celica 20 Clair 20 Clive 10 Conrad 21 Delthea 18 Desaix 16 Duma 21 Emma 18 Faye 25 Fernand 18 Forsyth 18 Genny 21 Gray 21 Jedah 14 Jesse 20 Kamui 20 Kliff 21 Leon 16 Lukas 21 Luthier 20 Mae 25 Mathilda 20 Mila 22 Mycen 21 Nomah 20 Palla 20 Python 24 Randal 20 Rinea 20 Rudolf 19 Saber 20 Shade 20 Silque 18 Slayde 18 Sonya 14 Tatiana 10 Tobin 27 Valbar 18 Yuzu 14 Zeke 23

Iris told euklyd to tell me to do this... I was going to ignore them, but then Shinori saw and decided to be a douche to my favorite, so fuck you Shinori. Heal Python, hurt sonya. It's on bitch. Alm 11 Atlas 18 Berkut 18 Boey 25 Catria 17 Celica 19 Clair 20 Clive 14 Conrad 21 Delthea 20 Desaix 17 Duma 21 Emma 18 Faye 24 Fernand 18 Forsyth 18 Genny 21 Gray 21 Jedah 14 Jesse 20 Kamui 20 Kliff 21 Leon 16 Lukas 21 Luthier 20 Mae 25 Mathilda 20 Mila 22 Mycen 20 Nomah 20 Palla 20 Python 21 Randal 20 Rinea 20 Rudolf 19 Saber 20 Shade 20 Silque 18 Slayde 18 Sonya 20 Tatiana 10 Tobin 27 Valbar 18 Yuzu 14 Zeke 22

Sorry if this looks odd. Still need to get comp fixed. Velvet hits (22, 69) Archer C, taking him down. [33 exp/2 wexp]. Joviana is healed to full by Kaya [15 exp/2 wexp]. On other phase, the Cavaliers rescue-drop Joviana and Velvet as requested, and otherwise only non-combat moves occur. Now for enemy phase, only two combats happen. After being Rescue staved forwards, Usvarn attacks Koerm Cav B for 20 (47, 100) , killing him. And Valerie snipes Koerm Soldier B (74, 2). Sorry, since both have deaths, no bexp for you guys... Lastly, Shylah vanishes for a moment... then reappears near Valerie. "Hello, Ruby Deadeye. Surprised to see me?" It's the last turn. Go get 'em!

(21, 87) Jovi connects, dealing 13. [10 exp/ 1 wexp, not on sheet yet]

"Ah, I see... well, now we have a better path, at least. We aren't that far comparatively, I believe, are we?" Sidney inquired. "Well, if you're navigating the way we take this time, surely you can try to figure out the best way to not spend such a long time out at sea for our new voyage, hmm?" she teased. "And I'll try to be quick too, but not to the point of taking risks. We can do it- I know we can." She brushed her hair aside, smiling at the two of them. "We can do this- get back to Wyke, and reclaim it from Deira- I'm sure of it."

I love computer problems... (58, 28) Yarvus blicks the guy. Tomorrow at my home computer I will update the spreadsheet properly to reflect this.

"Alright, captain for me it is." Sidney smiled, proud that at least someone had faith in her. "You'll be doing the navigation for our voyage in that case, then, Prince Owen? Well, you surely understand Wykian waters better than I, so it will be much appreciated. And I'm sure Baron Nelon will prove just fine as a first mate to keep everyone relatively orderly." Sidney shrugged again at Decima's further inquiring. "Well, I just thought of it for a little, I did say we're probably better off not actually doing that. But you're right, our previous route really was unusual... I can't help but think we would've had things go more smoothly if we took a more direct route towards Raewald to begin with, though it's impossible to ever be certain. Oh well."

that was fun join me in the much needed SFMM5, destined to be the greatest game of all time, whenever paperblade talks to me and we can make the setup

I think it's wrong to say that SK is an impossible to balance role. We've had plenty of SKs that were fair in the context of the setup and nobody complained about them. This was too strong for the setup, but it's not like a role as powerful as this couldn't exist in a vaccum- there were at least a few roles that were outright "stronger", but fine for their surroundings. In this game there were not very good tools available for dealing with your role so it was way, way better than most third parties have been in context. And even if it's a harder role to win as, plenty of people like getting SK for the challenge and freedom it allows.

I don't think this game was dramatically unbalanced but I think it was somewhat scumsided and the eclipse role was very overpowered.

I've said this a million times already but Jaybee and the Counting Crew Tarot numbers sucked and they are the biggest flavor-fails for it. The Counting Crew clearly should've been Wheel of Fortune because it was a random effect role with lots of outcomes, and Jaybee should've been 8. This is self explanatory. Happy birthday, Jaybee!

Yikes. Yes.

y'all still have like 60 hours

blame sf